Jackson Prep PAT Meeting Report

April 10^th, 2008

I. Welcome – Lisa Lamb

II. Devotion – Melissa Ridgeway, “Launching”

III. Student Life Update – Reta Haire

• Life Lessons for the students with fever…Spring Fever!!

1. FINISH STRONG! Be careful not to neglect your school work.

Remind your students that progress reports will be sent out next week.

2. TEACHERS are not the enemy. They are ready for the school year to be over

too.

3. MISSING CLASS - This becomes a real problem during this time of the year. There are quite a number of off campus activities being held so remember, you are responsible for any missed assignments and test.

IV. Special Speakers – Sunny McGraw – Art

Juanaree Solop – Choral Music

• Mrs. McGraw introduced herself and informed us of her educational background. During her eighth grade year, her school had a track meet at JP. She observed JP art students painting outside on the sidewalk. That very day she set her heart on becoming an art teacher at JP. When she got home she told her parents she knew exactly what she wanted to do when she grew up. For over twenty years now she has followed her dream and truly loves teaching at JP.
• The Art program at JP is one of the best in the State. We have wonderful facilities, sufficient supplies and outstanding support. We have three full-time teachers and one part- time. Summer camps and Saturday classes are offered for elementary students.
• Each year around 300 students are enrolled in art classes. These classes range from rotation to advanced and AP classes. Mrs. McGraw commented “These are great students who work hard”.
• The annual artist in action will not be held this year. They will try to revamp it and return to the original focus for next year. This event seemed to be turning into an opportunity for artist to sell their work.

• Earthwinds and Coffeehouse will be combined this year. The theme is “Pop Art”.

The date for this event will be May 1^st, 2008.

• Mrs. Solop introduced herself and shared information about the band, drama and choral music programs at JP.
• The band offers classes for beginners and students with some experience. There are string classes offered also.
• A fall drama and a spring musical are held each year for the high school students.
• Jr. High and Sr. High choirs do not require an audition to become a member. They perform at Christmas, at various competitions and they also have a spring concert at the end of the school year.
• Mrs. Solop shared with us how many times the students enroll for these classes and soon realize that there’s a lot more involved than what they expected. Learning to read music, hearing all the voice parts, the memory work and staying focused are a few of the challenges they face.
• An integral part of music and drama is teaching the sense of working for the same goal. Like a family, these classes draw the students together as they learn to share the responsibilities and work hard to prepare for their performances.

V. School Update – Susan Lindsay

• Thanked the PAT for their work and help with various school projects.

• Weather Issues – The school has a plan that they follow in the event of stormy weather. There are radios in every area of the school and our staff is listening carefully to the severe weather reports. The main emphasis will be to get our kids to a safe place. This can be challenging when the students are in the lunch room, parents are trying to pick up their kids early and Sr.’s are leaving campus for Friday Sr. lunch privileges. The faculty and staff faced all three of these challenges last week and did a great job getting the students (including visiting students) into the hallways. Within 15 minutes the storm had passed and the students were allowed back into the cafeteria.

• Calling the School - Parents, the school staff may not answer the phone if you call during a weather related crisis. First of all, the phones may not be working. Secondly, they do not need to be informed about a possible tornado, they are well aware of storm warnings via the radio. The main emphasis is the safety of our students. Please be considerate and trust that JP staff and faculty are taking care of the students.

• Drug Testing – This year we implemented a new drug testing system. We tested 177 students, 25 tested twice and 3 were tested three times. These students were selected at random and they all were very cooperative. We are proud of these students and we do believe that this testing system gives the students another reason to say “no” to drugs.

• Dust Off – Mrs. Linsay reminded us that the use of this computer cleaner is dangerous. There have been several deaths related to sniffing this product. Please be aware of the possible danger. She suggests we should not keep this product in our house.

• Electronic Devices – Several cell phones have been taken from students this year. If the cell phone is taken, the student does not get it back for a week. The biggest problem seems to be parent’s texting their students.

• Campus Beautification - A special thanks to all who have worked hard to make our campus look better. The changes they have made are truly making a difference.

VI. Business Reports

· Treasury Report – Urge everyone to turn in receipts for reimbursements by May 31^st. The reason they need to be turned in by this date is because the yearly budget begins June 1^st. If you do not turn in your receipts by this date they will not be able to give you a refund.

· Committee Reports – Jr class garage sale was very successful this year. They raised $24,000. A special thanks to Allison Hubbard, JR. class president, who did an awesome job and exhibited wonderful leadership during the planning of this event.

· Fundraiser Report – Terri Courtney was unable to attend today. She will give her report at next months meeting. We all had a great time and look forward to hearing her report.

· Community Service – This committee will hold a community service fair on April 17^th. Students and parents are encouraged to attend.

· Beautification Report – Wesla Leech, the chairman, has done a wonderful job this year. On Saturday, March 29^th, a group of parent and students spent the day working on the campus. Many thanks to all of you and Wesla for a job well done.

VII. Closing Remarks – Lisa Lamb

• Our final meeting will be held May 6^th at noon. We will honor all our outgoing committee members and welcome the new ones. Lunch will be provided. Committee chairs need to finish your final reports and make two copies, one for the new person and one for our new president, Anne Toy Gathings.

Meeting adjourned!

Respectfully submitted,

Sally Buckels, Secretary

IMPORTANT DATES

APRIL 11^th – Pacer tryouts MPSA Spring Band Fest 15^th - Senior Lunch 16^th- Progress reports 17^th – Community Service Fair 24^th – Prom 25^th – School holiday 28^th – Spring Band Concert

MAY 1^st – You are Prep Earthwind & Coffeehouse 2nd – Sr. Class Day 4^th – Spring Choir Concert 6^th – PAT Luncheon, Final Meeting 2007 -08 year 8^th – Senior High Honors Forum (10^th and 11^th grade) Sixth Grade Honors Forum – 8:30 a.m. 9^th – 9^th grade Honors Forum 9^th- 16^th – Senior Exams 13^th – 8^th Grade Honors Forum 14^th – 7^th Grade Honors Forum 15^th – 12:30 Dismissal 16^th, 19^th, 20^th - Exams