The Dike-Newell and Fisher-Mitchell PTA's held their first combined meeting in the D/N library with over 70 people in attendance! The meeting was called to order by Vanessa Leavitt and Jay Paulus at 6:30 PM. Jay discussed the consolidation of the PTA's and encouraged all in attendance to become PTA members.

Both the Secretary and Treasurer's reports were accepted.

The goal for the upcoming year is to work toward becoming one elementary PTA for next year. Jay's goal is also to encourage more "Dad" involvement in the PTA!

Vanessa reported that the Curriculum Enrichment Program (CEP) will extend to both schools this year. One thousand dollars will be allocated to each K-5 grade level for teachers to use to fund activities which will enrich the curriculum they teach. The fund-raisers for the fall will support the CEP program. At F/M there will be a wrapping paper sale beginning with a packet being sent home with students on Friday, September 15th. D/N's fund-raiser will be a Book Fair during the week of October 2-6, with a family night on October 5th. D/N parents will receive flyers from F/M about the wrapping paper sale if they would like to offer support, and F/M families are invited to attend the D/N Book Fair in October.

The Open Houses for both schools will be held during the next two weeks. The PTA will sponsor refreshments at each.

Friday, October 27th is the date of the annual Halloween Party. It will be open to all Bath elementary students. This year it will be held at D/N using both the cafeteria and gym venues. Healthy food and lots of fun games will be provided!

Several discussion items were presented by parents in attendance. Among them were requests for copies of the PTA's by-laws, a suggestion that upcoming agendas be available via e-mail prior to PTA meetings, discussion of whether the PTA may issue political statements, cautions about funding staff requests that should be part of the school budget, and having an announcement time at the beginning of each PTA meeting to inform parents about upcoming programs and meetings in the schools.

There was a suggestion that the PTA sponsor a candidate's night in order to give those running for office a forum in which to present their ideas and answer questions. This would include candidates for School Board and City Council. An ad hoc committee will be formed to organize this event which will be held in October.

Both elementary principals attended the meeting and discussed the opening of school in each building. They felt teachers and staff had worked hard to make the beginning of the school year a success. Dr. Perron reported space is tight at F/M and that a music classroom has been relocated due to noise level. Bussing issues are improving as well.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30.

Respectfully submitted,

Candice J. Hernandez, Secretary