Archived below are Minutes from the ACSS meetings.
November 1, 2007
Clinton Library, 5:30 p.m.
President Andrea Romo called the meeting to order.
Catherine Smith, secretary, read the minutes of the general meeting from 2006. The minutes were approved as read.
Connie Mason, treasurer, read the financial report. Mounir Farah made a motion with Pay Ramsey seconding it to accept the treasurer’s report as read.
Discussion followed on the ACSS certificate of deposit. Pat Ramsey made a motion, which Maenette LaRue seconded, to keep the certificate of deposit where it was for another year.
Larry Wilson of Hot Springs and Kimble Edwards of Little Rock (Jacksonville Middle School for Boys) were presented by the Nominations Committee for election to the ACSS Board of Directors. Both were approved.
Maenette LaRue reported that there were now 214 members of ACSS, including 36 students. Maenette asked members to come by the ACSS table to check that their addresses are correct on the membership list. President Romo complimented Maenette on the excellent job she has done in maintaining the membership list.
President Romo gave a report to the group on the ACC program for social studies. This year there were more social studies sessions than ever. Ken James sent a letter informing the ACC conference committee that the conference now has the same professional development status as the AEA conference. This year ACSS paid for two nonprofit registrations so that they could present at the conference. This year there were many more teachers applying for the ACSS awards and grants. Members were asked to be thinking of teachers who do outstanding jobs teaching for nominations next year.
Maenette LaRue moved to end the meeting with Jan Loyd making the second. The meeting was dismissed with the ACSS reception to follow.
Catherine Smith
Secretary
October 31, 2007
Peabody Hotel Ouachita Conference Room 7:30 P.M.
President Andrea Romo called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Catherine Smith, secretary, handed out copies of the minutes from the last meeting. Everyone read them silently. There was a correction to the minutes as follows: Discussion of the teaching CD was tabled until the October meeting instead of the November meeting. John Way made a motion with Maenette LaRue seconding the motion to accept the corrected minutes. Motion carried.
Membership Report
Maenette LaRue gave the membership report. ACSS has 214 members, including 35 students. Only 35 members of ACSS are also members of NCSS.
Maenette LaRue stated that she needs help at the membership table during the ACC conference. Pat Ramsey, Zach Bledsoe, and Lois Blanton had offered help. She asked that other members who had time to come by the ACSS table to help.
Program Report
President Romo reported there are 31 sessions on Thursday and 25 on Friday. We have two presenters from non-profits who will have their one-day registration fees ($55 each) paid by ACSS.
Zach Bledsoe offered to be the presider at a session to be held during the ACSS luncheon on Thursday. Zach also agreed to help with any audio-visual needs on Thursday. Three students from East Lab in Little Rock will help on Friday.
Door Prizes
Maenette LaRue reported that there were many door prizes and that she would ask members to help deliver them wherever they were needed.
Luncheon
Discussion followed on the ACSS luncheon. (90 tickets have been sold)
Holt, Rinehart, Winston is sponsoring the luncheon speaker, Dr. Deborah Gray-White from Rutgers University. Dr. Gray-White is donating signed copies of her book as door prizes.
a. Marilyn Friga will hand out programs and brochures. b. Pat Ramsey will act as hostess to award winners. c. Shay Hopper made the programs; appreciation was expressed. d. Marilyn Friga will also take care of the sign-in sheets for the luncheon.
Annual Business Meeting
Our annual membership business meeting will be Thursday, November 1, in the Clinton Library Classroom at 5:45. We will be voting on two new board members, Larry Wilson and Kimble Edwards.
Reception
The Clinton Library will host our reception this year at 6:15 following the business meeting. Catherine Smith will take up tickets for this members-only event. The Clinton Library is also sponsoring a speaker on Thursday night, Dr. Carol Anderson from the University of Missouri. Her topic will be “Harry Truman and Civil Rights.” PD credit will be given.
Photos
John Way and Jan Loyd will take pictures throughout the two-day convention.
Old Business
There is a need to replace Alicia Sims as a delegate to the NCSS conference in San Diego, California. Mounir Farah said that he would be the ACSS delegate with Pat Ramsey being the other voting delegate from Arkansas. Margie Hunter will also be a delegate.
It was decided to postpone discussion of the teaching CD until the February retreat.
President Romo prepared new brochures for the conference. Five hundred were printed at a cost of $272.50. Everyone was encouraged to take a handful of brochures and hand them out at any sessions where he or she is presiding or presenting.
New Business
President Romo stated that ACSS needs a new president-elect. She and Maenette will train the new officer. President Romo asked the members present to consider accepting this position.
Margie Hunter informed the board that Chris Lee, one of our former board members, has two cancerous brain tumors, and the cancer has spread to his lungs. She asked that we remember the family in prayer.
Mounir Farah expressed concerns over the new Arkansas Social Studies Frameworks, especially for the middle grades. He expressed that feedback from teachers might be very useful. Perhaps a session on these for the middle grades during the conference would be the best way to get feedback. President Romo suggested a survey on our web site for teachers with the purpose of making continued suggestions to the Arkansas Education Department to improve the Frameworks. John Way made a motion and Mounir Farah seconded to set up a survey. Motion carried.
Pat Ramsey and John Way discussed the compacting of the frameworks in middle school to leave open a semester for Arkansas history. This is being done at the request of the Governor. John also informed the members that some book publishers are already trying to incorporate the new standards into their textbooks.
The next board meeting will be the annual retreat on February 15-16 at Deer Hollow Ranch.
Jan Loyd motioned to adjourn. Margie Hunter seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 p.m.
Catherine Smith
Secretary
February 17, 2007
Deer Hollow Ranch, Mountainburg, AR
Members present: Andrea Romo, Maenette LaRue, John Way, Marjorie Hunter, Shay Hopper, Zach Bledsoe, James Ross, Alicia Sims, and Jan Loyd.
The meeting was called to order by President Andrea Romo at 9:00 a.m.
The minutes from November 1, 2006, were read by Andrea Romo. Marjorie Hunter made a motion to accept them as read with John Way seconding. Unanimous approval.
The minutes from November 2, 2006, Annual Business Meeting were read by Andrea Romo. Marjorie Hunter made a motion to accept them as read with Alicia Sims seconding. Unanimous approval.
In the absence of Treasurer Connie Mason, Andrea Romo read the Treasurer’s Report. As of 2-12-07 our balance in checking was $6010.47. Proceeds from the 2006 conference have not been received but are expected to be around $6000. John Way made a motion to accept as read with Marjorie Hunter seconding. Unanimous approval.
