Weber HSA Meeting Minutes, Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Weber HSA Meeting Minutes, Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Weber HSA Meeting Minutes, Wednesday, November 13, 2010

Weber HSA Meeting Minutes, Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Weber HSA Meeting Minutes, Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Weber HSA Meeting Minutes, Wednesday, May 11, 2011

WEBER HSA Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 22nd, 8:45am, Weber Library

1. Welcome

Emily Beys, Senior Co-President introduced herself and the executive board. 2010-2011 Executive Board consists of the following members:
a. Senior Co-President Emily Beys
b. Junior Co-President Mariann Dalimonte
c. VP Membership Mary Alice Kohs
d. VP Communication Cathy Adelhardt
e. VP Recording Valerie Taylor
f. VP Corresponding Dorothy Rule
g. Treasurer Diana Lupoli
h. President Emeritus Karen Sambursky
i. Member-at-Large Chris Jenkinson & Paula Whitman

2. HSA Business

- Theme for the year is Active Parenting: What is the proper balance of involvement?
- Minutes from the June 3, 2010 Meeting were approved
- Budget not available for this meeting but will be available for the next one
- Last year the HSA spent approximately $17,000 on 4 Smartboards. The HSA is considering doing it again this year

3. Weber Principal Marilyn Rodahan introduced

-Red House assistant principal: Bob Kaufold is the assistant principal who we are grateful is covering for Marie Dubie who is out on leave.
-Green & Blue 6 House assistant principal: Mr. Swinson
-Yellow House assistant principal: Ms. Javeline
• Each year a charity is adopted and this year’s charity of the year is Autism Speaks.
-idea stemmed from a visit to RED 6 Crimson Café where Ms. Rodahan learned that 50 Weber students had been volunteering to help children with autism
-last year’s charity was Habitat for Humanity. Students made birdhouses to sell. $10,000 was raised
-Weber students Daniel and Ariana spoke briefly about their mission to raise $500 for their team for the October 3rd Walk for Autism. All are welcome to join and encouraged to wear blue. The students sold “puzzle pieces” for $1.00 to all meeting attendees who were interested.
• Sign-Up Sheets for Active Parenting Workshops and Picture Day Volunteer forms were passed around.
• Smooth opening of school
• New systems for sports supervision in place due to last year’s lacrosse hazing incident

4. Weber Bulletin: HSA’s publication comes out every other month

• Cathy Adelhart announced that f you have anything that you wish added to the bulletin, the deadline is Friday, October 8th.

5. Teacher Rep: Susan McAuliffe, ELA support teacher

• Can find most information on teacher webpages
• Clubs and activities are also listed on the Weber website & discussed in morning announcements
-most 6,7,8 can go to any club at anytime;
- does not matter if you miss a week or start later in the semester
-there is a late bus at 4:15/ 4:30 for those attending the clubs
-can only take bus if you went to one of the clubs
-late buses drop off at different stops than regular buses.
-there are also late buses at 5:15 and 6:00 for sports
-there is no supervision in between

6. Port Washington Education Foundation (PWEF) Rep, Lisa Epstein

• non profit org where 100% proceeds go towards enriching education of our children
-last year Weber received $30,000 in programming and tech grants
• Fundraising Opportunities
-Grant Award Ceremony Oct 21st at Schreiber 3:30pm
-Amazing Race, October 23rd: Scavenger hunt, race for adults
-teams formed and go to different merchants and complete a task
-Shopping Days at L & T and Bloomingdales
See Lisa Epstein if want to purchase cards
• Grant applications due in January: anybody can offer grant suggestions

7. Committee Reports

• Cultural Arts rep, Pam O’Connell gave overview of program
-co-chairs are LeeAnne Vetrone-Timothy, Mary Alice Kohs, and Pam O'Connell
-every parent is invited to every performance
-will tell us overview in next Bulletin and via the email blast
• Nutrition Committee rep, Mina Scala
-mission is to instill in our children that they should not be afraid of food that everything is good in moderation; relationship with food is critical for everything: sports, grades, health, self-image
-our ideas/suggestions are always welcome
• SEPTA
Next meeting is October 4th : Topic: Time management

