EGRHS PTSA News

SHERLOCK HOLMES

2012-01-08T10:51:00.002-05:00

PRESS RELEASE
EAST GRAND RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL
DRAMA DEPARTMENT
CONTACT: Heidi Frye – Heidi@UPwordsInc.com

Sherlock + Watson + Oscar + Lillie = Intrigue, Suspense, Mystery & Fun!!!!!!!

“Wit” meets “cunning” as Oscar Wilde and dear friend, and beautiful actress Lillie
Langtry, enlist the help of Holmes and Watson to solve Lillie’s blackmail trouble. EGR
High School honors Sir Conan Doyle in their portrayal of “Sherlock Holmes & the Case
of the Jersey Lilly” on January 13th and 14th, 2012, in their Little Auditorium. Come
join us as Watson falls head-over-heels in love, a wicked professor attempts to bring the
British Crown to its knees, and Sherlock Holmes solves a case that only Sherlock Holmes
can solve!

“Sherlock Homes & the Case of the Jersey Lily” stars Troy Gotch as Sherlock
Holmes, Chris Emrich as Dr. Watson, Emma Vargo as Mrs. Lillie Lantry, Ben Utter
as Oscar Wilde, and Grady Theisen as Professor Moriarty. Rounding out the cast are
Turner Sytsma, Annie Livingston , Sammy Peterson, Tyler Larabel , Ana Rakovic and
Beatrice Sherwood. EGR High School continues the tradition of student-directed plays
with Amber Middleton as the director of this captivating mystery,

“Sherlock Holmes” will be presented in the EGRHS Little Auditorium, 2211 Lake Dr,
January 13 & 14, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.00 and available at the High school
from 11- 1 Jan 9 – 13 and beginning at 6:30 on show nights.

Stay tuned for the remaining shows in the EGRHS 2011-2012 season, which include “A
Rose for Emily” in February and “Into the Woods” in April.

East Grand Rapids High School PTSA Minutes November 8,2011

2012-01-08T10:45:00.002-05:00

Meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.
Welcome by PTSA President Lynn Yardley

Administrative Reports
Superintendent-Sara Shubel
• Parent teacher conferences were well attended. Quite crowded in fact. Thanks to teachers as well as parents for their level of commitment and involvement.
• Budget survey to be done. Focus groups of 7 people are to be formed. They will each have 3 parents, 3 staff and 1 community leader. They will meet in December. The information collected will go to the board and put into a summery format to be available in mid January for public review. Then the administration will have input and the central office will give budget recommendation to the board in March. It will be a public forum.
• Met with state representatives (Lyons) to inform and educate them as to the impact legislation will have on public education. Huge financial impact. Districts need to know sooner rather than later, can’t wait until summer. Staff certifications and curriculum training will be important. Reps hadn’t even read the legislation yet.
• Legislative committee to go to Lansing to have their voice heard.
Teacher Representative-Mary Billman
• Parent teacher conferences packed last night.
• Book donations contact Cathy Sivan.
• Mr. Trapp’s physics students broke a long standing recored by launching 63 balloon rockets.
• Science department is enjoying the use of their new equipment. (Due to the 2006 bond surplus)

PTSA Executive Board Reports
Secretary-Laurie Mahdasian
• Minutes from the October 11,2011 meeting were approved.
Treasurer-Susie Gerow
• Four SBR approved.
Assistant Treasurer-Susan Levine
• Expanded on SBR approval.
• Fundraising ongoing programs
• SCRIP placing Holiday order. Looking to do a Facebook page. Contact Julie Schulze at 446-1418 or
jaschulze@me.com to purchase.
Presidents Report-Lynn Yardley
• Schuler Book Fair 12/3 and 12/4. Madrigals to perform.

Booster Group Reports
Academic Boosters-Stacey Levitt
• January 12 holding an evening meeting at 7 p.m. The topic will be the flipped classroom.
Stage /Music Boosters-Eileen Chamberlain
• Tickets on sale now for the March 10 Second City Laugh Out Loud Tour. This is a fundraiser for the stage and Music Boosters.
Athletic Boosters-Nell Witting
• Looking at the idea of replacing the touch pads in the swimming pool.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:29 a.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Laurie Mahdasian

Schular Book Fair

2011-11-29T15:31:00.002-05:00

The Schuler Book Fair is this Saturday and Sunday
December 3rd and 4th

20% of all purchases go directly back to the High school.

Please come support your school and a great local retailer!

Food Drive!

2011-11-29T15:27:00.004-05:00

The East Grand Rapids High School will be having its annual Food Drive the week of December 5^th – 9^th. Last year the Student Council provided food baskets for approximately 60 families by collecting food, cash donations and purchasing fresh food. There is a great need again this year so please donate! Thank you in advance for your help and generosity! Food donations should be put in students' first hour classrooms. Thanks!

The Second City Laugh Out Loud Tour is coming to town!

2011-11-21T09:38:00.008-05:00

Buy now! Don’t delay! The purchase of your tickets by December 16th will secure them in time for holiday gifting!

On March 10, 2012, America’s famed comedy troupe which launched the careers of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more brings the next generation of the comedy world’s best and brightest to the East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center for one night only.

This East Grand Rapids Stage and Music Booster fundraising event will include presentation of the Pantlind Award, given to a member of the community for outstanding support of the arts in East Grand Rapids.

The purchase of your tickets supports continued excellence in drama and music programs in our district, as well as the increased health benefits of an evening of good laughter out with friends!

Go to www.egrhsdrama.org to download an order form or to purchase using PayPal.

PAC box office will be open to accommodate sales during holiday concerts December 8, 12 & 13.

This show is rated PG-13.

For more assistance contact Brooke Dillane. beehive@dillane.net

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown

2011-11-17T10:11:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
East Grand Rapids High School Drama
November 16, 2011
Contact: Harry Coffill hcoffill@egrps.org

Happiness is two kinds of ice cream, sharing a secret...or reliving the sweet innocence
of youth with Charlie Brown and Snoopy! East Grand Rapids High School will continue
their 2011 season with the celebrated characters of Charles Schultz’s comic strip as they
present the classic musical “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” in 3 performances,
December 1-3, 2011.

Presented in its award-winning Broadway revival version, the musical snapshots Schultz
at his best: Schroeder and Lucy at the piano, Charlie Brown and Lucy at the psychiatric
booth, Linus with his blanket, Snoopy with his supper dish, and the whole gang at the
baseball game. The characters live the moments of a child’s life waffling from wild
optimism to utter despair, from a bright, uncertain morning to a hopeful starlit evening.

Hilarious comic sequences are animated by high-energy dance routines, including a one-
of-a-kind choreographed scooter dance; creating non-stop entertainment for adults and
children alike.
“You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” stars Alex Weiss as Charlie Brown. Suzanna
Feldkamp plays Lucy, Nick Salasky is Schroeder, Paul Vanderweele is Linus, Hennessey
Bevins is Sally Brown, and Kyler Byker is Snoopy. The cast is rounded out with an
ensemble of singers and dancers, including Isabelle Kriekaard as Woodstock and Maggie
Tuitel, Emma Kuske, Lillie Creswell, Elizabeth Pohlman, Claire Schneider and Anna
Fabrizio as the Beagle Scouts.

Harry Coffill produces and directs, with student-assistant Audii Kehoe. Cynthia Nixon
provides vocal direction. Student, Isabelle Kriekaard is the choreographer.

The show will be presented in the EGRHS Little Auditorium on December 1st, 2nd and
3rd, 2011. Curtain is at 7:30 pm. Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended
as seating is limited and this holiday performance will be popular! Tickets cost $8 for
general admission, $6 for students. Tickets may be purchased during lunch hours at the
high school from 11 – 1 November 30 – Dec 4. Ticket forms can be found online at
www.egrhsdrama.org and mailed in. There will not be online purchases available for
this production.

Music Boosters Ham Sale!

2011-11-09T14:24:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year! Order your honey cured spiral sliced holiday hams, soups and baked loaf cakes.
Click here for the order form.

Products will be available for pickup at the high school on December 9, from 12:20 to 6 pm.
Contact Janet Kremers if you have any questions: sjkremers@yahoo.com

Also You Can Donate a Ham

Baxter Community Center assists the 33% of families in Southeast Grand Rapids who are living below the poverty line. Your donation of $40.00 will purchase a ham for a needy family this holiday season. If you would like to donate a ham, please email Janet Kremers sjkremers@yahoo.com. Hams will be delivered all donated hams directly to Baxter.

2011-10-27T16:12:00.006-04:00

Second City Tickets make great holiday gifts!

Go to egrhsdrama.org to order tickets!

THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW

2011-10-26T11:27:00.003-04:00

The drama department at East Grand Rapids High School invites community members to join them at their fall presentation of the classic story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” by Mary and Andrew Arnault, on November 3-5 at 7:30 in the high school’s Performing Arts Center.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is the perfect spooky Halloween story for an audience of all ages. The comedy with music tells the story of a small, secluded, Dutch village set in the fall of 1790. When a new school master, Ichabod Crane, arrives in the village of Sleepy Hollow, he captures the hearts of all the townsfolk, but he himself is after the heart of the flirty Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter of rich farmer, Baltus Van Tassel. He isn’t the only one hoping to win Katrina’s heart, however. He must compete against town mischief maker, Abraham “Brom Bones” Van Brunt for Katrina’s love. The plot climaxes on a cool all-hallows eve as Ichabod leaves a party held at the Van Tassel’s house. He finds himself facing something the town only tells legends about: the ghost of the Headless Horseman! Alone in the woods, Ichabod must run for his life, and hopes to make it to morning.

East Grand Rapids High School students, under the direction of Pamela Steers and student directors Ben Utter and Taylor Sytsma, with sets by Trent Wadsworth, have crafted this spooky comedy to be a treat like no other. The lanky new school master, Ichabod Crane, is portrayed by Julian Arpin-Cortez while his rival for Katrina’s heart, Brom Bones, is played by Tyson Kemp. Flirtatious teenager, Katrina Van Tassel is represented by Hannah Mattia. Over 40 students compose the various townspeople and chorus for this production, and 20 other students working backstage on crew positions.

Tickets are for reserved seating and can be purchased at the high school box office from 12- 2 on October 29; from 11am – 1pm October 31 thru November 4th and November 3-5 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm; or online at www.egrhsdrama.org. Ticket prices are $6 for students, $8 for adults and $10 for preferred seating. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.

Go back in time and enjoy the fall merriments of Sleepy Hollow with the cast and crew of East Grand Rapids High School’s production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow;” But, beware the Headless Horseman!

Click here to order tickets on-line

East Grand Rapids High School PTSA Minutes October 11, 2011

2011-10-11T17:50:00.000-04:00

Meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.
Welcome by the PTSA President Lynn Yardley

Student Council Report-Ian Kelly

• Homecoming went well.
• Over 500 students attended.
• In Nov. Working on the Art & Craft Fair. Help vendors to move in. Big fund raiser for the student council.

Administrative Reports
Teacher Representative-Mary Billman

• The East Vision has been re-visioned this summer with a whole new design. Always looking for advertisers and subscribers. Can also be followed on Twitter@TheEastVision.
• The choir students are preparing for the big Autumn Concert to be held Oct. 24. The title of the program is “Music to Soothe a Savage Earth”. This program features all five choirs singing choral music specifically chosen to address the issues of modern society.
• The orchestra is preparing for the 4th annual Daniel Pearl tribute concert, Harmony for Humanity. We are joining forces with the HUB orchestra from GRPS. Our charity fundraiser will be to raise money to help rebuild the music program in Joplin, MO Public High School, completely devastated by last springs tornado. The concert is 10/20 at 7:30 p.m.

Superintendent-Sara Shubel

• MEAPS begin for the next 2-3 weeks. Please be sure students come to school on time and well fed.
• Homecoming went smoothly. No issues came to the Superintendents level. Thank you to the safety patrols for the parade.
• The School Board is watching legislation, there is a lot on the table. Concerned to find that our two state representatives had not read all the bills. They did not know the implications of the bill long term. They are only seeing short term.
• The Parent Empowerment bill has some lasting implications. Parents not just the superintendent need to be in touch. The message will go further with parents involved.
• Look at the legislative blog on the district web site.

Principal-Jenny Fee

• PSAT 10/12. 308 juniors and seniors will be taking. It is not a required test.
• MEAPS for 9th grade Social Studies next week.
• PLAN test in November.
• Homecoming dance went well. It was a three year process to change over the student attitudes to the changes.
• 300 plus college apps have been done.

Clubs and Activities
Jenny Fee-

• Students may start any club that they have an interest in.The process is to go to Mr. Weigel, get an advisor and fill out the form.
• Clubs come and go depending on student interest and involvement.
• No formal process for announcing clubs existence or meeting times. Students just put 81/2x11 sheets up all over the building announcing time and place. Also the big calendar in the hall may have it but most of the advertising is word of mouth, morning announcements and posters.
• At Freshman Survival the students are told bout the clubs that exist.
• Some have links on the website.
• Club sports have an affiliation with the high school. They are supported by the Boosters and use the facilities. The funding comes from club parents and students.

Pam Steers-Drama Club

• There is information about Drama Club on the website.
• Any student can come to the monthly meeting.
• No student is turned away from being involved in 24 Hour Theater.
• Students involved in drama collect points for participation. Based on the points accumulated the can be members of the International Thespian Society (10 pts.) as a senior, or receive a varsity letter (20 pts.).
• There are student run productions and students were even invited to be a part of Art Prize this year.
• There is also a yearly trip to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.
• November 3-5 Fall Play Performance at the PAC.

Sara Edleman-Key Club

• About 50-60 students at the meeting.
• Used to be affiliated with the Kiwanis. The Purpose of the group is to volunteer in the community. There are opportunities to do things like tutor or visit residents at Heather Hills Retirement Community.
• Students must contribute at least 10 hours to be able to list Key Club on their college applications.
• You can Like Key Club on Facebook.

PTSA Executive Board Reports
Secretary-Laurie Mahdasian

• Minutes from the September 13,2011 meeting were approved.

Treasurer-Susie Gerow

• Presented the 2011-2012 PTSA proposed budget. Budget was approved.

Assistant Treasurer-Susan Levine

• There is a new flyer available listing the Fundraising Programs at EGR.
• The new Yes card at D&W can be tied into EGR HS so money will be automatically donated to the HS during D&W Days. You can go online or to the service desk at D&W to sign up.
• Book Fair December 3 and 4 at Schuler’s Books.
• SCRIP still an ongoing program.
• Check website for others.

President’s Report-Lynn Yardley

• Book Fair is a big fundraiser for us. Mention EGRHS at check out and we will receive a % of sale.
• November 8 PTSA meeting will be a shorter one due to the Veterans Assembly.
• Parent Teacher conferences coming up in November. There will be a PTSA table and we need volunteers to help there.

PTSA Committee Reports
Scrip-Julie Schultze

• Julie will have a table to sell Scrip at conferences and could use some help.
• Sold $1,900 worth of cards in the first month of school. Some yield a high % return and some a lower, but they all add up.

Booster Group Reports
Academic-Stacey Levitt

• At the first meeting an admissions officer spoke. Jenny Fee addressed the top to bottom ranking.
• Next meeting Nov. 3 and Lori Johnson will speak about Family Connections and how to navigate the site for students in each grade level.
• Two fundraisers this year-Progressive Dinner and Winter Whirl (dance).
• Website egracademicsboosters.blogspot.com

Team Boosters

• Investigating the idea of hiring a monitor for the weight room. This would allow for students not involved in athletics to also use the equipment as well as the community.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Laurie Mahdasian, PTSA Secretary.

D&W Days!

2011-10-06T14:48:00.001-04:00

WHEN IT’S D & W DAYS
RAISE $$ FOR HS PTSA WITH YOUR “ YES” CARD

D & W DAYS in 2011 are: OCTOBER 2 - 8, OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5 AND NOVEMBER 20 - 26.

SCHOOL CODE 93034

If you are a “ Yes” cardholder, go to www.myyesrewards.com to link your card to EGRHS. Once
your card is linked, during D & W Days, your purchases will be credited automatically to the
school account. It’s simple.

4th Annual “24-Hour Theatre Slam” Performance at ERGHS on October 15, 7:30 p.m.

