Wednesday, November 25, 2009

PSSC Meeting Minutes

Nashwaaksis Middle School
2009-09-28

Attendees:

Andrew Rowe Alan Atkins Tracy Allen Gary Gallant Mitch Claybourn
Shauna Miller Pat Campbell Anne Small Heather Touchie-Blakely Sherry Thomson
Tracey Grattan John MacKenzie Don Richardson Carol Coleman (DEC)
Regrets:
n/a
Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm
Welcome/Introductions

Welcome was extended to our new PSSC member, Don Richardson and our guest NMS Vice-Principal Gary Gallant.
Call for Agenda Items/Approval of Agenda

Proposed Agenda:
• Election of PSSC Chairperson & Secretary
• D.E.C Report – Carol Coleman, D.E.C. Rep
• Principal’s Report
• Friends of NMS Update
• D.E.C. Supplementary Funding

Additional Agenda items:
• Ease of Purchasing Subsidized Milk
• Impact of Six Day Cycle on Physical Education
• Foul Language

Motion to approve agenda by Tracy, seconded by ?
Election of PSSC Chairperson & Secretary

Mitch Claybourn elected chairperson by acclimation.
Tracy Allen elected chairperson by acclimation.
D.E.C Report – Carol Coleman, D.E.C. Rep
Student Voice
Carol announced that Mike Jacobs (FHS) has been elected as a student representative to server with the D.E.C. for a 1 year term.
PSSC Orientation
This year’s PSSC Orientation will take place on October 22, 2009. Further details were to be announced when available.
Supplementary Funding
Request to the D.E.C. for supplementary funding are due on October 15th.
D.E.C. Supplementary Funding

All agreed that a request for funding be submitted to redesign the school website. Mitch, Alan & Tracy agreed to work as a subcommittee to prepare & submit this request, with assistance from Gary, who is involved in supporting the current website.
Principal’s Report
School Improvement Plan (SIP)
Alan reported that the PD Day on November 12th will provide insight into developing our new SIP & setting some SMART goals. He expects the SIP to have primarily an academic focus, based on current provincial & district priorities.
Soccer Fields
The two lower soccer fields are closed for repair.
Morning Traffic Patterns
Alan explained that he received a call from the District regarding concerns raised about morning traffic congestion on Carrington Lane. The first attempt at rectifying this situation involved both the bus & car traffic proceeding around to the front of the school. This caused extreme congestion & confusion in the traffic circle at the front of the school. The current solution is to have all bus traffic, except special needs buses, stop by the pool & use the parking lot to turn around. Car traffic continues to be directed to the front of the school.

Concern was raised by parents that there is now traffic congestion & confusion on Fulton Avenue at the end of the school driveway. Several proposals for managing this congestion were raised but these require coordination with the city & police.

Action Item: Mitch will invite a representative from the police and the city councilor for the school zone to attend a PSSC meeting to discuss this concern about school traffic patterns.

Concern was raised over students walking into the school in the morning along the school driveway and the lack of sidewalk. It was reiterated that the PSSC has requested that the jersey barriers be extended along the length of the driveway. Alan indicated that this request has been passed on to the district but no funding is available at this time.

Action Item: Mitch will invite Wanda Bauer to attend a future PSSC meeting to discuss this request for barriers along the school driveway.

Action Item: All PSSC members are requested to contribute ideas to Mitch for ensuring the continued safety of students walking along the school driveway.
Meet the Teacher
The school Meet the Teacher was held on September 23, 2009. One PSSC member suggested that they found the team presentation approach much more beneficial than visiting individual teachers, mostly due to time constraints.
Events in the School Calendar
School Terry Fox Walk – September 25, 2009
French Book Fair – September 29 – October 1, 2009
Magazine Campaign – starts September 29, 2009
School Safety Week – October 5 – 9, 2009
Literacy Support
Annette Stehouwher is providing literacy support at NMS, in hopes of increasing reading competency for non-SEP students who have been identified as requiring assistance. This support will be provided in an intensive block, starting with Grade 7 students. Identified Grade 6 students will receive support after Christmas and Grade 8 students, closer to the end of the year, just prior to provincial assessments.
Friends of NMS Update
Mary Rowe reported that the Friends of NMS have refreshed the bulletin board in the front foyer of the school. It is now nicely decorated and labeled ‘What’s New at Nasis?’.
Ease of Purchasing Subsidized Milk
Shauna Miller raised concern over students being reluctant to purchase subsidized milk at the cafeteria due to line-ups at lunch. Alan communicated that student just buying milk are able to move to the front of the line but Shauna felt many may be reluctant to do this as they be seen as simply cutting in. Shauna would like to propose having a separate location for those just purchasing milk. Gary also mentioned that the school is looking into milk vending machines, however, this milk would not be subsidized.