8. Guest Speaker, Dr. Susan Bartell: The Top Ten Steps for Middle School Parenting Success

1) Middle School isn’t high school
• Started presentation with a personal story about her 7th grader and the TV show GLEE
-do you let your child watch, even if you are against the content of the show?
-What if you child begs and pleads and claims she will be made fun of at school?
-Suggestion: a compromise is that you watch together and discuss content afterward
-Easy to have the rule, but middle school is tough b/c we have a sense that our children are suddenly grown up and we give them way too much independence and more pressure than they can handle.
• Middle school kids drastic transition
-think of it as a middle child, tough kid, looking for attention, lots of drama, they don’t know if they are a little kid or a big kid yet
-need to make sure that you are still setting firm limits
-still need a bedtime: 9 hrs of sleep
-8th graders physiologically more adolescent and hormonal
-body will not let them fall asleep at 9:30 b/c it shifts to teenage clock
-Suggestions: your job is to make sure not texting, not on computer, not watching tv b/c the lights are actually causing neurons in brain to fire like crazy delaying longer their ability to fall asleep;
-take media away ½ h /1 hr before bedtime; let them read, draw, listen to music

2) Be your child’s Facebook friend, but not BFF!
• If child is under 13, easy b/c can tell them plain and simple that legally they are not allowed to have a Facebook page
-if allow children under 13, then you are telling them it is okay to lie; lines will blur
• If of age, what is appropriate?
-insist that you are a full friend and that s/he is private to everyone except for his/her own friends, not the friends of their friends
-make them give you their password or make it be an aunt/adult friend you trust so that content on Facebook can be reviewed: this avoids a head-on collision with the parents
-make sure they know they cannot block you from seeing everything
• Make sure you check the privacy settings on Facebook
-the default setting on facebook is open to the whole entire world.
• Do not friend your children’s friends. It is creepy.

3) Movie and TV ratings still count

4) Teach cell phone safety
• Cell phone is the new thing for 6th graders
-you as a parent must be on top of them and check the phone log, see when and whom
-need to explain to them rules of the phone; what your expectations are so that they know when rule is broken and that there will be repercussions
• Sexting: take a picture of self naked or semi-naked and send it
-need to start talking to them about it b/c it happens through peer pressure
--illegal and criminal to send any form of pornography thru email
-if they receive it you should tell them to tell you about it, don’t send it, don’t just erase it, show you the picture and you can discuss it.
-taking pictures with cell phones is a huge part of their life; don’t think need to take it all away, just keep talking to them about it
-have to teach them how to behave b/c you cannot take away every bad thing, have to give them good internal judgment
-in 8th grade you really want to rehash conversation
• Should you check your kids’ text messages?
-no, unless you are worried or concerned that something is not just right
-you have to be honest if you look at their texts; if confront them you can say that it is your behavior that made me feel like I had to do it

5) Saying ‘NO’ makes you a good parent, not a bad one!

6) Get to know your child’s friends

7) Support, don’t scream back!
• Emotional relationship between you and child
-middle schoolers are torturous, they go from calm to manic in an instant
-pushing you away by being mean to everyone in the family
-Do you discipline or hug them?
-You are not your child’s friend. Your job is to be their parent even if they are hurting, it is not okay for them to treat you or others badly
-explain to them in life you will always have a bad day, so child has to learn that
you cannot take out how bad you feel on other people and on yourself
-you don’t want to start cycle of punishing, yelling, screaming
-the more you don’t take it personally, the better off you will be
-you are being attacked b/c you are the safest person.
• Kids don’t develop strong ego until they are about 18. Sense of self is extremely shaky.
-Must set boundaries. It makes them feel safe and that you care about them

8) Look for emotional overload
• Have to look out in middle school for more serious emotional distress
-depression and anxiety
-don’t ignore it, cutting starts in middle school as does drinking, they do
it b/c so anxious in social setting that it calms them down
-the earlier you intervene, the greater your chances of success
-one clue is if they are bored a lot; no such thing as a bored child, they may have social struggles, academic struggles, etc.