2011-10-05T14:50:00.000-04:00

The Drama Department at East Grand Rapids High School will perform several original one-act plays written, directed, and produced by students at its fourth annual 24-Hour Theatre Slam on Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school’s Little Auditorium.

Wildly popular with audiences over the past three years, the Theatre Slam involves an intense, 24-hour effort by student playwrights, actors, directors and stage technicians that begins the previous evening. Some 60 EGRHS students will apply their talents and storytelling genius to produce a string of short plays and bring them to life in compelling, polished performances.

You won’t want to miss this dramatic East tradition. Tickets are $5. at the door and seating is general admission.

Pamela Steers
Theatre, Speech, TV Production
East Grand Rapids High School
2211 Lake Dr. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616-235-7555 ext 5246 - vm
616-942-0706 - fax
psteers@egrps.org

September 13th Meeting Minutes

2011-09-13T14:39:00.005-04:00

East Grand Rapids High School
PTSA Minutes
September 13,2011

Meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.
Welcome and introduction of the board by PTSA President Lynn Yardley

Student Council Report-Ian Kelly

• Working on Homecoming. Pixar will be the theme. Floats by grade.
• Dance will be held in the auxillary gym. Student DJs.

Administrative Reports
Teacher Representative-Mary Billman

• Students have a positive feeling about the dance.
• Science department very excited about new equipment due to a large grant last year.
• Teachers appreciate SBRʼs.
• Senior Retreat was a big success. Thanks to Rachel Wiener who did a great job. There was a good turn out of students.
• Mrs Tombre still looking for a donation of a sofa.
• Jenny Fraizer is receiving the Barbara Ort-Smith award this fall which is a lifetime achievement award for outstanding contributions to world language education in Michigan. It is the highest award recognition a world language teacher can receive in the state.
• Kim Ibara will be taking students to Europe in 2012. Information can be found on her website.
• When are SBR requests due?

Superintendent-Dr. Sara Shubel

• Welcome and thank you to the PTA and the council as well.
• Beginning of school year has gone well. First day of school visited every classroom at all levels K-12. Makes for a busy day.
• Staff opening day went well with a theme of “Beautiful Oops”. Learn from mistakes and turn them into beautiful moments. How to turn them into learning opportunities.
• July brought Administration changes. Wealthy has a new principal Mr. Anthony Morey. Bill Behrendt has taken over at the MS as assistant principal. Nick Hopkins is the interim Athletic Director at the HS. Laurie Johnston has ﬁlled the open position in the HS Guidance ofﬁce.
• Website is redesigned and is more user friendly.

School Board Representative-Brian Ellis

• Thank you to Dr. Shubel. It was not easy to ﬁll four administrative positions in such a short time. It is a credit to her and her team. Kudos on all selections.
• We are in great shape this year in operating day to day. Looking to next year there is a $4 million hole in a $28 million budget. Most severe we have ever had.
• Looking for all employees to pay 20% of health care plan. Administration has already volunteered to do so. This change would save $600,00.
• Legislation in the works for a mandatory full day kindergarten next fall. $900,00 cost to district.
• Looking at some changes in “school of choice”. Question is who determines what “capacity” is? We need to monitor this.
• State would like to consolidate all elections to November. School issues are non-partisan and there is fear that they would get swept up into partisan politics.
• State talking about a ban on “lobbying”.
• Our state rep is not returning our calls. We are not going to give up, we will keep plugging away.
• Please keep an eye on the district Legislative Website. You can access it through the HS website.

Principal-Jenny Fee

• Changed to he registration process to the one the MS uses. It went very well. It allowed the ﬁrst day of school to be
instructional.
• Difﬁcult time for the counselors working with the schedule changes. Sections are planned based on what students plan on taking in March, then comes Fall and they want to change. There is not always an adequate number of slots available.
• There has been a change is the cell phone policy. Students can now use them in the cafeteria during lunch hour.
Also teachers have the ability to determine use of technology in the classroom tied to instructional use.

Guidance-Lori Johnston

• Have been working on scheduling.
• College applications and visits continue into late fall and then pick up again in the spring.
• Good idea to come and meet the college reps who visit because they may be the ones who read your childʼs application and essay. Good to put a face with a name.
• Family Connections our new system. Seniors have already received info. It can monitor whatʼs been sent, received,
when, where and what is still outstanding in the college application process. Will roll out to all later.
• Junior planning meeting will be Oct. 4.
• Freshman Survival will take place in classrooms.

Assistant Principal-Craig Weigel

• Last years new tardy policy has brought average tardies per student from 7.5 to 5.2. There will be an invitation to
“Saturday School” for those who miss their detention. Mr. Weigel or Mrs. Fee will facilitate so students can get caught up.
• Hearts of Gold has raised $150,00 in the last two years. There are t-shirts and caps for sale for this years game.

Youth Development-Stacey Trierweiler

• Due to budget, the director position has been cut. A group of parents stepped up to ﬁll in.
• New name is Leadership and Youth Development. Adding leadership to the name will allow us to tie into local college programs.
• Senior Retreat had 204 of the 223 seniors attend. Hired Rachel Wiener to coordinate. The space has already been booked for next year due to the success.
• Changes have taken place in parts of the program.
• Healthy High will be 9/24 and the cost is $20.
• Looking for teacher advisors and college interns.
• Program is coordinated solely by volunteers in the community, we rely on 100% on ﬁnancial and in-kind support from the community, corporate partners and parents.

PTSA Executive Board Reports
Secretary-Laurie Mahdasian

• Minutes from the May 10,2011 meeting were approved.

Treasurer-Susie Gerow

• Presented budget for the 2011-2012 school year. Vote to approve will be taken next month.
• Explained SBRʼs and that Susan Levine will coordinate. $5000 given out last year. SBRʼs are one of the main goals of the PTSA. (hand out of last yearʼs SBRʼs)

President-Lynn Yardley

• Reminder of the Paper-Gator in the back parking lot of the HS.
• Need volunteers to sign up for the Homecoming parade to act as crossing guards.
• PTA Memberships and volunteer opportunities mentioned.

PTSA Committee Reports
Newcomers-Laura Paschall

• 18 new families this year and 21 new students.
• 9/21 informal get together before Open House.

Scrip-Julie Schultze

• On going fund raiser. In stock card program of 14-15 popular vendors.
• Call or email Julie. Forms also in the HS ofﬁce. Can be dropped off at the HS ofﬁce or delivered right to your home.
• Printable form on the website.
• Reps at each school: HS-Stacey Levitt, MS-Patty Malewitz, Wealthy-Brooke Dillane, Lakeside-Elizabeth Loos and Breton does not yet have one.

Booster Reports
Academic Boosters-

• Please come to the Academic Booster meetings to learn about and advocate for academic excellence in our schools.
• Meeting Oct. 6 at 9:00 a.m. In the HS Media Center.

Music and Stage Boosters-Eileen Chamberlin

• Brooke Dillane to chair joint fundraiser Second City. First meeting will be 9/20 at 7 p.m. In Media Center conference room. All welcome.
• Ham Sale approaching. Students will get forms in late Oct. And delivery will be 12/9. Outside of second City this will be the only fundraiser.
• Early stage of planning a 10th Anniversary event for the PAC in the fall of 2012 or winter of 2013.Looking for people to serve on that committee. Looking to bring back acts from 10 years ago as well as new ones.
• 9/22 7th grade band/orchestra demonstration. 2/27 Choral kick-off.
• 10/15 24 Hour Theater
• Fall play-The Legend of Sleepy Hollow 11/3-5.
• EGRHS drama students will perform in Alan Carrieroʼs entry on 9/25 at 4:30 at St. Cecelia Music Center.

Team Boosters

• Need volunteers for concessions.
• Donʼt forget Rafﬂe Ticket.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 a.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Laurie Mahdasian, PTSA Secretary

PTSA Important Dates

2011-07-23T14:48:00.002-04:00

Welcome back to a new school year! Please note that our first PTSA meeting is Tuesday, September 13 – we appreciate and welcome your participation! Please be sure to complete and return the PTSA Volunteer Opportunities form below. To keep up with the news of the PTSA outside of our monthly meetings, please go to www.egrps.org, click on the tab marked Schools and select High School, then click on PTSA Newsletter on the left side of the High School page.   Thanks in advance for your involvement!

EGR High School PTSA Meeting Dates 2011-2012
September 13          October 11
November 8             January 10
February 14             March 13
April 10*                 May 8

All meetings are held on Tuesday at 9 am in the Media Center Conference Room
*This meeting is followed by the Parent-to-Parent Forum at 10am

Other Important PTSA Dates

September 12 Freshman Parent Forum
September 21 Open House/Newcomers Reception
October 12      PSAT Test
November 16 PLAN Test
December       Book Fair
December       Holiday Staff Appreciation
February 9      Blood Drive
April/May     Kids’ Night of the Stars
May 16           Senior Honors Assembly
June 7            Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

PTSA Executive Board

Lynn Yardley, President: lynnyardley@gmail.com

Laura Fabrizio, Vice President : ldfabrizio1@gmail.com

Rebecca Chuba Robson, Vice President: rlrobson@comcast.net

Susie Gerow, Treasurer: gerowegr@comcast.net

Susan Levine, Assistant Treasurer : srclevine@gmail.com

Laurie Mahdasian, Recording Secretary: mahdasian4@sbcglobal.net

Nancy Doyal, Corresponding Secretary: n.doyal@comcast.net

Allison Bok, Past President: allibok@comcast.net

Stacy Levitt, Past President: stalev@comcast.net

Volunteer Opportunities

2011-07-23T14:35:00.000-04:00

East Grand Rapids High School PTSA Minutes May 10, 2011

2011-05-11T20:33:00.000-04:00

East Grand Rapids High School
PTSA Minutes
May 10, 2011

Welcome by the PTSA Presidents Stacey Levitt and Allison Bok

Student Council Report-Kyle Seasly
• Ian Kelly to replace Kyle next year.
• 2035 Cranes for Japan made to support relief effort for the earthquake victims.

Administrative Reports
Teacher Representative-Mary Billman
• Music Boosters Replay Auction is being promoted by The Vision.
• We the People ﬁnished ﬁfth in the nation! 41 East students attended in Washington D.C. for six days. Photography class ﬁnishing up a traditional analog photographic exhibit at KISD educational building. Hailey McLaughlin and Kassiah Potter both won wards at the “ Congressional Artfest “ competition.
Superintendent-Dr. Sara Shubel
• We the People did an amazing job.
• Thank you to Stacy Trierweier for 8 years of service.
• Budget presented in May. June will be the budget hearing and at the June Board Meeting the vote will be taken.
School Board Representative-Brian Ellis
• Described a very frustrating Educational Forum that had been held on May 9th. About 300 people attended and about 5 minutes into it it was shut down for ﬁre code violation. Legislators were not expecting such emotion from those attending and ended up yelling at the crowd. Not a well run meeting.
• Intensive lobbying effort going on behind the scenes. Trying to change the governorʼs direction. Many questions still unanswered.
• Continue to check the EGR website for Legislative Committee up to date information.
Principal-Jenny Fee
• Thank you to Pam Steers, Bill Bier, Dr. Borst and Trent for the Phantom production. 10% of the student body participated. Great job.
• Recognized the success of the We the People team.
• Dr. Borst and Jenny Frasier both recognized for the outstanding job they do.
• Crazy busy time of year.
• Thank you to the PTSA.
Assistant Principal-Craig Weigel
• Thank you for a great ﬁrst year.
• Blown away by the student and parent participation.
Guidance-Larry Fisher
• Thank s to Craig Weigel for the great job he has done this year.
• 350-370 AP tests were taken by about 250 students.
• Working on next yearʼs schedules.
Legislative Report-David Bair
• Thanks for signing the petition.
• Continue to contact our representatives and let them know what is important to us.

PTSA Executive Board Reports
Secretary-Laurie Mahdasian
• Minutes form the April 12, 2011 meeting were approved.
Treasurer-Linda Fotieo
• Not much activity
Assistant Treasurer-Susie Gerow
• SBR balance to carry forward.
Presidentʼs Report-Stacey Levitt and Allison Bok
• Thank you to Mary Kelly and Jane Mikelic for chairing the Spring Book Fair.
• Thank you to Nancy Doyal for the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon.
• Thank you to Julie Schultze for all her work with Scrip.

PTSA Committee Reports
Book Fair-Mary Kelly and Jane Mikelic
• To be combined with the Middle School. MS will handle Sat. And HS will do Sun. Volunteers needed. Proﬁts to be shared with MS.
Scip-Julie Schultze
• Graduation gift giving push.
• Order form in the ofﬁce.
• Selling off stock.
Music Boosters-
• Concerts May 16-19.

Installation of New Ofﬁcers-Jane Mikelic and Mary Kelly
President-Lynn Yardley, Vice Presidents-Rebecca Chuba and Laura Fabrizio, Treasurer-Susie Gerow,
Assistant Treasurer-Susan Levine, Corresponding Secretary-Nancy Doyal and Recording Secretary-
Laurie Mahdasian.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 a.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Laurie Mahdasian, PTSA Secretary

From your PTSA Presidents ...

2011-05-04T13:00:00.005-04:00

It's hard to believe that another school year is coming to a close! We'd like to thank our PTSA Board and all of our volunteer committee chairs. We truly appreciate their commitment of time, hard work and dedication. We would also like to thank everyone for their continued support of the High School PTSA. It is through your support that the PTSA is able to provide for Student Benefit Requests. This year with the money raised through SCRIP, book fairs, Kids Night of the Stars and other fundraisers, the PTSA was able to give the following Student Benefit Requests:

foreign language dictionaries, camera kits, photo enlarger, online learning system for functional learning classes, Wall Street Journal subscription, photo scanner, various science kits and support for We the People, just to name a few...

We hope to continue to provide items such as these, to help enhance our students' curriculum.

Wishing all a safe and enjoyable summer!

Allison Bok and Stacey Levitt, Co-Presidents HS PTSA

April 12, 2011 - PTSA Minutes

2011-04-12T12:38:00.000-04:00

Meeting was called to order at 9:04 a.m.
Welcome by the PTSA Presidents Stacey Levitt and Allison Bok

Administrative Reports
School Board Representative-Brian Ellis
• Board working with letter to the community, ways to lessen the impact and taking the approach of not going down without a fight.
• Kevin Phillips went to Lansing to advocate. Stressing why this change in Prop A is devastating to public education.
• Plan to hand deliver the petitions signed by our community.
• Hopefully something less severe will be passed.
• EGR had a 2% property value increase due to our schools. We were the only ones in Kent Co. with an increase.
Teacher Representative-Mary Billman
• Cameron Burnette was selected through her performance at State Solo and Ensemble Festival to be a member of the statewide Honors Orchestra at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in May.
• The EGRHS AP Biology class will be presenting their research projects which were designed and completed with the assistance and guidance of Marty Coon from the Education Outreach section of the VanAndel Institute. The presentations will take place at the VanAndel Institute from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 17th. Twenty-three students from EGR are participating. Their research is varied and shows some original ideas, as well as, confirmation of research from other scientists.
• Choir Festival was a huge success. Chamber-Superior, Men’s Varsity Chorus-Excellent, Women’s Chorus -Excellent, Bella Voce-1st Division (perfect score), Madrigals-2nd Division.
• The choral Departments of all the EGR schools held the 37th annual Melodies in March. This concert featured 4th-12th grade choir students singing together in one venue.
Principal-Jenny Fee
• Busy organizing and getting ready for all the end-of-year activities.
• Mr. Fisher working with all the college decisions.
• List of senior’s scholarships and awards due to guidance by May 6th to be included in the Honors Assembly.
• Next year’s schedules for 8-11 graders are being worked on. Looking at how many students requested specific classes and determining what classes and the number of sections needed for the upcoming school year. Parents will receive an email with their students requests. They should meet with a counselor and their student if changes need to be made.
• We the People going to compete in DC at the end of April.
• Phantom a huge undertaking. $40-50,000 needed. Money made in ticket sales, Booster funds and fundraising. (Usual amount to raise is $20,000) 125 students involved.
• Greg Dale from Duke University will be here to speak to students and parents about their roles in high school athletics. It will be held on May 23rd in the PAC.
Guidance-Larry Fisher
• 950 college apps have gone out.
• Sign ups for AP exams at an all time high of over 350.
• MME results were good. Over 14 students got a 30+ on the SAT section. Some will take SAT again in
May or June.

