SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL PTSA
ASSOCIATION MEETING MARCH 8, 2005
SAMOHI CAFETERIA
Oscar de la Torre, School Board Member, was introduced . He thanked everyone for coming and acknowledged the necessity for parents and community support of schools. Mr. Delatorre thanked parents for being involved. He discussed the double homicide in Santa Monica at a party at the Moose Lodge on Ocean Park. Hector Bonia and Jonathan Hernandez were killed. He discussed the various entities involved in trying to understand what happened and to the extent possible participate in an effort to stop the violence from escalating. He talked about youth violence as a “public health” concern. Louise Jaffe urged people to be involved and donate to the families and an envelope was passed for contributions.
Mr. Delatorre discussed the issue of non-violent resolution to conflict and implementation at the secondary school level, as well as the necessity for a protocol to deal with crisis, education, and alternatives to violence. He advised that these will be discussed at the School Board meeting as an agenda item as well as the District’s responsibility. A discussion was had.
Ilene brought up her concern that there is an issue of increased expectation on behalf of the school to address conflict but that there is a need for resources in order to do this.
Over $400 was raised for the families at the PTA meeting.
Karen Dickerson recapped Oscar’s comments and acknowledged that everyone is impacted by the violence.
Sandra Lopez Luna was introduced. She is a junior at Samo. She is going to Sacramento next week with PTSA representatives. Postcards were passed around and signatures were requested which will be presented to the Governor regarding the budget.
Cheryl Diamond, Ed Foundation liason, was introduced. Cheryl reported that on April 9th and 10th there will be a Celebration For the Arts, music, visual, drama, dance. Students from all over will be performing as will local groups. There is the hope and expectation for a good turn out. This event is sponsored by the Ed Foundaton to raise money to supplement the shortfall from the State towards the Arts. She requested volunteers to work at the event or put up posters.
Treasurer’s Report: Chris Thornton reported. She asked for a motion to approve disbursements. Nancy Holland moved. Motion was seconded and all in favor.
She discussed the second effort for direct donations. This time the request went our to alumnae and the response was phenomenal. Lots of money was raised from alum. The PTSA is looking at various ways in which this money can be used.
Louise Jaffe reported about the Rand study. April 16th is the first public policy conference in the new Rand building and it will be about the future of public schools. The conference is from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Stands to be a very interesting presentation.
Louise also discussed the Caravan for Kids project which is being put on by Community for Excellent Public Schools. April 27th news conferences are planned in various cities. Someone from our community will liaison with people in other communities. After news conferences, everyone will caravan to Sacramento where we will meet with the State PTA conference and rally on the steps to let the Governor know what we think. After this, people will have meetings with their representatives.
We need: 1) State liaisons; 2) money; 3) fill buses.
Louise explained that the Executive Board has recommended that we support this program with $4,200.00 and explained that we need a Motion for this and for one-half of the funds to be set aside for the cost of a bus to carry pilgrims to Sacramento. The other half of the funds will be used for organizational expenses as we will be coordinating with the District. Betsy Newell makes the Motion which is seconded. It was explained that this event is in conjunction with the State PTA. CEPS is involved and it will be on April 27th and 28th. Everyone voted and the Motion passed.
The 2005/2006 Board was presented.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. A Coffee with Dr. Straus followed.
Respectfully submitted by,
Karen Dickerson