Beacon PTA Monthly General Meeting – Minutes
June 14, 2021 (6PM, Zoom)

AGENDA

1. WELCOME – Shirley Brady, Robin Broshi, Nancy Molesworth (PTA Co-Presidents)
2. PRINCIPAL REPORT – Brady Smith
   6/18 – workshops will be held for students from 9-12 to celebrate Juneteenth and PRIDE. Students should sign up for sessions.
   6/15-16 – open houses for incoming 9th graders. Only students will be allowed inside. Parents can wait outside and meet members of the PTA.
   6/22 – Graduation will be held in the Brooklyn Cyclone Stadium (now called Maimonides Park).
   6/25 – Virtual Graduation Ceremony
   Enrichment programs over the summer with Beacon teachers and outside partners. A directory has been emailed to parents and students of the offerings.
   NX Resolution – students will have until the fall to resolve, with support available this summer.
   Grades can be converted to a “CR” as was done with fall grades
   Zoom bombing incident: leads have been developed and are moving forward. No evidence it was Beacon students.
   Professional Development plans for next year are underway. Much is being driven by DEI. The teachers will return to meeting for 80 minutes every Monday.
   The NYC school survey deadline has been extended until June 18. We haven’t yet reached the response threshold they are hoping for.
3. ELECTION – PTA Executive Board (2021-22)
   Following parents are running as a slate:
   President: Shirley Brady, Robin Broshi, Nancy Molesworth
   Recording Secretary: Anju Gupta
   Treasurer: Spencer Green
   Asst. Treasurer: Katherine Bruck, Andrew Flamm
   VP, General: Carole Fennell, Robin Krugman, Kim Youngberg
   VP, Fundraising: Karen Jolicoeur, Alison Overholser
   VP, Communications: Irene Baigorri, Justine Keil [note: Irene later withdrew]
   VP, Community Building: Karen Stonely, Natasha Zaretsky
   VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Gary Anthony Ramsay, Windell Williams
   VP, Merchandise: Julie Harding, Diana Mahiques
   VP, Auction: —
   VP, Hospitality: Jennifer Weisbord
   • Voting will be Yes/No for the entire slate.
   • All Beacon parents/guardians, teachers and staff are eligible to vote.
   Motion to make a slate was passed.
   Motion to approve the slate was approved by a vote.
4. ELECTION – School Leadership Team (2021-22)
5. NAMES WITH ASTERISKS WERE ELECTED
   The parents running for 5 SLT parent reps will each receive 90 seconds to
   introduce themselves (or have a statement read on their behalf):
   Rose Arce *
   Gustavo Azenha
   Harriette Cole
   Carole Fennell *
   David Gould
   Suzanne Klein – statement read
   Olivia Poor *
   Shakira Provasoli
   Sarah Sidi *
   Windell Williams *
   • Note: Only Beacon parents/guardians are eligible to vote. Voters can select
   up to 5 candidates for SLT. Eligibility of voters will be verified by Beacon
   parent coordinator Erdene Greene. Tabulation of votes by Zoom poll will take
   place by parent volunteer Christine Hegel while the meeting continues, with
   a report at the end.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Anju Gupta & Katherine Bruck
   • May 12, 2021 PTA meeting minutes presented for approval (click here)
   Minutes were entered and approved (Motion: N. Molesworth; Second: W. Williams)
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS
   • Treasurers (Spencer Green & Andrew Flamm)
   Raised $262k this year vs. $250k budgeted
   Expenses: $250-260k vs. $300k budget
   Funding Requests – ALL WERE APPROVED
   $2,000 for a graduation video (40 hours at $50/hour edited by a former Beacon student)
   $3,300 for t-shirts & phone pocket for Summer Bridge program
   $3,000 for new merchandise for September/fall
   • Fundraising (Karen Jolicoeur & Alison Overholser)
   Raffle – moving to the beginning of next school year
   NY Yankees event (no upfront ticket purchase required)
   Fun Run – Beacon will once again participate; October 24
   • Auction (Diana Mahiques)
   $20k raised
   Second chance auction now running through 6/19
   • Diversity Equity & Inclusion (Gary Ramsay & Windell Williams)
   Parent survey now and again in the fall to see about DEI expectations
   Working on the mission statement to include DEI initiatives
   Successful year of programming (Content & Community Subcommittee) & progress by other committees
   Focused on two cultures coming together in Sept with 2 grades of students having not been in the building before.
   Updating the parent and student handbook
   Updating marketing materials to reach communities of people of color.
   • Community Building/Relations (Karen Stonely)
   Neighborhood reps had a successful year: 6/11 meet-up saw 30-35 parents met in Central Park, including some incoming 9th grade parents. Another parent meet-up is being planned for summer.
   Grade reps: Parent activities & student meetups across grades were successful this year.
   Special Ed community: final monthly meeting will be on 6/17. All are welcome to attend.
   • Communications (Justine Keil & Kathy Morgenstern) – no report
   • Merchandising (Tali Mermelstein & Jeff Rosenblum) – no report
   • Hospitality (Elle Melaver & Kate Williams) – no report
8. SLT UPDATE (Robin Broshi & Windell Williams)
   At the SLT’s June meeting, the following issues were discussed:
   Finalizing the Comprehensive Education Plan sections to submit the goals
   Summer Bridge program
   Re-entry for students in the fall
9. OTHER BUSINESS
   —6/15-16 Open Houses: 25 parent volunteers over 2 nights will greet incoming 9th grade families at Pier 84 while students attend 30-minute in-building info sessions. Parents will wear Beacon swag/name tag; welcome email from PTA to incoming 9th grade parents will be sent.
   —6/16 Beacon Sports end-of-year celebration (3pm, Central Park)
   —6/17 Special Education Parents meeting (5pm; Zoom)
   —6/23 PTA panel for families on conscious reintegration (7:30, Zoom)
   —Naeem family update & support (Karen Stonely)
   Email beaconhelpingbeacon@gmail.com to help support this family after their tragedy
   —Other upcoming events can be viewed here.
10. SLT ELECTION RESULTS
    Results of Zoom poll vote announced by Christine Hegel (parent volunteer).
11. MEETING ADJOURNED

Upcoming events

6/16 Last day of class instruction before PBA Week
6/16 College Office: Sophomore parents coffee talk
6/17-24 PBA Week
6/17 Special Education Parents Town Hall (6pm)
6/18 Morning: Juneteenth & Pride programming (in-school; virtual panels & events)
6/18 Afternoon: SGA organizing student activities
6/18 DOE School Survey deadline (extended from 6/11)
6/22 Class of 2021 Graduation (9:30am, Maimonides Park, formerly Brooklyn Cyclones Park)
6/22 College Office: Junior parents coffee talk
6/23 Parent panel on conscious reintegration (7:30pm)
6/25 Virtual graduation ceremony & last day of school!
7/6-8/13 Summer Rising enrichment program
8/30-31 Summer Bridge for incoming 9th graders
9/1-2 Summer Bridge for rising 10th graders
9/6 Labor Day
9/13 First day of 2021-22 school year
9/16 No school (Yom Kippur)
9/17 11th and 12th Grade Students orientation (in-school)

Questions? Contact beaconpta@beaconschool.org

BEACON PTA MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING – MINUTES

May 10, 2021 (6PM, Zoom)

AGENDA

1. WELCOME  – Nancy Molesworth, Meeting Chair (PTA Co-President); 

Shirley Brady & Robin Broshi, co-presidents

Welcome from Nancy, who reads PTA meeting norms and expectations & introduces Brady

