GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING – PTA OF M.S. 54

SEPTEMBER 14, 2006

DRAFT SUBJECT TO RATIFICATION

 

THE FOLLOWING WERE AVAILABLE TO PARENTS FOR COLLECTION:

  1. Announcements/Calendar
  2. Citywide High School Fair Flyer
  3. Citywide Council of High Schools
  4. List of Executive Board Members
  5. BBQ Fundraiser Flyer
  6. PTA Volunteer Survey
  7. Anne Pejovich’s Business Cards
  8. Self addressed envelopes for MS 54 for pledge drive
  9. Budget for 2006-2007
  10. General Meeting Agenda
  11. Sign up sheets

 

The meeting began at 7:20 p.m., hosted by Mark Diller and Mary Beth Walsh.

I.                   Introductions were made; Executive Board, Anne Pejovich, Dr. Elster, some teachers in attendance.

II.                Announcements:  BBQ Fundraiser, High School Fairs, International Dinner, Parent Teacher conferences now scheduled for November 14 and 15 may be down to one day, Board of Ed regulated.

III.             Principal’s Report:  Dr. Elster

A.    Introduction:  Welcoming Remarks.  State of the School:  Positive, 6th graders getting familiar, 7th graders familiar, 8th graders going through the High School application process.  High school application help is available.  Last year’s graduation from MS 54:  106 accepted to Specialized High Schools, 49 Laguardia, 69 Beacon

B.     Vision:  The goals for MS 54 are to enable each child to learn, to be positive members of the community, to have good experiences at MS 54. 

C.    Changes this year:

1.      The four previous programs within MS 54 have now been consolidated into two, CORE, and DELTA.

2.      The Delta program itself has not changed, Mr. Bergan has joined Mr. LaSenna  as Mr. LaSenna is down to just three days per week.

3.      Start of day time has changed due to the Remedial 37 ½ minutes of extra help being held in the morning.

4.      Approx. 22 teachers have moved physical classrooms to keep them in the same vicinity.

5.      A full time dean, Mr. Rosario, has been added as part of the changes to the structure of the school community.

6.      Lunch periods/recess have changed whereby children are no longer off premises for lunch; this was a result of the Administration’s decision to keep kids safer, eating healthier, spending less money and to better control the situation after school regarding discipline and behavioral issues

7.       Dr. Elster answered questions, listened to comments and suggestions as to how better run the lunch program.  Three main complaints; (1)  Children want to sit with their friends and not their homeroom class (2) Some parents feel it is better for their kids to go out at lunch (3) Many parents complained about the way Mr. Rosario, the new dean, treated and disciplined the children.  All questions and comments were addressed within the capacity of time and solutions.  Dr. Elster will consider some parents’ suggestions for solutions.

8.      Dr. Elster acknowledged those CORE students who did a 9/11 memorial, noted that identity cards are hanging on the walls, she acknowledged the grant MS 54 received in the amount of $10,000 for technology, the improvement to the Library and spoke about the importance of parent involvement and volunteering.

9.      Reminder that back to school night is September 28.

10.  Dr. Elster addressed the roach situation in the school, due to a summer camp program.  The custodians are doing all they can to exterminate and clean, and the roach problem is improving.

 

IV.              Introduction to the Ryan Center  located in Room 134, is available to students for medication, physicals if necessary, prescriptions by Linda Whitney.  Social worker Anthony Schwartz is available for counseling.

 

V.                 Presidents’ Report

BBQ reminder, International Dinner, Safety walk beginning.  There is an opening on the SLT for one member.  The auction is scheduled for March 17, 2007, last year the auction brought in over $50,000.  They discussed the pledge drive, and the importance of getting a bigger percentage of the school’s population to donate.  Acknowledge Laura Rittenhouse for support with city politicians, thanks to Melissa Viverito and the $10,000 grant used to improve technology.

 

VI.              Treasurer’s Report  Bo Elfving outlined the income and expenses to date, detailed on the Financial Statement.

 

 

2006-2007 Executive/General Membership Meeting Calendar Dates:

September 14               October 12            November 9            December 7    January 11       

February 8                   March 8          April 19                    May 10                        June 7

 

Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month unless there is a conflict on the school calendar.   Executive board meetings are at 6pm prior to the general meeting unless noted (September 13, 7:30 am; October 11, 7:30 am)

If a meeting needs to be changed due to an unforeseen reason, a notice will be sent out as early as possible to let you know of the change.

Want to be up-to-the-minute on upcoming school and PTA events?  Join the MS 54 E-mail update:  subscribe to the BTW e-mail alerts by sending a blank e-mail to:   BTWMS54PTA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

 

Not able to make the meeting but want to keep up with events?  You can access previous months’ PTA meeting minutes at:  http://www.ms54.org/PTA.htm