PTO Minutes 1/20/15
Thank you to Kellie Defelice for pulling this together!
Principal’s Report
Teachers busy especially the past few weeks. Recently had the accreditation for kindergarten here for assessments. Passed with flying colors.
Federal process: evidence binders on every student and standards. Kindergarten teachers
Also QPS is replacing current report card and new report card will be coming. Grading will all be online. Teachers are well represented on our Citywide Committees. May have presentations by Citywide. Elementary report card.
PBIS : Social Behavior Program. Sending some teachers.
ELC program: 5th grade pullout program. General letter will go out soon about screening. 4th grade parents
5th grade parents who want students screened, appeal process: see Dr. Bloom or Mr. Sylvia. Call Superintendent.
Reading Counts update and online program is doing incredible. 77 kids signed up. 190 tests passed already. 1st and 2cnd grades really involved.
YMCA : Student Council has been invited 2/2 to a leadership summit. Partnership between QPS and YMCA, maybe not whole Student Council.
Multicultural Night pushed to June – 1st or 2nd Thursday
Read Across America is on its way. Rehearsing for it already. Mrs. Salas is bringing her expertise.
March 10th and March 17th is Parent Teacher Conferences.
MCAS Prep class is starting next week.
March 23rd full day long comp. MCAS start March 23rd.
Math starts May 4th.
Drama play is February 12th evening performance.
Day Performance as well, February 13th afternoon.
Squantum February 13th Special Olympics.
Penny Bingo January 26th
Red Sox tickets April 28th. Deadline is January 26th.
Citywide Report
Dave
One month round table: talk and gather information. How each school is doing. Report how your PTO is doing.
59 responses survey about what schools needed.
The most necessary that people requested was media specialist.
We have a library support person, Ms. Noonan who was recently highlighted in the Curriculum newletter sent out. Each of the 11 elementary schools have one. Tends to be first specialist cut, so it is important to continue supporting the position and funding.
Meetings go fast. Fantastic job, very positive. Best interest of children.
Also discussed PBIS. Tier program. 3 schools received grant money and have been doing it. (we are sending teachers) Tools for building character. Positive behavior is taught. Bucket and Tickets
Redistricting was discussed. Overcrowding at some schools.
Teacher Eval: new process, every teacher assigned a plan. More comprehensive. More plan centered.
MCAS
Sample test
Good results but taking away some freedoms from teachers.
Bullying: some apps banned in some schools. ie Yik Yak
Treasurer Update
$14,000 Income
Fall Book Fair $3500
Apparel Income: $3,000
Bake Sale, Box Tops, etc. all brought in more money.
Box Top Bear: Treasure Box to motivate kids
Expenses:
$4,000
Stipends, buses, subscription costs, supplement for an IPAD, etc.
Allocated:
Field Trips
Teacher Stipends
Junior Gardeners
Available Balance of $6,000 after allocations.
Budget and Requests
Geometry supplies were bought, coming to the building
Kindergarten teachers: 2/4 Looking for $100 to buy pizza Motion approved.
Squantum School Players requesting $200, may give back but she needs costumes and tshirts Motion is approved.
Fossil Lady: In-house field trip, fill media center 2nd grade: a few hundred. Not sure of exact amount. Motion is approved.
2 Big Ideas
- Mobile Computer lab: Could be a problem with mobile devices. There would be additional costs. Mr. Sylvia needs more time to research. Which kind of cart, apps, how to get them working here. Going to see Wollaston School because they just got one. Have to look into costs such as anticipated costs. Apple Care, cases. Wireless, etc.
- Improvement in Sound System. Talking about a projector in there for slide shows, graduations, presentations, etc. Also could play a movie for indoor recess. Someone is coming to give a quote tomorrow. Projector not the biggest expense but labor is expensive.
Need more time on Outdoor classroom. Project can’t be finished until ground thaws.
Defer funds on hold.
Indoor/outdoor carpet… main hallway. Squantum School: Great Place to Start.
Cover whole area, it gets dangerous when wet: Motion Approved
Headphones for Computer Lab: Motion Approved.
Upcoming Events:
Red Sox Tickets.. Deadline: January 26th, Supply own transportation
Penny Bingo: January 26th, 2015
Mixed bag Fundraiser is coming up
Movie Night Indoors? Maybe wait to see about projector and then plan.
Talking about potential fundraisers: polar plunge ideas, runs, paint nights, photographer for fun pictures or family pictures. Ideas welcomed!
Restaurant Nights are popular – we will plan another.