Beacon PTA Meeting Minutes – Dec. 2019
General PTA Meeting
December 9, 2019 from 6pm – 8pm
MINUTES
Welcome – Abi Fenelon & Bonnie Scarborough, PTA Co-Presidents
Treasury Report
Fundraising is catching up to last year with recent campaigns. As of November 30th, we have raised approximately $205,000 and $216,000 as of last week, so we are making progress. A request was made for $700 for a fashion club for a sewing machine and other supplies. Motion was approved.
Expedited Election for Executive Board Positions
The following candidates were uncontested and were approved with a show of hands:
- Co-Vice President of Community Building/Relations – Shamel Flowers
- Co-Recording Secretary – Katherine Bruck
SLT Report – Windell Williams
There is one open position on the School Leadership Team (SLT). An election to fill this position will be held at the next PTA General Meeting on Monday, January 13 at 6pm in the Library. The SLT is comprised of parents, school administrators, teachers and students. The SLT meets monthly to discuss and develop educational policies. All parents interested in the position should email Jonathan Spears (jonathan.spear@gmail.com) or attend the PTA meeting.
Committee Reports
- Diversity – Gary Ramsay reported that the Diversity Committee has chosen the book “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi for its Book Club. All Diversity Committee meetings are open to all parents at Beacon, and parents of all backgrounds are welcome. Two upcoming Diversity meetings will be held on January 6 (book club meeting) and January 13 (Diversity Committee) from 5-6pm in the Library.
- Merchandise – The merchandise sales were so successful that we are completely out of merchandise. New items will be ordered in January.
- Hospitality – Elle Malevar reported that the Hospitality Committee provided lunch for teachers and staff during the parent-advisor conferences in November.
- Community – Sari Gabay reported that neighborhood gatherings took place in Brooklyn, Queens, the East Villiage, the UWS and Staten Island. If your neighborhood is not represented, please email Sari Gabay to be a rep for your area. The 10th Grade Potluck Dinner is scheduled for 1/23/2020.
- Fundraising – Diana Mahiques announced that the first fundraising event of the year, a Winter Wine Tasting was held on Saturday, December 7 was a big success. The event sold out and wine sales are still open for another week. Beacon will receive 10% of the wine sales. She is working on a potential event with the Atlantic Theater Company for 3/9/2020. The Fairway Community Partners card is an easy way to give to the school as Beacon receives a percentage when you shop (totally about $6000/year). The committee is looking for other similar programs.
- Auction – Diana Mahiques announced plans for the 2020 Auction/Gala which will be held on Friday April 3 at The Cutting Room. Donated items are needed for the Auction, examples include parent services, restaurant gift certificates, tickets to plays/musicals, unique experiences. A parent who is a fashion/portrait photographer has offered a photo session. Volunteers will be needed leading up to the event and the day of. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Diana (dianamahiques@gmail.com) or Bonnie (bonnie.scarborough@gmail.com).
Meeting adjourned at 6:30pm
6:30pm – 8pm – Presentation on Performance/Project Based Assessments (PBAs)
Beacon program chair and English teacher Ben August, along with teacher Brian Traglio and three students, presented on PBAs. They discussed what they are, what can be expected both in January and in June, and how to help your child prepare.
