KATS Board Meeting April 17, 2011 KATS KAMP Members in ...

KATS Board Meeting
April 17, 2011
KATS KAMP
Members in Attendance: Paul Adams, Tim Andersen, Daniel Bergman, Jared Bixby, Carol
Bonham, Laurie Cleavinger, Brian Cole, Lori Coles, Malonne Davies, Dina Duggin, Jim Ellis, Sally
Harms, Carol Hewitt, Matt Krehbiel, Diane Maddox, Marilyn McComber, Sharon McDonald,
Carrie Newdigger, Tracy Roe-Archer, Kathy Rome, Shirley Rose, Germaine Taggart, Jessica
Wilhelm. Newly elected board members attending were: Mary Cerny, David Clark, and Lu
Bitter.
Members Absent: Jessica Butte, Karen Heins, Kathy Huntzinger, Joann Walker, Emmett Wright.
New board members unable to attend were Dennis Newell and David Wright.
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by President Sharon McDonald at 8:45. She welcomed new
board members in attendance and also welcomed our District XI representative, Sally Harms.
Adoption of Agenda:
The agenda was adopted as written.
Approval of Board Minutes:
The minutes were approved as presented for the January board meeting. A sheet was passed
around for cell phone numbers to be used in communication amongst board members.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS:
President: Sharon McDonald
Sharon thanked everyone for helping her to get through the year and for a great KATS KAMP,
including Shirley Rose, Carol Hewitt, Lori Coles, Paul Adams, and Jim Ellis.
President Elect: Paul Adams
Paul mentioned that the KATS KAMP numbers were down again this year. He believes that
NSTA last October in KC could have played a role in our numbers being down a little. The
weekend has been fairly successful with a few concerns, one being the long walk over to
Johnson to attend sessions and losing some building space due to 2 other groups sharing the
grounds with us.
There were 63 sessions with 1 cancelling. The number of presenters was at capacity. He felt
like we were low on early childhood and need more outdoor programs. Also, we need to
schedule less presenters that are opposite Doc Gizmo. As far as pre-conference workshops, the
balloon satellite workshop was cancelled. Earl Legleiter did the modeling workshop and NASA
could not attend this year.
Carrie Newdigger shared the survey results with 32 people responding. Some people could not
handle the beds. The time of year seems to be fine with most people. The cost of meals (which
includes facilities) looks really high, so maybe we need to shift that charge to registration so the

meal cost does not discourage people from staying for meals. There was discussion over
refunds for those that do not show up.
Paul talked about a standing conference committee that is needed for exhibitors and planning
and could be chaired through the vice-president or president elect. They could also be charged
with marketing. He is looking for a 3 year commitment and the members of the committee
would be rotated off. He hopes to have a meeting in June to begin planning. Some people
would like to see a job description before committing to that committee. Paul will take names
of interested members and then select a committee.
Rock Springs will be adding fiber optics so the technology opportunities will be increasing.
An electronic evaluation will be sent following KATS KAMP.
Marketing concerns were discussed. Danny has been posting KATS KAMP info on our facebook
page. Lu suggested KATS tying in with lesson plans and sessions at KATS KAMP. Discussion was
held again on putting the presenters’ handouts on the website, but there may be copyright
issues with doing that.
It was suggested that we encourage universities to place student teachers with active KATS
members.
Mary suggested testimonials on the webpage and streaming videos on the web page. This
could be part of a charge for a technology committee.
Paul would like to bring in a consultant at the September meeting for marketing. Carrie
suggested making a promotional video to show at other conferences. A sign-up sheet went
around for those interested being a part of a technology/marketing committee.
Vice – President: Jim Ellis
Jim reported that we had 16 exhibitors, not counting KATS memorabilia and Mohling
foundation. Four booths were not charged – KESTA, Mohling foundation, KATS memorabilia,
and NSTA. One of the challenges for the exhibitors was access to electricity. A good time for
the exhibitors was the break after the keynote speaker. Diane suggested a “passport” idea in
which attendees would get their “passport” punched at exhibitor’s booths and then enter it
into a drawing for prizes.
Jim suggested that any ideas be sent to the VP and added to the database. Sally suggested that
we need more signs leading people to the exhibitors. Another suggestion is to put the
refreshments at the back so people have to walk all the way through to get to them. Sally also
suggested exhibitors be placed upstairs along with the rock raffle and Mohling auction.
Past President: Emmett Wright
No report sent. There were no regional awards given out this year.

