Minutes from March PTSA meeting

NOMS PTSA

Meeting Minutes

March 12, 2012

Meeting called to order at 9:06 a.m. 

In attendance:  Nikki Feuquay, Jenny Stegeman, Shari Newman, Beth Scherer,

Jennie Walz, Meg Demuth, , Jennifer Finnigan, Richelle McCoy, Cheryl Cooper, Laura Forbes, Denise Rohrbach, Lana Rice, Pauline Moore, Julia Warfield, Jill Tarvestad and Leah Simpson.

President Report:  Jenny Stegeman 

The Social chair for the 8^th grade promotion is Betsy Lowe.

The school will be giving out registration packets out differently this year.  They will issue them after Spring Break. We will need to have our documents ready if we want them to go out with the packets. Send Jenny any fliers that you want included.

Principal’s Report:  Rob Smith

Secretary Report:  Nikki Feuquay

It was motioned by Richelle McCoy and 2^nd by Pauline Moore to accept the Jan. 2012 meeting minutes as stands.  Vote called and passed.

It was motioned by Pauline Moore and 2^nd by Richelle McCoy to accept Feb. meeting minutes as stands.  Vote called and passed.

VP Membership Report:  Richelle McCoy

Bingo party was a success.  34 new members and 4 new staff members were sold.  956 total members, of whom 403 are students and 34 are faculty.

Treasurers Report:  Cheryl Cooper

It was discussed on handle the new registration procedure and what that meant in terms of us collecting next year’s membership early.  Can we keep this and close the books out for this year, carrying over the membership money.  Jenny will have to get this clarified.

Cheryl explained that the bank will be charging a $3 monthly fee to view our checks from now on.  It was agreed that we go ahead and pay this.

Beautification report:  Open

39 bags of mulch were purchased and needs to be spread.  We are asking Beta club if they will do this.

Birthday Board:  Monica Helsley

Kudos to Monica working in silence every month sending our birthday wishes out.

Secret Pals: Lyne Church 

VP of Programs: Nicole Matts

8^th Grade Promotion: Betsy Lowe

High Achievers:  Jill Tarvestad- 

Mustang achievers held slide show and soda party.  Great slide show, will be used at 8^th graduation.  Last party this year. Thanks Jill for your hard work

Kentucky Kids Day:  Lana Rice and Leah Simpson-

Red Ribbon Challenge:  Lana Rice and Leah Simpson-

They will hold three more events this year.  Kick butts, to encourage kids not to smoke.  Health department will come out on March 28. . An Alcohol awareness PSA, done by the 8^th graders in video form, contest.on April 6^th.  Healthy choices handouts will also be given out.  

Discussed asking for donation at beginning of year from parents. No decision made.

Reflections:  Jane Luzzio-

Next Years theme will be Magic of the Moment.

Talent Show:  Leslye Schumacher

Had great turn oput for auditions.  The show is April 27.  Elise Ball will run concessions.

Teacher Appreciation week:  Julia Warfield-

Needs volunteers to put stars on teacher’s doors and red carpet on hallways the Friday before.  Still working on plans.

VP of Fundraising:  Missy Klein

Fall fundraiser:  Beth Scherer- 

Do we need to do Paragon next year? Being that we have $9000 left over this year.  Yes, because the extra money was from a grant we received and will not get next year.

Social/Dance Chair:  Open.  

Dance date is April 27.  Laura Forbes volunteered to run this and take Social chair.

Pizza fundraising:  Shari Newman

Missy Klein has Pizza Hut cards that will be sold for $10 which will intitle holder to buy one and get one free when ordering pizza.

Board of Directors:

Community Council:  Pauline Moore- 

Meeting March 16 at OCHS.

Corresponding Secretary:  Jennie Walz-

Several days, 1 adoption and Diedre Morely and Tracy Shoul are expecting.

Hospitality:  Meg Demuth-

December luncheon was a great success.

Legislative:  Nicole Wilson.

PTSA Website:  Betsy Lowe-

Newsletter:  Tamara Ledford- 

Facebook:  Dierdre Morley

SBDM: Jennifer Finnigan, Kimberly Kinnison-

School Directory:  Holly Ansman-.

