Owings Mills High School PTSA Minutes

Executive Board Meeting Minutes

2008-09 academic year: September | October
2007-08 academic year: February | April | May

OMHS PTSA Minutes for October 1, 2008 (Approved)

CALL TO ORDER: Gary Peisach, President, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Owings Mills High school library.

ROLL CALL: In attendance were Gary Peisach, Diane Garbarino, Barbara Korenblit, Symone Sutton, Jacqui Sutton, Rachel Raphael, Sulena Long, Francine Selzer, Denise Cotto, Cathleen Spadea, Lori and Joe O’Donnell, Wendy Lansing, Elise Jaffe, Karen Oppenheimer, Pam Solomon, Renee Kimmel, Roberta Siskind, Harriet Brilliant, Dave Pyser, Nancy Narod, Tiyonda Dedmon, Patricia Moy, Angela Hopkins.

MINUTES (Rachel Raphael): minutes from 9/3/08 were approved.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT (Gary Peisach):

Basket Bingo, which accounts for half of PTSA revenue, still needs a chair.
Arts Boosters needs volunteers to help with “Reflections”; last year there were no submissions.
Alan and Heidi Kauffman agreed to work on re-qualifying OMHS for the National PTSA School of Excellence Award.

TREASURER'S REPORT (Symone Sutton): Membership and donations total just over $3,000 to date. Expenses for September were $102.

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT (Diane Garbarino):

This Saturday Seniors will take SAT tests; A Connect Call went out tonight.
PSAT Testing for college bound Juniors is 10/15; Cost $13 due Friday.
Tuesday 10/14 a pre-operating budget hearing will be held at Randallstown Elementary School. Sign in 6:30, and meeting at 7 p.m. Two main concerns are staffing (guidance and art departments), and equipment (cameras and computers) for our school. We have been successful in the past at having our needs met when well represented by student and faculty presenters at this meeting.
This year is a self-study accreditation year, and next year an evaluation year (every 7 years) for school survey and improvement plan.
10/16 is Parent Conference Night by appointment with teachers.
Next week is HSA Testing for 11th and 12th graders.
Next week is also Spirit Week, with a pep rally planned for Friday and Homecoming Game Friday night. Powder Puff game is Tues. night 10/7.
Caron Glassman (dedicated parent of former OMHS students) died recently, as did Mrs. Peters, the mother of a new OMHS student.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

MEMBERSHIP (Sulena Long): We are roughly just over half of membership goal dollars compared to last year. We would like to have a membership drive in October (advertised on Eagle TV) with a prize drawing for homeroom with the most members.
BASKET BINGO (Francine Selzer-organizer): Thanks to Gary for the solicitation letter for prizes for Basket Bingo to be held Feb. 7. We need help with various committees such as prizes, game cards, food, set up and clean up, etc.
HEALTH AND WELFARE (Cathleen Spadea for Cindy Wasserman): Prep for HSA and SAT testing is underway. End of semester grading is taking place. New mums were planted outside, and school is being painted. SADD Gianni's order arrives tomorrow 10/2. Penny War (to raise money for Tri-M and the winning class) starts tomorrow and runs next week.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES REPORTS

SAFE HOMES (Barbara Korenblit): Met tonight before the PTSA meeting. A proposed topic is Teen Depression, perhaps for the March PTSA meeting. Maryland passed a law with stricter penalties for parents who serve alcohol to minors under 21 ($2,500 for 1st offense, $5,000 for 2nd offense).
SPORTS BOOSTERS (Joe O’Donnell): Bull Roast to be held at Hannah More November 14. The new fence is working well, and Sports Boosters has been able to collect admission for games. Season Passes for Sports Boosters members are available for purchase through Jeff Mann. Powder Puff will cost $1 per person admission to be split evenly between the Junior and Senior classes.
ARTS BOOSTERS (Karen Oppenheimer): Car wash was successful and raised around $600. Fuddruckers Nite is Monday 10/6, 5-8 PM. Fall concert is Tues 10/14 at 7 PM with Arts Boosters meeting before at 6 PM. Patrons are needed for booklet at programs throughout the year. AMC Bowling cards are available at no charge (bowl one game free, with $1 per card benefiting Arts Boosters).
CLASS LIAISONS: For 9th grade, we have 3 new volunteers: Elise Joffe, Roberta Siskind, and Wendy Lansing. For 10th grade, Tina Mazer will be liaison, and for 11th grade, Denise Cotto and Symone Sutton will serve as liaisons. Jacqui Sutton, 11th grader, reported that Juniors have practiced for Powder Puff, and tee-shirts are coming next week. For 12th graders, Nancy Narod and Roberta Siskind reported on a successful Qudoba night last week, and gift cards are on sale until Friday 10/3.

