October 8, 2009

Grove Street Elementary Library

Call to order at 6:34 p.m. followed by introductions and flag salute.

Approval of minutes from last General meeting 9/9/09, accepted as written.

New Business:

Membership vote on 2009/10 Standing Rules, a quorum was present. Barbara O’Kelly asked for a motion to accept the proposed changes to the Standing Rules. Don McKay makes the motion, Rita Lechlider seconds the motion. The proposed changes were read to the membership by Rita Lechlider, all in favor, motion passes.

PTA & the Law-Rita Lechlider announces that this will take place October 17, 2009, the workshop will be held at Arts and Technology High School from 9am-12:30 pm the cost is $40.00 and will be paid by our local unit, all are encouraged to attend.

Guest Speakers:

Ken Chovil & Linda Sax-Learning Support Services along with Jim Baker-Budget and Finance, followed by question and answer time.

Officer Reports:

President-Barbara O’Kelly

Barbara highlights the Special Education and the Law Workshops from the Arc and WEA.

Vice President-Rita Lechlider

Rita announces the new monthly newsletter and encourages feedback, ideas, and suggestions.

Rita announces that she is in the process of ordering MSEPTSA t-shirts and asks those interested in purchasing t-shirts to contact her.

Rita reminds everyone about monthly Marysville School District Board meetings and has meeting dates and times handout.

Standing Committee Reports:

Programs Chair-Rachel Loertscher

Rachel reports that she is working on child care for our monthly meetings and a secondary parent support group. The Autism Parent Support Group meets the third Friday of each month at Shoultes Elementary Library from 6-8 p.m.

Legislative Chair-Peggy McKay

Peggy reports that she and Rachel Loertscher attended Legislative Assembly October 2nd, and 3^rd. Peggy’s Legislative Assembly update is available in the newsletter. Peggy announces that Focus Day will be held January 18, 2009.

Door prize winner: Carol Sherard

Meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.

Tammie Grande

Secretary

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MSEPTSA 7.4.70 General Meeting Minutes

September 9, 2009

Allen Creek Elementary Library

Call to order at 6:40 p.m. followed by introductions.

Approval of minutes from last General meeting 6/10/09, accepted as written.

New Business:

Membership vote for future General meeting dates, quorum present. Barbara O’Kelly reviewed that in our Standing Rules it states that the membership will have monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month. The Board sent out a survey to each member over the summer. The surveys were reviewed by the Board and the majority of the members stated that they would prefer meeting the second Thursday of each month. Pegi Langan makes a motion to accept the proposal to change our monthly General meetings to the second Thursday of each month, seconded by Mark Grande, all in favor, motion passes.

Nominating Committee for 2010/11 incoming Executive Officers. Barbara O ‘Kelly asks for three nominations from the floor to create a committee who will find our new Executive Board for the 2010/11 school year. Nominations as follows:

1. Jan Kipperburg
2. Evelyn Repass
3. Christine Mier

The highest amount of votes went to Christine Mier who will be the Chair for the Executive Officers nominating committee. Two alternates were nominated from the floor in the event that one of the three being unable to fulfill this obligation.

1. Carol Sherard
2. Jan Braun

Guest Speaker:

Carol Sherard- teacher from Kellogg Marsh Elementary, self contained autism class.

Officer Reports:

President-Barbara O’Kelly

Barbara reports that the Executive Board remained active through the summer supporting special education. Some of the activities include Executive Officers and Committee Chairs retreat, meeting with Northshore SEAPAC, meeting with School Board candidates, Leadership Conference, and back to school open houses.

Barbara reports that the Marysville school district will host a ‘Legislator’s Forum on Education’ Thursday, September 24^th from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at the Service Center Board Room.

Barbara announces that Ken Chovil and Linda Sax (Learning Support Services) along with Jim Baker (Budget and Finance) will be MSEPTSA’s guest speakers for our October General meeting. Ken and Linda will speak on how the Marysville School District is using the Obama stimulus money for special education. Jim will give a better understanding of the special education budget.

Barbara shares from the PTA newsletter, a documentary focusing on principals will be aired on September 15^th on PBS.

Barbara touches on the August 17^th School Board meeting when Gail Miller (Assistant Superintendent) describes goals for special education, more info to follow via e-mail. Gail will keep us updated at a future MSEPTSA General meeting on the goals for special education.