Guest Speaker
Cathy Szivan-Director, Youth Development
• Cathy gave an informative slide show about Youth Development and it’s history. (It was also to be shown at the Parent Forum for incoming Freshman parents).
• It’s main goal is to build relationships and mentoring student to student.
• Return to the same classrooms 3-4 times per year.
• Current high school students can remember specific memories of when they were in elementary and the impact the older students coming into their classrooms had on them, even to this day.
• Take a voluntary abstinence pledge.

PTSA Executive Board Reports
Secretary-Laurie Mahdasian
• Minutes from the March 8, 2011 meeting were approved.
Treasurer-Linda Fotieo/Susie Gerow-Assistant Treasurer
• Not much activity this month.
• 2 SBRs were approved. One for Steve Seth a school social worker and the other for the english department’s trip to Stratford Ontario.
President’s Report-Stacey Levitt and Allison Bok
• Proposed slate of officers for the 2011-2012 school was read. Vote taken. Slate was approved.
Lynn Yardley-President
Rebecca Chuba and Laura Fabrizio-Vice Presidents
Susie Gerow-Treasurer,
Susan Levine-Assistant Treasurer,
Nancy Doyal-Corresponding Secretary
Laurie Mahdasian-Recording Secretary.
Installation will be at the next meeting May 10.
• SCRIPT special order will be taken 5/1-5/11 for graduation gifts. Deliveries will be made the next week.
• Next PTSA Meeting will be May 10.
• High School/Middle School Schuler Book Fair is Saturday and Sunday May 14-15.

Booster Group Reports
Music Boosters-Robin Easley
• The painted instrument fundraiser is now called Replay. It is a fine arts collaboration benefitting the art and music programs. Over 25 artists will have transformed musical instruments into works of art. A silent auction will begin at the spring concerts the week of May 16 in the PAC. The instruments will be on display at Studio 654: 5/19 7-9 pm, 5/20 4-6pm, 5/21 11-2 and 5/22 2-5pm. You can check out the instruments on Face book at ReplayEGR, or on the Music Booster link on the HS PTSA newsletter.
• Other Dates:
May 16-Spring POPS choral Concert, 7:30 pm
May 17-Band Spring “Senior Recognition” Concert,7:30 pm
May 18-Orchestra Spring “Senior Recognition” Concert, 7:30 pm
May 19-Choral Cabaret Dessert 7:00 pm MS
• Bringing Second City back for a performance on March 10,2012.
Stage Boosters-Robin Easley
• Phantom of the Opera. Performances April 27-30.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 a.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Laurie Mahdasian, PTSA Secretary

Paper's Plus Fundraiser

2011-04-12T09:12:00.002-04:00

Upcoming Events

The University Mom

Thursday, April 21 | 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Graduation Gift Specials

50% off custom monogramming; a spectacular array of specially-priced

grad gifts $5 and up; and college-logo Tervis Tumblers, frames, and jewelry

to order in time for gifting!

Teacher Gifts

Great gifts suggested by actual teachers! 20% off any item personalized with an

EGR teacher or staff name, plus a great selection of stationery, monogramming,

notepads, luggage tags, and tervis tumblers.

Need Invitations?

Check out tons of ideas to print yourself, or have Papers Plus print them for you!

Support Your Favorite EGRHS Team or Club

10% of your purchase can be donated to the team, club, organization,

or fund-raiser of your choice. Does not include special orders.

Complimentary goodie bags for the first 15 past, present or future EGR Senior

Moms; and complimentary wine, soft drinks and snacks for all!

D&W SCHOOL DAYS

2011-04-11T18:05:00.002-04:00

D&W School Days is this week April 10-16. Perfect timing for stocking up after spring break! Just mention at checkout that you're from the ERGHS. It's that easy and all proceeds go directly to teacher grants!

East Grand Rapids High School PTSA Minutes March 8, 2011

2011-03-31T08:19:00.002-04:00

Meeting was called to order at 9:02 p.m.
Welcome by the PTSA Presidents Stacey Levitt and Allison Bok

Student Council Report
Senior Class President-Kyle Seasly
• Blood Drive-101 people donated which is 40 over last year.
• Battle of the Bands -No date has been set. 50% of profits to charity and 50% to the bands.

Administrative Reports
Superintendent-Dr. Sara Shubel
• Governor’s budget was quite a shock. We will cut $300 per student in addition to the $170 cut last year which was supposed to be temporary. The retirement rate per student will be $230 (this number is determined by Lansing and is totally out of our control).
• Adding in the Community Colleges and the State Universities with the K-12 education is a big part of the problem. If this was not taking place we would probably be OK. K-12 education has been cut 3.5M in the last 5 years and now we must cut another 2M. Higher education used to be out of the state’s general fund. Last year some was taken from the School Aid Fund but it was labeled a loan. Now they are looking for it all to come from the School Aid Fund on an ongoing basis.
• K-12 education is not optional while CC and State Universities are. In addition they are able to raise their rates.
• Our district has been trimming. We are now at a point that there is little to cut that will not affect the classroom.
• Our district is working with others to understand and educate their community as well as inform and contact our legislators about these changes and their effects.
• Please check the PTSA Newsletter for more info. and templates for letters to be sent to state representatives and Governor.
School Board Representative--Brian Ellis
• Involved in the lengthy discussion concerning the budget which was reported above.
Teacher Representative-Mary Billman
• Professional Development went well.
• Thank you to the PTSA for the Student Benefit Requests that have been funded. Also a thank you for the treats.
• We the People is still involved in their fundraising.
• Phantom of the Opera students are hard and work.
Legislative Report-David Blair
• Also involved in the discussion with Dr. Shubel. Encouraging parents to check out the legislative link
for all the updated information concerning the budget.

Guest Speaker
Larry Fisher-Guidance Office
• College Applications-938 have gone out. Students are starting to make decisions. MSU and Michigan are big draws. April 1 is the universal notification day and May 1 is when deposits are due to the schools of choice.
• Seniors- need to keep grades up. Students have actually lost admission due to poor grades.
• AP test coming up in May. $20 deposits are due soon.
• Juniors-MME went well, only have 5 students who missed it. The results should be here in about four weeks. MME results will arrive in the summer.
• Junior conferences are going on.
• National College Fair 3/29, p.m. 6-8. Both sophomores and juniors are welcome to attend.
• List of students classes that they have signed up for for fall ’11 will be sent to the parents around the time of spring break.
• Mrs. Allaben is doing a great job.
• Answered parent questions.

PTSA Executive Board Reports
Secretary-Laurie Mahdasian
• Minutes from the February 8, 2011 meeting were approved.
Treasurer-Linda Fotieo
• No SCRIPT, the checks will go through in March.
• SBR grants are around $4600.
Assistant Treasurer-Susie Gerow
• Four SBR were approved this month. (Biology, Yearbook, Chemistry and We the People)
Presidents Report
• Book Fair will be held at Shuler’s on May 14-15 along with the Middle School. Profits will be shared equally. Looking for student talent and parent volunteers to man the table in two hour blocks. Jane Mikelic and Mary Kelly will chair the event.
• There will be a Parent-to-Parent forum from 10-11 following the April PTSA meeting. Panel of high school parents will answer questions for incoming parents. Encourage any 8th grade parents to attend.
• Nominees for 2011-2012 PTSA Executive Board are: Lynn Yardley-President, Susie Gerow-Treasurer, Laurie Mahdasian-Recording Secretary, Nancy Doyal-Corresponding Secretary, Rebecca Chuba and Laura Fabrizio-Vice Presidents and Susan Levine-Assistant Treasurer. The vote will be held at the April meeting and the new officers will be installed at the May meeting.
• Most successful Blood Drive since 2003. 75 new donors. 101 pints given.
• SCRIPT is available at meetings and order forms are in the office. You may also order online. Julie will be placing a graduation order. Watch for these details.

Booster Group Reports
Academic Boosters
• Academic Boosters Awards will be held on 3/21 at 7:30 p.m. For students with a GPA of 3.25 and above invitations will be sent. Rob Bliss will be the speaker.
• Progressive Dinner for the Academic Boosters made $7100 and the Winter Whirl dance made $3100.
Music Boosters-Robin Easley
• The music enrichment trip to NYC took place over mid-winter break. This trip only happens once every four years. The teachers were impressed with the maturity and responsibility of our students. They had tours, performances and hands-on theatre experiences.
• March is the month for district festival performances for the band, orchestra and vocal programs.
• Concerts: Pre-festival choir 3/10 and Melodies in March vocal on 3/17.
• The painted instrument fundraiser is now called Replay. It is a fine arts collaboration benefitting the art and music programs. A silent auction will begin at the Spring concerts the week of May 16. Final bidding will take place at 654 Croswell on May 22 from 2-4. Check out the instruments that over 25 artists have transformed on Facebook at ReplayEGR.
Stage Boosters-Robin Easley
• Phantom is now in full rehersal schedule. Performances are April27-30 (Wed-Saturday).
• Tickets are now available to the general public on the EGR drama site. (www.egrhsdrama.org)
• Ads-the form for having an ad in the program is also on the EGR drama site. If you know of any business that would be interested in placing an ad please let the boosters know.
• The Stage Boosters have an e-bay aucton beginning March 10 to 20. To bid on an item donated by the supporters of the EGR High School Drama program, go to www.ebay.com and search EGRDRAMA. Items range from a week at a vacation cottage down to books and shoes.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:07 a.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Laurie Mahdasian, PTSA Secretary

Hello from Your EGRPS PTSA Legislative Committee

2011-03-13T20:09:00.002-04:00

Your Legislative Committee wants to keep you informed about these severe budget cuts that will be affecting how our district functions next school year. We are supporting the email blast and forthcoming letter from School Board President, Brian Ellis. This information will paint a picture of how these severe cuts will affect a well run, high performing and efficient school district like EGRPS. It will be a case study for our legislators and good information for the community.

We have suffered through a series of cuts to function this year. We will have many more cuts for next year and the following ones in order to get in line with the funding differential, which will bring us back to funding level of the 2004-05 school year. Once that letter is out to the community, the Legislative Committee will distill it down to some bullet points and have it available at all EGRPS events in the coming weeks.

We are hoping that you will be willing to sign onto the action plan developed by the School Board and we will send these petitions to Lansing--to our legislators, to our governor, and to the education committees which may have legislators from elsewhere in the state. Please look for this information coming to your inbox and home soon. Thank you.

We have attached some templates for letters that can be sent to our state representatives and Governor

We The People

2011-03-13T19:57:00.002-04:00

East Grand Rapids' "We The People" Team is representing the state of Michigan in the nation competition to be held in Washington D.C.! This year the team won the State Championship with 2037 points out of 2160 possible points, the first time any team in Michigan has surpassed 2000 points!

The team is responsible for raising $65,000 to send 31 students, 11 coaches and 4 teachers/chaperones to Washington for the national competition. HELP SUPPORT your team! Donations are being accepted on the We The People web site, weeple.org.

And.....don't miss the Totally 80's Bash at the J.W. Marriott on Saturday, April 16 at 7:00 P.M.! Enjoy 80's DJ, silent and live auction, cash bar and Food Stations, cost is $25.00 per person (includes 2 food tickets). Invite friends and family and help celebrate and support your Michigan champions! Discounted hotel rooms available by going to Marriott.com and use the special rates code: L9Z.

Contact Tinker Judson at tinkj@comcast.net if you have questions.

“EGRDRAMA on ebay” Auction March 10-20

2011-03-09T15:52:00.000-05:00

In the market for new or gently used sport equipment or apparel, electronics, clothing, accessories, exercise equipment, sport event tickets or memorabilia? Look no further! The EGRHS Stageboosters "EGRDRAMA on ebay" auction is now in progress. Shop for items donated by East Grand Rapids families and make a bid on what you need by going to www.ebay.com and searching for EGRDRAMA.

All proceeds from the auction will be used to offset play production costs, Performing Arts Center equipment purchases, and scholarships.

Replay - a painted instrument project

2011-03-03T09:16:00.001-05:00

Click here to learn more...

Can Drive!

2011-03-01T15:29:00.001-05:00

We The People Can Drive: Please save your cans for pick-up on Saturday, March 19. Your cans will help the EGR We The People Team travel to Washington, DC for the National Competition on the weekend of April 30th. EGR's team is the Michigan high school state champions! Students will collect cans door to door on the 19th; if you'll be gone, please leave them on your front porch. Thank you!

2011-02-15T16:19:00.003-05:00

Announcing East Grand Rapids High School Stage Boosters’
Fundraising Event

Each year Stage Boosters raises money to off set annual play production costs and help purchase necessary equipment for the Performing Arts Center. In addition, Stage Boosters gives scholarships for drama related summer programs & scholarships to graduating thespian seniors.

With your help, we can continue to financially support these programs & the performing arts at East.

Click here for more information
Click here for the donation form

PTSA February President's report

2011-02-12T16:04:00.000-05:00

We’d like to thank our guest speaker this month, Judy Baars, psychotherapist, who presented “How Parents and Educators can Help Our Teens Cope with Stress”. It was a great follow up to our January presentation by Dee McGraw. Thank you to all those who attended. The Blood Drive, which takes place on Thursday, February 10, is anticipating a big turnout with pre-registration numbers more than double last year, thanks in part to 16 year olds being able to participate with parental permission. Please join us at our next meeting, Tuesday, March 8 at 9:00 with a presentation by our Guidance Director, Larry Fisher. The proposed slate for next year’s PTSA Executive Board will also be announced.

East Grand Rapids High School PTSA Minutes February 8, 2011

2011-02-08T13:31:00.000-05:00

Meeting was called to order at 9:04 a.m.
Welcome by the PTSA Presidents Stacey Levitt and Allison Bok

Student Council Report
Senior Class President-Kyle Seasly
• Blood Drive to be held on 2/8. 100 students have signed up this year as compared to 60 last year.

Administrative Reports
Superintendent-Dr. Sara Shubel
• The district has 6 “Act of God days” per year, or 42 hours. If we went over we would add on in June not at Spring Break. The second snow day was called due to the city spending 14+ hours working on street clean up and had not started the sidewalks. Beginning at 5 a.m. would only give them 2 hours which would not be enough time to complete the sidewalks. Concerned especially for middle school students walking in the street.
• February Teacher Development days 80 sessions or more planned. 90% taught by internal staff. Administration will also do a session or two. Will be housed at the high school.
• Three components to impact the budget. Unknown until the governor shares his plan on 2/17. 1-amount of state funding, 2-retirement costs, 3-health care costs.
Teacher Representative-Mary Billman
• Dollars going toward computers and will beneﬁt chemistry, physics and biology classes.
• Kim Ibara still taking sign ups for Europe trip.
• Scheduling for Fall taking place soon.
• MME to be taken 3/1-3.
• We The People demonstration fundraiser to be held on 2/9.
School Board Representative- Stacey Trierweiler
• Three candidates running to ﬁll two positions for school board. Brian Ellis,Beth Milanowski and Rick
Ostrander are the candidates.
• Reﬁnanced bonds to save the community and district money due to lower interest rates at this time. Our
bonds bought up very quickly due to our good credit. We will see some tax reduction.
• Thursday March 10 a Technology Fair being held by Kent ISD at Woodcliff at 7 p.m. Help you better understand the Individualized Education Program and other topics. Not just for parents of special education students.
Principal-Jenny Fee
• Guidance will be in classrooms to help with scheduling. Students will be using the Skyward system.
Parents can go on through family access to ﬁnd coarse descriptions. At the end of March a letter/schedule will be sent home. Counselors will be checking to ensure students are meeting requirements.
• MME will be taken for three days in the junior class. ACT is a part as well as a Michigan component of math, english,science and work keys (employability skills). Encourage students to to do their best as this information from the testing is used in instruction and curriculum as well as other things. The importance will be explained to students in their english classes.
• Dr. Borst given the honor by his peers as the Michigan Vocal Teacher of the Year .
• 400+ students came for test prep sponsored by Academic Boosters. Numbers up again. Will need more math teachers next time.
• February 22 is 8th Grade transition day.
• Thank you to Bruce and his staff who virtually shoveled for three days.