NEW BUSINESS

8TH GRADE OPEN HOUSE: Thursday 10/23 at 6:30 PM, PTSA volunteers will greet at the front door. Cake and food will be provided in the lobby, and various clubs will be represented.
CARON GLASSMAN MEMORIUM: PTSA would like to honor Caron Glassman's memory; suggestions were made for a plaque in her name to honor parent volunteers, a student scholarship in her name, etc.
EAGLE PRIDE: Ideas were discussed for building beautification projects, such as mirrors, banners, an eagle mascot costume, outdoor message board, etc.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: See agenda sheet for a list of upcoming activities for month of October.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Next meeting will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 7:15 in the school library.

Respectfully submitted by Rachel A. Raphael, Recording Secretary

OMHS PTSA Minutes for September 3, 2008 (Approved)

CALL TO ORDER: Gary Peisach, President, called the first PTSA meeting of the 2008-2009 school year to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Owings Mills High school library.

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS: In attendance were Gary Peisach, Diane Garbarino, Barbara Korenblit, Lori and Joe O'Donnell, Francine and Natalie Selzer, Cathleen Spadea, Symone and Jacqui Sutton, Dana Feldman, Tiffany Bradshaw, Karen Oppenheimer, Angela Hopkins, Roberta Siskind, Nancy Narod, Sherri Kassimir, Helen Glazer Marcus, Michael Fine, Stacy Stern, Tina Mazor, Betsy Peisach, Diane Lahn, Rachel Raphael, Elise Joffe, Harriet Brilliant, Jane Silver, Donna Millman, Sulena Long.

MINUTES: As this was the first meeting of the new school year, there were no minutes to read or approve.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT (Gary Peisach):
• The PTSA Executive Board officers met several times over the summer and put together a proposed budget for the '08-09 school year, for approval at the Back to School night next week (9/11).
• The 9th Grade Orientation last week went well. At that event, Gary encouraged PTSA membership and the need for involvement of incoming parents, as many of our Senior parents will graduate and leave vacant positions.
• We need to increase PTSA membership this year! Last year less than 20% of our parents joined. This year, as an added incentive, (thanks to Rachel Raphael), those who join the PTSA can receive a 20% discount on Waldies, our new corporate sponsor.

TREASURER'S REPORT (Symone Sutton): Reviewed the proposed '08-'09 budget, which projects a budgeted deficit of about $900, but with a carry over balance of over $2,000 to more than cover us. We budgeted $2,000 for Teachers' Wish List this year and $100 to the new Arts Boosters. We need lots of help with Basket Bingo, our biggest fund raiser. The budget was tentatively approved tonight.

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT (Diane Garbarino):
• 9th grade Orientation 8/21/08 was successful; parents and students enjoyed the student-led tours and found them helpful.
• Class of 2009 is the first class that must meet HSA requirements to graduate. OMHS has the lowest percentage of non-passing students in the NW area.
• 9th and 10th graders received the Student Handbook today. 11th and 12th graders will receive them tomorrow. Parents must sign and return two pages.
• 12th graders are buying parking permits, approx. 61 spaces available.
• Thursday 9/11 is Back to School night; PTSA will have a table in the lobby.
• OMHS was featured in the newspaper “Classroom to Community Express” in recognition for their AP involvement and 5th place ranking.
• OMHS welcomes a French foreign exchange student, Pauline Yusman, 11th grader, this year.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