2. PRINCIPAL’S REPORT – Brady Smith 

• May 11th – Parent fall planning session, another one with staff will take place and planning a session with students too
• School survey going out tomorrow and closes June 11th.
• AP exams are coming up at end of May and June – some will be in school and AP Physics will be digital on June 9th
• Summer Bridge plans: rising 9th graders is August 23/24 and rising 10th will be August 25/26 – half-day in-person programming.  Will try to create a remote version.
• Summer – there will be significant summer enrichment options
• Summer NX resolutions – will be turned into credit over the summer.  Will be remote work.
• Grade-level meetups continue. 10th grade was a success in Central Park, great turnout.
• May 21st – 9th grade meetup with Big Sibs. More grade-level meetups will continue
• Peer Health Exchange continues working with advisories.  Ryan Health Center is partnering with Beacon.
• June 18th is the day Juneteenth will be recognized this year.  No PBA’s or Regents that day. Next year, this will be an official school holiday.
• Jump Rope pilot is starting. Will be continuing next year.  Brady likes it better then Skedula (PupilPath) and other programs currently in use.
• CEC elections continue through tomorrow, May 11.
• Martha Kessler spoke about CEC elections, the positions and the importance of Beacon having a voice. Brady encourages parents to vote. 
• Orientation for all grade levels is being planned for beginning of school next year  

3. PARENT COORDINATOR’S REPORT – Erdene Greene  

• No report

4. COMMUNITY SERVICE UPDATE – Kevin Jacobs

• Beacon Community Service coordinator, teacher Kevin Jacobs, spoke about plan for current 10th graders to complete their CS requirement in the fall. 
• Background: CS has been part of Beacon for 25 years. Program was cancelled this year due to COVID. 
• Now, CS for sophomores will be moved to fall of their Junior year (i.e. current 10th graders will have CS this coming fall). 35 hours will be expected instead of standard 50 hours. 2-3 hours a week of CS will let them complete their 35 hours by the middle of January. Avoids overlap of college program in Advisory, which starts in early Spring
• Note: Honors CS is 75 hours.
• Students can also choose to do CS in spring 2022 instead, only if approved in advance.
• CS venue need to be NY-based non-profit and secular organizations (ex. if faith-based, must serve entire community, not just people of that faith)
• Question if CS is shown on a student’s transcript.  Brady will follow up with an answer.
• Advisory – there may be graded advisory next year.

5. PRESIDENTS’ REPORT – Shirley Brady, Robin Broshi, Nancy Molesworth (Co-Presidents) 

Deferred to New Business section.

6. TREASURERS’ REPORT – Spencer Green & Andrew Flamm

• Andy gave report  
• We are on pace to meet fundraising goals for this year.
• $288K expenses have been spent.  Have $12k of funding left
• Funding requests:
  • $2K merchandise request to sell in the fall and at summer bridge. Sales have been doubled as to what was projected this year so inventory running low
  • $2652 guidance counselor request to fund Lauren Scheff work on summer bridge program.
  • $400 from Dungeons & Dragon Club
• Vote: All funding requests approved.

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Anju Gupta & Katherine Bruck, Secretaries

April 2021 monthly meeting minutes presented for approval (click here to view). Approved.

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Fundraising (Karen Jolicoeur & Alison Overholser)  

• Karen gave report.  
• The Magic of Coby event was a success: Over 60 tickets bought, $2200 net proceeds

• Auction (Diana Mahiques)

• May 26th is Beacon auction – live and silent auction, community-building event
• Live event will have special guests, participation of seniors and teachers (including a teacher band). Stay tuned for details!
• May 19th at 8am is the preview of auction items – restaurant GC, wine GC, Rangers tickets, college prep courses. 70+ items in silent auction and 5+ items in live auction.
• Must register at Give Smart website in advance of auction

• Diversity Equity & Inclusion (Gary Ramsay & Windell Williams)  

• Gary gave report.
• Last DEI committee spent on planning for the fall.  
• Content & community subcommittee plans include: Workshop on DEI and STEM; Tulsa Race Massacre anniversary event; Juneteenth event; DEI summer reading for Beacon teachers (and families/students)
• Focus on professional development for teachers and staff
• Considering a “belonging” survey which could improve culture at Beacon
• Admissions subcommittee – waiting on admissions numbers to figure out next steps
• Beacon equity team is working on a plan to make Beacon an “anti-racist” culture.  Working on exact wording. Final version should be ready by June PTA meeting
• Book club – final meeting of this school year is May 12th; discussing NYT article in NYT by Isabel Wilkerson (“Caste” author)  

• Community Building/Relations (Karen Stonely)  

• Communities are building within the Beacon community, which is great
• Neighborhood reps have been having meetings; next up: June 4th Manhattan meet up at 5:30om in Central Park South (rain date: June 11th)
• IEP community of parents & guardians: last meeting of this school year will be May 27
• New Google Group for families with IEPs.
• Meeting with Sarah Shams and Amy Kucker is coming up 

• Communications (Justine Keil & Kathy Morgenstern

• Newsletter going out on Wednesday; please send updates.

• Merchandising (Tali Mermelstein & Jeff Rosenblum) 

• Beacon merch is running low, which is great news 

• Hospitality (Elle Melaver & Kate Williams) 

• No report

9. SLT UPDATE (Robin Broshi & Windell Williams)

• Meeting last week focused on CEP (Comprehensive Education Plan)
• Waiting on DOE school survey results (which close on June 11) but need to write CEP goals in advance.
• Any bylaws changes will be handled by new SLT, including adding targeted reps 

10. NEW BUSINESS

—June PTA/SLT elections discussion & overview (Application form is here for nominations) 

—Click here for upcoming events

11. ADJOURNMENT

Questions? Please contact beaconpta@beaconschool.org

BEACON PTA MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING – MINUTES

Apr. 12, 2021 (6PM, Zoom video replay)

AGENDA

1. WELCOME  – Nancy Molesworth, Meeting Chair (PTA Co-President)

2. PRINCIPAL’S REPORT – Brady Smith  

In-Building Update: The building was full today, with more demand than seats. With 17 classrooms in use, and 9 students per room, we can accommodate 153 students; 185 students still without seats. There are 100 students with IEPs with the option of 4x/week, leaving 53 remaining seats Mon-Thur. The goal is to have one grade in per day. Ninth graders have the most demand, followed by 12th. NYS has reduced the spacing to only 3 feet, but NYC remains at 6 feet at this time. If the DOE changes the ruling, we will be able to increase to 16 students/room or 272/day and all can be accommodated. The administration is reaching out to determine if there are students looking to reduce their number of in-building days or go all remote to determine if there is additional space to offer as some students did not show up on their given day. In addition, as more teachers get vaccinated, more may be willing to come into the building which could open up additional classrooms. Most of the students looking to come in are not necessarily the high needs students so also doing outreach to make sure there aren’t barriers to coming in. Protocols for school closures have changed to 4 cases from 2, which should reduce building closures. 

PBA’s: Likely the week of June 14th, though cannot plan it at this time until we know if those will be teaching days due to waived Regents days. 

Graduation: Currently targeting June 24th, but it may have to move. Looking at opportunities for shared resources with other schools with the Hudson River Trust Board. There will be a virtual graduation regardless. 

PSAL: Tryouts happening this week. Outdoor, safe, light workouts initially for the practices. Practices will start at 3:30 unless a coach asks for an exception. Remote students can participate in sports. Participation in spring sports will not impact the regular season in the fall.

Clubs: 3 new clubs will be starting: Underwater Robotics, Art Gallery Management and Forensic Science. We have the budget for more clubs so more may be added so as to allow more students to get involved.

Friday Activities: Starting this week with the 9th graders and their Big Sibs meeting up in Columbus Circle and then going off in small groups. 12th graders will have one on April 23rd at Pier 84. Currently the 10th grade is scheduled for April 30th and 11th grade on May 7th but these may switch due to the SAT being given on May 8th. Also looking at the possibility for PE activities to happen on Friday’s as well instead of only virtual lessons.

Metrocards: Now available for anyone coming into the school. Have both the regular metrocards and the PSAL ones. 

3. PARENT COORDINATOR’S REPORT – Erdene Greene  

College Event: Virtual Financial Aid meeting on April 14th 6-8pm for 10th/11th grade parents. Email Ms. Heller any questions.