Legislative Report-David Bair
• Budget projections show School Aid Fund is well funded for this year and next, concerned about structural deﬁcit for the following year.

• How will K-12 be affected by the movement of money from the School Aid Fund to Community Colleges. A new precedent has been set.
• How will Governor Snyder budget changes affect K-12?
• If interested check out the blog on the PTA pages and also check out Grassroots-a parent and educator education advocacy group which meets monthly.

Guest Speaker
Judy Baars-Psychotherapist, Counseling and Consultation
• Talked about teens coping with stress in such ways as eating disorders,cutting,OCD panic...
• Encouraged parents to keep connected to their kids. Help kids to normalize their feelings. Help them to accept and understand the emotional states of anxiety and stress. Itʼs OK to sit with a level of anxiety and depression. Talk and express being key.
• Suggested Parenting Teens with Love and Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Faye. Step back and sympathize with your teens when they make mistakes. Allow the consequences to be theirs and then empathize. Rules without relationship equals rebellion.

PTSA EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORTS
Secretary-Laurie Mahdasian
• Minutes from the January 11,2010 meeting were approved.
Treasurer-Linda Fotieo
• Difference of $80 in membership is just a timing issue
Assistant Treasurer-Susie Gerow
• Community rewards was budgeted to do $1000 and we have made $1800 to date.
Presidents Report-Stacey Levitt and Allison Bok
• 3/19 HURRAH is the fundraiser of the year for the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation

PTSA Committee Reports
Blood Drive-Anne Risch
• 145 signed up so far. Being held at the High School from 8-2. Food donated by Panera and Pizza Hut.
Script-Julie Schulze
• Will be doing a special order for graduation. Order forms in the ofﬁce. Julie will deliver. Script supports
SBR (Student Beneﬁt Requests)

Booster Group Reports
Academic Boosters-Anne Minema
• Thank you to Jane for exam prep which was a huge success. Looking for someone to take over.
• Record numbers of tickets sales for Valentine dance. Looking for parents to help out. Students have stepped up and taken ownership.
• 3/21 Award Ceremony in the PAC. Invitations will be sent out in March.
• Looking for new board members.
Music Boosters-Robin Easley
• Meetings 1st Tues. Of the month at 7 p.m.
• Suzanne Nowak is continuing to collect “dead” instruments for the painted instrument fundraiser. Auction to be held in May.
• In March band, orchestra and vocal programs will be participating in district festival performances.
• 37th annual Melodies in March Choral Festival will be held 3/17.
• Starting 3/10 you will be able to go to www.ebay.com and search EGRDRAMA to bid on items for Stage Boosters fund raiser.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:09 a.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Laurie Mahdasian, PTSA Secretary

PTSA January Presidents’ Report

2011-01-16T16:09:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year and Welcome Back! We had an enlightening presentation from Dee McGraw of the Community Action Council at our first meeting of the new year – thank you to those people that attended. The nominating committee has begun looking for people to fill the two open positions on the PTSA Executive Board next year – Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. We encourage anyone that is interested in joining the board next year, or anyone that has a good suggestion of someone who might be, to please contact Jane Mikelic, Mary Kelly or Lynn Yardley. No experience necessary – anyone who is interested is welcome! The blood drive is coming up on Thursday February 10. The student council will be handing out registration forms to students at the High School, or they can be found at miblood.org (click on “donate”). This year 16 year olds can donate with a parent’s permission. Finally, David Bair, our legislative committee liaison, has communicated some legislative definitions and issues to help us understand what we are facing in our district :

Legislative definitions:

FOUNDATION GRANT

The foundation grant is the money given to a school district for each student in public school in the State of Michigan. The foundation grant was established under Proposal A of 1994 which took school funding out of local districts’ hands. The State of Michigan has funded schools since this time for the purpose of alleviating property taxes on homes and to decrease the disparity in funding between the richest and poorest school districts in the state.

Main Points from the Legislative Committee meeting, Jan. 3, 2011:

The Michigan Revenue Conference will take place January 14, 2011. We should know more about actual tax collections for closing out this fiscal year and preparing for next fiscal year, including how much will be available per pupil for the 2011-12 school year.
Senate Fiscal Agency estimates were released in December and it looks as though the School Aid Fund with the help of federal Edujobs dollars will be funded at this year’s level or more. The Committee commits to vigilance if the Legislature decides to “cherry pick” the School Aid Fund to fund other parts of the state budget which are in dire deficit.

OPERATING EXPENSES and CAPITAL EXPENSES

Since the adoption of Proposal A in 1994, the State of Michigan provides most of the money to the school districts (between 85-90%). This State money is used for OPERATING EXPENSES, what most people think of as “school” expenses, such as teacher and employee salaries and benefits, books, all classroom supplies and supplies for all school-related activities. OPERATING EXPENSES also include such things as utilities, maintenance of buildings and the transportation of children. Preschool, food service and child care may fall under this category also. OPERATING EXPENSES are affected by budget shortfalls and any delays in passing the State’s budget.

Expenses that a district can raise money for are CAPITAL EXPENSES such as construction for new buildings, sports fields and any non-instructional tangible item (technological devices). Districts raise these funds with millages, sinking funds or fundraisers through organizations such as the Foundation or the PTSA.

From the Drama Department

2011-01-15T17:04:00.000-05:00

Friends of the EGR Library Used Book Sale

2011-01-11T13:37:00.000-05:00

Member Pre-sale Friday, January 28, 2011 6:30-8:30 pm - You can join the Friends of the EGR Library for $10 at the door.

Public Sale Saturday, January 29th 9:00 am- 4:00 pm

EGR Middle School Gym 2425 Lake Dr. SE EGR

All proceeds benefit programming and other needs of the EGR branch of the Kent District Library.

PTSA Minutes January 11, 2011

2011-01-11T12:52:00.001-05:00

East Grand Rapids High School
PTSA Minutes
January 11, 2011

Meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.
Welcome by the PTSA President Stacey Levitt and Allison Bok

Student Council Report
Senior Class President-Kyle Seasly
• In November at the Holiday Fundraiser $3000 was raised.
• 52 Grand Rapids families were fed with the Can Drive.
• February 10 will be the Blood Drive. 120 pints were given last year. This year for the first time 16 yr. olds can donate with a parents permission.

Administrative Reports
Teacher Representative- reported by Heather McKinney
• Pam Steers sending out sponsorship packets to Grand Rapids businesses for the “Phantom of the Opera”.
• “Don’t Drink the Water” will be performed this week-end.
• Kim Ibara’s Europe 2012 trip is taking sign ups.
• Yearbook purchases are low this year.
Youth Development Report-Cathy Szivan
• 65 students have signed up for Teens Against Tobacco Use. Looking for more boys to join.
• Mr. Morrey is dividing 6th graders up by gender and having freshmen meet with them in gender groups, once a month. If you know of anyone who would like to suggest let Youth Development know.
Superintendent-Dr. Sara Shubel
• Martin Luther King Day will be next Monday. There will be a district wide celebration to be held at the high school. EB Lewis will be the speaker.
• February will be the Professional Development Days for staff. Over half the staff registered on the first day. There are 80 sessions scheduled with 90% of these to be taught by staff. All administrators will be teaching a session.
• School Board elections are coming up in May. Stacy Trierweiler will not be running again. She has served for the last eight years. Thank you to Stacy. Brian Ellis will be running again. Beth Milanowski has put forth her name to
run. Potential candidates have until Feb. 8 to fill out the paperwork for the May election.
• January is School Board Appreciation Month.
School Board Representative-Brian Ellis
• There was $400,000 dollars left from the 2006 bond. We came in on or under budget on the approved projects. We have two options for this surplus: to either pay down the debt or use the funds for other projects. There are three
areas that this money could be spent effectively. One is to overhaul and upgrade the science equipment at the High School. The VanAndel Institute is working closely with us and our students in AP Biology. Secondly we can do further technology upgrades. New computers are needed in the lab at the High School. Lastly the 1956 boiler at the
Middle School needs replacing.
• Refinancing of bonds will be on the agenda at the next School Board meeting. The rates are significantly lower now and refinancing would be a significant savings in interest.
• New Governor so will be looking to the State of the State address to see what changes he will be looking to make in education.
Principal-Jenny Fee
• Spoke again of the work that the AP Biology class along with Mrs. Huff is doing with the VanAndel Institute. Also Mrs. Huff has visited labs in other schools to see what is being used. There is cleaning out of our old equipment to be done.
• The end of the semester is a stressful time.
• Academic Boosters is again providing exam prep sessions. They will be held on January 20 and 23rd from 6:00-8:00.
• Skyward will close down the week of exams and will reopen with current grades on Friday Jan. 28.
• National Assessment of Progress will be given to randomly chosen seniors on Feb. 1. This test is used for international comparisons. It will be given in a two hour time block. “We the People” won the state championship with the highest score ever. It is EGRHS’s 9th win.
Assistant Principal-Craig Weigel
• The MLK program will include students and will take about one hour and begin at 9:25. Fifty students from the HS and MS will be going that afternoon downtown for the MLK walk.
• The new tardy program has cut the tardies in almost half.

Guidance-Linda Rupke
• Junior conferences are going on.
• Over 880 college applications have been processed.
• The PSAT results are in.
• Scheduling for the 2011-2012 school year will be in February.

Legislative Report-David Bair
• The Michigan Revenue Conference will take place January 14, 2011. We should know more about actual tax collections for closing out this fiscal year and preparing for the next, including how much will be available per pupil for the 2011-12 school year.
• State Fiscal Agency estimates were released in December and it looks as though th School Aid Fund with the help of federal Edujobs dollars will be funded at this year’s level or more.
• The Legislative Committee will increase education of the parents in the EGRPS school district to arm each parent to advocate on behalf of public education.

Guest Speaker
Kim Rossi -Community Action Council (CAC)
• CAC is interested in the well-being of our kids, especially as it pertains to drugs and alcohol. Educate our community.
• Last spring a prescription drug drop off was done and now it is a permanent site at the police station.
• Do not fund raise so depend on membership dues .
• i Care Pledge and website www.theantidrug.com
Dee McGraw,MSW --Recovery Solutions
• Dee did a terrific and informative presentation concerning the stress our children live with in their daily lives. The statistics were amazing. She gave us information about drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, symptoms of depression and so much more. Click here to see her powerpoint presentation

PTSA Executive Board Reports
Secretary-Laurie Mahdasian
• Minutes from the October 12, 2010 meeting were approved.
Treasurer-Linda Fotieo
• Presented the November and December 2010 treasurer’s report.
• Community Rewards were budgeted $1000 and the actual was $1600, KNOTS was down but the net was better than budget.
• SCRIP doing well. There will be another big push in the Spring.
Assistant Treasurer-Susie Gerow
• Student Benefit Requests half the budget has been spent. The last approved were for two camera kits and an enlarger and on-line as well as hard copy subscription to the Wall Street Journal.
Presidents Report-Stacey Levitt and Allison Bok
• Thank you to Julie Schultze-SCRIP, Kathy Kendall-Book Fair and Amy Becker-Staff Brunch.
• Online Safety Forum on Thursday, February 10, 2011 from 7-8:30. For parents and students. Will focus on grades 4-8.
• Spring Book Fair still needs a chair. It is to be held with the Middle School.
• By-Law changes presented. Nancy Doyle made a motion to pass them, Lynn Yardley seconded the motion and all were in favor with no opposing votes.
• Nominating committee will take any suggestions for the positions of Vice President and Assistant Treasurer for the 2011-20012 school year EGRHS PTSA.

PTSA Committee Reports
Book Fair-Kathy Kendall
• Disappointed with a $427 profit.
• Kathy will not be returning as the chairperson next year.

Booster Group Reports
Academic Boosters-Anne Minnema
• Progressive Dinner to be held January 22. There will be an all school email blast to go out as a reminder. There is a sign up for food prep on Friday, Jan. 12.
• Exam prep January 20 and 23. A representative from each department will be there to answer any student questions. It is helpful to go and listen to the questions of other students. Looking for a volunteer to coordinate exam prep for next school year.
• Changes have been made to the Valentine Dance. Moved to the High School and there will be a live band for a portion of the evening.
Music Boosters-Robyn Easley
• Students concentrating on solo and ensemble and district festival performances. There are a number of concerts coming in February and March
• Suzanne Nowak (coatcolors@aol.com)is continuing to collect “dead” instruments for the fundraiser. The instrument auction is planned for May
• Selling Key Cards again this year. The cost is $20 each.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:23 a.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Laurie Mahdasian, PTSA Secretary

On-Line Safety Forum

2011-01-10T16:32:00.000-05:00

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

2011-01-10T11:34:00.004-05:00

Click here for more information

Food Drive

2011-01-05T10:23:00.001-05:00

Many thanks to all of you who sent in canned goods, dried food products, paper products, money and other donations for our annual Holiday Food Drive. We were able to provide food baskets for fifty-six very appreciative families. We would like to publicly thank Meijer Food Stores, D & W and Bill Marsh of Kentwood Packaging for their generosity in providing us with substantial savings on fresh food and boxes for our Holiday Baskets. We would never have been able to do this without their very generous support.

Student Council Executive Board

East Grand Rapids High School

2211 Lake Dr. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49506

616-235-7555

Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library Used Book Sale

2011-01-05T09:38:00.000-05:00

WHAT: Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library Used Book Sale

WHEN: Members Only Pre-sale (can join at the door for $10) Friday, January 28th 6:30-8:30 pm

Public Sale Saturday, January 29th 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

WHERE: EGR Middle School

2425 Lakeside Dr. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Give SCRIP for the Holidays!

2010-12-01T14:14:00.002-05:00

Thinking about giving a gift card to someone on your list this year? Consider buying them from the HS PTSA Scrip Program. In addition to the Scrip gift cards available year-round, during this holiday season you can order gift cards from hundreds of popular merchants to benefit our school. Orders will be taken from November 29-December 8 for pick up at the high school office during the week of December 14. Download order forms in the right column or contact Julie Schultze at 446-1418 or jaschultze@me.com.

Scrip will also be available in front of the Spirit Shop during their December business hours.

Book Fair - Barnes & Noble - Dec 5 and Dec 6

2010-11-29T11:39:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends of East Grand Rapids High School,

We are having an exciting book fair at Barnes & Noble. Please inform your friends and family about how easy the process is to help our school. Simply encourage them to do their holiday shopping in person Dec. 5 from 9am-9pm or Monday, Dec. 6 from 9am-11pm or online at bn.com/bookfairs. We will receive 10% of the purchases during this fair. Simply add the Bookfair ID 10249050 to your online purchases as you check out or bring the number/ voucher when you shop at Barnes & Noble in Woodland Mall. It's as simple as that!

If you go into the store purchases from the Cafe are included even the cheesecakes from The Cheesecake Factory which is just in time for your holiday parties. Cheesecakes need to be purchased at the store during those two days but can be picked up later.

The money the PTSA raises helps supply mini grants for the teachers such as extra cameras, foreign language dictionaries, a dishwasher for the science dept. and many other items.

Please pass on this email to your friends and families. Thank you for participating in this year's book fair. Have wonderful safe Holidays,

Kathy Kendall, Book fair coordinator

If you have questions please email me at Ktkski@comcast.net.

Click here to download book fair vouchers to use and share.

East Grand Rapids High School PTSA Minutes November 10, 2010

2010-11-20T21:33:00.001-05:00

Meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m.
Welcome by the PTSA President Stacey Levitt and Allison Bok

Administrative Reports
School Board Representative-Stacy Trierweiler
• Available to answer questions.
Superintendent-Dr. Sara Schubel
• Reporting for Mary Billman-Teacher Representative
• Reporting for Jenny Fee-Principal
• 4 students from East Grand Rapids High School were selected for Michiganʼs District 10 High School Honors Band. These students include Casey Bloom, Rilee Catalano, John Nowak, and Jordan Walsh.
• Three Musketeers will be performed November 18,19, and 20 in the PAC. Auditions for the musical
Phantom of the Opera will be held earlier than usual. They will be before Holiday break.
• A Foundation Grant provided for Stratford actors to come to select English and Theater classes.
• Thirty students from EGRHS given opportunity to aid in ﬁlming for 50 Cent movie Things Fall Apart. We hope to make the ﬁnal cut for the ﬁlm.
• Four choir students participated in the Michigan Regional Honors Choir.
• Parent-Teacher conferences were a great success, with high parental participation, as usual.

