Attendees:
Mary Phalon, Maria Kopf, Linda Law, Kathy Frattini, Elaine Green, Mike Mattos, Pam Lundgren, Susan Broehm, Linda Locke, Betsy Henderson, Ruth Carver, Mary Privitera, Amanda Ross, Monica Fitzgerald, Katherine Thomas, Anne O’Donoghue, Kristen Giatzis, Faye Mettler, Mary Hain, Betsy Ortiz, Gail Markham
Meeting was called to order at 7:02 by Mary Phalon, President of the PFA. Minutes from January 2010 meeting were reviewed and approved by motion initiated by Monica Fitzgerald and seconded by Maria Kopf (with minor corrections to Air-Con report & that Mrs. Green is not the rep for Youth Educators). Passed unanimously. No February meeting was held, as there was a district meeting with the new Superintendent on the same evening.
(The order of the Agenda was changed slightly to accommodate schedules.)
Career Day Committee Report: Kristen Giatzi’s
Career day had been the day before, on March 9th, and from all accounts was a huge success. Twenty two speakers originally lined up for the “Green” theme, had backed out due to the economy and job changes. The committee was able to staff the entire event and had all students rotating through the classrooms, even though approximately 190 students did not turn in their forms. They were allocated according to availability if their forms were not submitted. The committee will create a “lessons learned” worksheet for the future chairs, and also recommended we have a ‘speaker liaison’ on the committee. Thanks to the committee and all volunteers associated with the day!
Principal’s Report: Mr. Mattos
Mr. Mattos reported that the new superintendent had visited Foothill on March 3rd and toured the school. Based on all the recent budget activity by the Board, Mr. Mattos was able to report that it appears that the schedules and teacher numbers for Foothill should maintain the same numbers based on prospective incoming sixth grade figures. Mr. Mattos reported that Mrs. Hutcherson had visited the elementary schools recently, and also met with sixth and seventh grades about picking classes for next year’s schedule. Some of the new classes being added are Photography, Advanced Woodshop and a change so that now, both Spanish I & French I will now be open to the eighth grade students as well.
Mr. Mattos also reported that the PE dance for all grades was a success, and was well attended. The STAR writing test had been held on March 3rd, and there was 100% participation. Further, there was a cyber-bullying event held for parents in the evening at the end of February which was well attended.
Mr. Mattos also reported that based on budgetary issues, the district is discussing cutting this school year by three days- which would mean the last day of school could be changed. This has not been decided. Finally, he reported that the wireless hub funded by the PFA is now up and running!
Faculty Report: Mrs. Thomas & Mrs. Green
Mrs. Thomas thanked the group for the recent end of semester luncheon. She reported that the French classes had celebrated a Mardi-gras party over at the Creek, and mentioned that the Creek has been very cooperative in allowing classes to use their premises during the day. The seventh grade classes have an upcoming medieval feast scheduled for the 25th of March, and the sixth grade students are all in the midst of the Smart Start program being taught by volunteer parents during their reading classes (once a week for six weeks).
Mrs. Green also thanked everyone for the luncheon and overall continued support of the staff and programs at Foothill. She reported that the Youth Educator program has just finished (juniors & seniors from Northgate come and talk to 8th grade students teen issues).
Mrs. Green acknowledged spring/summer fever and asked that the students be reminded that after spring break, an entire semester of school remains- and to be up for the challenge of treating that semester the same as the other three.
Both Mrs. Green and Mrs. Thomas would like more contact from the 8th grade activity chairs to assist with process.
PAC Update: Linda Locke
Linda Locke reported on behalf of Janet Sheehy. Some of the things discussed at the PAC meeting due to the current budgetary climate and the need for the District to make cuts are: shortened # of days in the school year, dropping the number of credits necessary to graduate (from 230-200; as summer school may not be available), shorten the hours of office teams. The District has decided not to attempt a Parcel Tax this year, and instead is moving forward on a Bond. This will be on the ballot in June- and they asked to get the word out to vote YES on it to support our students.
