Parents Association Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2007

The meeting was called to order by Margaret Dunn-Watson and began with a prayer by Sister Virginia Honish.

Members present:   Margaret Dunn-Watson, Karen Knauf, Cindy Salmins, Sr. Virginia Honish, Sue Foley, Ellen Bartel, Laura Nelson, Lula Miller-Mays, Randy Mark, Linda Goeden, Rick Goeden, Arlisia McHenry and Debbie Brophy.  Introductions and welcome by Margaret Dunn-Watson.

Task Force Reports:  

Teacher/Staff Christmas Luncheon:  Debbie Brophy reported that the TSC Christmas Luncheon was a big success.  The Fireside Lounge was beautifully decorated by Susan Johnson who graciously donated all of the decorations.  Food was from the Atlanta Bread Company @$972.65. Gift certificates for the staff members were purchase through M & I Bank.  A DSHA family graciously agreed to waive the individual fee of $4 per gift card.  Teachers were pleasantly surprised to find out that they could use the gift cards anywhere.  Parent volunteers made homemade desserts.  Laura Nelson has graciously agreed to take over the Teacher’s Luncheon in ’07.  Susan Johnson has graciously agreed to be in charge of the decorations next year. 

Discussion regarding a letter to parents mid-November to remind them about Parent Association dues and ask for possible donations for teacher gift certificates.  This has been done at other schools around the area with great success.  Teacher/staff gifts are currently $30 per person

Mother/Daughter Liturgy:  Tracy Wayson was unable to attend, Ellen Bartel provided an update.  Attendance for the M/D Liturgy was 350, down from 750 in 2005 and 575 in 2004.  Reasons for this included conflict with Model UN, change of date late in the game and December/Holiday timing.  Highlights of hosting event at DSHA included a truly reverent setting for Mass, ability to have our liturgical and musical directors involved on site (not possible on Sundays), free parking, more time for daughter and mothers to mingle (not confined to set table), less congested space for taking pictures and less intimidating reservations system especially for freshman (no need to form tables).  New in ’06-no favors (not missed), buffet style food (appreciated), specialty coffee bar, free soft drinks (previously a bar charge paid by attendees) parish priest, Christmas décor, no raffle.  For ’07, no decisions have been made but attendees were very positive about new set-up.  The cost was about the same as in past years.

Sub & Substance: Sue Foley reported that the next Sub & Substance event will be held on Tuesday, February 13. A school family has graciously agreed to deliver Cousins Subs at a discounted rate for the evening.  The event will be open to all families but will focus on drinking, driving and legal ramifications for sophomore parents and adolescent spirituality for freshman parents.  Margaret Dunn-Watson will place a basket out for donations to support the efforts of the Parent Association.  

Parent/Student Service:   Linda Goeden reported that they had a very successful service project on Monday, January 15^th at the Open Door Café at the Cathedral Center.  Approximately 20-24 moms and daughters attended.  They served lunch to 120 people.  She is currently looking for volunteers to help with a home rehab project for the Dominican Center.  The service project will be held on March 3^rd and is a great opportunity for fathers and daughters!  It was suggested that service opportunities be added to the calendar on the DSHA website and in the daily announcements.  Ellen Bartel will cover.

Sisters of Culture:  Arlisia McHenry announced that Lula Miller-Mays will take over the Sisters of Culture task force for 2007-08. 

Volunteer/Wine & Cheese:  Karen Knauf reported that Michelle Brehm will take over this task force for the 2007-08 school year.

Treasurer’s Report:  Jim Podewils was unable to attend.  Margaret Dunn Watson supplied current budget figures.  Randy Mark graciously volunteered to be Treasurer for 2007-2008.

New Business:  Chairs submitted their budget requests for 2007-2008 to Margaret Dunn-Watson.  Ellen Bartel and Margaret will consider these figures and formulate a budget for 2007-2008 and present it at the next meeting.  Margaret Dunn-Watson announced that Kim Newman has graciously agreed to be the President of the Parents Association for 2007-2008.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.   The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 20, 2007. All are welcome!