PTA Meeting Minutes 11.15.16

Campbell PTA Meeting
November 15, 2016
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Approximate # of Attendees:   30

1. Welcome and Introductions: Nathan Zee, President

• Nathan welcomed everyone to the meeting and turned things over to Ms. Nesselrode
• Ms. Nesselrode presented Campbell wear from the PTA to the custodial staff as a ‘thank you’ for their hard work

 

1. Family Life: Dina Berhan, Counselor

• Ms. Nesselrode introduced the topic and provided examples of learning objectives at the K-3 level. Campbell does not necessarily teach specific lessons at the younger grades, but rather meeting the objectives is woven throughout the kids’ learning (e.g., “I respect” supports the respect learning objective)
• Ms. Berhan provided an overview and specific examples of how she teaches to the 4^th and 5^th graders. She draws from APS guidelines, Virginia guidelines, and has produced a power point she uses as a baseline. Some specific discussion points included:

• Discussions with kids are targeted depending on specific areas of focus
• She ensures parents are aware of when the learning is scheduled to occur and takes feedback from parents
• Boys and Girls may be taught separately (depending on the topic) although the content is the same
• There is a “too smart to start” program that introduces refusal skills (e.g., drugs, alcohol, smoking) – this is taught towards the end of the year and is expanded on in middle school
• Gender stereotyping may be a future topic that Ms. Berhan can integrate into her material

 

III.   Outdoor Learning: Kevan Miller, Parent

• Kevan provided an overview of her outdoor learning experience at a nearby preschool where she spends the entire morning teaching kids in the outdoors multiple times per month
• Each class of 3, 4, and 5 year olds spends two days per month outdoors for the school day regardless of the weather/temperature
• Kevan summarized recent research on the importance of kids getting outside including articles in the NY Times, Washington Post, National Geographic and others. Some key benefits include:
  • Improved motor fitness
  • Improved concentration and self-discipline
  • Improved distance vision
  • Improved cognitive abilities
  • Improved critical thinking
  • Lower stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Improved social skills including empathy and connections
  • Increased resilience
  • Increased creativity and sense of wonder
  • Increased independence and autonomy
  • Increased ability to recognize and assess risk
  • Increased appreciation for the natural world around us
• Kevan has seen all these benefits first hand over the last three years including happier kids overall who participate in the program
• Kevan discussed some of the barriers to more time outside including time constraints, proximity to parks/forests, safety concerns, and adverse weather conditions – she noted that “bad weather always looks worse through a window” and that once outside it’s usually not as bad as you thought (especially from a child’s perspective)
• Kevan encouraged parents to try and see things through their child’s eyes and motivate them to get outside more – you don’t need a specific goal (e.g., a science lesson) – just get outside and do things (including reading outside)
• Kevan provided a list of resources (will be provided electronically separately)
• Ms. Nesselrode provided an update about how Campbell approaches outdoor learning to include:
  • Kids are reading outdoors during their library time
  • Miss Christy takes classes outside rain or shine
  • Community Meeting was held outdoors and it was a huge success – we plan to do another meeting outside in the Spring
  • 5^th grade just returned from two days at the Outdoor Lab (canoeing, sleeping in tents, etc.) and it was a fabulous experience

 

1. Title I – What is It: Maureen Nesselrode, Principal and Wendy Pilch, Title I Representative

• Wendy provided an overview of the Title I Program to include background, statistics, requirements, and benefits
• At the Federal level, at least 40% of the students must qualify for Free and Reduced Meals (FARM) for a school to be eligible for Title I status
• In Arlington County, the threshold is 55% of students in the FARM program – Campbell consistently runs at 58-60% FARM students
• 98% of Title I funding at Campbell is used for salaries – increases the number of teachers
• At least 1% of the funding must be used for parent/family involvement
• 8 schools in Arlington exceed the 55% FARM threshold: Abingdon, Barcroft, Barrett, Carlin Springs, Campbell, Drew, Hoffman Boston, Randolph – Patrick Henry recently left the Title I program
• Benefits of Title I resources include teacher training, supplemental materials, summer programs, additional reading and math support
• At Campbell, we receive the following specific benefits:
  • Anne Oliveira (math coach) is funded ½ time from Title I
  • 2 extra reading specialists are funded from Title I
  • Test Coordinator ½ time position is funded from Title I
  • Translation equipment was purchased with Title I funds
  • Professional development
  • Math tutoring in 3^rd and 4^th grade
  • Note that we cannot purchase furniture with Title I funds
  • Ms. Nesselrode coordinates with the PTA to optimize how funds are applied
  • Bottom line: Title I funds are key to Campbell’s resourcing plan

 

1. Treasurer’s Report: Jenny Morris , Treasurer

• As of 10/31, we’ve had ~$19,000 of income and ~$19,000 of expenses. Specific details discussed were:

• October income included pledge drive donations, amazon, movie night, Project Discovery and Odyssey of the Mind
• October expenses included movie night, Project Discovery, Outdoor Classroom Coordinator, K/1 chairs, PTA meeting expenses
• Project Discovery enrollment was higher than projected so both income and expenses are higher than budgeted. The budget is based on making a small profit, so there will not be a new vote on increasing income/expenses for project discovery in the budget as long as income and expenses are generally equal – same for Odyssey of the Mind (4 teams instead of 2 teams, so we are doubling the projected income and expenses)
• We have a similar budget situation with Campbell wear – we have sold much more Campbell wear than projected, so our income and expenses are higher than budgeted, but they are still canceling each other out as expected
• Our VA PTA dues payment was mailed in November (due December 1^st)
• There were no questions from attendees on the budget status

 

1. New Business: Nathan Zee, President

• The second half of tonight’s meeting was successfully streamed live on Facebook – all in person attendees acknowledged they were being displayed on Facebook
• Project Discovery ends this week for Thursday classes and the week after Thanksgiving for Wednesday/Friday classes
• Principal’s Chat this Thursday at 8am – interactive activities are planned
• The Wellness Committee will meet on Friday, December 9^th after Community Meeting at 8:30am
• Apple Tasting was a huge success
• Socktober sock donations were well received
• Cyberbullying discussion will be held on December 15^th at 8am – led by Ms. Berhan and Ms. Decker
• The Latina Moms group has been officially renamed to “Parents Building Commitment”
• Heads up that we will be collecting used sports items at the end of winter
• Reminder to write your child’s name on Campbell wear
• Be on the lookout for information regarding Tiny Prints / Shutterfly for holiday card orders
• Picture retakes are tomorrow (11/16) – bring your old pictures
• Conversations are ongoing regarding concerns about potential impacts from the Presidential election (immigration, LBGT, etc.)

 

VII. Closing: Nathan Zee, President

• Next meeting is Tuesday, December 20th
• Reminders:

• Please review Barbara Martinez’s fundraising email
• A big ‘thank you’ to those who have contributed towards the pledge drive – it closes at the end of this week (11/18)
• Please make sure you use the Campbell Amazon link (affiliate) when you do your holiday shopping