Action Item: Alan to work on communication/promotion to students to let them know that they can get subsidized milk and consider options for making this more accessible.
Impact of Six Day Cycle on Physical Education
Concern was raised over the students not receiving adequate physical education. Alan confirmed that each student receives only two 45 minute periods of physical education per six day cycle, instead of 90 minutes/week, as was the case last year. This does not meet provincial requirements for physical education (120 minutes/week). Alan explained that the school does not have enough qualified staff to meet this requirement and even if the school did, it would mean cutting back on other valuable programs such as Art, Music, Shop, etc. Instead the school has introduced a noon-hour intramural program, has ‘Walk, Talk & Rock’ daily in the Fieldhouse, and the students also have noon-hour pool time available.
Foul Language
Concern was raised by a parent that there is a great deal of foul language heard on the school grounds. Alan indicated that there is an ongoing effort to control this. There is policy explained in the student handbook and offending students are dealt with on an individual basis, as situations arise.
Agenda Building
Ideas for subsequent PSSC agenda items include:
• Parent Involvement
• Safety Around the School
• Snow Plows
• Tell Them From Me
• Parent/Teacher Meetings
Next Meeting Date & Meeting Adjournment

Motion by Tracy, seconded by Shauna: PSSC meetings will be scheduled for the 1st Monday of each month.

The next Nasis Middle PSSC meeting will be held on Monday, November 2, 2009 @ 7:00pm.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm

PSSC Meeting Minutes

Nashwaaksis Middle School
PSSC Meeting Minutes
2009-11-02

Attendees:
Andrew Rowe Alan Atkins Tracy Allen Carol Coleman (DEC) Mitch Claybourn
Anne Small Don Richardson Heather Touchie-Blakely Sherry Thomson
Regrets:
Shauna Miller Pat Campbell
Tracey Grattan John MacKenzie

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:10pm.
Approval of Minutes

Motion to accept the minutes by Anne Small, seconded by Andrew Rowe
Friends of NMS Update – Andrew Rowe

Andrew distributed a written update from the Friends of NMS to the group. Highlights of Friends activities include:
• Approximately $9500 in profits from book fairs to be used to build classroom libraries
• Corn boil was huge success
• Firefighters Challenge next big event (Thursday, November 19)
• Friends are providing a ‘Munchie Table’ for teachers during parent/teacher interview time (November 12 & 13)
• Friends nominations for co-chairs accepted from December 7 through 11 with elections to take place on January 13, 2010
D.E.C Report – Carol Coleman, D.E.C. Rep

PSSC Orientation
The PSSC Orientation held October 22nd was poorly attended, therefore the D.E.C. has organized another Orientation event for November 19 @ 6:30pm at Kingswood Lodge.

Supplemental Funding
The D.E.C. has reviewed the sixteen supplemental funding requests that were received. There is a meeting on November 12 to make decisions on how to distribute the $5000 of available funding. The D.E.C. is considering alternatives to the current method of distributing this supplemental funding. This will be a discussion item at the PSSC Orientation.
Action Item Follow-up

Action Item: Tracy to prepare & submit application for supplemental PSSC funding [2009-09-28]

Update: The supplemental funding request was submitted on November 15. It is currently under review by DEC (see above).

Action Item: Mitch will invite a representative from the police and the city councilor for the school zone to attend a PSSC meeting to discuss this concern about school traffic patterns. [2009-09-28]

Update: Mitch provided the ‘Crossing Guard Location Guidelines’ and is proposing that we determine whether or not we meet the criteria. The area in question is the bottom of the front driveway.

New Action Item: Mitch will prepare a grid for counting (to track traffic, pedestrians crossing driveway, pedestrians using sidewalk by driveway). Don & Mitch will meet Friday morning to take the first count. After collecting the usage information, Mitch will set up a meeting with the city to present the request. If the request does not move forward, we will invite Mike O’Brien to the next meeting to discuss other options.

