2010 06-01 PTA Meeting Minutes

Sligo Creek PTA Meeting Minutes ± June 1, 2010 In attendance:

Mary Deinlein Karole Keane  Andrew Schulman Cori Vanchieri Stuart Kern  Andrea Savoye Rebecca Abrahams Yasmina Mundarres Jenn Lage

 Alice Vorosmarti Jennifer Calvert Caitlin Simpson Stacey Palovsky Karen Fitzgerald Judy Ehrenstein

Ms. Swift¶s Report/Anniversary Fund

The mobile computer lab has already been delivered to the school; it¶s all set up and ready for use. The cost of the lab is $10,884. Based on her discussions with the staff, Ms. Swift identified the following needs for the PTA to consider funding with the remainder of the 10 th Anniversary funds. 1st priority -- A to Z books reading line -- $699.50 (subscription; reading activities; in French and English) 2nd priority -- Grade level magazines ($1800 in FI magazines, classroom resource; $1800 for grade-level subscriptions, Time for Kids, National Geographic)  Additional LCD projector -- $550 (SCES has 2; 1 in the media center; used all the time; the school could really use another) Green celebrations -- $200 (every Monday AM, green banner celebrations for each class in grade levels Total of $5054.50 The members in attendance discussed the needs and whether the uses identified by Ms. Swift would be in accordance with the funding requests that were made as part of  the 10-year anniversary campaign. PTA President Jennifer Lage moved to use the remaining anniversary funds for the uses/needs identified by Ms. Swift; the motion was approved by a unanimous vote of those in attendance

1

PTA Secretary Diane Kelleher moved to use any remaining funds to start a reserve fund for the mobile lab in the event that repairs are needed after the three-year warranty expires. PTA Treasurer Suzanne Chartol was not at the meeting, but had prepared financial statements and had made several notations about PTA funds which had not been completely distributed this this year. These include the mini-grant funds, staff  reimbursements, and the staff gift gift fund. The amounts of these funds, as well as how they are communicated to staff, should be reviewed during the summer as the next budget is prepared. Academy Program in 2010-2011

Ms. Swift listed the number of classes in next year¶s Academy program as follows -2 classes -- K 3 classes -- 1st 5 classes -- 2nd grade 2 classes -- 3rd grade 1 classes -- 4th grade 2 classes -- 5th grade The single class in 4th grade is a significant issue in terms of how on-grade and advanced math are taught to Academy 4th graders. The projected size of the 4th grade class is 22 or 23 students, of whom 12-15 need math math acceleration. Reading is less of a concern, as Ms. Swift believes that reading level differentiation can be accomplished through small group instruction. Some parents asked whether the 4th graders in FI could be combined with the Academy 4th graders for math. Ms. Swift indicated indicated that she did not want to do that if she did not have to. She explained the options options that she is considering, which which include shifting around the math resource teacher, as well as the special education and ESOL teachers, to provide the classroom instruction to academy 4 th graders.  Another parent asked about having 4th graders go up to 5th grade. Ms. Swift explained that the school had used this arrangement previously and had not found it satisfactory. The difficulties included the following effects: it was hard to have math at the same time; it complicated field trips; it was harder for students to develop relationships with homeroom teachers; and students were moving all around the building throughout the day. 2

Parents at the meeting reiterated their views that resolving the math issues for next year¶s single 4th grade Academy class would be much easier if both SCES and SSIMS were given additional allocations. Jennifer Lage and Diane Diane Kelleher said they would work up a draft letter to submit to MCPS and the Board of Education, asking for these additional resources and explain why they were so important for SCES. Nominating

Committee Report

The nominating committee presented the slate of officers for the 2010-2011 school year. The nominees included: Co-Preisdents ± Diane Kelleher and Stuart Kern Treasurer ± Andrew Schulman Secretary ± Suzanne Chartol VP for Events and Fundraising ± Jennifer Calvert VP for Communications and Operations ± Andrea Savoye VP for Academic Support ± Alice Vorosmarti and Laura Foradori The nominees were elected unanimously by voice vote. Book Share

Judy Ehrenstein reported on the Book Share, which is scheduled for next week, June 911, 2010. Any books can be donated; the last day for donations is June 9. There is a particular need for chapter books. Newsletter

deadline

Last newsletter of the year ± goes out Friday; deadline is June 2 End of the year party

The final end of the year party is scheduled for Friday, June 11, from 6-8 pm. pm. Persons interested in attending to RSVP to Rob Gronda

3