SWCC Education Committee Meeting
Wednesday June 17th, 2015
6:30-8:00pm
Arnett Branch Library, 310 Arnett Boulevard
Next Meeting: Wednesday, July 15, 2015, 6:30 pm at the Arnett Library, 310 Arnett Blvd.
Meeting Convened at 6:30 pm
1. Introductions/Attendees:
a. Beverly Usher, John Boutet, Ana Casserly, Brianna Casserly, John Laing, Jeniffer Leneo, David Culeton, Bettsy Robson, (Lee Loomis dropped off information)
2. School 16 and 44 Discussion (with elements of 10, 29, and Wilson)
a. School 44 Kindergarten
a.i. No new numbers, however Beverly went to the public market to pass out fliers to promote community schools like 44 and 16.
a.ii. There are a few kids enrolling in kindergarten that we know of currently. The Kindergarten was reopened after the regular enrollment period. Enrollment is still open.
b. School 16
b.i. Letter for renovation is being translated currently to invite parents to get involved in planning.
b.ii. From what we know, they’re going to reopen September 2018.
b.iii. They will start working on the renovations a year from now.
c. Lori Bryce
c.i. The PTO leader at Wilson commencement, it’s recommended that we talk to her and connect with the PTO. Our 3rd Wednesday meeting nights conflict with their PTO's. Need their input on Jr High options. At the pincipal level at 16 and 44 there has been talk of having 44 become a Jr. for local schools. Small green space is the big obstacle for that.
d. Adele Bovard and Barb Goldammer Meeting Reviewn – John Lang
d.i. Adele could not make it but met with Barb Goldammer, Acting Executive director of Student Equity and Placement. Barb also attended C&C with Superintendent which followed.
d.ii. Our intent when 16 reopens it will come back as a community neighborhood school.
d.iii. Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, and Second grade, Barb indicated that students stay at the same school. However, after second grade the probability of student's family moving keeps increasing. The question then is where will the student go to school. Students usually want to stay in the school they started in where their friends are.
d.iv. At the C&C Lori Bryce mentioned a charter school had targeted her son with a mailing to get him into their school. The charter school had gotten his current school and home address info. The comparative school performance info the charter sent out was misleading. “How did they get that my child's info considering the District refuses to provide that to the PTO's?” she asked.
3. Little Free Library for Summer Reading
a. At one of the Coffee and Conversations with the Superintendents, using Little Free Libraries (LFL) to get books into the hands of students was proposed.
b. The idea is to spark interests in children to read during the summer.
c. Dr. Vargas offered to supply books during the summer for LFL's we set up.
d. Jennifer indicated the Rochester Library System can provide books to us also.
e. We’re trying to set them up for all districts in the 19th Ward.
f. LFL's are a free standing weather proof box where people can a bring a book, take a book to read. See this link: Little Free Library.
g. Beverly will set one up at Forbes and Depew.
h. Many children's library card are blocked because of books not returned. Access to LFL's are very valuable in that case.
i. Anyone interested in setting up a LBL is invited contact us.
4. Retrain Rochester initiative - David Culeton
a. Because of crime rates in the community, various companies don’t want to invest in certain communities.
b. David would like to train those in need in carpentry jobs.
b.i. Lots of houses are in need of restoration, which would improve the community.
b.ii. Fixing up houses could provide jobs and training.
c. This idea is currently in planning phase. David is in need of stakeholders.
5. Library-Jeniffer Leneo
a. Summer Learning Labs are still open for registration. Kids will be learning 2 hours a day, 4 days a week. This is to promote literacy rates, and it is funded by the Rochester City School District
b. Next Thursday the 25th, there will be a library celebration 5:30-6:30 with food, crafts, and lot’s of fun!
c. Summer Solstice Celebration at Wheatley Library.
6. Walk in items:
a. Lee Loomis dropped of info on Rochester Engineering Society training program for volunteers for School 10 summer program.
b. Walter Cooper and other individuals have raised money for hosting a 5 week summer program at School 10 on technology, engineering and such.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00pm
Minutes submitted by Brianna Casserly