Stratford School PTA Meeting Report January 26, 2010 I. Director, Liz McQuaid opened the meeting with welcoming comments and thanks to all for attending, overview of speakers and agenda of meeting. At the close of the meeting Liz reminded everyone that the budget process is underway, it is helpful to attend work sessions. Stratford and Steward Schools are planning a “No TV Week” for 4/19-25. II. Guest Speaker, Ms. Marian Haberman – Acct Mgr LI Blood Services, Division of NY Blood Centers. Presentation on “Little Doctors Blood Drive” During the first week of February, the 5th grade will see a presentation on the Circulatory system and will then go home to recruit volunteers for the Blood Drive. It will be held Wednesday, February 24th. III. Principal’s Report - Ms. Diane Hopkins - Children are fully engaged in the character trait of the month – Bravery. The book of the month is “Stephanie’s Ponytail”. The manner of the month is to “Stand up for each other” - The Student Council sponsored a coat drive for NY Cares and collected many gently used coats. - A detailed email blast will be sent home about a school wide collection for Haiti Relief. Items requested are school and medical supplies - Recap of events going on the school: Grade 3 , 1/13 presentation of Kids on the Block Grade 5, 1/19 presentation of Internet Safety NY Islanders Mascot “Squawky” visited to promote teamwork Grade 5 , 1/27 6th grade orientation at the MS All grades 2/8-12 – Random Acts of Kindness week Book Swap – 2/9 Open Airways Workshop – 2/9 Grade 4 – Steer Clear of Bullies begins end Feb Cornell Cooperative Extension presentation on Healthy Eating to Grade 2 on 3/2 and Grade 4 on 3/3 In October, grades 3 and 5 took the CogATs, which are comprised of a series of subtests that assess verbal, quantitative and non – verbal skills. Verbal Skills – these abilities are important when developing reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Quantitative Skills – are a set of skills significant to problem solving in general, not just math i.e.: quantitative relations, number series and equation building. Non-Verbal Skills – are designed to appraise general cognitive skills. An example of questions would be figure classification, figure analogies and figure analysis. These tests are scored three ways: SAS – Standard Age Score- national mean of 100 compared to other children in the group Percent Rank – did better than x% of children who took test Stanine Scales – 1-2-3 lower/ 4-5-6 middle/ 7-8-9 high Stratford Student’s composite scores were Grade 3 –111 and Grade 5- 114 The tests are given in October and scores are rec’d back in 4-6 weeks. The CogATs are a district test and not a state assessment. The scores are used to determine eligibility for Quest (gifted program) . The criteria has become more inclusive with a score of 130 needed. Usually 10% of the grade is accepted (12-13 students). Grades 4 and 5 use ELA and state assessments for eligibility for gifted program. For more info you can log onto http://riverpub.com/products/group/cogat6/anotetoparents.jsp. You need to use the profile # found on your child’s scores and can generate a report on your child based on his/her profile. IV. Presentation on Balanced Literacy Program, 2nd Grade Teacher representatives Mrs. Albig, Ms. Mathers Ms. Albig and Ms. Mathers explained that balanced literacy is a balance that includes all the areas of the English Language Arts. It involves a range of literacy activities, carefully selected materials for each activity and a responsive teacher who knows how to tailor it to the specific needs of the students. They use a wheel format divided into 2 sections, Reading and Writing with hi and low teacher support sections. Components of Stratford word study program are as follows: Day 1 – introduce new principle, create a core list, choose and build words Day 2 – look – say – cover – write and check Day 3 – buddy check – give each other a spelling pre-test Day 4- making connections, root, ending of words etc. Day 5 – buddy assessment – test each other. Ms. Erica Pecorale is a District Consultant working with 3rd, 4th and 5th grades to implement this program going forward to the upper grades. V. Stratford Teacher Rep - Ms. Eileen Hoey Grade 2 - working on reading program and Penguin project. Grade 3- visited Safety Town, working on research projects, multiplication, cursive writing and reading non-fiction and historical fiction genres. Grade 4 – had an in-school field trip on colonial times, crafts and family life. It was aligned to the Social Studies curriculum. Grade 5 – the play will be “Annie”. There will a FOCUS trip to a DNA Lab in Cold Spring Harbor in late Feb or Early March. Just completed Project Pride with Officer Rich Pedone discussing alcohol and drug abuse. Working on Pod casts about their favorite books. Looking forward to MS Buddy Day in March. IV. Ballots Distributed and Collected for PTA issues for Nominating Committee and Stratford School Grant. V. Stratford Nurse – Mrs. Kathy Moriarty Requested that parents provide more details of illness when child is out sick. VI. Committee Reports Arts in Ed – Jody Treanor -Interesting programs are planned each month. Some