PGG MEETING MINUTES 8th January, 2004
Attendance:
Alisa Brewer, Kerri Parker, Tricia Everett, Andy Churchill, Sharon
Vardatira, Deborah Evans, Bonnie Wolfman, Ian Boyd, Alyssa Melnick, Nick
Yaffe, Tom Flittie, Sharon Edwards, Audrey Figarella, Yanin Acosta, Thia
Hadge, Joan MacDonald
Co-Chair - Ian Boyd. Welcome to Nick as New Principal. Also mentioned that Tom Flittie and Andy Churchill have taken out nomination papers for the two School Committee positions coming up for renewal in March.
Food Advisory Committee - Thia Hadge. A draft of the nutritional breakdown of many of the meals has been written by Chartwells. Thia, Elissa Griffith-Johnson, and Kirsten Lindblom plan to meet with kitchen staff to discuss what options are available for changes. Another school has removed high sugar cereals from the school breakfast menu. Veggie burgers are not considered a protein under government regulations so cheese would have to be added to provide it as a meal option. Teachers are interested in exploring a healthier and equitable approach to school snacks. Currently high fat and sugar options are available for children to purchase. The Mark's Meadow Advisory Committee needs feedback on changing the approach to school snacks and on the decision making process for changing in-house menu options. Please e-mail Thia with questions, comments, suggestions (thiahadge@yahoo.com).
Treasurer's Report - Sharon Vardatira. Handed out copies of the PGG Income/Expenses Report. Total expenses for the last month $86.91. Total income for the last month $199.20. Balance stands at $5379.76.
Principal's Report - Nick Yaffe. Nick spoke eloquently of his vision for Mark's Meadow based around energizing the spirit of our school. Ideas included: setting up study groups for teachers; parent involvement - how to work together with teachers, how to solve problems and how to collaborate; BAMSS (Becoming A Multicultural School System) Goals centered around achievement; can Mark's Meadow collaborate with UMass to again become a Lab. School?; holding a regular 'Principal's lunch' with students; meeting new families. Sharon Edwards spoke of the huge impact Nick has already made as Principal.
Open discussion - Principal Search. Full support for Nick was expressed at the meeting and it was urged that he apply for the permanent Principal position, or we look at the possibility of extending the period that Nick acts as Interim Principal. The superintendent has indicated a hiring deadline for the end of February but has also stated that a new Principal will be hired only if 'the fit is right'. Andy Churchill to follow up on the certification process required for Principals. It is important that this not be a rushed process. A decision was made to hold a forum for all parents and guardians to identify qualities important in a new Principal.
Friday Evening/Saturday Afternoon School - Sharon Edwards. Sharon spoke of her plans for the second family writing party for Kindergarten families. This will be held on Saturday afternoon on February 7th. It will be filmed for Community Access TV.
Title I Program - Joan MacDonald. This program is funded from a Federal
grant based on the number of students on the free and reduced lunch program.
The team does remedial teaching in reading, writing and math. Currently
Crocker Farm, Mark's Meadow and Fort River have a Title I program. Due to
new requirements based largely on the average salary of the Title I team,
Mark's Meadow stands to lose one paraprofessional position from Fall, 2004,
which would have a significant impact on ALL students and teachers. Joan is
reaching out to the Parent community for support and ideas. Because the
Federal Grant money for Title I isn't finalized until June/July, she also
urges the Mark's Meadow Community to advocate for an additional
paraprofessional position in the upcoming District budget, which could
guarantee the status quo. Question asked - why should the amount of funding
be dependent on average salary as opposed to more meaningful criteria such
as teacher-student contact hours? Andy Churchill (SGC) to speak to Martha
Ntiforo (Director of Elementary Curriculum) to follow up on this.
Funding Initiatives. The proposal for PGG support for the 3rd and 4th grade field trip to the Worcester Ecotarium was approved.