Community Outreach: Summer Youth Employment Programs for ages 14-21 (also for ages 22-24). Gives students opportunities through work experience, project-based learning and community building. 

Working Papers: If your child needs them, send an email to Ms. Greene or Ms. Blaylock.

Seniors: Hoodies, caps and gowns will be available for pickup at the school on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-4pm. Can also drop off Senior dues at that time. 

Scholarships: There are two at this time. a) Black male students interested in the medical profession and b) KCS Lee Hoon Scholarship Program

Clubs: an updated list will be sent out

4. ADVISORY UPDATE – Samilia Ghartey-Sam & Karen Martinez-Smith  

Peer Health Exchange: We will be starting a curriculum this week that brings a social and emotional component to the students. It is a module-based approach for HS students and we will start with 8 modules, in mental health and wellness, sexual health, communication and consent. It will start with Friday Advisory sessions this year and continue into the fall. We are looking to collaborate with parents so they have the same information that is presented to the students. This could include mock lessons for the parents if wanted. For the fall, we are hoping to bring in the Peer Health educators to lead these sessions and continue whatever we cannot cover this term. 

5. PRESIDENTS’ REPORT – Shirley Brady, Robin Broshi, Nancy Molesworth (Co-Presidents) 

NYC Education Council Elections: 2021 is a year for elections. There is one council per district. Every public school parent can vote but you need a NY Schools Account to do it. Email Erdene Greene if you don’t have an account. Bios and more information on the election can be found under the “Get Involved” tab on schools.nyc.gov website. Voting will take place May 1-12.

6. TREASURERS’ REPORT – Spencer Green & Andrew Flamm

Budget update: $230k raised so far, which is $20k short of our goal. Spending is on track, with $25k still unspent of the $300k budget. 

New requests: [BOTH APPROVED BY VOTE]

• Ultimate Frisbee: $500 for equipment, league fees and PPE. 

• BDAT: $15,330 for teaching assistants. This is in line with the fall spend and 50% of prior year spending. They are looking to have a choir, outdoor play and a writers/directors workshop for the students. 40 kids are in BDAT currently with more joining.

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Anju Gupta & Katherine Bruck, Secretaries

Mar. 8, 2021 monthly meeting minutes presented for approval (click here to view)

Approved: Windell W, Diana M.

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Diversity Equity & Inclusion (Gary Ramsay & Windell Williams)  

Content and Community Outreach: Memphis Magic was a good event, but will look to change the timing and promotion strategy next time. Evaluating content around the Derek Chauvin trial; and anti-Asian actions to explore more integrated content. A discussion of whether Advisors should be checking in with families more (1-2 times per semester), but recommend more training on DEI issues. Also looking to do another check-in with students. A Belonging Survey will be conducted in the fall that will engage parents to make sure they feel heard; looking at a survey conducted by Outward Bound and done at other schools

DEI Book Club: Meeting on 4/13 to discuss the final portion of Caste. Next and final DEI book club meeting of this school year will be on 5/11.

Transparency & Accountability Committee: Concerns about PTA public Zoom forums including the chat. We need to make sure we are keeping conversations productive and eliminating toxic chatter. Negativity seems to be coming from a place of privilege. This was all brought to the Exec Board to be addressed. 

Next DEI Committee Meeting: 5/4, with Principal Brady and Tyler Brewster of Peer Connect in attendance.

Current Events: It is very important to engage your children regarding what they read and hear with regard to what is happening currently.

• Fundraising (Karen Jolicoeur & Alison Overholser)  

Virtual Magic Show: Being held 4/29

Virtual Online Auction: Being held 5/26. Some items (50) are still viable from last year but need more. Looking for physical items to be donated, more than experiences. Also looking to do a live component as well so need larger items to auction off live (homes for rent, baskets, etc). 

MacBook Air Raffle: raised $6000 in ticket sales which means $5000 for the school (the max allowed). Won by Alison Clarke.

• Community Building/Relations (Karen Stonely) 

Events: Make sure you sign up for the school newsletter to find out about events. Any family is welcome to any community event. Currently brainstorming about a parent event in May, and also looking to do a parent-teacher event.

IEP Townhall: Wed 4/14 at 5pm for parents 

• Communications (Justine Keil & Kathy Morgenstern) – no report

• Merchandising (Tali Mermelstein & Jeff Rosenblum) – no report

• Hospitality (Elle Melaver & Kate Williams) – no report

9. SLT UPDATE (Robin Broshi & Windell Williams)

April Meeting: Taking place on Thursday 4/15 at 5pm; open to anyone to attend.

Current Discussions: Building community is important. Social, emotional and academic work for the summer. Class placements and the need for more transparency.

Admissions: ratings were in process during the March meeting. 4000+ applicants. Data was submitted 3/28 and decisions expected to be released in May. 

10. NEW BUSINESS

—Nominating committee: PTA Executive Board elections reminder for interested candidates

(Shakira Provosoli; Application form is here)

—Click here for upcoming events.

11. ADJOURNMENT

Beacon PTA Monthly Meeting – Minutes

March 8, 2021 (6PM, Zoom – video replay is here)

1. WELCOME – PTA Co-Presidents Shirley Brady, Robin Broshi, Nancy Molesworth

2. PRINCIPAL REPORT – Brady Smith 

Admissions: over 4,000 fall applications received by 3/1; now being reviewed.

There are a number of initiatives being worked on currently:

• Changes to the admissions process to make it more equitable and inclusive
• Initiated a community-wide equity approach with parents, teachers & administration
• Revising the school’s mission statement
• Revamping Advisory
• Reviewing hiring procedures; involving teachers in the process
• Revising the staff handbook
• Implementing a culturally responsible curriculum
• Reviewing student assessments and grading
• The Special Education coordinator is doing a considerable amount of work for students

Comments on School Reopening plan for March 22:

• Special Ed/IEP students’ needs to be surveyed first and then will focus on the rest of the students; Surveys to other families will go out this week
• The sooner forms come back, the better so that plans can be put in place
• Testing Consent Forms: MUST BE COMPLETED TO BE ALLOWED IN SCHOOL; form can be completed on the NYC Student Account or by hard copy and brought to school; DOE wants current consent forms so need to resubmit one even if signed in the fall
• Random testing will be done each week
• Timeline: programming to begin March 17; teachers return March 18
• Maximum number of students possible per day is 270
• 39 teachers are available for coming into school; 30 classrooms will be used
• Limitations for teachers – can only teach 3 classes/day and also need prep/planning time 
• Custodians prepping rooms: 9 desks/room, 6 feet apart; can only deep clean once per day, so can only have one session per day 
• COVID-19 Isolation Room being set up for anyone with symptoms
• Lunch will be in the classroom and students will remain in the one room all day
• Cannot close 43rd/44th Streets due to traffic and fire stations; looking at parks and other outdoor spaces, possibly for Advisory and other class programming 
• Cannot see a way to provide live learning in school because of the need to keep the same 9 students in a room all day with the same teacher; would disrupt other students schedules as well
• Likely to be in-school remote learning
• We are constrained by the DOE, but thinking creatively for additional solutions either in the building or within the community
• Large rooms (gym, cafeteria, auditorium) are not approved by the DOE because of how they are configured; space is not the main constraint, but need to work within the teachers’ availability
• The number of days available for each student to come into the building will depend on the number of students interested
• Schedules will remain the same; consistency is important and changing for in-school learning would require additional changes if the school closes again
• Learning Preferences: Blended learning students can change to remote learning; the school will need to appeal the DOE for remote students wanting to come into the building
• Remote students may be able to join on Fridays for events and sports (being evaluated)
• Any “meetups” need to be accessible to all students (travel, proximity, etc)
• Looking to get each grade together as each one has different needs
• Skills/SETTs classes – rethinking the best way to program; currently on Fridays but trying to work around Friday events
• Fall: nothing finalized; Mayor says no hybrid learning (all remote or all in school); hoping and planning for full return to in-building but depends on COVID at the time
• Hoping for an extended Bridge Program in August for 9th, 10th and 11th graders to reconnect everyone
• Metrocards will be available for students; process TBD for remote students
• PSAL phasing in sports on April 5th; will adhere to state, city and CDC guidelines; will start with strength training, then practices, then games
• PSAL information session to be held on 3/18
• What can parents do – organize meetups and possibly as extra support for in building management of safety guidelines
• NOTE:  March 24th – SAT will be given in school so all classes will be asynchronous that day 