PTSA Executive Board Reports
Secretary-Laurie Mahdasian
• Minutes from October 12, 2010 approved.
Treasurer-Linda Fotieo
• No changes
• Susie Gerow shared how we have raised $1400.00 through Community Rewards at Forest Hills Foods (escrip), Paper Gator, Meijer Community Rewards Program, and Target Take charge of Education. Half sheet in available with a list of fundraising oppportunities:D&W Days,Barnes and Noble Book Fair, Forest Hills Foods, Meijer Community Rewards Program, Target Take Charge of Education, Gordon Food Service Fun Funds Program, Ofﬁce Depot, Crescent Street Floral and Paper Gator.
• $2000.00 been given out this year in Student Beneﬁt Requests.

Presidents Report-Allison Bok and Stacey Levitt.
• Thank you to Sandy Brooks.
• Kids Night of the Stars raised $3000.
• Barnes and Noble bookfair at Woodland Mall on December 5,6. Percentage to PTSA, also given when ordering online bn.com/bookfairs. We will receive 10% of the purchases. More information is available on website. Volunteers still needed.
• Proctors still needed for the PLAN test to be given on Nov.17.
• A chairperson is still needed for the spring bookfair which will be held with the MS. Please contact
Stacey Levitt if you are interested.
• Thank you to Nell Witting and Katie Southwell for the great job at Parent/Teacher conferences. Also
thank you to Glade Lathrop for organizing the proctors for the PSAT and PLAN tests. Thank you to
Kathy Kendall for her work on the Barnes & Noble bookfair.
• We need a push on memberships. We are at 240 for this year compared to 290 at this time last year.
Forms can be found in the ofﬁce.
• Every three years the PTSA Bylaws are to be updated. Minor changes have been made. There is a
proposed ammendment changes available to look at. Please contact Stacey or Allison with any
questions or comments. A vote on the changes will take place at the February meeting.

PTSA COMMITTEE REPORTS
SCRIP-Julie Schultze

There will be an expanded availability for SCRIP this holiday season. In addition to the choices available all year long you will be able to order from hundreds of popular merchants. There will be open enrollment and one bulk order will be placed. Merchants such as J.Crew, Gap, Best Buy...
12/7 will be teacher purchase day
A big thank you from the Presidents to Julie for all her work
Legislative-David Bahr
A thank you concerning the candidate forum which was held in October.

Booster Group Reports
Academic Boosters-Anne Minnema

Hosting a luncheon on 11/11
Exam prep to be held in January
Largest fundraiser for Academic Boosters is the Progressive Dinner to be held in January.

Music Boosters-Robin Easley

Meetings 1st Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
The Autumn Choral and Orchestra concerts have been held .
Last weeks orchestra concert was itʼs annual Harmony for Humanity Concert. $712 was raised for alumnist Joey Goeb and his wife Joy who are in the Peace Corps in Zambia. Not only was the money raised but 10 boxes of books were collected. The money will be used to ship the books as well as hire a local craftsman to build shelves in the library of their small school. Information can be found at joey +joy@blogspot.com or at mgoeb@egrps.org (joeyʼs mom -Mary).
Suzanne Nowak (coatcolors @aol.com) is coordinating a fundraiser to paint and auction “dead” instruments. Instruments or cases will be accepted. This is a joint effort with the Middle School Art Dept.
The ham sale is taking place now and ends 11/22. Delivery is scheduled for 12/8.
Key cards are also being sold this year. Contact Kathleen Bukhart at burkhart@iserv.net with questions or to purchase your card.

Stage Boosters-Robin Easley for Julie Gotch

Meetings 2nd Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
“Phantom of the Opera” is scheduled for April 27-30.

Team Boosters
• Help is still needed for concessions. Please contact Sally Malnor or Lisa Rogers if interested.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:26 a.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Laurie Mahdasian, PTSA Secretary

FOOD DRIVE!

2010-11-05T12:04:00.003-04:00

The high school will be having its annual Food Drive the week of December 6^th – 10^th. Last year the Student Council provided food baskets for approximately 60 families by collecting food and cash donations. There is a great need again this year so please put it on your calendar! Than you in advance for your help and generosity!

October President's Report

2010-10-14T07:54:00.002-04:00

We had a great meeting on Tuesday, October 12. Police Chief Mark Herald introduced us to Officer Perez, our Public Safety Department Liaison, and he also spoke to us about some safety procedures at the High School. In addition, Mr. Paul Baumgartner, Director of the GR Public Schools Nutrition Program, joined us to provide some information on our new food service program this year. If you weren’t able to make it to the meeting, please read the minutes to learn more. Our new Scrip program is up and running – see the link on the right side of this web page for the new order form. We are still looking for a chair or chairs for our spring book fair at Schuler’s Books – please contact us if you are interested. Don’t forget to turn in your PTSA membership form if you haven’t joined the HS PTSA yet. Money from memberships helps us provide grants to our teachers! Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 10 at 9am in the Media Center Conference Room and it will be a shortened meeting due to the Veterans Day Assembly immediately following. Hope you can join us!

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EGRHS PTSA

2010-10-13T14:20:00.000-04:00

You will not need to spend any extra money in order to support the HS PTSA!!!

D & W Days: Shop at D&W Breton Village or Gas Light Village during the designated days. The school code is 93034 or just mention EGR High School. Check back soon for upcoming dates.

Barnes and Noble Book Fair: Sunday and Monday, December 5 and 6 at the store.

Forest Hills Foods (escrip): Sign up by filling out an application at the service desk, mention ERG HS ID#11026. You also can earn a gas discount when you shop!

Meijer Community Rewards Program: Sign up for a Meijer credit card at the service desk or online at Meijer.com/rewards. School ID #848107

Target Take Charge of Education: Sign up for a Target credit card at the service desk or online. School ID #61492

Gordan Food Service Fun Funds Program: Sign up by filling out an application in store.

Office Depot: Mention the EGRHS PTSA at checkout every time you shop.

Crescent Street Floral: Order corsages of boutonnieres for Homecoming, Valentines and Prom Dances. Mention ERGHS at ordering.

Paper Recycling (Paper Gator): Paper recycling bin is located behind the PAC in the Bagley Parking Lot.

East Grand Rapids High School PTSA Minutes October 12, 2010

2010-10-12T08:02:00.001-04:00

Meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.

Welcome by the PTSA President Stacey Levitt and Allison Bok

Student Council Report

Senior Class President -Kyle Seasly

• 300 tickets were sold for the Homecoming dance. A profit was made

• The largest fund raiser for the student council will be coming up soon

Administrative Reports

Police Chief of EGR Public Safety Department-Mark Herald

• Introduced Matt Perez the school liaison officer

• Looking to build strong relationships with all the schools starting at the elementary level

• New K-9 searches. Superintendent will call for the day. Should be done in 20-40 minutes. Proactive safety measure for the school. No cost to the school. Partial lock down, meaning the teachers will continue with instruction but the students will not be allowed to pass. Will be explained that there are false-positives. Do not assume that if a student is called it means something was actually found.

Teacher Representative-Mary Billman

• 31 students involved in We the People. Tue. Nov. 30 competition at KISD

• Oct. 25 Autumn Choral Concert PAC at 7:30

• Oct. 28 High School Orchestra ‘Harmony for Humanity’ Concert in the PAC at 7:30.

• Mary Goeb collecting books for the Peace Corp in Africa. Used books of any kind can be left in the teachers lounge

Youth Development Report-Cathy Szivan

• Thanks to parents for helping Healthy High to happen. 520 kids registered. Student designed T-shirt. There are still some available for $5. 10 staff also volunteered to help for the day.

• Looking for ambassador type students to come along side new or struggling students. It will be confidential. If you know of a student who would be good at this please let Cathy know

School Board Representative-Bob Minnema

• Next meeting 18 at 7:00 p.m.

• Our funding got relief from the state

Principal-Jenny Fee

• Volunteer badges are now done. State law background checks done on those who wish to volunteer in our schools. Badge will be given to youngest or only child to deliver

Assistant Principal-Craig Weigel

• Champ’s birthday tomorrow. Trying to get 1000 birthday cards to him

• Field trips that have been taken-Art Prize, Drum Line, Youth in Government (Lansing)

• Student Council did great job on Homecoming

• A student committee will meet about the Technology Policy

Guidance-Larry Fisher

• 9th grade Talking to the students in their english classes about strategies on success in high school. Learning the fight song. Getting to know the students

• 10th grade PLAN test next month on Nov. 17.

• 11th grade Oct. 4 Jim Cotter from Michigan State University came and spoke to students and their parents about the college process. Junior conferences to start soon

• 12th grade Busy. 325-350 college applications are already in. Some answers have already come. There will be 900-1000 applications in all.

• Prep HQ The historical data we have used in the past is gone. The students used to be able to look at past history of grades, test scores, where students applied and were accepted or rejected. Looking to find another system

• Having a problem getting transcripts to colleges electronically. Have been sending paper copies

Guest Speaker

Director of Grand Rapids Public Schools Nutrition Services-Paul Baumgartner

• This is the first collaborative effort at this level. Opportunity to show it a success. The goal is nutritional support to students to help their education. Students need an adequate nutritional lunch which provides a healthy diet with healthy food choices.

• Breakfast is available at the high school.

• The biggest problem right now is information. Website provides all the information www.grpublicschool.org/nutrition.

• Local dairy farm used for milk and local orchard for apples.

PTSA Executive Board Reports

Secretary-Laurie Mahdasian

• Minutes from September 14, 2010 approved.

Treasurer-Linda Fotieo

• No report Linda Absent

• Vote on 2010-2011 Budget. Motion and second with unanimous approval

Presidents Report-Allison Bok and Stacey Levitt

• Committee chair still needed for May Book Fair. Looking to partner with the Middle School

• Encouraged to participate in using the current fundraisers. It all adds up

• Three Student Benefit Requests received. One has been approved. Need more information on the others. Will share details next month

• Thank yous to Lynn Yardley (open House), Laura Paschall (Newcomers) and KNOTS-Laurie Gourley and Andy O’Brien

• District Directory will be on-line by Oct. 15 and $5.00 hard copy will be available in Nov.

PTSA Committee Reports

SCRIP-Julie Schultze

• Julie has order with her at all times. Forms also in the office. 8-10 top sellers. Stock program. Percentage goes to Student Benefit Requests

Legislation-Mary Kelly

• Candidate Forum on Monday, Oct. 18,at 7 p.m. in the EGR Community Center. Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R) and Frank Hammond (D) are the guests.

• Get more information at egrpseducationadvocate.blogspot.com or lucylafleur@sbcglobal.net

Booster Group Reports

Academic Boosters-Anne Minnema

• Chairperson and volunteers needed for Valentine Dance. Looking at student led music

• Progressive Dinner being held on 1/22. Chairperson still needed

Music Boosters-Robin Easley

• Suzanne Nowak (coatcolors@aol.com) is coordinating a joint fund raiser with the art department. She is working with Holly Lampen at the Middle School to paint and auction “dead” instruments. Anyone who has instruments of any kind, or even instrument cases, to donate should contact Suzanne.

• The ham sale, which is major fundraiser, will begin in a few weeks, delivery scheduled for Dec. 8.

Stage Boosters-Julie Gotch

• Three Musketeers will be performed Nov. 18-20. Based on the book. Language and dialogue best suited for children over the age of 10.

Team Boosters-Bob Minnema

• Membership up 20%.

• Upcoming Christmas tree sale

• Other organizations can use the buying power in purchasing tee shirts at a good price. This can be done through the Spirit Shop. Food also. Contact Scott Robertson

The meeting was adjourned at 10:06 a.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Laurie Mahdasian, PTSA Secretary

Next PTSA Meeting, Tuesday October 12th

2010-10-08T09:22:00.001-04:00

Please join us at our PTSA meeting on Tuesday October 12 at 9 am in the Media Center Conference Room. We will have Police Chief Mark Herald of the EGR Public Safety Department at our meeting to speak about safety procedures, and we will also have Mr. Paul Baumgartner, Director of GR Food Service speaking. Hope you can join us!

Europe Trip 2011 - Italy and Greece

2010-10-04T12:27:00.000-04:00

Hello, all! As promised, we have organized a Europe Trip for the summer of 2011, and I wanted to take a moment to inform you of next year's program. So, here goes!!

- We will travel to Italy and Greece, a trip that includes Rome, Milan, Florence, and an overnight cruise on the Aegean Sea to Greece where we will visit Athens, among other Greek destinations.
- The trip is scheduled for June 13, 2011 - June 22, 2011, and will be chaperoned by Brandon and Brooke Oldenbroek, Joe and Cathy Szivan (Cathy serves as EGRHS' Youth Development Leader), and Patrick Reed (Patrick teaches Industrial Arts at the high school).
- The tour fee, which is a little less than last year's, is $3,288.00. This, just as last year, can be broken down into manageable amounts by dividing the total into monthly payments or taking advantage of Explorica's other payment options. The tour fee includes, just as it did last year, breakfast and dinner each day, as well as all transportation around Europe.

- There is an additional $50 discount available for those who sign up prior to 10/15 (reducing the tour fee to $3,143.00), which marks the end of our primary enrollment period. Those who sign up after 10/15 will not receive the $50 discount, and also risk a price increase that may take effect from after 10/15/10, which is the last day a price can be guaranteed.
- Adults can accompany us for an additional $405 per adult traveler.
- We will limit the tour to thirty travelers.
- Our specific tour can be accessed by following this link: http://www.explorica.com/My-Account/My-Tours/TourCenter.aspx?tourCenterCode=oldenbroek-8877.

Brandon M. Oldenbroek

Social Studies Teacher

East Grand Rapids Middle School

Grand Rapids, MI 49506

616-235-7551

Healthy High 2010 - This Saturday, September 25

2010-09-21T08:02:00.002-04:00

Click here to download the brochure

HEALTHY HIGH 2010
REGISTRATION & PERMISSION FORM

Name:___________________________________

E-Mail:___________________________________

Where did you attend Elementary School

___________Breton __________Lakeside____________ Wealthy _________Other

I ______________________give my permission for _________________________to
ride a school provided bus to and from any off-site Healthy High Activity on Saturday,
September 25th. All activities will be over at 10:00p.m.. I understand if my son/
daughter is not going to participate in all activities, they need to present a note signed
by a parent/guardian before Friday, September 24th to the Youth Development office. I
also understand that HH’s “After Healthy High” is optional and that my student my
leave anytime after 8:00 p.m. all activities will be over by 10:00 p.m.. If I have not
made prior arrangements students involved in sporting events that day may join us after
the event. Healthy High is a non-refundable option as we confirm buses and activities as
soon as sign-ups begin.

Grade:_________

Phone:_______________

~I WOULD LOVE TO HELP! ~

PARENT OPPORTUNITIES

_______ I would love to bake 2 dozen cookies or purchase a box of pre-packaged snacks to drop off Friday, September 24th by 4:00 to the HS Media Center Conf Room.

_______ I would love to volunteer time shift as indicated below. A volunteer coordinator will contact you with available activities.

11:45am-2:00pm

_______ I would love to supply a cake or gift card type prize for the cake walk and can drop this off to the HS Youth Dev. office by 3:00 Fri, Sept 24th.

_______ I would love to chaperone the evening activity of HH. From 8:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Senior Registration begins Thursday, September 16th
General Registration begins Friday, September 17th – 21st
Lunch hour registration tables will be in the main entrance hallway. Event registrations are limited so don’t wait!

TO REGISTER YOU MUST BRING:
• Bring $20.00 registration fee cash or check (made payable to Healthy High) or a $15.00 along with a donation of 100% juice boxes for GR Kids Food Basket.
• This completed and signed registration form (must be signed by a parent or guardian)

_________________________________
Student Signature

_________________________________

____________________________________
Parent E-mail
Emergency Contact Number

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HH #1________________________________ HH#2__________________________________

Core Group # ______________

3:00-5:00pm

4:00-7:00pm

6:15-8:30pm

I am flexible call me

____________________________________
Parent Signature

September 2010 PTSA Presidents’ Message

2010-09-17T09:44:00.002-04:00

We’d like to thank everyone who attended our first PTSA meeting of the year – we had a great turnout! If you weren’t able to make it, please read the minutes that will be posted on this site after every meeting so that you can stay up-to-date with what the PTSA is doing. We still need lots of volunteers, so turn in your volunteer form when you get a chance. Don’t forget to turn in your PTSA membership form as well. We appreciate all the help that we get! Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12 at 9am in the Media Center conference Room – hope to see you there!

