Present
Valsey Frietas, Yvonne Turro, Robert Maeshiro, Julie Aoyagi, Wayne Iseri, Anne Marie Duca, Leighton Sakamoto, James Garrett, Jack Lincks, Kahea Souza, Kailani Fano, and John Irvelino.

Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m.

Approval of Minutes
Kahea moved and Robert seconded that the minutes of September 22, 2004 be approved. Motion was carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report
Julie passed out the Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2004. She felt that it would be useful to conduct an analysis to determine what activities made money and which didn't. Perhaps the money losers could be discarded in the future. Anne Marie stated that it would be difficult to convince the 1st teachers to do away with their "Andagi and Malasadas" booth.

President’s Report
Valsey is still compiling the rules and responsibilities list of board members for use by future board members.

She also inquired if Ohana charged for bad checks because there were a few. It was mentioned that it does cost the Ohana for bounced checks. Wayne said Ohana has not charged in the past.

Work is still going forward with the issue of large class sizes for grades 3rd to 6th. We are hoping to get the letter online soon so parents can get involved. Jack reported that a list has been compiled of class sizes in all schools within the Castle Complex.

Vice President’s Report
None.

Committee Reports:

a. Shirts
Profit and loss report of shirts and membership will be covered next meeting.

b. SCBM
None. The SCBM meeting was cancelled and rescheduled for November 16, 2004.

c. Workshop
Drug Free Prevention Night to be held in the library, Wednesday, October 27, 2004. Childcare to be provided in Room C-3.

Math Magic Workshop to be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2004.

d. Membership
A lengthy discussion took place on the value of membership. Valsey suggested that the issue be tabled. She will provide a list of values that Ohana membership provides at our next meeting.

e. Student Council
Members are looking for telephone books for the "Recycling Telephone Book Contest."

School Spirit Week is next week and Red Ribbon Week means: Stay Away From Alcohol."

f. PCNC
The Kahaluu Lions Club will be completing construction of the new benches in front of the library this Saturday. Wayne shared that 35 lions are expected. Parents are welcome to come and help.

Kailani shared that Ahuimanu is looking into utilizing a grant from the Jan Weinberg Foundation to host a Hawaiian Culture Day. It will be a complete day of fun and education emphasizing Hawaiian values. She is looking at holding it some time in the spring so we could end the year with bang. Anne Marie said we might want to try to tie into our May Day festivities and make it a whole day affair.

g. Fun Fair
James shared that there was some confusion of not being able to exchange scripts with the ride tickets. Other members also said there was a slight problem with the rock-climbing event. Most patrons didn't realize the 1st climb was free, but a 2nd time one needed to pay.

John suggested that next year a P.A. system should be set up so patrons outside could hear what's going on in the cafeteria. This would help to foster a bazaar type atmosphere such as that found at the Punahou Carnival. Lee felt this was also a good idea because no one outside can hear what's going on in the cafeteria. We are losing a lot of possible revenues due to this.

Julie shared that next year boxes should be placed next to auction items for people to place their raffle tickets in. This way they can have a chance to win what they want.

John feels that someone needs to be responsible for getting a completed program to the M.C. The script shouldn't be in draft form and traveling over the fair grounds with someone. He had problems doing the M.C. duties when this was not organized.

Anne Marie stated that we need better marketing for the silent auction. She also felt it would be good if there were a lot of signage around stating where certain events are - like where the malasada booth was or where the rock climbing attraction could be located.

Anne Marie feels Ohana members need to be more visible. After we are done helping with our child's booth, we should help out wherever we can.

h. Fall Fundraiser
Kahea shared that we are going with "IFS." Since school is out on November 1 and 2 due to Teacher's Professional Work Day and the General Election Holiday, orders will be due on Wednesday, November 3, 2004. She explained how the fundraiser worked and showed the list of prizes students could earn from sales.