Volunteer Coordinator:  Pauline Moore-

SEPTA Rep.:  Jenny Walz-

Operation Parent rep.:  Open

Old Business;  Jenny Stegeman

New Business:  Jenny Stegeman

Next meeting April 18, 2012.

General Meeting will be held to pass budget and slate for next year on May 9, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.

Meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m..

Choking game amid middle schoolers

One in 16 eighth-graders surveyed admit to experimenting with "the choking game" (also known as asphyxia) at least once, according to research published today in Pediactrics. Though the potentially fatal "game" -– defined by Reuters as "putting pressure on the neck with a towel or belt to cut off someone's oxygen supply, then releasing the pressure to give a 'high' sensation" –- has been around for years, it's gaining new traction and popularity among kids because of its prevalence on YouTube. ABC News reports that videos of kids participating in the game are "all over" the site.

Judy Rogg, whose 12-year-old son Erik died in 2010 after attempting to "play" in his living room, calls the choking game a silent epidemic. "Kids think it's an alternative to drugs," she told ABC. Now Rogg has made it her mission to educate kids, parents and schools about the dangerous risks and severity of the consequences caused by asphyxiation.

The choking game was named the cause of 82 reported deaths from 1995 to 2007, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers from the Oregon Public Health Division in Portland are highly skeptical of that number, however, because it's likely that death caused by asphyxiation could be misclassified as a suicide if a child tried it alone so they believe the number could be much higher.

Beyond the obvious reasons, Dr. Thomas Andrew, New Hampshire's Chief Medical Examiner, made clear to ABC why the game is so dangerous. "The brain gets short circuited… You can certainly trigger seizure activity that may or may or not end in permanent damage to the brain," he explained. Almost two thirds of eighth-graders who had played said they'd tried it more than once, and just over a quarter said they'd played the game at least five times. "The more times you repeat something like this, the better the chance of a bad outcome," Robert Nystrom, one of the study's researchers told Reuters Health.

Rogg believes that the Internet is absolutely propelling the problem. "A lot of kids make it look fun," she says. Indeed, a quick search on YouTube results in dozens of instructional videos, groups trying the game, and even kids assuring their viewers that it isn't dangerous.

Choices Events coming up at NOMS

March 28 - students wear "Choices" shirts. We are concentrating on
smoking. The theme is "kick butts". The Oldham County Health
Department will ring their items to display in the cafeteria. (pig
lungs and toxic ingredients that go into cigaretes)

Students who participate will receive a drink of choice (full size
Gatorade, G2 or water)

Music will be played in the cafeteria.

Health Department will hand out items to teachers.

During next couple of weeks during Mustang 11, students are educated
about making good choices concentrating on alcohol and smoking using
The 7 Project material.

8th Grade Mustang 11 classes participating in PSAs for contest.

On or before April 5, students vote for the top three videos.(Everyone
should only vote once, and we can count to see which videos get the
most votes)

April 6 - Students wear "Choices" shirts

Students entering the gym for the assembly wearing their "choices"
shirts will receive prizes.

 All Videos will be shown during assembly. Top three winners will be announced.
Second and third place participants will receive Tinseltown gift cards.

GRAND PRIZE winners will receive $25 each participant.

This will conclude our program for the year.

Thank you to Robb for giving us the lattitude to expand this program
and educating the NOMS student body on these important issues.

Thank you to Sarah Crisp for making it all come together with the
teachers and the students.

Thanks to all of you for your help in making our jobs easier!

February Minutes

NOMS PTSA 

Meeting Minutes

February 8, 2012

Welcome-Call to Order at 9:10am

Attendance: Richelle McCoy, Jill Tarvestad, Meg Demuth, Julia Warfield, Leah Simpson, Jennie Walz, Nicole Wilson, Jennifer Finnigan, Jenny Stegeman, and Denise Rohrbach

*Principal’s Report: Robb Smith

1. Gave a report on the results from the Health Dept Social Norms survey. NOMS students feel that they are happy, cared for at home and by staff, and that their social/emotional needs are being met. In the past 30 days, NOMS students are NOT drinking, smoking tobacco, getting high, using marijuana or doing drugs.

