Mariemont Junior High PTO
Meeting Minutes – March 18, 2015
I.
Call to Order
Nan Dill
Nan Dill called the meeting to order at 9:06am, and welcomed the board
members and guests (10 total) in attendance.
II.
District Update
Molly Connaughton
Ms. Connaughton provided a district update on behalf of Mr. Estepp who was
unable to attend the meeting. She discussed the District-wide K-12 Arts Audit
that recently began. Mariemont Schools are working with the Ohio Alliance Arts
Education to evaluate the current arts programs offered within the district.
Consultants will obtain feedback from students, parents and teachers through a
multi-step approach, through the end of this school year. They will compile the
information into a formal report, which hopefully will be released this summer.
This audit will help the District develop a comprehensive multi-year
implementation of any changes or updates to our current art programs.
Principal’s Report
III.
Molly Connaughton
Ms. Connaughton led a discussion regarding the curriculum at Mariemont Junior
High. She is actively seeking feedback on the current courses offered at the
Junior High from parents, teachers and board members. Attendees suggested
the following items to be considered by JH administration:

Health/Wellness Course – Parents would like to see a 1 quarter course
offered to students that would include health, wellness & nutrition
concerns for junior high age children. The JH used to offer a course
called “Respect.”

Studio Arts – Currently there are no studio “hand-on” arts classes offered
at the Junior High. Parents would like to see administrators evaluate the
option to bring these art courses back to the JH, this may/may not include
evaluating the current Digital Arts and Music Requirement so students
have an open bell for studio art.

Language – Seventh graders currently take one quarter of Intro to Latin,
and one quarter of Global Studies, an introduction to Spanish & Chinese.
Parents feel it would be beneficial for 7th graders to have at least one
quarter of Spanish to build on the Spanish program currently offered in the
Elementary schools. Since students are asked to choose a language to
study in 8th grade, perhaps these intro to language 7th grade classes could
also include a career/ life connection for why students would choose
different languages.

Digital Arts – Evaluate the need for four quarters of Digital Arts for all
Junior High students. Parents feel their children could probably learn the
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necessary items in one or two quarters. Possibly offer digital arts as an
elective, so students could choose studio art if they wish.

IV.
PE Waiver for JH Students – Many of the JH students participate in a
school sponsored sport, and wondered if JH students needed the one
quarter of gym a year. Could this also be an elective? Administration
could ask teachers if they notice changes in activity levels of students in
quarters with and without gym.
Counselor Report
Amy Skinner
Courses for Next Year: Teachers & students are currently working on course
recommendations and scheduling for next year. Verification forms will be printed
next week and sent home for final course review. These forms require a parent
signature. Students may have a chance to revisit course selections in May with
Mrs. Skinner. All questions related to courses should be directed to Mrs. Skinner.
Courage Retreat: This was a great day for the 7th Graders! They participated in
skits, team building, in addition to a fun dance competition. There will be a few
follow-up activities with the children at school.
School Climate Activities: Mrs. Skinner is working with the student climate
committee to select a couple additional activities for this year.
State Testing: Another round of testing is currently scheduled for the end of April.
More information will be sent to parents as we get closer to the testing date.
Amy answered several questions about the testing. She noted that the students
test scores will be combined, and also that multiple districts experienced login
issues possibly due to so many children taking the test at the same time.
V.
JH Parent FAQ Sheet
Nan Dill
Several board members and parents met this month, compiling ideas for a Junior
High Parent FAQ sheet. This information was printed in a draft form and
distributed at the meeting. Attendees were asked to review this sheet and
provide feedback. We would like to have a completed document by the end of
the school year.
V.
Committee Reports
Nan Dill
The snack bar has been profitable again this year, and they will donate all extra
items at the end of the school year for use on the DC field trip.
The JH Night Out was a great event! Molly thanked all of those that contributed
& volunteered for the event.
Robyn Forbes discussed the upcoming movie fundraiser on Sat. March 21st at
the Mariemont Theater. This is another opportunity for students raise money for
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the 8th grade Washington DC trip. T-shirt sales and a car wash are also
scheduled for the spring.
VI. Treasurer’s Report
Sarah Grimmer
Sarah provided the attached Treasurer’s Report for review.
Foundation Donation: Sarah discussed the importance of supporting the
Foundation’s endeavors. Currently, the Foundation has raised approximately
$2,000 for the new Node Classroom furniture. As Treasurer of the PTO, Sarah
made a recommendation that the PTO donate $3,000 to the Foundation for this
purpose. After discussion, a motion was made by Dina Wilder, and seconded by
Jeri Gatch, to make a $3,000 contribution to the Foundation for Node Classroom
furniture.
VII.
Minutes / Adjournment
Upon motion by Jeri Gatch, and seconded by Sarah Grimmer, the January 2015
minutes were approved. The meeting was adjourned at 10:38am.
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