MPA Minutes from June 25, 2008

In attendance: Nancy Graben, Paula Gardner, Mary Ann Bixler, Gina Kearns, Kris Jozwik, Karen Capuano, Eloise Hansen

Next scheduled meeting: July 30, 10:30 AM, at Nancy’s home

· Due to a conflict with the Palos South drama production, there will not be a spaghetti dinner in February. Instead, there will be an Octoberfest on October 25. All directors need to be informed of this change ASAP.

· Nancy passed out copies of the old MPA by-laws, as well as samples from Stagg, Sandburg, and the Palos 118 PFA. MPA members were asked to read through the samples and be prepared to discuss the writing of a new set of by-laws at the next meeting. All interested parties will be invited to an open MPA meeting and given an opportunity to express ideas before the new by-laws are adopted.

· In the treasurer’s report, Mary Ann stated that she has not yet met with the District’s accounting firm. Dr. Dubec has not contacted the firm yet, but will do so soon. Mary Ann would also like clarification as to which band and choir purchases should be made by District 118, and which should be MPA responsibilities.

· Paula will be in charge of uniforms this year. She would like to charge a fee for dry cleaning at the beginning of the year. MPA would then have the uniforms cleaned after the final concert. An informational note for parents about the new procedure needs to be drafted. Measuring could take place during summer band. Kris will ask Mrs. Schuller whether or not the choir is in need of new uniforms.

· Kris, as choir representative, brought up the problems experienced at the Fine Arts Festival with the sound system. Everyone agreed that this was a major difficulty for the performers and a great disappointment to the families in the audience. Kris also expressed concern at the low numbers of students involved in the South choirs. All agreed that the district should look into ways to increase participation and performance opportunities for Palos South choir students. MPA will assist in any way it can.

· Eloise will be in charge of fundraising this year. She will have the first Dunkin’ Donuts coffee sale in October. She will look into the possibility of selling frozen pies from GFS at the same time. The pie sales would also count toward our Fun Funds with GFS. Flyers will be available at open house as well as in the Courier. MPA will continue to provide baked goods for the PVP productions. The first show is in November. Nancy will continue to arrange Shop and Share dates for us also.

· The summer band picnic will be held from 2:00 – 3:30 on August 8. MPA will provide games, water balloons, and ice cream for the students. We will contact the fire department to see if they can bring a truck out again.

· New Palos music shirts will be available this year. Nancy showed several samples. Gina suggested that there might be one order form for new shirts, MPA membership, and uniform cleaning.

· Blue Man Group tickets need to be ordered soon. Nancy will check with Mr. Hansen to select a date for an April show and confirm the price.

· MPA is considering making a change to the band banquet. Nancy and other interested MPA members will check out Gaelic Park. It is thought that the price of the banquet has become prohibitive to some families. We may switch from a full dinner to appetizers only.

· The MPA will run the cakewalk at the District’s Back to School Picnic. We need people to work and also donations of baked goods for this event.

Submitted July 10, 2008 by Gina Kearns, secretary MPA