Barbara announces that October is ‘National Disabilities Month’ and reports that the Autism walk is October 3^rd and the Puget Sound Down syndrome ‘Buddy Walk’ is October 4, 2009.

Barbara announces that the Arc is hosting a free workshop with lunch provided ‘Special Education and the Law’ coordinated by Washington State Special Education Training for All, October 17^th 9-4, clock hours offered for $5.00. This event will take place in the Everett area, more info to follow on location.

Vice President-Rita Lechlider

Rita reports that she has worked on the website over the summer and has added a calendar. Rita shows the membership the website and does a quick demo. Rita asks for resources and/or ideas for the website, e-mail her with ideas and questions.

Secretary-Tammie Grande

Tammie reports that the ‘Back to School’ open houses went well and thanks those who volunteered their time: Barbara, Brian, and Tim O’Kelly, Pam Heitman, Rita Lechlider, Peggy McKay, Evelyn Repass, Rachel Loertscher, and Mark Grande.

Treasurer-Pam Heitman

Pam reports that MSEPTSA has 34 members so far and thanks those who volunteered on the Audit Committee. Pam also reports that she has revamped the monthly financial report.

Standing Committee Reports:

Programs Chair-Rachel Loertscher

Rachel reports that her goal is to get a secondary parent support group. Also Rachel would like to have child care in place for the October parent support group meeting and for MSEPTSA General meetings. The autism parent support group will meet the third Friday of each month at Shoultes Elementary School Library from 6-8 pm.

Legislative Chair-Peggy McKay

Peggy reports that Legislative assembly will be held the first weekend on October and requests volunteers to share on this committee with her.

Raffle winner Mike Wray followed by share time.

Meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

Tammie Grande

Secretary

PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA

MSEPTSA General Meeting Minutes

Grove Street Elementary Library

March 11, 2009

Meeting came to order at 7:02 p.m. followed by introductions.

Acceptance of minutes from last General meeting 2/11/09, accepted as written.

Speaker Presentation:

Our speaker is JoAnn Moffitt, Marysville School  District Counselor from Shoultes Elementary. JoAnn spoke about “The Role of the Counselor in Special Education.” JoAnne passed out informative information and gave useful tips and suggestions.

Unfinished Business:

Region 7 Winter leadership Conference registration: Rita Lechlider reports that the Conference is scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2009 at Cascade High School in Everett, the Conference starts at 5: oo p.m. with a light dinner. All are welcome to attend; Rita encourages anyone interested to come, no cost to members, paid by local unit.

Nomination Committee for 2009/10 Executive Board members: Pegi Langan-Chair reports that the officers must be elected before April 30, 2009. The nominating committee must submit nominations 15 days prior to elections. Pegi, along with Mike Wray, and Pam Heitman will meet before March 24, 2009 in person to finalize the nominations. The report will be submitted to the membership by e-mail on or before March 24, 2009. The formal report will be read aloud at the April General meeting. Nominations will then be taken from the floor. Elections will be held immediately following open nominations.

New Business:

Parent Support Group: Rachel Loertscher is a parent with child of Autism who is starting a parent support group under MSEPTSA umbrella. Open to all families, on the broad spectrum Autism/Asberger’s, with the assistance from Pegi Langan and Evelyn Repass. ECAP has offered rooms at Shoultes Elementary School for evening/weekend use. Rachel is still working on childcare for all ages that would allow activities. Members share open discussion about the possibility of high school students tutoring children while parents meet. Rachel’s goal is to get parents together, connect, make friendships, and work together for help and support. Rachel will advertise the support group by posting flyers in self contained classrooms. Pegi Langan will send e-mails to parent contact lists to help get the word out about this new program. Cheryl Porter and JoAnn Moffitt, school counselors, could be a resource for this program.  

For more info contact RachelLoertscher at 360-657-0670 or e-mail mouseker1@gmail.com. 

411 Marysville Community Connections Festival: March 21, 2009 at Totem Middle School 11:30-2:30. Barbara O’Kelly asks the membership for volunteers to start at 10:30 a.m. to help set up and man the table for the MSEPTSA.

