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