Minutes of the November 12^th, 2014 meeting of

The 19^th Ward Community Association Schools Committee

Attendees: John Boutet, John Laing, Deb Leary, Dan Ross, Sarah Yaworski

Approval of October minutes

Approved

Spelling Bee - Deb Leary

Deb has weekly meetings with the fraternity brothers and they are working through the schedule that was laid out last spring. There hasn’t been any response from schools 29 and 44 as yet. Since John and John are in those schools they will help Deb get a response. The Scripp’s word lists have been circulated to the five schools. Practice sessions at the Arnett library will run from 10 to 11 on Saturday mornings beginning in January. There will be a sign-up sheet at convention for volunteers to help at the library.

Feedback from Rayleigh meeting

A group of concerned citizens has been looking at the educational results for Rayleigh NC, and this week representatives from Rayleigh came to Rochester to provide insight on their process to a broader audience. Thirty years ago they instituted busing to assure economic integration across the county, which has a single school district. They believe that all children can learn, and that the political and business leaders have to lead. The speakers were passionate about their schools and students. The Rochester group split into three groups to brainstorm ideas that could be done now and I will circulate these when they become available.

Feedback from suburban schools

Feedback from parent’s list of likes of their suburban schools included communication from teachers, administrators and parents, in particular weekly newsletters from the principal, enhancement programs such as art, music and intramural sports, and the school is quick to offer support (e.g. small group instruction) when kids struggle. The full list will be sent out separately.

A conversation from a Webster parent added that the school was welcoming both from a physical plant appearance and greetings from the staff and students.

Preparation for 19^th ward convention

We will have a table at the convention and will have signup sheets for three activities: volunteering in the schools, volunteering for the spelling bee sessions at the library, and a list of parents to participate in providing community feedback on the renovation of school 16. Debbie suggested that we have a “wish list” poster where people can write their desires for the renovated school 16. This will help communicate to folks that the re-opening is going to happen.

Next Meeting Wednesday, December 10^th at 7 pm in the 19^th ward association office. This meeting will include a discussion of charter schools.