Principal Quarterly
Meeting
June 2, 2009, 7:30
a.m.
Attendance:
Kathryn Thome, Liz Morrow, Rhonda Barrish, Amy Woo,
Nikki O’Sullivan, Tamar Ran, Tricia Kampton, Susan
Chin-Louie, Maria Cognata, Lisa Brody, Reva
Gluck-Schneider
Class trip chaperones:
There has been an issue among some parents that
chaperones are chosen unfairly i.e. some parents go
on many trips and others are not asked at all. It
was requested that the Principal remind teachers to
be fair to all parents who want to chaperone. It
was also noted that parents should be helpful
towards the class and not just towards their own
children.
Attendance reward trip:
80 circus tickets were given to the school by
Councilwoman Melinda Katz. Administrators decided
to give them to the students who had perfect
attendance. Parents felt that rewarding something
that was out of students’ control was not fair and
asked for a different reward system. Mrs. Schneider
will discuss this concern with her staff.
PA/school fundraising &
budget cuts:
Due to budget cuts, Mrs. Schneider would like to do
some fundraising in addition to what the PA does.
We do not want to duplicate our efforts and make too
many requests of PS 144 families. Any money raised
by the PA can be used in the same school year as
long as the PA votes on it.
Mrs. Schneider will
attend a budget meeting tomorrow to find out if
there are funds coming in from the federal stimulus
package. It was requested the Mrs. Schneider ask
the parent body for additional funds after this
meeting and before the school year ends this month,
so we are better prepared for next year.
Front display case:
Mrs. Schneider approved the PA using the display
case in the front of the school to advertise
upcoming events.
5th grade
graduation:
It was requested that the 5th graders who
are leaving PS 144 next year to go to Russell Sage,
Louis Armstrong or other JHSs be acknowledged. Mrs.
Schneider agreed to an event like an assembly that
is organized by the parents. The 5th
graders are leaving the school, not graduating, so
they should not have a graduation ceremony like the
6th graders. 5th grade parents will be
contacted by the Parent Coordinator asking if anyone
would like to organize an assembly.
Gifted and Talented
response:
The School Leadership Team (SLT) subcommittee
created “The Remsen Plan,” a response to parents who
want a G&T program. The Remsen Plan best meets the
needs of students currently at PS 144 and of those
entering next year. This includes a push-in model
for kindergarten and first grade and a pull-out
program for 3rd grade. Nine students
have been identified for G&T and will be cycled into
the current G&T class. Push-in will be at least one
day per week; consultation with teachers will be at
least once a week. Professional development will
include differentiated learning, Renzulli, and G&T
learning.
The Remsen Plan was
sent to parents who attended the G&T listening
session last week; Mrs. Schneider reported that
feedback so far has been positive. The Parent
Coordinator has sent the plan to everyone on her
email list.
The current G&T class
would like to meet with the Principal about cycling
in additional children next year. There is concern
that the class will become too large. Mrs.
Schneider assured that adding the nine children will
not exceed the amount allowed in the class.
Gifted and Talented
teachers:
Additional certification is needed to teach a G&T
class. As she cannot hire a new person for G&T,
Mrs. Schneider has approached some teachers about
getting this additional certification. Teachers are
usually encouraged to get additional credits or
certification in other areas anyway. Individuals
can teach a G&T class before acquiring the
certificate. The Remsen Plan does not require G&T
certification, but does include professional
development.
Schoolyard/ Out to
Play: PS
144 is still on the short list to get a new
playground. Many wonderful letters, cards and
drawings from students were sent to Queensborough
President Helen Marshall and Councilwoman Melinda
Katz, explaining why PS 144 deserved to get a new
play yard. Right now, the small playground is open
to lower grade students.
Meeting adjourned 8:40
a.m.
Minutes submitted by
Susan Chin-Louie