MEMBERSHIP (Sulena Long): We need to increase membership from the 20% of families that joined last year. Encourage families and businesses to join. We will push for memberships at Back to School night.
BASKET BINGO (Francine Selzer-organizer): We still need a chairperson, but Francine will organize committees. The date is February 7 at Hannah More School (Snow date February 21), 1-5 p.m. Flyers went out to middle and high schools. Letters for corporate donations should start going out now!
HOSPITALITY/VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS (Jane Silver & Barbara Deitch): are already working on donations for Teachers & Secretary's Luncheons. Eighth Grade Orientation, a PTSA sponsored event, to be held Thurs 10/23 at 6:30 pm, needs a chairperson.
WEB SITE /eNEWS (Helen Glazer Marcus): Visit OMHSPTSA.org to find updated school calendar, minutes and other useful information. If you wish to receive the e-news (monthly) subscription, contact Helen at info@OMHS.org. Lori O'Donnell will assist Helen this year and take over next year as WebMaster.
HEALTH AND WELFARE (Cathleen Spadea for Cindy Wasserman):
SADD meeting was held today in the beautiful new lecture hall, with nearly 200 students attending!
The school has begun a recycling program; bins are located in classrooms.
Reisterstown Festival will be held this weekend, and our marching band will perform.
34 faculty members have joined the PTSA so far.
OMHS will hold another big Traffic Safety week this year.
Fence for stadium program was approved and is going up. OMHS is on top of the list to receive tennis court and track resurfacing for 2010.
CULTURAL ARTS/ “REFLECTIONS”: National program honoring dance, literature, music, poetry (the Arts), will be taken over and promoted by the new Arts Boosters club.

PTSA OPERATIONS

TELEPHONE SQUAD: Diane Lahn and Joan Hall have it covered.
GIANT/SAFEWAY BONUS: The position is open for a coordinator to promote this program and collect card numbers to earn our school and PTSA contributions from these food chains.
PUBLICITY: Position is open for a chair to promote our school to the press.

PTSA CLASS & FACULTY LIAISONS

The position for 9th grade class liaison is open. Tina Mazer agreed to represent the 10th graders. Symone Sutton is available as liaison for the 11th graders. Nancy Narod and Roberta Siskind for the 12th graders (Class of 2009) reported on upcoming car wash, restaurant night (Qudoba 9/16), and Caribou coffee to be sold at Back to School night.

Jacqui Sutton, Junior Class representative, reported on Class of 2010 upcoming activities like a car wash 9/13 at the Safeway Shell station, and restaurant night, planning for Junior prom.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT TEAM: Position is open for team to meet daytime, 3rd Thursday of each month at 2:30 p.m. and review the plan, make recommendations.
PROJECT SAFE: Faith Gershowitz and Karen Levy have agreed to co-chair this after prom party event.
SAFE HOMES (Barbara Korenblit): Begun 1 ½ years ago, parents agree to sign a contract pledging a drug-free, alcohol-free environment for their children. This OMHS program won a “Top 12” award last year. The group hosts educational and social gatherings. The new contract is simplified and more realistic this year. Please complete a survey for Safe Homes.
SPORTS BOOSTERS (Joe O’Donnell): Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month, and raises money (through concessions and membership) for sports supplies, uniforms, new stadium, etc. Minimum level to join is $50. This year sporting events cost $5 for adults, $3 for students, and $1 for students wearing OMHS clothing.
ARTS BOOSTERS (Karen Oppenheimer): New parent organization whose goal is to raise funds to support the Arts programs at OMHS. First meeting is Tuesday 9/9 at 7 pm in the library. Car wash is Saturday 9/20 at the Safeway Shell station, 1-4 pm. Fuddrucker’s Night is 10/6, 5-8 pm. IHOP Night 11/6, 4 pm until closing.
EAGLE PRIDE: Open for a committee chair.

REGIONAL LIAISONS

NW ADVISORY COUNCIL: Dave Pyser will again hold representative position.
REISTERSTOWN, OWINGS MILLS, GLYNDON (ROG) REPRESENTATIVE: Francine Selzer has agreed to this position.

