The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by co-chair Kelly Smith. Introductions were made. The agenda was approved by consent. Approval of the minutes of last month’s meeting was deferred because the minutes were not available.
DECA Funding Request
Distributive Education Club of America (DECA) students Ian Worthington, Kelsey Cook, and Joel Adams requested funding for four students and a chaperone to attend the national DECA conference in Dallas April 29 - May 2. At the recent state DECA conference, 4 students qualified to go to the national conference. Other fundraising plans include requesting help from Op Group, a raffle basket, coffee sales at next week’s parent conferences, and asking local businesses for funding. The cost is $1400 per person. Dianna Rowedder moved to give DECA the $1000 left in the scholarship fund. Kitte Miller seconded the motioh. Several members suggested that the students post an article on thewebsite and in the Ellipsis about DECA, and on their experiences at the conference. Beth Adams mentioned that if
Parent Forum approves funding DECA will be required to report back to Parent Forum on the conference within 30 days.
A member raised the topic of the types of food that will be sold at the school store when the district sets a policy limiting junk food. Kelsey Cook responded that this topic is being discussed by DECA nationally, and that they are looking at other types of products they could sell. Kim Pigg called the question; the motion passed.
Principal’s report - Frank Hauser
Statewide testing went very well. Only 2 or 3 students missed testing. Thanks to ParentForum for assistance.
Upcoming events - School photos 4/13; school seminar 4/27; Ellipsis fundaiser 4/28; prom 5/6; school dedicatioh 5/12.
The school dedication committee has met 3 times. Frank asked that anyone who had photos that could be used for a
slide show should e-mail them to him. Committee meetings are 4/21 at 11:30 and 5/5 at 3:15. The District is printing the invitations and is kicking in $200. Molly moved for up to $300 for mailing & food, Pippa Kenner seconded the motion.
Kim mentioned that there is $250 left in the budget for testing snacks that could be used. Beth moved to amend the
motion to increase the amount to $500. The motion passed with no further disucssion.
Members reviewed a draft parking flyer. Frank reported that there is a serious problem with parents & visitors parking in the fire lane (areas marked by a red curb). The law is that parents can only stop to drop off and pick up students. Frank reported that the school is working on alternatives for opening a third lane. Flyers will be handed out to violators at set times, focusing on the fire lane right in front of the school.
Finally, Frank reported that next year’s very comprehensive calendar will be available at the end of April or beginning of May.
Model UN Conference report - Jeremy Knowles
Student Jeremy Knowles reported on the National High School Model UN Conference that took place in New York City over spring break. Photos will be posted in Larry’s room. The conference was attended by 2500 students from 30+ nations. Frank chaperoned and reported that the students worked very hard while at the conference.
Elementary report - Carol Bartholomew
The primary interns have finished their residencies but are still in classrooms part time. The elementary teachers have finished the matrix continuum for K-3 reading & writing, which will be implemented next year. Parents will get information about it at open house next year. Teachers are getting ready to look at how elementary math is taught because the elementary configuration is changing again next year.
Conference signup sheets are on the tie dye board. Three interns will be teaching intensives. Parents can put in a
preference request for next year’s teacher. There will be family group teacher changes. Make sure to request a change or state a preference that you would like your child to stay in the same classroom if possible. A revised Elementary Behavior Plan is coming home in this week’sThursday news. Feedback is welcome.
Secondary report - Siri Khalsa
Secondary testing occurred just a week after spring break. The three mornings spent doing in-depth test preparation was very valuable. The middle school committee has been meeting, and has created an action plan for the transition to the 6-7-8 combination which will take place year after next. Intensive schedules are out. The lottery was very successful; secondary still has spots open. There are wait lists for other grades.
Parent Forum Organizational Business
Kelly explained how he foresees running meetings next year; he plans to share the running of meetings with the upcoming co-chair when he wants to take a position on an issue or if there is a conflict of interest. He would like to set a goal of keeping meeting length to two hours. If discussion goes on too long, he will suggest tabling issues, and referring issues to committees if significant.
The members discussed nominations of officers for 06-07. Elections have to take place at the May meeting. Kelly asked members to suggest nominations.
Parent Communications
Kitte has established a weekly bulletin for the community (Polaris News) that comes out on Thursdays. She has received mostly positive feedback. She reported on recent developments on the Parent Forum website ( polarisk12.org) and the new parent e-mail distribution list. There is a comprehensive calendar on website. The second publication is for parents and officers of parent forum (Connections from the Polaris Parent Room), for use by PF officers and others to decide which items to take action on. Geoff Wright, who built the website and continues to improvement, stated that two things need to happen - more content, more people who know how to use it and operate it.
Budget for Next Year
The members reviewed the budget Kim has drafted for next year - final discussion will take place in May. The draft budget doesn’t include special event fundraisers. Areas of need that were identified late last year and early this year are incorporated (theater, art department). Siri mentioned that the school’s computer technology was upgraded with
construction money, but it will become obsolete. Upgrading will fall upon the school.
Parent Involvement in Teacher Hiring
Teacher hiring committees are formed with representatives of constituency groups (parents & students). Parents can volunteer to participate, but must commit to attending all interviews taking place for the hiring of that position. Kim raised the possibility of voting on a pool of parent representatives. If interested, send Kelly your name in the next month. Beth will put an announcement on the website; Kitte will get the word out at parent conferences. Members agreed that Kelly and Dianna could appoint parent representatives if teacher hiring occurs before end of May.
Key Dates - 06-07
These are dates tentative.
- The K-12 picnic is tentatively scheduled for August 18.
- Parent Forum meetings will take place on 9/26/06, 10/24/06, 11/28/06, 1/30/07, 2/27/07, 4/10/07, 5/1/07. Ad Board meetings will be the day after Parent Forum meetings.
- Intensives are tentatively scheduled for August (secondary), January, & May.
- Fall carnival - 10/27.
- The rockwall kickoff will take place the same evening as open house, 9/13.
Finance Committee
Kim reported that the Finance Committee is developing boilerplate information to start pursuing grants. The visioning committee needs to keep them in the loop.
Visioning Committee
Dianna Rowedder reported on the visioning committee’s activities. Nancy Burke (a member of the Finance Committee) would like to attend the Visioning Committee meetings. Molly Evans and Diana Ede have volunteered to join the committee. Next year’s new co-chair should be on the committee. Meetings are next Friday after school and on May 8.
The committee hopes to double the size of the group by the May 8 meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Fall Carnival & Auction
Molly reported that she and some other veteran carnival/auction volunteers are stepping down. Jeff Block is willing to co-chair, but will need a co-chair. An ad hoc committee will be formed to find help for Jeff. Molly, Jeff & Pippa will look at job descriptions; Kitte will solicit volunteers.
Members were asked to invite involved parents to attend the May annual meeting.
Meeting adjourned 8:59 p.m.