KeithValley HSA Meeting Minutes
February 21, 2013
This meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Kathy Paskill, Co-President.
Mr. Kircher, Mrs. Whiteside, MissCondit, Mr. Farrell, Mr. Keyes and Ms. Heitzenrater
were in attendance.
Secretary’s Report
Jodi Golub presented the minutes from the January 17, 2013 meeting.
Motion to approve made by Amy Wuillermin, seconded by Kristy Schmidt.
Treasurer’s Report
Sharon Brennan presented the current budget:
-Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual (July ‘12 – Jan ‘13)
-Statement of Cash Flows (July ’12 – Jan‘13)
General ledger cash is reconciled with the bank through January 31, 2013.
Motion to approve made by Kristy Schmidt, seconded by Wendy Kephart.
KVHSA Website
Kathy Dick reviewed HSA information she posts on the school website and requested
flyerinformation for upcoming Book Fair and Spirit Night.
iPad Mini Request Prepared by 8th Grade Social Studies Team – Mr. Farrell, Mr. Iaia,
Mr. Keyes and Ms. Heitzenrater
Presentation by Mr. Farrell, Mr. Keyes and Ms. Heitzenrater
83 iPad Minis to be used by every 8th grade Social Studies student to enhance curriculum
content, engage students and increase their technological competency.
District Technology Program 10 years old
-Integrated Tech Ed Program aligned to content
-Ultimately to impact all content for all grades for all students
-National standards mandate that students in 8th grade should be technically competent. We are playing catch up.
Hands on learning to be enhanced
-Lewis & Clark woods project
-Stop motion animation Civil War project
-Podcasts
-Video
-Music
-Pictures
-Facetalk/Skype
Non-fiction reading
-QAR question strategies
-Higher level thinking
-Instant feedback for teachers – did they get the lesson, if not what part needs to be changed
Ease of integration for common assessment projects
Google Earth Oregon Trail project – ‘what does it look like now and how has it changed’
Infused learning – teachers and students to use text book links to create tests and check progress
Education grant for small number of Kindles demonstrated that technology engages kids
and gets them interested. A small number of Kindlesare now in use in the 6th grade.
Access to text books on-line, links to other resources, quick maps and tests all a benefit.
The first district meeting of the Hybrid Learning Committee was held six weeks ago.
The 83 iPad minis would essentially be the first 1 to 1 initiative implemented. Having
the KVHSA funding to make this happen speeds up the initiative to make the purchase
and implementation happen this school year. This contribution level also frees up
network support funding to smooth out the wireless service in the building over the
summer. Right now wireless is effective in 80-85% of the building. The target is 100%
to be achieved this summer.
All KVHSA members present and in good standing to vote on funding proposal at the
end of this meeting. The proposal is to use $28,000 worth of HSA funds raised to be put
to use for the immediate purchase of equipment in the formal, district approved project.
Principal’s Report
Calendar Revisions: As of now, the school year has been extended three days due to time
lost from Hurricane Sandy. Days will not be taken from Spring Break. A request for
exemption from the 180 day school year rule is still under consideration for schools
affected by the storm. As of now, no other dates such as promotions or field days are
being changed. The extra days will likely end at 12:30pm.
KV Challenge: This event was a great success with over $50,000 raised for Make a Wish
Foundation and the highest ever student participation.
The Shamrocker Dance planned for Friday, March 15th has been changed to a dodgeball
competition as the student council just hosted a Valentine’s Day Dance this month.
Next Thursday, Lee Hirsh will come to KV to speak to the kids about his movie, Bully.
March 11th marks the end of the current CAR rotation.
Saturday March 23rd Mr. Keyes and Mrs. Fleming will be taking kids to Ursinus
College for the National History Day competition. The kids did a practice run through
for parents last week.
PSSA Dates
The staff will have a dry run on March 7th. March 12-14 is the 8th grade writing
portion. Math and Reading tests for all students will be April 8th thru 11th. April 8th and
9th will be double testing days. April 23rd and 24th is 8th grade Science only.
