Neighborhood Notes

King School PTA Meeting Summary

October 2, 2008

Introductions of those in attendance.

Marlys Mock provided the presidents report and LaDrena Rhodes provided the principals report.

Student directory

Some participants expressed concern about misuse or abuse of student's personal information. One meeting participant suggested selling advertising (Winterhaven's directory was distributed as a sample). Some suggestions included:

• Give more time for parents to opt out (original opt out date was Oct. 1)
• Ask parents to sign for a directory at the office
• Add a disclaimer in the directory that indicates it's use to avoid telemarketers or others from using the information in a negative way

Before school care

The group discussed options for before school care. The group agreed to increase the knowledge and awareness of the YMCA's before school program to care for kids (begins at 6:00 a.m.). Teachers will also provide this information to kids without morning care. The group will discuss again on progress at the next meeting.

Mission Statement

Suggestions included the following words/phrases:

Learning, inclusion, diversity, multicultural, connecting the community for excellence, IB, sustaining IB, using an acronym; use the state's PTA mission statement adding language for King.

Joy asked that the mission statement reflect the new IB program at King School. The PTA will draft several options for the group to discuss at the next meeting.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Joy Williams provided an overview of the upcoming events and programs. The program needs childcare volunteers for a free money management seminar on Thursday, October 23 from 6:30-7:30. The PTA also committed to help to serve food at the World Event on March 5, 2009. Joy can be reached at joywilliams@pps.k12.or.us or by calling 916-6155. Joy may also invite families from other schools to attend these events.

LaDrena indicated that a translator is available to translate school materials.

Standing Committees

Members distributed sign-up sheets for membership, fundraising, community outreach and parent/community involvement. A meeting attendee suggested these groups meet for 15 minutes (taking up part of the PTA agenda) or to meet 15 minutes prior to the regular start of the meetings. These groups will report back to the larger group.

Sylvia - Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN)

Sylvia said there are grants available through NECN, as well as partnerships for affordable mailings to parents.  NECN also provides programs that support neighborhood livability. NECN and members of King School are currently working on a project on the King School courtyard. Sylvia indicated that NECN could help coordinate and securing a project with Friends of Trees (to replace the missing street trees). She also said that the NECN grants could help pay for a school reader board/marquee.

Adjourn