Officer Reports:

President- Barbara O’Kelly emphasizes on the need to support special education by attending Marysville School District Board meetings.The next school board meeting is scheduled for March 16, 2009. On April 13, 2009 is an important meeting on work study and budget. All Marysville School Board meetings held at the District Service Center 4420-80^th St. NE. at 6:30 p.m.

Barbara reports that she spent the day in Olympia today for the ARC’s Advocacy Day Rally. Barbara met with Senator Hobbs and Mike Hope 44^th District Representative. Barbara was pleasantly surprised by their willingness to listen, as she shared notes and letters from parents about issues concerning lack of funding and the direction for general and special education.

Barbara shares information about Younglife Capernaum Ministries, this program is designed for teens and young adults with disabilities. For more information contact

Keith Dow 425-422-3711

keith@nsc.younglife.org

http://northsnohomish.younglife.org

Barbara shares information from the ARC of Snohomish County, and passes around brochures and information on up coming events.

Vice president-Rita Lechlider announces Washington State PTA Convention May 1-3, 2009. Rita reports that there are great speakers, classes, awards, and fundraising vendors. State Bylaw changes will be voted on at Convention also. Nancy Speer, President from Seattle Special Education PTA, along with assistance from Rita will be there Friday evening from 4-5:00 p.m. to do a workshop about non-traditional PTA’s. Rita highly recommends members to attend even if it is just for the day, for more info contact Rita Lechlider. 

Treasure-Pam Heitman reports that she will mail membership cards to the members who haven’t had the opportunity to pick them up. MSEPTSA currently has 63 members. Rita Lechlider reminds the membership that to keep MSEPTSA active for 2009/10 we need at least 25 membership renewals. Pam asks that members volunteer to man tables for back to school open houses and spread the word to obtain new and renew memberships, Pam asks for suggestions and ideas.

Standing Committee Reports:

Legislative Chair-Peggy McKay reports on Focus Day in Olympia which took place February 26, 2009 attending with her was Pegi Langan. Peggy shares photos from the capital, and reports that this was the biggest turn out to date with over 400 people in attendance. Peggy passed around thank you cards for the members to sign, to send to

Hans Dunshee and Senator Hobbs for listening and being very receptive to our concerns about education funding for general and special education.

Programs Chair-Pegi Langan reports on the rare opportunity to have Marysville school districts Assistant Superintendent Gail Miller and panel speak at our April 8, 2009 General meeting; Pegi asks that members attend and bring all their questions with them to the meeting.

Pegi reports that MSEPTSA has a special and unique opportunity to have guest speaker Kristin Hennessey, Washington State Education Ombudsman; she will speak at a different date and time from our regular General meeting. This is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2009 - Totem Middle School Library at 7 p.m.

MSEPTSA recognized Classified Staff Appreciation and thanked all staff for helping to educate our students, and a special thank you for the Para Professionals in attendance, Debby Bohl and Cindy Seil.

Raffle

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA

MSEPTSA General Meeting Minutes

Grove Street Elementary Library

February 11, 2009

Meeting came to order at 7:00 p.m.

Acceptance of minutes from last General meeting 1/14/09, accepted as written

Unfinished Business:

Region 7 Winter Leadership conference registration: Tammie Grande passed around registration for conference on March 16th, Rita Lechlider reports that the conference is for any member who would like to attend; the cost is $35.00 per unit and will be held at Cascade High School in Everett. The deadline for registration is March 2, 2009.

Audit overview: Tom King reports that the audit review committee met last week, the books were examined and Tom reports that everything is in order and books look good.

New Business:

Nominating Committee for next years Executive Board: Barbara O’Kelly and Rita Lechlider read from PTA guidelines as to how to form the nominating committee for election of new officers for the next school year 2009/10. Barbara asked the members to nominate from the floor five members to form this committee. Nominees are Pegi Langan, Pam Heitman, Mike Wray, Rita Lechlider, and Evelyn Repass. From those five, members are asked to vote for one member. The one with the most votes will be the Chair person for the nominating committee. Pam Heitman and Tammie Grande count votes.12 members present, President not allowed to vote, Pegi Langan 5 votes, Pam Heitman 2 votes, Mike Wray 2 votes, Evelyn Repass 1 vote, and Rita Lechlider 1 vote. The new nominating committee is Pegi Langan- Chair, Pam Heitman and Mike Wray.

