SES PTA Meeting

Monday November 5, 7pm

SCES Media Room

President’s Remarks

Principal’s Report
AcademyThe school has identified kids who need academic support and kids
who are advanced. Ms. Swift is anxious for grades to come out.
CommunicationMs. Swift asks PTA whether parents are getting feedback
from teachers on their kids’ progress and whether grade level newsletters are
coming out. Parents reply that grading is provided through Friday folders and
newsletters are also included. Ms. Swift notes that she has asked teachers to
provide more comments on kids’ progress.
Partners in Learning, an after school program focused on grades 3 through 5,
is starting mid-November for 30-35 weeks. The program is supported by the
PTA.
StaffingThe school has started interviewing for a vacancy following Ms. Lee’s
resignation in 4th grade. Subs are covering in the interim. Due to a county-
wide hiring freeze, Ms. Swift has requested an exception for the position.
FundraisingMs. Swift has been working with Isabelle Estrada on a 5 year
long range plan so the school and PTA are not competing for funds. She
reports that $3,500 has been raised for the cookie dough fundraiser so far and
that the school will benefit from a science assembly.
SecuritySCES has been selected as a pilot for a new safety and security
program. Parents will be asked to swipe their driver’s license or provide
another means of identification. Concerns are raised about impact of program
on undocumented parents, or the school atmosphere as well as whether it
would divest staff from existing responsibilities. It is also noted that a
communication needs to be sent to parents before the program is up and
running. Brian Riley (PTA Safety and Security Committee) will work with Ms.
Swift on implementation of the program. Doreen Rappaport will make
enquiries at the Loiederman Middle School as they are also participating in the
pilot.
FacilitiesMs. Swift has spoken to artist about entrance mosaic and putting up
children’s art. A new banner has been hung in the entrance to show SCES’s
partnership with the Columbia Union.
RecessMs. Swift reports that there are a lot of parent-volunteers for recess
and thanks them.
 Bathroom doorsA concern is raised that kindergarteners are having trouble
opening doors. Ms. Swift confirms that they are left propped open for that
reason and the school continues to work to reinforce washing of hands.

PTA Business
MinutesThe October meeting minutes are moved and approved
PTA Bylaws, Suzanne Morgan
New language needs to be incorporated into the PTA bylaws to bring them up
to date. The new bylaws are unanimously approved.

Finance Committee
PTA representatives have met with a possible auditor. The cost will be
approximately $1,500. Alternatively the PTA could form a committee of 3 to
review the books. Isabelle Estrada supports using a committee of 3.
The PTA budget is now available online (http://sligocreekpta.org/budgets.html)

Treasurer Report, Lori Kaplan

The PTA has raised $1400 from the bake sale and $3,600 towards the $10,000
goal for the annual fund drive. Sally Foster sales will be on target
(approximately $5,000 in profit). E-Script has raised $75 so far.
Lori notes that we did not budget for toner for the staff gift fund photocopier
and there will be a run-over of $200.
Lori agrees to post monthly actuals on Website

Book Fair, Sara Melnick

• Volunteers are needed.
• This year’s fair will include a teacher’s wish list. Plans have been made
to distribute vouchers to kids in need. We will use proceeds of the book fair that were
unspent last year.
• Notices and reminders have been put in Friday folders.
• The fair will feature an after school showcase on November 11th that will
include Tappers with Attitude.

Sally Foster, Doreen Rappaport

Total sales came to approximately $10,000 including $1,500 in online sales.
Online sales will be open through June 2009 and the PTA will be able to
receive credit. Orders will be delivered November 10th from 3-6pm.

Teacher Appreciation Lunch is being scheduled

Other Business

Lost and FoundA parent is working with Mr. Brinson on racks for the lost and
found items so they don’t end up in bins. The racks would be built by a SCES

2
 parent who has a woodshop and would cost $60 to $75 each (materials only).
Permission is sought from the PTA to purchase 2-3 racks for a cost up to $225.
The request is denied as fundraising targets have not been met and the cost is
unbudgeted. Ms. Swift offers to identify a solution from appropriate school
funds.

Welcome Back Social—It is agreed that $100 will be given to Mr. Baldwin to
thank him for his work.

Parent/Teacher ConferencesA guide in English and Spanish will be shared

with parents.

Minutes Prepared by Yasmina Mudarres – Recording Secretary