Sligo Creek PTA Meeting Minutes – June 1, 2010

In attendance:

Mary Deinlein Alice Vorosmarti

Karole Keane Jennifer Calvert
Andrew Schulman Caitlin Simpson
Cori Vanchieri Stacey Palovsky
Stuart Kern Karen Fitzgerald
Andrea Savoye Judy Ehrenstein
Rebecca Abrahams
Yasmina Mundarres
Jenn Lage

Ms. Swift’s Report/Anniversary Fund

The mobile computer lab has already been delivered to the school; it’s all set up and
ready for use. The cost of the lab is $10,884.

Based on her discussions with the staff, Ms. Swift identified the following needs for the
PTA to consider funding with the remainder of the 10 th Anniversary funds.

1st priority -- A to Z books reading line -- $699.50 (subscription; reading activities; in

French and English)

2nd priority -- Grade level magazines ($1800 in FI magazines, classroom resource;

$1800 for grade-level subscriptions, Time for Kids, National Geographic)

Additional LCD projector -- $550 (SCES has 2; 1 in the media center; used all the time;
the school could really use another)

Green celebrations -- $200 (every Monday AM, green banner celebrations for each
class in grade levels

Total of $5054.50

The members in attendance discussed the needs and whether the uses identified by
Ms. Swift would be in accordance with the funding requests that were made as part of
the 10-year anniversary campaign. PTA President Jennifer Lage moved to use the
remaining anniversary funds for the uses/needs identified by Ms. Swift; the motion was
approved by a unanimous vote of those in attendance

1
PTA Secretary Diane Kelleher moved to use any remaining funds to start a reserve fund
for the mobile lab in the event that repairs are needed after the three-year warranty
expires.

PTA Treasurer Suzanne Chartol was not at the meeting, but had prepared financial
statements and had made several notations about PTA funds which had not been
completely distributed this year. These include the mini-grant funds, staff
reimbursements, and the staff gift fund. The amounts of these funds, as well as how
they are communicated to staff, should be reviewed during the summer as the next
budget is prepared.

Academy Program in 2010-2011

Ms. Swift listed the number of classes in next year’s Academy program as follows --

2 classes -- K

3 classes -- 1st

5 classes -- 2nd grade

2 classes -- 3rd grade

1 classes -- 4th grade

2 classes -- 5th grade

The single class in 4th grade is a significant issue in terms of how on-grade and
advanced math are taught to Academy 4th graders. The projected size of the 4th grade
class is 22 or 23 students, of whom 12-15 need math acceleration. Reading is less of a
concern, as Ms. Swift believes that reading level differentiation can be accomplished
through small group instruction.

Some parents asked whether the 4th graders in FI could be combined with the Academy
4th graders for math. Ms. Swift indicated that she did not want to do that if she did not
have to. She explained the options that she is considering, which include shifting
around the math resource teacher, as well as the special education and ESOL teachers,
to provide the classroom instruction to academy 4th graders.

Another parent asked about having 4th graders go up to 5th grade. Ms. Swift explained
that the school had used this arrangement previously and had not found it satisfactory.
The difficulties included the following effects: it was hard to have math at the same
time; it complicated field trips; it was harder for students to develop relationships with
homeroom teachers; and students were moving all around the building throughout the
day.

2
Parents at the meeting reiterated their views that resolving the math issues for next
year’s single 4th grade Academy class would be much easier if both SCES and SSIMS
were given additional allocations. Jennifer Lage and Diane Kelleher said they would
work up a draft letter to submit to MCPS and the Board of Education, asking for these
additional resources and explain why they were so important for SCES.

Nominating Committee Report

The nominating committee presented the slate of officers for the 2010-2011 school
year. The nominees included:

Co-Preisdents – Diane Kelleher and Stuart Kern

Treasurer – Andrew Schulman

Secretary – Suzanne Chartol

VP for Events and Fundraising – Jennifer Calvert

VP for Communications and Operations – Andrea Savoye

VP for Academic Support – Alice Vorosmarti and Laura Foradori

The nominees were elected unanimously by voice vote.

Book Share

Judy Ehrenstein reported on the Book Share, which is scheduled for next week, June 9-
11, 2010. Any books can be donated; the last day for donations is June 9. There is a
particular need for chapter books.

Newsletter deadline

Last newsletter of the year – goes out Friday; deadline is June 2

End of the year party

The final end of the year party is scheduled for Friday, June 11 , from 6-8 pm. Persons
interested in attending to RSVP to Rob Gronda