Founder’s Day Dinner and auction: Barbara O’Kelly reports that this will take place on February 26^th, passed around a sign up sheet for members who are interested.

Officer reports:

President Barbara O’Kelly gave follow up report on the School Board inquiry from MSEPTSA about getting much needed supplies for students in self contained classes at Cedar Crest Middle school. To the current date no action has taken place from the School Board regarding these issues. The MSEPTSA Board has requested a meeting with Mr. Kundu, School Board President, this will take place February 25^th, meeting date and time to be determined. Lastly, Barbara asks members for similar stories to pass on to Mr. Kundu.

Vice President Rita Lechlider reports that she, Pegi Langan, and Barbara O’Kelly manned a MSEPTSA booth at the Marysville School Districts kindergarten enrollment, which took place at Totem Middle School. Rita reports that she also attended Pillchuck High School’s Smaller Learning Community Info Nights meeting, and passed out MSEPTSA cards, all these efforts are to get the word out to the public informing the community of the Marysville Special Education PTSA. Rita reports that the next Special Education parent workshop is scheduled for February 19^th at the Marysville School District Board room from 6:30- 8 p.m. Rita reports about Randy Doran from OSPI, based on his comments in the February 8^th Herald regarding the WASL. Now would be a good time to contact him regarding special education. Mr. Dorn said requiring special education students to take the tests are “probably the biggest criminal thing we do.” Lastly Rita reports that the next citizen’s meeting regarding School District facility changes is scheduled for February 12^th in the Marysville School Districts board room at 7 p.m. observation only, questions and comments should be sent by e-mail to the School Board.

Treasurer Pam Heitman reports that the Marysville PTA council has generously donated $500.00 to MSEPTSA.

Standing Committee reports:

Legislative Chair-Peggy McKay reports that Focus day is on February 26^th and asks members to please come and support this event in Olympia, to talk to our legislators about funding for education. Peggy also suggests that member’s voice there concerns on note cards so that she can take them to Focus Day to personally deliver to our legislators. Peggy passed around flyers and sign up sheets to register for the bus to Olympia.

Programs Chair- Pegi Langan reports that she attended the last School Board meeting and personally invited Dr. Nyland, Marysville School District’s Superintendent, along with School Board Members, to attend our MSEPTSA General meetings. Lastly, Pegi passed around the new speaker flyer for members to view.

Speaker Presentations:

Our first speaker is Tracie Diemert, Parent/family Coalition Co-Coordinator, from the Arc of Snohomish County, Tracie shares simple steps to advocacy at the state level, and passed out several informative flyers.

Our second speaker is Sharlet  Lee Jensen M.S., CCC-SLP from Bothell Pediatric and Hand Therapy. Sharlet spoke on the importance of ‘Making Play Meaningful” in therapy and school settings. Sharlet passed out informative information with ideas and resources.

Raffle

Meeting Adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA


MSEPTSA 7.4.70 General Meeting Minutes

Grove Street Elementary Library

January 14, 2009

Meeting came to order at 7:03 p.m.

Acceptance of minutes from last general meeting 11/12/08 accepted as corrected.

Officer reports:

President Barbara O’Kelly reports that she attended the MPHS PTA meeting on November 18^th, to introduce MSEPTSA. Barbara touches on the December 8^th MSD Board meeting when MSEPTSA approached the board regarding getting necessary supplies for self contained classes at Cedarcrest Middle school, it was a positive meeting and MSEPTSA looks forward to a positive outcome. Barbara announces PTA spring conference coming up in March, for all who are interested in attending; it will be hosted by region 7 PTSA, at Cascade High school in Everett, date and time to be announced. Barbara announces two workshops hosted by the ARC. Greg Abell will teach on mediation Sat. Feb. 7^th from 9-4. Larry M. Davis Special education advocate Sat. January 17^th from 10-4, flyers for both workshops available with more info. Barbara reports that the Board is working on a new logo for MSEPTSA and encourages members to give input, ideas and suggestions. Barbara shares tips from the PTA newsletter. Lastly, Barbara reports that it is time for our financial review. Barbara asks for three volunteers who are not on the Board to review the financial statement sometime this month. Mary McGauhey and Tom King volunteer. Pegi Langan nominates Evelyn Repass; Pegi will contact her to see if she is willing.

