Minutes of the December 5^th, 2017 meeting of

The 19^th Ward Community Association Schools Committee

Attendees: Dan Ross, Jay Ross, John Laing, Jacob Wheeler, Antonio Alvarado, and Joe Baldino

November minutes

Approved

Spelling Bee Status

Antonio and Jacob are the fraternity reps for this year’s Spelling Bee. We agreed to hold the Bee on April 14. They will arrange for Hoyt Hall and contact Vice President Paul Burgett. Saturday study sessions at the Arnett library will begin in January and run from 10 to 11. Antonio and Jacob will review the lessons learned from past years to see how we can improve this year. I am to send them the word lists so they can review them and potentially make up some crossword puzzles, which may be fun for the kids.

School 16 Recruitment Proposal

Joe Baldino, principal at school 29 provided feedback on the school 16 proposal. He supports the concept of neighborhood schools, and the role that busing plays in “encouraging “ people to send their children to a school far away. The presentation needs to have a discussion of solutions for the busing, such as a preschool program starting at 8, having extended day and some after school program available. This would provide wrap around care for the parents whose workday is not compatible with a short school day for their children. Following some additions to reflect these comments, Dan will contact Mary and I’ll talk to Liz Hallmark about next steps.

School 16 Renovation schedule

I was to contact Allen Williams and Mike Schmidt concerning the schedule.

Old/New Business

We reviewed a proposal from Jamie Collins at Wilson High School for a Listening Post program. It involves people from the neighborhood sitting in the school cafeteria at lunch periods and engaging with students. We decided to pass it on to delegates’ council as they have a broader reach for recruiting people.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be Tuesday January 9^th at 7 pm in the 19^th Ward Community Association office.

Submitted by John Laing