Action Item: Mitch will invite Wanda Bauer to attend a future PSSC meeting to discuss this request for barriers along the school driveway. [2009-09-28]

Update: Mitch provided a copy of email correspondence between Alan & Wanda Bauer. This email indicates that there is currently a budget freeze.

New Action Item: Carol will bring the issue of safety of pedestrians along the driveway forward at the next D.E.C. meeting.

Action Item: All PSSC members are requested to contribute ideas to Mitch for ensuring the continued safety of students walking along the school driveway. [2009-09-28]

Update: Anne proposed using spring loaded pylons in lieu of concrete barriers. She felt these might be more cost effective and could easily be removed for snow removal. Alan felt that the daily setup & removal would not be practical during the winter months. This continues to be an area of significant concern to the PSSC.

New Action Item: Alan to arrange for communication home reminding folks about the designated sidewalk area.

Action Item: Alan to work on communication/promotion to students to let them know that they can get subsidized milk and consider options for making this more accessible. [2009-09-28]

Update: A milk vending machine has been installed. The school has also arranged for a separate line-up in the cafeteria for milk, cookies & various baked goods. Grade 8 students assist with staffing this additional line. Sherry requested that communication go home regarding this new service.

New Action Item: Alan will arrange for communication home regarding availability of milk.
Ideas for subsequent PSSC agenda items include:
• Parent Involvement
• Safety Around the School
o Proposal for education evening for parents, to speak about drugs, planning session for next meeting (Dec)
• Snow Plows/Removal
• Tell Them From Me
o review last year’s data at next meeting (Dec)
• Parent/Teachers Meetings
o Same format as previous years (evening are teacher requested, first part of morning are parent requested, later part of the morning are walk-ins)
• Meet the Teacher
o Review this in May for next fall
School Improvement Plan Update & Overview – Alan Atkins

Alan provided a quick review of the SIP. Measurement of whether ideal targets have been met will be done during the school review process, which takes place next school year.

The PD on Thursday, November 12 will be focused on the SIP. Nasis will be looking at three specific areas: literacy, numeracy/science and communication. One of the January PD days will also be dedicated to SIP development. The new SIP will be a 2-3 year plan, starting at the end of this school year.
Principal’s Report
Kids now
UNB nurses are delivering this awareness program in several classes. Each class will visit 5 or 6 stations, learning about such health related topics as nutrition, self-esteem and drugs.
Magazine campaign
The magazine campaign was highly successful, resulting in about $76,000 in sales with about 1/3 coming directly back to the school.

Miscellaneous items
• Breakfast program resumed
• School safety week completed
• French & English Book fairs
• PD session October 8 & 9: Focus on literacy & numeracy
• Interim reports canceled but phone calls went out to parents of those students perceived as struggling
• Grade 7 literacy assessment Oct 19-22nd
• Halloween Dance held October 29
• Drugs confiscated from several students at the school
• Intramurals are working well
• Swimming on Mondays
• Math Mentor 2 x 2 month periods
Call for Agenda Items/Approval of Agenda

Proposed Agenda:
• PSSC Budget 2009-2010 [Mitch]
• Update School Website re: PSSC & Meeting [Mitch]
• Vending Machines [Tracy]

Action Item: Alan will look after updating the PSSC information on the school website

All agenda items carried forward to next meeting.
Next Meeting/Meeting Adjournment

Next Meeting: December 7 @ 7:00pm
Meeting was adjourned at 8:35pm

Thursday, November 12, 2009

PSSC Meeting Dates

Nashwaaksis Middle School PSSC
Meeting Dates
2009 - 2010

October 5, 2009
November 2, 2009
December 7, 2009
January 4, 2010
February 1, 2010
March 1, 2010
April 6, 2010
May 25, 2010
June 7, 2010

PSSC Meeting Minutes - September 28, 2009

Nashwaaksis Middle School

Attendees:

Andrew Rowe Alan Atkins Tracy Allen Gary Gallant Mitch Claybourn
Shauna Miller Pat Campbell Anne Small Heather Touchie-Blakely Sherry Thomson
Tracey Grattan John MacKenzie Don Richardson Carol Coleman (DEC)
Regrets:
n/a
Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm
Welcome/Introductions