Stacey Levitt and Allison Bok

DRAMA DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THE 2010-2011 SEASON!

2010-09-16T13:48:00.000-04:00

24 Hour Theatre - October 16, 7:30 p.m. in the Little Auditorium
Join us for our 3rd annual 24-hour theatre performance. Over the course of 24 hours EGRHS students will write, direct, rehearse, and perform 5-6 original one-act plays. Student playwrights start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and stay up all night and write a play. Directors and actors come in Saturday morning and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Stage technicians assist in costuming, props, set, sound, and lights, and by 7:30 p.m. the students will astound you with their polished performances.

Fall Play: The Three Musketeers, by Max Bush - November 18-20, 7:30 p.m. in the PAC
EGRHS has commissioned local playwright, Max Bush, to adapt and write this version of the Alexandre Dumas classic novel. Romance, intrigue and plenty of sword fighting dominate this adaptation, which closely follows the original to it's dramatic conclusion. Athos, Porthos, Aramis and d'Artagnan declare war on the Cardinal and both sides enter into an escalating and treacherous battle for love and power.

Winter Play: Don't Drink the Water, by Woody Allen - January 13-15, 7:30 p.m. in the Little Auditorium
A cascade of comedy and a solid hit on Broadway, this farce takes place inside an American Embassy behind the Iron Curtain. An American tourist and his wife and daughter rush into the embassy two steps ahead of the police who suspect them of spying and illegal picture taking. The Ambassador is absent, so his son tries to plot their escape, and even has a little time for romance with the tourist's daughter.

One-Act Play: Small Actors, by Stephen Gregg - February 3, 7:30 p.m. in the PAC
Emily desperately wants to play Juliet in her high school's production of Romeo and Juliet. Instead, she gets a one-line, four word role. When she tells her parents that she has the lead, things spin way out of control in this funny and touching play about the roles we play in theatre and in life. This one act play will be EGRHS's submission in the MIFA state-wide theatre festival. The February 3rd date is our public performance for the community. Districts will be Jan 29th and Regionals February 12th.

Student Play: Hamlet, by Wm. Shakespeare, adapted by Andrew Decker and Hailey McLaughlin - February 25-26, 7:30 p.m. in the PAC
Join us for the 7th annual all student produced play! EGRHS students Andrew Decker and Hailey McLaughlin have adapted and will direct this year's one act version of the classic Shakespearean tragedy, Hamlet. Come explore the world of ghosts, betrayal, self-discovery and philosophy as East students act, costume, direct, tech and bring to life this well-known drama.

Variety Show - March 4-5, 7:30 p.m. in the PAC
Come enjoy an evening of great talent at our annual Variety Show featuring East's students, including skits, bands, dancing, instrumentalists, comedy, and pop vocals.

Spring Musical: The Phantom of the Opera - April 27-30, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Charles Hart, Additional Lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, Book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, 7:30 p.m. in the PAC
EGRHS will be one of the first high schools in the United States to perform the most successful musical of all time. Come join us for a once in a lifetime experience we go back to the Paris Opera house of 1881 and follow the obsession of the Phantom with the young soprano, Christine and his magical control of all who work in the Opera House. Highlights include: "Think of Me," "Angel of Music," and "The Music of the Night."

Pamela Steers
Theatre, Speech, TV Production
East Grand Rapids High School
2211 Lake Dr. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616-235-7555 ext 5246 - vm
616-942-0706 - fax
psteers@egrps.org

East Grand Rapids High School PTSA Meeting Minutes September 14, 2010

2010-09-14T09:23:00.000-04:00

Meeting was called to order at 9:03 a.m.

Welcome by the PTSA President Stacey Levitt and Alison Bok

Introductions of the Executive Board were made

Student Council Report

Senior Class President-Kyle Seasly

Theme chosen for Homecoming Week is Board Games.

Theme days chosen are PJ, America, Costume, 80’s and Blue and Gold

Hearts of Gold was a success

Administrative Reports

Superintendent-Dr. Sara Shubel

Welcome back.

Things are going well. About 17 new hires in the district. All offering expertise and experience. Openings occurred due to growth opportunities for staff members in new districts. Dr. Shubel outlined the hiring extensive hiring process we go through. School Board Member-Brian Ellis Thanked Dr. Shubel for the work she has already done to prepare for this 2010-2011 school year
Contract agreement has been reached covering 2 years

Strong shape this year for the budget

This is year 2 of our strategic plan. Looking to make East even stronger

Teacher Representative-Mary Billman

Senior Retreat was very successful. Thank you to the parents for their help

Healthy High is coming up

Mrs. Tombray is looking for a used couch for her classroom

Europe trip went well

New Varsity Men’s chorus for grades 9-12

Thank you for the grants and for all the ways PTSA helps out

Youth Development-Cathy Szivan

Introduced Anna Flood and Maddie Huegli to present about Healthy High. Runs from Noon-8 and then an optional evening activity as well.

Link Crew which is a group of seniors who are involved with freshman orientation. Making sure every freshman feel like they have someone here at the high school.

Principal-Jenny Fee

Welcome back

Held class meetings with juniors and seniors to talk about becoming “respectful spectators”. The speaker was Greg Dale of Duke University. Then met individually with about 30 seniors concerning how to bring a positive change to the behavior of our students and how they could help to facilitate that Introduced Craig Weigel

Assistant Principal-Craig Weigel

He grew up in West Michigan. Went to Adrian College. Has been a teacher, coach and Activities/Athletic Director. He is married and is the father of two.

New Tardy Policy was introduced.

Parent involvement equals great schools so he appreciates the involvement we have here in East.

Guidance-Larry Fisher

Staff changes in the guidance office

College applications underway beginning Friday

PSAT signups to begin.

PTSA Executive Board Reports

Treasurer-Linda Fotieo

Closed script that you see reflected in the budget

Mission to find new fundraiser to make about $4000 per year. Open to ideas

Not much change in this years budget. Not balanced, but off-set by script

Present 2010-2011 budget. To be voted on next month

PTSA Presidents Report-Allison Bok and Stacey Levitt

Mini grants money directly to teacher/student needs

Open House

Recycling

Volunteer needs-Spring Book Fair chairperson, gardening, Media Center

PTSA Committee Reports

Newcomers-Laura Paschall

Food items for Open House

35 new families

Kid’s Night of the Star’s-

PTSA’s biggest fundraiser

Tuesday October 5th

Scrip-Julie Schultze

New smaller version

Stock program of best sellers-list of retailers

Legislation-Mary Reed

Look at blog. PTSA newsletter links to issues. Get on email list

Board member compliment on how informed we are kept

Membership

150 TY vs 310 LY

Booster Group Reports

Academic

Meets first Thursday of the month from October-April

First meeting Oct. 7

Music

Meeting on First Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

Band getting new uniforms

Funds raised go toward scholarships and music enrichment

Stage

Schedule of this years performances to be announced this week

The Three Musketeers November 28-30

Team

Spirit Shop has all shifts filled as well as a sub list. Looking to open for Freshman and JV home games. Hours are Tue. 6:30-8:30 and Wed/Fri. 11:00-1:00

Open for home football games

PTSA President -Stacey Levitt

closed the meeting

The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 a.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Laurie Mahdasian, PTSA Secretary

EGR High School PTSA 2010 – 2011 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

2010-09-01T10:12:00.000-04:00

Book Fair

2010-04-28T18:02:00.000-04:00

EGR High School PTSA Minutes April 13, 2010

2010-04-13T07:13:00.000-04:00

Co-Presidents: Mary Kelly and Jane Mikelic called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. and welcomed attendees back from Spring Break. There were 22 members in attendance.
Administrative Reports

Superintendent’s Report: Superintendent Dr. Sara Shubel welcomed everyone and reported that she would be meeting with the class of 2023-2024 later that day at the incoming kindergarten transition meeting. She also said that the state assessments were complete.
School Board Report: Liaison, Brian Ellis encouraged voting in the May 4^th election in which Steve Edison is running unopposed for the EGR School Board and voters will decide whether or not to renew an 18 mil Non-Homestead tax. Ellis said a “yes” vote would not increase taxes, but would renew an existing tax applicable to rental properties and businesses only in EGR, not primary residences.

Ellis noted that the next several meetings of the EGR School Board would be held at Pioneer Auditorium at Wealthy Elementary School to accommodate the (expected) large crowds as the board begins discussions of the district’s 2010-2011 budget reductions. The meetings to be held at Pioneer are April 26; May 24; June 7 Budget Hearing; June 14 Budget Vote. To read about the financial discussions that have taken place among the board to date, please visit the district’s finance “Ning” site: egrpsfinance.ning.com.

Teachers’ Report: Faculty member, Sara Edelman, liaison to the PTSA reported that teachers and students are looking forward to Baccalaureate, graduation and the 2010 Relay for Life (May 21). She asked if PTSA would entertain grant requests for May 2010. Co-president, Jane Mikelic responded that the PTSA board had not yet decided.

Principal’s Report: Jenny Fee said that grades were due from teachers the next day and that report cards were due out on Friday. She said only eight weeks remain in the semester.
She mentioned that seniors were feeling stressed while making their final college decisions. She also noted that the administration is “trying to keep a lid on the seniors” during their last weeks of school.

Juniors recently took the MME; the ACT portion of the results are in, but the total MME results from the state take longer. AP tests will be administered at the beginning of May, another source of stress for students.
Spring sports are in full swing; the spring musical is in intense rehearsals now and will be performed during the last weekend of April; the high school received a letter from an opposing school in which their administration praised the behavior of our high school students during East’s final hockey play-off game of the year.
Spring Break 2011 will be the first week in April. The February break is in question for next year and will be decided as part of teacher contract negotiations this spring. Check the district website for calendar updates as they happen.

Youth Development: Director, Cathy Szivan announced key dates for the 2010-2011 school year: August 21-22 is the Senior Retreat; September 25 is Healthy High.
PTSA Executive Committee Reports
President’s Report: Jane Mikelic mentioned that with SCRIP gift cards being unavailable for graduation gifts, a good alternative could be Schuler’s gift cards purchased at the EGR HS Book Fair on May 1^st and 2^nd. Proceeds go to the high school PTSA.
This year the PTSA has considered an average of 3 to 5 mini grant requests from teachers per month. This month the organization has approved two.

Co-president, Mary Kelly asked members to volunteer to work at the Schuler book fair. As budgets are cut, teachers’ requests have become more and more basic. The income from the book fair helps fulfill these requests.
Treasurer’s Report: No budget discussion today; Treasurer, Janice Foster was absent due to illness.
Past President’s Report: Lisa Buth announced the PTSA Executive Board for next year.
Co-presidents: Allison Bok and Stacey Levitt
Vice President: Lynn Yardley
Treasurer: Linda Fotieo
Recording Secretary: Laurie Mahdasian
Corresponding Secretary: Nancy Doyal
Past Presidents: Mary Kelly and Jane Mikelic

Committee Reports
CAC: Kim Rossi announced two upcoming events. Certified counselor, Dee McGraw will speak about prescription drug abuse among teens on April 21 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in the Little Auditorium. And a prescription drug drop-off is scheduled for April 24 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the D&W Gaslight parking lot. Residents are encouraged to bring expired and unwanted prescriptions to the drop off; they will be disposed of safely by incineration.
Booster Reports
Music Boosters/Stage Boosters: Robin Easley reported for both organizations. The Music Boosters are currently accepting applications for scholarships to help students pay for summer programs. All music programs are preparing for their end-of-the-year concerts. The boosters are currently raising funds for new band uniforms. There is a trip planned to New York City for all interested music students in February 2011, subject to the winter break. There are more than 100 students currently involved in the musical, “State Fair”. Tickets are available on line and in the box office the week preceding the show. The induction ceremony for the International Thespian Society will be held May 4 at 7:00 pm in the Little Auditorium.
The last PTSA meeting of the school year will be held on Thursday, May 13^th at 9:00 am in the Media Center. Kevin Philipps, Assistant Superintendent of Business will discuss the 2010-2011 district budget.
These minutes are respectfully submitted by Sandra S. Carroll, corresponding secretary.

2010 Musical - State Fair by Rogers and Hammerstein

2010-04-01T16:00:00.000-04:00

The Drama Department at East Grand Rapids High School will perform “State Fair,” the Tony Award winning musical based on the book by Tom Briggs and Louis Mattioli and the music of Rogers and Hammerstein, April 29 – May 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school’s Performing Arts Center.

Set in Iowa in the summer of 1946, “State Fair” follows the Frake family as they leave behind their routine farming life for three days of adventure at the annual Iowa State Fair. Parents Abel and Melissa have their hearts set on winning a few blue ribbons. Their children, Margy and Wayne, are interested in finding romance on the midway. Will the Frake family’s dreams come true?

This Tony Award winning musical, with America’s heartland as a colorful backdrop, is pure fun for the whole family. Some 60 EGRHS students comprise the show’s cast, and 28 students are involved in its production.

Tickets are for reserved seating and can be purchased at the high school box office: Saturday, April 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; April 26-April 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and one hour prior to each show. Tickets prices: $6. students, $10. adults, $15. preferred seating. Tickets can also be purchased online at http://www.egrhsdrama.org/. Advance purchase is recommended.

STATE FAIR COLORING CONTEST! CLICK HERE

PTSA Student Benefit Request Grants 2009-2010

2010-03-29T16:47:00.000-04:00

These are the PTSA Student Benefit Request Grants that have been distributed this year... The SBRGs are mini grants requested by teachers. The PTSA will accept applications by the first of each month and review the requests at their executive board meeting the second Tuesday of each month, thus grants will be given on a monthly basis. Grants applications will be received through May 1, 2010. Additionally, the PTSA is "going green" by accepting applications only by email. It is a priority of the PTSA to provide both teachers and students with financial and material support to enhance teaching and learning at EGRHS.
English Department:
Janet Tombre - $60.00 - one year subscription to VoiceThread.com
Sara Edleman - $519.50 - permabound copies of Macbeth
Sara Edleman - $165.89 - Livescribe Pulse Pen with refill and notebook.
Jane Hazle and Pam Steers - $500 - Stratford Shapespeare Festival

Social Studies:
Brandon Oldenbroek - $1000.90 - Mimio Interactive Bar/Capture Program

Science:
Mary Billman - $592.65 - Lab Kits

Foreign Language:
Jennie Frazier - $800.00 - Headsets with recording feature

Television Production/Film Studies
Pam Steers - $598.00 - two Cannon 800 Camcorders.
Pam Steers - $43.00 - two new deluxe USB Headphones with Microphones.

Academic Boosters' Award Ceremony

2010-03-29T16:45:00.001-04:00

The Academic Boosters' Award Ceremony will be held on Monday, March 29th at 7:30 PM at the High School Performing Arts Center. This ceremony recognizes students having a 3.25 or higher cumulative weighted GPA. Invitations were sent out to those students who qualified. This is an opportunity to join with others and congratulate your student individually as they are called by name and cross the stage. Students to report at 7:00 PM. Please call Amy Lachance at 475-6045 with any questions.

Annual Performing Arts Fundraiser!!!

2010-02-24T09:59:00.001-05:00

Mark your calendar! On Saturday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m., the musical comedy “Altar Boyz” is going to rock EGRHS’s Performing Arts Center!

This 90-minute show to benefit Performing Arts programs, featuring a fictitious Christian boy band from Ohio, is full of sharp satire, spectacular choreography, and tight harmonies. Just coming off a five-year Off-Broadway tour, “Altar Boyz” promises an evening of foot-stomping fun and laughter for the whole family that’ll raise the rafters!

This event will also host the presentation of the Pantlind Award to Dr. Mark Webb, who directed the choir from 1995 until his retirement in 2009 and has been the official “voice” of the Pioneer Football team for the past eight years. Click here to send "best wishes" to be printed in the program honoring Dr. Webb.

Please join us for this very special evening. Proceeds will go to the Music and Stage Boosters and be used to provide scholarships and purchase instruments, band and orchestra uniforms, and theater improvements. Tickets can be purchased online at www.egrhsdrama.org, our box office web site.
Click here to place an ad in the program.