9) Too much independence is scary

10) Don’t stop giving hugs and kisses!

Q & A
• Teach child and yourself to be careful on Facebook b/c can things you post can be misinterpreted. Can’t get tone, jokes, etc, should do it in person or on phone
• Don’t comment on your child’s pictures, etc, don’t make entries
• Homework wars: parents should still monitor; say that the school has told you you must

9. Next meeting 10/13, 7:30PM: Topic will be with police officers about Main Street and Friday night hangouts, etc.

10. Meeting Adjourned

WEBER HSA Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, October 13th, 7:30pm, Weber Library

1. Welcome
Emily Beys, Senior Co-President introduced herself and welcomed everyone to meeting

2. HSA Business

President’s Report:

• Data for the directories is being collected. Hope to distribute directory in early to mid-November
• 2010/2011 Proposed Budget discussed.
o Is slightly higher than last year due to increased printing costs of directory and bulletin.
o HSA again hopes to donate four Smartboards to Weber. When the HSA has the actual cost of the Smartboards, that amount will be reflected in the budget line item marked Gifts to Weber. The budget was approved.
o Last month’s HSA minutes were approved.

Committee Reports:

• Cultural Arts:
o The 6th grade will be seeing a Chinese Acrobatic show on Wed, Feb. 9th at 11:45. All parents are welcome to attend.
o All students will hear a discussion with a Roundtable and Broadway casting director and leading actors from Shrek, Wicked, etc.
o Performances for the 7thand 8th graders are currently being scheduled.
o The bullying project will continue on Nov 4th for 6th graders with a theatrical presentation during 5th and 6th period.

3. Weber Principal Marilyn Rodahan’s Report:

• There was a very successful curriculum meeting on the subjects of English and Family and Consumer Science.
• The 6th grade is bringing the Birdman, Jim Jones back.
• Trying to coordinate bringing the current 5th graders to Weber on June 20th to see what a “typical day” at Weber feels like. They will have the opportunity to change classes much like the adults did at Back to School night. There will still be a 5th grade parent meeting on Jan 5th, however, the administrative team and the assistant principals will no longer speak to the elementary schools. The language department, though, still will. Will also no longer have 6th grade orientation in August. Will only do it for those new to the district.

4. Teacher Rep: Susan McAuliffe

• Brought props to show us of what is going on around school
o Photos of Blue 6 with the “Birdman”
o Examples of the 6th graders interviewing each other
o Posters from Mr. Grandy’s current events poster project
o From Green 6, bio clips, interpreting data through symbols and graphics
o From Red 6, Mr. Smith’s brochures about PW.

5. Upcoming Events

• SEPTA MEETING, Wednesday, November 3rd
• PWEF’s AMAZING RACE, Saturday, October 23rd
• Odd Girl Out, Nov 3rd for parents and Nov 7th for all 7th grade students

6. Guest Speaker: Keeping Our Children Safe: Presented by Detective Tony Guzzello, Deputy Chief Salerno and Sergeant Cardello. Also in attendance, Angela Lawlor Mullins, Port Washington Police Commissioner

• Asked all in attendance to write down child’s name, what s/he was wearing, what had for lunch, etc., to see how much we remember about our child on a given day. Emphasis was then made on how important it is to remember details, particularly what your child is wearing in case s/he goes missing and you need to give a description.
• Make sure you know the children your child is with and that you have cell phone numbers of their friends and the numbers of the parents and home addresses
• Make sure you require your child to check in when s/he changes locations
• Become familiar with text abbreviations so you can decode messages your child sends
• Educate your child on the risks of taking photos with camera phones and the greater risk of sending the photos to others b/c once the photos are sent, there is no getting them back. They are in the virtual world forever. Schools do a great job addressing this topic, however, you must reinforce it.
• Stress importance of not sharing phone or passwords with other kids.
• Keep communication open. Have sit down dinners. Get to know your child! If you talk, they will listen, if you ask, they will answer.
• Teach your children how to behave on Main Street. Do as you wish them to do. Cross at sidewalks, don’t chat on your phone in the middle of the sidewalk or while crossing a street, don’t block entrances to stores, etc. Give kids insight on what they should be doing on Main Street. Shouldn’t block pedestrian or vehicle traffic, particularly at corners. Be considerate of shoppers, commuters and businesses on Main Street. Stress importance of crossing the street at a corner where there is a crossing guard. Reeducate your child on how to cross a street: look at traffic, not just the light, make sure look for people turning right, educate child that lights on Port Washington Blvd and Campus Drive are not synced with those on Vanderventer.
• Properly educate your child about safety while on bikes and skateboards. Make sure they have the proper equipment.
• As parents, only drop your child off in the designated drop off zone on Bogart Ave.
• If you are concerned about skateboarding in PW, then become involved with Skaters Need Park in Port. Skateboards are not allowed on Private Property. Some businesses will arrest them. Unfortunately, skateboarders do not have a helmet law and the law as to whether they should be riding with or against traffic is unclear. Skateboarders, must, however, stop if a light is red.