2. Testing at NOMS will continue to be the KCCT test which will now include the new standards.

3. Mr. Smith has applied for the Superintendent position.

4. Parents will be given the opportunity to register their student this spring. Packets will come home after Spring Break. Paperwork and money will be due before school ends. Registration Day will be August 7^th from 8-4pm.

     1. Feedback from PTSA – Allow parents to pay half now and half in August.

     2. Alert parents before packets are sent home that fees will be due earlier than in 

         previous years.

*Presidents Report: Jenny Stegeman

1. Announced upcoming events.

*Secretary Report: Nikki Feuquay 

1. Approving January and February minutes will be held over until March meeting

*VP of Membership Report: Richelle McCoy

1. Bingo Party will be on the afternoon of February 29^th from 1:30-3pm in the cafeteria. Coke product donations are still needed.

2. Staff membership drive is underway with a goal of 100% participation. A $25.00 gift card drawing will be held on February 16^th.

3. Student list is printed with 126 6^th grade members, 131 7^th grade members, and 106 8^th grade members. Total for student members is 363.

*Treasurer Report: Cheryl Cooper

1. Motion to approve the February Treasurers Report was made by Richelle McCoy and seconded by Denise Rohrbach. Report approved.

Service Committee:

Beautification: 50 bags of mulch will be bought from the H.S. Baseball Team

Board of Directors:

Community Council  - Pauline enjoyed her visit and meal at the Arvin Center. She gathered a lot of info regarding their programs.

Corresponding Secretary – Two staff babies will arrive in April..

Hospitality – Last TA meal of the year will be on Wednesday, May 2^nd.

Legislative – Two proposals have been submitted.  One is to remove parents from the SBDM committees. The second is lower/remove funding for the Gifted and Talented Program.

SBDM – The topic of changing the grading system at NOMS has been brought up again.

Volunteer Coordinator – Volunteers for picture day on 2/16 are taken care of. Vols are needed for Presidential Fitness testing on 2/29 and 3/1.

SEPTA Rep – Will be meeting on February 14^th.

VP of Fundraising – Melissa Klein

 Social /Dance Chair – last PTSA dance of the year will be May 11^th from 7-9pm.

 Pizza Fundraising – Working with the Pizza Hut in Crestwood to establish a Pizza Hut 

discount card. Card will cost $10.00 and will be worth one free large pizza with the purchase of another large pizza. Offer will be good once a month at all local Pizza Huts.

VP of Programs – Denise Rohrbach

High Achievers – There will be three 20 minute parties on March 9^th. Drink donations are needed.

Red Ribbon Choices – Students can wear their t-shirts on 2/15 for a treat at lunch. There will be an assembly showing the 8^th grade PSA’s on April 6^th.

Talent Show – This year the show will be a showcase of talents and not a competition. The show will run 2 hours with 25 acts. There will be two audition days on march 12^th and 14^th. Students can sign up in the front office.

Staff Appreciation – Julia will be meeting with Lana. SA week will be April 30^th  - May 3^rd.  This year will be a Red Carpet theme. Day one will be chocolate fountains. Day two will Edible Fruits. Day three will be popcorn buckets with a luncheon and Day four will be massages and gifts.

     

Adjournment – 10:15a.m.

Next Meeting: March 14^th in the NOMS Media Center 

Great Bingo Party!

Dear Bingo Party Volunteers,

Wow! What a great afternoon with all 3 

grade levels. I want to personally thank everyone who donated items and/or worked during a party today. 

We got more than 40 NEW PTSA members on top of the fun and games. Hopefully, the NOMS students enjoyed their 20 minute "break" with us too!