3. PARENT COORDINATOR UPDATE – Erdene Greene

• Students need to check emails everyday
• Parents can sign up for school emails at beaconschool.org; scroll down to “Email Blast” and complete the form 
• When emailing Erdene, please include the student’s FULL NAME so she can respond to the issue
• Study Buddies available for anyone who needs help with classwork; being done by upperclassmen; can be one session or all semester for any subject
• Ms. Dowling is doing a month of nutrition and sending daily emails
• Email attendance@beaconschool.org to report an absence or with any questions/concerns about absences or lateness
• March 24th testing day – PSAT (online) for sophomores; SAT (in school building) for juniors
• Issues with hotspots/internet? Families should email Erdene for a hotspot device
• Morning Advisory check-ins: important to do everyday
• Graduation: working on in-person and virtual plans

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  – MOTION PASSED

(Anju Gupta & Katherine Bruck, Recording Secretaries)

• Feb. 2021 general meeting minutes presented for approval (click here) 

5. COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Treasurers (Spencer Green; Andrew Flamm)

• Budget:
  • Revenue: $178k (includes $10k of corporate matching); Expenses: $131k
• New Requests:
  • $430 for 9th grade Global – cover the cost of a book for those students in need (includes shipping)
  • $4,100 for Beacon Inc – hardcopy production and delivery
  • $4,000 for Professional Staff Development session – with leadership change and new hires, need equity and DEI work to help the staff come together as a community
  • $5,000 for Fundraising – costs associated with running various fundraisers
• Requests voted and passed

• Fundraising (Karen Jolicoeur; Alison Overholser)

• Laptop raffle: limited to $5000 maximum after the cost of the laptop ($1000); please reach out if anyone can donate the laptop and therefore ticket sales would only have to raise the $5000.
• Mentalist: looking at a few different options
• Online auction: looking for someone to chair the committee to coordinate with the vendors
• Spring appeal

• Diversity Equity & Inclusion (Gary Ramsay; Windell Williams)

• At the last meeting, sub-committees met to continue working
• Content & Outreach: looking at spring events and themes  
• Panel Discussions: looking at a wider range of areas to include (religion, sexual orientation, etc.) Particularly focused on the Asian American community currently with the impact of recent news. Will be holding a discussion on anti-Asian violence, Asian American history and contributions for the parent community.
• Peer Connect: looking to hold more workshops in spring 
• Next DEI Book Club meeting on 3/9 (link) will discuss part 6 of “Caste”
• The Beacon School Equity Team work on the vision and mission statement is coming to a conclusion
• Recommendations: “Four Hundred Souls”, an anthology of essays; and “Amend: The Fight for America” Netflix series on the 14th Amendment

• Communications (Justine Keil; Kathy Morgenstern)  – no report

• Community Building/Relations (Karen Stonely)

• Parent grade reps looking to hold outside events but need volunteers to help
• Special Education families: holding monthly meetings to bring people together; shares ideas and information to help other parents; two March meetings – 3/25 (link) and another date to be scheduled

• Merchandising (Tali Mermelstein; Jeff Rosenblum) – no report

• Hospitality (Elle Melaver; Kate Williams) – no report

6. SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM UPDATE (Robin Broshi; Windell Williams)

• Next meeting is 3/11 at 5pm (Zoom)
• Looking at the Comprehensive Education Plan for next year as well as reopening and admissions

7. NEW BUSINESS

• Nominating Committee has been formed to recruit Executive Board members for next year; 4 parents volunteered; first meeting on 3/17; reach out if you’re interested in being on the EB (email beaconpta@beaconschool.org) 
• Seminar on Suicide Prevention on 3/16 at 7pm; first of many discussions on mental health; Zoom link is here. 

8. MEETING ADJOURNED 

For more information, please contact: beaconpta@beaconschool.org

Beacon PTA Monthly General Meeting – Minutes

Feb. 8, 2021 (6PM, Zoom – video replay is here)

1. WELCOME  – Shirley Brady, Robin Broshi, Nancy Molesworth (PTA Co-Presidents)

2. PRINCIPAL REPORT – Brady Smith 

• Appreciation for the PTA and particularly our PTA co-presidents
• Recognized PTA’s role in getting new Chromebooks to students in need in an expedited fashion
• Respect For All Week kicked off in Advisory on Friday, Feb. 5th.  Brady is hosting “No one eats alone” Zoom lunches with students all week.
• Black History Month – February 26th advisory curriculum & Beacon’s annual Black Excellence show will also be held that day.  
• High School reopening – no timeline available yet, we just know that middle schools will reopen on Feb. 25th. Will have to arrange for weekly COVID testing with student and teacher consent. Brady is hopeful that high schools will reopen this spring but not sure what that would look like. Superintendent has said there would be a 4-week lead time.
• Teachers will still be given medical accommodations if HS were to reopen. UFT contract will come into play. 
• Beacon cannot mandate that teachers live-stream their classes. 
• Priority will be given to “neediest” students to attend in-person school.
• Staff are getting first and second doses of the vaccine. Specifics about status of teacher vaccines cannot be shared (protected by HIPAA).
• 1st semester final grades have been shared to students’ email inboxes (from Ben August); students must respond by firm to request changes (or acknowledge they’ve received their grades) by 5pm on Feb. 12th
• NX grade extensions are possible; students affected have been notified
• College advisory (regarding using Naviance, etc.) has started for juniors in Advisory.
• Brady has an 11th grade advisory group that has begun the college advisory
• Spring clubs recruitment is underway and the goal is to get more 9th and 10th graders involved.
• JumpRope grading platform is being considered as an alternative to PupilPath.
• HS admissions deadline has been extended to 3/1 by the DOE.
• SAT – 1st day of SAT will be administered at Beacon on 3/24 if it is administered at Beacon. Additional days also approved by DOE depending on numbers of students who want to take it so as to allow for social distancing and other COVID precautions.
• ACT administration is TBD.

3. VOTE – Proposal by Principal Brady Smith to move parent conferences to April.

• Brady proposes to move dates of PT conferences to April 8th (evening) & 9th (afternoon) as that is closer to middle of the term – APPROVED

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

(Anju Gupta & Katherine Bruck, Recording Secretaries)

• Jan. 2021 general meeting minutes were presented for approval (click here). 

• Kim Youngberg moved to approve the minutes.  Diana Mahiques seconded. APPROVED.

4. COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Treasurers (Spencer Green; Andrew Flamm)

• Andrew Flamm remarks: $168K raised to date out of $250K goal.
• $238K of $300K has been allocated to date.

• Fundraising (Karen Jolicoeur; Alison Overholser)

• Alison Overholser remarks: virtual upcoming events being explored – magician/mentalist, cooking class, wine tasting, author speaker, raffles, sales of various items – such as popcorn, candles etc.
• Karen Jolicoeur remarks: encourages others to join fundraising committee
• $4600 has been raised in corporate matching

• Diversity Equity & Inclusion (Gary Ramsay; Windell Williams)

• Gary Ramsay remarks: Beacon Equity team met on Feb. 5th and is in the final stages of coming up with mission statement
• DEI meeting was on Feb. 1 with subcommittees reporting:
  • Admissions: working on outreach.
  • Professional Development: Tyler Brewster of Peer Connect presented a workshop for teachers that was well received.
  • Content & Community: Harriette Cole moderated a presentation of the documentary “Memphis Majic” with filmmaker Eddie Bailey
  • Transparency and accountability: seeking more flexible Zoom norms for students. Parents should be allowed to advocate on behalf of their kids to their advisors.
• Book club meeting coming up on Feb. 9th.