• Social Host Law and Heroin Abuse: There is an epidemic of heroin in our community, reason is b/c it is cheap and pure. There were 5 heroin overdoses in 2009 in Port Washington. Kids, however, do not start with heroin, they start with prescription drugs, like opiates at home. Be aware of what is in medicine cabinet. Keep it locked so that friends of your child cannot have access either.
Principal Rodahan suggested you give your child a strategy to get out of a difficult situation. If in a car where drugs or alcohol taken out, suggest ways to get out of car; have code texts: pretend have diarrhea, call and say I think I forgot to walk dog, etc
• Social Host Law: need to take responsibility of house and children. If 18 yrs old you are in control and you are responsible. You need to call the police. You are charged with knowing or should have known that drinking was going on.
Practical parenting: know parent of home where they are sleeping. Instill in kids that they can only drive with appropriate people. You are role models and if you have a drink at dinner and then get in car make sure they don’t see that. Stress to them that they should not be passengers in cars with someone who was drinking and that they can call me at whatever hour. Provide a safe environment
If your child is babysitting, make sure they have another way to get home if the people appear drunk.

7. Meeting Adjourned

WEBER HSA Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, November 13, 2010, 7:30pm, Schreiber Cafeteria

*Special thank you to Karen Sambursky for stepping up to take notes when I was delayed*

1. Welcome

Emily Beys, Senior Co-President, opened the meeting. Requested motion to approve minutes. Minutes approved by membership.

2. HSA Business

Treasurer’s Report:

Diana Lupoli, Treasurer, gave a brief overview of the revenues/expenses for the month of October. Expenses included monies given to Weber for field trip scholarships and for our 501(c)(3) filing fee.

Committee Reports:

• Cultural Arts – Cultural Arts Chair, Mary Alice Kohs, reported that on 12/10 Stephen D’Angelis will be bringing four Broadway performers to Weber for the district wide show. On that day there will be two performances at Weber- 11:15-12:45, and 1:45-3pm. As is customary, all Weber parents are invited to attend either performance.
• Weber Social – Save the Date – Friday, March 4, 2011 at Manhasset Bay Yacht Club. A fantastic opportunity to come socialize with other Weber parents, and Weber HSA’s only fundraiser of the school year. Contact Event Chair Linda Hickey at mambostrings@aol.com if you want to help.
• Six Mix – This year there will be two Six Mix’s for the Weber Sixth Graders. Dates are 1/7/11 and 4/1/11. Contact the Six Mix chairs Beth Weisburd, 238-4081(weisburd@optonline.net;) Donna Nachman, 883-7525 (dasn@optonline.net;) or Maxine Epstein, 672-9569 (itsmax63@gmail.com.) if you want to help.
• Staff Appreciation Lunch – due to the movement of the states testing dates, the date for this event needs to be rescheduled.
• Directory – will be mailed out to all current Weber HSA members by the end of November.
• Bulletin Board – November issue just arrived in home. January issue has a 12/10 submission deadline.

