FRIENDS EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CASTLE HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

BOARD MEETING

AUGUST 15, 2006

 

 

 

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:  Valencia Foster, Micah Roberts, Steve Root, Hania Brooks, Dawn Plew, Maria von Hartz, Ellen Klinenberg, Gina Polizzi, Ginger Bower, Yael Apt, and Julia Sak-Gearhart

 

 

 

  1. Welcome
  2. New Treasurer/ Election –

Ellen Klinenberg is vacating her position as Treasurer;

Thanks for all you contributed, Ellen, and good luck in your new neighborhood…you will be missed.  Larry DeMers has indicated his interest in filling the position and will be running at the next meeting when we have an election. 

  1. Code Of Conduct/Vision –

All present Board Members signed a pledge to be respectful to one another.

  1. PE Program

New PE proposal to use the Star PE program which is within budget and will be managed solely by Star.  The program offers a good student/coach ratio at 20 to 1, follows a curriculum of learning a specific set of skills (grade appropriate) and teaches the benefits of nutrition and physical education.  Discussion included concerns over the time constraints (one hour class once a week) versus current 20 minutes 2 times a week.  Teacher benefit discussed as Star PE program does not require teacher attend the PE class.  Valencia made motion to approve Star PE Program, Gina seconded.  The motion was carried unanimously.

  1. Computer Lab-

             Planet Bravo folks coming up with plan for computer lab

  1. New Teachers

Mrs. Lessman will be coming aboard as the Science Teacher who will be teaching the 4th and 5th graders for 90 minutes once a week. She will do various science lessons which she is designing to tie into class curriculums.  She has requested a larger supply budget which will be offset by less salary (fewer total hours).  Ellen moved to approve science materials budget, Maria seconded.  The motion was carried unanimously.  

Mrs. Rosenblum has been hired to work with Kindergarteners and 1st graders on reading, fluency and phonics skills.

 

  1. Donation Drive

Erika Hindle is working to put together a targeted mailing to former givers.

 

 

  1. Meeting day/time

Motion to adopt new meeting schedule of first Tuesday evening of every month at 7 p.m. made by Ellen, Valencia seconded.  Motion unanimously adopted.

 

  1. K First Day of School-

Discussion around having a parent meeting after drop off the first day of Kindergarten for all Kindergarten parents.  Purpose of meeting would be a meet and greet and educate them on the role Friends play in their children’s educational experience.

 

10.   Pre K & K Welcome Party: August 30th 5-7

                  Request made that all Board Members please attend.

 

11.   Grants

Yael shared 10 grant targets and asked Board to provide a priority list of needs to assist her grant writing efforts.  Discussion around potential needs included drama, arts and writing programs.

 

12.   Desks for office-

Newly promoted front office manager has made a request to friends to provide new desks.  Discussion focused on acquiring desks from alternative sources.  Dawn Plew to provide necessary desk measurements.  Hania to call UCLA, Steve to call La Shares, Yael will check desk prices.  Board should look for email for follow up vote.

 

    13.   Box Tops-

Hania is proposing a new box top “store” to encourage greater participation of box top funding raising both for students and teachers.  She is also working on a communication plan of posters and mailers to inform parents and children and encourage stronger support.

 

 

       14.  Other business:

 

Website temporarily pulled down as it was in violation of LA Unified Rules and Regulations.  Ann to work through details upon her return.