Minutes of the October 14^th, 2015 meeting of

The 19^th Ward Community Association Schools Committee

Attendees: John Boutet, John Laing, Dan Ross, Jay Ross, Beverly Usher, Sarah Yaworski

Guest Ricky Frazier, RCSD Office of School Innovation

Approval of September minutes

Accepted

Ricky Frazier

Ricky provided an overview of his activities which include co-ordinating, mentoring and orienting volunteers, visiting schools and planning a spring time event to facilitate sharing of best practices. He would conduct background checks and one hour orientation sessions for volunteers we recruit. This could also apply to present volunteers who would like some refresher training. He provided information on the outreach programs of Asbury First church that includes tutoring students at school 41.

Spelling Bee

April 9^th has been selected as the date for the 7^th Annual Spelling Bee. The fraternity brothers have been asked to secure Hubbell Auditorium and Dean Burkett. The spelling words have been distributed to the five schools (10, 16, 19, 29 and 44) with coordinators Stacie Krezmer Barry, Joan Cowles, Margaret Brazwell, Lynn Paris and Leah Selvaggio respectively. The spelling words are attached. School co-ordinators have been asked to hold spelling bees in their schools to select their finalists in March. Involvement of the PTO’s would be welcome.

The executive committee requested that we look for areas in which to spend the funds that the 19wca has been granted. We focused on spending that could expand the number of participants at the schools, for example providing t-shirts and/or ribbons for participants at the school level, providing incentives for teachers to increase participation from their classes (e.g. gift certificates to a teacher supply company ), plants, etc.  John L agreed to develop a potential spend for these items and distribute to the committee.

School 44 status

Beverly reported on a trip to Albany to push for release of funds designated for school 44. Members were encouraged to contact assemblyman Gantt to lobby for his support. The PTO was working to get a meeting with Gantt. A PTO meeting was held last week with 11 attendees. The next PTO meeting is Nov 20^th in the morning.

School 16 Status

No news on the renovation. This year the entrance personnel have been changed. One of the guards was terminated, and this has had a negative effect on the welcome to the building. In the past you were welcomed by Tommie the guard and signed in at the main desk. Now you need to sign in at a window with a non-welcoming person sitting in the alcove. John L was to raise the issue with the principal.

Old/New Business

The article in City Newspaper on the 19^th ward incorrectly stated that school 10 was slated to be closed due to performance. Sarah agreed to write a letter to the paper to set the record straight.

Next Meeting Wednesday, November 11^th at 7 pm in the 19^th ward association office.