Beacon PTA Meeting Minutes – Sept. 2019
General Parent Teacher Association Meeting 9/16/19
Student Speakers: Abi Fenelon, PTA President, introduced student speakers. Students described how they had been introverts when they came to Beacon and that joining student clubs (funded by the PTA) provided an opportunity for them to come out of their shells and take more risks. They excelled in the clubs, which gave them self-confidence and increased their self-esteem. Students reported that their experiences and accomplishments in clubs helped them to be better students and better people overall. It changed their lives for the better.
Abi Fenelon, PTA President: Abi shared that she is also on the DOE Community Education Council representing the needs of student with IEPs (individualized education programs). Her daughter is a senior at Beacon and she give Beacon credit for awakening her daughter’s love of science and giving her plenty of opportunities and support to explore a future in the sciences. Abi explained that the donations that families give to the school help support the teachers, the clubs and the other activities. This year the PTA will focus on three initiatives:
- Fundraising
- Parent Engagement
- Community Building
Windell Williams, PTA Vice President: Windell has a junior and a freshman at the school. As Vice President, his two main responsibilities are:
- Reading the emails that parents send to the PTA and addressing their concerns. This email is available on the Beacon website (beaconpa@beaconschool.org).
- Programming. The format of the monthly PTA General Meeting is that we discuss matters concerning the PTA for the first hour. During the second hour, we bring in professionals to discuss issues of special concern to parents. Last year, topics included the health risks of vaping and Juuling, managing stress in teenagers, understanding executive functioning, and grief counseling.
If you are a parent with special or professional experience on subject matters that would be relevant to our community, please let us know. The parents of our community make the best speakers because they are intimately involved with what information is important to us.
Last year Windell was very active in the Diversity Committee and would like other parents to consider getting involved. Dawan Julien is Co-Vice President of the Diversity Committee this year and she is looking for someone to co-chair the committee with her. The Diversity committee will meet about 4 times this year and is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion at Beacon. Come join us.
Public school dollars don’t cover everything that makes The Beacon School unique, such as clubs and special classes. The goal of the PTA is to raise $400K this year. Beacon is special. Please support the school by donating. I hope people are inspired tonight. There is no time like the present. Thank you for coming.
Introductions were made to the following members of the 2019-2020 PTA Executive Board:
Treasurers – Jacqueline Deval and Karin Polo
Secretary – Marti Quinones- McCarthy
Diversity – Dawan Julien
Vice President – Nancy Lee Molesworth
Hospitality – Elle Melaver and Katherine Williams Merchandise – Tali Mermelstein and Jeff Rosenblum
SLT members – Sandra Blackwood, Katie Miller, Lisa Shatz, Jonathan Spear, Inci Ulger
Parent Coordinator – Erdene Greene
Sari Gabay, Co-Vice President, Community Building/Relations: Thanks for everyone’s contributions today. Another way to help is with your time. We are currently looking for a Co-Vice President for the Community committee as well as Neighborhood Representatives. Now that our kids are in high school, there are less opportunities for parents to come together to build a community. Our Neighborhood Representatives help create that community by creating Beacon events in individual neighborhoods and bringing parents together in a purely social environment outside of the school.
We are also looking for Grade Representatives to represent each grade from 9-12. Grade Representatives will help to communicate ideas and the needs of your grade to the PTA.
Make sure you are reading your PTA emails. We have some events coming up, including a 5K fun run on October 20th. Regular pricing for the event is happening until 10/19 with a small increase for those who sign up on the day of.
Ruth Lacey, Principal: The students have had the chance to speak about their Beacon experience. Ruth will focus on what it is like to be a parent of a high school student. Just because they are in high school: Don’t Let Go. They need to know that they have you behind them. Some kids do feel stressed. Parents too. We have learned a lot about the social emotional piece of being a teenager and they still need your support.
Take the Phones Away: Kids are addicted to their phones. They are up all night with their phones and coming into school tired and less ready to learn. They are not letting the freedom of the mind rule.
We offer experiences here at Beacon. Kids come up with ideas for new clubs. 500 of our students participate in sports. At least 500 participate in clubs. They need to find the balance between their extracurricular activities and their school work.
Finally, Feed Them. Make sure they are eating breakfast or have a plan for lunch. It makes a difference. These are the things that we see on this side. Everyone should feel free comfortable to come to the school with questions. We aim for robust parent/teacher engagement. Thank you. Good Luck.
Introductions of School Administration and Teachers:
Ann Lennon – New Vice Principal who has been teaching math at Beacon. She is familiar with the school and the students.
Erdene Greene – Parent Coordinator
The Counseling Team – Three dedicated counselors for the 9-11 grade and one dedicated to the Senior class. There are now 2 social workers, and a fully functioning College Office.
Joanne Cimato – Drama Teacher. She is an arts scholar and History teacher. B’DAT is grateful for the generosity of Beacon parents. Their contributions have allowed students to have access to specialists in the arts field. Can’t wait to meet parents and kids. Be the Scholar Athlete Artist. Be all of it.
Ben August – Teacher also involved in the PTA. Supervised the Model Congress Club.
Call to Action, Abi Fenelon: We need you to donate money. We need you to volunteer.
Closing Remarks: Participate and engage with the PTA. Make sure you are on our mailing list and getting our emails. Find whatever way works for you to connect with us. If you can’t come in person to meetings, make sure to build a relationship with your child’s advisor. They can help you navigate the maze. Erdene is another great resource to help you help your child. Thank you for coming. We welcome you to Beacon.