3. Principal’s Report – Marilyn Rodahan reporting:

• Following the recent Weber Compact Committee Meeting, Weber 101, a program for parents of incoming 6th graders will continue. In addition, the Compact Committee is looking for ways to reach out to minority families, an example of this being a meeting with 25 Japanese families on the evening of 11/17. Overall, the district is looking for ways to meet the needs of the changing population and diversity.
• Recently at Weber, there was a presentation of “Class Dismissed” regarding bullying that was very well received by the students.
• “Odd Girl Out” was shown to the 7th grade students, and the film was also shown to interested parents. Both the school and the library have copies of the film if anyone wants to see it.

4. Teacher Rep- Susan McAuliffe reporting:

• When questioned after viewing “Odd Girl Out”, 90% of 7th grade students loved it, and 10% felt it was “too close to home”.
• 8th grade teachers recently took their classes to Ellis Island.
• Jack Grande, advisor for the Science Olympiads reports that the teams have been chosen, and he is always looking for parent volunteers (you don’t have to have a child on the team.)
• Student Government candidates have made their presentations to the student body. The newspaper will be published in two weeks and is handed out in school – ask your child to see their copy.

5. Other Groups reporting:

• PWEF rep Lisa Epstein conveyed thanks to all who participated in The Amazing Race, and reminded those present that you can designate the PWEF as a Champions For Charity recipient.
• SEPTA – Meeting 12/7 @ 7:30 pm, Weber Library “Managing Executive Function Disorders”
• AGATE – Meeting 11/22 @8 pm, Weber Library
• Parents Council – Thanked all who have helped with Coat Drive. Holiday Drive is next event to help local needy families. To get involved contact Paula Whitman, whitman1@optonline.net
• Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington – sponsoring “Port Night Out” on December 1st and 15th. Come out and shop the local merchants from 4:30-9:30 as they stay open late on these evenings. Shopping and Dining specials including Menorah Lighting on 12/1, Caroling, Street Performers, Music, and Holiday Treats.

6. Scheduled Speaker – The Strategic Protection Group – “Empowering the next generation through awareness and education.”

• Two retired Narcotics officers addressed the group on topics regarding drug usage, overdose/death, gateway drugs, warning signs, and what we can and should do as parents. An in depth discussion and a powerful video presentation were administered in the Schreiber Auditorium.

WEBER HSA Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 19, 8:45 a.m., Weber Library

1. Welcome
Emily Beys, Senior Co-President opened the meeting. November HSA minutes approved.

2. HSA Business
President’s Report-Emily Beys reporting
• Six Mix: Huge success, over 180 kids, next is April 1st. Chairs did great job. Thank you Beth Weisburd, Donna Nachman and Maxine Epstein.
• Book Fair: Great school-wide event. Low on volunteers for Thursday, Sign- up sheets passed around.
• Weber Social Night: March 4th. This is the HSA’s only fundraiser so please encourage all to come. Donations for auction are being sought
Treasurers Report: There are a few big expenses this month due to our Gifts to Weber: 5 Smartboards and due to the copying and distribution of directories and cultural arts events, as well as deposits for the 8th grade party (these, as well as any deposits for Social Night will be paid back)
Staff Appreciation Luncheon: Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, March 8th (Note the date change from March 9th). An email will be sent in a week or so. Mardi Gras theme. Southern Hospitality, Can give monetary donations. Send them to Dorothy Rule.

3. Other Groups Reporting:
• PWEF: Robin Sigman informed all that the 2011/12 grant applications have been distributed. The due date for all grant applications is 3/31/11. Reminded us of PWEF’s upcoming Gala 4/9/11 at the North Hills Country Club, honoring long time volunteer Ellen Fox. Newsletter was distributed to all families in December. The newsletter contains lists of all grants ever given.
• Cultural Arts: 6th grade will see Chinese Acrobats on 2/9; 7th grade will see Mayhem Poets on 2/10: 8th grade will see the Voices from the Holocaust in May/June. All saw an amazing performance of Broadway Performers.