Member Mary McGauhey shares information about free DVD’s from the Division of Development Disabilities, these DVD’s help navigate families to access information for children with disabilities. Mary also left a few DVD’s for members who are interested.

Vice President Rita Lechlider reminds everyone to sign in. Rita has applied for the Applegate Grant and announces that MSEPTSA has been awarded a $500.00 grant, our PTA will be recognized at the WSPTA convention May 1-3 more info to follow. Lastly Rita offers to speak at other PTA’s to introduce MSEPTSA, and reminds everyone to visit the website and use the new yahoo group.

Treasurer Pam Heitman reports that membership cards are finished and are on back table to be picked up by members. Also Pam reports that the 501C3 is finished and in the mail.

Standing Committee reports:

Legislative Chair Peggy McKay reports that the Legislative platform pamphlets are available for 2008/09 with tentative schedule and agenda. Focus Day is February 26^th, sign up sheet for those interested in attending.

Programs Chair Pegi Langan talks about the Arcs advocacy days and shares tips, brochures, and handouts. Pegi reports that almost all schools in the Marysville school district have MSEPTSA flyers designed by Brian O’Kelly. These flyers are posted on schools PTA bulletin boards. Pegi reports that she has and continues to contact schools to distribute MSEPTSA info through school newsletters. Pegi informs members about brochure box available which offers free info and handouts at back table. Pegi encourages members to be a part of the ARC membership. Lastly, Pegi reports that Equifriends has closed but will be opening under a new name Phoenix Rising.

New Business:

Mike Wray reports on the Washington State Special Education Training for All. Organized by Pegi Langan, with Christie Perkins (parent educator relations coordinator) and Pat Steinburg (special education support center coordinator) along with several MSD teachers. This project is dedicated to enhancing the relationship between school staff and families. Classes are designed to meet the needs of both families and educators. The next meeting is scheduled for the School Districts waiver day, March 13^th.

New Marysville School District task force, Pam Heitman reports that there has been one meeting so far. This project is a three year commitment to refine, define, and achieve a model for Special Education. Next task force meeting scheduled for February 19^th with Ken Chovil and Linda Sax (learning support services). Also Gail Miller (assistant superintendent).

Guest Speaker: Pegi Langan introduces Stacy Gillett a paralegal and advocate of twenty years from Dussault Law Group. Stacy does a power point presentation and gives a lot of useful information regarding IEP’s, 504 plans, special education and the law followed by question and answer time.

Raffle

Meeting adjourned 8:48 p.m.

PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA


MSEPTSA 7.4.70 General Meeting Minutes

Grove Street Elementary Library

November 12, 2008

Meeting came to order at 7: 01 p.m.

Introductions

Acceptance of minutes from last general meeting 10/08/08 accepted as written.

Officer reports:

President: Barbara O’Kelly touched on various programs available in our community and passed around hand outs to the membership.

Vice president: Rita Lechlider reports on the website and the new yahoo page available for group discussions and articles. Rita also reports that she has spoke at the Allen Creek Elementary PTSA general meeting to introduce MSEPTSA.

Secretary: Tammie Grande thanks those who have contributed items for the baking theme basket. This is a Marysville PTA Council fundraiser, for their scholarship fund. Scholarships go to graduating high school students to help with their college education.

Treasurer: Pam Heitman reports that she is working on a new treasurer report format that will be easier to read. Pam also reports that she will have membership cards very soon for our members.

Standing Committee reports:

Programs Committee Chair Pegi Langan reports that the ARC hosts many useful talks. November 13^th 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Everett Station Weyerhaeuser room, talk on “Mediation and Special Education”. Pegi reports that our next speaker is scheduled for January 14^th, Stacy Gillett who will speak on Special Education and the law. Pegi informed members and guest of the business cards and brochures available at the sign in area. Pegi reports that the District Special Education Support group will meet January 13^th, February 19^th, and March 24^th. Lastly Pegi reminds everyone that “Reflections” will be due soon, check with your home school for deadlines.