She mentioned that the excitement level is high and an assembly was just completed on introducing the fundraiser. James mentioned that it was good that the company displayed the prize list right on the sign up sheet. Distribution will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2004. Leighton shared that last year's distribution system by grade level and homeroom worked well.

i. Spring Fund Raiser
None

j. Playground
Scout Pack 117 cleaned the playground and surrounding areas. Anne Marie announced that the scouts had also worked very hard in cleaning out the planters and made them look beautiful again.

k. Faculty
Parent/Teacher Conferences begin tomorrow. Anne Marie shared that the math program is very challenging and exciting. The new math books appear to be working well.

l. Administration
Anne Marie introduced two visitors from Iolani High School. They were: Cate Waidyatilleka - Advisor, and Chantel Garret, President - Iolani Young Leaders Club. Chantel shared that their group is involved in performing a community service project each month. They still have a lot of funds left and would like to put the remainder to good use.

Anne Marie was proud to announce that Ahuimanu Elementary School had been selected as a recipient of an upcoming beautification project. Chantel offered her club's services to do painting, cleaning, and any other activity that the school needed. Anne Marie shared that work is needed in painting of the landings, poles, doors/frames in the portables and 6th grade wing area. It was decided that a good time for the group to plan the project would be a weekend in February 2005.

She announced that interviews have been made for a new 5th grade teacher. The list of applicants totaled a dozen. Congratulations to Ms. Suzanne Egan who has been selected as the new 5th grade teacher. She also announced that Ahuimanu was fortunate to get a new teacher. Normally, the school would need to use its own funds to acquire a new position. But that usually isn't enough to fund a full teaching position. She was surprised that the DOE filled our request with a whole new body.

In the past, teachers were never able to finish the math book in time for the Standardized Exams. Parents are still needed to help with the new math concepts. Teachers can't cover all of it on their own.

Anne Marie showed two versions of the "GLO - General Learner Outcomes," - the kid's and older versions. This is what will be used in the parent/teacher conferences. The new report cards are coming, but the "GLO's" are what's being used for now.

Teachers are busy at work on the 'Academic Plan' and need to report every Friday on student progress. A strong focus is being made on what schools need to do in line with Act 51.

The 'No Child left behind' goal is to get everyone where they need to be. Teachers are exhausted, but with it and giving it they're best shot.

Kid's voting is underway. Students can go either to the computer lab or to Castle High to vote. The goal is to foster civic responsibility in students and to get more parents involved in voting.

The New Single School Calendar leaflet was distributed.

m. Communications
James provided the delicious chicken and crab wontons. He has updated the membership database, which currently has 140 addresses. During the fun fair while taking photographs, he wore an Ohana badge. While it wasn't an official badge, he found that people were more willing to have their pictures taken. This may be something Ohana might want to look into. He'll provide some samples at the next meeting.

Pictures of the Fun Fair were posted in front of the library. Anne Marie shared that one night a group of teens came by the school with their flashlights. She was a bit nervous at approaching the group until she discovered they were former students that heard their pictures were posted outside of the library.

John provided some ideas on how the website could be improved. He had to work a bit to find out what time tonight's meeting was to be held. He stated that website information should be as brief as possible because parents don't like to scroll down.

Request for Funds
Anne Marie requested $5,000 for a new copier. She was able to come up with approximately $10,000 and just needs that much more. The current copier is really giving the school problems and the repairperson is in almost everyday. Wayne moved and Lee seconded to approve funding $5,000 for a new copier. The motion was carried unanimously.

She also said that computers would also be needed soon as the school's equipment is aging. School still desires Apple Computers rather than PC's because they are very student friendly. It was decided that more information and discussion was needed. No action was taken.

New Business/Parental Concerns
Wayne suggested that Ohana seriously look into becoming members of the Hawaii P.T.S.A. Membership will allow Ohana to receive 501-C3 Non-Profit status. Such status will qualify the Ohana to be able to receive donations from such groups as the Lions Club. Membership fees are $4.25 per member. Ohana needs to determine its total membership.

Adjournment/Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2004. The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by:
Robert Maeshiro, Recording Secretary