Attendees:
Mary Phalon, Maria Kopf, Linda Law, Kathy Frattini, Gail Markham, Petra Boyle, Mrs. Thomas, Linda Hutcherson, Patty Cochran, Betsy Ortiz, Mary Hain, Pam Lundgren, Janet Sheehy, Susan Broehm, Amy Joseph, Linda Locke, Michele Ramia, Lucy Chappell, Susan Ellis, Katherine Thomas, Betsy Henderson, Lisa Lamm, Sabine Xuoeber, Kristin Giatzis
Meeting was called to order at 7:03 by Mary Phalon, President of the PFA. Minutes from October 2009 meeting were reviewed and approved by motion initiated by Maria Kopf and seconded by Linda Locke. The motion passed unanimously.
Faculty Report: Mrs. Thomas
Mrs. Thomas introduced herself and gave an overall thank you from the staff. She advised of the “Words of Wisdom” program that has been adopted in the school, and explained that Mr. Mattos, vice principal, now makes a daily morning announcement. She noted that a Food Drive was underway at the school for holiday donations and that the CJSF [California Junior Scholarship Foundation] students are overseeing the adoption of five families from the Monument Crisis Center. Donations will be sent in by families that choose to participate. This CJSF is open to 7th & 8th graders for application, after the end of second term of 7th grade, with certain pre-requisites to be met.
Principal’s Report: Mrs. Hutcherson
Mrs. Hutcherson explained the Words of Wisdom program a bit further, and advised of the website- www.projectwisdom.com There are daily announcements and the themes are carried over into the classrooms with teacher’s participation. Some classes have incorporated it in to their writing prompts as well. Mrs. Hutcherson advised that the MDUSD Board approved the 3rd day of Librarian, and Ms. Ruth Schumann has been hired to start on 11/30/09 and be in the library for each Monday through the rest of the 2009-2010 school year. The Instructional Assistant position has also been approved by the Board, and the appointment/hiring effort is underway.
Mrs. Hutcherson discussed Foothill’s school report card in depth, and gave an overview of the school’s API. Foothill’s API dropped from the reporting year of 2007/2008 and is down 8 points. *Note that anything above 800 is considered a high score. Full disclosure of the report can be found online and the office welcomes any questions by parents to ensure understanding of the data. Briefly, under the No Child Left Behind Act, schools are expected to increase their API by 5 % each year and have all students proficient by the year 2014. The API is reflective of student proficiency, and focuses on sub-group proficiency [@ Foothill these sub-groups encompass English language learners, economically disadvantaged students and developmentally disadvantaged students.]
Mrs. Hutcherson also noted that hiring of the new Superintendant for MDUSD is underway.
PAC Update: Janet Sheehy
Ms. Sheehy reported that another Parcel Tax will be forthcoming in early 2010 for MDUSD. The representative to the district, Holly Hewes, will be speaking to this issue at the February, 2010 meeting. The teacher union, MEDEA, will be providing support, but many volunteers in our neighborhoods will be needed !
Ms. Sheehy discussed the Intra and Inter district transfer data for the year. She also reported that Dr. Nicholl’s resignation will be effective January 31st, 2010. She also reported that our transfer rate is down district wide by 2%.
Fall Social Committee Report: Susan Broehm & Lisa Lamm
The Fall Social team advised that the Fall Social was a success, and raised over $10,000 for Foothill. They surpassed the budgetary goal. A big thank you was passed along to their team on behalf of our school.
Career Day Committee Report: Kristin Giatzis
Ms. Giatzis reported that the theme for this year’s Career Day will be “Going Green” and focus on companies that are eco-conscientious and providing eco-feasible products &/or services. It is being held on March 9th from 8:30 -11:00 am and is inclusive of all three grade levels. 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 her directly, Kristen.giatzis@sbcglobal.net or via cell 925-984-8410.
President’s Report: Mary Phalon
Ms. Phalon reported that the new Foothill PFA directory was distributed to students earlier that day during school. Ms. Phalon further noted that on December 7th, there would be a meeting regarding the pending Homework Plan adoption for MDUSD. The plan will provide site control as well as District guidelines. She requested any parents available and interested, should attend the meeting as Foothill parents were part of the movement to encourage same at the district level.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Frattini
Ms. Frattini distributed updated budget and discussed. Copies available.
NEW BUSINESS
PEAK:
A flyer was distributed advising of the PEAK Holiday Boutique being held on Saturday 11/28/09 from 1-5pm at Sports Basement in Walnut Creek. Discounts will be available for holiday shopping with percentages going to the PEAK organization.
A motion was made to elect Gail Markham, as 2nd Vice President to the PFA Board, as same position is required pursuant to our by-laws. Same motion was made by Maria Kopf and seconded by Kathy Frattini. Passed unanimously.
Next a Motion was made by Ms. Phalon to review and accept the distributed ‘Proposed Strategic Plan for Voting”. The motion was then put on the table to discuss the various expenditure ideas. Lengthy discussion ensued, and alternative ideas for spending some of the funds were presented by attendees. The Motion to accept the ‘Proposed Strategic Plan for Voting” was Denied Unanimously. Another motion was then presented to accept the first three line items on the Draft Plan [ estimates- Wireless Hub $18,000; Riso Machine for Staff room $4,000; and Mounting of Projectors in Classrooms $600] This motion was put forth by Patty Cochran and seconded by Kristin Giatzis. The motion was passed unanimously after discussion of the technology capabilities, and the possible formation of a Technical Advisory Committee which could ensure oversight on the technology being purchased with PFA funds.
A final motion was made by Ms, Phalon to designate the remaining [approximately] $20,000 in the Strategic Plan fund toward Air Conditioning, and to allow the formation of an Air conditioning Committee to spearhead same. The initial expenditures for air conditioning were proposed for the A wing, as the temperatures recorded in classrooms facing Cedro Lane are historically the highest. This motion was put forth by Janet Sheehy and seconded by Linda Locke. Passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:49 on motion by Maria Kopf and seconded by Kathy Frattini.
Next scheduled meeting set for Wednesday January 13, 2010 @
7pm in Foothill Library.