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SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL PTSA
ASSOCIATION MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 2006
SAMOHI CAFETERIA

The first meeting of the school year was commenced at 7:10 p.m. with the introduction and music of the SAMOHI Marching Band.

Introductions were made by PTSA President Judith Meister, who emphasized the importance of building bridges among all groups.

Superintendent Diane Talarico spoke briefly about challenging each child individually.

Next the Parent Groups and their representatives were introduced:
  • ASB (Associated Student Body): Alon Nachshon
  • AAPSSG (African American Parent Student Staff Support Group): Barry Snell and Robbie Jones
  • ELAC (English Learners Advisory Committee): Consuelo Perez
  • Samohi Orchestra Parent Association Organization: Susan Jain and Teri Zakzook
  • SMBA (Santa Monica Band Parent Association): Christine Miller and Diane Arnold
  • Choral Parents Association: Betsy Newell
  • Athletic Booster Club: Jeannie McGrew
  • Grad Night: Kim Eyler

PTSA Business was conducted:

Minutes were approved by committee

The treasurer's report and presentation of the 2006-07 proposed budget was made by Lauri Crane. The motion was made by Kim Eyler to approve the budget, motion was seconded and the budget was approved by vote.

Pattie Nakao, co-chair with Tina Wiatrak, announced the College Fair will be held on Oct. 3rd at the Santa Monica Civic Center. Volunteers would be greatly appreciated.

Two Resolutions regarding Measure BB - the Santa Monica-Malibu Schools Safety and Repair Measure—were presented and approved. The motion to approve Resolution 1 was made by Nancy Holland and seconded by Barry Snell, the vote was to approve. Resolution 2 was moved by Marilyn Shirk, and seconded by Jan Shapiro, the vote was to approve. Text of the resolutions will be included with the minutes.

Membership this year is higher now than last year - thanks to Amy Kivnick, Membership Chair, and to Maryanne Solomon for putting all the database and emails into action.

Donation letters will be going out next week.

PINNACLE update: not completely in action yet, specifically the parent component, but will be addressed and hopefully corrected soon. Parents encouraged to contact PINNACLE at www.excelsiorsoftware.com, or 800.797.2728.

Meredith Louria spoke briefly regarding the "One Book, One School" summer reading program. Announced that the author of the book, Funny in Farsi, Firoozeh Dumas, has agreed to come to Samohi to speak to the students, along with her father, this Friday. An impassioned plea was made for donations to help subsidize this presentation.

Judith introduced the new principal of Samohi, Dr. Hugo Pedroza who gave a brief biography of himself and expressed his goals and intentions for the high school. At 8:25 pm all of the House Principals were introduced and the meeting was adjourned to give parents a chance to meet with them.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Smith
Co-recording secretary
Samohi PTSA