5/15/2013 Meeting Highlights

Principal’s Report

• Establishment of the National Honor’s Society has encountered some delays, but is still in process.
• Per current registration data, our 8th grade students have fed into local high schools thusly: the two largest percentages are NSA = 22%, and Pearl-Cohn = 19%, followed by Hillsboro, White’s Creek, Big Picture, then Other.
• ITC is still in the running for the $3 million STEAM grant through MNPS - finger’s crossed!  There should be a final decision by the end of August. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math - and is *not* a replacement for the arts theme, rather it is an extension of the arts into practical and business processes involved in being successful as a real-world artist. (Quantum learning such as study skills, understanding the brain’s processing functions, etc, is also set to be included.)
• Metro Arts is still in communication regarding the fall student installation project; current details can be found on the Metro Arts website.
• A grant proposal was accepted for a new ITC-led afterschool program, which will focus on ending Below Basic scores in math through arts integration.  Regarding ASET (presented at the April meeting), a recommendation was made to the NAZA/MNPS panel, encouraging the addition and funding of ASET as part of the afterschool repertoire.
• 5/23 is Family Picnic Day!  Teachers and staff are in process of putting together both structured and unstructured activity time.  PTSO will also be providing community water, charcoal, and lighter fluid for grilling at this event.
• 5/24 is Awards Day - be sure to dress up!
• You were heard!  Per discussion in a previous PTSO meeting, the Master Schedule for next year will be changed; the school will be going to a 6 period day.  Students will have the opportunity to audition into their arts classes, giving a right-fit for each student’s skill level and providing older students the ability to experience our arts classes at a beginner level.
• Ideas are being generated for a possible Field Day on the first full day of school in the fall; this will build a sense of community among students while also providing teachers and staff more time to confirm schedule changes and extra additions.
• Catch Them Doing Something Good! program continues to be discussed; anonymous nomination boxes are suggested, as well as congratulatory flags for exemplary tardy/referral/etc records.  Suggestions were made to integrate this with the Comet Club, which is also in discussion for revival.
• News from Picaboo indicates that, due to MNPS vendor guidelines, they will not be our yearbook provider in the next year.  After additional research, however, current vendors were found that offer similar customization and digital options - we will continue to look into these vendors as viable options.  A concern was raised as well that the ITC sports teams should be covered in the yearbook (as they are not currently), and a suggestion was made that the advanced visual arts students could benefit from yearbook classes.

Old Business

• Little Lambs will be our cookie dough vendor for the first PTSO fundraiser.  Laquita will be providing contact information and contract timelines to the new president.
• Teacher Appreciation Week went well!  Thank you everyone for your support.

New Business

• Tentative Calendar for 2013/14 needs to be set ASAP.
• Mr. Helvig has requested that the concession stand be open for the Hip-Hop Showcase.  Dr. Murcray requested that, since the showcase will be held in the auditorium, that drippy/sticky/etc snacks be avoided.  PTSO has candy in stock, and also approved the purchase of canned sodas, water, pizza and popcorn.
• Requests have been made to purchase a popcorn machine.  A motion was made by Mr. Fields, seconded by Mrs. White, all approved.  Laquita and Mrs. Smith will coordinate for cost and available options in order to have the machine purchased in time for the Showcase.
• Shirts and uniform embroidery options were presented by Laquita; prices and contact details for a supplier were passed on and will be discussed further at a later date.  The Spirit Store is now open as well, with a few tee shirts and other items available for purchase via Zazzle, at http://www.zazzle.com/itcreswellptso.  Dr. Murcray presented the idea that one tee be made available per student, with additional being purchased at will.  A Spirit Fair was also presented as an idea on the first Tuesday of the new school year, giving students one-stop access needed forms, arts/book pickup, tee shirts and branded items, etc.  The conversation will continue to progress throughout the summer.
• The potential for a PTSO/schoolwide Kickstarter campaign was also suggested, and more research will need to be done for this opportunity.
• Introductions were made by Mrs. Brenda White, Mr. William E. Fields, and Mrs. Melaton Bass-Smith; these individuals have been working tirelessly on behalf of the school and plan to be more involved in an official PTSO capacity.
• Mrs. Friedof is requesting a budget of $200 for purchase of paint for an ongoing TN mural project.  Motion made to approve by Mr. Fields, seconded by Mrs. Smith, all in favor and so moved.

Election

A vote for suspension of the bylaw prohibiting nomination of potential officers that have not served a term in previous years was made by Mr. Fields, seconded by Ms. Bishop, and so moved by the PTSO body.

Nominations:

Paula Bishop for President

Deidra Hendrix for Vice President

Stephanie Ashurst for Secretary

Lee Moore for Treasurer

Janet Smith for Teacher Representative

No opposition or duplication was presented for officer nominations, and therefore a motion was made by Mr Fields to vote and approve by affirmation, seconded by Mrs. White, so moved.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the topics of this meeting, please leave a comment below or email us: i.t.creswell@gmail.com!