Kindest regards,

Richelle McCoy

VP of Membership

Social Norms at NOMS

Social Norms Survey

Gender: M (52%)    F (48%)  N=707 Grade: 6(31%) 7(38%) 8(31%)    N=712

 Thinking back over the past week, what did you have for breakfast the most? N=706
20% - Had no breakfast  
30% - Cold cereal
12% - Donuts/poptarts 
12% - Bagel  
26% - Hot breakfast



 What is the most important character trait you value in others? (only one) N=705
44% Friendship  
35% Honesty  
  2%  Patience        
18%  Funny          



        Strongly                           Strongly
 At this school . . .           Agree Agree Disagree              Disagree
I feel that other students
care about me             28%   62%         8%        2% N=716
I feel that teachers care
about me                     48%   44%     5%    2% N=717
I am encouraged to help
and respect others              52%   45%     2%    1% N=718
I fit in                                32%   53%    10%             5% N=716
Other students look up
to me                      13%   52%    29%    6% N=713
It’s easy to make friends
here                      43%   42%    13%    3% N=710
I am happy here most
of the time                      43%   45%    9%    3% N=712
Teachers try and stop
the kids who are bullies      33%   45%    16%    6% N=712

 Who is your favorite singer? (circle one) N=653
15% - Lady Gaga      
38% - LMFAO          
13% - Justin Bieber  
12% - Pitbull            
  7% - Lady A    
15% - Taylor Swift  

 How often do you think students in each of the following categories are approached by other students or anyone else and offered tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during school hours?
                      
                                 Never   1-2 times   1-2 times     Weekly      Daily
                                          a year          a month                                    
Yourself                  91% 6%                 1.5% 1% 0%
Students at NOMS 44% 40%                 10% 5% 1%


 What type of technology do you use the most? (choose one) N=703
40% Cell phone  
18% Ipod 
25%   Computer 
17%   TV          



 If you thought that another student at NOMS was using alcohol, tobacco or using prescription medications without a doctor’s note, what would you do? (Circle all that apply)  N=717

15% - Do nothing, say nothing
32% - Tell a friend
58% - Tell a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, counselor or coach
23% - Talk to the student about the use

 Who do you trust to tell you the truth on a subject?N=717
59% - Parents
62% - Best Friend    
29% - Teacher      
19% - Religious Ldr      
21% - Sister/Brother
11% - Other Adult        


 How many of your closest friends have ever . . .
                                                      0         1-2    3-4 5 or more
Had an alcoholic drink 70%  19%     5% 5%   N=711
Used any type of tobacco    87%         10%     1% 2%   N=710
Used marijuana   92%           5%     1% 2%   N=709
Inhaled in order to get high 80% 15%     2% 2%   N=709
Used prescription drugs without
 a doctor’s note                      93%           5%      1% 1%   N=707

 What movie do you want to see most this holiday season? (choose one)  N=673
Twilight:  Breaking Dawn (29%)
We Bought a Zoo (13%)
Muppets (18%)
Hugo(5%)
Arthur Christmas (5%)
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (21%)
The Adventures of Tintin(8%)

 What statement below about student use of tobacco (including cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco) do you feel best represents your own attitudes? (choose one)  N=713
93%  Tobacco use is never a good thing
   4%    Occassional tobacco use is ok, but not daily use
   3%    Daily tobacco use is ok if that is what the individual wants to do

 Where do you get your information?  (choose one)  N = 634
32% - Family                      
22% - Teachers                
27% - Friends                  
19% - Google/Internet  

During the past 30 days how many times have you . . .
                                                                 0      1-2 3-4 5 or more
Had an alcoholic drink                 95%  5% 0% 0% N=712
Used any type of tobacco              98% 1% 1% 0%   N=712
Used marijuana   99%  1% 0% 0% N=711
Inhaled something in order to get high 98% 2% 0% 0%   N=712
Used prescription drugs without a
doctors note                                     99%   1% 0% 0%   N=712

Do you talk in your sleep?     N=696
Yes = 36%  
No = 64%

Do you still sleep with a stuffed animal? N=709
Yes = 23%  
No =  77%

How wrong do your parents feel it would be for you to . . .
Very      Wrong      A Little         Not Wrong
                                       Wrong                     Bit Wring           at All            
Drink alcohol                     76%     16% 7% 1%    N=714            
Smoke marijuana               96%        3% 1% 0%  N=711
Use prescription drugs    91%      5% 3% 1%    N=708
    *without dr note          
Smoke tobacco                 93%      5% 1% 1%    N=709

 Do you bite your toenails?     Yes = 4% No = 96%   N=713

 Thinking over the past week, how often did you exercise (at least 20 minutes)?  N=714
 3%   - 0 times      
20% - 1-2 times  
29% - 3-4 times  
49% - 5 or more

Pizza Hut for NOMS!!!