highlights are; History Alive, Abe Lincoln, and a Broadway theme show. Chess Club – Patty Nessler - We have had a good volunteer turnout. It is a great program and a good way to interact with your child during the day. You do not need to know how to play chess. Communications – Effie Campbell -They will be taking photos at different events at Stratford which will be posted on the website. Curriculum - Margo Padala -Working on Balanced Literacy Program, Grade 3 – 5 working on spelling workbooks. Math follows NY State Curriculum. On the PTA website, there is a Curriculum Page, for each school and you can contact reps with your concerns. Updates on Quest, there are 14 children in the 4th grade and 13 in the 5th grade involved in the program. Health & Safety – Jennifer Sullivan - Presentation “Parent Equation”, Thursday 2/25 in the HS Library Reflections; - Kristin Cappello -Theme is “Beauty Is…” Winners have been selected and notified, the awards will be given out April 15th. Library/Book Fair – Christine Bernhard - no news to report Book Swap – Susanne McGannon/Jacee Polo-Book Swap will be held 2/9 and 2/10, flyers will go home with children and a sign up sheet is available for parent volunteers. Membership – Robin Coyle -If you have supported the PTA membership drive and have not received your cards yet, please email your full name, your child’s name and the teacher’s name to CJDREW@OPTONLINE.NET so they can be forwarded to you through your child’s backpack. PTA Dinner – Tina Palmer -Save the Date – March 18th, 6:30 PM at Inn at New Hyde Park. A flyer and email will go out shortly with all details. Everyone will receive a gift certificate for a pedicure and manicure from Salon Beyond, valued at $40.00. It will be a sit-down dinner and the tables will accommodate 10 guests. Those who wish to sit together must submit their checks together. We will seat smaller groups accordingly. There is an increase in the valet staff for parking, but it will be helpful to car pool. Site Based – Maria Arianas -Working on creating a school wide initiative to build upon the Bucket fillers idea, i.e.; Stratford students are Bucket fillers to our community. Students will make crafts during winter months to give to various members/organizations in our community like daycare/nursery schools, businesses, nursing homes, hospitals to signify how Stratford Bucket fillers show kindness, friendship, respect in our community and help these behaviors grow within the community. Parent volunteers are needed to assist with the crafts; a sign up sheet is available at the meeting. Photography – Vicki Curtin - no news to report Teacher/Staff Luncheon – Beverly Hegarty - This year’s theme will be Mardi Gras. The date is May 4th. Volunteers are needed for drinks/desserts/supplies. Sign up sheets will be passed around at the PTA meetings. Plant Sale – Sandy Zander-. Order forms will be available in March and the pick up date is May 7th.. Sportswear – Ali Molgano - no news to report VII. Meeting was adjourned at 11:00 AM.
Stratford School PTA Meeting Report
November 12, 2009 I. Director, Liz McQuaid opened up the meeting with the following highlights: -Welcoming comments and thanks to all for attending. Thanks to Hospitality committee for refreshments. -A kid’s table has been added next to the refreshments table with crayons, paper etc. to help keep children busy during the meeting - Introduced Stop & Shop A+ Bonus Bucks Program. Starting 11/6 thru 3/25 Stratford Ave School will have the opportunity to earn cash thru this program. Each time you use your Stop & Shop card, cash will be awarded to the school. Directions will be sent home in the backpacks and are also available on the website. - Overview of Speakers and agenda of meeting II. Stratford PTA Teacher Rep – Mrs. Eileen Hoey - Highlights of what each grade is currently working on - 2nd Grade – balanced literacy, read aloud and shared reading. Trip to Sands Willets House. Mather’s are working on letters, the Moran’s have a class travel book, the Niccolini’s are studying animal adaptations and the Fisher-Fogel’s are going green with a sneaker-recycling program. - 3rd Grade – daily edits, grammar and discussing community service - 4th Grade – Congratulations to Mrs. Torina and Mrs. Santeramo and welcome to their new babies, a girl and boy respectively. The children are studying animal adaptations, Native Americans, reading and writing strategies. - 5th Grade – There was a Focus Trip to Old Brookville at the Boces Sight called “Project Adventure”. The class worked in teams with Stewart School and worked together with hands on problem solving challenges. They are also working on writing skills and preparing for the Social Studies Assessment. III. Stratford Nurse – Mrs. Kathy Moriarty -Flu – there are fewer absentees than in the spring. Info about the flu and H1N1 virus is available on the Nurse’s Corner and Main Page of the website. - They are seeing many headaches, but not lasting long. - No notification will be sent home to classrooms with a case of flu - Lice – only class that has lice will receive notification - Walgreen’s has flu vaccines for adults; pre registration is required - Procedures are in place to remind