4. Principal’s Report-Marilyn Rodahan reporting:
• Compact Committee: Website for the district now has Google translator. Click on whatever language you want and the entire website will convert to that language. This was a topic addressed by the Diversity Committee.
• Student Drop-Off: Very concerned about the dangerous conditions created when parents do not drop off their children in the only designated location on Bogart. A notice will be sent home soon stating that the district is increasing patrols to address this issue. The district is working in conjunction with the police and the security team for our district.
• Autism Speaks: Weber won award for fundraising. Temple Grandin Movie won a Golden Globe. Fireman Ed has an app that can be downloaded that promotes Autism Speaks and the Jets. Very powerful night. Dedicated group. Gracious in honoring district, students and staff as well for all that we have accomplished. Guggenheim and Sousa also received recognition.
• 5th Grade Parent Orientation: Tomorrow night is 5th grade parent orientation.
Ms. Javeline, Yellow House Assistant Principal, spoke about the new transition day which will be held on June 20th. For 2 hrs every grade will be transitioned up. 5th grade students will be coming to Weber and will run through a condensed day.

5. Teacher Rep-Susan McAuliffe reporting:
• 7th grade Red/Blue Activities: Public speaking unit. Work thru plot, climax, etc. A formula is followed using index cards where they break the story down into simple units. Emphasis is on presentation, public speaking, distracting mannerisms. Creates self-esteem and builds self-confidence in public speaking.

6. Scheduled Speakers- Weber Guidance Counselors: Pia Sanchez, Fran James, Barbara Fishman and Ms. Zelman.
• Guidance is here for you. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We arrange parent/teacher meetings, friendship mediations, conflict resolution groups; social groups; knitting groups, etc. We are your liaisons.
• Discussed the 6 week Active Parenting Course that they offer. It is a very insightful program allowing you to learn new parenting skills as well as gaining validation of some of your own techniques. It is an interactive course with homework, article discussion and role playing activities. The goal of this program is to enhance communication between you and your teenager. The book that is purchased for the program is a lifelong tool/guidebook. The program empowers you and gives you a new vantage point. Encourages a positive approach to disciplining. Places emphasis on encouraging behavior as opposed to discouraging behavior. The end result is that it builds up self esteem and courage in your child and his/her relationship with you so that s/he has the strength to go through teen years.
• Teenagers have 5 needs: to belong (family, friends); to have power (last word); to feel protected; to withdraw; and to challenge. Don’t stop it, but enhance them through going through these needs in a positive manner. Stay positive, stay connected and they will stay off risky behaviors.
• Avoid words or tone of voice that discourages your teen from communicating with you. It builds a wall between you.
• Active Parenting, active discussion: Adults in attendance performed a role playing exercise. The exercise is about responsibility and discipline. As parent: anger, disappointment. As teen: turned off, humiliating, unfair, when someone yelling at you.
• The more your teen feels connected to you, the less s/he is going to seek out bad vices. Set a foundation. Want to keep connectedness. If goal is for child to hear what you are saying, think about if it was the right time to say it.

7. Meeting Ended with a Tour by Ms. Clark of the New Fitness Center donated by the PWEF

WEBER HSA Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 8:45 a.m., Weber Library

1. Welcome
Emily Beys, Senior Co-President opened the meeting.  January HSA minutes approved.

2. HSA Business
•    Treasurer’s Report:  Weber Social grossed approximately $15,000.
Due to generous donations, Staff Appreciation Lunch may have made a profit.  Thank you to Dorothy Rule and her committee.

Committee Reports:
•    Six Mix:  Next is April 1st.  Chaperones needed.  Contact Beth Weisburd, Donna Nachman or Maxine Epstein.
•    8th Grade Party:  Karen Sambursky reporting.  Took advantage of Connect Ed to relay information rather than a mailing.  Meeting Monday night April 4th, 7:30pm.   The 8th grade will have their party at Dave & Busters on June 23rd 6-9pm.  It will be a private party. 
•    Cultural Arts: Mary Alice Kohs reporting.  6th grade acrobats; 7th grade Mayham Poets, 8th grade Voices on the Holocaust
•    SEPTA:  Next meeting April 12th:  Sensory Processing Disorder

3. Principal’s Report: Dr. Swinson reporting as Marilyn Rodahan is at the National Association of School Curriculum Development conference.