NEW BUSINESS

• NATIONAL PTA SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE: Two parents have expresses an interest in re-qualifying our school for this honor.
• VOLUNTEER FAIR: Open position.
• ANNOUNCEMENTS: See agenda sheet for a list of upcoming activities for month of September.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Next meeting will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 7:15 in the school library, at which time we will break into groups to brain storm ideas for Basket Bingo, Project Safe, Eagle Pride, etc.

ADDENDUM: PTSA MEETING 9/11/08 AT BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Gary Peisach presented goals and past accomplishments of the OMHS PTSA, and encouraged membership. He also presented (on behalf of Symone Sutton, Treasurer) the proposed 2008-2009 budget. The budget was approved.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Sulena Long, Membership Chair, also urged PTSA membership and its importance.

SPORTS BOOSTERS: Marcie Wendell discussed the current plans and goals of this group, and encouraged membership.

ARTS BOOSTERS: Karen Oppenheimer described the purpose and goals of this new parent organization, open to all.

Respectfully submitted by Rachel A. Raphael, Recording Secretary

PTSA Meeting Minutes for May 7, 2008 (Approved)

CALL TO ORDER
The Owings Mills High PTSA met on Wed. May 7, 2008 in the Library. Sharon Principe called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.

ROLL CALL
Present: Sharon Principe, Diane Garbarino, Cathleen Spadea, Helen G. Marcus, Rachel Raphael, Sulena Long, Gary Peisach, Barbara Korenblit, Jane Silver, Barbara Deitch, Jenna Silver, Rachel Deitch, Symone Sutton, Jacqui Sutton, Nancy Narod, Roberta Siskind, Dave Pyser, Karen Oppenheimer, Alex Patton, Patricia Moy, Lori O’Donnell, Joe O’Donnell

MINUTES
Rachel Raphael, recording secretary, presented the April 2, 2008 minutes. They were approved as written.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Sharon Principe, President):
The OMHS PTSA picked up two trophies and had two members recognized at the "Night of Shining Stars" 2007-2008 PTA Council of Baltimore County Awards Program on April 24. Caron Glassman received a Recognition Award for her dedication and service to our PTSA Basket Bingo Fundraiser. Our teacher liaison Cindy Wasserman received an Educator Award from the PTSA. The trophies were for two of the Top 12 Awards: Best Safety Awareness Program for our Traffic Safety Week, and Best Substance Abuse Program for Safe Homes.

Free workshop for PTSA officers Thurs. 6/12/08 at Loch Raven High School, vendors 6-7 p.m., program 7-9 p.m.
Per e-mail from Marcie Wendell of OMHS Sports Boosters: The Board of Education recommended approval of our lecture hall renovations! Per Principal Diane Garbarino, a pre-construction meeting took place today, with work expected to start late June, and anticipated finish in August or September.

TREASURER’S REPORT (Gary Peisach, Treasurer):
No additional money came into the budget last month, however some payments (i.e. Basket Bingo expenses) went out. Of the annual income total (just over $11,000), we anticipate many end of year expenses to be paid (Naviance, scholarships, teachers’ wish lists, etc.). The two banks we use will be combined into one at Susquehanna Bank, and we expect to carry over approximately $2,500 to next year’s PTSA budget.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT (Diane Garbarino):
During Teacher Appreciation Week, going on this week, teachers enjoyed a luncheon and gifts.

Inductions taking place this week include National Honor Society (5/7), National Art Honor Society, Tri-M ceremonies, Quill and Scrolls (Journalism Honor Society).
Senior Awards Assembly 5/23, and Underclass awards 6/5. Last (half) day of school 6/11.
Board of Education Budget Meeting for Capital Improvements to be held 5/21 (sign in 6 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m.). Students and parents should attend to request improvements to our 29-year-old track and tennis court surfaces.
Red Cross Blood drive today was successful, with around 150 blood donations, only one girl fainting.
May testing: High School Assessments (HSAs) begin week of 5/19. AP testing cycle has begun, and senior exams are taking place in classrooms, as well.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

HOSPITALITY (Barbara Deitch and Jane Silver): Teachers’ Luncheon was today, and a light breakfast will be Friday. Prizes and raffle for 24 teacher massages will be awarded tomorrow. Thanks to all who helped bake!
HEALTH AND WELFARE (Ms. Spadea for Cindy Wasserman): The teachers really appreciated the luncheon today. Thank you!

