1-18-11

Notes from the Meeting Tuesday, January 18, 2011.
Should we start at 7:30 instead of 7:45?

Reviewing brainstorming notes from last meeting within our new groups. Coming up with existing services in the community that could meet some of the needs expressed in the brainstorming session.

Any new ideas to add to the list?
 * Could there be a liaison to facilitate communication between school and community?
 * Addressing issues of available babysitting, yardwork, etc. The school should be able to put together a way of making the available services known to the community.
 * Make sure that we don't move totally toward internet-based communication, and leave out those who don't have internet access at home.
 * Can we get a list of community organizations and schedules of when they meet?
 * Since the board goals mention playground equipment, can we add something under the Elementary heading about updating the playground equipment?
 * And speaking of playgrounds, the Middle School students need somewhere to go, too.

Lisa Christiansen gives an update on the Preschool Audit that was recently done.
 * 23 required criteria - we met all those
 * must meet 85% of remaining criteria - we met all but three.
 * trying to assure that Preschool funding goes not just to preschool, but to __quality__ preschool.

Jeff Dicks adds to the preschool discussion.
 * the board is committed to continue the preschool regardless of what the state decides to do with funding.
 * will make every effort to provide preschool free of charge.

Discussion about Senior Citizens.
 * Senior citizens in the community are asking for the newsletter to continue. This is their primary way of getting information about the school.
 * Would like to see the breakfast program revived. Getting harder to find people to do it in the morning. Could we do it in the afternoon instead?

Discussion about Community.
 * There's some new talk about some potential developments in affordable housing. There are some groups looking at starting some housing developments.
 * Families do want to move here, but the lack of rental properties is an obstacle.
 * Jeff Dicks will follow up on communicating with city councils in Newell, Fonda and Varina.

Discussion about Parents of School-Age Children.
 * Discussed the TnT (Tips-n-Tools for parents) Night. There has been good attendance in the past. Consensus is that we want to continue the program, but that we need a constant infusion of new ideas. One person mentioned that March 8 seems a little soon to put something good together. Should we move it back? We need fewer sessions that are longer and more in-depth. Could we do 2 nights? - Probably not. Can we extend the length of the night? Should be no problem to add on an extra 30 or 60 minutes. (Would this be a problem for parents with very young children?)

For next time:
 * Be thinking of new ideas, and get them to Stacey.
 * We'll keep the wiki going, and hope that it gets more access.
 * Next meeting: Feb 1. - Focus on TnT Night.