Legislative Committee chair Peggy McKay reports that “Focus Day” is February 26^th in Olympia. Region 7 is trying to get a bus load to rally together for changes to the WASL and funding issues

Guest speaker: Jeannie Tennis, principal of Grove Street Elementary introduces Mr. Hank Palmer who has had a long time work relationship with Mrs. Tennis. Mr. Palmer talks and does a PowerPoint presentation about inclusion and shares experiences with his knowledge on how inclusion has helped his students.

Raffle

Meeting adjourned 9:01 p.m.

PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA

MSEPTSA 7.4.70 General Meeting Minutes

Grove Street Elementary Library

October 8, 2008

Meeting came to order at 7:08 p.m.

Introductions

Approval of minutes from last General meeting 9/10/08 accepted as written.

Officer reports:

President: Barbara O’Kelly reports that there will be no General meeting in December, shares upcoming meetings in our community. Monthly Special education meetings 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the school Board room September 25^th, November 4^th, January 13^th, February 19^th, and March 24^th. Barbara O’Kelly circulated many informative flyers and brochures about organizations and services available. Announces that our PTA is responsible for hospitality for the March 23^rd PTA council meeting and we would like to invite two volunteers to attend that fits the criteria of RAV “really awesome volunteers”. Also our PTA will be involved in Founder’s Day celebration in February and asked for volunteers. Lastly Barbara explains that the purple cards on everyone’s table are to jot down questions or comments to be held until after the guest speaker is finished.

Vice President: Rita Lechlider thanks everyone for coming and asks if anyone is interested in becoming a member of MSEPTSA envelopes are available at the sign in area. Rita announces that she has added a Legislative page to the MSEPTSA website. Rita reports that “PTA and the Law” conference is scheduled for October 18^th from 9:30-12:30 anyone who is interested is encouraged to sign up.

Secretary: Tammie Grande asks for e-mail address corrections or updates.

Treasurer: Pam Heitman acknowledges that there was a $500.00 donation from Dennis Jordan (Peggy McKay’s employer) that covered the cost for Rita Lechlider and Peggy McKay to attend the Legislative Assembly. An anonymous donation of $500.00. Also another generous donation of $500.00 donated from Allen Creek Elementary PTA.

New Business: Proposed Standing Rules read by Tammie Grande. A motion made by Rita Lechlider to accept the Standing Rules as written, seconded by Pegi Langan, unanimously approved, no abstentions, approved as written.

Proposed Budget read by Pam Heitman. A motion made by Rita Lechlider to accept the Budget as written, seconded by Pegi Langan, unanimously approved, no abstentions, approved as written.

Standing Committee reports:

Legislative: Peggy McKay reports that she and Rita Lechlider attended the Legislative assembly and touched on the top five issue priorities. Peggy announced that February 26^th is Focus Day.

Programs: Pegi Langan announces next month’s speaker Hank Palmer, a fifth grade teacher who will talk about inclusion, upcoming speakers for January will be Stacy Gillette, a paralegal from Dussault Law Group.

Pegi Langan reports for Christine Mier Reflections Chair, absent. The theme for this year’s reflections program is “WOW”. Christine would like to encourage participation through our home schools. Look for entry due dates at your home school, any questions please e-mail the Board.

Guest speaker: Pegi Langan introduces Karen Harper from Quil Ceda Community Services, a nonprofit organization that runs a group home and day programs for adults with disabilities. Karen talked about the transition from school to state DDD services, and how to plan ahead.

Raffle

Meeting adjourned 9:02 p.m.

PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA

MSEPTSA 7.4.70 General Meeting

Allen Creek Elementary Library

September 10, 2008

Meeting came to order at 7:03 p.m.

Officer reports:

President: Barbara O’Kelly gave a briefing of what the Executive board did over the summer, Strawberry festival booth, several board meetings to get all the necessary paperwork and planning for 2008/09, back to school open houses, and leadership training classes.

Vice President: Rita Lechlider reports that the website has been up and running and invited all to visit it often for updated information.

Secretary: Tammie Grande thanks everyone for all their help; everything has been running smoothly getting our new PTA up and running.  All future meetings will be held the second Wednesday of each month at the new Grove Street Elementary from 7-9 p.m.

Treasurer: Pam Heitman reports that there has been very little activity in the budget since our last meting in June, Treasurer Reports on tables to look over.

Approval of minutes from last general meeting 6/11/08 accepted.