•    Weber is the recipient of the prestigious “Schools to Watch” award.  Team of educators from different schools throughout the state determined that we met the seven essential elements necessary for a great Middle School.  The team was looking for a school where students were being taught to be lifelong learners.  They looked at equity- at AS, ESL, PEP, Special Ed.  They were very impressed with the team structure and how we were meeting the needs of our students through it.   They also were impressed with the direct counselors and assistant principals to each team.   We are one of the largest middle schools to achieve this.  It is national recognition through a private foundation. 
•    ELA begins May 3rd and 4th and testing continues all the way through June 20th.  June 20th is also the 8th grade foreign language benchmark exam and the day of the transition orientation where every grade moves up for the afternoon starting with 5th grade.
•    There has been a change in the foreign language test since the State did away with the language proficiency test.   It will be similar and it is being created by educators around the area.   It is still considered a high school credit class, but the test will not necessarily transport since it is not a State test.   The class grade will, though.   Math and Earth Science Regents Exam dates are not yet available.

4. Teacher Rep-Susan McAuliffe reporting:
•    Mr. Moore posts all events on his homepage.   Check out webpage for updated information.   Read about the Science Olympiad team, the Weber sing off, Ms. McFarlane, etc.

5. Other Groups Reporting:
•    PWEF:  Ruby Bridges, Civil Rights icon came to Schreiber, Daly and Guggenheim.   Jeff Coffin from the Dave Matthew’s band did a master’s class for Schreiber Jazz Band.   This was a grant written by a student.  This year’s grants must be postmarked by March 31st.  The PWEF has its annual fundraiser April 9th.  There will also be a Shop for Charity day at Lord & Taylors on April 28th.
 
6. Scheduled Speaker- Mary Callahan, Assistant Superintendent of Business- Budget Discussion
•    This year everyone in NY is suffering.  There has been a ripple effect into the school district. Pension and health insurance have pushed up our overall budget which we have no control over it.   Our enrollment is not going down so our costs are also not going down.   We cannot afford a 6 ½ budget increase so we will have to decide what goes and what stays. What will we lose?  When you have a contract with unionized employees you have to honor the contract.  You can only change it by talking to the leadership and see if we can come to compromise.  If not, we must look at our fixed expenses, our programs.  The first chart shows enrollment and health insurance and pension costs.  It also provides our cost per student compared to other districts.  We have efficiencies of scale.   Our staff is paid fairly.  We are in the 60-70th percentile of the county. 
•    The second set of notes is our proposed cuts.  Since the law states that the last one hired is the first to be fired, we tried to avoid this by providing retirement incentives.   Unemployment would cost us $20,000 per teacher.  With this incentive we are able to save $2.3m because the vast majority of positions are not being replaced.   1 custodian, 4 clericals, 1 administrator, a level 12 paraprofessional, 18 teachers, 7 have been attritions and the other 10 scheduled to be replaced.  We are still short of a bullseye number for our budget.   Our aim is a 3% increase.    2 wks ago, a list was put up totaling $1.9m with removing librarians, PEP and other programs.  Every administrator in the district spent hours coming up with this list trying to look at the overall needs of all the students.  How do we support students on every level?  Do we lose half of our librarians, half of PEP, (kindergarten was taken quickly off the list)?  
•    Plan A is in the discussion stage.  Contemplating staggering the start time of the elementary schools in order to save $470,000 because it would eliminate eight buses.  We are looking at the teacher contracts and are in discussion with them. 
•    Final budget will be adopted at April 13th BOE meeting.
•    Q & A:  Marilyn Rodahan had option to replace AP or computer teacher because one retired.  Computers is not a mandated course.  Still uncertain.   Another suggestion was that all district employees give back the 2% that they have gained due to the lessening of amount being taken out for SS.    A survey is being sent out to see if people would be willing to opt out of busing or to at least change the district mileage.  
•    Will continue to try to make cuts that cause the least harm.

