April 2008 Minutes

CHS School Library
Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 7 pm

The CHSPO meeting opened at 7:06 p.m. Nancy Faaren reported on the success of Challenge Day. Tami Questi and Teri Weaver both assisted at Challenge Day and said the day was tremendous and significantly affected many teens in a positive way. Nancy said they would like to see Challenge Day return next year.

Nancy also reported that this is a particularly challenging week with WASL testing, ninth grade student led conferences and afternoon sports.

Nancy gave an overview of Navigation 101. Student led conferences are part of a larger curriculum plan that leads to a portfolio and the High School and Beyond plan.

Marnie Buckland (mbuckland@osd.wednet.edu) gave an overview of some of the cultural exchanges available to our high school students. Marni works with Cultural Homestay International and is glad to answer questions about that program. Dawn Cope (dcope@osd.wednet.edu) is the high school exchange coordinator. Capital High typically has five or six exchange students each year. There is a summer program that brings Chinese students to Olympia for three weeks. Linda Sulenes (phone 754-2073) has hosted through this program. Other local programs include a tour trip to Europe coordinated by Mr. Deakins (mdeakins@osd.wednet.edu) and a trip to Germany for CHS German students coordinated by Mr. Joling (kjoling@osd.wednet.edu). Finally, some students take advantage of overseas programs through Running Start at South Puget Sound Community College.

Teri Weaver reported on the recent parent forum on underage drinking. About sixty people attended. The next forum will be Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. and the topic is preventing depression and suicide in youths.

Debra Miles gave a TreasurerŐs Report. We should have approximately $10,000 on hand at the end of the year.

Cynthia Wolfe said she had received six applications for spring grants. All seemed appropriate requests. Ellen Rice made a motion to fund all six grants. Pam Hahn seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The grants are:
$100 for Spanish movies
$800 for disc golf equipment for the Health and Fitness classes
$700 for library books, including a series on US Presidents
$70 for Business Ed material on female entrepreneurs.
$1,800 for a slab for Ceramics
This is a total of $3,400 in spring grants.

Ed Thorpe asked for volunteers to step forward to carry on the work of the CHSPO for next year. Teri Weaver thanked Ed for his excellent leadership this school year,

There is one more newsletter this year. Please make submissions to Amy Dreesbach (adreesbach@osd.wednet.edu) as Elizabeth Asher will be out of town.

Ron Gross suggested that we have a written re-cap of the yearŐs CHSPO accomplishments.

There was a general discussion on the grocery rebate program. No actions taken.

The Freshman class representatives are collecting email addresses. Contact Teri Weaver to get involved (teriweaver@comcast.net).

The Sophomore Class will host the Father/Daughter dances next year. Cori Mayes (mayesdc@comcast.net) is coordinating.

The Junior Class parents recently had a good meeting. Bus Volunteers are needed for graduation night. Contact Tammy Questi to help (866-7078)

The Senior Class has prom plans underway. Contact Bette Hall (betteah@hotmail.com) to assist.

Pam Hahn expressed her appreciation of Nancy Faaran and CHS staff attending CHSPO meetings this year.

The meeting ended at approximately 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen Rice