SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL PTSA
ASSOCIATION MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2006
SAMOHI CAFETERIA

• Judith Meister, PTSA President, welcomed all, started the meeting and asked if anyone needs translations.  Thanked all the people that brought food and was very happy with the number of people at the meeting.
• Minutes were approved by committee.
• As of today 605 PTSA members, 153 members over last years and 69 staff members.
• TreasurerÕs Report by Laurie Crane:  Printed reports are placed on the table as you enter.  Over $68,000 from Direct Donation and still continuing.  Stressed the importance of Direct Donation and asked for any amount of contribution since 1/3 of schoolÕs budget comes from Direct Donation.
• BB Measure:  Laurie Yehia and Lynn Levitt gave information about measure BB.  Vote yes on BB.  PTSA support is needed to pass this measure for our schools.  Looking for volunteer Ballot Chasers.  October 21st is the precint walk. 
  Envelopes for volunteers to get at least 10 absentee ballot applications are on the table please take one.
• Principals Report:  Dr. Pedroza welcomed all.  He has been at SAMO for about 24 days and is very happy and excited to be here.   He is very excited about tonightÕs meeting: Òcoming together, eating together, and meeting new people and coming up with new and great ideas.Ó
• Judith Meister asked everyone to break up in groups and discuss ideas for Òcommon groundÓ.
• Each table had a representative come up and give their ideas:
  
  • Safety issue on practice field
  • Scheduling flexible start time at sports
  • On line Syllabus -  assignment due date
  • Students input at meetings
  • Get parents together more
  • House parties
  • Achievement Gap
  • Video/DVD – Scholarship information
  • Racial tension/ stereotyping
  • Parent support/House principal in building community
  • More sports teams/intramurals sports between houses
  • Involve students at beginning of the year
  • Parent input to Freshman Seminars
  • Find ways to get parents involved
  • Homework and project information on line
  • What are the plans for students below 2.0 average
  • Counselors meet with parents and students
  • Figure out new ways for Scholarship programs/athletic gears
  • Pressure: Student leadership ask for their ideas
  • Mentor program – Senior to Freshman
  • Keep students on teams/ give help to raise their grades to stay on teams
• Meeting was open for comments, one eleventh grade dad encouraged all to be hopeful, and this is a great school.
• PTSA President thanked all for their support and ideas.  Reminded all that this is just the beginning and this dialogue still continues.
• Meeting was adjourned at 8: 45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
 
Niaz Hakim
Co-recording secretary
Samohi PTSA
Next Meeting:  May 10th -  7 pm - Student Cafeteria.