Parent Forum met last night. A LOT HAPPENED! These are not official minutes and probably don’t cover everything that was discussed – just my recap.
- After a fun icebreaker facilitated by Kitte, Carol reported that the elementary teachers were adjusting to their new space. Carol and Hilary discussed the UAA Early Childhood Education internships.
- Frank mentioned that he had received several e-mails with concerns about the amount of secondary homework. He asked that people contact teachers first, then cc: Frank. He also asked parents to discuss with their students whether they are using study halls effectively.
- The playground is open and supervised until 3:30 p.m. After that, children must have a parent supervising them if they are to continue using the playground.
- Fundraising for the rock wall was discussed and it was agreed that Kelly, Kim, George, and Damon will form a committee to pursue ideas for a formal event.
- Kitte reported that the Spaghetti Feed was extremely successful.
- Parent Forum voted to restrict the $332 wine bottle auction proceeds donated by the art students to art program expenditures.
- Kim reported that the fall Nicholson fundraiser has been extremely successful, though final numbers are not yet in.
- Pippa made a presentation about traffic flow and parking and will continue to investigate problems and solutions.
- Molly and Kitte reported on auction/carnival plans.
- Kitte reported on the Polar!s Now fundraising idea, which would solicit cash donations from parents. The amount raised would probably be eligible for matching grants.
- Kitte also presented an informal but thorough calendar of upcoming events. Parent Forum formally requested that the school post a calendar of events for the community to keep everyone apprised of important dates.
- Ideas for several new parent events were discussed, including different events with focus on different grade levels.
- Bonnie and Pippa will continue researching options for before and after school care.
- Beth reported on the Alaska Kids Count! a Juneau-based parent network formed to advocate for school funding in the legislature. Beth will pursue having someone make a presentation to Parent Forum.
- Beth also reported that the website is up but needs content, and that the laptop has been submitted to Margaret for ordering. Dianna suggested ordering a printer with the remaining funds already committed to the purchase of the laptop.
- Beth also presented the idea of a parent database which could be used to generate a directory.
- The possibilities for sports activities before and after school were discussed and will be pursued by Kelly, Frank, and Damon.
- I missed the discussion of the Parent Forum “Strategic Plan.”