1.       Introductions:

a.       Middle School Parents Assn Co-Chairs:

Lora Kasper   730-2687      blljw@yahoo.com

Chris Levesque  439-7030  christine_levesque@msn.com

2.       Attendance:  23 

3.       Memorization Task Activity - Tony Reimers, MS Director, lead the group in a short activity to illustrate how working together as a team you can accomplish more than working alone.   When we did the task individually it felt overwhelming but when we worked as groups and developed a strategy we felt confident in our decision making and achieved the desired outcome. 

4.       Purposeful Scheduling: Insight into Middle School

Tony Reimers gave an overview of how the middle school master schedule was created.  Some of the specific changes discussed were;

-5^th Grade introduction to middle school - feeling safe

             -Community: Lockers & MS Commons

*7/8 Advisory (2 year rotation)

*Advisory/Showcase Time: B-Days 2:35 to 3:10pm

If you have any questions about your child's schedule please ask.  There are many reasons why the schedule is laid out a certain way, grade by grade.

5.       Magazine Drive:  MPAPAs co-presidents Lori and Traci Tapani reported that the drive was going well.  This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for supporting the grant program for MPA teachers and staff.  Last year $26,000 of money was awarded.  We are currently at the $14,000 mark.  You can order online or by order form. See the website for links.  If you would rather, donations of money directed to the Magazine Drive are accepted and appreciate.  Questions contact Lori Tapani.

6.       Best of MPA - October 24^th, Midland Hills.  The theme this year is "A Night in Marrakech".  Invitations are in the mail.  Donations to the silent auction can be made by contacting Bry Nagel in Development.  The deadline for information to be included in the catalog is Friday, September 26.

7.       Grade Reps - Traci Tapani reported on status of grade representative recruitment.  All classes have grade reps and are encouraged to plan grade and parent activities. 

8.       Book Festival:  "The Cave".  Jane Neumann gave an overview of the Middle School Café theme that will be held in the 4^th week of February 2009.  There are two main steering committees that meet twice.  The Design Committee and the Food Committee.  There are numerous ways to volunteer during the week long event like café operations, the pizza party, set-up and clean-up. If you'd like to participate it's not too early to sign up. Contact Jane Neumann for further information.

9.       After School Volunteer Activity Idea Survey - We are actively seeking parent volunteers who would like to share their passions or hobbies with middle school students after school in Q 2 and Q3.  It could be a one time activity or something that meets more than once.   If you have any suggestions or would like to volunteer contact Chris Levesque, or Lora Kasper via e-mail.

a.       Ideas offered at the meeting include;

·         Quilt Making

·         Fencing

·         Homework Club

·         Yoga for Youths