[before writer arrived, the Executive Board was voted upon and included Nicole Roberts and Susan Soloman as Co-Presidents of the PTSA this year.]

Nicole Roberts welcomed all to the PTSA meeting. The proposed budget was presented by Nicole and Richard King, the PTSA treasurer. Discussion followed with several in attendance suggesting possible changes to communications (such as sending more e-mails and fewer paper copies of the newsletter). The budget passed with the majority of voters responding yes.

Nicole spoke about priorities PTSA hoped to attend to this year including community outreach and school lunch exploration.

Susan Soloman spoke about membership and the benefits of getting involved in PTSA. She related that the dues ($10 adults, $5 students) paid make up the majority of the income the PTSA uses for its programs. She voiced appreciation for the increase in UHS staff membership and encouraged anyone who cares for an UHS student to consider joining. Susan speaks highly about the new PTSA student representatives saying they have already been an active part of the PTSA. Several are volunteering at the PTSA booth this evening. Susan invited all to continue coming to PTSA meetings, that there will four or five meetings in the year, and the business portions will be short and usually preceeded by an informational speaker. She recommended that people sign up on our contact list, even if not formally joining.

Susan spoke about several PTSA committee chairs that could be contacted with offers of help: Mary Klein (volunteer) and Angie Dimit (staff appreciation and special events food).

Nicole introduced our new principal, Laura Taylor.

Respectfully submitted by Sue Keller.

Susan Solomon welcomed all to the meeting and asked for the following reports:

1)Committee Reports
Hospitality Angie Dimit had organized things well for the school. There was plenty of food and leftovers. Staff and PTSA appreciated the many volunteers who made it happen. UHS student reps. Hannah Cao, Emma Gibbens, and Mary Kimball were thanked.
Volunteer Mary Klein related that UHS now has its own volunteer coordinator or committee. Mary will get names she has collected to the UHS staff who are organizing classroom volunteers.
Membership We currently have 91 members. Susan S. stated that some more members have signed up using the form from the website. Susan will make it a priority to get registration issues set before the next school year. A suggestion was made to organize a communal PTA table with all Urbana Schools so that it could be in the main registration room. Susan expressed an interest in recognizing staff that have joined PTSA. Ideas included a star on their door for conferences and/or a list of staff at the spring conference dinner. Laura Taylor felt that recognition would be fine for staff. Cope Cumpston suggested that PTSA consider advertising in the school paper, The Echo.
Treasurer Richard King reports that there has been $ 835 in income this fall and
$ 480.29 in expenses for a current balance of $ 1960.

2) Principal Report
Laura Taylor stated that the district e-mail server is back up but e-mails should be resent if no reply as some may have been lost. The school held a luncheon for families involved in outreach at UMS and UHS. Few were in attendance and Laura said the next step will be for staff to do home visits. She will begin collaborative work with the youth minister at Urbana Assembly of God as he works with many Urbana students.

3) Projects
Reflections Alice McGinty has begun the Reflections program and the deadline will be 12/15/06. She answered questions about the program and has her contact information on the entry forms.
Communications Susan S. started an e-mail group that will make communication easier for members and volunteers who use e-mail. Laura has agreed to allow the PTSA to mail out informational material with the school mailings. Up to four pages can be sent at the same rate as one page.
By-Laws Sue Keller proposed an updated version of the UHS PTSA by-laws. It was approved with the caveat that the executive board can review in detail before signing.

4) Cope Cumpston, Urbana School Board member, was in attendance and reminded all that elections are coming up for multiple board positions. She also announced that Piper Harvey, Aramark Food Service Director, will be at the first December board study session.

Respectfully submitted by Sue Keller.

6:30 p.m. Meeting called to order, Susan Solomon presiding.
In attendance: Hannah Cao (Junior Class Representative), Piper Harvey (Director of Aramark Food Service), Sue Keller (Secretary), Richard King (Treasurer), Nicole Roberts , and Laura Taylor (Principal), Andy Wilk.

President Report
Susan related that Angie Dimit, Hospitality chair, is stepping down after many years of amazing service in the PTSA position that currently demands the most time and energy. Angie will be greatly missed in that position and we thank her for all of her hard work. Staff, PTSA, and the administration have all appreciated the benefit of wonderful meals an snacks for important school events. The PTSA will be working to honor all of Angie’s efforts. We will be looking for someone to work in that position for the remainder of this school year and next.

Treasurer Report

Richard King reports a current balance of $ 1797.14, of which roughly $1000 is already allotted for known expenses. With $352 of $500 having been reimbursed for hospitality, and current expenditures not submitted yet, we expect to spend more than the $500. With Grace Mitchell and the school doing much of the community engagement work, the PTSA voted to transfer the $480 from that line item to hospitality.

Principal Report

Laura Taylor related that communication between teachers and families is still a top priority and it is hampered by a lack of class phones. She again suggests that PTSA explore ways to improve the possibilities of better communication.

Communications
* we received a kind thank you note regarding the staff meals from Sarah Cardiff (UHS art teacher)
* State PTA convention will be in Champaign this year-April 26-29. For more information: www.illinoispta.org/2007IllinoisPTAConvention.html
* National PTA convention will be in St. Louis June 28-July 1. For more information: www.pta.org/ne_conference_details_1116942630843.html
Susan encourages people to attend, especially since both are so close in proximity to us this year.

Projects
Reflections Sue Keller will send Carol Godoy a copy of the District 10 winners to attach to the website.

2007-2008 Planning Nicole Roberts suggests conducting a needs assessment to drive focus for next year. Susan S. suggests having staff compile a wish list and Laura says that would be possible and appreciated. Sue K. expresses a wish to dovetail our volunteer efforts with great ones already in existence at the school. Networking with other parent and student groups is seen as essential. Andy Wilk brings up an idea for PTSA to become an umbrella group and have other school group leaders report to us. Though interesting in theory, some staff and parents present expressed concern that it adds a step to already busy school leaders.

Richard, Susan, and Sue have formed a nominating committee and we are looking for interested individuals for many open positions for 2007-2008.

The business meeting is adjourned and we have an informal and interactive talk with Piper Harvey about food service at UHS. The main points Piper makes are that
* she and staff are continually improving the nutrition and taste of the food
* she wants feedback and ideas from students and families and has already made changes based on the ideas from the survey in the fall
* they have to, and do, maintain a less than 30% average fat content and there is no transfat
* they are moving to 100% whole wheat bread and pizza crust
* Piper is inspired by, and learning from, a model program in Appleton, WI (www.organicconsumers.org/school/hopkins21705.cfm%20) which is offering healthier fare that children are enjoying.
* a constant balance is trying to offer the healthiest food that children will eat.
Piper listened to input from members present and gave the following handouts:
Child and School Lunch: What You Need to Know & Beyond the Stereotypes: Facts about School Lunches.

Respectfully submitted by Sue Keller.