Jackson Middle School PTA
General Meeting
March 3, 2020

The general meeting was called to order at 6:35PM on March 3, 2020 by President Jessica Christiansen. Board members Jessica Christiansen, Michelle Marsden, Kathy Jennings, and Kristen Beauchamp were present.

Introductions of the people present were done.

Preliminary Business
The February meeting minutes were not available, so they will be approved at the April 7^th meeting.

Only one addition/change to the Meeting Agenda – One additional announcement by Michelle Marsden.

Guest Patty McMahon came to update us on the SWNI grant for SUN for which the PTA wrote a letter of support in January. A $2,000 grant was given for “Code Squad” computer class. It will start for Spring term.

Treasurer’s Report
We received our Amazon Smile check for about $120.
Checking balance – $44,783.49
Savings balance – $45,075.27

New Business
President Jessica Christiansen reported that SUN funding was reviewed by Elley Cannon, and their revised budget is fine for now. No ask from the PTA at this time.

Volunteer Coordinator Kristen Beauchamp reported that the March Staff Appreciation event will be led by Julie Worley and the date is TBD. 

Vice President Michelle Marsden reported that we will be donating a basket to the Oregon PTA Conference in April for their raffle that benefits teacher scholarships. A theme of “Berstein Artful Learning” was suggested. In addition to a student-made birdhouse and notecards, she will be asking for donations of art supplies. 

Old Business
Jessica reported that a RAT Race Lead has been found. Kendra Rothert volunteered for the job. It will be a scaled back event this year with no lap count and fewer prizes. Volunteers needed that day to keep things moving. The event will be Thursday, April 30, 2020. Fundraising objective(s) still being clarified by Ms. Kosmala. The monies may be used for new tech for the re-done auditorium. Also, Chromebooks are still needed. PTA is waiting for final numbers and prices.

Kristen reported that our Pizzicato Dough for Dollars earnings are $579.00. Going forward, we can only schedule one event next year due to low turn-out at our two events this year. 

Michelle reported on updates to the PTA Board for 2020-2021. We have a Secretary! Need for President, Treasurer and Bash Lead are still urgent.

Committee Reports

Volunteer needs – End of the year needs to be discussed next time.

Boys’ Night Out – Not sure where things stand with the CUB the PTA offered to pay for. ($192.00) Event is on the school calendar for Saturday, May 9th. 

Principal’s Report
Ms. Kosmala was unable to attend. 

Announcements

• • The JMS Peer Helper-sponsored food drive will be March 16-20. Grades compete for the most pounds donated. The winning grade gets a patio popsicle party at lunch! Last year we collected 4,444 pounds of food, and this year our goal is 5,000 pounds! The food donated will benefit both the Jackson SUN pantry AND the Neighborhood House in Multnomah Village. Most needed items:
    • Pasta sauce
    • Easy mac
    • Soup packets (not cans)
    • Canned chicken and beef (not tuna)
    • Peanut butter
    • Jelly
    • Cereal
    • Oatmeal packets
    • Deodorant
    • Shampoo and conditioner
    • Pasta
    • Rice

• The Watershed Resource Center has another community project planned for the Jackson walking path on Saturday, March 14.  They will be planting native plants and removing ivy at the west end of the trail. Anyone interested in helping out meet on the trail at 9am that morning.

Schedule of Upcoming Events
3/6 – Parent Coffee with Ms. Kosmala- 9:30AM in the Community Room
3/12 – Choir & Band Spring Concert at 7PM
3/14 – Girls’ Night Out for 7^th & 8^th grade girls from 6:30-10PM
3/16-20 – Jackson Food Drive (See Announcements above.)
3/3-27 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break
4/7 – April PTA Meeting

Meeting adjourned at 7PM. Guest Presentation on Vaping followed the General Meeting.