Welcome was extended to our new PSSC member, Don Richardson and our guest NMS Vice-Principal Gary Gallant.
Call for Agenda Items/Approval of Agenda

Proposed Agenda:
• Election of PSSC Chairperson & Secretary
• D.E.C Report – Carol Coleman, D.E.C. Rep
• Principal’s Report
• Friends of NMS Update
• D.E.C. Supplementary Funding

Additional Agenda items:
• Ease of Purchasing Subsidized Milk
• Impact of Six Day Cycle on Physical Education
• Foul Language

Motion to approve agenda by Tracy, seconded by ?
Election of PSSC Chairperson & Secretary

Mitch Claybourn elected chairperson by acclimation.
Tracy Allen elected chairperson by acclimation.
D.E.C Report – Carol Coleman, D.E.C. Rep
Student Voice
Carol announced that Mike Jacobs (FHS) has been elected as a student representative to server with the D.E.C. for a 1 year term.
PSSC Orientation
This year’s PSSC Orientation will take place on October 22, 2009. Further details were to be announced when available.
Supplementary Funding
Request to the D.E.C. for supplementary funding are due on October 15th.
D.E.C. Supplementary Funding

All agreed that a request for funding be submitted to redesign the school website. Mitch, Alan & Tracy agreed to work as a subcommittee to prepare & submit this request, with assistance from Gary, who is involved in supporting the current website.
Principal’s Report
School Improvement Plan (SIP)
Alan reported that the PD Day on November 12th will provide insight into developing our new SIP & setting some SMART goals. He expects the SIP to have primarily an academic focus, based on current provincial & district priorities.
Soccer Fields
The two lower soccer fields are closed for repair.
Morning Traffic Patterns
Alan explained that he received a call from the District regarding concerns raised about morning traffic congestion on Carrington Lane. The first attempt at rectifying this situation involved both the bus & car traffic proceeding around to the front of the school. This caused extreme congestion & confusion in the traffic circle at the front of the school. The current solution is to have all bus traffic, except special needs buses, stop by the pool & use the parking lot to turn around. Car traffic continues to be directed to the front of the school.

Concern was raised by parents that there is now traffic congestion & confusion on Fulton Avenue at the end of the school driveway. Several proposals for managing this congestion were raised but these require coordination with the city & police.

Action Item: Mitch will invite a representative from the police and the city councilor for the school zone to attend a PSSC meeting to discuss this concern about school traffic patterns.

Concern was raised over students walking into the school in the morning along the school driveway and the lack of sidewalk. It was reiterated that the PSSC has requested that the jersey barriers be extended along the length of the driveway. Alan indicated that this request has been passed on to the district but no funding is available at this time.

Action Item: Mitch will invite Wanda Bauer to attend a future PSSC meeting to discuss this request for barriers along the school driveway.

Action Item: All PSSC members are requested to contribute ideas to Mitch for ensuring the continued safety of students walking along the school driveway.
Meet the Teacher
The school Meet the Teacher was held on September 23, 2009. One PSSC member suggested that they found the team presentation approach much more beneficial than visiting individual teachers, mostly due to time constraints.
Events in the School Calendar
School Terry Fox Walk – September 25, 2009
French Book Fair – September 29 – October 1, 2009
Magazine Campaign – starts September 29, 2009
School Safety Week – October 5 – 9, 2009
Literacy Support
Annette Stehouwher is providing literacy support at NMS, in hopes of increasing reading competency for non-SEP students who have been identified as requiring assistance. This support will be provided in an intensive block, starting with Grade 7 students. Identified Grade 6 students will receive support after Christmas and Grade 8 students, closer to the end of the year, just prior to provincial assessments.
Friends of NMS Update
Mary Rowe reported that the Friends of NMS have refreshed the bulletin board in the front foyer of the school. It is now nicely decorated and labeled ‘What’s New at Nasis?’.
Ease of Purchasing Subsidized Milk
Shauna Miller raised concern over students being reluctant to purchase subsidized milk at the cafeteria due to line-ups at lunch. Alan communicated that student just buying milk are able to move to the front of the line but Shauna felt many may be reluctant to do this as they be seen as simply cutting in. Shauna would like to propose having a separate location for those just purchasing milk. Gary also mentioned that the school is looking into milk vending machines, however, this milk would not be subsidized.

