CAPITOL HILL

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

MEETING MINUTES (REVISED AND APPROVED)

MONDAY, November 3, 2003,  7:00 P.M.

PTO President Sara Langworthy called the meeting to order.

Meeting Minutes for the October 3, 2003 PTO meeting were approved by a voice vote.

               Principal's Report: Mr. Mariucci reported that the seventh graders completed the Scranton on-line test which is based on the Minnesota Basic Standards.  The 8th graders may take the test as well as it identifies areas needing help and can assist in determining students' math levels.  At conferences, parents will receive the test  data. 

               Mrs. Mullally is expected to teach 6th grade science through November and Mr. Mariucci is interviewing QUE teachers, to find a replacement for the remainder of the year.  (The QUE Program identifies highly qualified people who would be good teachers and the school district assistas with training costs).

               The Campus computer system will have an option for parents of 6, 7 and 8th graders to monitor their assignments and attendance.  Parents will get a user name and password.  The teachers and staff  vs. junior high girls volleyball game was a great success.

               Site Counsel Report: Carolyn Fisk reported that the Site Council allocated funds for a full-time nurse in response to the parents' concerns voiced at the October 2003 PTO meeting.  There were $90,000 additional funds available as enrollment is 962 instead of the previously projected enrollment of 921 students.

               There are openings in grades 2, 7 and 8.  The Site Council would like to attract more students from the surrounding neighborhood.  Site Council supports the PTO's proposed banner and  mural project.  There is concern about the traffic on McKubin Street where students are picked up and dropped off.  Site council is considering crosswalks, school patrol and other ideas to improve safety. 

               Rondo Neighborhood History Project:  Last year 7th grade History teacher Ms. Oyen   obtained a grant for a professional development plan involving a cross-curricular unit on the history of the Rondo Neighborhood.  With Mr. Podratz, 7th grade English teacher, she purchased class sets of the book, Days of Rondo.  7th graders will research the local history and contact people in the Rondo neighborhood.  Ms. Oyen would like to create a mural with photographs on movable panels.  Ideas suggested included assistance from Ta'Coumba Aiken, who has been an artist-in-residence at Capitol Hill, use of resources at the History Center, and inviting Central Highschool art students to partcipate.  Ms. Woodman and Ms. Oyen will prepare an overall plan, job descriptions, and lists of needed resources to complete the project.

The topic for History Day, March 3, 2004 is  ÒExploration, Encounter, Exchange.Ó. 7th and 8th grade students need mentors and assistance with their projects.  Judges are also needed to volunteer for all or part of the day.

               Cafeteria Noise Project:  Scott Tome, acoustical engineer, examined the Cafeteria and the Gymnasium.  He will present a written report with specific suggestions and cost effective solutions in a few weeks.  Mr. Mariucci will meet with Plant Facility Maintenance shortly and will arrange for work to be done in the Cafeteria.  PTO will do the fundraising for the improvements and will include the project in the Direct Drive letter to parents.  Mr. Mariucci will check what the OSHA maximum noise levels are for worker safety.  Fire marshals will not allow anything but fire retardant panels on the walls, like those in the gym.  Tiles could reduce the noise reverberation.

               Parents noted that the whistle is still used in the cafeteria in contravention of the prior agreement to use a microphone or bullhorn.  The whistle hurts children's ears.  Mr. Mariucci stated that he will follow up on the situation.

Announcements:

               *the 4th, 5th , and 6th Grade Family Fun Night is on November 13 at 6 to 8 PM. 

               * The School Directory is complete, with addendum.

               *Julie Markel continues to promote box tops for education.  There will be raffle drawings in December and February.  Mr. Mariucci will dye his hair purple if the $1,200  goal is met.

The next PTO Meeting will be on Monday, December 1, 2003 at 7:00 P.M.   

The business meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.   

Respectfully submitted by Andrea Hauser

During the second hour, ideas for the Welcoming Initiative were discussed:

            I.  Bulletin Boards will be placed on bare concrete walls in hallways.  Topics could include teacher bios, information about Capitol Hill with photographs of events, extra-curricular activities, clubs, etc....  Responsibility for boards could be delegated to specific groups within Capitol Hill.  Mr. Mariucci can put in a work order for the boards and the District can put them up.

            II.  Map of the School: Someone with map designing skill could direct students with this project.