B-CC HIGH SCHOOL PTSA MEETING MINUTES

January 20, 2004

Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, PTSA Meeting, held in the Media Room at Bethesda Chevy Chase.

The BCC PTSA president, Paula Ott, called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. 

Those in attendance were: Katy Harvey, Paula Ott, San Dee Ostrach, Carole Brand, Peggy Robbins, Aaiha van der Mengbragghe, Deborah Dokken, Julie Heaney, Bob Loesche, Pam Feinstein, Amy Ross, Denise Pernick, Chris Foland, Ellen Gerecht, Suzanne Richman, Debbie Jaffe & Chantel Greene.

Treasurer’s Report:  Bob Loesche distributed a cash in/cash out and a financial report (attached.)  He noted that the listed “music department” money and the “scholarship” money are pass-through monies and not PTSA money.  The PTSA received $310 in dues, $120 in contributions, $52,350 in Giant Gift Cards (minus $48,200 in costs associated with the fundraiser), $525 in bricks and $9 in interest and other.  We incurred $62 in dues expenses, $48,200 in Giant Gift Card expenses, $53 for an alum. Breakfast, $770 for staff appreciation, and other costs as noted on the cash in/cash out statement.

            Paula Ott asks each committee chair to double check the PTSA budget against their expenses to date to make sure each committee is on target.

Principal’s Report:  Katy Harvey reported that BCC has begun its registration process for the 2004/2005 school year.  BCC counselors have been over to Westland and handed out the Registration Guide and spoken with the students.  Expected enrollment for next school year is expected to be ~ 1,700 students, which means more teachers will be required to “float” (move from classroom to classroom rather than have an assigned room all day.)  The student parking process has been revamped and should be easier in the future.  The final exam schedule is moving along well, and students seem to be doing well.

            Christine Foland (Head of Counseling Dpt. At BCC):  Registration started in December.  We’ve spoken with incoming 9^th graders, have explained H.S. terminology, the courses they are expected to take.  We will visit 9^th grade at BCC on January 30^th, 10^th grade on February 2^nd, and 11^th grade on February 3^rd.  Registration forms are due back Friday, February 13^th.

            Katy Harvey then called our attention to the revised Registration Guide.  Her letter on page 2 of the guide lists important dates for the registration process.  Also, you’ll note there are several alum. Bios throughout the guide that feature recent BCC graduates, what college they are currently attending and the coursework they took while at BCC.  A Q & A session followed.

Book Sale:  Paula Ott thanked Barbara Levine and Pat Gague for their work on the Used Book Sale.  Don’t forget to come out on Feb 1^st and buy your books.

Speaker Betsy Brown:  Dr. Frank Stetson introduced our speaker on the topic of the New Grading and Reporting Policy, Betsy Brown (MCPS employee and co-chair on the Grading and Reporting Workgroup.)  Detailed information on the new policy can be found at www.mcps.k12.md.us/info/grading and questions can be sent to questions@fc.mcps.12.md.us.  A draft summary of information was handed out during the presentation and is attached to these minutes.  IN SUMMARY:

Ø     There is a six-year rollout plan for the new policy implementation.

Ø     A handbook is currently being complied, and the first part (covering implementation scheduled for 2004/2005) should be available in June.  

Ø     The new policy is “standards based” and is designed to ensure that grades give meaningful information about student achievement and carry academic meaning only.   

Giant Report:  Pam Feinstein reported that we have earned $2,500 in Bonus Bucks and $5,500 in Gift Card money.

After Prom:  Peggy Robbins reported that we need some 10^th and 11^th grade parents to help with the after prom party, to be held at Dave & Busters from 1:30 to 5:30 following the Senior Prom at BCC.  After Prom is designed to provide a fun, safe environment for seniors to go after their prom ends.  Last year the majority of kids came to the after prom and stayed.  We need lots of donations for door prizes, etc, and we need lots of parent involvement.  It’s lots of fun.

Music Boosters:  Carole Brand reminds us that the Music Gala is coming up on February 7^th and February 21^st is the Cabaret fundraiser.

Final Notes: 

Ø     There is a Thornton Funding education rally on January 26^th.

Ø     Summer Academy is looking for individual and corporate donations to support our cluster students this summer.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Chantel Greene, Secretary