October 2015 PA Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 6:05 by co-presidents Jean Chen-Villalba and Patricia Roberts. Lettitia Clarke was not present.

 

Patricia welcomed everyone to the meeting.

 

School Leadership Team Expedited Election was held – SLT and Election rules were explained to the parent body:

5 members need to be elected

Responsibilities of SLT include:

• Develop School Comprehensive Education Plan
• Set goals to meet needs
• Consult with principal regarding budget

Francesca Forcella will be the PA EB SLT Rep appointed by current PA Presidents

More than 4 parents wanted to be nominated for SLT so a ballot election was conducted

Each candidate was given 1-2 minutes to speak about what they can contribute to the SLT. The following candidates spoke:

• Sharon Brown
• Barbara Cohen
• Janet Cohen
• Deidre Corcoran
• Vicki Finney Crouch
• Robin Diament
• Nate Dudley
• Tony Dunaif
• Joy Foster
• Julie Greeley
• Jane Hatterer
• Lara Sheikh
• Sandra Fontenla

Nominations were closed and ballots prepared for a vote

Nominees stood before the audience prior to final vote

Ballots were distributed and parents voted and placed them in ballot box

2 volunteers were recruited to count the ballots

Jean announced the winners:

• Nate Dudley
• Joy Foster
• Deidre Corcoran
• Tony Dunaif

 

Erdeen Green – New Parent Coordinator

• Discussed what to expect at conferences in November:
• Parents should email advisor for appointment – 30 minutes
• Each teacher writes anecdotals about your child
• You do not meet with each individual teacher, only the advisor
• If you have an issue with specific teacher – advisor can help facilitate a meeting
• Grades are not final at this point
• 8 weeks to improve/make up missed work
• Advisor is your first point of contact
• Children attend advisory meetings with parents
• Try to review grades with your child prior to advisory meeting so there are no surprises
• Two online grading systems – TeacherEase or Engrade
• Homework can be checked on Homework Portal
• 2 conferences per year
• Students learn to advocate for themselves

 

Curriculum Night:

Follow a mock schedule for your child

 

School is looking for internships for seniors

 

First House Party on 10/14

 

Beacon Ware Sales – signups are on line

 

$360,000 – fundraising goal for the PA this year

• Annual Appeal letter going out soon
• Still have needs despite new school

 

Topics were discussed for future PA meeting speakers – sex, drugs, college preparation, financial aid, Talking with your Teen (communication), time management/organizational skills, Educational opportunities for summer, safety issues/local police issues

 

PA is giving every teacher a grant this month to purchase classroom supplies

 

Beacon does not have a Matching Gift form for donations – needs to be supplied by employers

 

The meeting was concluded at 7:29.

 

Submitted by Susanne Fischer, Co-recording secretary