Standing committee reports:

Fundraising: Mark Grande introduces himself and reports that MSEPTSA is in the process of obtaining 501C3 status, until then all fundraising is on hold. Mark asks for someone who has had experience with grant writing sign up to volunteer on the fundraising committee.

Legislative: Peggy McKay introduces herself and reports that “Focus Day” is in February. Peggy talks about Legislative Issues Survey.

Membership: Mike Wray introduces himself and reports his goal is to contact all Principals and Special education teachers in the Marysville school district and to get their membership and support.

Programs: Pegi Langan introduces herself and reports that she has a survey at each table.  Pegi asks everyone to take a moment and answer some questions. To get feedback from all on what they are interested in for future programs, workshops, and speakers. Barbara O’Kelly adds to this by asking members and guests to write down the needs for their student, and invites membership and guest to take informational brochures from the back table. Barbara invites all to “Touch a Truck” September 13^th from 10:00- 1:00 p.m. at Asberry Field.

Barbara O’Kelly leads Group discussion by asking everyone to introduce themselves.

Guest speaker: Pegi Langan introduces Dr. Murray from Arlington Vision Therapy. Dr. Murray explains what vision therapy is, passes around and explains tools used in his therapy sessions. Then explains how specific vision problems can be overlooked by most optometrist and can really affect anyone’s learning ability.

Barbara O’Kelly thanks our guest speaker and thanks everyone for coming.

Meeting adjourned 9:05 p.m.

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MSEPTSA General meeting (Accepted)

Allen Creek Elementary Library

June 11, 2008 7-9 p.m.

In Attendance: Barbara O’Kelly, Mark and Tammie Grande, Rita Lechlider, Janice Gooch, Glenn and Pam Heitman, Shelly Jay, D.Michael Wray, Darci Becker, Christine Mier, Peggy McKay, and Mary McGauhey

Meeting came to order at 7:15 p.m.

Discussion starts about the agenda and paperwork needing to be completed for the new MSEPTSA

At 7:37 pm a quorum was met

Minutes of the previous meeting distributed and read, and were approved with attendee names (spelling) corrected.

Treasurer Report: Pam Heitman reported that $348.00 collected for membership, $309.00 in donations giving total income balance of $657.00. No Disbursements.

Officer Reports:

President: Barbara O’Kelly reported that the Executive Board members had there first meeting June 4, 2008. Barbara reported that MSEPTSA has a booth reserved for the Strawberry Festival. Rita Lechlider has donated the booth and will chair this event.

In need of volunteers to man the booth during the duration of June 20, 21, and 22.   Barbara explained the standing committees needed: Fundraising, Programs, Legislative and Membership committees. Sign up sheets for these committee were passed around the room for volunteers.

Vice President: Rita Lechlider reported that she will be setting up the website for MSEPTSA. Rita’s role as VP will be the Liaison for public and private schools.

Secretary: Tammie Grande asked for corrections to e-mail addresses if any.

Treasurer: Pam Heitman- No report at this time.

New Business:

     a.  Strawberry Festival: sign up sheet passed around for volunteers
     b. Child Care: discussion of future possibilities
     c. Meeting Location: central location for future General meetings is MAHS. Tammie Grande to find out availability of facility and on site child care possibilities.
     d. Vision/Mission Statement: Barbara O’Kelly opened discussion to create a vision statement. Four possible statements presented and a lot of consideration to each.  A fifth added for consideration and Mark Grande made a motion to approve seconded and approved unanimously.

    Vision Statement:

 All students in Marysville needing special services receive the resources to make their potential a reality.

     Mission Statement:  Discussion opened for a vision statement two suggestions introduced and considered. After a group effort to consolidate the two statements, a motion to make the following the new mission statement is made by Mark Grande and seconded by Mary McGauhey, 12 votes to approve, 0 opposed and 1 abstention, Motion Passes.

MSEPTSA is

• A powerful voice for all students with special needs.
• A relevant resource for families, staff and communities.
• A strong advocate for the education and well-being of every student with special needs.

     e.  Other: Discussion about district budgets and legislation. School board meeting Monday June 16, 2008 at Marysville district office 6:30 p.m.

 Meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA * PTA  

MSEPTSA First General Meeting (Accepted)