Committee Reports were next.
Membership Committee chairperson, Maenette LaRue, reported that a reminder letter to renew will be sent to members who have not renewed. Instead of a letter, Maenette LaRue suggested postcards be mailed by October 1 to remind members to renew. Suggestion approved by Board. Maenette also reported that she sends a personalized note card to each person who sends in dues. She encloses a membership card with each note.
A suggestion was made to order magnets instead of lapel pins next time so that it is easier to mail to new members when they join. Board approved.
Andrea Romo reported on problems on last year’s conference. There were problems locating presiders plus audio visual equipment was very expensive.
The Arkansas Curriculum Conference for 2007 was discussed by Andrea Romo. The subtitle for the conference is “Closing the Achievement Gap.” Registration is $75 for 2 days and $55 for 1 day. The ACSS Luncheon is $20. The number of sessions during lunch is being reduced. The ACSS Luncheon will be Thursday, November 1, 2007. The conference luncheon for all disciplines is Friday, November 2, 2007. The deadline for proposals will be April 14. The ACC Program Chairs and their committees will meet on May 5, 2007, to set the program matrix for 2007. The ACC Board hired “Fly Right” public relations firm last year to promote the conference. They have been rehired for 2007.
Our luncheon will be on Thursday again this year. The conference is looking for a better room than the Riverview for us to use.
The Awards Committee chairperson, Kristen Mann, will review nominations, select the award winners, and handle the ordering of the plaques. Any Board member who would like to help, please contact Kristen Mann.
Constitution and By-Laws were discussed. The Board voted to move Zach Bledsoe to Congressional District 4, replacing Catherine Smith, who is the ACSS Secretary. John Way and Marjorie Hunter will serve on the Executive Committee with the elected officers.
NCSS Conference in Washington, D. C. 2006 was discussed. Marjorie Hunter and Alicia Sims reported on proposals made at the meeting. Marjorie Hunter has a 3-year appointment to the NCSS Nomination Committee. John Way is a member of the Archive Committee.
New Business:
Schedule of Meetings for 2007: April 28 – Pulaski Academy at Little Rock
August 11 – UALR October 31 – Board Meeting at Peabody, meal provided by ACC
November 1-2 – Arkansas Curriculum Conference, Peabody Little Rock
February 15, 16, 17, 2008 Winter Retreat at Deer Hollow Ranch
Committees to help with 2007 Arkansas Curriculum Conference:
Finding Presenters: Alicia Sims, Andrea Romo, Shay Hopper, Maenette LaRue
Finding Presiders: Alicia Sims
Door Prizes: Maenette LaRue, John Way, Shay Hopper (If you get door prizes for the luncheon or reception, please send a thank you note or get the name and address of the donor to Maenette LaRue)
Luncheon Speaker: Connie Mason recommended Debra Gray-White. The Board approved.
Luncheon Program: Shay Hopper
Reception for ACSS: Maenette LaRue will get speaker, entertainment and location.
Ordering Award Plaques: Kristen Mann
Taking Pictures: John Way, Shay Hopper, Jan Loyd, Marjorie Hunter
Manning the ACSS Table: Maenette LaRue
We still need more people to help with getting presenters, presiders, and exhibitors with a social studies interest. Everyone needs to be locating door prizes.
Andrea reported that the Conference has grown to 50 sessions.
Discussion followed on whether to pay registration fees for presenters. Marjorie Hunter suggested a simple application process in which applicants explain why the funds are needed. A motion was made by John Way to set aside $350 to pay presenters’ registration fees. The motion was seconded by Zach Bledsoe and passed with unanimous approval.
Andrea reported that fees for exhibitors are: Nonprofit = $50; Commercial/Profit = $300 - $350.
Discussion was held on moving the business meeting back to the luncheon. The Board voted to leave it at 4:15 on Thursday. John, Marjorie and Jan are going to propose to do a panel discussion at the Old State House just before the meeting to hopefully encourage people to stay for the meeting and reception.
How to get more social studies teachers to attend the Conference was tabled for the next meeting.
Discussion of the web site for ACSS followed with suggestions and ideas given to Andrea Romo.
Other business discussed:
Newsletter: Marjorie Hunter prints about 225 copies of the newsletter each quarter at Kinko’s for about $300. She urged members to send her information and articles for the newsletter. The group agreed to keep the newsletter as a paper edition instead of going on-line with it.
Brochure: Shay Hopper and Andrea Romo will work on an update of the brochure.
Membership List: Will be sent to the Board only.
ACSS Pins: Lots of pins left.
Letterhead and envelopes: We are nearly out. More will be ordered so that Maenette, Alicia, and Andrea all have a supply.
Mugs: 2 dozen left. Maenette asked if it would be all right to use broken handled mugs that have had the handles re-glued for flower arrangements for door prizes. Everyone thought it was an excellent idea.
ACSS Shirt: See Maenette to order. An order form will be placed in the newsletter to order red, baby blue or navy blue shirts. Money will have to be paid in advance with orders being picked up at the ACSS desk at the conference.
NCSS Teacher of the Year: Andrea Romo will get more information on the nomination process.
NCSS Summer Leadership Institute: Catherine Smith and Alicia Sims were nominated as delegates. A motion was made by Maenette LaRue and seconded by John Way to set aside $1,200 ($600 each) for the delegates to attend the NCSS Summer Institute representing ACSS. Unanimous approval.
Frameworks: ACSS needs to help with lesson plans. John, Marjorie and Jan will make proposals to present to ACSS at the November conference.
Board members voted to allow $600 for each delegate to the NCSS annual meeting in 2007.
A suggestion was made to develop a business card that we could all use.
A motion was made by Alicia Sims and seconded by Marjorie Hunter to adjourn at 4:20 p.m. Unanimous approval.
In the absence of Secretary Catherine Smith, minutes taken by Jan Loyd.
November 02, 2006
Old State House
The meeting was called to order at 4:15. Maenette LaRue welcomed everyone. New and present board members were introduced. Andrea Romo is President Elect, Connie Mason is the treasurer, Margie Hunter is in charge of the newsletter, Lois Blanton is the secretary, and also included were Jan Loyd, and Alicia Sims.
Lois Blanton read the minutes from last year's business meeting. Margie Hunter made a motion to accept the minutes and Catherine Smith seconded it.
Connie Mason gave the treasurer's report. The year ends on October 31. The current balance of the checking account is $6,971.51. The CD's value is $5,549.48. This does not include expenses from the 2006 ACT conference. Pat Ramsey made a motion to accept the treasurer's report. Dora Bradley seconded it.