7. Meeting Adjourned


WEBER HSA Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, May 11, 2011

1. Welcome
Emily Beys, Senior Co-President opened the meeting. March 23, 2011 HSA minutes were adopted.

2. HSA Business
• We must GET OUT THE VOTE. HSA voted unanimously to support the budget.
• There have been many articles and blogs telling people to vote against the budget. We must mobilize. Volunteers are needed to hand out flyers and to remind people to vote. Weber is assigned parking lot of Bagel Boss, Citibank and Bogart Ave. Suggested that everyone send a personal email to their contact lists as well.
• May 17th, IT MATTERS buttons were distributed.
• Vote on slate for 2011/2012 HSA Executive Board. Slate was approved.

Redesigned Website
• At the impetus of Mariann Dalimonte and with the knowledge of Sona, Weber now has a newly designed website for the HSA. It is user-friendly and looks great. Minutes can be translated, but our forms cannot. We are able to upload photos now as well.
Committee Reports:
• Treasurer’s Report: 6 Mix came in with a surplus. Social Night netted $15,730. The 8th grade party bills are coming in.
• Weber Bulletin: Deadline for articles is June 10th. Space will be held for the 8th grade promotion party. Please submit articles to Cathy Adelhardt.

3. Principal’s Report: Marilyn Rodahan
• Google finalist sign created by 6th grade student Hannah Ericsson is now hanging in the Weber library. Hannah will find out next week whether she is a winner. If she wins she will receive $15,000 and Weber will receive $25,000.
• School’s to Watch: The designation is the same day as the 8th grade moving-up ceremony so unfortunately Mrs. Rodahan will not be able to attend the 8th grade ceremony. She will be in DC receiving an award and speaking with Senators and Representatives regarding issues affecting middle schools.
• Fire Department /Police Department vs. Staff basketball game will be Friday May 13th. Proceeds benefit Autism Speaks.
• On May 23rd, the puzzle piece auction for Autism Speaks will be held. Anyone can decorate a puzzle piece for $10.
• State testing is continuing. A pilot ELA has also been administered in each grade.
• Dress code enforcement: Mrs. Rodahan was on clothing patrol. Reminder that straps must be lasagna, not spaghetti and shorts must reach to the tip of your fingers.
• June 20th is transition day. All grades will be moving up for the afternoon. 5th grade will also be coming to Weber for the afternoon.

4. Scheduled Speaker in Conjunction with Schreiber HSA: Mary Callahan, Assistant Superintendent of Business: Budget Discussion with Handout
• By offering senior faculty and staff an incentive to notify the district that they are retiring, the district was able to reduce the budget by a greater number. 18 teachers, 12 paraprofessional, 4 clerical staff, and 4 custodial staff will be retiring. Many of these positions will be lost through attrition. 9 of these positions will be replaced. There will be 7 fewer teachers at the elementary level as well as fewer librarians and guidance counselors. This is not a budget anyone likes, but we have no alternative.
• 99% of district belongs to a Union. Every bargaining group has a contract and is covered by the Taylor law. It is against the law for employees to strike and in exchange we will have to honor their contracts. According to a salary schedule, on July 1st teachers move to a new salary level (STEP). This salary percentage increase is known as a step. This year, a portion of the teachers’ raises were funded by the teachers themselves. Benefit trust fund. They gave ½ of that money back to the district to fund their raise. Last year there was no percentage increase in their raise, just the mandatory step increase. The district is still negotiating with clericals and administrators. Custodial took a zero increase two yrs ago. Paraprofessionals took a zero increase last year. There is a 1.75% raise in this year’s budget. In the budget we are designing it is a 2.5% increase plus the step increase. It will then be a 2.74% increase and then a 2.95% increase.
• Two years ago the Federal government sent stimulus money to New York State. The State, rather than distributing it to the school districts, has instead decided to keep it. That means we will receive $1.4million less.
• The average home in Port Washington is $851,355. Taxes on an average home will increase with the proposed budget by $405 a year. A failed budget will result in an increase of $401 a year. Although we should all be voting on the programs and not the tax levy, it is important to be aware of what it is.
• If this budget does not pass, $800,000 will have to be found. The other $600,000 that will be lost will be in technology and capital improvements.
• Results in a $4 year average difference between a passed budget and a failed budget.
• Urges everyone to get educated about the budget.

5. Meeting Adjourned