Minutes of the January 9^th, 2018 meeting of

The 19^th Ward Community Association Schools Committee

Attendees: Dan Ross, Jay Ross, John Laing, John Boutet, and Sarah Yaworski

December minutes

Approved

Spelling Bee Status

Unfortunately Hoyt Hall was not available for the Spelling Bee on April 14. Hoyt Hall was available either April 7 or April 21. Since April 7 is the end of the RCSD winter break we settled on April 21, 2018 as the date for the 8^th annual 19^th Ward Spelling Bee. Saturday study sessions at the Arnett library began January 6^th. Due to the frigid temperature and the school closing on Friday the 5^th no children showed up. Charlotte and Douglas Giebel have volunteered to co-ordinate the Saturday sessions. Antonio made up some crossword puzzles, which may be fun for the kids and will help them learn the meanings of words. Bruce Tehan prepared a binder of the rules and word lists, accompanied with a dictionary, for the volunteers at the library.

School 16 Renovation schedule

Mike Schmidt confirmed that the schedule is for an August 2018 completion of the renovation. There is signage on the fence facing Aberdeen Square stating that the renovation for school 16 is part of the RCSD Facilities Modernization plan.

School 16 Position Paper

School 16 is holding their project fair on March 22 from 6 to 7:30. The 19^th Ward Community Association will have a table. We can show the artists renderings of the renovation and also a map of the 19^th ward where attendees can place a sticker or marker to mark their home. This will give us some sense children living in the neighborhood.

Dan shared the position paper with Don Pryor of the Great Schools for All (GS4A) group. Don had some comments which Dan will incorporate and then send to the GS4A group. John L sent a copy to the Superintendent for consideration into the Path Forward initiative.

Old/New Business

Dan and Jay reported that Mary Adams had resigned from the school Board. She has been a strong advocate for 19^th ward schools and we expressed thanks for her support over the years.

The next meeting will be Tuesday February 6^th at 7 pm in the 19^th Ward Community Association office.

Submitted by John Laing