A special board election was held. Special election ballots were sent to ACSS members. All who were listed on the ballot were elected to the board. Andrea Romo stated that current board opening and terms would be put on the ACSS listserve. 3rd term board members will have to reapply. ACSS still needs more board members.
Next, a vote was taken on new officers: Andrea Romo - President, Alicia Sims - President Elect, and Catherine Smith - Secretary. A vote was taken and it was unanimous that all new officers were elected. Zack Bledsoe was applying for board membership from District 4. Mr. Bledsoe was elected to the board with a unanimous vote.
Two board members will be sent to the NCSS leadership Conference next summer. Catherine Smith and Andrea Romo attended last summer. They also attended the Henderson State University Mini Conference last June. Both gave a brief description of the conferences they attended.
The 2006 NCSS National Conference will be held in December. Margie Hunter and Alicia Sims will represent Arkansas ACSS this year.
Andrea Romo gave a report on ACT. 1,300 persons signed up to attend this year. Social Studies will have approximately 50 sessions this year. It was discussed what the ACT policy is concerning registration fees where guest speakers are concerned. Could ACSS reserve an amount and use it to get very good speakers? ACSS may be missing out on some presenters because of budget issues. It was decided that this would be discussed at the retreat.
ACT is a four core content-based conference. It was discussed that ACT advertisements should be given to every newspaper in the state.
ACSS members need to think about teacher nominations. The applications are on the ACSS web page.
Alicia Sims made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Margie Hunter seconded it. The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
November 01, 2006
Peabody Hotel
Members present: President Maenette LaRue, President Elect Andrea Romo, Treasurer Connie Mason, Secretary Lois Blanton, Pat Ramsey, Margie Hunter, Alicia Sims, Marilyn Friga, Bill Topich, Catherine Smith, Kristen Mann, James Ross, Jan Loyd
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. Connie Mason read the treasurer's report. Expense totals were $11,465.91 and income totals were $18,437.42. The current balance for the checking account is $6,971.51. The CD amount is $5,549.48. Catherine Smith made a motion to accept the treasurer's report. Pat Ramsey seconded it.
Lois Blanton read the minutes from the August board meeting. The minutes were corrected. Margie Hunter made a motion to accept the corrected minutes and James Ross seconded it.
It was decided that the retreat would be in February on the 16 - 18. It will be at Deer Hollow Ranch.
There are more than 1,300 attending the ACT conference. Forty-three have paid for the ACSS luncheon. The 2006 awards are as follows: K-8 - Wilma Sutton, 9-12 Winfield Watson, University - Dr. Sondra Gordy, Friend - Jack James, Member - Lois Blanton, Landreth-Blair Memorial Grant - Kimble Edwards.
ACSS Annual Business meeting will be at 4:10 p.m. in the Old State House General Assembly room. Business will include voting on new officers: Alicia Sims for president-elect and Catherine Smith for Secretary. Someone else needs to take over door prizes. Maenette LaRue will help with door prizes for next year.
Zack Bledsoe has applied to be a board member.
Andrea Romo reported that ACT has a record number of social studies presentations this year. Marcia Coleman was ill and had to cancel her session but Margie Hunter stepped in and will do a presentation in that time slot.
The ACSS luncheon will have National History Day winners as entertainment this year. Curriculum will be available for any teachers interested.
ACSS reception will be from 5:00 to 6:00 in the Old State House. Three living history performers will be attending. Door prizes will be given out.
Catherine Smith made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alicia Sims seconded it. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
August 12, 2006
UALR, Little Rock, Arkansas
Board Members present: Connie Mason (treasurer), Lois Blanton (secretary), Jan Loyd, John Way, Maenette LaRue (president), Andrea Romo (president elect), James Ross, Pat Ramsey, Marilyn Friga, Kristen Mann, Alicia Sims, Bill Topich, Margie Hunter (newsletter editor), Billie Handly (past president), Marshia Coleman, Maggie Herrick (Social Studies Specialist)
The board meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m. There was an introduction of new board members. Lois Blanton read the minutes from the April meeting. Margie Hunter made a motion to accept and Maggie Herrick seconded the motion. Next, Connie Mason read the treasurer’s report. The checking account has $9,427.87. There has been money spent on the web page and the NCSS leadership conference. The CD has $5,549.48. Pat Ramsey made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report and Billie Handly seconded it.
Billie Handly gave the membership report. ACSS has 127 regular members, 19 complimentary members, 28 student members, and 11 new teacher members. This is a total of 185 ACSS members. Bill Topich made a motion to accept the membership report and Margie Hunter seconded it.
Andrea Romo gave a report on the NCSS leadership conference that she and Catherine Smith attended from July 20 – 22. The conference was in Washington D.C. and there were 2 people sent from each state conference. We were required to send in a summary of our activities during the past year. This year ACSS sent in 2 areas that we do well in our organization. Andrea Romo gave each board member a copy of what was presented from ACSS at the conference. They visited with Arkansas representatives and senators on Capitol Hill. NCSS standards were discussed and are being revised. NCSS has an offer to do a website for state organizations but Andrea Romo felt we were doing a good job with our state website. The 2007 conference will be held in San Diego.
American Promise, created by Farmers’ Insurance, is a good Social Studies program. A June Social Studies Conference, presented at Henderson State University, was a success. 100 people attended. This was a good place to recruit new ACSS members.
Maggie Herrick gave a report on the progress of the revised Social Studies State Frameworks. This is on ongoing process that will be worked on during the next few months. The frameworks will be completed in time for the state board meeting in January for and will be used for the first time during the 2007-2008 school year.
Andrea Romo was contacted by the K12 Learning Center. This is a website that can be made available to our members. The membership is $1 a month for ACSS members and $2 a month for non-members. There is no cost to ACSS. This website contains many facets of Social Studies and would be beneficial for students. The access to this website will be free until August 31st.
Maenette LaRue will compile a list of Social Studies websites and will have several put on the ACSS webpage as links.
ACT Social Studies sessions will be put on the website. The ACT conference is November 2 and 3. The ACSS board meeting will be Wednesday night, November 1. Social Studies has 40 sessions available. We need volunteers to work the ACT registration table as well as work at the ACSS table during the conference. We also need presiders for Social Studies sessions. Door prizes are needed for the ACT joint luncheon, ACSS luncheon and the ACSS reception. Each organization in ACT receives 22.5% of the profits. Any overage will need to be paid by the participating organizations if needed.
