19th WCA Schools Committee Meeting
May 3, 2022

The May meeting was held by Zoom beginning at 7:00 p.m. on May 3.

Present: John Boutet, Jane Braband, Charlotte Giebel, Douglas Giebel, Phyllis Moss, Jay and Dan Ross, Sarah Yaworski

1. Spelling Bee: Doug reported that we are still awaiting information about the promised grant of $10,000 which we heard was coming for the Spelling Bee from the Monroe County Legislature. It would be particularly helpful for the payment of the scholarships promised by the Rochester Area Community Foundation. Dan Ross offered to check minutes of the legislature and with staff to see what he can learn about this.

2. Phyllis Moss wondered what additional activities could be arranged to make the Spelling Bee a more than once-a-year event. We will be thinking about that.

3. Since there are a number of organizations meeting to try to assist the Rochester schools, Phyllis Moss arranged with John Boutet to divide them up so that our committee knows what is being discussed without having to attend the meetings of all the groups.

4. Our committee is particularly interested in helping with tutoring and disappointed that it has been so difficult to make it happen. Various ideas were raised:

• • follow through on the project of recording the reading of books which could be available on YouTube for students,

  • Phyllis will check with Lee Loomis about his tutoring efforts

  • reach out directly to parents to offer to help with reading skills or other tutoring

5. Demographics of the 19th Ward: Phyllis wonders if knowing the educational
   status of local families would help with understanding the needs of the children. She may be able to find information from a realtor friend.

6. Local busing: John Boutet may have more information on the status of this by next month.

The meeting adjourned about 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Charlotte Giebel