Jackson Prep Monthly PAT Minutes

February 7^th, 2008

Welcome – Lisa Lamb, PAT President

Devotion – Melissa Ridgway

School Update – Susan Lindsay, Head of School

• E-mail Success – Last week our new e-mail system was very successful in spreading the word about the water leak and early dismissal. Special thanks to Lisa Browning who was responsible for setting up our new system. If you did not receive an email and would like to be added to the list, just call the school and let them know.
• Construction Update – Unfortunately, we still have issues with the ongoing construction. Adding new lines sometimes causes pressure on the old ones. Hopefully we won’t have any more problems.
• Leadership Team- This team meets every week to discuss important events, issues, reports, and strategies at Jackson Prep. They understand the schools mission and the needs of the community. They are committed to making sure they have the right person for the job whether they are a faculty member or a contractor.
• Cultural Changes – We as parents are the primary influence on our kids. There was a time when peer pressure seemed to be a big issue, but not as much today. We need to accept this responsibility and realize that our culture is changing. She added that she has observed a big difference even within the last five years. Encouraging character, biblical leadership and becoming responsible adults are traits that the staff at Jackson Prep desires to impart to the students.

Student Life Update – Reta Haire

• February – This is the month we have sports activities, subject cards and sickness. In sports we have numerous tournaments being held. Check the web site for dates and times. Subject cards will be sent home for parents to sign and return. They will be doing things differently this year because of the homeroom period. All students will bring home a blue card that you will need to look over, sign and return. Teachers and counselors will be assisting the students with these cards. All cards are due back Wednesday, Feb. 27^th. Information about the subject choice cards can be found in the daily announcements on our web site.

Special Guest – Will Crosby, Athletic Director

• Thanked the PAT for the invitation to speak.

• Passion – He desires that all student athletes have a positive experience while they are involved in sports at Jackson Prep. The coaching staff is aware of the fact that you will not have positive experiences all the time but whatever the experience, good or bad, the students will begin to learn life lessons.

1. Learn how to be a team player

2. Learn to deal with adversity

3. Learn to handle their emotions

• School Spirit - Coach Crosby encourages all students to attend the games and enjoy being a part of the student cheering section. However, chanting of cheers that sound like profanity or individualizing cheers to embarrass a player will not be allowed. These issues have been a concern for the coaching staff this year. Warnings had to be given and he is fearful there may have been some hurt feelings. Parents who have voiced displeasure about how JP has handled this situation are encouraged to contact him. He would like to be sure every parent has the correct information in regards to this issue.
• Communication – He can’t stress enough the importance of having good communication between the parents, students and coaches. The staff is always striving to do better at communicating. There are several things we as parents can do to help with communication problems.

1. Encourage your athlete to GO TALK TO THE COACH! Even if

you think your child is too shy to talk with the coach, this could be

a great way for them to overcome their shyness.

2. Call the coach and let him know your child wants to meet with

them.

3. After the coach and athlete have met and the problem is not resolved,

call the coach and discuss the problem with him. Just remember the coach

prefers to talk with the athlete first.

4. Never criticize the coach in front of your child. This can be very

damaging to the coach/athlete relationship. Often the athlete

develops a sour attitude. Call the coach and share your criticisms

with him, not with your child.

· Misconceptions – there are several reasons or misconceptions about why parents are reluctant to call the coach. They are fearful the coaches will take it out on their child. Also they send anonymous letters because of the same fear. These letters are not helpful nor do they solve the problem. One other misconception is that parents who give the most money or have the right name are given more playing time. Coach Crosby assured us that the coaches that are hired at JP would never do these things. Parents who have a good attitude can play a vital role in helping their child have a positive experience while participating in sports at JP.

Fundraiser – Terri Courtney

· This year’s fundraiser will be on Thursday, April 3^rd from 6:00 – 11:00 P.M.

The fun event will be held at the Mississippi Crafts Guild building in Ridgeland. There will be a band, lots of food, and a silent auction. The tickets will be $100 per person with various rates for cooperate sponsorships. Only 150 tickets will be sold. Information will be posted on the web site and an invitation will be sent in the mail.

Jr. Class Garage Sale – Saturday, March 8 - Drop off your items in the Sr. high foyer.

They need boxes, hangers and plastic bags.

Campus ministries – Due to the speaker’s illness, they will only met 3 times instead of 4. The next meeting will be on the 13^th. John Evans will be speaking at Trinity Presbyterian Church on the 27^th. We want to invite moms to come to this meeting as well as dads.

Closing remarks – Lisa Lamb

· Thanked the PAT Executive Board for providing a meal for the recent Counselor meeting

· Thanks to Laura Bishop for helping get information on the web site about the water leak.

· Nomination committee will meet Feb 19^th. Please fill out your list or let her know if you are interested in serving on a committee.

· Condolences are sent to Linda Yerger in the death of her mom. Lisa encouraged us to remember Linda in our prayers and send her a card to let her know we are thinking of her during this sad time.

Meeting adjourned

Respectfully submitted,

Sally Buckels

Important Dates:

Feb. 13^th, 20^th – Young life, “Parenting from a Christian Perspective”,

Feb. 27^th – Young life breakfast for Dads only, 7:30^th am, Trinity Pres. Church

March

7-9 – Spring Musical, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”

8 – Garage Sale

14-24 – Spring Break/Easter Holidays

April

3^rd – PAT Fundraiser

4^th – Prep Fest

10^th – PAT Meeting

17^th – Community Service fair

18^th – Artists in action

24^th – Jr/Sr Prom