DeKalb School of the Arts
PTSA General Meeting Minutes
Monday, Nov 4, 2013
Call to Order: 7:03 pm
Welcome/Introduction: Carla Jackson, PTSA Vice-President
- Pledge of allegiance
Review of Minutes: Monina Klevens, Secretary
- Draft minutes are posted on our website (www.ptsa4dsa.org) for review before the meeting.
- Previous minutes approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s budget review and report: Harold Archie, treasurer
- There was some new income, mostly from memberships.
- SPA dance was the biggest expense.
- The budget and the report were approved.
- Monina described the process for turning in sales sheets and collections from HoneyBaked fundraiser. There is a specially marked box in the front office for drop off. Deadline is Nov 11th such that gift cards can be sent back on the 13th.
Vice-Presidents Report:
- A special form for Teachers to request funds is in development.
- One parent is needed asap to co-chair spirit wear.
- Responded to questions:
- Ms. Kim Halt volunteered to help with SPA Dance next year motivated by a concern about the lack of diversity in the music selection.
Volunteer Coordinator Announcements: Terry Reid, co-chair
- A new form is available for parents to claim volunteer hours. The form is available here – www.ptsa4dsa.org ; access was demonstrated live. Receipts for items donated can be attached to the form, the rate is 1 hour volunteer credit for every $5 dollars in donations.
- The form is smart-phone friendly, you can take a picture of a receipt and attach. The card box in the front office was discontinued because it required extra work. Parents without internet access can also call to report hours if needed. A final alternative is to leave a note at the front office for the PTSA mailbox.
- The board will discuss how to credit home-made donations; these are always encouraged and welcomed.
- All parents committed to serving 20 hours per semester or 40 hours per academic year.
- Parents who sign in and out to any activity do not need to also submit a claim for hours served.
- Ms. McCauley offered to develop a dynamic list of items that can always be donated and that will support staff and teaching (e.g., tissues, etc.). The list will appear in DSAthisweek.
- A different form is available to sign up to volunteer when an announcement is sent out in DSAthisweek. That form says ‘volunteerspot’. There is a link to this form on both the PTSA website and the DSAthisweek.
- There was a discussion about the feeling of ‘distrust’ from many parents since there is more structure and required documentation than last year.
- This year hours for attending events (e.g., student performances, picnic, etc.) will not yield volunteer credits. Only if ‘working’ (e.g., security, box office, concessions, etc.) at these events should parents claim credit.
- Outstanding volunteerism recognition was announced for: Tara and Maurice Dumas, Tenesia Kelly, and Mary Cash. Gift cards from Starbucks were awarded.
Legislative Update: Allyson Gevertz, Chair
- Parents are encouraged to attend monthly Board of Education meetings. They are held at County headquarters on the first Monday of each month.
- Because they conflict with our PTSA meetings, board will discuss alternative dates.
- These meetings have a segment when the public can speak, and advocate for DSA and create awareness of the great program.
- SACS probation status will be announced in December. It’s likely that DSA and other schools will be lifted from probation.
- Strategic planning is ongoing; DSA student Emma Rarey participated in a recent meeting. The outcome will be voting on December by the BOE.
- There are changes in the (Druid Hills Charter Cluster) schools; these do not affect DSA.
- Some of the removed BOE members have a law suit pending. Right now it’s unknown whether they will be reinstated.
- In May 2014 all BOE positions will be up for election.
- Parent council groups are organized by area. These are meetings that DSA parents are encouraged to attend. A schedule will be sent out in DSAthisweek.
Reflections Report: Mr. Mastrogiacomo, Lead
- Recognition of winners:
Principal’s Report:
- Recognition of staff
- Mr. Winchester announced:
- The parent portal ‘eSIS’ is undergoing change planned for academic year 2014/2015. Students should express their class preferences early. In the spring, students will receive a hard copy of their planned schedule. They should keep this report safe in case the system underperforms.
- Parents should have a conversation with their students about their whereabouts after school. Activities after school might be expected ≤2 times a week. There are no after school activities on Wednesdays. Unauthorized loitering cannot be permitted, everyone needs to help make sure this doesn’t occur.
- 25 students auditioned for the Governor’s Honors Program; results will be available soon.
- DSA has a new website – parents should review and suggest if something appears missing.
- A parent suggested the need for more pictures. These will be added shortly.
- An Arts Manual will be added in the area of ‘production credits’.
- Important dates:
- 10th grade advisement is Nov 7th.
- Dance concert is this weekend (Nov 8-10), details below.
- Parent/Teacher conferences will be from 4-6 on Wed, Nov 13th. Parents should be selective about which teachers they would like to meet because time is limited; however, if you are unable to meet with a teacher, parents can email the teacher directly.
- Dark Knight theater presentation will be Nov 21-23.
- Thanksgiving break will be from the 25th-29th.
- The holiday concert will be Dec 5th at the Avondale Baptist Church.
- Finals week starts Dec 17.
- School will be closed during the winter break from Dec 23-Jan 7.
Student Performance: Mr. Williams gave a verbal overview of Dance Concert. Famous choreographers have participated. The range of music is from classical to contemporary. There will be 4 shows, tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students. Help spread the word to bring in the larger community. Email Mr. Williams if you would like a pdf of the poster. The telephone number for the box office to reserve tickets is 678.676.2552.
Next General Meeting: Jan 13, 2014 – 7:00 pm
Meeting adjourned: 8:10 pm
Minutes taken by: Monina Klevens, PTSA Secretary