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The meeting was called to order at 9:06 am by Barb Brunson.
Secretary's Report
Doris reviewed the minutes from the August meeting. Connie
Brown made a motion to accept the minutes. Sherri House seconded
the motion. The minutes were approved. Doris reminded everyone
that they will be able to view the minutes on the PTO link on
the Junior High Website. Mr. Robeau is the new contact for the
Junior High website. She will also put copies in the bin in
the front office, as well as email them.
Principal's Report
Mrs. Lowe reported that they received a $30K grant, so that
now, all of the core subject teachers have laptops, and the math
teachers have Mimeo's in their classrooms. She is on her way
to a Science department meeting where they are looking into participating
in an environmental study in Galveston Bay for the 7th graders
if they can get the grant. They were unhappy with the Schlitterbaun
experience for the 8th graders last year due to extremely long
lines. They are planning to take the 8th graders this year to
Safari, Texas in Ft. Bend. They will be able to swim, canoe,
paddle boat and eat. We will be the only group there and the
cost is about $15 per child, including food. They will need
parent volunteers for helping with snow cones and popcorn.
New Business
Barb reported that we have been asked for a multi-disk CD
player for the school that plays music during class changes.
The group discussed this and asked if the technology was available
to set up a current PC to accomplish this. Barb will look into
it more and we will discuss it at the October meeting.
Superintendent's Message
Trish said that she was recently interview by Channel 11
because we were one of the highest performing schools and one
of the lowest spending schools per child in the state due to
the fact that we get very little federal money.
She thanked the parents for all that they do to help make
the district successful. The Bond that will be voted on in November
will be for $99M, (3M in financing and 96M for building). They
focused on replacing old and allowing for student growth and
other new developments. The committee members took into account:
(1) instructional goals
(2) current facilities
(3) future facilities
Friendswood is 15 square miles in size. Our schools are estimated
to have 9,000 students at build out. We currently have 5,800
students. We have been growing at 2% per year recently.
The first bond will be for $80M. It will consist of a new
7th & 8th grade building with an adjacent 6th grade center
at Centennial Park. The 7th and 8th grade will support 1,800
students. Bales and Windsong would be used for 4th and 5th grade.
Cline and Westwood will be used for grades 1 3. There
will be renovations at the High School for classroom, cafeteria,
gym and parking since Exxon has abandoned an old, unused pipeline
easement. Everything will be enclosed. The new enhancements
will allow for 3,100 students. Our 37 year old high school is
in great shape. There will be some area created for teachers
who "float" using other teacher's classrooms to teach.
The old Junior High will be used for Pre-K and K as well as
administration.
The second bond will be for $6.5M. It will include a natatorium
(indoor swimming) near the current boy's gym at the High School.
The third bond will be for $1.8M and will include a seating
upgrade to the High School stadium. The current home side will
become the visitor side, and the new home side will be greatly
enhanced to allow for a lot more seating.
The election will be held on November 6th, and there will
be early voting at each of the campuses two weeks before the
election.
If the bonds pass, they would estimate 3 years for completion,
roughly Fall of 2010.
Please remember not to use school resources in any efforts
for or against the bonds.
Property has been given to the school district by Friendswood
Development for a new Elementary school in West Ranch. That
building is not included in this bond. They estimate 10 years
before that may be needed.
When asked about our 4A status becoming 5A, it will not anytime
soon. We are at 1,941 and 5A now requires 2,100 and that will
probably increase.
Treasurer's Report
Leslie Reid asked if there were any questions about the proposed
budget. The group discussed adding $300 to fund the lunch provided
by Hospitality for the National Junior High Visit in November.
Science Fair did not ask for any money last year, so nothing
was put in the budget this year. Connie Brown made a motion
to accept the budget adding the $300 lunch. Sherri House seconded
the motion. The budget was approved. Leslie reminded everyone
that there are deposit forms in the office and that money needs
to be verified by 2 people before turning it into her. She needs
the books now to send to the accountants to pay taxes. After
that, the audit can be done using the books.
Committee Reports
Spirit Store - Ellen I'Anson said that they sold a lot at
registration. They also sold a lot of old merchandise that they
found in boxes.
Dance Cindi Scott said that she was asked to make
the Oct 19 dance sponsored by PTO, not student council. They
will do that.
Fundraiser Connie reported that we brought in $18,141.58
so far. They got a lot more in directory ads this year. The
double tickets at registration did not seem to be an incentive.
They also raffled a $100 Walmart gift card (from Schwan's last
year) during Open House. We will be offering a Schwan's fundraiser
that will go home with the 1st and 3rd report cards.
Directory/Membership Kristi Robertson reported that
she is currently inputting data for the directory.
Hospitality Rhonda Mick said they had a wonderful
Back to School "Breakfast in Paris". The next luncheon
will be held on October 12th. Barb gave Rhonda thank you notes
of appreciation from staff members.
7th Grade Advisory Sharon Erenwert asked what she
would be doing on this committee. Right now, we think they will
be helping the teams promote world culture, helping with bulletin
boards, etc.
Connie Brown asked if anyone thought they would like to collect
Boxtops for this school. Barb will talk to Robin about it.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 11th at
9:00 am in the Cafeteria.
A motion was made to adjourn by Sharon Erenwert. Connie
Brown seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00
am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Doris Johnson, Secretary
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