ACSS will redo the survey on the ACSS website. ACT attendees are encouraged to stay at the Peabody Hotel. Part of the money goes to room and food costs. This year the conference will cost $60 for a classroom teacher.
Nominations for awards will be as follows: K–8, 9-12, University, Member, and friend. All recipients of awards must be ACSS members except for friend. The nomination form for the awards is on the ACSS website. Kristen Mann has agreed to take care of the nominations for awards.
ACSS needs more board members. Maenette LaRue will mail a letter to all ACSS members to invite them to ACT and to encourage them to become a board member. We can use ACSS brochures to recruit new members.
Lapel pins have been ordered and they are 1 inch pins. They will be in for use during the ACT conference. ACSS pins will be given out at the registration table for members and new members. Margie Hunter needs any articles or bits of interest for the upcoming newsletter.
Andrea Romo handed out a constitution and information to all of the new board members.
Maenette LaRue will check different places to have the January board retreat. Two places might be Village Creek State Park and Petit Jean State Park. Bill Topich made a motion to adjourn and Jan Loyd seconded it.The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
April 29, 2006
Western Sizzlin, North Little Rock
Members present: Maenette LaRue (President), Bill Topich, Catherine Smith, Andrea Romo (President Elect), Lois Blanton (Secretary), Connie Mason (Treasurer), Maggie Herrick (Social Studies Specialist)
The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. Lois Blanton read the minutes from the previous board meeting. Bill Topich made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Connie seconded the motion. There was an unanimous vote to accept the minutes.
The Treasurer’s Report was read by Connie Mason. The checking account $12,053.20. The CD was $5,549.38. Catherine Smith made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report and Bill Topich seconded the motion.
This year’s ACT Conference will be November 2 and 3. Our next meeting will be November 1. The award luncheon will be on Thursday. The ACSS business meeting will be on Thursday afternoon at the Old State House. The ACSS Reception will be at the Old State House following the business meeting. Andrea Romo suggested that a speaker for the reception could be a living history person. There will be no joint breakfast but there will be a joint luncheon on Friday. On Friday afternoon, there will be a special drawing in the Exhibit Hall. ACSS will need all door prizes before the luncheon on Thursday. Andrea Romo has taken care of the program for the luncheon. There will be the state History Day winners there to perform for everyone. Andrea Romo also discussed the Social Studies sessions being offered. These sessions will try to hit each age group.
On June 9th, a mini Social Studies Conference will be held at Henderson State University. Maenette LaRue will set a table to promote ACSS.
It was noted that there was a question about the definition of a member in good standing. The ACSS Constitution gives a definition of a member in good standing.
The following were board nominations received:
- James Ross – District 3
- Marshia Coleman – District 2
- Jan Lloyd – District 1
- Alishia Sims – District 1
- John Way – District 4
- Marilyn Friga – District 3
- Shay Hopper – District 3
- Pat Ramsey – District 2
Maenette LaRue will send out a letter for members to vote on the board memberships.
Maenette LaRue received an e-mail from board member Claudia Reese. Claudia Reese has resigned from the ACSS board due to personal reasons.
Maenette LaRue checked on ordering lapel pins one inch in size. It was decided that 1,000 pens would be ordered at a $1.19 a piece.
The web site was discussed. The changes to the web page are still being worked on.
The NCSS Leadership Institute will possibly be during the 3rd week in July. Andrea Romo will be attending as ACSS President Elect and Catherine Smith may go also.
Maggie Herrick shared with the board information about national awards for American History teachers.
The next ACSS board meeting is scheduled for August 12th at the North Little Rock Western Sizzlin. Connie Mason made a motion to adjourn and Catherine Smith seconded it. The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 p.m.
January 20 and 21, 2006
Deer Hollow Ranch
Members present: Maenette LaRue (Pres.), Andrea Romo (Pres. Elect), Pat Ramsey, Margie Hunter, Kristin Mann, Billie Handly (Past Pres.), Mournir Farah, and Lois Blanton (Sec.)
The meeting was called to order at 9:15 a.m. Maenette LaRue received an e-mail from board member Cissy Dowdy stating that she was resigning from the ACSS board due to personal reason. Lois Blanton read the minutes from the board meeting on November 2nd. Margie Hunter made a motion to accept the minutes as read and Billie Handly seconded it. Lois Blanton read the minutes from the November 3rd business meeting. Margie Hunter made a motion to accept the minutes and Pat Ramsey seconded it. The Treasurer’s Report was read. The ACSS checking account was $14,071.38. The CD is $5,549.38. Pat Ramsey made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Billie Handly seconded it.
The 2005 ACT Conference had 37 Social Studies sessions with 16 located in the Old State House. Nine more rooms will be available for the conference this fall. All registration will be online this year. One presentation permitted with e-mail. The ACT board asked that ACSS move the luncheon to Thursday instead of Friday and have a joint luncheon on Friday. Margie Hunter made a motion to move the luncheon to Thursday. Pat Ramsey seconded it. It was carried with a unanimous vote. ACT also asked how ACSS felt about the Thursday evening reception. Mournir Farah moved that ACSS discontinue the joint reception. Margie Hunter seconded it. It carried with a unanimous vote. ACT registration is increasing this coming year. The regular registration will be $60, for students $20, and for guest $5. Kristin Mann suggested including an article in the newsletter to inform principals about ACT sessions and professional development. There will be new hours on the exhibit hall. Thursday the hours will be 7:30 a.m. until5:30 p.m. Friday hours will be 7:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The ACT wants all organizations to go on the same database. ACSS will continue with Excel. ACT needs people to serve on committees. The dead line for proposals is March 30.
ACT wants a survey for when and where to have the conference in 2007. An online survey will be available for all ACSS members. Members can look for notification in the newsletter, ACSS listserve, and the website. The ACT conference could possible be moved around.
It was discussed about university board members and their powers on the board. These board members are in an advisory position. If the members wish to be a voting board member, they can apply for a board position. This discussion is tabled until a later time.
Board members drew to see who would receive one or two year terms. For District 1 Margie Hunter received a one-year term and Claudia Reese a two-year term. For District 2 Bill Topich received a one-year term. No board members from District 3. For District 4 Catherine Smith received a one-year term. Through the special board election, newly elected board members will draw at the May meeting for term years. The following have applied for board membership: Alicia Snipes – District 1, Marilyn Friga – District 3, and John Way – District 4. All members of ACSS are invited to attend the board meetings and participate in discussions.
A question came up about the Treasurer’s duties in the Constitution page 2, Section 5. As of now, there will be no change.