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES REPORTS

CLASS LIAISONS: Jacqui and Symone Sutton on behalf of the sophomore class, reported elections are being held for class officers. Nancy Narod and Roberta Siskind, on behalf of the junior class, reported that junior prom was successful, and thanked the many helpful parents. Qdoba night 5/20.
NORTHWEST ADVISORY COUNCIL (Dave Pyser): April 15th meeting was well attended for Capitol Budget request 2010. OMHS dominated the room with around 15 people representing our school. Next meeting 5/21 at Towson Board of Education. Owings Mills Times ran a story about our track and student efforts to get improvements.
ARTS BOOSTERS (Karen Oppenheimer): New committee at OMHS to represent the fine arts, theater and music. Third meeting was held tonight. Their mission is to raise funds for the arts programs at OMHS, including replacing the auditorium sound system. Next meeting (with pizza) 5/15 at 6 p.m., before the instrumental music concert.
SPORTS BOOSTERS (Sharon Principe): Sports Banquet and Awards ceremony 5/19. For senior parents, lobby sports plaques can be ordered for $100 donation. Toyota is an interested donor for our stadium funding! The school put together a video on why we need a stadium. Jim Smith proposed a $200,000 budget each to OMHS and to New Town High towards a stadium for each. Bobby Zirkin who attended last month’s Sports Boosters meeting, is pushing for matching funds.

NEW BUSINESS

SLATE OF OFFICERS 2008-2009
(Gary Peisach and Sulena Long, nominating committee):
Proposed nominees: Gary Peisach for President, Francine Seltzer for VP Leadership, Barbara Korenblit for Corresponding Secretary, Rachel Raphael for Recording Secretary, Symone Sutton for Treasurer, and Sulena Long for Membership. The position of VP of Fundraising is open (thanks to Alex Patton for a job well done this past year). Selection of officers 5/15 at General PTSA meeting, and installation of officers Wed. 6/4 at the final PTSA meeting 7:15 p.m., light dinner to be served.

Chairpersons are still needed for Basket Bingo, Project Safe, and a PTSA National Recertifying committee.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
End-of-year announcements (final calendar of events for May to June) are listed on the PTSA Agenda sheet.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Next and final meeting Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. in the OMHS Library.

Respectfully submitted by Rachel A. Raphael, Recording Secretary

PTSA Meeting Minutes for April 2, 2008 (Approved)

CALL TO ORDER
The Owings Mills High PTSA met on Wed. April 2, 2008 in the Library. Sharon Principe called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

ROLL CALL
Present: Sharon Principe, Helen G. Marcus, Rachel Raphael, Joan Hall, Sulena Long, Gary Peisach, Barbara Korenblit, Jane Silver, Barbara Deitch, Symone Sutton, Debbie Paris, Dave Pyser, Alex Patton, Diane Lahn, Andrea Wilson, Cindy Wasserman.

MINUTES Rachel Raphael, recording secretary, presented the March 5, 2008 minutes. They were approved as written.

PRESIDENT�S REPORT (Sharon Principe, President):

Deadline for newsletter is 4/4; email JNovicki@bcps.org.
Northwest Advisory hearing is 4/15 at Woodholme Elementary (signup at 6:30 p.m.); Mrs. Garbarino wants us to focus on improvements to lecture hall and resurfacing of tennis courts and track for fiscal budget year 2010.
PTA Council of Baltimore County will host its annual Recognition Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at Loch Raven High School, 7 p.m.; OMHS submitted several �Top 12� nominees (for outstanding programs and individuals) in time for the deadline.
County Councilman Jim Smith votes on the budget 4/29.

