HOMEPAGE  I  PTSA  I  MINUTES 

SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL PTSA
FINAL MINUTES OF ASSOCIATION MEETING June 8, 2004
Samohi Cafeteria

Co-President Cheri Orgel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, introduced herself and Co President Karen Dickerson, and welcomed everyone. She inquired as to whether there was interest in reinstating having the house principals available for discussions before these meetings. She introduced Nancy Gutierrez who provides simultaneous Spanish translation, announced that this would be Nancy's last meeting, and thanked her for her years of hard work.

Gus Walsh, outgoing Speaker of the House, represented ASB. He announced that the CAT 6 testing is over, and informed us that he will be representing ASB as president for the upcoming school year.

Cheri thanked two students from Running With Speakers, who will handle sound for this meeting, including the numerous microphones used for tonight's guest speakers.

Barry Snell, Co-Chair of AAPSSSG was introduced.

There was no SOL/BAC report.

Debbie Mulvaney, Ed Foundation, reported that she has newsletters for anyone who wants them.

Cheri announced that minutes of the last PTSA meeting, held on May 3, 2004, have been approved by committee. Copies are available in the back of the room, as well as on the Web.

Chris Thornton provided the Treasurer's Report. It will be filed for audit.

Inese Verzemnieks reported on Grad Night. Most volunteer slots are filled, although more people are needed for cleanup on Friday, June 18, Saturday, June 19, and possibly on Sunday. The City needs the tennis courts ready for use by Monday. Contact Kim Eyler or Val Glick to volunteer. More prizes are needed as incentives for our grads.

Gretchen Goetz reported that registration packets will be mailed out around July 23 or 24. They will include information on obligations, registration dates, the first day of school, and much more. Volunteers are needed to prepare them on July 21 and July 22; please sign up.

Co-President Karen Dickerson reported that Registration will take place from August 24 through August 27. Please volunteer to help.

Lynn Naliboff and Chris Thornton reported that the College Fair will probably be held on October 5. Over 120 colleges and universities from across the country will be represented in the south gym. They will need lots of volunteers, but in particular they are looking for key volunteers this year who can carry on into future years when Lynn and Chris will no longer have children attending Samohi.

Judi Bloom reported on Campus Beautification. On June 9, the Samo Gardens Dedication will be held at 11:00 outside Barnum Hall. All are welcome. Judy expressed thanks to Bonnie Freeman and Randi Hutchinson, and is seeking experienced volunteers to carry the campus beautification program on for next year.

Cheri announced that we're looking for donations of TI 83 calculators. A system is being started here on campus to enable students to check out and borrow them. TI (Texas Instruments) has now come out with the TI 84, so if you have no use for your old TI 83 please donate it.

Janine Brownstone presented this year's VSP and Honorary Service Awards. These awards are presented to those who have distinguished themselves for providing services to Samo and to the community at large. A contribution in their name has been made to the State PTA. Thank you to Carol Beitcher for making the beautiful bouquets for the honorees.
Awards were presented to:
  • Patsy Maddock and Karen Dickerson
  • Judi Bloom
  • Nancy Hards
  • Louise Jaffe
  • Lynn Naliboff
  • Barry Snell
  • Chris Thornton
  • Inese Verzemnieks

Joyce Smith introduced this evening's program: Panel of Current Samohi Seniors and Grads talk about "How They Chose a College".
The panel of 19 students represented colleges including: Bryn Mawr, Drew, NYU, Wesleyan, USC, Smith, Brown, Allegheny, University of Michigan, Tufts, Loyola, Bates, Colby, Vassar, University of Washington, Santa Clara, and UCSD.

Dr. Straus and Dr. Kelly presented the Principal's Report.

  • Next year Samo will be attended by over 3,500 students - the most ever. Permits have been frozen, but the enrollment "bubble" has been rising and will now result in a large ninth grade class.
  • 16 teachers have been laid off due to the budget crisis, but a few may be able to be reinstated. There has been a big emphasis on hiring: two new house principals have been hired, and an offer has been made to a third. Four new advisors have been hired, with two bilingual in Spanish. There are still openings in Spanish, French, history, biology, math, and chemistry.
  • Some house offices will be moved this summer, in order to improve house communication.
  • Summer School will be very small due to budget cuts and will only be available for repeat and graduation purposes. There will be no "get-ahead" classes offered.
  • High School exit exam results have been incredible. Scores were in the high 80's and 90's, up from the 70's last year. Less than 100 10th grade students didn't pass. All requirements under Federal law have been met. The biggest jump was in mathematics.
  • End of the year end activities including concerts and Prom have been successful.
  • Information is available to all via the Web and the Viking Voice.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by,


Leslie Frischer
Co-Recording Secretary