Meeting Minutes: Feb. 14, 2011

SEHS Parent Council 

Minutes for Feb. 14, 2011 Meeting

The meeting was originally scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 9 but was moved to Feb. 15 because two students drowned the weekend before and members of the Steering Committee asked that the meeting date be moved to a later date. Cary Hancock and Helen Beardsworth reviewed the By-Laws and determined that the by-laws permitted a meeting with a majority of the Steering Committee as long as no “significant” business was enacted. (This includes voting on the budget or elections.) The attendees agreed with this interpretation and the meeting commenced.

The meeting was attended by Kathy Barnes, Helen Beardsworth, Randy Bernstein, Cary Hancock, Michelle Pellitier and Jen Wyld.

The original agenda was distributed during the meeting but a number of topics were deferred to the March 2 ,2011 meeting.

Reports

Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Barnes gave an abbreviated financial report. Scrip is on target for the year. She reported that $150 was available in a miscellaneous category which could be used if the Parent Council decided to approve Stand for Children’s request that the SEHS Parent Council pay for half the bus to the Rally for Schools to Salem for Feb. 21.

Scrip Report: Helen Beardsworth briefly reported that she is stepping down as scrip coordinator and will be replaced by 2 or 3 volunteers. Vicki Silvers has agreed to coordinate eScrip and Lallie McKenzie has agreed to coordinate paper scrip. Cecile Blum may also help with scrip coordination.

Principal’s Report: Randy Bernstein started with a report on the memorials, tributes and schedule changes made as a result of the tragic death of two students over the weekend of Feb. 5.  The opening of Into the Woods was delayed. The outpouring of schools in our local area, and others providing assistance and help has been tremendous.

Randy also reported on the memorial service for Connor Ausland scheduled for 3:00pm that afternoon and included a  procession of teachers and seniors from South to Temple Beth Israel and a live feed at South’s auditorium.

The memorial for Jack Harnsongkram is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 27 at the South Auditorium. The Mr. Axeman pageant parents and others have offered to sponsor a reception after the service in the cafeteria.

The Counseling Team was sifting through offers for help.

The IB Orals were supposed to take place the previous week but the dates were changed in light of the circumstances.

One of our Library Assistants left to take a full time job at the UO Law Library. South is interviewing for her replacement.

The City Council is voting on the proposed income tax tonight. The School Board meets on Feb. 16 to decide whether to support the tax initiative if passed by the City.

Site Council Report: Cary Hancock reported that the SC was working on the School Improvement Plan. The plan has impressive strategies and goals to benefit a wide range of students at South.

Old Business

Online Communication: Cary Hancock has incorporated the suggestions and comments made by people to the draft letter. She will work with Randy Bernstein to find an appropriate time to send the letter by placing them in staff mailboxes at school.

Items Deferred to Next Meeting: Senior Party and PC Budget.

New Business

Salem Rally for Schools: Joy Marshall had a conflict for this date and Helen Beardsworth presented the request by Stand for Children that PC share the cost of the bus for the Rally for Schools on Feb. 21. The request was granted. An enews article will encourage parents to attend and bring students. It will notify them that Parent Council is funding seats on the bus so they don’t have to pay the $10 prompted by the website if they sign up there.

Program on Grief/Post Traumatic Stress for Parents: Helen Beardworth reported on a proposal for Parent Council to add a program on Grief and Post Traumatic Stress for the parent community. Helen Beardsworth will work with Randy Bernstein and the Counseling Team to come up with a panel of speakers. Helen Garrett will take over planning of that meeting. Michelle Pellitier will help by compliling a list of resources available as a handout for the program.

Program on School Financing: Rescheduled to this Wed. Feb. 16 after sports registration.

Next Meeting: March 2, 2011. Agenda items to include:

·      PC Budget

·      Nominations Committee

·      Senior Party