Category Archives: 2016-17

2016-17

Jackson Middle School PTA

General Meeting

May 17, 2017

 

The general meeting of Jackson Middle School PTA was called to order at 6:36pm, Wednesday, May 17th, 2016 by President Debora Cox.  A quorum of members was present.

 

 

President Deb Cox initiated a vote on the minutes from the previous General Meeting in March (Earthquake Preparation presentation was in April, so no General Meeting in April).  They were passed unanimously.

 

Principal Kevin Crotchett gave update on staffing for 2017-2018.  Program for the most part will not change.  Still expecting approximately 650 students next year.  There is one LA/SS and one Math/Science opening for next year in 6th grade.  Jennifer Roser, Coats and Niemann are leaving.  .5 LA/SS & 1.5 Science vacancies in 8th grade and Craig Parrott is leaving.  Kevin is attending district wide assignment day on Friday.  For electives, there is a one year vacancy for Art, while Lisa Doslu is out for one year.  There is one Speech Pathologist vacancy. There will be 3 STEAM electives per year (3 per semester).  Kevin has applied for $4,000 grant for Little Bits (supplement to STEAM).

 

Treasurer Kelly Christopher reviewed the budget.  Funds still trickling in from RAT race.  Our income is currently at 77% of our budget.  We are currently $18,888 under our goal.  Kelly presented flyer to send out to student body community soliciting funds to fill the gap.  We still need 4 Chrome Book carts to meet our goal (this will cost about $40,000).  Unexpected expenses/upcoming expenses:  TA Thanks you, RAT race prizes.

 

Principal Kevin Crotchett requested funds for Audible account in amount of $150 to renew subscription for school.  Jessica motioned to take the funds from balance of Culture Day, Deb 2nd the motion.  All approved.

 

Vice President Jessica Christiansen motioned to dedicate $10,000 out of reserves for technology ($4,000 for STEAM, if grant does not come through, with balance to Chrome books).  Volunteer Coordinator Marci Forbes seconded the motion.  Passed unanimously.

 

Discussion was had around how to make Bernstein messaging more approachable for parents so that they understand the importance of donating to the program.  In the past there has been an ice cream social and self-directed tour of the school.  We will start that again next year.  Principal Kevin Crotchett and Vice Principal Greg Crabtree will do a presentation at Back to School Night (there was a scheduling snafu this year and their presentation was scrapped).

 

President Deb Cox thanked the board that came together this year.  Retiring officially:  Deb Cox as President, Kelly Christopherson as Treasurer, Robin Atkinson as Membership.

 

For 2017-2018 the following were installed:  Jessica Christiansen as President, Michelle Marsden as Vice President, Kathy Jennings as Treasurer, Deb Cox as Membership Lead and Marci Forbes as Volunteer Coordinator and Kara Murray as Secretary.  Michelle Marsden, Kathy Jennings and Kara Murray will have check writing authority with two signatures required at all amounts.

 

 

Adjourned 7:49pm

 

 

Present were:

President Deb Cox

Vice President Jessica Christiansen

Treasurer Kelly Christopherson

Volunteer Coordinator Marci Forbes

Secretary Kara Murray

Membership Lead Robin Atkinson

 

 

Date Presented:_______________________________

Approved as Written (or Amended):

President:____________________________________

Secretary:____________________________________

2016-17

Girls Youth Lacrosse Camp

June 26-29, 7-9pm
Wilson Turf Field

Cost: $65
Register: www.wilsonlax.com

Join Wilson Girls Lacrosse Head Coach Julia Baker, her staff and current players for a four-day instructional youth lacrosse camp for girls in grades 2-9.

  • Open to all abilities: Learn lacrosse, or improve your skills and become a better player
  • Daily skills covered include stick handling/cradling, passing, catching, shooting, offensive and defensive skills
  • Plus modifed game play and fun GAMES!
2016-17

RAT Race Volunteers Needed

We are in need of some help for the upcoming RAT (Run for Arts & Technology) Race at Jackson. Our priority need is for a lead volunteer to help with the administrative side of things (preparation of index cards that the kids will use to count laps, classroom envelope preparation, distribution of sponsor sheets to kids before the event). The administrative tasks can primarily be done at home or during non-school hours prior to the event and with a flexible timeframe. In addition, we will need help the day of the event (Thursday, 5/11/2017).

