Attendees:

Mary Phalon, Maria Kopf, Linda Law, Kathy Frattini, Elizabeth Green, Linda Hutcherson, Sharon Duarte, Pam Lundgren, Janet Sheehy, Susan Broehm, Amy Joseph, Linda Locke, Betsy Henderson, Ruth Carver, Elaine L. (?), Sue Fielding, Mary Privitera, Amanda Ross

Meeting was called to order at 7:03 by Mary Phalon, President of the PFA.  Minutes from November 2009 meeting were reviewed and approved by motion initiated by Maria Kopf and seconded by Linda Locke.  The motion passed unanimously.

Principal’s Report:  Mrs. Hutcherson
Mrs. Hutcherson thanked everyone for recent teacher appreciation events and reminded the parents that the second quarter would end on 1/29/10.  She reported that the Leadership class of students (30) had been busy preparing for the Black & White Dance to be held the 29th of January.  They had also recently attended the Build-A-Bear Workshop and made bears which were taken to the local Convalescent center for their seniors.  Also the Leadership class, along with Mrs. Moser’s class had participated in the veteran’s parade that honored Pearl Harbor Day on 12/7/09.  The students made signs and cheering them along on Oak Grove Road during the procession. 

She reported that the holiday Adopt-a-Family drive was a success, and five families received many gifts thanks to our Foothill family community.  Also, a total of $500 was donated to the Contra Costa Food Bank through this drive as well.

Mrs. Hutcherson reported that the administration completed it’s analysis of the first quarter grades and wanted to report the following results:

                        6th grade:            28% of students received all A’s (4.0 GPA)
                                                48% of students had all A’s & B’s (3.0 or better GPA)
                                                76% of entire 6th grade has 3.0 or better GPA

                        7th grade:            27% of students received all A’s (4.0 GPA)
                                                42% of students had all A’s & B’s (3.0 or better GPA)
                                                69% of entire 7th grade has 3.0 or better GPA

                       
                        8th grade:            10% of students received all A’s (4.0 GPA)
                                                55% of students had all A’s & B’s (3.0 or better GPA)
                                                65% of entire 8th grade has 3.0 or better GPA

The staff wanted to commend the student population noted above, and all were given Rice Krispy treats that day to commemorate their accomplishments.  Also, their names have been posted outside the front office for all to see.   Mrs. Hutcherson further noted that some of the staff continues the “Student of the Month” program, and she will be encouraging more teachers to get involved.  This is a great way to honor all attributes of the students, not solely grades.  A discussion of a program called “Caught Caring” or similar was discussed, which Mrs. Hutcherson said they would take in to consideration as well as they continue to try and develop these types of morale boosting programs.

Mrs. Hutcherson noted that she had interviewed eight candidates for the Librarian Assistant position and had made her recommendation to the District (as they do the hiring).   She also reported that based on the PFA’s vote last month on the use of Strategic Funds, the wireless hub installation is underway.

Finally Mrs. Hutcherson made note that the entire sixth grade was anticipating the upcoming field trip on 1/15/10 to the King Tut exhibit and Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, thanks to organization by Mrs. Martin.

Faculty Report:  Mrs. Green
Mrs. Green reported that the eighth grade students are participating in the “Ditto” short story project, wherein they are paired up with elementary students in the local area.  The eighth grade student is paired with a 2nd grade student and will write a personalized story about same 2nd grade student.  They will be published, and the 8th grade students will present them in March, at Fair Oaks elementary in a ceremony in the MUR.  

Mrs. Green is the representative for the Youth Educator program, run in conjunction with volunteer students from Northgate High School (juniors and seniors).  These upperclassmen are trained in a specific curriculum to deliver to the 8th grade students about drug education, stress, decision making skills, etc.   The program would start the week of the 13th and continue for six weeks.

In closing, Mrs. Green extended another thank you on behalf of the staff, for both the financial and time support given by the parents of our Foothill community.

PAC Update:  Janet Sheehy
Mrs. Sheehy reported some “good stories” from the recent district meeting, which was the theme in order to offset some of the looming budget cuts.  There are many grant programs being utilized by some of the other schools, and she suggested parents and staff look at Donorchoose.org to see if any may be applicable to help efforts at Foothill.   

Monday, February 1st is the first day of MDUSD’s new Superintendent, Dr. Steven Lawrence.   He comes to us from the Washington Unified School District in West Sacramento.