Tour Europe This Summer!

2010-02-17T11:17:00.000-05:00

Tour Europe This Summer!
High School Social Studies Teachers Brandon Oldenbroek and Chris Stabile are looking for four more travelers to join them as they travel to Europe this summer.
The tour will focus on European battle sites from World War I and World War II, but also include a lot of free time for exploring Europe.
The trip, which will depart Grand Rapids on June 20th, will include stops in London, Amsterdam, Bastogne, Paris, and Normandy, among others, and return to Grand Rapids on July 1.
This opportunity is open to high school students and their parents/guardians. Please email Brandon Oldenbroek at boldenbr@egrps.org for more information! The deadline to sign up for this trip, which is facilitated by Explorica, is March 13.

East Grand Rapids High School PTSA Minutes February 9, 2010

2010-02-09T18:37:00.000-05:00

East Grand Rapids High School PTSA Minutes

February 9, 2010 18 People in attendance, meeting began at 9:05 am
Introduction/Highlights: Co-Presidents Jane Mikelic and Mary Kelly called the meeting to order.

Superintendent Report: Sara Shubel was out, and was unable to report today. Glenn Mitcham reported for her in her absence. Thank you to the PTSA for the organizing the Legislative Forum. It was very well attended and informative.

Assistant Principal: Glenn Mitcham reported of the successes if many things going on at EGR: One Act Play, Conferences, Sports Teams, etc. Larry Fisher launched Kabookie Week at an assembly with the theme of Kindness being the theme. Concerning the Valentines Dance, Jordan (DJ)) met with Student Council and heard their concerns. In the area of Guidance, scheduling for next year has begun. Career counseling is happening. Junior Conferences are going on and going well. Kids are busy. Seniors are starting to realize that they will be graduating. Also, PTSA results are back and ready to be used for Junior Conferences.
Student Council Representative: Sonia Nicola reported on the EGR Blood Drive. 145 students signed up. She also reported on the Kabookie Week coming up. Each day something different will be going on. On Friday, a penny drive will happen to raise money for Haiti. There was a Freshman Assembly and Larry Fischer spoke. The DJ for the Homecoming Dance was open to having student input for the playlist at the next dance, which is the Valentines Dance. Kabookie shirts sell for $5.00. Crescent Street Floral gets a percentage of the money from the corsage sales for the dance.

Teacher Representative: Sara Edelman said she is encouraging teachers to submit their requests for mini-grants....teachers aren't used to anyone giving them money. The Professional Learning Conference is coming up and will be offered to them as a way of re-investing in our teachers. She pointed out that the magical part of this event is that all the teachers are very committed. She commented that exams went well and second semester is off and running.
Booster Groups

Robin Easley reported that Music and Stage Boosters is going well and there are busy students who are very involved.
Marjolijn van der Velde reported that the Academic Boosters Progressive Dinner event ended up being a sold out event! Congratulations to their group for another successful year! Next on the agenda is the Valentines Dance....all the proceeds from the dance go to Academic Boosters.
Scrip: Kim Rossi reported that the inventory of SCRIP is dwindling down....just a few left.
PTSA Executive Committee Reports: Mary Kelly and Mikelic
Kevin Phillips gave a presentation on the current and projected state of the budget. To see a PowerPoint of the presentation, http://www.egrps.org/district/dept/biz/Files/basicsofschoolfinance.pdf.
For questions, suggestions, or to participate in discussion on the budget, http://egrpsfinance.ning.com/.
Respectfully submitted by Susan Merlotti.

Valentine's Day Dance

2010-01-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

The Academic Booster's Annual Valentine's Dance will be held Saturday, February 13 at the Middle School from 9:00-11:30 pm. No admittance after 10pm. Tickets are $10 each and will be sold during lunch on February 10, 11 and 12. Tickets will also be sold at the dance.

Variety Show!!!

2010-01-18T07:31:00.001-05:00

February 26-27: Variety Show, 7:30 p.m. in the PAC
Tickets $6

PTSA Meeting Minutes from: Tuesday, January 12, 2010

2010-01-12T18:32:00.000-05:00

Co-Presidents: Mary Kelly and Jane Mikelic called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. They welcomed 25 members and guests.

Administrative Report

Superintendent Sara Shubel reported that US News and World Report had awarded a Silver Award EGR High School. Out of 21,000 schools in the country, EGR was rated in the top 1500 schools in the country.
Linda Kehm, principal of Lakeside Elementary was awarded a regional principals award.

Budget Report:

EGR is putting together the budget for next year and they are currently using a reduction of $300 per student. This year they were told that there would be a $0 reduction, and as it turned out, it was $165 per student. They felt they need to be conservative and cautious. The Board Finance has monthly meetings. Kevin Phillips started a blog for the EGR community that is taking suggestions concerning the budget.
Race to the Top Grant: many states are lobbying to get awarded $$. Two states are going to receive the money, but with money come stringent guidelines. It is targeted for failing schools which EGR does not qualify.
January is Board Appreciation month; please remember to thank the members of the EGR Board….they do an amazing job for our community.
Board President Brian Ellis reinforced the decision to not participate in The Race to the Top grant…. He talked about the people that are writing into the blog (47 to date). Steve Edison’s board seat is going to be opening up. Nominations are being taken. Steve Edison has said he is going to run one more time…..The election will be held in early May.

Glenn Mitchum reported for Jenny Fee, Sonia Nicola, Sara Edleman and Larry Fisher.
Principal Report

It is two weeks until exams. January 25, 26, 27. The statistics show that preparing and creating a schedule for studying create proven results for doing well on exams. Prep days for exams, sponsored by Academic Boosters, are Thursday, January 21 and Sunday, January 24 from 6-8 pm.
February 1 starts the second semester. It is late this year because it needed to be divided with 18 weeks in the first semester and 18 weeks in the second semester.
Monday, January 18, the High School will host the district wide Martin Luther King National Assembly at 9:30 am in the EGR High School gym. The elementary kids will come to the high school and the EGR high school seniors will escort the high school students down to the gym.

Guidance Report

Reports that the guidance counselors are transferring their emphasis from senior students to the junior students. Families need to start scheduling the “Junior Conference”. All the forms that were handed out need to be ready to hand in at the conference.

Teacher Report

Sara Edelman, teacher liaison, wanted to say thank you for al the “classroom grants” that had been approved by the PTSA Board to enhance the learning and teaching at EGR High School.

Student Council Report

Glenn Mitchum reported that Student Council and the students will start planning the Valentine’s Dance scheduled for Saturday, February 13.

Booster Groups

Music: Robin Easley reported that the Ham Sale was a success and there were slightly higher profits this year.
Stage: Robin Easley reported that the student directed One Act Play is coming up. Two students wanted to direct, so each student will direct one night. January 21 and January 22.
Academic: Marjolijn van der Velde reminded us that the Academic Booster is the group that sponsors the Academic Prep nights. She wanted everyone to encourage their students to use them. The ones that do say very favorable things about them. Marigold also wanted to remind everyone that Saturday, January 23 is the night of the Progressive Dinner sponsored by the Academic Boosters. Please make your reservations now so they can plan for the event.

PTSA Presidents Report

Jane Mikelic reported that five teacher “mini grants” were awarded. The PTSA decided to make it a rolling application process. Teachers must apply the first of the month and he PTSA will respond by the end of the month. The “mini grant” awards will be posted on the PTSA blog.
The Fall Book Fair at Barnes and Noble raised $841.00. Thinking of doing another book fair in the spring with Schuler’s Book Store. Another new company, Malibu Skateboards, is another new fundraiser.

Legislation Report

Mary Kelly reported that on February 8 there will be a panel of Senators speaking about budget cuts, Race to the Top, etc. Location to be determined.

PTSA Presentation

Dee McGraw gave a presentation entitled “How Are Our Kids Really Doing?
Speaking to the various pressures that our kids are under that may lead them to make unwise choices in regard to alcohol and other drugs. A sample of statistics from the presentation revealed changes in kids’ lives as they’re growing up. For example:
12 hours less free time
33% less playing time
51% more homework
67% have cheated
Ages 9 to 13 are most stressed by academics (not social pressures)
Diagnosis of depression has doubled in 5 year

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 am
The minutes are respectfully submitted by Susan Wood Merlotti, Recording Secretary.

January 2010 PTSA President Posting

2010-01-07T13:52:00.000-05:00

Welcome back from the holiday break and Happy New Year! We hope you’ll join us at PTSA meetings this semester. We meet every 2^nd Tuesday of the month at 9:00 am in the Media Center Conference Room.
The first meeting of 2010 is on Tuesday, January 12 at 9:00 am. Our speaker will be Dee McGraw, MSW, who will lead us in a discussion on the roles that anxiety and stress can play in our students’ feelings and choices. Dee has over 18 years’ experience as a therapist, trainer/consultant, and other work in the substance abuse treatment and prevention field.

On February 4, the PTSA will assist the Student Council in running the annual blood drive at the high school. This is one of the largest blood drives in Kent County. One must be over 16 years old and at least 110 pounds in order to sign up to donate blood. Students, teachers, staff, and parents are welcome. EGR volunteers bring in food and drinks and this year Papa John’s is donating pizza for it! Please consider giving blood.
The major goals of the PTSA for this school year are to facilitate communication between parents and the school, to support the teachers, and to raise funds for Student Benefit Request grants. These are requests for equipment, performances, field trips, and other learning opportunities that will directly benefit students.

Please remember to join PTSA. Membership fees go toward our PTSA goals of supporting teachers, particularly with Student Benefit Request grants.
Our February meeting will be on Tuesday, February 9 at 9:00am.
Thanks very much for your interest and participation in the PTSA. We look forward to seeing you on January 12!
Jane Mikelic and Mary Reed Kelly, Co-Presidents

WILDERNESS TRIP 2010

2009-12-07T13:44:00.000-05:00

Looking for the perfect Holiday gift, a life changing adventure or an affordable wilderness experience for your 16 - 18 year old - we've got it. Back by popular demand Youth Development is offering a Sea Kayak and camping Wilderness Trip June 21st - 27th, 2010 through the Apostle Islands. All equipment and transportation included.
Please contact Cathy Szivan @ 575-9912 or CSzivan@egrps.org for an information packet.

November 2009

2009-11-24T12:05:00.001-05:00

To EGR parents, guardians, and PTSA members,

Be sure to put on your calendar a TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION DEMONSTRATION on December 8 at 9:00am and please join us!

Doug Jenkins, the district Director of Technology and Assessment will demonstrate AND show us how to use several Web 2.0 tools that are being used in classrooms today. Some of these you may have heard of but aren’t quite sure what they are, for instance, Nings, Twitter, Skype, Voice Thread. You may be familiar with them but would like to see how teachers have been trained to use them with our students.

This is not a PTSA business meeting, but a special presentation (open to all) to keep us up to speed on what our kids are talking about and how they’re using it in class.

Our November PTSA meeting was a short one, due to the annual Veterans’ Day Assembly. We quickly went through business only (no program) and dismissed. See the meeting minutes for November 11 on the blog for details (go to www.egrps.org, click on “High School”, click on PTSA Newsletter, click on the button labeled “click here for the High School PTSA Newsletter”).

The PTSA’s major fundraiser, Kids’ Night of the Stars (KNOTS), earned $3500. These funds will be put toward Student Benefit Requests (SBRs), grant requests from teachers or administration, for curriculum enhancement items to benefit students.

Our plan for SCRIP for this year continues to be to sell down the inventory of SCRIP cards by the winter holiday, when we will assess the program for its feasibility to continue with it.

Please remember to join PTSA. Membership fees go toward our PTSA goals of supporting teachers, particularly with SBR grant requests.

Our January meeting will be on Tuesday, January 12, at 9:00am. Please join us for coffee, friendship, and an update on happenings at the high school.

Thanks very much for your interest and participation in the PTSA. We look forward to seeing you in December and in January!

Jane Mikelic and Mary Reed Kelly, Co-Presidents

Barnes and Noble Book Fair

2009-11-23T15:10:00.001-05:00

Ladies(or Gents), On Sunday Dec. 6 and Monday Dec 7 the EGR HS PTA will be hosting a fundraiser. We will need parents to be at a table throughout both days/evenings. Since you are on my email contact group I thought I would start with all of you. If you are interested in helping out, please tell me what day works best for you and the general time. You can do it with someone or alone.

Last year I did it. It is easy. You sit at a table near the door, greet people who come in and ask them to include EGR PTA for any purchases.

I am anticipating live music from 1-4pm Sunday and the evening of Monday.

Thanks for your assistance, Happy Holidays Kathy Kendall ktkski@comcast.net

EGR High School PTSA Minutes Novemeber 11, 2009

2009-11-17T06:46:00.000-05:00

Co-Presidents: Mary Kelly and Jane Mikelic called the meeting to order at 9:05 am. They welcomed 18 members and guests.

Administrative Report

Superintendent Sara Schubel welcomed everyone by saying Happy November. She also informed the group of the new policy of all EGR staff. All faculty will be required to wear an ID badge with photo and barcoding for verification. All staff will have their badges by the Dec.1 deadline.

Teacher Representitve Sara Edelman talked about the semester is clipping along. She talked about the new instructions for the benefit request forms for teachers. She said they are already getting requests. Emails need to be checked on Skyward to make sure they are current and accurate. This way when an e-blast is done, everyone gets the information that they should be getting. She asked all families to take the time to check their e-mail addresses.

Principal Jenny Fee talked about the past week when the highest number of students that were absent was 157 on Oct. 19. 16% of the student body. The teachers were very good about helping kids stay on top of their work and they even went so far as to close the library/media center and used it as a test center for make-up tests. She also invited everyone to the Vetran’s Day assembly that day, and said that the assembly had been an EGR tradition for over 30 years. A board member asked about the discipline policy for athletes and Mrs. Fee explined that they follow the Sudent Handbook on all discipline and the school is committed to being fair and consistant.

Guidance Counselor Larry Fischer thanked the volunteers for the help with the PSAT test. He also expressed the need for one more proctor for the PLAN test on Nov. 18. Sally Malnor volunteered. There are 695 applications in for college to date, and he said that mirrors last year. He said the letters of recommendation are coming in in a timely fashion, and he reminded everyone to thank the teachers. Last year he told a story that one teacher ahd 18 letters of recommendation. It is a timely process for teachers, and it is important that the students thank them. Only one Junior conference has been scheduled to date, and usually by this time there are many more scheduled.

Booster Group Reports

Music: Robin Easley reported that music boosters is selling hams and cheesecakes as a fundraiser.
Stage: They are currently selling tickets for the play. The production is” in the round” and once the play starts no one will be admitted until intermission.
Athletic : Need consessions help. The raffle went well. The Christmas tree sale begins right after Thanksgiving. The next game in the play-offs is Saturday at 1:00.

PTSA Executive Committee Reports

President Mary Kelly reported that there will no formal December PTSA meeting. Doug Jenkins is scheduled to give a program on the new technology being implemented at the schools. It will be a way for parents to get educated on the newest technologies that the students will be using.

Treasurer Janice Foster reported that the copy of the budget is on the back table.
The minutes from September and October were approved.

PTSA Committee Reports

KNOTS (Kids Night of the Stars)Allison Bok/Stacey Levitt/Andy O’Brien agreed that the event was a success with $3400 raised. The attendance numbers were down but the giving was up.
SCRIP will be sold after the assembly by Kim Rossi

Membership reported(Susie Gerow) there are currently 299 members and many of them are Patron members.
Newsletter writer Betsey Bloom reported that the blog is up and running. During the discussion the idea surfaced of possibly listing the Booster and Volunteer Chairs would be a good idea for contact purposes and improving communications.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 am
The minutes are respectfully submitted by Susan Merlotti, recording secretary.

October 2009 PTSA President Posting

2009-10-27T17:55:00.000-04:00

Our October PTSA meeting featured a panel representing administration, teachers, and students. Participants were Jenny Fee, Principal, Glen Mitcham, Assistant Principal, Sara Edelman, English teacher, and Sonia Nicola, Student Council President. The topics addressed were the new dance rules (prohibiting sexually suggestive dancing) and the new Student Support Monitors. The audience participated in a conversation with the panel with questions and comments. See the meeting minutes for October 13 for details.