UPDATE: The RAT race has been changed to Friday, 5/12/2017. 

Please read RAT Race Volunteer Instructions for more information.

2016-17

SRTS – Tell us how to spend the money

Safe Routes to School Open House

Brought to you by Fixing Our Streets

Students in the Wilson cluster have $664,000 to spend on transportation safety improvements. Tell us how to spend it! Learn the cost of safety improvements and voice your concerns. For more information go to bit.ly/OpenHouseSRTS.

Date: April 25th
Time: 6-8pm
Place: Jackson Middle School

Safe Routes 2017Childcare and food will be provided.

2016-17

Are You Prepared For The Next Earthquake? Presentation

April 19, 2017 in the Jackson Middle School Auditorium from 6:30-8pm.

The Pacific Northwest experiences a subduction-zone earthquake roughly

once every 230 years. There is a 37% chance of a subduction earthquake occurring in the next 50

years. When the next one comes, the loss of life and property will likely be catastrophic.

Topics for Discussion

• The risks and impacts of a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake

• What you can do to prepare in your home, community, and school

Jackson flyer – April 19

2016-17

March 15th PTA Meeting Minutes

Jackson Middle School PTA

General Meeting

March 15, 2017

 

The general meeting of Jackson Middle School PTA was called to order at 6:36pm, Wednesday, March 15th, 2016 by President Debora Cox. The meeting was held at Round Table.  A quorum of members was present.

Principal Kevin Crotchett gave an overview of the district office meeting regarding the budget for the 2017-2018 school year.

  • The PPS School Board voted on an $8 billion state budget, however an $8.4 billion budget is needed to keep the status quo. There will be $18 million in cuts to PPS.  $9 million will be cut from the district office.  The other $9 million will come from the schools.  For Jackson, there will be some reductions in class room support.  However, we will add a 6th grade core to accommodate growth.  PPS will not be observing the increase in PE requirements due to the funding shortage.  JMS is the only middle school that maintains full PE for half of the school year.  Kevin is looking to increase electives.  Possible areas of increase are in the STEAM arena, possibly 2 periods (.5 teacher) for mixed grades.  Growth at JMS is helping to mitigate the losses.
  • JMS just started a 7th grade AVID class. It is preliminary and in draft form at this point, but there is a formula for a 7th and 8th grade AVID class next year.

 

President Deb Cox initiated a vote on the minutes from the previous General Meeting.  They were passed unanimously.

 

Vice President Jessica Christiansen reviewed Bernstein Bash preparations:.

  • Currently there are 60 tickets sold (which is up from last year) and 17 comped to the teachers as of today. Discussed preparing food for 120.
  • Expenses are at $4000.
  • PTA will cover the $75 cleaning fee for the Manzanita house that is the raffle prize.
  • Deb suggested selling class art next time, but because students do not stay with one teacher like in elementary school, it hasn’t been part of culture at JMS.
  • Kara suggested moving Bernstein to fall. Tabling the discussion to another time.

 

Treasurer Kelly reviewed expenses:

  • Fred Meyer fundraising going well. Earned $1000 so far and budget was only $700.
  • Cultural day was $4455 (with more expenses likely to come).

 

Volunteer Coordinator Marci Forbes reviewed volunteer needs:

  • Jessica is taking on April Teacher Breakfast event. Still need May leader.
  • No leader for GNO yet. Marci will reach out to Kevin to advertise on the Jagwire again.  Can’t be PTA run, because not open to full student body.

 

New business:

  • President Deb passed around info on Cascadia Earthquake Emergency preparedness. We are reserving the auditorium on April 19th at JMS at 6:30pm.  There will be no PTA meeting in April as a result.  There will be no child care.  The presentation will last 90 minutes with time for Q&A.  Jessica will sell cookies.  The presentation will be open to community and we will advertise on Nextdoor and Feeder Schools.