TREASURER�S REPORT (Gary Peisach, Treasurer): Final member count is 208 (under targeted goal). Total income for the year thus far is $11,283, with some end of year expenses still outgoing. Cash in the bank is $4645. Welcome mat (with Eagle logo) was ordered, around $800.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

MEMBERSHIP (Sulena Long): We are at 86% of our goal for membership, but with Sulena�s solicitations, hope to reach 100% of our goal through donations.
HEALTH AND WELFARE (Cindy Wasserman): The state of the school is good! Gymkana assembly was successful; next assemblies will be 4/10 and 4/11 (before Jr. Prom) on �Street Smarts� and making drug free choices.
HOSPITALITY/VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS (Barbara Deitch and Jane Silver): Secretaries Appreciation Day is Thurs. 4/24, and Teachers Appreciation Luncheon is Wed. 5/7. Volunteers are needed to answer phones and bake. This year the plan is to make Teachers Appreciation a week long themed event, and include a breakfast, as well. Looking for grocery store donations and volunteer massage therapist.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES REPORTS

SAFE HOMES (Barbara Korenblit, Chair): Program held 3/11, �Coping with the Teen Party Scene� was informative, but poorly attended (5 people).
PROJECT SAFE: Next meeting 4/17 at 7:30 p.m. in the upper cafeteria.
CLASS LIAISONS (SADD President Julie Farbman and Senior class president Jen Green): The senior class is sponsoring a school talent show Friday 4/18, and will include a Faculty Pie Eating contest; tickets are $4.00 each. Senior class is looking for sponsors for their prom centerpieces at $40 per floral centerpiece, and $20 for half centerpiece sponsorship. Prom tickets will go on sale this week at $40 per ticket. Sr. class tee shirts will be sold for $15.
RELAY FOR LIFE (Jane Silver): American Cancer Society�s Relay will be held 5/31 to 6/1 at Reisterstown Regional Park. 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.; see brochure. Need teachers for pie throwing contest. Need people to sign up for the Relay.
NORTHWEST AREA MEETING (Dave Pyser): Did not attend March meeting, but emphasized importance of April 15th meeting to be attended in numbers for Capitol Budget request 2010 consideration.
EAGLE PRIDE (Gary Peisach): The PTSA purchased the welcome mat, which hopefully will arrive before year-end; thunder sticks will probably be reordered for next year.

NEW BUSINESS Andrea Wilson, Guidance Chair, spoke on getting into college, and stressed the importance of maintaining a strong GPA, extracurricular activities, and starting the process early. The application process has never been more competitive, so students must broaden their number of choices, visit schools, interview, etc.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Many announcements (upcoming events for April/May) are listed on the PTSA Agenda sheet.

ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Next meeting Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. in the OMHS Library.

Respectfully submitted by Rachel A. Raphael, Recording Secretary

PTSA Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2008 (Approved)

CALL TO ORDER
The Owings Mills High PTSA met on Wed. February 6, 2008 in the Library. Sharon Principe called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. This meeting was preceded by a planning meeting of the Safe Homes families from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., run by Barbara Korenblit.

ROLL CALL
Present: Sharon Principe, Cindy Wasserman, Helen G. Marcus, Rachel Raphael, Diane Garbarino, Roberta Siskind, Joan Hall, Dave Pyser, Sulena Long, Gary Peisach, Betsy Peisach, Barbara Korenblit, Jane Silver, Cheryl Iris?, Patricia Moy, Diane Lahn, Robin Kelly, Joe & Lori O’Donnell, Alex D. Patton.

MINUTES
Rachel Raphael, recording secretary, presented the minutes of December 6, 2007. They were approved as written.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Sharon Principe, President)

Adopt-a-Family was a big success; Thank you to Rachel Raphael for shopping for the PTSA’s adopted family.
New Year PTSA Membership drive picked up only 2-3 additional families.
Thanks to all who worked on Basket Bingo and made it such a huge success.
Newsletter deadlines are now overdue; submit to JNovicki@bcps.org.

TREASURER’S REPORT (Gary Peisach, Treasurer)
Basket Bingo was a huge success, with about 215 attendees, we raised over $6400, which after expenses ($1700), netted a profit of $4,700 (about $700 over budgeted income)!

