The Macon Middle School PTO meeting was called to order by Co-President Kathy Wilde at 12:00pm. The meeting was held in the classroom of Heather Shields. (See attendance log in the secretary notebook for members present). Kathy explained that there were two lists being circulated for everyone to sign. First, was the volunteer log book sheet which will be passed around each meeting. It is very important that everyone signs this sheet during meetings and whenever you come to MMS to volunteer. The other paper is for everyone to write their name, phone number, address, and email address. This will be the primary way to receive minutes from each meeting.

Kathy Wilde led the meeting by welcoming all present. All were asked to introduce themselves and give their child or children’s name and grade. A motion was made and seconded to elect Elizabeth Shaller as 2003-04 PTO secretary. The motion was unanimously approved.

Treasurer’s Report:
Heather Shields passed around the treasurer’s report. She explained that this year she added the following: Eighth grade dance, postage, Gear-Up party, Odyssey of the Mind, EOG pizza party, and plants for sign, as new expenses. Current balance $7437.48 not including $5400.00 check for awnings at student pick-up/drop-off. Leaving a balance of $2037.48.

At the beginning of meeting we should have approved last meetings minutes dated May 9, 2003. A motion was made, seconded, and approved.

Mr. Bell noted that Wanda Brown needed to give her report because she is due to another meeting across town. Wanda Brown reported how MMS will now be included in the Health Fair that was started last year by the Health Department. This will begin on September 16th and will continue on the 17th and 18th. It will last all day and there will be two shifts each day. The am shift will be from 8:30am until 12:15pm. The pm shift will be 12:15pm until 2:45pm. MMS needs volunteers for this and there is a health privacy act agreement which needs to be filled out by all volunteers stating that you will not discuss any and all information learned from this health fair. Please fill out and return to Jane Mayo today if possible. The Health Fair will include, height, weight, vision, body mass index, blood pressure, and educational health issues. Donnie Seagle will present information on safe schools. Medically trained volunteers will be needed as well to perform blood pressure evaluations. The number of volunteers are as follows:

Sept. 16th - Am shift needs 12 volunteers PM shift needs 13 volunteers
Sept. 17th - AM shift needs 10 volunteers PM shift needs 10 volunteers
Sept. 18th - Am shift needs 13 volunteers PM shift needs 14 volunteers

Mr. Bonard spoke about the Gear-Up program. Gear-Up works with the high school students as well as the MMS students. It provides a tutoring program for any students and enrichment classes. The tutoring has already started (3:00pm till 6:00pm, 5 days a week), while students are now starting to sign up for enrichment classes. A character development program is getting started called “ Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens.” This parent workshop is scheduled for August 26th at Southwestern in Sylva. Anyone interested is welcome. Transportation will be provided and babysitting will be available for parents who would like to attend but have young children, and need this service. Mr. Bonard has extra textbooks for parents to see; please go by Mr. Bonard’s office. To address any questions regarding the Gear-Up programs, Mr. Bonard is available to all parents and students.

Unfinished Business:
Kathy a gave a big thank you from all the teachers concerning the brunch. Orientation was a success. Mr. Bell noted that this was the largest incoming 6th grade class for the seven years he has been at MMS. Thank you for all refreshments.

Kathy noted that last year the PTO decided to make committees. All have agreed that this has been very effective. A committee sheet was passed around for any parent to sign. All committees need a chairperson with volunteers. Please sign up! While discussing committees, Janet Rich and Monica Cansler volunteered as co-chairpersons. It was motioned and seconded, both were accepted.

Kathy introduced Judy Chapman, who will be doing the newsletter. A suggestion was made that, instead of sending a newsletter with each child’s report card, we should make them available only in the lobby at school and post it on the web page. This could save time and possibly money. Mrs. Shields suggested that we first send a letter home allowing parents to know this change. If the PTO receives a lot of disagreement with this decision, the PTO will reconsider. Mr. Bell said that the office can put the web address on the report cards. The PTO will also put it on the board outside.
Kathy reported that Mrs. Hunter would like volunteers on Fridays for her 2nd & 3rd class periods (8:05am till 10:45am) and her 7th & 8th class periods (1:15pm till 2:55pm). The volunteers would help her math students with tileing.

MMS will hold their open house on August 19th (6:00pm till 7:30pm).

Discuss at next meeting if members would like to have an evening meeting or not!

Mr. Bell thank everyone for their involvement in the PTO and volunteering for special activities. He also went on about how MMS is doing academically. MMS received no recognition last school year, however, there are certain circumstances which are beyond the schools control. He did report that MMS has progressed each year and is receiving higher test scores. There are many factors which determine a schools overall progress and MMS performance is very good.

Next meeting will be at 11:45am in Heather Shields classroom on Sept. 11, 2003!