PTA Minutes

March 11, 2015

Attendees: Aladdin Al Katheri, Jocelyn Flynn, Michelle Chong, Sherita Wilkins, Linda Smith, Jennifer Rule, Rennea Butler, Chella McMahon, Brenda Ulrich, Nahid Haidari, Graciela Olivares, Jen Wike, Lorri Stein, Julie Rizalvo, Linda Ables, Tatiana Lutz, Cristina McGeehan, Denise Washington

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 am.

I.Aladdin Al Katheri motioned for approval of the February 11, 2015 minutes; Jennifer Rule- 2nd that motion; all approved.

II.Report of Officers

A.Principal’s report – Jenny Rule

Mrs. Rule talked aboutLCPS budget. The LCPS School Board are in a working session to review the budget submission. This is an opportunity for parents/teachers to speak to the board to share their concerns. Voting for the budget will take place on April 1.

Discussion on all day Kindergarten - expanded to full day for at risk students for schools that do not have space for additional classrooms; other schools will use a lottery system for all day kindergarten.

B.Vice Principal’s Report – Nahid Haidari

  • Potowmack had a Safety Audit
  • Classroom updates required
  • Exit doors need to be clear and accessible
  • YMCA need to be relocated - possible location is the gym
  • CASA and YMCA will share the gym for activities
  • ASP classes will share with YMCA
  • PTA may need to move supplies that are stored on the gym stage
  • School grounds - no parking is allowed on black top. Muddy area near black top. If cars are seen on black top, report to the school
  • Picture Day - rescheduled for May 7

C. Treasurer’s Report –Sherita Wilkins

Sherita highlighted the following areas of the treasury report:

  • Income
  • Winter Carnival - $3,600
  • Expenses
  • Prep for Winter Carnival
  • Odyssey of Mind registrations
  • Use of Pay4school for ASP and Bingo. Can use debit/credit and check payments

D.Corresponding Secretary – Jen Wike

  • Jen sent a reply letter to Dominique, a 3rd grader in Mr. Charlish's class and will begin contacting stores after spring break to donate fruit for students on field day.

E.President – Rennea Butler

  • Reminded everyone of the Chairperson vacancies. Need 2 chairpersons for each committee.
  • Science Expo - 26 submissions. Expo to be held on March 24.

III. Special Reports

A. Teacher Representative - No Report

B.Parent Liaison – No report.

C. Loudoun Education Alliance of Parents (LEAP) - Meeting held tonight (March 11). Points of Contact - Denise Washington and Rennea Butler

D. Minority Student Academic Achievement Committee (MSAAC) – Meeting held March 4. Topics ofdiscussion

  • Equity in Education
  • Achievement Gaps, Tools and Strategies for your child
  • Teacher Efficacy (Effectiveness) - What is it? And Why is it important?
  • Teacher Recruitment
  • MSAAC Group asked the question: What ideas do you have to recruit minority teachers?

Next meeting is Wednesday, March 18 (Due to school closings, having two meetings in the month of March. Points of Contact - Linda Ables and Linda Smith

E. Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) - No Report. Points of Contact - Danielle Bischof and Jackie Baker

IV. Reports of Committees

A. After School Program (ASP)-

  • Winter ASP update: Due to school closings many classes extended pass the scheduled end dates. Classes will end the week before Spring Break.
  • Spring ASP - Online registration started March 9 and ends on March 23. Using pay4school website. For Board Game class, asked parents to donate board games; needed if class meets the 8 student minimum requirement. Need onsite coordinators
  • Fall ASP 2015 - Received information from several vendors on after school programs. Meeting with some of the vendors to discuss cost and class information.

Points of Contact - Linda Smith and Adriana Radu

B. Reflections - Rennea Butler for Angie Ignazzitto

  • Award Program to be held March 23 at Selden's Landing, 7:00 p.m.
  • Second and Third place winners will be announced

C. iReady/Math Incentive Program - Rennea Butler for Angie Ignazzitto

  • To date, 70 students enrolled
  • iReady replaces Math Super Stars
  • Students can do more than 20 minutes
  • Angie will send a message that students can do more than 20 minutes is okay.

Mrs. Rule stated that iReady often goes back to the beginning for some students. She asked Julie Rizalvo to check the system for this issue.

D. Nominating Committee - Brenda Ulrich stated that If anyone is interested in running for a position on the PTA board, please send email to a member of the committee. Committee members - Brenda Ulrich, Graciela Olivares and Linda Ables

V. Unfinished Business - None

VI. New Business - None

VII. Announcements: None

VIII. Upcoming Events

  • Mar 17: Kindergarten Registration starts; must register at home school. Need to put info on Potowmack website.
  • Mar 19: River Bend Teacher/Student basketball game at Potomac Falls H.S.
  • Mar 21: Touch -A-Truck at Dominion H.S.
  • Mar 24: Science Fair
  • Mar 25 - Potowmack Art Festival
  • Mar 30 - Apr 3: Spring Break
  • Apr 6: Student Holiday

Meeting adjourned at 8:35 am.

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