2019-20

November 5th, 2019 PTA General Meeting Minutes

Jackson Middle School PTA
General Meeting
November 1, 2019

Introductions
The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm on November 5, 2019, by President Jessica Christiansen. Board Members Kathy Jennings, Michelle Marsden, Heather Kramer, and Kristen Beauchamp were present. Annie Lindekugel was absent and member Marci Forbes kept meeting minutes in her absence. All meeting attendees present at the start of the meeting were introduced. Meeting attendance sheet attached.

Preliminary Business
Approval of October meeting minutes was postponed. They will be approved at the next meeting.

Attendees were asked if they had any additions/changes to the meeting agenda. Michelle Marsden announced that WPPNA was approached by the Portland Watershed Council about a community project to add bark chips to the trail next to the creek on the edge of JMS property. Jessica agreed that the PTA will help advertise for volunteers for that project scheduled for January 11.

Treasurer’s Report  (Kathy Jennings)
Bank statements for September and October were available and reviewed. Per Kathy we are on track with our budget. There has been minimal recent activity, but things are expected with the Bash coming up next week. Current (as of 10/31/2019) balance of the checking account is $37,743.30. Current (as of 10/31/2019) balance of the savings account is $44,774.60. 

New Business
Awesome Fun Night is scheduled for 11/22/2019, 6:00pm – 8:30pm. Volunteers are needed (from 5:45pm – 9:00pm). Permission slips have been sent home (all students require parent/guardian permission to attend).

Old Business
Cookie Dough Fundraiser update – Kara Murray

  • Everything is finalized now, except the Blazer ticket distribution is still pending.

Pastini JMS Nights tally – Kristen Beauchamp

  • Check has been received for approximately $200.

Committee Reports
November volunteer needs – Kristen Beauchamp

  • Scholastic Book Fair (November 19th through conferences). Chair is Misty Plock.
  • Teacher Conferences/Staff Meals. The plan is to do breakfast and dinner on Monday and Tuesday. Kristen Beauchamp is coordinating Monday and Jenn Starr is coordinating Tuesday.

Bernstein Bash – Jessica Christiansen

  • Need staff to RSVP. Currently we have sold 128 tickets (17 of which are staff, who do not have to pay). 
  • We’ve sold 21 beach raffle tickets.
  • Currently we have catering planned for 150, but will likely increase since the ticket sales are close to 150 and we want to have plenty of food.
  • This year we will be selling bird houses (made by the kids in Mr. Maddox’s classes) and notecards (from the art students).
  • Volunteers are needed for set-up, during the event, and for clean-up.
  • Heather Miller has procured all of the desserts for the dessert dash, but she will need volunteers to help with pick-up and delivery to the venue.
  • See additional details planned on the “Bash Planning Meeting” attachment/handout.

Announcements

  • Donations were needed for the Bernstein Bash, but during the meeting all spots were filled!
  • SUN Food Pantry needs have been updated for the month. Please sign up for what you are able to donate and deliver by end of November. (https://volunteersignup.org/HR9RP) Items can be dropped in the SUN School classroom or in the office marked ‘SUN Pantry’. There will be an additional ask for single family donations for supplies needed over winter break for families in need. Thanks so much for supporting our community!                                            
  • At the December 3rd PTA meeting, Lisa Weiner of Handmade Parenting will give a presentation for parents on “Anxiety in Adolescents”. 

Schedule of Upcoming Events
11/6 – 8th Grade Family Night at Wilson High School – 6:00-8:30PM
11/11 – NO SCHOOL – Veterans Day
11/15 – Bernstein Bash – 6PM at the Multnomah Arts Center
11/22 – Awesome Fun Night!
11/25&26 – NO SCHOOL – Parent Teacher Conferences
11/27-29 – NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Holiday
12/3 – December PTA Meeting – 6:30PM in the library. “Anxiety in Adolescents” presentation by Lisa Weiner.

Principal’s Report – Susan Kosmala

Student conferences are coming up and to get the most out of conferences come prepared to talk with student’s teachers about your child’s strengths. If your student is struggling, ask about support options. Conferences are arena style for most students, but teachers will reach out if they’d like to meet with you for a targeted (one-on-one) meetings. The book fair will be in the middle of the cafeteria space during conferences.

Next meeting is scheduled for 12/3/2019

Meeting adjourned at 6:59pm

After tonight’s meeting Mr. Crotchett (former Jackson Principal and current PPS Director of Learning Technologies) conducted special presentation on “The Digitally Aware Parent.”