Membership discussion included sending letters to contact university professors to encourage their students to join ACSS.
There are a number of Social Studies workshops available around the state. There is a conference offered at Henderson State University in the summer for Social Studies teachers. ACSS can sponsor professional development for co-ops. Margie Hunter is willing to contact professional development people for the summer if ACSS has anyone who is interested.
For Your Information – Many members do not know how the Landreth-Blair Memorial Grant was started. Mary Landreth was state History Day coordinator. She died in an automobile accident in 1998. Diane Blair was a political science professor at the U of A who passed away around the same time. The memorial grant was started to honor them for their contributions to Social Studies education in Arkansas. This grant can be used for professional development, classroom needs, or a scholarship.
It was decided that our ACSS funds could be used in other ways. One possibility was to offer a $250 travel grant twice a year. This would be to set-up as a reimbursement with receipts. Applications would be considered twice a year at the January and August board meetings. If awarded grant, the recipient would be required to present at an ACSS sponsored or approved professional development workshop or conference.
Purchasing lapel pins was discussed. Billy Handly, Lois Blanton, and Maenette LaRue will check prices. Maenette LaRue will check on prices for ink pens for ACSS.
Kristin Mann discussed the upcoming changes in the state social studies standards. These will possibly be revised this summer. Possibly two weeks in July. The committee would possibly be 50-75 people selected by superintendents. All standards K-12 will be revised.
Jason Haynes of Eyesocket came to the board meeting to discuss the ACSS website. He showed us how the website could be made much more user friendly. Many improvements were suggested such as updating the website; add more links, and reformatting the entire website. The total cost of all improvements is approximately $1500 to $1800. Andrea Romo made a motion that ACSS update and improve the ACSS website. Margie Hunter seconded it. Jason Haynes will update and redesign the website so that it will be more modern. The survey will be put on the website immediately.
Margie Hunter reported on attending the NCSS 2005 conference. She discussed different resolutions. She was selected to serve on a national committee. The NCSS Leadership Institute will be this summer during the 3rd week of July. The discussion will be tabled until the May board meeting about who will attend.
Andrea Romo read a new by-law that will be added to the ACSS Constitution. It will be Article 4 and is to invite university representatives to serve in an advisory capacity on the board. Andrea Romo suggested that Ray Baker by the speaker at the luncheon for ACT. Kristin Mann suggested that state winners from History Day come and perform. It was suggested that one documentary and one performance could be done. Suggestions are needed for a speaker for the joint luncheon.
We will wait for more board applications for the special board election.
The next board meeting will be April 29th in Little Rock. The suggested meetings are as follows: August 12, and November 1st during the ACT.
Margie Hunter made a motion to adjourn and Kristin Mann seconded it. The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
Thursday, November
4th, 2005 The Old State House
President Maenette LaRue
called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Maenette LaRue welcomed everyone
and introduced all of the board members present. There were a total of
11 members present for the business meeting.
President elect Andrea Romo started the discussion about the proposed changes
to the ACSS Constitution. After explaining and comparing the old and proposed
constitutions, it was opened to the floor for suggestions and comments on the
proposed changes.
Article III Section 4 was discussed. It was suggested that the past president
also be placed on the Executive Committee.
An ACSS mission statement may have been left off of the Constitution on the
first page. The President and President elect will research this item. Regulations
or rules for becoming a board member were discussed. University membership
on the ACSS board was discussed.
Using a transparency, Andrea Romo explained term limits for board members.
We have 151 current members. Andrea Romo continued with the explanation of
the proposed Constitution. The proposed Constitution states the ACSS board
will have four meetings during the year.
Andrea Romo also explained the changes in the By-Laws. The members vote on
Constitutional changes. The ACSS board makes by-law changes.
Judy Camden made a motion that a mailing of the Constitution and the proposed
changes sent to each current member. There was no second so the motion died.
Catherine Smith made a motion we ratify the proposed ACSS Constitution. Cissy
Dowdy seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Catherine Smith
made a motion we put Constitutional changes in the newsletter for all members
to read. Alicia Snipes seconded it. Andrea Romo amended the motion to say major
changes be put in the newsletter. Cissy Dowdy seconded it. The motion carried
unanimously. Connie Mason suggested that if a member has a question or suggestion
they could contact a board member.
Margie Hunter made a motion to put the new ACSS Constitution in the newsletter.
A statement would be added that members can look at the Old Constitution on
the website or contact a board member for a hard copy. Charles Foster seconded
it. Maenette LaRue or Andrea Romo can be contacted for a hard copy. Maenette
LaRue reminded members that they can apply for the open board positions.
ACSS reception is at 4:15 in the Old State House. ACSS Luncheon is on Friday
at 11:30 a.m. Russian Kaleidoscope will be the program.
The New Constitution called for new nominations for the board. The nominations
will be mailed to members, e-mailed and will be posted on the list serve to
try to communicate with every ACSS member so they will have the opportunity
to vote on new board members. A postcard will be included to mail back to Pres.
Maenette LaRue. This is a special election. In the future the board election
will be held every year at the annual business meeting.
Margie Hunter made a motion to adjourn and Billie Handly seconded it. The meeting
was adjourned at 3:05 p.m.
Wednesday, November 2, 2005 Peabody Hotel
Members present: President Maenette LaRue, President Elect Andrea Romo, Past President Billie Handly, Treasurer Connie Mason, Secretary Lois Blanton, Pat Ramsey, Kristen Mann, Cissy Dowdy, Catherine Smith, Margie Hunter
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Lois Blanton read the minutes and corrections were made. Catherine Smith made a motion to accept the minutes and Margie Hunter seconded it.
Connie Mason read the Treasurer’s Report. The biggest expenses were the ACT Conference and the website. The checking account balance is 9,800. 66. The CD is 5,448.46. Cissy Dowdy made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report and Margie Hunter seconded it.
Maenette LaRue reported that there was 178 sessions for ACT this year. Forty of those sessions were social studies. Nineteen social studies sessions were scheduled for Thursday and twenty-one social studies sessions were scheduled on Friday. ACTELA does pay 1/2 of a hotel room if a member agrees to work at the conference. ACSS discussion on the subject will be continued at the retreat.
Social studies is third in registration this year. Billie Handly reported that ACSS has 151 members that include 36 new members.
Maenette LaRue reminded the ACSS board that the general business meeting would be held at The Old State House on Thursday afternoon at 1:50. The members present will vote on the proposed changes to the ACSS Constitution. At the present time, there are several positions open on the board and this will also be discussed at the business meeting.