 

  • All PTA board positions are open for next year, but no nominee yet for President position. Will be voted on at the May PTA meeting.

 

  • April 4th Dough for Dollars with Pizzacato.

 

Adjourned 7:46pm

 

 

Present were:

President Deb Cox

Vice President Jessica Christiansen

Treasurer Kelly Christopherson

Volunteer Coordinator Marci Forbes

Secretary Kara Murray

Membership Coordinator Robinmeeting Atkinson

 

Adjournment was announced at 6:59pm.

 

Date Presented:_______________________________

Approved as Written (or Amended):

President:____________________________________

Secretary:____________________________________

 

 

2016-17

PTA Minutes-February 15th, 2017

meeting

Jackson Middle School PTA

General Meeting

February 15, 2017

 

The general meeting of Jackson Middle School PTA was called to order at 6:35pm, Wednesday, February 15th, 2016 by Vice President Jessica Christiansen.  A quorum of members was present.

Volunteer Coordinator Marci Forbes called for a vote to approve the November minutes.  All present approved.

Treasurer Kelly Christopherson reviewed the accounts:

  • Fall fundraiser came in under what was expected for income and expenses.
  • Fred Meyer rewards are already at 75% of our annual goal.
  • We did get some general donations that were not specific to the fall fundraiser.
    • $200 received from Year End Ask
    • $1000 corporate donation deposited, plus another $500 corporate donation just received.

 

Vice President Jessica Christiansen reviewed fundraising efforts:

  • Bernie Bash status:
    • She is creating baskets with miscellaneous donations.
    • Crabtree is able to donate wine through a family contact. 5 cases have been requested.
    • Danny Girls is booked for live music at $250 for two hours.
    • Still looking for a DJ that does not require a minimum number of hours.
    • Still need connections for access to desserts for dessert dash.
    • Will pull together volunteer sign up and is trying to get volunteers from feeder schools.
    • Jessica met with Mr. C and Ms. Nelson about presentation.
    • Still need donations for wine and beer pull.

 

Vice President Jessica Christiansen reviewed current membership.

  • Currently 137

 

Volunteer Coordinator Marci Forbes reviewed volunteer needs:

  • Need a lead for March and May staff appreciation breakfast.
    • Diane Smith signed up for March

 

Mr. Crotchett reviewed the progress that Librarian Tini has made with the $4000 donated by the PTA and $2000 donated by the school last year.  She has been organizing a section on history to follow 7th and 8th grade history classes.  80% of the purchase is on the shelves.

 

Vice President Jessica Christiansen reviewed old business:

  • The PTA still needs a website manager for next school year
  • The next Bernie Bash meeting is March 7th in the Community Room at JMS.
  • The PTA will hold a Cascadia School presentation on April 19th for the community based emergency preparedness system. Crotchett will confirm with President Deb Cox about date.

Treasurer Kelly Christopherson suggested that the next PTA meeting be held at Round Table in an effort to draw more members.  All were in agreement.

 

Present were:

Vice President Jessica Christiansen

Treasurer Kelly Christopherson

Volunteer Coordinator Marci Forbes

Secretary Kara Murray

 

Adjournment was announced at 6:59pm.

 

Date Presented:_______________________________

Approved as Written (or Amended):

President:____________________________________

Secretary:____________________________________

 

 

 

2016-17

Jackson Awesome Fun Night

Help us capture the spirit of Jackson students and our community at large in pictures. Submit photos to jacksonpps@pps.net. Submission of a photo acknowledges that it may be used in a JagWire electronic publication or included in any of Jackson Middle School’s social media streams (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Flickr). Questions/concerns should be directed to Kevin Crotchett, Principal, at kevinc@pps.net.

2016-17

A Note About Vaccines

Exclusion day for state required vaccinations is Wednesday, February 15, 2017.  Letters will be mailed to parents whose children are not up to date or whose records are incomplete.  Should you receive a letter, please provide updated information to the school as soon as possible.  Children who are not current for vaccinations by February 15th will not be able to attend school until records are complete.  If you need assistance in locating a health care provider or clinic site, please contact your school nurse.