PARENT ASSOCIATION OF P.S. 144
2010-2011
PA Minutes
P.S. 144Q Parents’ Association General
Meeting Minutes
September 20, 2010
Meeting called to order at 7:10 p.m.
1.
Opening remarks
a.
The meeting began with welcome remarks from Co-PA
President, Tricia Kampton. She introduced officers of the PA
Board to parents and caregivers in attendance.
b.
Mrs. Gluck-Schneider, the school principal then addressed
the attendees with a warm welcome to the school. She encouraged
parents to volunteer their time especially during the children’s
lunch hours. The school deeply appreciates parents and
caregivers to come in and use their talents to share with the
children. Parents and caregivers were encouraged to ask her
questions during this meeting.
2.
Parent and caregiver questions
a.
A parent inquired about the lunchroom volunteer process
in terms of how much advance notice to give the school before
coming in. The best way to coordinate the logistics is to
contact Ms. Siobhan Kyne, the Parent Coordinator.
b.
A question was raised about no longer having a pull-put
science teacher/cluster for the children and what will be done
for the children moving forward. Mrs. Gluck-Schneider informed
parents that the science program will have books and science
manipulatives each year. The 4th Grade will continue
to have lab science. The 5th Grade is
departmentalized this year so they will go into the lab for
their science periods. The 6th and lower grade
teachers will teach the science component in-class.
c.
A question was posed about professional development for
the teachers. Mrs. Gluck-Schneider mentioned that the school
did receive a STEM grant this year so some funding is allocated
for training. The teachers who attend these training sessions
will then help train the other teachers. The school has had
science residencies in the past and is now in the midst of
looking into some programs now.
d.
One parent inquired about what the term residency
meant. Mrs. Gluck-Schneider shared that the residencies are
what makes PS 144 unique. The school offers art enrichment
offerings such as the puppetry and Making Books Sing residencies
where artists collaborate with classroom teachers. The PA
raises funds to bring in these residencies for the children.
e.
A question was raised about whether foreign language was
offered at the school. At the moment, there isn’t a foreign
language offering. The PA after school program had in the past
offered Spanish lessons but few children signed up. The school
is open to offering foreign language to the children and will be
looking into this at the new round of PA after school planning
discussions.
f.
A parent inquired about whether the smaller playground is
open to the rest of the community after school hours. Mrs.
Gluck-Schneider stated that it is not. It is only open for the
younger schoolchildren to use during school hours.
g.
A parent wanted to know if the school is planning to no
longer offer 6th grade after this year. The school
is truncating to give families more options when it is time for
their children to choose middle schools. Every 5th
Grader will be given an application to prioritize their school
choice however; every child will have a seat in his or her zoned
school.
h.
A question was posed about when parents will be receiving
the middle school application. The application will be given
out in February. They will be receiving a common application
along with a Parent Handbook.
i.
A parent highlighted that an individual was soliciting on
school grounds the other day during pick-up time. Mrs.
Gluck-Schneider stated that it is prohibited for anyone to
solicit on school grounds and to please notify Officer Tony
should this happen again.
3.
Rhonda Barrish, the PA Treasurer presented the attendees
with the current proposed budget. A vote was taken and the
budget was passed unanimously.
4.
Fall Fundraisers
a.
Kathryn Thome and Maria Cognata are this year’s co-chairs
for the Fall Fundraiser. Samples of items were shown on stage.
Orders will be delivered in a reusable bag. The form and
packets will be distributed in the children’s folders.
b.
School Spirit Wear clothing fundraiser is a first for the
school. Items could be worn on school trips and assemblies.
Forms have been sent home.
5.
Picture Day
a.
Rhonda Barrish is the Chairperson for this event. She
made a call for parents to volunteer to help.
b.
Will be held on October 12.
c.
There will be re-take day scheduled at a later date.
6.
Halloween Party
a.
Rhonda Sidial and Jane Sanders spoke about this event.
It will be held on Oct. 30th. Parents and caregivers
are invited to come and help with the planning and setting up.
There will be two pre-Halloween meetings for those interested.
7.
Town Hall meeting with Rep. Weiner
a.
This meeting will take place on September 21 at 7 pm in
the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Rep. Weiner will be there to
address issues and concerns regarding damage residents sustained
from the tornado.
8.
School Forms
a.
Parents and caregivers should complete the forms handed
out by Ms. Kyne, the Parent Coordinator. Information gathered
from that list is not shared with the PA. Ms. Kyne routinely
sends out informative notices about workshops and school events
via email. Robocall is also used as a means to contact parents
about school and PA events.
9.
School Playground Grand Opening
a.
Will take place on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 1 p.m.
10.
Additional Fundraisers
a.
Pie sales fundraiser will be offered before Thanksgiving.
b.
“Pathway to Education” is a new fundraiser for the
school. Parents and caregivers purchase a brick with their
child’s name and date which will then be used in construction
projects on school grounds.
c.
“Race for Education” fundraiser is a program that will
encourage children to write letters to ask for donations that
will go to support PS 144.
d.
Other programs the school participates in are Box Tops
for Education and the Stop N Shop program.
Meeting
adjourned at 8.25 p.m. Minutes submitted by Lin Low
