Minutes from the Oct. 1, 2019 meeting w key upcoming dates and volunteer openings up top! Thanks to all for attending! ( word attachment follows, spanish translation to come)
Jennie Apter, Secretary
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| Volunteers Needed, Upcoming Dates: We are seeking parent volunteers for *Arlington-wide PTA school safety council (as the Barrett rep.) *Advisory council on instruction (contact Regan Sohr or PTA) *PTA spring auction (contact PTA) Upcoming Dates: Oct. 4 : - PTA coffee – sign up today and get free donuts and coffee
Oct. 4, starting at 745 in front of the school (old double doors) - Friday volunteers 830-10:30 a.m., Oct. 4 (and every Friday) multipurpose room
Oct. 18 Arlington Public School Hispanic Heritage Night Oct. 22 Barrett Hispanic Heritage Night Oct. 24 – Pupatella fundraiser 3-9 pm Nov. 4-6 Book Fair K.W. Barrett Elementary PTA Meeting October 1, 2019 Minutes Welcome - PTA Board 613 pm Will Le called meeting to order |
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Treasurer's Report - Audit - Independent auditors Pat Shaw completed, Ali Turner will review next, then Rich Stewart
- Budget Update – Kyeh Kim provided a treasurer's report. Last year's budget was reconciled to this year's and current funds. Documentation was provided
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| September 2019 Minutes were approved (Motion Andrea Shaw, 2nd Michelle Le) Friday Volunteers Arturo and Celia - Hispanic Heritage Month -- Stay tuned for more details on Barrett's Hispanic Heritage Night (Oct. 22) and APS's Arlington-wide Hispanic Heritage Night (Oct. 18 at Kenmore) – the county is modeling its program this year on the Living Museum held at Barrett in past years!
- Arturo is working with staff on a Hispanic heritage video, featuring staff of Hispanic descent as well as those who have visited or have connection to Latin American countries with plans to show at Barrrett's Hispanic Heritage night.
- Some discussion of the new volunteer process (which involves a background screening and some computer literacy as well as watching a 30 minute video and messaging Arturo when it is complete) – it is a bit onerous and has proved challenging for several volunteers. The Friday volunteers are trying to help newer volunteers.
- All are welcome to be a part of Friday volunteers – every Friday from 830-1030 in the multipurpose room. Right now they can use help getting up to speed on the new volunteering process but help is always appreciated for tasks of a wide range.
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| Principal's Update Regan Sohr - Regan is seeking someone from the Barrett community (could be parent, faculty, staff) to serve on the advisory council on instruction, which has input into APS curriculum and teaching matters ranging from special education to arts education to early child education. Tell Will or any PTA Board Member or contact Principal Sohr directly to volunteer
- Will Le asked the status of paper flyers for school / PTA news. They are discouraged and on the decline for official school use both for environmental and budgetary reasons. PTA can use paper if it chooses to supply the paper itself, but it is encouraged to think about ways to move away from paper.
- This led to a conversation about the ways those from less privileged backgrounds may be disproportionately disadvantaged by the move to more electronic systems. Principal Sohr challenged this perception, and noted that in a recent survey, 98% of families had personal devices. Barrett is at about 60 percent participation in parentvue, a high rate relative to other schools. Other questions were raised about how to increase that higher (including at other schools). Principal Sohr will add info to her school talk and advises us to have families we know are having trouble receiving information to reach out to her or other faculty and staff.
- The new visitor system for entry into the school was also discussed. Although it too involved some growing pains and can be a bit onerous, Principal Sohr noted that it prevented a sexual predator from having access to Barrett and emphasized that the changes and increased screening is needed. She and APS are aware of the frustrations and will continue to work on ameliorating them.
- The crossing guard at Park was removed due to staff/ budget shortages county wide and a perceived lack of need there. There is a crossing guard at Thomas. Jennifer Wardian noted that she has seen construction workers assisting children across Park. Principal Sohr urged caution, particularly near construction areas for children and parents too, particularly to those crossing Henderson outside of the crosswalk or between parked buses at busy times.
Mr D'Addario, librarian, gave an update on the library collections and plans, including plans to create a "maker space" with legos and other building and crafting tools that kids could use at morning time before the first bell. Ms. Vellente Kaufman, gave an update on school counseling, including several hundred lesson plans for all grades and groups ranging from social skills to newcomers group (led by a Spanish-speaking counselor, Ana Rodriguez). - She mentioned she will work with Arturo Ramirez on Barrett Gives and that while Barrett worked to support 200 families on this program last year, this year, we plan to support 100 families to not overload our resources and do our best for the families we are supporting. Questions were raised about how families will be selected and it was said that faculty, counselors and special program coordinators such as Mr. Ramirez will be consulted and that if a family is clearly in need, they will not be turned away.
- we still need committee chairs, contact her to hear more and volunteer.
- We will soon be starting the auction committee, a big fundraising effort, and will definitely need volunteers for that.
- PTA coffee is this Friday Oct. 4 – all members (including those who sign up on site that day!) get coffee and doughnuts! Starts at 745 in front of school at the old double doors.
- PTA will be distributing great new shirts to install pride in our school to all students. Adult sizes can be purchased. The shirts were modeled at the meeting and one was raffled off. Look for them coming home with your student!
- Holly Nisco spoke about the upcoming book fair Nov. 4-6 with R.E.A.D. / former Barrett parent Jennifer Sauter-Price aka Pajama Mama, who offers a diverse selection of books. She has made a few improvements from last year (faster, easier check out) and a way to donate to teachers gift cards so they can do their own shopping. There will be a movie night one night, and all students will get a $5 voucher.
- Derek Nisco spoke about bike to school day (held today Oct. 2 ) – looked like a great turnout! Thanks Derek and all the volunteers!
- Jennie Apter gave a report from the community assn. of PTAs where all Arlington Public School PTAs are represented. (Typically Melanie Smith-Jones will attend for Barrett.) The group
- heard from Cinita Johnson, acting superintendent and Tania Talento, school board member (who has offered to speak at a future meeting) and
- raised concerns including some echoed here today about access to school files only electronically disproportionately disadvantaging some, about the burden of new school access procedures and volunteering requirements
- will be starting a school safety council (each school needs a rep, please let PTA know if you are interested)
- is working on partnerships and other ways to more ensure APS resources are more equitably distributed (including that some APS schools have excesses of resources while others are struggling)
- teacher grants- the PTA will fund (including some for flexible seating, rugs for a 4th grade meeting space, and book bags for K students)
- Shout outs: (our bricks fundraiser raised almost $200- great job!, the new shirts look great and will be coming to students soon – thanks to John Stewart for recommending the vendor, Dan Wendell for the idea, and Andrea Shaw for a key design edit among others
- Andrea Shaw mentioned that everyone can sign up for amazon points. No additional cost for Amazon shoppers, extra proceeds go to Barrett. Sign up on the PTA web site.
- Will Le gave a reminder that we will be having a fundraiser at Pupatella 3-9 pm, Oct. 24 (note that is also PT conferences)
We adjourned at 7:40 in time to get home and see the Nats win! Next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 5. (note: election day, no school) |
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