children to wash hands before snack and lunch. IV. Principal’s Report – Ms. Diane Hopkins- The Book Fair was a wonderful opportunity for the children to purchase great literature. Thank you to Mrs. Donovan for all of her hard work. - The Student Council presented over 300 toys to the Marines as a contribution for the Toys for Tots program. Thanksgiving Food Drive has begun. - 5th Grade Opera Trip to the Metropolitan Opera House to see “The Damnation of Faust.” - The Islanders Hockey Team visited the school; grades 2-3-4 on Literacy Day Members of the team read stories and signed autographs for the children in support of Literacy. - School Social Worker Ms. Michelle Delgati led Red Ribbon Week, This event targets young people to say no to drugs. The children plant tulip bulbs as a symbol of hope. - There was a Traffic and Safety AAA presentation to grades 2- 5 regarding passenger and pedestrian safety. It was very well received and we plan to have it again. -5th Graders are working on the Social Studies Assessment 11/16 and 17th. Also on the 18-19-20th, the Middle School Foreign Language Teachers will give the children mini lessons in each language offered in the MS. - 2nd Graders are working on their Thanksgiving Program, the performances will be at 9:00 and 10:00 AM on 11/25. - Visiting author, Jerry Pallotta will be at Stratford on 11/30 to visit grades 2-5. The school has purchase some of his books for the classroom, “The Skull Alphabet” and “Math = Fun” are two of the selections. - The Winter Concert will be held at the HS on 12/3 at 7:30 PM. All the Stratford Orchestra, Band and Chorus students will perform. - The children are very engrossed in the “Be a Bucket Filler “ program. Each child has received a purple bracelet to wear on Fridays. December’s character trait will be Respect and the book that relates to the theme is “Do Onto Otters”. -Introduced the Mental Health Staff; School Social Worker Ms. Michelle Degati and the School Psychologists; Mrs. Berenbroick and Dr. Tornincaso to discuss the Social and Emotional Learning Initiative that was introduced at the Joint PTA Principal’s Forum. V. Guest Speakers, Mental Health Staff, Ms. Michelle Degati, Mrs. Berenbroick and Dr. Tornincaso. They spoke on the subject of the Social and Emotional Learning Initiative. Dr. Gina Tornincaso, School Psychologist spoke first. The Social and Emotional Learning Initiative or SEL is the process for acquiring skills needed for social development. It is the process where children and adults develop essential social and emotional skills, knowledge and attitudes related to; self awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. SEL improves academic outcomes as well as attitudes, behavior and emotional distress. Teachers will be the primary program givers. At Stratford, there will be a positive behavior support team, social skills group counseling, in class presentations and assemblies as well as school wide activities. Ms. Michelle Degati, School Social Worker spoke next about the character education book of the month, which will help promote the theme of the month. Some examples are the Bucket Filler Initiatives and Red Ribbon Week. She also explained how the district is considering “Second Step” a SEL program. They are exploring the use of this curriculum in our 2nd Grade classes this year and possibly implementing the program school wide in the future. Second Step teaches skills in 3 general areas, empathy, impulse control and problem solving and emotion /anger management. Taught by teaches, each unit covers one of these areas. Mrs. Jessica Berenbroick, School Psychologist, spoke last. She discussed how there are 15-20 lessons in the Second Step program. The lessons include stories and discussions, role-playing, skill practice and other activities. There also will be a Parent Component involved with this initiative. V. Committee Reports Arts in Ed – Jody Treanor - The History Alive presentation went very well. Looking to replace the visiting poet, Ms. Susan Astor who retired. There will be additional interesting programs each month. Book Swap – Susanne McGannon - This year Stratford’s Book Swap is scheduled for February 9th and 10th. It’s a great opportunity to freshen up your home library and get rid of some clutter. For every gently used book your child brings in, he/she will get a coupon to select a book at the swap. The swap takes place in the cafeteria during lunch periods. They are looking for volunteers to set-up and sort books prior to the swap and to help the children choose their books. Sign up sheets will be available at the January PTA Meeting. Chess Club – Patty Nessler - Volunteers are need, scheduling is very flexible. It is a great way to interact with your child during the day. You do not need to know how to play chess. Communications – Effie Campbell - They will be taking photos at different events at Stratford which will be posted on the website. Curriculum – Kim Baker -The committee has met with Dr. Prendergast and the topics under discussion are: Writing: the focus of the writing program, Write Traits. Focus on Research and non-fiction writing. ERB scores. Spanish – FLES program and changes made to 6th grade