PTSA President Carole Brand called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. In attendance were the members of the PTSA Executive Board:
Vice-Presidents: Susan Kitt, Ann Gerhart
Secretary: Deborah Dokken
Treasurer: Lucy Swartz
Cluster Reps: Charlotte Fremaux, Peggy Schwartz
MCCPTA Reps: Alice Burr, Sarah Beck
NAACP Rep: Donna Atkinson

Several committee chairs were also in attendance.

Budget
Lucy Swartz highlighted the fact that the PTSA still needs to raise almost $30,000 for the 2005-6 budget. A number of strategies were suggested, including sending a letter to parents reviewing the budget needs, distributing PTSA membership forms at grade-level peer meetings, and exploring the possibility of on-line credit card payment for PTSA membership and contributions.

MCCPTA
MCCPTA Reps, Alice Burr and Sarah Beck, reported on three recommendations which will be voted on at the upcoming Delegates’ Assembly: (1) regulations for educational facilities planning, (2) use of student directories for school communication only, and (3) additional of a May meeting for the Delegates’ Assembly. B-CC’s PTSA leadership empowered our representatives to vote affirmatively on all three.

A report summarizing the work/activities of all key committees was distributed to everyone. Additional discussion centered on the following topics:

BCCnet
Based on recommendations from Ardoth Hassler, the PTSA leadership
decided to take no new action regarding use of BCCnet. Periodic reminders will continue to be sent out about respectful use, etc.

Student Recognition Committee
This committee, headed by Diana Ditto, Carrie Bazyluk, and Cindy Gray, will be featured during the business portion of the PTSA meeting.

International Connections Committee
This new committee, headed by Leah Barrett and Rosabel Goodman-Everard will help create consciousness about B-CC as an international community. Possible activities include speakers and Brown Bag lunches with topics like the Iraq War, nuclear proliferation. On 10/27/05, there will be a meeting for international parents to explain MCPS and other school/academic structures and processes.

Clothing for B-CC Students
Occasionally, it comes to the attention of the PTSA that individual students need clothing. In the past, contributions have been solicited on a case-by-case basis. In order to respond more consistently, Amanda Manheim will explore other possibilities, including identifying parents who have connections to stores like Target, Walmart, etc.

October 18, 2005 , Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, PTSA Meeting, held in the Choral Room at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School

Business Meeting

PTSA President Carole Brand called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. In attendance were Principal Sean Bulson and Assistant Principals Kevin Lowndes and Angela Kessler, the PTSA officers and several committee chairs, and parents.

Treasurer Lucy Swartz briefly discussed the 2005-6 budget and the need to raise an additional $30,000 through dues, contributions, and fundraising activities.

Carole Brand reminded all participants that a report summarizing the work/activities of all key committees was available.

The work of the new Student Recognition Committee was then quickly reviewed. At a variety of events, students will be recognized in the following three categories: Principal’s Honor Roll for a 4.0 GPA, Perfect Attendance, and Students of the Month selected by departments. In response to a suggestion that the categories be expanded to recognize more students, Mr. Bulson said that the goal was to make the new program manageable in its first year. An evaluation will be done at the end of the year and changes could be introduced for 2006-7.

Program

The program portion of the PTSA meeting focused on two areas: Grading and Reporting and Maryland School and High School Assessments.

Grading and Reporting
Following the brief business meeting, Nancy Leopold, B-CC parent and Guidance Advisory Chair, together with Principal Sean Bulson discussed the new standards-based Grading and Reporting policy and its implementation at B-CC. Because of the complexities of the policy and its three areas of (1) reteaching/reassessment, (2) homework, and (3) grading, parents are encouraged to check the MCPS website (www.mcps.k12.md.us) which has a number of documents outlining the standards-based grading and reporting system. Nancy Leopold also wrote an excellent update about Grading and Reporting which was published in the September/October 2005 issue of the Banter. In that same issue, Sean Bulson commented on grading and reporting at B-CC and emphasized the need for effective communication. To read these articles, check the B-CC website (www.mcps.k12.md/us/schools/bcchs).

Maryland High School Assessments (HSAs) and the Maryland School Assessments (MSAs)
Assistant Principal Angela Kessler presented information about the assessments. The HSAs are tests in four core subjects: English 10, government, algebra/data analysis, and biology. Students take each test as they complete the relevant course. Most students will take the tests in the spring. For the small number of students who complete the 2nd semester of relevant courses in January, HSAs and MSAs will be given on January 9, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 17th in 2006.

Ms. Kessler highlighted an important change in the HSAs this year: students graduating in 2009 (i.e., this year’s 9th graders) will be required to pass the HSA exams in order to graduate. Detailed information on the HSAs and other testing is available on the MCPS website, www.mcps.k12.md.us.

Closing

President Carole Brand reminded parents about upcoming events:

Next PTSA Meeting, November 15, 2005
The program will focus on the college process.

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah Dokken
PTSA Secretary