Minutes of meeting of 19th WCA Schools Committee

4 April 2023

Dr. Phyllis Moss convened the meeting by Zoom at 7:00 p.m.
Present: John Boutet, Douglas Giebel, Lee Loomis, Dr. Phyllis Moss, Sarah Yaworsky
Spelling Bee: Douglas reported that preparations are in place for the Spelling Bee to be held on Saturday, April 8 at 2 p.m. in Wegman Auditorium, Wegman Hall at the University of Rochester. The Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity has arranged for a pizza lunch for the families involved beginning at noon followed by recreational activities and an informal tour of the campus. George Larkin will give a short introductory speech at the opening of the bee. He is a former RCSD principal who is eager to interest more students in the opportunity to attend either the U of R or RIT with free tuition if they can graduate from a City school with a B+ average and gain admittance.

Tutoring: Lee Loomis reported that Charlotte Giebel has joined to tutor weekly for Mrs. Goode’s second graders at School 10 along with the team of four engineers from the Engineering Association who are also working at School 10 on a four-week rotation. Phyllis reported she has written an article for the 19th WCA regarding the need for more tutors for School 16. Volunteers for tutoring at School 16 can sign-up at this link:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GAkiWsqszJx4DIN2Fo2nhV0WZHG4ENr...
John Boutet mentioned the possibility of hiring Wilson Magnet High School students to tutor younger students from the Rochester Public Schools needing academic help. Sarah mentioned that our legislators may have funding sources that could be tapping to help in this regard. She also indicated the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, recreational centers and churches which may have such programs in place that could assisting the hiring of individual for summer tutoring programs.

The Commission on Race and Structural Equity (RACE): Phyllis mentioned she has filled out forms to continue participation with this commission. She indicated her concerns about too much in-fighting within the group, but would like us to consider our future working with them. She indicated that if our work can dovetail with their program, it would be wonderful.

Next Meeting: Our next meeting is planned for Tuesday, 2 May 2023 at 7:00pm.

Adjourment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Douglas Giebe