curriculum. Summer Math packets Character Development – Have You Filled a Bucket Today? FOCUS – Fifth Grade, Outdoor Education, Community, Unity Service (the program which replaced Colebrook) Technology integration. Health & Safety - Jennifer Sullivan -On October 27th, guest speaker Ashley Merriman discussed the book “Nurture Shock.” It was a very informative and interesting night; the book is available at the Library. - Stratford is collecting Box Tops for Education, Bev Acinapuro is working with Miss Nicolini and they are looking for volunteers to help with the program. -Cafeteria is in need of Saltines for children who forget their lunch. Library/Book Fair – Christine Bernhard -Thank you to all volunteers who helped to make the Book Fair possible. Membership – Robin Coyle - Thank you to all the people who supported the PTA Membership drive and thanks also to all the class parents/grade representatives for all their hard work, help and dedication. PTA Dinner – Tina Palmer -Save the Date – March 8th, 6:30 PM at the New Hyde Park Inn. Sign up sheets was passed around for volunteers. Photography – Vicki Curtin - The photo make-up day on 11/6 went smoothly and pictures will be received by Thanksgiving. Plant Sale – Sandy Zander- The plant sale pick up date is May 7th and they will have more information when we meet in February. Reflections - Tina Ottomanelli -Entries have been submitted and winners will be notified after the Holidays. Site Based – Maria Arianas -They had their first meeting and 2 main agenda ideas were discussed; the 5th Grade FOCUS Program and brainstorming a school wide initiative to build upon the “Have You Filled Your Bucket Today” theme. The FOCUS program is off to a great start and had a big Kick-Off event at the Middle School. To date, they have been on a fishing trip out of Freeport and Project Adventure in Brookville. Several other trips are planned over the rest of the year. By the time the Pool Party rolls around the Stratford and Stewart 5th graders will have had many opportunities to get to know each other. Also discussed ways to build on the Bucket Fillers idea. They came up with a concept of Stratford students being Bucket Fillers to our community. There will be a school wide effort to do grade specific crafts to give to various members, organizations in our community. i.e.; day care/nursery schools, businesses, nursing homes, hospitals. Crafts would be made sometime during the late winter months during recess. They will be asking for parent volunteers to assist. They will have more info after the next meeting to be held the first week of December. Teacher/Staff Luncheon – Beverly Hegarty - This years theme will be Mardi Gras, date is May 4th. Sign up sheets were passed at this meeting and will be available at the next few meetings. Sportswear – Ali Molgano - The pick up date is Saturday 11/21 in the HS Cafeteria from 12;30 to 4:30 pm. There will be an email blast reminder h/ever there will not be a phone call reminder. Orders not picker up will be donated back to PTA/SEPTA for re-sale. VI. Meeting was adjourned at approx. 10:45 AM
Stratford School PTA Meeting Report
September 24, 2009
I. Director, Liz McQuaid opened up the meeting with the following highlights: -Welcoming comments and thanks to all for attending. Thanks to Hospitality committee for refreshments. -Encourage membership to use the PTA Website in an effort to “Go Green “ and have easy access to a great deal of classroom and PTA info. -Reminded parents of the safety rules when dropping children off at the Kildare Road entrance to the school - Overview of Speakers and agenda of meeting II. Guest Speaker, Dr. Robert Feirsen, Schools Superintendent spoke on the subject of the Facilities Bond Referendum -Explained that a committee was formed with members of the community to visit all 9 buildings (7 schools/ 1bus garage /1 admin building) to insure that the structures are sound. -Viewed video highlighting the items that need repair in the 9 buildings -Most repairs needed are to bring the buildings up to code to comply with fire and safety issues, access for the disabled and adequate spaces to learn. -Date to Vote is October 27th at the HS from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM -Stratford School issues that need repair are masonry; ventilation and most doors do not meet code. -The projected amount is $36.5 million -There are two ways to fund repairs, Raise taxes – which is extremely costly Bond – which spreads cost over a period of time. - The Schools will also use Energy Performance Contracts with “Green Initiatives” to save costs - Some Projects will be funded thru the School Budget (1.3 million) - Will apply for reimbursement from the State (1.5 million) - School has requested past bonds in the 1960’s and again in 1990’s most school districts request bonds every 10-15years. - Additional meetings will be held to review and ask questions about this Bond Referendum - Sept 29th at the HS sponsored by the POA - Oct 8th at the HS sponsored by the PTA III. Committee Reports Arts in Ed – Jody Treanor -This will be an exciting year with interesting programs each month. Some highlights are; History Alive, Abe Lincoln, and a Broadway