Action Item: Alan to work on communication/promotion to students to let them know that they can get subsidized milk and consider options for making this more accessible.
Impact of Six Day Cycle on Physical Education
Concern was raised over the students not receiving adequate physical education. Alan confirmed that each student receives only two 45 minute periods of physical education per six day cycle, instead of 90 minutes/week, as was the case last year. This does not meet provincial requirements for physical education (120 minutes/week). Alan explained that the school does not have enough qualified staff to meet this requirement and even if the school did, it would mean cutting back on other valuable programs such as Art, Music, Shop, etc. Instead the school has introduced a noon-hour intramural program, has ‘Walk, Talk & Rock’ daily in the Fieldhouse, and the students also have noon-hour pool time available.
Foul Language
Concern was raised by a parent that there is a great deal of foul language heard on the school grounds. Alan indicated that there is an ongoing effort to control this. There is policy explained in the student handbook and offending students are dealt with on an individual basis, as situations arise.
Agenda Building
Ideas for subsequent PSSC agenda items include:
• Parent Involvement
• Safety Around the School
• Snow Plows
• Tell Them From Me
• Parent/Teacher Meetings
Next Meeting Date & Meeting Adjournment

Motion by Tracy, seconded by Shauna: PSSC meetings will be scheduled for the 1st Monday of each month.

The next Nasis Middle PSSC meeting will be held on Monday, November 2, 2009 @ 7:00pm.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm

Friday, September 25, 2009

Agenda - September 28, 2009

Nashwaaksis Middle School
PSSC Committee Meeting
September 28 2009
Agenda

7:00 Call to order

Welcome / Introductions

Approval of Agenda

Election of Chair

Election of Secretary

D.E.C Report- D.E.C Rep- Carol Coleman

Principal’s Report

Supplementary Funding

New Business

Next meeting October¬¬¬ _____

Adjournment

Monday, September 21, 2009

PSSC Elections

The PSSC nominations shall close at the end of the grade 8 PSSC presentation at "Meet the Teacher" on September 23 at approximately ____ pm. If an election is required, voting will start shortly there after by the Office and will end at the end of the evening, _____pm. Please see the attached nominations form
***********************************************************************************
PSSC NOMINATION FORM
(Complete and return to the Principal)

PSSC ADVISORY COMMITTEE

_____________________________________School

As a parent or guardian of a child in this school, I wish to become a candidate for election to our PARENT SCHOOL SUPPORT COMMITTEE.


_____________________________ ____________________ ____________
CANDIDATE’S NAME CANDIDATE’S SIGNATURE DATE

_____________________________
TELEPHONE NUMBER OF CANDIDATE

I have been seconded by a parent or guardian of a child in this school.

______________________________ ________________________
SECONDER’S NAME SECONDER’S SIGNATURE


Note: Candidates may be asked to make a short statement (1-2 minutes) on election night. Candidates are also encouraged to provide information about themselves, and why they are running for election. You can include this information below, or send a separate document, for posting at our school.

Monday, June 15, 2009

June 8, 2009 Minutes

Minutes of Meeting
NMS – PSSC Committee Meeting
June 8th, 2009.
Attendees:
Shauna Miller Sherry Thomson Tracy Allen
Tracey Grattan Andrew Rowe Heather Touchie-Blakely
Alan Atkins (Staff) Carol Coleman (DEC Rep) John MacKenzie

Regrets: Anne Small Pat Campbell
********************************************************************************************
Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M.

1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
• Minutes of the May meeting will be combined with these minutes and distributed together.

2. D.E.C Report - Carol Coleman
• The District Education Plan for 2009 – 2013 was finalized with specific measurable targets identified. Information on this plan can be found on the DEC portal.
• Next year there will be a student on the DEC selected from the 5 Student Councils in the District.
• DEC approved the budget for next year.
• A request was made for a member of the Nashwaaksis Memorial school PSSC to attend one of our PSSC meetings. We are happy to have someone attend one of our PSSC meetings.

3. Friends of NMS Update - Andrew Rowe (for Mary Rowe)

• Friends of NMS had a Booth set up for Grade 5 Parents meeting.
• Friends held their Annual meeting and year end meeting.
• Friends are still having parents volunteering for the Grade 8 celebration/events.