NOMS PTSA is excited to announce our partnership with PizzaHut in Prospect.  Our Partnership cards will entitle the card holder to one free pizza a month for the next twelve months.  The cards can be purchased for $10.00 with all proceeds staying with the PTSA to fund our programs and help fill the technology wish list at year end.  

To order your cards, please send contact Shari Newman (sfrynew@insightbb.com) or Missy Klein (kleinmelissa@att.net).  Payments can also be dropped off at the Middle School Office for the PTSA.. be sure to include your child's name and grade so we can send the card home.  

Thank you!

Legislative Message

Dear PTA leaders and parents,

Please contact your legislator via e-mail or phone requesting them to be opposed to HB 89 relating to school councils.

This bill calls for limiting the participation of parents serving on the school based councils by requiring at least one parent residing within the boundaries of the school district to serve on the council.

We feel this is an unfair disadvantage to parents whose children are lawfully enrolled in a school. Once a student is registered in a school then the parent/guardian should have all the rights as any other parent, including the parents’ right to run for school council.

Parents are one of the major stakeholders in our schools and we feel that this additional restriction would make it harder to get parent representation on the councils. It is often not easy to convince parents to run for school council and we do not want to place additional barriers on them.

To e-mail your legislator, go to www. lrc.state.ky.us, go to“Who’s My Legislator” and find your person. You must write or e-mail to both of your House Representative and Senator.

Legislative Message Line is 1-800-372-7181 Leave a message to your legislator.

High Achievers

Mark your calendar for February 29 for all those high achievers at NOMS!

Blasting into the Bingo Beyond!!!

6th grade:  1:30 - 2:00
7th grade:  2:00 - 2:30
8th grade:  2:30 - 3:00

It promises to be another wonderful event sponsored by the NOMS PTSA.

Oldham County Dollars for Scholars

OCDFS Sponsors,

It's official! As of today, our scholarship application is online at
www.ocdfs.org. Please help us get the word out to potential applicants.
Can you please post something on your website, put in your newsletter,
post on your Facebook page, put on a bulletin board, etc. Any help in
getting the word out to potential applicants would be greatly
appreciated. You can "copy and paste" the information below or use the
flyer attached.

Additionally, please put Tuesday, May 22nd on your calendar for our
annual Awards Ceremony where we honor our recipients. It is much more
rewarding if you are there to personally award your scholarship to the
student.

We will be looking for volunteers to help review and score applications
in March. Additional information and dates will follow.

We would like to add a couple of new board members to our organization.
If you have interest, please contact Pam Brown pamela.brown10@gmail.com

Additional sponsors are also most welcome.

We'd like to thank you, again, for your support. With out you, our
sponsors, we wouldn't be able to make such a difference for our future.

Together, we can make a difference!

Cindy Hack
Publicity Chair
502.376.7653

Information to place in newsletters, online etc:

Attention High School students that are Oldham County residents!
Scholarship money is available thru Oldham County Dollars for Scholars.
OCDFS is a 7 year old non-profit organization and already has 56
sponsors who are offering 79 scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000
totaling $76,600. By submitting only one application, students can apply
for multiple scholarships.

Applications can be downloaded now from the organization’s website.
Applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2010.

To learn more about Oldham County Dollars for Scholars go to
www.ocdfs.org or contact the chapter president, Pamela Brown
pamela.brown10@gmail.com 693.6632. You can also visit us on Facebook.
Volunteers and donations for new scholarships are always welcome.

--
Call Cindy Hack, then start to pack!
Cindy Hack, CRS, GRI, CNHS, SFR, REALTOR
RE/MAX Properties East
502.376.7653 direct
502.243.2184 fax
www.hacknpack.com

January Minutes

NOMS PTSA

Meeting Minutes

January 11, 2012

Meeting called to order at 9:02 a.m. 

