John T. Nichols, Jr. Middle School
 PTA Meeting Minutes
 March 12, 2014


1) Treasurer's Report - as of February 12, 2014    $17,781

2) Spring Fever -  March 28, 2014 2:30pm-5:00pm                                                                     Possible Activities:     - pickle ball tournament
 - DJ
  - "on the spot" photos", i.e. costumes, etc.
  - face painting, balloons, etc.
  - "minute to win it" with Mr. McLaughli
 - dancing (learn dance routine and perform at end of night)
 - movie in auditorium
 *VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:)

3) Yankee Candle - due Monday 03/17/2014
 - orders to come in before Easter

4) Spirit Wear - T shirts for 5th graders entering 6th grade
 ? have some T shirts in stock vs. order forms
  - still looking for new T shirt printer company

5) Spring Scholastic Book Fair - April 8 - 16
 - 16th is family night at book fair
  - 16th - parent/teacher 4pm-6:30pm  (April 2 is 6pm-8:30pm)
  - 16 Science Fair - 7:00pm winners announced
  - theme Mardis Gras or Outer Space
  - hoping to have Summer Reading List available
  - "Principal's Corner"
 - lower grade reading level titles available

6) Administrator's Update - students informed of the role of MCAS and importance
  of trying to do their best
  - students entering 9th grade with poor MCAS scores would
   have to take MCAS prep courses and miss out on taking
   elective courses
   - PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and
  Careers) may replace MCAS
   - over the next 2 years schools statewide will "test drive" PARCC
   before deciding whether to adopt this new test
   - PARCC is a timed test (MCAS is not)
   - our school has been selected to field test using paper and pencil
   method (as opposed to computer method)
   - you will be notified if your child is chosen to participate
   - PARCC math is identical to our DIGITS
 **PARCC.org**
  - Trimester II is closing and will be loaded into ASPEN
  - hoping for portal to be open by Trimester II!
 - parents should take advantage of ASPEN:)                                                   -                    
 8th Grade Dance Friday June 13, 2014
                                         

NEXT MEETING APRIL 9, 2014