Treasurer’s Report: Shirley Rose
Shirley gave out a report listing 2011 expenses and income. One CD has been broken into a
small CD and a NOW account. Shirley will look up the minimum balance required for that
NOW account and add it to the notes for the next treasurer’s report.
These figures are the best we can come up with from the information that was left by the
previous treasurer. Paul reminded us that we now have to pay sales tax also.
Diane suggested a “contribution check-off” (or planned giving) line on the membership form.
Germaine moved and Marilyn seconded to accept the treasurers report. Motion carried.
Membership Report: Lori Coles
Lori reported that since the last board meeting we have had 17 new registrations – 6 of those
students and 11 regular registrations. Most were on-line registrations. Lori will look at adding
a line on the form for additional contributions.
OTHER REPORTS:
KATS KAMP Report: Carol Hewitt
Carol reported that we had 161 attendees at the 2011 KATS KAMP. 58% of those registered
on-line with 42% registering by paper form. Most people (61%) chose package B where they
could choose which meals and nights they wanted.
Carol thanked those that helped with registration and believes that registration next year will
go much smoother.
Carol Williamson submitted the following written report on the New Teacher Reception:
19 teachers attending the New Science Teacher reception (8 in their first 2 years teaching; 10
preservice (4 FHSU, 3 WSU, 3 KU)
Grade levels represented were: 1 Early Childhood, 6 Elementary, 5 Middle School, and 6 High
School
When surveyed as to the most interesting and/or inspiring sessions at KATS, the following were
mentioned (along with “many more”):
Doc Gizmo
FOSS
ALL the sessions
Professional Learning Communities
Keynote speaker
NSTA District XI: Sally Harms
Sally reported that Congress will be in Baltimore on July 12-17 th this summer. NSTA fall
regionals will be held in Hartford, New Orleans, and Seattle. The NSTA national will be in
Indianapolis next March 29 – April 1.
KSDE Report: Matt Krehbiel
Matt announced that the “Next Generation Science Standards” will be coming out soon. Matt
will put together state level reviews of standards document. The state assessments may lack

federal funding if the common core standards do not roll out smoothly. Matt is putting
together a new website on science education so science educators can register and have access
to resources. He would like to collaborate to build up the website.
Matt also suggested hosting a science education conference with all organizations working
together: KSDE, KATS, KACEE, etc.
Matt is also looking at social networking that is education specific.
Newsletter: Paul Adams
May 15 th is the copy date for the next newsletter. Paul did send out a special KATS KAMP
edition that was mailed, but the next newsletter will be electronic.
KACEE Report: Diane Maddox
Diane reported some important dates: June 10 th – membership meeting at the zoo in Wichita,
July 29 – Green Schools conference in Goddard, and November 4 & 5 – KACEE conference in
Great Bend.
Jared will take any KATS info/requests to the KACEE board.
KLFA Report: Germaine Taggart
KLFA has a good power point on Professional Learning Communities in science that Germaine
will put on the KATS website. Germaine also reported that she is on a KSDE task force that
could change the look of professional learning. She will report more at the September meeting.
Professional Development/Mentoring: Marilyn McComber
Marilyn reported that 20 mentor/mentees attended KATS KAMP. We no longer have the
Kauffman funding so we will be looking for other funding. The mentor/mentee program is a big
hook to keep KATS members and attendees.
Paul pointed out the importance of one voice when going to ask corporations for funding. He
feels that we need coordination to search for funding. He asked Marilyn to put together some
guidelines and pass through the executive committee. Malonne suggested an external
funding representative. Sally suggested that each person needing funding write what the $
would be used for and turn it into the executive committee to act on. Marilyn will work
something up and send it to Paul.
Informal Liaison: Jared Bixby
Jared reported on the Kansans for Children and Nature and the 3 components of it. It will go to
the governor within a couple months. Also, you can go to the KACEE website to look at the
environmental literacy plan. Diane has a copy and has the form if KATS is interested in
endorsing it as many other organizations have. Jared also told us about the resolution 132
introduced to honor the AZA (zoos and aquariums) across the nation. Jared reported that the
Safari Venture Day will be held in October. Several zoos participate and host this event.
KATS Webmaster Report: Tim Andersen
Tim addressed questions that board members had about the website.
Regional Reports: written reports submitted after the board meeting

Region 1 – submitted by Jessica Wilhelm
Future KATS Kamp suggestions
1. Time of the year :
Many agreed April was a great time for a “pick me Up” to finish the school year.
September was also suggested
2. Maybe just Friday night and all day Saturday – no Sunday sessions
3. Joint conference – get several science groups together for one conference
4. Ask an administrator to come with you to KATS, then word might spread among those
with the money to send more people.
5. Better programming scheduling- Doc Gizmo is popular, so fewer choices when he is
presenting.
6. More technology now that Rocks Springs has better fiber optics
7. More outdoor programs
8. People love to be shown how to actually set up the demonstration presented.
Membership
Members or Regions compete to sign up the largest new percentage to attend KATS
KAMP.
Region 2 – 16 people present
1. Change KATS to another time of year?
September – too early
February – too cold
April – good to re-energize to end of year
2. Move KATS to another venue? Like out of school atmosphere
3. Move to only Friday/Saturday or leave Friday night – Sunday? Hard to get sub on Friday
4. How to get presenters? Jenny Thayer-Wood – join committee
Kim Houtz – can help
5. Future Projects: Technology, Creative Thinking
6. Comments: Good speakers!
Region 3 – submitted by Marilyn and Malonne
Discussion of KATS KAMP:
Keep the time the same
Keep the place the same
Be proactive about recruitment
2 members interested in committee on conference planning: Dixie Smith (Pitt State)
and Erica Huggard from Emporia HS
Do not send cards to department chair because teachers do not see them. Use state
department mailing list.
Discount for first time membership (25%)
Suggestion – have joint meeting with adjoining states