In attendance:  Nikki Feuquay, Jenny Stegeman, Shari Newman, Beth Scherer, Lyne Church,

Jennie Walz, Meg Demuth, Robb Smith, Jennifer Finnigan, Richelle McCoy, Cheryl Cooper, Laura Forbes, Denise Rohrbach, Lana Rice, amd Leah Simpson.

President Report:  Jenny Stegeman 

The Social chair for the 8^th grade promotion and Operation Parent are still open.

Please give your feedback on the OCBE School Calendar for next year at survey money.  There are three proposals up for adoption.

Jenny attended a meeting on Dec. 20 that was about Superintendent Paul Upchurch retiring.  These new committees choose Karen Held to sit on a new committee to help choose a new Superintendent candidate.  The Board is not obligated to hire this person, however would like this process to go forward.  May 1 the committee will present their selection to the OCBE.

Oldham County does not support advertising on the sides of the school buses and that will not be happening in OC as in other districts.

Our PTSA Bylaws need reviewed and changed by the end of the year.  Committee will be chosen at next meeting.

SBDM elections will be held this year for one position.

Principal’s Report:  Rob Smith

Discussed the year at the half way point. And is pleased overall with the success thus far.

He is expecting an increase in student population next year, some where around 850.  Instruction will stay basically the same except some changes in Lang. Arts to reflect new state standards.

Secretary Report:  Nikki Feuquay

October’s meeting minutes were reviewed and a motion to accept as written was made by Cheryl and seconded by Richelle. Vote was called and passed.  The November meeting minutes were presented and a motion to accept as written was by Denise and seconded by Cheryl.  A vote was called and passed.

VP Membership Report:  Richelle McCoy

A bingo party is planned for Feb. 29 for all student members of the PTSA. 6^th grade will begin at 1:30-1:50, 7^th grade will begin at 2-2:30, and 8^th grade will be 2:30 –2:50.

Treasurers Report:  Cheryl Cooper

$16,069.69 beginning balance, expenditures of $6,483.18, with income of $86.00 resulting in a current balance of $9,672.51 for this month.

Beautification report:  Open

Birthday Board:  Monica Helsley

Secret Pals: Lyne Church- going well. 

VP of Programs: Nicole Matts

8^th Grade Promotion: open

High Achievers:  Jill Tarvestad- 

Kentucky Kids Day:  Lana Rice and Leah Simpson-

Red Ribbon Challenge:  Lana Rice and Leah Simpson-

They will hold three more events this year.  Kick butts, to encourage kids not to smoke.  Health department will come out .An Alcohol awareness PSA, done by the 8^th graders in video form, contest.  Healthy choices handouts will also be given out.  

They are applying for a $500 grant through challengers. 

Reflections:  Jane Luzzio-

Next Years theme will be Magic of the Moment.

Talent Show:  Leslye Schumacher

Teacher Appreciation week:  Julia Warfield-

Working on teacher appreciation week.  She needs pictures of all the teachers for a poster.  Rob will help her.

VP of Fundraising:  Missy Klein

Fall fundraiser:  Beth Scherer- 

Social/Dance Chair:  Open.  

Dance date is April 27.  Laura Forbes volunteered to run this and take Social chair.

Pizza fundraising:  Shari Newman

Little Ceasars fundraiser will be held at a later date.

Board of Directors:

Community Council:  Pauline Moore- 

The KDE and Oldham County websites have good information about the new State Standards.

Corresponding Secretary:  Jennie Walz-

Mrs. Bramlage and Mrs. Dalton are expecting.

Hospitality:  Meg Demuth-

December luncheon was a great success.

Legislative:  Nicole Wilson.

PTSA Website:  Betsy Lowe-

Newsletter:  Tamara Ledford- 

Facebook:  Dierdre Morley

SBDM: Jennifer Finnigan, Kimberly Kinnison-

School Directory:  Holly Ansman-.

Volunteer Coordinator:  Pauline Moore-

SEPTA Rep.:  Jenny Walz-

Operation Parent rep.:  Open

Old Business;  Jenny Stegeman

Board tabled issue of microwaves that are needed in the Café.  Today Beth Scherer motion that we give $150.00 to purchase new microwaves, second by Richell McCoy.  A vote was called and motion passed.

New Business:  Jenny Stegeman

Meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m..