Air-Conditioning Committee Report: Ruth Carver
This committee has gone through a bit of transition recently, and would like to officially be called the Facilities Committee, going forward. They are going to attempt to organize some school-wide cleanup projects (perhaps in conjunction with Earth Day in April). One reason for this change is that the Air conditioning may be something addressed by the facilities bond that the district will have up for vote in June. However, Mr. Mattos had been helpful to date in helping them obtain some cost information and it appears it would cost approximately $10,000 per classroom for portable units.
Parent Patrol Committee: Anne O’Donoghue and Faye Mettler
Faye and Anne reported that there have been complaints from parents who are helping with Parent Patrol about lack of respect by students, and their lack of cleanliness. Some parents are confused about what the appropriate repercussions for these students should be. They also reported that while most parents sign up at Kick Off Day in August, some forget and don’t show up for their shift. They will attempt to get a schedule on the website to help with that effort, and alleviate the need for them to call everyone. The group discussed, and recommended that all Parent Patrol’s on duty have a small card with rules on to remind them if necessary. Perhaps a school-wide discussion of these issues is warranted.
Nominating Committee: Susan Broehm
Susan reported that she is working on staffing for next year’s PFA. She was able to fill 5/6 of the open spots while at the meeting and will post the openings in the upcoming e-gazette. Please help to find parents to fill the spots and continue the great parent support we have at Foothill.
Vice President Report: Maria Kopf
Mrs. Kopf reported that she had attended the WC Chamber of Commerce meeting and reiterated that it would behoove Foothill to be sending an administrator. All of the other schools that are represented by administrators of the schools. It is believed that the Walnut Creek Mount Diablo principals do this on a rotating basis, but Maria has not seen any present at the meetings she has attended. She reported that Jenny Beaman, a representative from Jr. Achievement attended and spoke, and could be effective in helping with some of the Northgate’s programs, as well as the speaker’s bureau for career day at Foothill. Thursday March 25th is Teacher Appreciation day and the group encouraged teachers from Foothill to attend. It is being held at Boundary Oak’s golf course. The Chamber committee is soliciting donations for prizes for the teachers. Mrs. Kopf again 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 commented that we are all aware of the current budgetary conditions and are hopeful that we can continue to count on our parent base to provide a consistent level of support.
Mrs. Phalon also reminded the parents to use the e-gazette as a means of getting information out about their respective committees. The remaining deadlines for the e-gazettes are: March 26, April 15, April 30, May 14, May 28 and June 11.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Frattini
Ms. Frattini distributed updated budget and discussed. She is in the process of confirming her replacement for next year’s PFA Board.
Secretary’s Report/ Report from Site Council: Linda Law
Linda reported that at this month’s Site Council meeting, the group voted on two different items. First was that the funding for both the Psych Intern and Computer Tech would end on June 30th, 2010. Second, was that if SLIBG & PFA funding is available for the 2010-2011 year, that these positions should be reinstated by September 10, 2010. This was done to offset the delay in getting these two positions filled last year.
Going forward a report from the monthly Site Council meeting will be provided in order to keep the PFA members abreast of the activity.
NEW BUSINESS
Northgate Support: Monica Fitzgerald
Monica reported that there were still tickets available for the Spring Fling on 3/13/10 being held at the Walnut Creek Marriot. So get tickets and come have fun while supporting the Broncos of Northgate. Tickets are $30 per person. She also reported that Northgate will be a Clean Up Day on their grounds on Saturday March 27th and anyone can attend to help out.
Odyssey of the Mind: Linda Law
Mrs. Law noted that the sixth grade Foothill Boys team had won their division at the regional competition and is going to the CA State finals on March 27th. This will be held at Heritage High School in Brentwood. Their performance will be in the gymnasium at 1pm on that date. Details will be in an upcoming E-gazette.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15.
Next scheduled meeting set for Wednesday April 14, 2010 @
7pm in Foothill Library.