Mrs. Sheehy reported that the Board disclosed another potential 17.5 million in reductions which could include: (note: these figures may have changed since meetings held in January)

• Deletion of librarians in Middle & High Schools
• Consolidation of some schools
• Elimination of busing
• Postponement of next new text adoption
• Creating a 28 pupil minimum class size

** this is not an all-inclusive reflection, and no decisions have been made as to what cuts will occur- these are currently all talking points

Career Day Committee Report:  Linda Law
On behalf of the Career Day committee, Ms. Law reminded the group about the theme for the March 9th event being “Going Green” and that it will focus on companies that are eco-conscientious and providing eco-feasible products &/or services.  Volunteers will be needed, and they are hoping to include the leadership students and/or the ECK club students in the program.  They are open to suggestions about companies and speakers- please feel free to contact Kristen directly, Kristen.giatzis@sbcglobal.net or via cell 925-984-8410.

Air-Conditioning Committee Report: Ruth Carver
Ms. Carver is currently the only member on this committee, though we are aware of two additional individuals who have stepped up to be involved as well.  At the last PFA meeting, the Strategic Plan monies were voted on and the PFA put this new committee in to existence to begin researching the alternatives for incorporating additional air conditioning in to the Foothill buildings.   Ms. Carver reported that she will be working with Mr. Mattos on this initiative and that currently between 25%-33% of the Foothill buildings are air conditioned.

Smart Start Report: Linda Locke
Mrs. Locke reported that the Smart Start, healthy life choices program will begin for the 6th grade students in their CORE classes in mid-February.  This program is run by all parent volunteers, and runs for 6 weeks in their classrooms for one period per week. 

Vice President Report:  Maria Kopf
Mrs. Kopf reported that she had attended the WC Chamber of Commerce Education meeting earlier that day.  She noted that there was discussion about an “Ethics Day”, a “Job Shadow Day” and a lot of focus on programs in the High Schools which are run at the Chamber level.   She also made note that teacher appreciation day is March 25th and there will be festivities at the Boundary Oaks Golf Course after school.  Mrs. Kopf noted that there could be many opportunities to connect with the businesses in town for some financial support, through the Chamber.

President’s Report:  Mary Phalon
Ms. Phalon reported that she will be attended MDUSD’s Homework policy meeting, along with Linda Locke on January 19th.  The Board will be putting in to place a Policy, and then each site will have its own Plan to coordinate with same. She encouraged parents to attend and get involved in the process.

Ms. Phalon also noted that the next Teacher’s appreciation luncheon would be on the 28th of January at the Creek, on site.   Food is due by 10:15 am for anyone wishing to donate toward the effort.

Mrs. Phalon also reminded the parents to use the e-gazette as a means of getting information out about their respective committees.  (a copy of submission deadlines attached)

Treasurer’s Report:  Kathy Frattini
Ms. Frattini distributed updated budget and discussed.  The audit had recently been completed with a positive outcome.

NEW BUSINESS

Lost Property Clean Up:  Sharon Duarte
Mrs. Duarte has endeavored to assist with the clean-up of lost clothing articles that pile up in the A-wing hallway.  Mrs. Duarte did a “Claim it” Day in December, which was successful at reuniting many articles with their owners.  All the remaining clothing was donated to a local charity.  She will begin to do this on a monthly basis, and families will be notified of dates beforehand so they can plan on attending to reclaim articles prior to their donation.  

Odyssey of the Mind:  Linda Law
Mrs. Law noted that Foothill currently has two teams preparing to compete on behalf of Foothill in the upcoming Regional Tournament being held on Saturday February 27th.  Details will be in an upcoming E-gazette.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25.

Next scheduled meeting set for Wednesday February 10, 2010 @
7pm in Foothill Library.

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The e-news will be sent the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. 

Submissions should be sent to foothill_enews@yahoo.com    each time you want the information to be published in the Foothill e-news.  Please keep the submissions to 150 words or less.  E-mail any questions to the editor.  THANKS!!

Editor	Deadline	E-Gazette Sent Out	Pres/Principal sent out
ML	July 17	July 22
AMT	August 14	August 19
ML	August 28	September 2	September 4
AMT	September 11	September 16
ML	September 25	September 30	October 2
AMT	October 9	October 14
ML	October 30	November 4	November 6
ML	November 13	November 18
AMT	November 27	December 2	December 4
ML	December 11	December 16
AMT	January 1	January 6
ML	January 15	January 20	January 22
AMT	January 29	February 3
ML	February 12	February 17	February 19
AMT	February 26	March 3	March 5
ML	March 12	March 17
AMT	March 26	March 31	April 2
ML	April 16	April 21
AMT	April 30	May 5	May 7
ML	May 14	May 19
AMT	May 28	June 2	June 4
AMT	June 11	June 16

ALL DATES IN RED WILL BE LINDA’S PRINCIPAL LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY.
ALL DATES IN GREEN WILL BE MARY’S LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY.