Coffee with the Principal
Meeting Minutes
4/18/2014
8:45 a.m. 

Dr. Jason Heisserer, Dr. Stacie Stryhal, and 16 parent/guardians in attendance
I.      PTO meeting
March meeting minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report
·         Lisa Liss reported that our balance is $8,587.74 after Teacher Grants were awarded.
Tracy Dunlap stated that we need to fill the slate for next year’s board and to contact us if you are interested. Lisa Liss handed out the revised volunteer form and explained how much we need parent involvement. Cathryn Gowan spoke about the House Tour and how desperately volunteers are needed to make the event run well. Also, a reminder to turn in your box tops and save them over the summer!
II.      Principal Remarks
Dr. Heisserer introduced Dr. Stacie Stryhal and discussed the transition. He commented on all of the upcoming events for the end of the year including Six Flags, Incredible Pizza Co., the field trips to SLU and Springfield, and the 8th Grade Recognition. He reported that the Book Drive was successful and that conference attendance numbers were up. Dr. Heisserer discussed how the transition for the eighth graders to the high school is proceeding. Further, he spoke about the sixth graders transition into Hixson. Their class will have a 1:1 ratio for students to computers. He talked about how they are still working out the details. Dr. Heisserer also discussed the importance of continuing Rachel’s Challenge, which is largely unfunded for next year. He promoted the Dueling Piano event on May 2nd and even gave us a sample of his opera singing as a preview for the event. To learn more about the event go to HixsonPTO.blogspot.com. (You can pay online or turn in a check to the office by April 28th)
Dr. Stacie Stryhal introduced herself and discussed her background and how it will help her with her transition to Hixson. She discussed how she likes to work with students on a “Principal Advisory Committee”. She feels that makes the students feel empowered in their school and bring valuable insights and suggestions to the conversation.  Dr. Stryhal discussed her use of technology and led a discussion about what types of communication are most helpful. It was suggested to have a Communication Committee formed to help find solutions as most people are confused by the District website now.
III.     Topics
The question of how the transition of foreign languages from Hixson to the high school was discussed.
Next PTO meeting
May 6th, 6:30 p.m.