PGG MEETING MINUTES FOR THURSDAY, 6/5/03
Present were: Ian Boyd, Kerri Parker, Jennifer Boyd, Joan MacDonald
, Katie
Fitzgerald, Alisa Brewer, Jocelyn Cuffee, Bonnie Wolfman, Donna Griffin
Principal’s Report: Current configuration plan for the next year – K,K,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,6. Discussed proposal for Robyn Konovitch Memorial Funding of Projects and Activities – providing funding for social, emotional and academic support for students and families of Mark’s Meadow. Follow-up to Artist in Residence program discussed last month. Funding has been found to allow Mark’s Meadow to take part in this joint program with Wildwood next year. Also proposed that a committee be convened to work with local artists to develop further Artist in Residence projects. Tricia Everett has expressed interest in being a parent rep on this committee.
Year-book distribution and planning: Year-books to be advertised in the next MM Memo. Selling for $6 each but every 6th grader to receive one. Orders to be collected at the office and Donna Griffin to coordinate distribution. This is David Gillham’s last year as year-book coordinator, and we have not been able to find anyone to replace him. One alternative proposed is that the PGG and staff provide support for the sixth grade class to make the year-book, making use of the multimedia and publication software already present in the school. This might involve setting up an after school club for the sixth- grade class.
Faculty Report: Joan expressed appreciation, on behalf of the faculty, for the involvement of parents and guardians at every level in the school. Examples were the 4th grade poetry morning, and the geography program in Ms Viegards 3rd grade class – but there were many others!
Staff Luncheon planning: Luncheon planned from 1.30pm to 3pm. People to help clean-up after the luncheon still needed. Kerri asked that bowls be identified. Food needed by 12.30pm at the latest.
Used Book Fair: Ian advised that about $400 was made from this fundraiser. Very successful and a great effort from Tricia and Sarah as well as the many volunteers.
Follow-up regarding the transfer to Mark’s Meadow of a teacher (Ms. Gallagher) with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS): After last month’s PGG meeting a request was made for clarification of some of the issues regarding MCS and its possible impact at MM. Katie reported that she was not able to get answers to all of the questions, but advised that the district is responsible for reasonable accommodations. A private donor has also provided funds to purchase special goods and equipment as required. Katie reported that in 7 years only 1 family has had to make arrangements for a student to move to another class. Placement letters for Ms Gallagher’s 5th grade class will include information on MCS as well as letters from Fort River parents advising of their experiences in her class. Other issues raised were whether she was able to team-teach groups (yes), and how often she had to miss school because of MCS. Jocelyn also raised the issue of the use of ethnic hair-care products – which are often fragrant.
Use of Gift Vouchers: Gift Vouchers from A2Z, Lots for Littles, and Food for Thought are currently available. Ian suggested that the A2Z vouchers (totaling about $70) could be given to the SPED team. This was unanimously agreed upon.
PGG Community Newsletter: Discussion on how we could get more articles from parents and children e.g. on ways parents are involved in the school. It was suggested that Audrey could approach people in her role as family coordinator. Also suggested adding a ‘Korean Corner’ to promote outreach to the Korean Community.
Follow-up regarding the dismissal of Morgan Smith: Katie reported that it was not possible for her to review Morgan’s status due to regulations stating that all evaluation processes needed to be completed by May 1st. She agreed that there were shortcomings in the current evaluation process.
Minutes prepared by Ian Boyd