Pierce School PTO Minutes - November 14, 2007

Attendees: Katie Rae, Rhodinne Wang. Sandra Sicard, Lisa Goldblatt Grace, Ellen Rottersman, Pipier Smith-Mumford, Josh Frank, Nigel Costolloe, Mark Warren, Stacey Downey, Jeanine Dias, John Murphy, Eileen Regis, Jim Flemming, Charlie Walsh, Nicole Lapidus, Martha Huntley, Pauline Terebub, Chandlee Dickey

TERRIFIC KIDS

Congratulations to the co-ed volleyball team! They are champs! Thanks to all the efforts of the kids and to Coach Billy!

Co-Chair Report

   1. Dr. Lupini’s meeting:
         1. Override vote expected this spring to help defray the rising cost of fuel and healthcare.   The override will increase the taxes by more than the allowed 2.5%.  Last one was 12 years ago.  $8,000,000 is being considered.  This will help keep our schools functioning at the current level.
         2. Five year strategic plan is being written focusing on core values, philosophy and mission.  Parent involvement is solicited.  The current core values include high achievement for all students, excellent teachers, collaboration, respect of differences, and education equity.
   2. March 1:  Auction—major annual fundraiser
         1. Need more help the night of the event
         2. Major planning will occur after the holiday break
         3. Contact co-chairs if interested in helping
   3. Grant committee is forming to write grants to bring in more $$$.
         1. City of Boston has a website listing available grants
         2. Kim Barnum is heading up the committee
   4. Directory should be out by Thanksgiving
   5. Fund raising letter has been sent out. Hope to raise $20,000 from it.

Treasurer’s Report

   1. Performing arts:  $1000 for steel drum; $290 for Mother Goose; $290 for Mill Girls
   2. $875 for Math resource room including awards, posters, etc
   3. $11,025 for teacher’s gifts.  All teachers spend a lot of their own money getting supplies and decorating the rooms the way they want them.  This gift from the PTO helps to defray their out-of-pocket expenses.  Some items they buy include wipes, puzzles, games, whiteboards, book awards, supplies.

Principal’s Report

   1. International Pot-luck dinner was again successful.  Thanks to PTO for helping to support the entertainment from the Roxbury Center for the Performing Arts Dance Troupe to the Classical Indian Dancers, Hip Hop Dancers, and Irish Fiddlers.
   2. The Halloween Summer Homework assembly was terrific.  343 students were recognized for completing math and/or reading assignments.
   3. All 7th graders went to Farm School between Oct. 29-31st.
   4. Urban Improv completed their important work with the 5th graders helping them develop skills and vocabulary to cope with peer stressors.
   5. Parent Teacher conferences are underway.
   6. The PIT now has a chain up from 2pm-7:20am the following morning.  This occurred as there are now a lot of after school activities including tutoring which occur in the adjoining rooms and students were having trouble focusing due to the high level of noise.  In addition, there were safety concerns in the PIT.  Last year one child was injured.  The chain resulted as a last ditch effort to try to control both the noise level and safety issues during child pick up time. Several parents voiced concern as the chain came up suddenly and was a favorite social spot.  Parents may now congregate instead in the cafeteria.  It was acknowledged that it might have been better if there was notification of the coming chain.  If the situation at the PIT improves dramatically, in several months the issue could be revisited.  The staff’s primary concerns, however, are safety and noise.
   7. Homework.  The average time students spend on homework (in minutes) as reported in a survey to students is
         1. Grade 3= 42
         2. Grade 4= 56
         3. Grade 5=77
         4. Grade 6=126
         5. Grade 7=170
         6. Grade 8=108

      There are many services available to help kids with their homework.  Summer homework load was also discussed as the quantity or frequency may be higher than ideal.

   8. MCAS results:  Pierce students did well overall.  Scores in Math and English/Language Arts went up 3% (2nd highest increase in Brookline).  One area of focus in math is graph skills.  Science scores in many schools across town were  not as strong (test given in 5th and 8th grades).  There is a measurement tool,  “Testwiz”, which allows the school to track MCAS information in a variety of  ways.  We have focused on individual students so that if a student is declining or  not doing well, he/she can be identified and assisted.  MCAS testing is mandated  and now, with the help of Testwiz, it can be more helpful for staff and students.