MEMBERSHIP (Sulena Long, Membership Chair)
We are currently at approximately 85% of our membership goal, with teachers exceeding expectations, and families and singles under. Will continue to seek members at big home sporting events.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT (Diane Garbarino, Principal)

Senior Ryan Dardick is a finalist for National Merit Scholarship (based on PSAT Test score of Jr. year)
Registration is now taking place for the ‘08-’09 school year.
Current juniors must pass High School Assessments to receive their high school diploma. After school help sessions or half-year classes are available in H.S.A. subjects.
CCBC class is being offered at OMHS (Tu. & Th. 2:30-4 p.m.) for college credit. Twelve students are currently qualified to take it.
The December behavior issues are under control, and there have been no repeat issues. Parents were very helpful in their support.
Despite rumors, only two teachers have submitted intent forms requesting to leave OMHS.
Class of 2010 is sponsoring Faculty Basketball on 2/19 at 7:15 p.m.
OMHS will host Wrestling Regional Meet on 2/13, so basketball games scheduled for that day will be moved.
Due to Election Day 2/12, everyone must be out of the building by 4 p.m. on 2/11 (no evening activities).

COMMITTEE REPORTS

BASKET BINGO: Thank-you notes and e-newsletter thanks should go out to the businesses who donated to our fundraiser. We will need a new chairperson next year, as Caron Glassman and Debbie Paris, past co-chairs, will no longer have children at OMHS.
HEALTH AND WELFARE (Cindy Wasserman – Health/ SADD Advisor): reported on Adopt-a-Family success and growth. All 58 of our families were adopted, by a generous assortment of teachers, school committees, PTSA families, graduates, etc. This was our most efficient wrapping night yet, with over 150 wrappers, completing the job by 9 p.m.! Next SADD event will be Drug and Alcohol Awareness program in March.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES REPORTS

SAFE HOMES (Barbara Korenblit, Chair): The Best Practices speaker meeting on 1/16 was well attended and informative. Tonight’s planning meeting discussed House Bill 76, which makes it a criminal offense to serve alcohol to minors. Proposed date of 3/10 for the next meeting (Prevention and Identification).
PROJECT SAFE (Dana Farbman, Chair): Next meetings are 3/19 and 4/17 in OMHS Library at 7:30 p.m. Phone-a-thon for donations is this Sunday 2/10. All committee chair positions are filled (by senior parents); hoping to attract junior parents to get involved.
CLASS LIAISONS (Dana Farbman, Sr. Class Liaison): The senior class is selling power cards.
RELAY FOR LIFE (Jane Silver): American Cancer Society’s Relay will be held 5/31 to 6/1 at Reisterstown Regional Park. There will be a fundraiser Dine-Out at Bill Bateman’s on Tues. 2/26. They will also be collecting used call phones as a fundraiser.

NEW BUSINESS

Our National PTSA School of Excellence Award expires 12/08. We will need a chair to reapply for 2009-2012.
Baltimore County PTSA Awards, “A Night of Shining Stars” to be held 4/24/08. Deadline to nominate is 3/13/08. Nominees can be one individual (Special Recognition to Caron Glassman), one Outstanding Educator of the Year (Cindy Wasserman), and “Top 12 Awards” in specific outstanding areas and programs. Areas were assigned to individuals to write up by our next PTSA meeting, for example, Traffic Safety Week (Cindy Wasserman), Safe Homes (Barbara Korenblit), Adopt-a-Family (Dana Farbman), Web site and newsletter (Helen Glazer Marcus), etc.
EAGLE’S PRIDE (Gary Peisach): We will be ordering a mat for the front foyer; Erin Gouldin’s National Art Honor Society submitted 4 concept designs featuring the OMHS eagle. Also, Gary proposed giving away thundersticks at future big sports events, or free to those who join the PTSA.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Many announcements (upcoming events for February and March) are listed on the PTSA Agenda sheet.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Next meeting Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. in the OMHS Library.

Respectfully submitted by Rachel A. Raphael, Recording Secretary