September 2023

El Camino High School PTSA General Meeting

Minutes: September 11, 2023

Attendance: Shannon Fox, Evelyn Welborn, Jennifer Flohr, Arnela Kitovnica, Chrystal Bernasconi, KaShawn Seibles, Catherine McDonald, Christine Cummings, Zima Creason, Tracie Hewitt, Julie West, Becka Stephensen

1. Welcome & Opening Remarks: 7:15 p.m. Meeting called to order by Tracie Hewitt

2. Motion to approve minutes by Julie West and Christine Cummings

3. Zima Creason, President, Board of Education

   1. The Board is now selected by a district election. There have been a lot of changes in the district, including a new superintendent. They are looking for people to serve on the district level committees. If you are interested, email her at zima.creason@sanjuan.edu

   2. Zima acknowledges and appreciates the PTAs and all that they do. 

4. Evelyn Welborn, Principal of El Camino

1. We had some students engaging in unsafe behavior during the week of August 28.  We issued consequences to all students and our safety team created a plan for improved supervision.  We also implemented a system of mandatory re-entry meetings in which the student, parents/guardians, counselor, teachers, and VP meet to discuss behavior expectations, better choices, and support systems that exist at EC.  Punching back is not self defense. 

2. ASB and Class Presidents, all club presidents, and other campus student-leaders will have their first meeting on Wednesday, September 27.  We will discuss topics of interest from last year: school spirit, equity, college & career readiness, etc. Students will continue in or join groups based on interest and map out direction for the coming year.  The PAC will meet monthly to discuss progress and next steps.

3. California Coalition for Inclusive Learning grant. El Camino's Leadership Team was presented with a professional development opportunity from PCOE and SCOE that would help teachers implement Universal Design for Learning strategies in their classrooms.  This is a two year grant, and all support from PCOE and SCOE is being offered free to EC.  We are currently the only high school in San Juan that is exploring this opportunity.   

5. Student Report: Nick Bernasconi. He’s involved with theater, advanced concert band, the pep band and EPI. He also started the district’s first Native American club. He is passionate about tech for the plays, as well as acting.

6. Tracie Hewitt, President El Camino PTSA

1. Historically, PTSA has provided the Lamps of Learning for those who letter in academics and then every year they get a pin to put on their letter. A 3.5 GPA is needed. 

   1. Becka Stephensen (Treasurer) asked for a cost for the Lamps of Learning and certificates. 

   2. Jane Smith does all the ordering. Tracie will reach out to her and get back to us.

2. We still need a fridge for the staff room .We will purchase one from the Appliance Center on Auburn Blvd. Boosters did agree to split the cost with us. PTSA voted and approved an $800 budget to go towards the fridge.

   1. Christine asked about the size of the fridge, and whether it would have a warranty. We will follow up.

7. Jennifer Flohr, Vice President

1. BINGO night will be held January 19, 2024. We want families to come, and possibly have food trucks on site. We need volunteers. 

   1. KaShawn wanted to know if there would be real money to win. 

   2. Someone mentioned a law about raffles and donations.

   3. Keychains and Bracelets will be sold during open enrollment information night, and at the Homecoming Football game on October 6.

8. Becka Stephensen, Treasurer

1. We need an auditor.

   1. Chrystal Bernasconi said that she’d do it. (Thank you!)

2. Reviewed the budget. All is accounted for.

9. Shannon Fox, Secretary, spoke for Holly Fales regarding the Hospitality report. 

1. We need to make a form for teachers to join the PTSA and have on display with the next staff appreciation, which will be a caramel apple bar. 

10. Julie West, Chairperson: All Night Grad Night

1. She will go sign the contract and put the date on hold for Friday, May 31, 2024

2. Looking into getting a palm reader for the event. 

11. Open Floor/New items

1. Shannon Fox brought up the possibility of PTSA selling snack bar items at the Mission Oak Park & Rec events held in the El Camino gym on Saturdays. 

   1. Someone mentioned that a sign says “no outside food or drink”. Someone else mentioned that no one follows that, and they think it is okay if the food items are sold/purchased on site. 

   2. Evelyn will follow up with civic permits.

2. SF also brought up a See’s Candies fundraiser that we will have in December. People have the option to order online and have the candy direct shipped. 

3. Facebook ID are ECHS_Connect

4. Instagram ID is El Camino Fundamental High School PTSA

   1. Who has access to these accounts.

   2. Who holds the email Pr4art@mail.com ??

5. Next meeting will start at 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9

12. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.