4. Principal’s Report (Alan Atkins)

• To offer the Post Intensive French (PIF) which replaces the Core French in 2 years, we will move to a new 6-day cycle rather than our current 5 day schedule. To deliver the PIF there must be two blocks of instruction (80 minutes) together. The new schedule will mean that there will be 36 periods every 6 day cycle. With the 6 day cycle there is still 2 gym days. The benefit is that NMS will be able to offer an inter-mural program at lunch time due to the schedule change. The Immersion program will stay as is.
• Alan stated that he handed in the NMS Annual Report to the School Board.
• NMS received 9 awards at the recent Drama Festival.
• NMS won the UNB All Science Challenge. We should have received the second place award. Work is underway to ensure that happens.
• Grade 8 Parents presentation was well attended – 90 parents attended.
• Ottawa Trip was a success again this year.
• All students from the feeder Grade 5 schools were here for their visit prior to starting at the school in the fall.
• The St. Mary’s First Nations put on a Career Fair. NMS sent a bus load of grade 8’s to this. The Fair was interactive/hands on.
• We had our HPV inoculation for the girls.
• Hearing and vision testing were held for Grade 6 students.
• There was a good turn out for Grade 5 Parents Night. It was mostly attended by the parents of students that will go into the PIF program.
• Friends of NMS held their Annual General meeting.
• The tack and Field district competitions were held.
• The Grade 6 Science Assessment was held . The Grade 8 Math assessment is upcoming.
• The Hiking Club went to Fundy this last weekend.
• The Disabled Adults and Children conference was held here this last weekend. The group would like to make it an annual event here.
• June 17th is the Grade 8 celebration/events.
• We have not moved the recess to the lower field due to the wet weather and requirement for the track to be used for other activities.
• We will have a number of staff changes.

5. Follow up on previous action items

Student Voice – There is no additional update at this time. We are looking for 1 or 2 student representatives to participate in our PSSC meetings for the fall.

Nutrition and exams - Shauna posted a note on the blog covering meal ideas and the importance of students having a healthy breakfast and lunch before exams. A talk mail message was also sent to parents. Fruit was provided to students prior to the Grade 8 exams so the students could focus on the exams verses being distracted by being hungry.

NEW ITEMS

6. Budget
• There is a committed $2000 for the PSSC for the upcoming year.
• If applying for a grant to get a supplemental $500 from the District, we need to request it early in September.

7. Parent Involvement = Student Success!
• Increased parent involvement is known to support student success at school.
• The question was raised, what can we do as a PSSC to get more engagement of parents in the student life at NMS?
• In particular, how can we get more fathers engaged in the school? One suggestion was sponsoring either a hockey night or Indy race in the theatre. We could have a “dad’s” day – walk and talk at lunch. We need to look at non school hours for these events as well as during school hours.

Action: Andrew to schedule a visioning/planning workshop to brainstorm a number of suggestions to increase Parent Involvement in the NMS school community. During the workshop we will also look at the other SIP activities. Participants for the workshop to include Friends of NMS, PSSC members, some students and other parent volunteers.


Meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M.

Next meeting – September 2009.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Nashwaaksis Middle School
PSSC Committee Meeting
June 8 2009
Agenda

7:00 Call to order
Approval of Agenda
Approval of May Minutes
D.E.C Report- D.E.C Rep- Carol Coleman
Principal’s Report
Action Item Follow-up:

– It was suggested that students be asked to attend future PSSC meetings.

– Shauna will write a note; including meal ideas, on the importance of a healthy breakfast and lunch before exams which will be added to the blog. A talk mail message will also be sent to parents. If there is money remaining from the vegetable and fruit grants it could be used to provide fruit to students who did not have a healthy breakfast.

PSSC Budget

Discussion- Parent involvement = Student Success!

New Business

Next meeting September / October

Adjournment

http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin173.shtml

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/TM/WS_parent_tips.shtml

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr312.shtml

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr200.shtml

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/voice/voice094.shtml

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

April Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Meeting
NMS – PSSC Committee Meeting
April 20, 2009

Attendees:
Anne Small Pat Campbell Shauna Miller
Sherry Thomson Mitch Claybourn John MacKenzie
Andrew Rowe Alan Atkins (Staff)

Regrets: Heather Touchie Carol Coleman (DEC Rep) Tracey Grattan Tracy Allen
********************************************************************************************
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm.

1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
• Minutes of the March meeting were presented and approved.