• Communications (Justine Keil; Kathy Morgenstern) 

• Justine Keil remarks: weekly newsletter format has been updated to make it easier to read. Communications survey will get parent feedback on PTA comms. 
• Kathy Morgenstern remarks: asked parents to follow PTA on Facebook.

• Community Building/Relations (Karen Stonely)

• Special Education parents & guardians: Survey closed on Friday, Feb. 5th with great feedback.  Survey results have been shared with administration and leadership. Next Special Ed parents virtual meet-up is on Feb 25th at 5pm.
• Neighborhood parent reps: hoping to have spring outdoor neighborhood gatherings. Need UES, Bronx and Staten Island reps.
• Parent grade reps:
  • 12th grade reps are planning graduation and yearbook etc.
  • 11th grade reps are gearing up for college admissions and hosting a series of small group chats for parents
  • 10th/9th graders – working on connectivity amongst students and families. Advisors are promoting spring clubs to 9th graders in particular.

• Merchandising (Tali Mermelstein; Jeff Rosenblum)

• New merch will be coming in March – stay tuned.

• Hospitality (Elle Melaver; Kate Williams) 

• No report.

7. SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM UPDATE (Robin Broshi; Windell Williams)

• Last meeting on Feb. 4th focused on CEP – set of institutional goals, collaborative documents with benchmarks to make sure meeting goals.
• Communications – Brady is looking at ways to improve comms between teachers & administration

8. NEW BUSINESS

• Robin: Call for parents to volunteer for Executive Board nominating committee, which will be presented at March monthly PTA meeting
• Beacon parents encouraged to run for NYC Community Education Councils, also known as CEC positions; more details are here. Parents should make sure they can access their student’s NYCSA MyStudent.nyc account in order to submit a nomination. 

9. PRESENTATION

Beacon teacher Mike Barr demonstrated and gave advice on Google Classroom and PupilPath for parents & guardians. (For his full presentation, watch the video.)

• Walked through various features and functions of Google Classroom: assignments, when turned in, etc.
• Teachers don’t use Google Classrooms for grades – those are put into PupilPath and other grading apps.
• PupilPath is also called Skedula on the teacher side.  
• Remember that grades take time, especially for labs, so your students’ grades may be delayed.
• One parent/guardian per student can receive a Google Classroom daily summary but parents/guardians don’t receive their own log-in, but may ask their student if they can log in using the student’s password. 
• Brady acknowledged that there is not consistent use of PupilPath among teachers. Beacon is working towards the goal of more consistent use of PupilPath by teachers.
• Kerry Dowling comment: As a Consortium school, Beacon supports teacher autonomy so not all teachers use PupilPath; teacher flexibility is what makes Beacon unique.
• Contact Parent Coordinator Erdene Greene for tech issues (such as passwords) and she will direct parent concerns to the right person.

10. MEETING ADJOURNED 

The next PTA monthly meeting will be held on March 8th at 6PM on Zoom.

For more information, please contact: beaconpta@beaconschool.org

Beacon PTA Monthly Meeting
Jan. 11, 2021 (6-8 PM, Zoom)

1. WELCOME – Shirley Brady, Robin Broshi, Nancy Molesworth (PTA Co-Presidents)

2. PRINCIPAL REPORT – Brady Smith
• Admissions process – DOE proposal submitted today, 1/11. Admissions portal will open 1/18.
• Applications will be open on myschools, likely to close on 2/22. Admissions is not “first come first served”
• Virtual information sessions (open houses for fall admissions) – including 4 student-led and IEP sessions – are listed on Beacon website.
• The SLT is working on Beacon’s mission statement. Application process should be aligned with the new mission statement.
• Beacon’s Equity team is up and running and working on a school-wide equity statement.
• PBA Week is coming up on Jan 25th and planning is going on now. Student gov’t is working on community building and social activities during PBA week.
On Friday January 29th of PBA Week, there will be workshops but no class sessions or assessments.
• Respect for All Week and Black History Month are coming up up in February
• SPRING SCHEDULE – Proposed schedule released to staff on Sunday and students today. More synchronous class time and additional SGI (Small Group Instruction) and tutoring time. G and H band will be mixed throughout school day • if no class student will have a “free” period. Class start time is 8:30am; “Collaboration” is a teacher period for preparing and doing department work, and doesn’t impact students. Spring schedule was made after consulting multiple constituencies – teachers, students and parents. The DOE’s expectations for synchronous minutes have increased from Fall to Spring.
• Feedback: Brady received 180 emails from students today regarding the new schedule. He will meet with BUU and other student groups as to possibly revising schedules, especially with regards to increased screen time. The SLT will discuss on 1/14 and the PTA is surveying parents on their responses by 5pm on 1/13 and will share w/Brady.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
(Anju Gupta & Katherine Bruck, Recording Secretaries)
• December 2020 PTA general meeting minutes presented for approval (click here). Approved.

4. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Treasurers (Spencer Green; Andrew Flamm)
• $238K of the $300K PTA budget for the 2020-21 school year has been allocated.
• $62K remains to allocate for 2020-21 expenses: clubs, teachers, guidance, etc.
• Fundraising goal was $185K by Dec. 31st; we have raised $168K.
Spending requests:
• Kim Ellliott, dance teacher: $7K for spring semester for teaching assistants. Will likely give her $4320 as she was given funds for fall semester that she hasn’t yet used up.
• Brady Smith, principal: $5K to rehire librarian for 16 weeks. Role needed to purchase library books related to another grant, which Beacon will lose if a librarian is not in place to execute.
• Keith Miller, photography teacher: $3K for photo books and Adobe license.
• Deb Heller, Beacon College Office: $450 for 3 College Office counselors to attend Professional Development workshops including DEI.
• Heather Szostak, biology teacher: $300 for digital downloads.
These budget requests were put to a vote and approved unanimously.

Fundraising (Karen Jolicoeur; Alison Overholser)
• December brought Beacon closer to the 2020-21 school year fundraising goal of $250K, with $168K raised ($86K in the month of December alone).
• Fundraising team was particularly cognizant of raising money with a DEI focus.
• Looking ahead: planning a virtual event for the spring & focusing on corporate matching and monthly recurring gifts
• Special thanks to the fundraising team, who worked throughout the holiday break.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion (Gary Ramsay; Windell Williams)
• DEI meeting was well attended on January 6th – primary focus was new admissions plan.
• Content and community committee -? Is working on more content and programming.
• Met with BUU before the end of last semester. things much better with Brady as the new
Principal but inequities still exist with regards to privacy with remote learning.
• Given Jan. 6 events in D.C., DEI work is increasingly important; new members encouraged.
• Book Club meeting is tomorrow night; Part 4 of Caste will be discussed.

Communications (Justine Keil; Kathy Morgenstern)
• Newsletters are going out regularly and have been well received.

Community Building/Relations (Karen Stonely)
• Community building meetings have been going on.
• Links for events and notes are listed in newsletters for grades and IEP meetings.
• Focus has been on strengthening community as a whole not just for individual grades or constituencies.
• 9th and 10th graders planning workshop on “self advocating.” Please forward any ideas to beaconpta@beaconschool.org.

Hospitality (Elle Melaver; Kate Williams) – no report

Merchandising (Tali Mermelstein; Jeff Rosenblum)
Online merchandise purchases are going well.

7. SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM (Robin Broshi; Windell Williams)
• Two non-regular meetings were scheduled to address admissions since the last PTA meeting.
• Brady collaborated with SLT on the new admissions plan and waited for feedback from DOE.
• PTA note to parents supported parents not harassing as to grades, which came out of past teacher experiences.
• Next regular SLT meeting is Thursday Jan 14. Focus is on the new school mission statement, spring schedule and Beacon website.

