M I N U T E S

Call to Order: Deborah Perkins-Boyd called the meeting to order at 7:26 p.m.

I. Approval of Minutes: The minutes were approved as posted by general consent.

II. Executive Board Reports

A. Vice President (Valley Voice): Betsy Stueber reported the next issue will be sent out next week. She also reported there is a new US website under development which will be launched very soon. Betsy also reported it is time for people to volunteer for USPA work for next year.

B. Treasurer: Deborah Perkins-Boyd reported for Cyndi Hatch that the International Dinner is currently showing a negative amount that will soon be changed as other monies come in. Individual classes also need to submit expenses. The Speaker Workshop line item shows an increase over the budgeted amount which reflects a decision made by the USPA Executive Board to spend over the budgeted amount.

C. Jr./Sr. After-Prom: Marianne Crosley reported the Christmas Tree sale netted $10,500. 45 unsold trees were donated to Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services to people who would not otherwise have had trees. Marianne also encouraged people to volunteer to help with After-Prom. The committee is also in need of gifts (college t-shirts, area gift certificates, etc.) for boys AND girls to be given at the After-Prom.

D. Prep Shop: No report.

E. 9^th Grade Point Parent: Ramona Matoh reported the Freshman Parent Coffee was held January 10; approximately 35 people attended. Exam snacks were provided for the boys during finals week. The Freshman class is also sponsoring a faculty-staff appreciation event Thursday, February 14. The family sledding event has been cancelled and a picnic is being discussed instead.

F. 10^th Grade Point Parent: Rose Grisko reported the Sophomores enjoyed snack packs during final exam week. Sophomore boys will enjoy an ice cream event sometime in the spring.

G. 11^th Grade Point Parent: Deborah Perkins-Boyd reported for Ann Whitney that the Junior Class had a light supper in conjunction with College Night which was well-attended.

H. 12^th Grade Point Parent: Deborah Perkins-Boyd reported for Cathie Martin that May 8 is the Mother’s Luncheon. May 22 is the Senior Breakfast. June 3 is the BBQ. Cookies and milk will be provided for Seniors on February 14.

III. Committee Reports

A. International Dinner: Toni Pollock reported 151 people attended the dinner. The cost was $10 per person and children under 12 were free. She encouraged those in charge of next year’s event to run an ad for the event in the September Valley Voice to get publicity out as early as possible. She also recommended announcements be made at the 9^th grade parent meeting at the start of the school year.

B. Faculty/Staff Appreciation: Deborah Perkins-Boyd reported there will be an event February 14.

C. School Decorating: Deborah Perkins-Boyd reported the school decorations that were up for the holidays were lovely.

D. USPA Gift (Ehrmann, Thompson): Deborah Perkins-Boyd reported for Terry Stoller that increased funding was provided to bring two speakers to the school to speak to the boys.

IV. New Business

A. Submit Nominations for 2008-2009 USPA Officers and Committee Chairs

B. Submit Meeting Topics for 2008-2009 USPA General Meetings

C. Complete USPA Volunteer Form for 2008-2009

Guest Presenters

Michael Obel-Omia, Head of the HV Campus

and

Margaret Mason, Dean of Students

“International Travel Opportunities for US Students”

Key Points Included:

1. A major reason to consider sending your son on an educational trip overseas is because it offers real-life learning rather than classroom learning. Colleges are also impressed with boys who have had these experiences because it shows a boy is open to new cultures and ideas and is not like everyone else but is willing to encounter new experiences.

2. International travel also allows a boy to be responsible for himself.

3. US is involved with a program called School Year Abroad (France, Italy, Spain, China, India) which is for an entire school year. Boys live with a family and go to school with other School Year Abroad (American) students. All of these countries have places where boys can take SAT and AP type exams while they are in residence. Boys are also not required to speak the language of the country they are going to in order to apply for the program. The Mountain School, The Island School and City Term in New York City are three other programs US is affiliated with. Students are also welcome to set up independent programs abroad (i.e., not currently affiliated with US).

4. US is so committed to these types of opportunities that not going because of financial concerns should not be a factor.

5. US is offering a 3-week immersion trip to Spain this summer. This trip makes sense for students taking Spanish.

6. US is offering a trip to Honduras over spring break. This trip is service-related where the boys will work with a local orphanage. US is offering this trip in conjunction with Laurel School.

7. US is offering a trip to France this summer for boys from the middle and upper schools.

8. US is offering a trip to Africa that may happen in March or late May.

9. US is also hosting more boys from other countries so if US boys are not able to travel abroad, it is possible to host foreign students at home. This is strongly encouraged as another valuable means to cultural exchange and awareness.

V. USPA Calendar (Mar-Apr)

A. 4/09/08 USPA General Meeting (Wed., 7:15 pm, Lecture Room)

“Course Selections and AP Class Entry”

VI. Adjournment: Heidi Blakeway-Phillips motioned to adjourn. Jim Pokorny seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Suzanne G. Shoger

Secretary