February Meeting Recap

The meeting was called to order at 5:02 p.m.  One parent representative was absent from the meeting.

Meeting minutes from January were approved (now posted on this blog).

Reports:
Jennifer Hatfield delivered the PTA president's report.  Ms. Hatfield indicated that Science Night was a success.  Upcoming PTA events include the consignment sale, Black History Month presentation, and Spirit Night at Coco Cabana. In addition, the PTA is seeking committee volunteers and nominations for next year's executive board.

Angie Claussen provided the Evansdale Education Foundation report.  The Foundation is accepting nominations for next year's board.  The spring Foundation fundraiser, Red, Hot, & Blue, will occur on March 23rd at the Greater Good BBQ.

Dr. McGuire provided the Principal's report.  He indicated that Ms. Reyes, the parapro from preK, was transferred to another school within DeKalb County to a kindergarten parapro position.  A substitute is currently helping in the preK classroom.  A substitute will remain in the classroom until a new parapro is hired for the position.  Anyone interested is encouraged to apply.  Enrollment and allotment updates were not available but will be emailed when available.

Unfinished Business:
Magnet Proposal - Word was received shortly before today's meeting that the proposal was approved as submitted.  Discussion focused on constructing a question and answer document to accompany the formal letter that Dr. McGuire will distribute on Friday.  The goal is to make the process and implications as transparent as possible for the Evansdale community.

STEM update - The information provided by DCSD regarding support for Evansdale's STEM certification was reviewed.  Nearly $27,000 will be provided by DCSD for technology and curriculum updates.  Additional funds will be provided for professional development for teachers.  The kickoff meeting for the STEM certification process is February 26th and more information will be available following this meeting.

Student Safety - Dr. McGuire reviewed the new security procedures started at the school.

New Business:
Angie Claussen presented on Engagement of International Families.  Obstacles specific to international families were detailed and ideas for better assimilation were explored.

Greta Massetti presented on Parental Involvement.  She recommended a subcommittee undertake identification of specific areas of intervention that could improve involvement.  In addition, issues more specific to international families will also be examined by this subcommittee.

Both Angie and Greta will again speak at the March School Council meeting.

The agenda for the March meeting was drafted.  In addition to standard reports, a STEM update, and additional discussion of parental involvement, discussion of foreign language offerings at Evansdale will be discussed under New Business.