8. NEW BUSINESS

• Martha Kessler – NYC CEC presentation and Beacon parent spoke on upcoming Community Education Council Elections. Primary form of communication will be NYCSA (New York City Schools Account) for DOE. Need to have your child linked to that account. Community Education Council (CEC) is most active and gives parents a voice. Superintendent must attend all CEC meetings. The High School Council is the one that applies to Beacon. CEC for D75 Council and on Special Education and ELL. Elections: Eligibility to run is based upon your student’s specific criteria. One school rule: only 1 parent from Beacon can be elected. Deadline: February 1 is when applications are due and the term is 2 years. Encourage parents to run and vote. Martha can be reached at
elections2021@school.nyc.gov for any questions.

• Samilia Ghartey-Sam – Beacon’s school social worker addressed the importance of students’ socio-emotional health and well-being. Counseling teams are available with drop-in office hours. Many students have support by close relationships with teachers and advisors who often refer a student to counseling. Teachers can also fill out a referral form and counseling will reach out to students or their family if warranted.

• Principal Brady Smith addressed parent feedback. Note that parent/guardian survey on spring schedule due 1/13 at noon; feedback on school’s mission statement is due 1/13 at 5pm for consideration at the 1/14 SLT meeting.
• Daily Advisory morning check-in: Some parents think it is important. Time has to come from somewhere to add synchronous learning. Wellness break was important to students, more than for Advisory check-in. Friday’s longer Advisory time will remain in place.
• Workload – concerns that more class meetings will increase homework load. Certain classes such as AP do not currently have enough time to meet curriculum requirements. Teachers may use the 4th added period for asynchronous learning so that teachers can work with students in SGI format.
• 9th graders – concerns expressed. Difficult to get DOE permission for any in person meet-ups in school. Trying to figure out how to have gatherings. In conversation with Manhattan Borough President’s Office in terms of in person outdoor graduation. Big Sibs zoom events have been well received and hope to be continued.
• Brady hopeful to have more in-person events now that teachers are starting to get vaccinated. Hard to predict how NYS and NYC will tell schools to proceed. Kerry Dowling said that teachers who currently teach in-person, such as elementary school teachers, should receive priority.
• Brady reiterated that the new spring schedule was designed to meet the needs of various constituencies and stakeholders’ priorities and interests, with a focus on students’ socio-emotional needs. That said, he is open to suggestions and added that there is not consensus amongst various groups as to what priorities should be.
• Kerry Dowling addressed comments in the chat to let the community know that there are various valid reasons as to why so many teachers are out for medical accommodations and are protected by HIPAA rules.

9. MEETING ADJOURNED

(Any questions? Please contact beaconpta@beaconschool.org)

Beacon PTA Monthly Meeting – MINUTES

Dec. 14, 2020 (6-8 PM, Zoom)

AGENDA

1. WELCOME  – Shirley Brady, Robin Broshi, Nancy Molesworth (PTA Co-Presidents)

2. PRINCIPAL REPORT – Brady Smith 

• New school website is almost ready to go live (Ben August to preview later in meeting)
• Pupil Path – parents who do not have access need to get an invite with an access code. 9th grade parents can obtain this from their child’s advisor; 10th-12th grade parents should email Parent Coordinator Erdene Greene (egreene@beaconschool.org).
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – various initiatives are taking place:
  • Tier 2 Peer Connect workshops for parents are underway; most recent one was on Saturday, Dec. 12.
  • Peer Connect workshops for teachers and staff will be held in Jan/Feb
  • The final Beacon Equity Team meeting of 2020 will be held on Friday 12/18
• Admissions: Still waiting on guidance from the DOE for criteria. In the meantime:
  • Plans are underway with staff and the DEI committee
  • Open House and information sessions will be held virtually
  • There will be a targeted outreach to 600+ middle schools
  • Information is also available on the Beacon YouTube Channel and a student-produced Virtual Tour video will be available on the admissions page on the school website when ready
• Spring Term: Many plans are being looked at for Spring, including incorporating G&H bands into the day and lengthening class times.  They are trying to weigh academic vs. wellness/health needs of the students as those would mean more time on Zoom.
• Socialization of 9th Graders: Concern about how to integrate them into the community—a challenge because there are no school-sanctioned events outside. School administration is trying to think of ways to bring together each of the grades, but the issue is not increasing time on screens as there is a concern about how much time is spent on Zoom already.
• Website Update (Ben August) – Gave a preview tour of the new school website. Notes:
  • It will use the same web address as the current site (beaconschool.org)
  • Goal is to make it useful for students, parents and applicants, with anyone able to find the information they’re seeking within 2 clicks
  • It will also be more dynamic, with links to latest news and the school calendar (which will be a Google calendar that people can subscribe to)
  • Usage will be tracked to rotate out any links or content not being accessed.
  • The site will evolve over time as information becomes available, including around Sept. 2021 admissions.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• Nov. 9th November meeting minutes presented (click here) 

Anju Gupta & Katherine Bruck, Recording Secretaries

• Motion to approve entered by Kim Youngberg; seconded by Nancy Molesworth

4. COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Treasurers (Spencer Green; Andrew Flamm)

• $300K is the PTA budget for the 2020-21 school year.
• $203K has been committed to date for clubs, teachers, guidance, etc.
• $33K is being “reserved” for the spring term (not yet committed)
• $15K has been received in teacher requests to be voted on at this meeting:
  • $3,500 for Environmental Justice for sensors to collect data and workshops
  • $2,700 for Model Congress for membership and delegation fees (Harvard and UPenn events coming up)
  • $5,500 for Special Ed needs including speaker series for staff and teachers, supplies including noise-cancelling headphones, accessibility equipment, etc.
  • $3,000 for the PTA to purchase $25 gift cards from The Strand for 120 teachers
  • $300 for software and other apps for the history dept.
• Motion was entered to approve these new requests; passed by a vote by a majority of the attendees.

• Fundraising (Karen Jolicoeur; Alison Overholser)

• Weekly emails have been going out for annual fund donations, highlighting different aspects of the Beacon school experience and related funding needs.
• We are 40% of where we’d like to be at this point ($78k raised out of $175k goal for the end-of-year, i.e. funds raised by Dec. 31, 2020 for the 2020-21 school year.)

• Diversity Equity & Inclusion (Gary Ramsay; Windell Williams)

• Peer Connect – Good turnout on Dec. 12 by parents, though not as many white males in attendance as hoped for. Next workshop is Dec. 15 at 6pm.
• The Dec. 8th monthly DEI Committee meeting welcomed student leaders from BUU (Beacon United Union). They are appreciative of the open line of communication with Principal Brady, but they’re still seeing some issues:
  • Teachers still pressing for students to be on-camera (not always an option)
  • Shaming amongst teachers
  • Microaggressions are still being reported on Zoom, with staff not sufficiently dealing with it.
• DEI Admissions Subcommittee is looking at protocols and the mission statement to see how to make it more equitable and accessible
• DEI Content & Community Subcommittee is identifying ways to better educate parents to improve equity and inclusion, including a Winter Break content pack for families.
• DEI Professional Development Subcommittee: looking at training and other workshops centered on anti-racial issues
• DEI Book Club: Part 3 of “Caste” was discussed at the last meeting. The next book club meeting is on 1/12/2021 at 6pm and will focus on Part 4.

• Communications (Justine Keil; Kathy Morgenstern) – no report

• Community Building/Relations (Karen Stonely; Sari Gabay)

• 9th Grade parents have been emailing to connect people
• 10th Grade had a good turnout to virtual meetup with Principal Brady and staff on 12/9
• 11th Grade is working through their survey results and getting information from the College Office
• 12th Grade is working on collecting dues for graduation.
• Thursday 12/17 is the next Special Ed meeting talking about test stressors for kids with IEPs and 504 plans.