Andrea Romo explained about board membership. There was a former board member who had some questions about membership. The area she covered was the regulations for remaining on the board and for becoming a board member. An ACSS member has to be a member in good standing for one year prior to applying for a board position. Maenette LaRue agreed to contact the former board member and explain the regulations. Billie Handly made a motion to accept and Pat Ramsey seconded it.
Board members must commit to at least 3 meetings per year. Nominations will be posted on the website and list serve. There will be a cut off date for voting and voting on new board members will be done by mail. A letter will be sent with a stamped postcard included for members to return for voting purposes.
The 2005 ACSS awards are as follows:
A person must be a current member to be eligible to receive an award.
- Friend of Social Studies – Secretary of State Charlie Daniels
- Middle School Teacher of the Year – Terri Connard
- Secondary Teacher of the Year – Jan Lloyd
- Member of the Year – Catherine Smith
- Landreth-Blair Memorial Grant – Lois Blanton
The annual retreat will be held on January 20 and 21, 2006 at Deer Hollow Ranch. Catherine Smith made a motion to accept this and Billie Handly seconded it. Dates for other 2006 board meetings will be decided at a later time.
Andrea Romo asked if ACSS wants to continue being a part of the ACT Conference. Billie Handly made a motion we stay with ACT and Pat Ramsey seconded it. It passed with an unanimous vote.
Andrea Romo suggested members be offered the opportunity to be a member for 3 years for a $40 fee. Margie Hunter agreed with the suggestion and made the motion ACSS do this. Kristen Mann seconded it and the motion carried with a unanimous vote.
Andrea Romo explained and discussed the proposed changes to the ACSS Constitution. ACSS needs to address how university positions on the board are filled. This topic will be discussed at the retreat. One change suggested was in Article III Section 2 to change Executive Committee to officers. Board positions need to be filled and terms need to be addressed. Board member application and award application will be posted on the website.
Margie Hunter made a motion to adjourn and Catherine Smith seconded it. The board meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
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Saturday, August 6, 2005 Pulaski Academy
Members present:
President Maenette LaRue, Margie Hunter, Past President Billie Handly,
Bill Topich, Catherine Smith, Gina Hogue, Secretary Lois Blanton
The meeting began at 10:20 a.m. Lois Blanton read the minutes from the last
meeting. Margie Hunter made a motion and Catherine Smith seconded it that the
minutes be approved. The treasurer’s report as of 8-3-05 was the checking
account balance is 10,316.05. Maenette LaRue and Andrea Romo spent $477.00
and $493.00 respectively on the NCSS leadership conference. The check received
from the fall conference was $4,830.00. The CD is now $5,448.46. The expense
of the website was $847.22. Bill Topich made a motion and Margie Hunter 2nd
it that the treasurer’s report be approved.
The ACT conference is November 3rd and 4th. No decision has been made about
the meeting on Thursday night. ACSS annual business meeting will be from 4:45 – 5:30
p.m. on Thursday at the Old State House. Re-enacters will be the presenters
for the ACSS reception at the Old State House following the annual business
meeting. There will be door prizes for the ACSS reception and the luncheon.
The luncheon speaker will be the Russian Kaleidoscope. After the luncheon,
they will also do a session.
The awards nominations so far has been 3 secondary, 3 friends, and 1 middle
school.
We need more award nominations for elementary, university, and member of the
year. We could possibly change the awards for 2006 to K-8 and 9-12.
We need to push attendance for the conference. According to NCLB and the U.S.
and state education departments, there is professional development money available.
We need to collect items for the bags. According to the ACT contract, we receive
22.5% of the proceeds after expenses or if we go into the negative we pay 22.5%.
ACTELA pays for hotel for any board member that works at the conference. ACSS
discussed this option but no decision was made.
Luncheon tickets are $20. There is still no chairperson for next year. Some
states pay a promoter to organize their conference. We are still waiting for
math to decide. Another suggestion was to ask the Little Rock Visitors Bureau
to help sponsor the conference. We could possibly change the conference to
the summer. This might help get the co-ops involved in conjunction with universities.
We get good response with the newsletters. They are almost never returned.
NCSS suggested that different states exchange newsletters for information and
to see what other states are doing. Billie Handly suggested having more newsletters
available to hand out at workshops. We could receive an additional 10 newsletters
for handouts and send a newsletter to each state Social Studies council. Some
councils only put them on their website or it can be received by e-mail or
hard copy. The decision was made to leave ours like it is. We need to help
Margie Hunter by sharing and putting articles in the newsletter. Margie Hunter
is working on a feature teacher article. One idea is to rotate a board member,
friend award winner, etc. Youth Leadership Institute wants a newsletter and
membership. It was decided that we would send them a complimentary newsletter.
It was also decided that complimentary memberships can be given to organizations.
The proposed Constitution will go on the website. The Old Constitution will
stay on the website until the proposed Constitution is approved. “Save
Our History” would like to send materials to all of our members. The
board decided that this would be okay and Billie Handly will look over the
instructions.
Kristen Mann has agreed to replace Fred Williams on the board. Andrea Romo
came up with an application for board membership. Board members examined this
and added suggestions to the application.
U.S. Department of Education and the NCLB is working and hopefully Social Studies
will be tested soon.
ACTELA – Contact non-traditional learning centers for conference attendance
from non-traditional teachers. Next year education laws would be a good suggestion.
Margie Hunter made a motion and Billie Handly seconded it to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m.
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North Little Rock, Western SizzlinWednesday, May 14, 2005
Members Present: Maenette LaRue (President), Connie Mason (Treasurer), Pat Ramsey, Fred Williams, Andrea Romo (President Elect), Don Baker, Bill Topich, Cissy Dowdy, Claudia Reese, Lois Blanton (Secretary), Billie Handly (Past President), Maggie Herrick (Social Studies Specialist)
The meeting was called to order at 10:10. Connie Mason read the treasurer’s report. The checking account has a balance of 9,290.44. The CD has 5,448.46. We received 1,121.86 from ACT last fall. Treasurer’s report was approved with a motion made by Fred Williams and a second by Connie Mason.
Lois Blanton read the minutes from November 2004 meeting. The minutes were approved.
Maenette has updated the brochure and is getting it ready to send to the printer. ACSS needs to order more stationery. We could send out a letter and a brochure for promotional purposes. It was decided that we would not get business cards.
It was decided that we need more mugs and 4-dozen is the amount that was decided. Andrea Romo made a motion to accept and Bill Topich seconded it. We also need more lapel pins. Everyone liked the looks of the last pens we purchased; they just need to be bigger. Connie Mason will check on this.