Region 4 – submitted by Dina
1. Interest in changing KATS Kamp-
No, early spring it would run into testing.
No, September there are too many things going on, don't need to recharge. Prefer it in April,
it is a recharge for the end of the year. Possibly one year in fall then one year in spring.
If the venue would change, keep it in the center of the state Salina/Mcpherson areas. If the
venue changes would it lower the cost a bunch? Then yes, if there is significant savings. No, if
location change does not have a cost savings for people that are paying out of their own
pocket. Are they other camps similar to Rocks Springs to rotate too?
If there is a location change could we get a behind the scene teacher tours? What about JUCOs?
If the meeting starts rotating around the state could it turn into just regional meetings not as
represented from around the state?
Could we lose Rock Springs?
Time frame of KATS Kamp- possibly eliminate Friday night.
Ideas- we need to personally invite other co-workers to come to KATS Kamp. They will be
hooked once they come. There were two first time people from region 4 who had no clue what
KATS Kamp was all about, but plan to return. It was the best inservice they had attended.
If you bring or refer a friend could there be a friend deal. An example is $5.00 off the
registration of the person bringing a friend, 2 friends save $10.00?
Willing to serve on committees-Cody Kitze- Wichita, Middle School, next year Cassey Langerot-
Peabody-Burns, High School.
Additional Ideas- encourage hand outs, also post hand outs online.
More sessions for Biology and Elementary.
Region 5 – submitted by Tracy Roe-Archer
1. Discuss interest in changing KATS KAMP to September or early spring (February or
March) here at Rock Springs.
- will we skip a year or start with two this year?
- Fall would make implementing what we learn here more effective.
- Could we look at buffer week, in late October or early November so as to attract
more registration?
- Could possibly be too cold to properly utilize current location.
- Would not fall during other science events, i.e. science fairs, Olympiads etc. and such
events as prom and Easter.
2. Discuss interest in changing KATS KAMP to another venue (possibly at a university)
and/or changing to a Friday and Saturday only.
- A campus could be better in inclement weather.
- A campus could house/feed everyone for less money.
- These city locations may attract more families.
- Campus would not be able to provide outdoors sessions, like Rocks Springs
- Would this be a set, or rotating venue?
- Could a campus setting help get more long term pre-service/service teachers?
*Discussed decreasing registration
~Do we have any data showing why numbers are decreasing?
~offer incentive for returning, or new members
~would a corporate sponsor be worth checking into?
~Have we considered combining with other organizations and

offering a duel rate?
~What would happen if we did a one day drive-in session?
~asking colleges to require completion of a professional
conference, as part of course work.
~Tap into a wider audience by offering cross-curricular
training.
3. Find interested members that are willing to serve on a (non-member committee) for
conference planning.
- What job descriptions will this include?
- Will they work closely with the board, if so, when?
- Three year commitment?
~Dave Pollack (pending)
4. Ideas for future presentations/topics.
- not discussed, ran out of time
- ballets were tallied and reported to Sharon.
-
Region 6 – submitted by Carol Bonham
Region VI of the Kansas Association of Teachers of Science meet on April 16, 2011.
- Attendees discussed changing of KATS camp to September or earlier spring. Some
said that fall sports would be a conflict as they have a number of science teachers
that are also coaches. Earlier spring was discussed and weather and state testing
were brought up.
-
- The group expressed interest in a shorter camp at a different venue. Some thought
the Friday and Saturday till noon would be a draw. The group discussed that the
camp’s big draw is networking with others. Suggestions of doing promotional videos
that could be used to draw interest. The members thought a regional area meeting
would be a good way to gather interested people together that may not be able to
attend the spring event at Rock Springs.
- Members were asked to volunteer for a conference planning committee. Carol
Bonham and Lu Bitter volunteered.
- Ballots were handed out and members voted
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Budget Committee:
The budget committee will meet this summer. A date will be set up and sent out.
Conference Planning Committee:
Paul will contact people in June and set up a possible date. No reimbursement will be paid by
KATS for the budget or conference planning committee meetings.

Constitution Committee:
The only change that was made was changing the “office consultant” to “KATS KAMP
registration chair.” The one thing we might want to consider changing yet is: “the KATS KAMP
registration chair will confer with the president” to “the KATS KAMP registration chair will
confer with the president-elect” since it is the president elect that is planning the KATS KAMP
conference. This can be discussed at the fall meeting and voted on at 2012 KATS KAMP or by
an email vote.
OLD BUSINESS:
The by-laws need to be checked regarding a liaison for the Mohling foundation.
NEW BUSINESS:
Germaine moved and Malonne seconded that Kathy be allowed to spend up to $100 to
purchase a digital recording device for use by the secretary. Motion carried.
Brian moved and Lu seconded that KATS endorse the environmental literacy plan that Jared
spoke of. Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ADJOURNMENT:
The next board meeting will be held in September at the KS Wetlands Education Center near
Great Bend. Paul announced that our January meeting will be a “special meeting”.
All regional reports need to be sent to Kathy
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Rome
KATS Secretary