Hillsboro PTSA

Meeting Minutes

May 10, 2007

Principal’s Report – We have new stickers, some are magnetic. We also have a new HHS flag. Mr. Manual was not able to attend. Testing has started. To date we have given 1,733 Gateway exams, 233 in World Geography and history and 370 in Spanish, French, EOC and ELL. Exams will involve 1,250 students with 6 subjects each for a total of 10,500. We test the entire month of May. No wonder the kids are a bit testy. The last 6 weeks of school are shot because of all the tests and the other end of year activities.

We have received $40,000 in infrastructure funds from Councilman Shulman for HHS to be used mostly for technology; also $3,000 for landscaping, $5,000 for a new gym floor. The library will be rehabbed including paint, new carpet and a new circulation desk. There will be new floors and fixtures in the old bathrooms.

Dr. Garcia’s list of responsibilities includes only 8 items for parents. It is getting harder and harder to be successful because of all the additional responsibilities at school. If 5 or 6 kids decide to miss a test on No Child Left Behind, we will miss that standard and be on a list. There is no way to do everything we are asked to do. In addition there is a new state law that mandates 90 minutes of physical activity for everyone a week; another block of time not teaching.

Student Council – This year the students raised $1,300 for the American Cancer Society, collected 10 bags of clothes, gave clothing and gifts to the Edge Hill Day Care Center, $3,500 for Saigon Children’s Charity and 887 lbs of food for Second Harvest. Bruce Johnson is the new student body president.

President’s Report – Russ Pulley was introduced as the new PTSA president. We still need help packing up the library and T Reese needs help collecting book fair money from the teachers during school hours this fall. May 16 th is a meeting for parents of Special Ed students at the school board. The Life Skills plant sale will be from 8-1 on Friday, May 11. Thanks to Mr. Lawson, the PTSA board, and all the volunteers for a great year.

Treasurer’s Report – a copy of the budget is on the tables. We are a little over on income for the year and all teacher requests were honored this year.

Cluster Report – The Governor is proposing changes in the BEP formula that will help Metro. Julia Green will be at Stokes during their renovation. West End’s rehab is on track and they will have a great building next year. The middle and elementary schools are working together. Glendale is thriving with the Spanish immersion. There will be a new high school - the Big Picture School. It will be opening in the fall with 60 freshmen.

They are still working on the policy for standard school attire. There will be 10 days a year that it will not apply at the principal’s discretion. The SSA colors for Hillsboro will be white, blue, dark green and gold shirts.

Guidance – The amount of assessment is overwhelming. One local school district is talking about hiring a test coordinator at each school just for testing. It is a huge job. Senior exams are next week.

Nominations – The new board was approved.

Hospitality – We still need 5 volunteers to bring something savory to theBaccalaureate May 20 th at 2 nd Presbyterian. Thanks to every one that has served or baked.

Senior Activities – The field day was a blast. It was great fun to watch.

Band Boosters – We had a new parent meeting. The Italian Ice sales are working. We made $200 at Sylvan Park. We will get new uniforms next year.

Publicity – Working on the congratulations ad for the seniors.

Kroger Cards – Sally Goodrich won the drawing.

1 st Day Packets – If you are in charge of one of the forms, get revisions to Gerri Findley this month.

Senior parents were recognized. We will sorely miss Sherry Eckles, Pam Ishie, Margie Hunter and Mary Kennedy.

Respectfully Submitted

Sue Ferguson