• Hospitality (Elle Melaver; Kate Williams) – no report

• Merchandising (Tali Mermelstein; Jeff Rosenblum)

• The 20% off coupon on Beacon merchandise is good through the end of December.

7. SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM UPDATE (Robin Broshi; Windell Williams)

• Two SLT meetings have been held since the November PTA meeting. 
• 2 teachers were replaced who were not able to serve due to bylaws
• Themes being focused on:
  • Health and wellness of students and teachers
  • Deadlines for homework and clarity is overwhelming for students
  • Academic standards and consistency – looking to keep work meaningful and engaging
  • Grading and feedback – need to make it collaborative and constructive so grades aren’t surprising
  • Teachers are feeling pressured about grades by parents. An email will be going out addressing the role of parents (support) vs. students (advocating for themselves) from Principal Brady, and from the PTA.

8. NEW BUSINESS

—Call for speakers & topics for upcoming PTA webinars

• Any ideas should be emailed to beaconpta@beaconschool.org

—Upcoming meeting reminders:

• SPED parents virtual monthly meet-up: Dec. 17 (5pm)

• Seniors parents virtual meet-up: Dec. 17 (6pm)

• Winter recess break is Dec. 24-Jan. 3; school resumes on Jan. 4.

• PTA Executive Board Meeting: Jan. 7 (6pm) – changed from Jan. 4

• DEI Committee Meeting: Jan. 5 (6pm)

• PTA Monthly Meeting: Jan. 11, 2021 (6pm)

9. MEETING ADJOURNED 

• Motion entered by Kim Youngberg; Seconded by Diana Mahiques.

(Any questions? Please contact beaconpta@beaconschool.org)

BEACON PTA GENERAL MEETING

November 9, 2020 (6-8 PM, Zoom)

AGENDA (Minutes noted within sections)

1. WELCOME  – Shirley Brady, Robin Broshi & Nancy Molesworth (PTA Co-Presidents)

2. PRINCIPAL REPORT – Brady Smith

• Fire in the building – all teachers and students were evacuated safely. Started as a grease fire in District 75 kitchen. FDNY came to the school and everyone was outside for about 45 minutes. Water damage drained from the 2nd floor to the 1st floor and basement, and is now being cleaned. We offered 5th floor classrooms to the District 75 school to use temporarily.
• Parent/Advisor conferences set for this Thursday & Friday. Contact your child’s Advisor or Beacon Parent Coordinator Erdene Greene (egreene@beaconschool.org) if you have not yet set up a conference time.
• First quarter grades due from teachers tomorrow so they will be processed and available by conferences. Students will have them Thursday and then available on Pupil Path.
• Schedule this week: no school Wednesday for Veteran’s Day; no office hours or Advisory Friday for conferences
• Access to lockers for fully remote students on Friday afternoon (12-2:30). Students will be escorted to lockers and back.
• Committees:
  • Admissions: so far DEI and staff members are ready to go but still waiting on DOE guidelines.
  • Advisory: looking to improve/streamline the advisory process with students and staff. Wellness is a big topic.
  • Equity team: parents, staff, students to increase DEI work in the school
• Staff and students planning workshops for January or February.
• COVID threshold: Still waiting for the DOE to advise on where we are. They are focusing on zip codes, which is not logical for HS since students travel. 
• Spring term teaching: how teaching will be handled is still being determined.
• In-Building Learning: students are welcome to come in at any time, don’t need to fill out the DOE remote survey. Mondays are maxed out, but there is room on Tues/Wed/Thurs. Email attendance@beaconschool.org  to let the school know if your child wants to come in.
• Health education for 9th graders – usually covered in Advisory; most focus on mental health currently but more to come. Sexual health education – looking at options for outsiders to make it more effective. Being overhauled for all grades.
• Gym/PE:  Each PE teacher has 500 students. There isn’t a class period available for PE with the current class schedule. PE teachers monitor our remote PE app called Plat4m, which is very similar to a recorded class. Students are expected to complete workouts on their own. Questions: please email Coach Simmons at nsimmons@beaconschool.org 
• Complaints about communications from teachers on nights and weekends – trying to make it more systematic so we can get students off screens for periods of time. Brady has given them guidance with “guardrails” regarding communications but it’s hard to enforce. He’s trying to reach out to teachers who aren’t following the guardrails. Asking parents to help students to learn to turn off screens and limit screen time.
• Lunch/wellness breaks: working with teachers to be mindful of not running over class time so students can get their breaks. The school will look into vegetarian options for lunch in the building. 

3. COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Treasurer – Spencer Green (Treasurer) & Andrew Flamm (Assistant Treasurer)

• Funding Requests:  $750 for Mock Trial and $4,000 for Model UN. 

Motion entered to approve requests; vote passed with more than 50% approval.

• Fundraising: $36,000 raised so far this school year, with $3K alone from the virtual 5K run

• Recording Secretaries – Katherine Bruck & Anju Gupta 

• October general meeting minutes – presented for approval [click here]

• Motion entered and vote passed with more than 50% approval.

• Communications – Kathy Morgenstern & Justine Keil, Co-VPs

• Promoting Zoom events in weekly comms to make it easier for parents to join & connect.

• Community Building/Relations Karen Stonely & Sari Gabay, Co-VPs

• 10th Grade: virtual event coming up on 12/9 including a discussion on Community Service

• 11th Grade: survey went out last week to find topics that families want to learn about

• 12th Grade: something coming soon

• SPED (Special Ed) parents: Great kickoff to first meeting.  Next one on 11/23 at 5pm.

• Neighborhood reps – looking for ideas for virtual get togethers.

• Diversity Equity & Inclusion – Gary Ramsey & Windell Williams, Co-VPs

• Parent workshop on 11/19 – Peer Connect; available to all parents.

• Meeting on 11/9 – established 4 working groups and came up with a list of priorities; will report to the general DEI team and to the PTA.

• Book club met last week on “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson – very appropriate for today’s times.. Planning to have another book club meeting in Dec.

• Fundraising – Karen Jolicoeur & Alison Overholser, Co-VPs

• Looking to raise money but have to be sensitive to what families may be going through. 

• Targeted weekly appeals in the works. Looking at virtual fundraisers. Please forward any suggestions. 

• Hospitality – Elle Melaver & Kate Williams, Co-VPs (no report)

• Merchandising – Tali Mermelstein & Jeff Rosenblum, Co-VPs (no report)

4. SLT UPDATE – Robin Broshi

• Looked at the Comprehensive Education Plan and evaluating goals for subcommittees for relevancy. More information can be found on the DOE website for all schools in NYC. 

5. VOTE ON BUDGET PROPOSALS – PTA Co-presidents  

Covered earlier.

6. OTHER BUSINESS

Our next monthly meeting is Dec. 12 at 6pm; other upcoming meetings can be found here.

7. MEETING ADJOURNED 

CONTACT: 

beaconpta@beaconschool.org

BEACON PTA GENERAL MEETING

October 19, 2020 (6-8 PM)

1. WELCOME  – Shirley Brady, Robin Broshi & Nancy Molesworth (PTA Co-Presidents)

• Nominations for open EB positions will be taken from the floor – 

VP of Fundraising nominations opened up from the floor.  Slate of Karen Jollicoeur and Ali Overholser nominated themselves in advance of meeting.  No additional nominations from the floor

9th grade Members at Large (3 positions open) – David Gould nominated himself in advance of meeting and is not present at this meeting.  Jon Mannion, Kim Youngberg, Catrina Bartha and Robin Krugman nominated themselves as members at large.

VP Auction – no candidates stepped up.

2. PRINCIPAL REPORT – Brady Smith

– Today’s in-building learning – had 80 in person learners.  Can add additional days by emailing school. 

– Teachers and counselors will reach out to students who could benefit from additional in person

learning at school.

