Redland Middle School
PTA Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2015
Attendees: Lynne Sager, Lisa Antoniacci, Ritu Vohra, Tina Williams, Robert Ostrinsky, Lisa
Resnick, Shamira Shallom, Lisbeth Argueta, Deirdre Appel, Beatrice Hanson, Kim Marshall,
Taline Diarbi, Elizabeth Plantz, Maryline Sharp, Everett Davis, Matt Johnson.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm.
Redland PTA President Deirdre Appel welcomed everyone to the meeting. Guests included
Shela Plank (MCPS energy program manager), Stephen Swern (Standard Solar), Stephen
Hesselink (Standard Solar), and Jennifer Ehlers (head Redland Counseling Dept)
A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously passed to approve the PTA meeting minutes
from May 12, 2015.
New Board Appointments (Deidre Appel)
Over the summer Deirdre Appel agreed to become President. VP of Events will be Amy
Crawford.
Treasurer’s Report (Robert Ostrinsky)
Robert presented a budget for 2015-2016, with information indicating how it compared to the
previous budget of 7/01/15. The budget as presented was approved.
Robert also discussed the PTA staff grant request program. In the past the PTA has set aside
funds from the reserve to give grants to teachers for curriculum support. This year $2,000 is
proposed to be used for grants. More money can be added later if necessary. Requests will be
reviewed considered and approved on a first come, first served basis. Cultural Arts money may
be able some of the requests not approved in the grant program.
President’s Report (Deirdre Appel)
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Socials are in need of volunteers. The next Social is on Jan. 15, 2016.
There are 180 PTA members at this time. That is about the same as last year. A reminder
will be sent out to staff to encourage them to join as well.
There will be a staff appreciation event in November.
Principal’s Report (Everett Davis)
Principal Davis discussed Redland’s core values, vision and mission. In addition he presented
highlights of the beginning of the school year. In addition to the Fall Family Festival, the
Outdoor Ed program, Ice Cream Social Algebra Night and Restaurant Night were all showcased
as successful events for the Redland community. Other good news included a new Trophy case,
a well attended Back to School Night, and continued support from the State’s Attorney Office.
Calendar updates:
Nov. 6
Nov. 10
Nov. 11
Redlands Got Talent
Next PTA Meeting
Parent Conferences – details coming soon
For 7tht and 8th graders – County wise magnet programs at Poolesville and Richard
Montgomery will have an open house Oct. 27.
Note: Applications are due Nov. 6 online for all County programs.
Magruder PEAC applications are now online and are due Oct. 30th. Teacher recommendations
are due Dec. 4th. Don’t wait until the last minute, ask teachers stating now for
recommendations.
New Initiatives:
The States Attorney’s Office has given Redland a Cybercivility grant. Redland is also part of a
Truancy prevention program. Redland is also part of a program to have solar panels installed
on the school roof.
Principal Davis also touched on some Safety and Security. He noted in particular that bus
transportation issues were starting to stabilize. Overall transportation concerns were
mentioned including a student hit by a car on his way to school. Parents are strongly
encouraged to discuss issues of school safety with their children so everyone is following the
rules and know what to do if something is not right. Redland has access to School resource
officers, Security, Counselors and communication is encouraged. Please call Principal Davis at
any time if you have questions or concerns.
Presentation from Standard Solar
Redland is one of 4 schools that MCPS has chosen this year to be part of project to add solar
panels to the building. Shela Plank (MCPS energy program manager) introduced Stephen Swern
and Stephen Hesselink of Standard Solar to speak about what is being done at Redland. They
both spoke at length about the project and how Redland would be able to save on energy with
the new installation.
Counseling Presentation (Jennifer Ehlers)
Jennifer Ehlers, head of the Redland MS Counseling Dept. spoke about the various services
provided by the Counselors at Redland.
She discussed typical development issues of middle schoolers and the role the counselors play
in helping students in this age group make their way through the ups and downs of being a
young teen. The counselor’s role is to help kids learn to advocate for themselves during an
awkward time in their lives. She then gave a “whirlwind tour” of our children and their changing
intellectual and social development. Final message—This too shall pass, but please feel free to
contact the counseling department if you have any concerns about your child.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.