It was also decided that we would purchase ink pens. The amount decided upon is 500. Maenette will check on prices and amounts. Pat Ramsey made a motion to accept this and Claudia Reese seconded it.
Membership of college representatives was discussed. They are appointed to the board but this is not in our Constitution. We need to include this in our policy of membership to the board. It was decided that we would have 2 representatives from each congressional district and 5 at large board members. We need some type of application for potential board members. Maenette will work on this. It will consist of a Biography about them.
They will be voted on at the general business meeting. We will list board nominations on the website. Anyone interested in becoming a board member, must be a member of ACSS for one year. We need a board member nominating committee. The nominating committee will be Maggie Herrick, Billie Handly, and Cissy Dowdy. Andrea Romo will draft an application form for board membership. Potential board members must apply at least three weeks before the annual business meeting. An announcement regarding board applications will be put on the list serve and also on the web page. We should have 2 members rotating off the board. According to the new proposal, there will be 16 board members, college representatives, and the Social Studies Specialist. Don Baker made a motion to establish nominations and advertisement and Claudia Reese seconded it.
Fred has decided to step down from the board and Kristen Mann will possibly be the college representative from UALR. Pat Ramsey suggested that no more than 2 college representatives per congressional district be appointed.
Connie Mason will remain the treasurer for ACSS even though she is retiring.
Billie handed out the membership lists to all board members. We need to recruit more members. One possibility is to publish the names of ACSS members on the web site for nomination purposes. This will discussion will be tabled until a later time.
Maenette LaRue and Andrea Romo will attend the NCSS leadership conference in July. ACSS agreed to pay partial expenses. Pat Ramsey made a motion that each person receives up to $750 with receipts. Billie Handly seconded it and the board unanimously passed it.
The ACT has slots for 36 Social Studies sessions. ACSS needs more proposals in case speakers are unable to attend. We need presiders for the ACT conference.
The ACSS reception will be on Thursday at the Old State House from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. The speaker for the reception will be a living history person. The ACSS annual business meeting will be also be on Thursday in the Old State House General Assembly Room from 4:45 until 5:30.
We need goodies to stuff for bags and also door prizes for the reception and ACSS luncheon. We need to bring the bag “stuff” to the August board meeting. There is a possibility that ACT will not have a Thursday evening meeting.
We are unsure of the future of ACT. Math will be pulling out and there will be no chairperson after this year. Science and Language Arts are staying. Possibilities are that we have a separate conference from AEA. We could do a conference in the summer to help with inservice hours. There is a possibility of moving the conference to Hot Springs in July or August. ACSS is planning on staying with the other groups.
The award nominations need to be in by August 31st to Maenette LaRue. So far we have no official nominations. The award winners from the past are on the web page.
The newsletter in August needs to promote ACT. Also the changes to the ACSS Constitution will need to be included. We need more articles for the newsletter.
The proposed changes to the Constitution were discussed. Board members discussed the different areas that need to be changed. Andrea Romo will correct anything that the board members think needs correcting. Where the president elect is concerned, there needs to be a statement about that person attending the NCSS leadership conference. Board members are encouraged to look over the Constitution and contact Andrea Romo. She will make the changes.
The web page has cost $247 so far. There have been several updates. The links have been fixed and the board minutes will be put on the webpage. An area for elementary links needs to be included as well as a section for primary documents. We need to look at the website for corrections. Anything that we can add or help with, please contact Maenette La Rue.
The next board meeting will be at Pulaski Academy on August 6th. Don Baker made a motion to adjourn and Billie Handly seconded it. The meeting was adjourned at 2:05 p.m.
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Saturday,
January 29, 2005 Members Present: Connie Mason (treasurer), Fred Williams, Don Baker, Catherine Smith, Maenette LaRue (president), Andrea Romo (president - elect), Billie Handly (past - president), Cissy Dowdy, Lois Blanton (secretary)
Maenette LaRue called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Lois Blanton (secretary of the board) read the minutes and they were corrected. Don Baker made a motion to accept the minutes and Billie Handly seconded the motion.
Next, Connie gave the treasurer's report. The checking account has $8,599.25. The CD needs to be renewed in February and is up to $5,448.46. Catherine Smith made a motion to accept the treasurer's report and Don Baker seconded it. Don Baker made a motion that we roll over the CD. Billie Handly seconded it and it passed uninanmously.
Maenette LaRue gave a report on the Fall 2004 ACT Conference. Maenette LaRue offered to send a letter to ACT attendees that indicated Social Studies interest that are not ACSS members. She will send a letter to these potential members. Maenette LaRue could also send a letter to NCSS members that are not members of ACSS. This could be one way of boosting membership. Fred Williams made a motion to accept this proposal and Catherine Smith seconded it.
Andrea Romo suggested we send a promotional newsletter out to every school. This could be called a special edition promotion newsletter and we could also send this to college history departments.
Goals for ACT might be we need to address all areas of Social Studies. Incorporation of reading and writing are very important. It has come to our attention that ACT attendance is dropping because of inservice demands.
There are Constitutional changes that need to be made. Andrea has typed the proposed changes and they are attached to the minutes. Enactment clause - is a temporary clause to be eliminated after it is established. The changes discussed are for Article III: Governance Section 2: The Governing Board - limit 2 members per Congressional District and increase at-large members to 8. Andrea Romo made a motion to accept it and Don Baker seconded it.
Nominating committee chooses who fills what position if lots of applications are received. We need to reestablish the nominating committee. When someone is nominated, they will fill out an application. Must be given to nominating committee by August 1. Bio will be read before the annual business meeting.
Membership will vote as a whole on the slate of the board. The annual business meeting at ACT will be on Thursday before the ACSS reception in the Old State House. (3:00 - 4:00) This will be blocked during ACT. Presentation proposal is available on the ACSS website. Deadline is March 15.
The letters for the door prizes will be sent out in early June. There will not be door prizes at the Thursday night meeting. Bag stuffers will need to be turned in by August. ACSS lapel pins and cups need to be ordered. Also ink pens could be ordered for promotional purposes.
According to the Constitution Article III, Section 4, we need to add a membership chair and add another member at large.
The newsletter deadline needs to be posted so Margie Hunter could notify members at the annual meeting about the deadline for getting articles in the newsletter. We need to know what types of articles need to go in the newsletter.
Recruitment newsletter needs to be discussed for the April/May newsletter issue.
Constitutional revisions have been discussed and made. Andrea Romo made a motion we accept the revisions and Cissy Dowdy seconded it. We adjourned at 12:00 for lunch.