theme show. Chess Club – Patty Nessler - Will begin after the book fair. Volunteers are needed, scheduling is very flexible. It is a great way to interact with your child during the day. You do not need to know how to play chess. Communications – Effie Campbell -They will be taking photos at different events at Stratford which will be posted on the website. Curriculum - Margo Padala -Committee is waiting to meet with Ms.Hopkins. They will also help to direct concerns to the correct personnel. Health & Safety – Maura Liberopolous -Save the Date, October 27 a guest speaker will discuss the book “Nurture Shock”, hopes to be a great parenting study night. -Supporting parents concern over safety of children who are now walking to school and crossing Nassau Blvd and will closely follow county and state meetings on this issue. -Will post updates regarding the Swine Flu on the website. Reflections; - Kristin Cappello -Theme is “Beauty Is…” great way for students to express their talent Entries are due 10/29, rules and forms are available on the website Library/Book Fair – Christine Bernhard -Volunteers are needed to help shelve books, volunteer forms were sent home with children. Schedules are flexible Membership – Robin Coyle -Thanks for supporting membership; a tremendous response was received at Back to School Night. It’s not too late to join and help support many school activities. PTA Dinner – Tina Palmer -Save the Date – March 8th, 6:30 PM at the New Hyde Park Inn. Sign up sheets will be available at the next meeting Site Based – Maria Arianas -Waiting on Kick Off Meeting, more info to follow at next meeting. Photography – Vicki Curtin - Thanked all who helped make the two-day photo session run smoothly. - Photo make-up day will be 11/6. Teacher/Staff Luncheon – Beverly Hegarty - This year’s theme will be Mardi Gras. The date is May 4th. Volunteers are needed for drinks/desserts/supplies. Sign up sheets will be passed around at the PTA meetings. Plant Sale – Sandy Zander- Will have more details after the Holidays. Order forms will be available in March and the pick up date is May 7th.. Sportswear – Ali Molgano - Merchandise orders are due by 10/16 and the pick up date is 11/21. Merchandise is from Sport Loft. There will be no reminder phone calls and leftover items will be donated to Septa/PTA. IV. Stratford Nurse – Mrs. Kathy Moriarty -Physicals are required for grades 2 and 4, for grades 3 and 5 please forward copies of any new vaccines for updating. Copies of dental reports are requested but not mandated by the state as yet. - If your child needs medication, please follow directions on the form. - Do not send sick children into school, Stratford has many immune suppressed children who are at risk. - Encourage hand washing and coughing into your sleeve - Speak with your Dr. concerning the Swine Flu Vaccine. - Head Lice – some classes are already affected - Multiple food allergies in the school, please encourage healthy snacks and try to get away from food as rewards. - All medical forms are available on the website. - New school wide early morning program of 5 minutes of exercise has begun in each classroom and has been met with great enthusiasm. - A second nurse, Mrs. Susan Donnelly works part time in the Nurse’s office. V. Stratford PTA Teacher Rep – Mrs. Eileen Hoey - Update on what each grades is working on this month. 2nd Grade – addition and multiplication 3rd Grade – fiction and non-fiction reading 4th Grade – Intro in to math skills and reading comprehension 5th Grade – Focus Project – series of field trips, first trip on a boat in Freeport to study Marine Biology was a great success. VI. Principal’s Report – Ms. Diane Hopkins- Very smooth opening to the school year, there are 694 students, 30 classes 7 classes each for 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 8 classes for 4th grade. -We have a comprehensive character development program, adding to the book and character trait of the month will be the theme of the book, ”Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” - Continuing the Bullying program in 4th grade and introducing it in 3rd grade. - Although Arts in Ed visiting poet Susan Astor, has retired, we will still have a very strong program this year. - 5th Grade Focus – will be a wonderful program, Marine Biology Class and boat trip in Freeport was a great success. We realize the first year will be a work in progress. - Both Stratford and Steward 5th grade classes met at the Middle School for a Kick-Off to the Focus Program. VII. Vice Principal’s Report – Ms. Janet Gonzalez- Power Point Presentation on Character Development Plan based on book, “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” The purpose is to generate enthusiasm and positive social skills. - There will be different books introduced throughout the year, school wide assemblies, and positive behavior expectations, class buckets. ‘ - There will be a special bucket filler action for each month - Special events each month ie; Red Ribbon Week, Food Drives, Art Projects. - Link on Ms. Hopkins page to read book and info on program. VIII. Meeting was adjourned at 10:45 AM
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