LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL PARENT ASSOCIATION Meeting Minutes September 9, 2014 The September 9, 2014 meeting of the La Salle High School Parent Association was called to order at 6:37 pm with Tony Delgatto as chair. Tony welcomed and thanked everyone for their attendance. Attendance: Total in attendance was 128 (does not include PA board, LSHS faculty or staff) Opening Prayer (Deacon Steve Marsh) Welcome & Introduction (Tony Delgatto) Welcomed all on behalf of Dr. Gray and Brother Brady Thanked Angela McLaren for Hospitality Introduced PA Association Board Introduced Booster Presidents Treasurer’s Report (Jacky Samartin) Ended last school year great with over $12,000 Had to bring amount down to $3000 range so allocations were as follows: - 2 emergency charging stations - tables for dining hall - donation to San Miguel scholarship - donation to general fund Ending balance $3,277.12 President’s Report (Dr. Richard Gray) Welcomed by saying “Happy New Year!” and said it is always a new year when students return to campus. Discussed that they are always improving facilities and programs (over the summer the gym locker rooms were renovated and new carpet was laid in the school hallways ). Discussed delight of parents due to reduced book cost. Going forward (not officially yet) with S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics). 1 Student Highlight (Katelyn Stone) Discussed “Wipe Out Cancer” service project which she started after being inspired by family and friends with cancer, including her mother and grandmother. Focuses on all cancers - more on awareness than fundraising. Cheer team helped put together towel wipes that were passed out at Dodger games to raise awareness. “Light the Night Walk” will take place on November 8 in Santa Clarita. Future ideas include St. Balderick’s, cancer walks, etc. Principal’s Report (Brother Christopher Brady) Thanked all for their time and thanked Katelyn for her presentation and mentioned that he himself is a cancer survivor and said that when students have an interest and passion, it is supported. Parent Newsletter is a great place for information. Students are busy at work and are monitored all of the time. iPad program was chosen after looking at a whole variety of tools mentioned there is no perfect tool available and there have been “bumps” along the way; the addition of Blackboard has made the program an even better tool. Told parents that there are no secrets at La Salle - parents are welcome to come see what is happening at school. Mentioned changes to uniform look wonderful. Feature Presentation (Edgar Salmingo and Roy Chang) Discussed benefits of iPad program (i.e., can submit assignments and watch lessons from anywhere). Everyone is learning together and they are there to help students and parents. Technology is used where appropriate and, if not, traditional methods are used; they are not just using technology, but instead using technology in innovative ways that matter. Want to adopt “learning through video” method (instructional videos from various sources – some faculty record their own instructional videos). Mentioned “flipped classroom” method – students can have more fun and hands-on learning experiences, especially for science (more labs), because students can watch instructional videos at home. Walked parents through Blackboard (slide show) and mentioned that many colleges use Blackboard so La Salle students will benefit from early introduction to it; also mentioned that they are slowly rolling out parent log-ins for Blackboard. 2 Booster Reports Academics (Shaya Akobian) Mentioned that Mr. Salmingo attends all meetings and provides academic updates. Wish lists (specific to academics) are accepted by board and then discussed at meetings for consideration of funding. 90% of hospitality at La Salle is provided by Academic Boosters. Meetings are once a month directly after PA meeting (7:30pm) in the library. Athletic (John Cina) Mentioned that they are trying to do a little every year to improve the field (stadium). Recent improvements (top level of bleachers are all aluminum now, platforms were added for handicapped and other users who might have trouble navigating the bleacher steps, added wind screen, ordered 14 La Salle spirit flags which will “fly” at top of stadium). Friday, September 12, is grandparents’ night – grandparents can park free. Can always use volunteers for Friday football games. Arts (Esmeralda Garcia) Focus is on supporting visual and performing arts. Support financially by purchasing sheet music, supplies, and equipment. Art students perform at different La Salle functions. Committee Reports Student Life (Ed O’Conner was not in attendance - Tony Delgatto reported) Discussed freshman retreat (September 9 and 10, 2014). Parent in attendance mentioned that parents of juniors and seniors should start looking into signing up for retreats. Fall Gift Gathering Party (Ellen Radle/Lisa Rico) Crystal Ball will be held on May 8, 2015 – the theme is “Disco Fever” – tickets are $125 per person up until March 31, 2015. With the purchase of a ticket you get 10 service hours. All proceeds go to the school. Last year $96,000 was raised for scholarships. First fundraiser (Fall Gift Gathering Party) will be held on Saturday, September 20, with a country western theme. Minimum donation is $25. Food (Stone Fire Grill) and alcohol are included. Dance instructor will have students in attendance teaching line dancing. This is an adult event. One service hour is received for attendance. 3 eScrip (Michelle Hardy) No cost fundraisers – made $11,500 last school year. Information is on La Sale website. Register your Ralphs card and/or Target Red Card (get one service hour). Amazon Smile is new this year. When making purchases on Amazon, instead of going to Amazon.com, go to Smile.Amazon.com and a percentage will go to the school. Service Hours (Tara Milton was not in attendance - Marianne Wright reported) 20 service hours are required for each family, however, you are not limited to 20. Over 20 is fabulous – the more volunteer hours the better because it helps with school grants. Must sign in at meetings, in addition to reporting hours on parent volunteer website. Upcoming Events Rose Court Tryouts – Sept. 13 & 15 – Tournament of Roses House Fall Gift Gathering Party “Country Western Night” – Sept. 20, 7pm College Fair at St. Francis HS – Sept. 22, 7pm Lancer Golf Tournament – Oct. 13, 11am, Glendale C.C. Parent Teacher Conferences – Oct 2. SAT & Subject Tests – Oct. 11 Adjournment With no more business to be brought to the Board, the Parent Association meeting was adjourned at 7:43pm. Respectfully Submitted By: Angela Beddawi Parent Association Secretary September 9, 2014 4