We reconvened at 1:10 p.m. The web page needs to be updated. The way it is set up now, it is hard to make any changes. It was suggested that we change companies and hire a different company to manage the web page. It was suggested that Eye Socket, a web page management company, in Van Buren be hired to do this. There would be a $50 setup fee and it would cost $25 a month to maintain the web page. This would be a one-year contract. Catherine Smith made a motion to move our ACSS web site to Eye Socket. Cissy Dowdy seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.
Billie Handly offered to be in charge of updating the ACSS brochure. Fred Williams made a motion to accept this and Don Baker seconded it. Billie Handly will go ahead with the improvements of the new brochure.
There are 15 present board members. Billie Handly is the membership chairman for ACSS. She will be maintaining and updating the ACSS membership list.
ACT will be on track for fall of 2005 but may need to change for 2006. Profit from ACT is down. A decision will be made in May about the 2006 conference. If ACSS decides to do our own conference, we will move it from region to region year to year. This would be done to reach more Social Studies teachers with professional development. This could be done during the summer so it will count for inservice. We need to work more with administrators.
Next board meeting will be May 14. Further discussion on the ACT conference will be done after the May 7 ACT meeting. May ask for Language Arts and Social Studies to join together to hold annual conferences. This would most likely happen in the summer. This discussion is tabled until the May 14 meeting. We will try to meet at the Clinton Library in Little Rock.
Discussion of changing the list serve was also further postponed until the May meeting.
Don Baker made a motion that we adjourn and Connie Mason seconded it and it passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m.
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Peabody HotelFriday, November 5, 2004
The luncheon began at 11:30 a.m. Awards were given first because some of the award winners had to go teach sessions. Dr. Rick Niece from the University of the Ozarks was our guest speaker. He discussed A Teacher's Creed. ACSS presented Dr. Rick Niece with a donation to the University of the Ozarks scholarship fund.
When Dr. Niece was finished, our general session began with Maenette taking over as president of ACSS. It was decided that we would continue our association with the ACT. Lloyd Clark made a motion to accept this and Sandra Pierson seconded it.
Next, there was a vote to accept the board as is for ACSS. A motion was made to accept it and Sandra Pierson seconded it.
Dora Bradley nominated Marilyn Friga to the board. Sandra Pierson made a motion to accept this nomination and it was seconded. Maenette LaRue will contact Marilyn Friga about filling a board position.
It was suggested that we need to promote ACSS and get new teachers to join. There is information in the newsletter and list serve. Also award nominations need to be made early.
Door prizes were given away last. Everyone who attended the luncheon received a door prize. The luncheon was adjourned at approximately 12:45.
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Peabody HotelWednesday, November 3, 2004
Members present: Maenette LaRue, Andrea Romo, Connie Mason, Lois Blanton, Margie Hunter, Dora Bradley, Catherine Smith, Billie Handly, Cissy Dowdy, Claudia Reese
President Billie Handly called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. The incoming President Maenette LaRue asked Connie Mason to read the treasurer's report. The checking account balance at the end of October was $10,615.22.
The CD value is currently $5,300. Catherine made a motion to accept the treasurer's report and Margie seconded it. All members voted in favor of the motion.
There are 190 people who are Social Studies Teachers that have registered for the ACT Conference. It was discussed that we need to follow up and contact those that are not members of ACSS.
It was decided that we would not contribute to FASSE. Lois read the minutes from the August meeting. Margie made a motion to accept the minutes and Claudia seconded it.
We are still unsure about moving the list serve to Fayetteville. If it is moved, Maggie will still maintain it. This will be further discussed at the January meeting.
Awards were discussed. Awards nominations need to be done before the August meeting. Award winners receive a plaque, $50, their luncheon and one other person's is paid for. We could possibly give a 1-year membership to ACSS. Andrea made a motion to begin this in 2005 and Billie seconded it.
Inservice is changing and having a dramatic affect on ACT. It was discussed what to do about this and a possibility is moving the conference to summer.
The following decisions were made about next year's board meetings. The retreat would be at the end of January or the beginning of February. Possible locations were Heifer Project International, Ferndale 4-H Center, or Timber Ridge in Batesville. Spouses will be invited to the retreat. We will meet on April 30th possibly at the Clinton Library. A suggestion for the August 6th meeting is the Western Sizzlin. Margie made a motion to accept the proposed calendar and Dora seconded it.
Maenette discussed several areas that we need to be thinking about. There are several positions open on the board. We need to follow the Constitution. There are different ideas about replacing board members.
We need to work on ways to manage the web site. It is taken care of for another year. The web site needs to be moved because of complications where it is now.
We need to be thinking of ways to attract more members. Look at the registration of Social Studies teachers at the ACT. We need to make sure that the award winners are members of ACSS. We have approximately 140 members. It was suggested that we send cards to members who have not renewed their dues to let them know they need to pay. A suggestion was that each board member write 5 personal notes to former ACSS members. This could be done at the retreat.
Chris Lee has resigned from the board. A new member list needs to start with this year's ACT registration. Several board members are working together to get the member list updated. Margie suggested a social gathering to help promote membership. Margie needs information for the newsletter. Andrea made a motion to adjourn and Margie seconded it. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
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Heifer
Retreat: Jan. 30-31, 2004 ALL BOARD MEMBERS will need to contact banks/businesses in your area for contributions of items such as pencils, pens, keyrings, anything that would be appropriate for the ACT bags that conference participants receive when registering for the conference. We would like for more items to be in the bags from all over the state. If we can start working on this, the items can be brought to the board meetings and we will get them to the people in charge of registration.
Our ACT Door Prize Committee will be Catherine Smith and Lois Blanton will assist. They will be in charge of contacting and keeping records based on our last year contributors.
Our ACSS Awards committee will remain the same, Fred Williams as chair, Dora Bradley and Charles Foster will assist. The deadline for nominations will be April 1. Will be promoted over the ACSS List and on the web page.
The deadline for the ACSS Landreth-Blair Grant Application will be July 17. Will post on the ACSS List and web page.
For the ACSS reception this year we are going to contact Tom Dillard and see if he will address our group, or at least help us to contact someone if he cannot.
Lloyd Clark will promote ACT/ACSS using Public Service announcements during the year leading up to ACT.
The board approved supporting FASSE again this year with a $250.00 contribution.
Our next board meeting will be May 1, 100:00 A.M., Library - Little Rock.
Report prepared by: Lois Blanton, Secretary
Billie Handly, presiding
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