The PTSA’s major fundraiser, Kids’ Night of the Stars (KNOTS), was a success, with beautiful weather and a great crowd of kids and their parents. The money earned from the event will be put toward Student Benefit Requests (SBRs). These are grant requests from teachers or administration, for curriculum enhancement or other projects to benefit students, outside of the normal curriculum. Examples are performances or speakers, equipment, travel expenses, and books.

The Guidance Office is still looking for proctors for the PLAN test, given to sophomores, on November 18. PTSA and Academic Boosters are helping to recruit proctors. Proctoring consists of attending a short training session and monitoring students in a classroom from 7:40am to 11:00am. Please contact Mrs. Clipp in the Guidance Office if you can help.

SCRIP has been a PTSA fundraiser for many years. To support the SCRIP program, you purchase cards for various local merchants that can be used in the same way as gift certificates. A percentage of the profit from each card goes to the PTSA. Our plan for this year is to sell down the inventory of SCRIP cards by the winter holiday, when we will assess the program for its profitability and feasibility to continue with it.

Please remember to join PTSA. Membership fees go toward our PTSA goals of supporting teachers, particularly with SBR grant requests.

Our November meeting will be on Wednesday, November 11 at 9:00am. The meeting date has been moved to precede the Veterans’ Day assembly at 10:15 that morning. Please join us at this very moving ceremony immediately after our meeting.

Thanks very much for your interest and participation in the PTSA. We look forward to seeing you in November!

Jane Mikelic and Mary Reed Kelly, Co-Presidents

EGR High School PTSA Minutes October 13, 2009

2009-10-13T08:16:00.000-04:00

Co-Presidents: Mary Kelly and Jane Mikelic called the meeting to order at 9:05 am. They welcomed 12 members and guests.
Superintendent’s Report: Sara Shubel reported that they are still working on the budget in anticipation of the potential $165.00 cut per student in the EGR District. They submitted the original budget July 1 and have now had to revisit it in case Governor Granholm signs the legislation approving the cuts. The district has been informed of the MEAP schedule and the state tells who takes, how they will take and when they will take the MEAP tests. Each year it is different, but it is regulated by the state.

Principal’s Report: Jenny Fee talked about the Student Support Monitors. The first shift, 7-9 am, Tom Baranowski, and the noon shift, David Washington. They will be dressed in blue or yellow shirts and khaki’s. They were interviewed and chosen for their ability to form strong relationships with kids. They will be assisting Mrs. Fee and Mr. Mitchum at sporting events, dances and around the high school campus, inside and out. Questions were asked about whether they would be adding after school monitors, and it was answered with an “as need basis”. Concerning the dance part of Healthy High, both Mr. Mitchum and Mrs. Fee were very impressed with the kids and how they went along with the “no grinding” dance policy, that they brought in and served to the students ice cream as a way to show their thanks. Some concern came up about the upcoming Creston/East game in regards to safety issues. Four officers have been added to be on duty the night of the game to patrol the game and surrounding area. Creston’s Principal and Director of Security have been working very closely with Mrs. Fee and Mr. Mitcham.
Assistant Principal Report: Glenn Mitcham echoed Mrs. Fee’s comments on how they were concerned initially with all the students upset about the new dance policy. But he also commented on how they are going to be using the same DJ at the homecoming dance which a lot of the students liked. All in all, he is very proud of the “turn around” reaction of the EGR students. Sprit Week begins Oct. 19 with a different theme everyday….the past violations of the policy against “thug dressing” will be strictly enforced with one day suspension. Parents and students are reminded that suspension constitutes: NO credit for the day and NO participation in extra-curricular activities (football game).
Student Council Representative Report: Sonia Nicola (President) reported that the kids are saying that they like the Student Support Monitors that have been chosen to help be the eyes and ears/pulse to aid Mr. Mitchum and Mrs. Fee. She also said that the Healthy High event was successful. The groups of two representatives going into the classrooms explaining about the new dance policy was very effective, and that kids are coming around to the change. Many of the seniors who were considering not attending homecoming are now realizing that it is not such a bad idea to participate. The funds that are raised from Homecoming directly effect the senior class’ graduation and the school parties that go along with it.

Teacher Representative Report: Sara Edelman was part of communicating the new dance policy. Liz Kalill helped with the student communication in her room, and other than a few comments, the classroom started talking about how they could make it work. Sara was pleasantly surprised on how the students came around.
Guidance Report: Larry Fisher said that there were 444 applications have been processed so far for colleges. Ted Spencer from UofM spoke at the Junior College Planning night and most juniors attended.
Michigan State has responded to some early decision seniors already, and it is usually not until Thanksgiving. PSAT was given to Juniors and some sophomores in early October, and the PLAN will be given to Sophomores on Nov. 18 and proctors are still needed. Please contact the Guidance office if you can help. ACT and SAT will be given various dates throughout the year, please contact the Guidance office for those specific dates.

Dance Update: Concerning the new dance policy, a letter went out that said that the school was going to restrict sexually suggestive dancing (grinding), FACE TO FACE WITH A LITTLE SPACE. Students on student council came forward and wanted to be involved in presenting it to the students. A video accompanied their explanation. The policy states that if you are caught (grinding) you get a warning and if it happens again, you are going to be asked to leave. At the Healthy High dance, no one had to be warned and ice cream was served to all the students who followed the rules and helped with the success of the dance. Homecoming theme is Dr. Suess

Booster Groups

Academic Boosters: Thursday Nov. 5 new science curriculum.
Music Boosters: Middle of fundraising season….Macy’s coupons. Trying to raise money for new band uniforms. The fabric on the uniforms is “thinning” and (16 years old) it will cost $60,000 to replace them. Opportunities for service hours for helping with the Winter Play and 24 hour Play.

PTSA Executive Committee Report
President Report: PSAT will be given on October 14 for juniors….with Academic Boosters and PTSA volunteers monitoring the test. The PLAN test will be given Nov. 18 and the sophomores will be taking that test. Need 10 proctors for that test…Volunteer commitment: 7:30 am -11:00 am Contact Mary Kelly for more information. October 23: Need parents/adults to be parade monitors for the Homecoming Parade: Need 20 Volunteers, please contact Mary Kelly.(orangek@comcast.net, 241-3465)
Budget Report: Janice Foster made changes to the budget per the auditor and added back $689.00 of uncleared checks. A motion was made and approved.

Minutes: Minutes for the May meeting were approved and the Minutes for September meeting will be approved at the next meeting.
PTSA Committee Reports

SCRIP: Right now SCRIP is trying to run down the inventory and assessing the program. 10% goes back to the school by using Cresent Floral for homecoming flowers.
Legislation: Mary Kelly reported that the K-12 budget will possibly be cut by $150.00 per student. They don’t want to use the 250 million in stimulus dollars to reimburse this potential/proposed cut.
Membership: Susie Gerow reported that there are currently 247 PTSA members and of the members 214 are patron members. This helps bring in more funds for the PTSA.
Newsletter: The PTSA Newsletter is now set up as a blog by Betsey Bloom.

Upcoming PTSA Events

KNOTS (Kids Night of the Stars, Oct. 20) Allison Bok and Stacey Levitt

133 people are pre-registered…people can register the night of the event. Check-in time is 5:45 and the races start at 6:00. Need volunteers, 10 or more, from 5:00 – 7:30 This is PTSA’s biggest fundraiser.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:08 am.
The minutes are respectfully submitted by Susan Wood Merlotti, corresponding secretary.

Proctors Needed

2009-10-10T22:17:00.001-04:00

Dear Parents of EGR high-school students,

Two sets of standardized tests are given to our students during the fall. These tests are important tools for your students’ education and cannot be given if we do not have proctors to administer, time, and monitor them.

The PTSA and Academic Boosters are assisting the Guidance Office in getting 10 parents for each testing date. The PSAT will be this Wednesday, October 14, and the PLAN will be on Wednesday, November 18.

To be a proctor, you simply arrive by 7:30am the day of the test (to a pot of hot coffee and a tray of delicious muffins or other breakfast-y treats), proceed to your assigned classroom, and announce START and STOP several times before the end of testing at around 11:30am. (The Guidance Office will explain in a little more detail.)

Please consider giving us a bit of your time on of those dates. The testing cannot be done without the participation of proctors.

Call or email if you have questions. Thank you very much,

Mary Kelly (241-3465)

September 15, 2009 PTSA Meeting Minutes

2009-09-15T11:36:00.000-04:00

Download the original attachment

EGR High School PTSA

Minutes

September 15, 2009

Co-Presidents: Mary Kelly and Jane Mikelic called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. They welcomed returning and new members and asked that all executive board members introduce themselves. There were 32 members in attendance.

Administrative Reports

Superintendent’s Report: Director of Technology and Assessment, Doug Jenkins attended in place of Superintendent Dr. Sara Shubel who was in Washington, D.C. for a conference. Mr. Jenkins reported that school was off to a good start. His department is piloting a program featuring Netbooks (small laptops) for all students in five EGR classrooms. The hope is that the use of Netbooks will improve instructional practices throughout the district in this, the age of “digital kids”.

School Board Report: Liaison, Brian Ellis reported that school administrators had begun work in earnest on August 1st and thanked them for their hard work. A faculty kick-off meeting was held September 2nd, the theme of which was “social media” and included sessions of Twittering and Skype-ing to demonstrate the most current technologies in which students excel. He said that the meeting served to energize the staff. Mr. Ellis expressed ongoing concern regarding state funding for the district. Although the district had to, by law, adopt the annual budget in June, Ellis expects to hear “not good” news from the state regarding reductions in funding.

Student Council: Sonia Nicola, President of the Student Council reported that students are working on Homecoming Week activities.

Teachers’ Report: Faculty member, Sara Edelman will act as liaison to PTSA again this year. She thanked the membership for the opportunity to work with them on important issues.

Youth Development: Director, Cathy Szivan and Allison Palm, student chairperson of Healthy High discussed the annual event planned for Saturday, September 26 from 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Registration was to commence on September 16 with first choice of activities going to seniors and juniors. Admission is $20 per student or $15 plus one package of juice boxes to be donated to Grand Rapids Kids’ Food Basket. The fee covers the cost of dinner, t-shirts and the dance. The theme this year is the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends”. Mrs. Szivan asked that parents donate packaged snacks for students to enjoy throughout the day and that they please contact her to volunteer during Healthy High. Link-Crew is a new program sponsored by Youth Development that pairs freshman students with an upper classmen mentor to help with the transition to high school.

Principal’s Report: Jenny Fee welcomed everyone back to school and brought attention to two new sources of information for parents of high school students. Both are intended to improve communications between parents and administration and are found on the high school’s home page; one is “HS Communications” and the other is “HS Forms”. The high school will continue to use Skyward to perform e-mail blasts of essential information for parents. The high school now has a Facebook as a sign that “we are part of the 21st century.” Anyone may join as a fan to stay informed of school news. Teachers are required to post grades online at least every four weeks; many post more frequently – some weekly, others daily.

Assistant Principal’s Report: Glenn Mitcham said the year was off to a great start. He said the biggest change to be expected this year is a new rule regarding the style of dancing permitted at school-sponsored functions. No “grinding” will be permitted as sexually suggestive dancing has gotten to the point where the administration, parents and some students are uncomfortable. Students will be asked to face each other while dancing and “leave a little space”. A dance committee comprised of Student Council members, teachers and parents has taken on the issue. Student Council members will visit classrooms of seniors, juniors and sophomores during the week of September 21 to inform students of the new school policy before the Healthy High dance on Sept 26. Students not complying with the rule will be given one warning before parents are called to take their student home from the dance. Ten to twelve teachers will be hired to chaperone dances and enforce the new rules. Mr. Mitcham reported that “we are not alone in this”. Schools across the country are currently addressing the same issue.

Guidance Report: Larry Fisher reported that the drop-and-add period is complete and the guidance department is currently busy taking college apps.

Hearts of Gold: Kristi Merritt plugged this inaugural football charity event planned for the October 2nd EGR football game that will benefit the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation. The goal is to raise $50,000 through the sale of ninety gold-colored EGR football jerseys which are for sale for $325 each plus the proceeds from $10 Hearts-of-Gold t-shirts and $2 wrist bands now on sale at all EGR schools and at the Spirit Shop. Supporters are asked to wear their t-shirts to the October 2nd football game to make up a “Gold Section” in the stands. A reminder that the Spirit Shop is now located outside in Gerkin Plaza until the weather turns cold.

Booster Reports

Academic Boosters: Marjolijn van der Velde gave an overview of Academic Boosters’ function including recognizing academic achievement at their annual ABA awards ceremony, granting scholarships for academics and providing financial aid for students in need for credit recovery. Their first meeting of the year is October 1st at 9:00 a.m.

Team Boosters: Kristi Merritt discussed the Team Boosters’ raffle currently underway. Tickets are available for $100 each; first prize is $10,000 in cash. Those interested in helping with football concessions, please contact Sally Malnor as volunteers are needed.

Music Boosters/Stage Boosters: Robin Easley reported for both organizations. The Music Boosters will conduct their annual ham sale again this fall; it is their biggest fundraiser. They are also raising funds by selling Key Card books for $20 each that allow discounts at local shops. $10 of each book sold goes to Music Boosters. They will also participate in Macy’s Shop-for-a-Cause event on October 17th. Participants buy a $5 discount card from Music Boosters and save 20% on all purchases at Macy’s on that day. Music Boosters meet every first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. The HS Drama Club and Stage Boosters each had their first meeting last week and the schedule of plays was announced for the year. Stage Boosters meet every second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

PTSA Executive Committee Reports

President’s Report: Jane Mikelic opened the business portion of the meeting and stated that the co-presidents’ goals for the year are to increase attendance at PTSA meetings and to hold the meetings to one hour. She encouraged participation. Mary Kelly said the primary function of the PTSA is to provide communication. In that light, she asked that submissions to the PTSA newsletter be sent to Betsy Bloom, ehbloom@gmail.com by the Friday after each PTSA meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: Janice Foster reported that the annual PTSA budget is complete and will be put to a vote at the next PTSA meeting.

Committee Reports

SCRIP: Kim Rossi reported that the program has experienced a dip in revenues which has led the committee to question its viability. She is hoping to sell out of the current SCRIP inventory before the holidays at which time she will evaluate the program and decide if it will continue.

KNOTS (Kids Night of the Stars): Allison Bok and Stacey Leavitt are co-chairs for this PTSA fundraiser that features races for preschool and elementary children. It is planned for October 20th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and co-chairs are looking for volunteers to help that evening. Please sign up.

Open House: September 21 at 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.

Membership: Sally Malnor encouraged members to join PTSA at the highest level. All monies go to pay for PTSA events and student benefit requests

EGR Ski Team: Organizers will have an informational meeting for skiers and parents on Thursday, October 1st at 7:30 p.m. in the Media Conference Center. They will discuss participation and the annual wreath sale fundraiser that offsets costs for the club team. Members are encouraged to bring their used ski equipment for a ski-swap sale at the meeting. For information contact Karen Begrow, 956-0843, karenbegrow@hotmail.com.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:14am.

The minutes are respectfully submitted by Sandra S. Carroll, corresponding secretary.

August PTSA President Posting

2009-08-25T16:32:00.000-04:00

August 25, 2009

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to a new school year from the EGR High School PTSA.

Our first PTSA meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, September 15, in the Media Center Conference Room. Meetings will begin this year at 9:00 a.m. and are schedule for the second Tuesday of every month. We appreciate and welcome your participation. The PTSA is an active way for parents to be involved at the High School.

Within the last days before school started, you should have received a packet which includes information about PTSA, including:

Important dates, members of the PTSA Executive Board
Volunteer opportunities
Membership form
District directory order form
Information on SCRIP, a PTSA fundraising activity

To keep up with news of PTSA outside of our monthly meetings, you can go to www.egrps.org, click on the tab marked High School, and then click on PTSA Newsletter.

If you have questions or suggestions about PTSA – or just want to get acquainted – please feel free to contact us. We’d love to have your involvement at any level with which you feel comfortable.

Thank you for your help and interest in the schools and the students.

Sincerely,

Jane Mikelic
Co-President
Kzoo89@comcast.net

Mary Kelly
Co-President
Orangerk@comcast.net