Minutes of the January 14^th, 2015 meeting of

The 19^th Ward Community Association Schools Committee

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

Approval of December minutes

Approved

Spelling Bee update

Activities are on schedule. The fraternity brothers have Hubbell Auditorium for the event, and Paul Burchett will give a welcoming talk. It is coincidental that he has been in Rochester 50 years, since the 19^th wca has existed. Dana Miller will be the emcee. Arrangements for the bus still need to be made, and Debbie was to solicit the need from the schools. Due to the large number of family members last year, the lunch will be served in three shifts. Friends of the Library will provide cookies for the reception at the end of the spelling bee.

FREE status

The MOA between the school district and FREE has been terminated by the district and Bruce Pollock has been removed from his position as director, for reasons that are unknown at the present time. (At a coffee and conversation with Vargas Thursday morning (the 15^th) it was stated that the reason for the actions was the practice of tracking the hours of all volunteers in the schools, and using those numbers in grant proposals for FREE.) The district encouraged all organizations, including FREE to submit MOA applications. I submitted one for the 19^th WCA on December 23 (and received it for signature on Thursday the 15^th)

Schools 16 and 44 status/activities

Beverly has been appointed as Vice-President of the school 44 PTO. They have scheduled a meeting for Feb 4 at 7 pm, which will include a spaghetti dinner. Childcare will be available. St Mary’s church will support school 44 as well as Wade Norwood.

John B obtained 2 computers from U of R – one to the association office and one for Beverly.

There was support for maintaining K and 1 at school 44 for next year, and further until school 16 reopens. John L to write a letter to the Superintendent and the board president with this request.

New Business

Debbie started volunteering this week at school 16. Sarah recommended the Calvin and Hobbes books for older learners, as they kids like them.

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