Tuesday night 8th graders were at the High School for an introduction to the course selection process. For parents of 8th graders, it is a great idea to get to know your child’s high school guidance counselor now. They will be an important resource throughout the years.
KV Twitter handle is @keithvalleyone
Teacher Report by Miss Condit (6th Grade)
-Intramural floor hockey begins week of February 25th after school
-Pennies for Patients raised over $3,000 for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Association. Thank you to Mrs. King and Mrs. Schoell for money collections.
-ELA (English Language Arts) students just completed “blind” writing prompt for Friendship Unit.
-DRA Reading Assessment will take place next week for sixth grade
-Math students finishing Mod 3
Club News
-Live, Laugh, Love Group sponsored by Mrs. Lentz, Mrs. Maryott and Miss Schmucker collected clothing and made snack bags for a men’s homeless shelter in Philadelphia. All donations were delivered by Mrs. Lentz this month.
Teacher Report by Mrs. Whiteside (7th Grade)
-Date confirmed for field trip ~ June 6th ~ to Camden River Sharks
-ELA students completed “blind” reading prompt last week.
-ELA finished DRA today.
-Black Team had Hit the Mark Pizza Party on February 14th.
Teacher Report by Mr. Farrell (8th Grade)
- KV Challenge – WOW!!!
-Valentine’s Day Dance – 285 students.
-Red Team – JRA, over 70 students participated – including some from Black and Grey teams
-High School course selection process, student meetings, parent and counselor meetings underway
-Lee Hirsch, director of the movie Bully, will be at KV for two assemblies on February 28th
-8 Red Team Parent Appreciation Dinner Dance Initiative March 15th.
-8th Grade Social Studies – Common assessment rolled out today to all three teams.
-Lollerpalooza coming up in the Spring ~ bands ~ outside ~ starting @ 1pm.
-8th Grade dance theme is ~ A Night in Paris.
-Spring sports start March 18th (keep in mind there is no bench in track ~ everyone plays ~ including students cut from other teams).
-Running Club for girls meets Tuesday and Thursday from 3:10pm-4:00pm. Girls from other sports accepted. It is a club preparing for all spring sports ~ not just track.
Old Business
- Refreshments Committee – Montco Band Concert February 1st – Michelle Gutekunst/Deana Quigley - $120 earned at the event.
- KV Challenge – February 8th/9th – Kathy Dick – Thanks to parents, faculty, staff and kids that did an amazing job in challenging weather. Streets were plowed early. Chaperone shift changes and pickup went smoothly. Second ceremony for parents at 7pm went over very well. Over $50,000 raised for a great cause.
- Book Fair – March 18th – 22nd – Pam Tuckey & Jenn Howanetz – announcements to start on KVTV on March 1st. Mr. Kircher will be giving out $1 Book Bucks bills with his picture on it.
- Staff Appreciation – May 8th – Amy Wuillerman & Carol Boehm
- Spirit Wear – Kristy Schmidt –recently ordered merchandise at vendor but not yet embroidered. Requests coming in for more items.
New Business
- Spirit Night – YoFresh – March 1st 3pm – 10:30pm – Kathy Paskill & Linda Gorkes - $25 gift card for each grade courtesy of YoFresh and 20% of profits going to KVHSA.
- Nominations for 2013-2014 HSA Executive Board – An email blast will be going out to all 5th grade parents next week in addition to KV parents regarding executive board nominations. The nominations are due on or before the HSA
meeting in March. Elections will be held at the April HSA meeting.
Other Business
- Vote by KVHSA members in good standing on $28,000 request by 8th grade
Social Studies Department for iPad Minis and supporting materials.
The membership voted to support the project and the check was written and given to Mr. Kircher at the meeting.
- KV Security Issues –Mr. Kircher reported on updates regarding security
procedures and projects in the school and district overall. Security will remain on
the agenda for monthly updates.
Motion to adjourn made by Amy Wuillerman, seconded by Wendy Kephart. Meeting adjourned, 8:50 pm.
Next Keith Valley Home and School Association meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 21st at 7:00 pm in the KV library.
Jodi Golub, Secretary