– Additional space being created for students in acting and dance will have physical space in building

– Fire and lockdown drills to be conducted in school.  Need 10 by holiday break.

– COVID testing unit to come to school in the next week or so.

– Club fair – will be held (virtually) October 30th for studnets

– SLT – Beacon mission being revisited, will add DEI committee work.  

– New website to be ready soon.  WIll enhance communications within the Beacon community.  New website will also be used for admissions so portfolio materials can be uploaded.

– Curriculum night – short videos will be added to website in lieu of curriculum night

– Statistics: 42% of teachers are fully remote. 12 of 22 9th grade advisors are fully remote.

– Scheduling adjustments are still happening as we adjust to remote learning.

– Beacon will explore if it can add students to in person learning independent of DOE.

– Physical Education addressed.

– Fridays in November may have in-building experiences on the heels of the success of Freshman Friday. 

– IEP students – AP Sarah Shams is working on plans for IEP students.  

3. COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Treasurer – Spencer Green (Treasurer) and Andy Flamm (Assistant Treasurer)

—October Proposed Budget Additions: Treasurer discussed additions to the budget.  Total October funding requests of approximately $161,000 for clubs and classes including requests by school for funding Guidance Counselor for the entire year or until DOE hiring freeze gets lifted.  Budget was reviewed by PTA Budget Committee with Principal Brady & SLT representative Lisa Shatz, with some items cut after consultation with teachers and  recommended 10 % reduction across the Board to all clubs.  Fundraising is currently running short of goals which will be addressed by incoming VP’s of Fundraising. Treasurer went through budget items line by line.    

• Recording Secretaries – Katherine Bruck & Anju Gupta 

     —September’s general monthly meeting minutes were presented for approval (click here).  Approved.

• Diversity Equity & Inclusion – Gary Ramsey & Windell Williams (co -VPs of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) 

– DEI committee is recommending 4 working subcommittees.  Looking for parent volunteers.  

– Committees will be expected to come up with action items.  

– Book club meeting on 11/2 – please make sure participants read the book.  

– Next DEI meeting will be on 11/9.  

• Communications – Kathy Morgenstern & Justine Keil (co-VPs of Communications)    

– No report.  

• Fundraising – PTA Co-Presidents

– Reiterated what Treasurer stated about fundraising needs; looking forward to new co-VPs.  

• Community Building/Relations Karen Stonely & Sari Gabay (co-VPs of Community Building/Relations)

– Karen thanked all the parent grade reps that have volunteered.  Still need 12th grade reps.  

– Have neighborhood reps forming. 

– SPED parents: Julie Harding, Justine Keil and Karen Stonely are representing students with IEP.  

1st family IEP meeting will be October 29th.   

• Hospitality – Elle Melaver & Kate Williams (co-VPs of Hospitality)

– No report.  

• Merchandising – Tali Mermelstein & Jeff Rosenblum (co-VPs of Merchandising)

– No report.  

4. EXPEDITED ELECTION for open EB positions – PTA Co-Presidents

• Member-at-large (up to 3, including one incoming 9th grade parent) 

– 2 minute speeches were given by each of the candidates. 

– Close race, so school will review names of parents to make sure everyone is eligible to vote. 

• Fundraising (up to 2) – No speeches given, voted on as a slate.

• Auction (up to 2) – Expedited elections will be held at October meeting – No nominees

5. SLT UPDATE – Robin Broshi 

– Last meeting was October 8th – discussions as to website and how to increase communications.

– Email was sent out as to pertinent personnel.  

– Admissions was discussed.  This year’s admissions is in a holding pattern by the DOE.  

– A committee as to future admissions is being formed.  

– Beacon’s mission statement will be revised.  

– Comprehensive Education Plan (CEP) will be reviewed and possibly revised.  

6. VOTE ON BUDGET PROPOSALS – PTA Co-presidents

7. OTHER BUSINESS

8. MEETING ADJOURNED

Our next monthly meeting will be Nov. 9 at 6pm.

(For more information, please contact beaconpta@beaconschool.org)

GENERAL PTA MEETING MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 (6PM – 8PM)

AGENDA (Minutes noted within sections)

1. WELCOME  – Shirley Brady, Robin Broshi & Nancy Molesworth (PTA Co-Presidents)

2. PRINCIPAL REPORT – Brady Smith

• Student schedules are not yet available but being worked on currently.  It is later than the school would like but they are trying to make sure that only Beacon teachers are teaching Beacon students.

• Schedule so far would be 3 fixed cohort days (Tu, Wed, Th). Mon would be rotating cohorts and Fri for IEPs.

• 9/21 is reserved for 9th grade orientation (virtual).

• Safety is the top priority for in-building learning, including full time nurse, no-touch thermometer, PPE for teachers & staff, signage throughout the building for social distancing and other reminders

• Other notes on in-building learning:

• Class size:  9 students + 1 teacher

• Both the 43rd and 44th Street entrances will be used

• Masks required at all times in the building except when eating

• Staff trainings to learn how to reinforce safety protocols in school

• Any student not following the rules will be isolated in an isolation room and the parent will be called. If continuous behavior, will be forced to all remote learning

• No hugs or high fives permitted and no sharing supplies.

• Remote Learning – will be using NearPod and Zoom.

• Zoom expectations to be set to be consistent across the school

• Advisors will meet with Advisees over the course of orientation; check student emails for appointments

• Students will get to see the building, meet staff and admin. Parents can join.

In School Day:  8:30am-2:20pm

• Why not stagger the start?  Beacon’s administration wants a single schedule for school, with 30 minutes before and after for teachers. Expect 340 students per day (170 per entrance).  

3. COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Treasurer – Spencer Green (Treasurer) and Andrew Flamm (Assistant Treasurer)

Treasury described the process for requesting funds from the PTA. The vote passed with 98% in favor.

Current Proposed Budget Additions

Item 1 – all non-optional expenses

Item 2 – College Office and Guidance Office funding 

Item 3 – “Thisislanguage” Software 

Item 4 – Principal Discretionary 

Item 5 – Reopening Committee Requests (members on hand to provide clarifications as needed) 

1. Nearpod account 
2. Lobby air filter and extra filters (health & safety)
3. Lobby plexiglass (health & safety)
4. Auditorium signage for distancing (health & safety)
5. E-book subscription to get books to students
6. WeTransfer account
7. Beacon School Film Vimeo Pro account  

• Diversity Equity & Inclusion – Gary Ramsey & Windell Williams (co -VPs of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion)

First meeting to be held on 9/17 at 6pm; Zoom link to be sent out

Hoping for a larger attendance this year because of Zoom platform.

• Communications – Kathy Morgenstern & Justine Keil (co-VPs of Communications)

Getting up to speed on Mailchimp.

• Fundraising – PTA Co-Presidents (Still looking for fundraising VPs)

We need to raise money through an appeal to help get the most normalcy for our children.

4. OPEN EB POSITIONS – Expedited elections at October meeting

• Member-at-large (up to 2, including one incoming 9th grade parent) 

• Fundraising (up to 2) 

• Auction (up to 2) 

5. OTHER BUSINESS

Bob Van Pelt:  An update on school reopening from the teachers’ perspective:

• Students will get the same instruction whether in school or not, but the manner will be different. 

• Synchronous teaching:  the teacher will be present (40 minute periods)

• Asynchronous teaching:  includes recorded lesions, Flipgrid, NearPod. Allows the students to “learn” before seeing the teacher.

• Asynchronous each day; 2 synchronous per day

• To have 6 live classes, the school would need 70% more teachers than Beacon has.

• Although the schooling will be different, the students will get through the curriculum by utilizing new ways of learning.

• Should the school go all-remote:  while it may be “safer”, that should not drive the decision. The students will still be learning even if it is not all synchronous teaching.

6. MEETING ADJOURNED at 8pm

Our next monthly meeting will be Oct. 20 at 6pm.

(For more information, please contact beaconpta@beaconschool.org)