K.W. Barrett Elementary School
PTA Meeting Minutes
April 2, 2019
Welcome and Introductions
Meeting called to order at 7:10 p.m.
Approval March 2019 Minutes
Lisa Richman made a motion to approve the March PTA Minutes; Aleda Kaufman seconded the motion; minutes approved.
Principal Report, Dan Redding
· Budget: No additional news at this time, School Board meeting right now to discuss
· Outdoor Lab: Tier 2 cut, hopefully it won't come to that but all speculation at this time
· Hoping additional revenue comes through County Board, items may be swapped out to balance the numbers but unknown at this time – more info on April 11th
· May 2 budget proposed, May 9 budget adopted
· All info on APS Budget & Finance page:
https://www.apsva.us/budget-finance/
Parent question: Any update from Facilities on turf? Dan Redding: Don't get your hopes up, but…weather-permitting they're hoping to work over Spring Break.
SOL Update, Dan Redding
· No changes over the past few years
· WHY? Standards in VA prior to No Child Left Behind; Federal requirement; Monitoring education quality
· WHO & WHEN? All students Grades 3, 4 & 5 – no exemptions by the State
o Grade 3: Reading & Math
o Grade 4: Reading, Math & Virginia Studies
o Grade 5: Reading, Math & Science
· WHAT are the tests like? Computer adaptive taken on personal iPad; Technology Enhanced Questions; Most students see roughly 30-36 items
· HOW do I prepare my child? Good night sleep, healthy breakfast, encourage to do their best but not to worry, these are not high stakes tests for our students
o Rising 6th graders are evaluated on 5th grade Math SOL for middle school placement
· Parents have the right to opt out
o We are required by the state to have a 95% participation rate
· How does the school prepare students? Quarterly assessments, ongoing formative assessment, "Tiger Time" groups
· WHEN are the tests happening? APS SOL exam window May 13 - June 14, Barrett schedule will be available after spring break; we don't test on back to back days; Reading can be broken into two days, Math is also split over two days.
· Re-takes: If students score 375-399 (400 is passing) they're automatically eligible to retake the test, with parent permission
o Higher score is accepted, no average, lower score isn't recorded
Parent question: Do kids know their scores? Dan Redding: No, no feedback after the test – results are aggregated across the state but aren't official for several weeks and sent home over the summer.
New Business, Dan Wendell
· Learning Showcase, April 12th, 7:45 – 8:30 AM (!), preschool siblings welcome!
· Garden Work Day, April 27th, timing TBD (Farmers Market will be back open then as well)
· Stella & Dot Fundraiser, online fundraiser ahead of Mother's Day, former Barrett teacher Megan Huneck has offered to do a fundraiser for us, donating her profits – online for 2 weeks
· Calling Barrett PTA volunteers! Need to fill various positions including the Barrett Garden, we specifically need to fill this position soon to determine if we'll do a summer harvest, please contact Jeanne Hargett if you're interested.
Teacher Report, Fifth Grade, Brittany Gillen
· Dr. Sullivan thanks everyone for helping and attending STEAM Night, approximately 50% of our population attended
· On April 10, 5th graders will attend a presentation with Dr. Ellen Stofan, former chief scientist, planetary geologist and current director of Smithsonian National Air & Space
Treasurer Report, Dan Wendell
· Main debits, $6,000 went out, $2,800 for author visit, Enrichment Matters, we have to pay in advance, will receive our kickback next month, Friday Moms anniversary breakfast. Credits, $800 from Valentine's Dance, $500 from Pupatella Restaurant Night
· Checking: $76131.12
· Savings: $16,778.44
Shout Outs, Dan Wendell, Arturo Ramirez
· Read-A-Thon – we raised $10,000 (haven't received yet so not reflected above)
o Because we met the goal Mr. Redding will dress up as Captain Underpants, Ms. Sohr will be Wicked Witch of the West, date TBD
· Pupatella Restaurant Night
· STEAM Night
· Teacher Lunch
· Friday Moms 20th anniversary breakfast
Adjournment
· The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
· Next meeting on Tuesday, May 7th
