Present
Valsey Frietas, Yvonne Turro, Robert Maeshiro, Wayne Iseri, Lois Upton, Steve Jenkins, Chantal Keliihoomalu, and Lynbeth Lorey.

Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:16 p.m.

Approval of Minutes
Valsey moved and Wayne seconded that the October 20, 2004 minutes be approved. Motion was carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report
None

President’s Report
Valsey announced that Anne Marie, Kailani, and Julie could not attend tonight's meeting.

National PTSA membership - Valsey met with other Castle Complex schools. She mentioned that it would be a good thing to get the non-profit protection of being a member. Wayne shared that 14 members are needed for membership. New by-laws and even a possible name change may be needed if Ohana joins the PTSA. National PTSA to decide if any actions are required. Yvonne volunteered to head transition to PTSA.

Valsey shared that some teachers didn't like some of the language used in the letters to be sent to elected officials on 3rd to 6th grade overcrowding. But she said it's the concept that is important.

Vice President’s Report
None.

Committee Reports:

a. Shirts
Yvonne announced that the second order of shirts should be in. Valsey shared that Julie will present a shirt report at our next meeting.

b. SCBM
Lois reported that the December Kani Kolea would have nomination papers for members of the School Community Council - SCC (formerly the SCBM). The SCC is comprised of 10 seats:

2 for parents    2 for administration    2 for others
2 for students    2 for teachers

She mentioned that the new SCC members should be in office by February 2005.

Lois shared that Ann Marie wanted the Ohana to decide how ballots should be distributed. She wants to preserve the integrity, fairness, and confidentiality of the voting process. Lois mentioned that separate envelopes were used in previous Ohana elections that could account for number of family ballots, but not how they voted.

c. Workshop
Valsey reported that the Math Magic Workshop had a better than expected attendance. The Science Workshop will be held sometime next year.

d. Membership
None.

e. Student Council
Lois reported that the council recycled 1,400 lbs of phone books for the Recycle Phone Book Contest. There was also good participation in the Red Ribbon Day Festivities. Council is also busy at work developing a theme for the yearbook.

f. PCNC
Valsey mentioned that Kailani is busy planning the Grandparents Day, Christmas Program, and Science workshop.

g. Fun Fair
Angie is still closing up business for the fun fair.

h. Fall Fundraiser
Valsey said that Ann Marie questioned who is responsible for collection of moneys for the fundraisers - Kahea or Brian? None of the processed order forms had been distributed to the classrooms so students could start collecting the moneys for items ordered. She asked if Ohana could direct person responsible to get on this quickly. Lois will follow up with Brian. Valsey will check with Kahea.

i. Spring Fund Raiser
None

j. Playground
Wayne reported that the Kahaluu Lions did a great job on completing the benches fronting the library. They also put a roof over the shed nearby. He mentioned that they were very organized and knew exactly what to do. Later, Ann Marie and Sharon presented the workers with certificates and lunches. He also shared that the Lions always need to have a head count of at least 25 people in order to certify the event as a community service project. So parents can also increase the head count by coming out to help.

k. Faculty
Lois reported that Harcourt would be conducting a special training session for teachers on the new math books. Training date still needs to be finalized.

Steve mentioned that the faculty is organizing a care package drive for the Kaneohe Marines serving in Iraq. The items were derived with guidance from Marine Corp Base Hawaii as to items that the solders normally need in a desert environment. Ann Marie is hoping that Ohana will be able to help pay for the shipping of these items. Wayne mentioned that Ohana needs to determine the criteria within which we can proceed.

l. Administration
Lois said that Ann Marie was very happy to report that Ahuimanu had won its appeal for the Annual Yearly Progress (AYP). Our school is no longer considered deficient. Also, the "Single Year Calendar" has to be in effect by next school year.

Valsey mentioned that Parent Substitutes would be needed on February 25, 2005. Parent training will take place beginning the last week in January and continuing through the 1st week of February 2005.

Koolau Center is requesting Ahuimanu to partner with them in the "Shoebox to Raise Funds for Needy Children." Steve said more information is needed on this event.

m. Communications
None.

Request for Funds
Wayne shared the benefits of scouting. Other members mentioned the good deeds Pack 117 has done in the past for Ahuimanu. Robert moved and Steve seconded that $250.00 be approved for the purchase of a banner. Motion was carried unanimously.

Kahaluu Lion's requesting reimbursement for $143.69 - cost of rental tools used to construct the benches. Wayne moved and Valsey seconded to approve the request. Motion passed unanimously.

Lois requested $200.00 to purchase pizza for the January 18, 2005 SCBM meeting. Wayne moved and Valsey seconded to approve the request. Motion was carried unanimously.

New Business/Parental Concerns
A parent shared the desire to go back to the old way of fundraising (i.e., selling sausages, etc.) instead of catalog type projects.

Adjournment/Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2004. The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by:
Robert Maeshiro, Recording Secretary