2. Friends of NMS Update - Mary Rowe PSSC liaison
• See attached submitted written report.

3. D.E.C Report - Carol Coleman

• None. Carol was unable to attend the meeting.

4. Principal’s Report
o Full day vision statement workshop to be held this Thursday. The mission statement may be revised.
o NMS participated in speeches both school wide and District wide in both French and English. Alan advised that the Oratorical contest is often held at NMS
o Tony Cox, a guitarist from South Africa performed to selected school students, particularly those that play guitar.

Action: Mitch to send an electronic copy of the Parent’s Conference Planner to Alan.

o Tell them from me program. The last 1/3 of NMS students will be participating in the survey. Bullying is still an issue at the school.
o Turn around achievement awards will be held this week. Travis Augustine is the recipient of this award from NMS this year. Alan will be attending the awards event.
o Members of PSSC, Friends of NMS and Alan will be going to a meeting to see how to get more volunteers into the school. This program is being run by the DEC.
o The National under 16 boys and girls wrestling championship was held here. At one point there were 1400 people at the school. The NMS infrastructure was not sufficient to handle the large number of people. Recommendations will be brought forward including to divide large groups into two different venues. Parking was an issue.
o Parent teacher interviews were held April 8 & 9th. There were a number of no shows. The District is always looking at the number of contacts during this period including e-mail, phone calls and face to face interviews.
o Fredericton is becoming a smart city. An individual from New York was here to evaluate Fredericton as part of this competition. Of 6 NMS classes he visited, 5 of them were on the laptops. He was very impressed with the school.
o The Tatoo will be on with all the grade 8 classes. Also having a grade 7 presentation about abuse – It’s not your fault.
o Leo Hayes peer mentors are here this week on April 24th to give the grade 8’s some information on what to expect in High School.
o SIP – Positive learning environment issues; meetings will be held with students in the theatre to advise them about focusing until the end of the year.
o A team will re-write the curriculum for 2nd Step – This is an anti-bullying program in the school.
o Finishing evaluation for “D contract” teachers. Haven’t heard yet who we will be getting back to the school next year.
o On Wednesday students will be wearing green in recognition of Earth Day.

NEW ITEMS

5. Discussion: Use of outdoor areas around the school
o PSSC has endorsed the suggestion to try the large field as a trial outdoor area for the students. Moved Sherry Thomson, seconded Pat Campbell.

6. Student Improvement Plan (SIP)

• Request was made for all members of the PSSC to have a copy of the SIP so we can see how we can better support the items on the plan.

Action: Copy of SIP to be distributed to PSSC members. Discussion on this to be held at the May PSSC meeting.

7. Follow up to Previous Action Items

o The Leader in Me –Pat to provide a website address to Alan on this program so the administration can explore whether this program would be an option for NMS. Theleaderinme.org. Pat to resend the link to Alan.

o Schedule presentation on the Developmental Assets program for the PSSC. Alan to talk to the students and Valerie who attended the program.

o Alan to forward article on sexting to PSSC members and also will have it posted on the BLOG. Articles on sexting distributed at the meeting today.

o Andrew to send note to the DEC for support and direction on the cell phone policy. Completed. Received a response today. Andrew advised that the note will be on the agenda for the May 7th DEC meeting.

o Student Voice – Administration has not heard anything on this to date. Alan will forward information when he receives it.

o Alan to arrange to have information on the Green Matters essay and Earth Day hour posted on the BLOG. Completed.


Next meeting – May 11, 2009 7pm.


Friends Report to the PSSC - April 20, 2009

1. Teacher Appreciation Week- We had 20 volunteers who contributed to our luncheon on Feb. 10,2009. The teachers and staff were very appreciative of the vast amount of food our volunteers served up.

2. Feb 13,2009- We informed parents of the need for coaches at the school in part of an email we sent out, as per PSSC request.

3. Talent Show- Feb 19/20, 2009. Two of us helped with the final preparations for the Talent Show back stage. We spent Thursday and Friday organizing the kids, working with timing, calming pre performance jitters. It was a lot of fun.

4. Pink Shirt Day Feb 25, 2009- The office and hall were decorated by parent volunteers and kids as part of the national anti bullying campaign. All staff and hundreds of kids participated by wearing pink. It was a fun way to promote Anti bullying. The school was spot lighted on CBC, the Gleaner and Northside News.

5. Women's CIS Volleyball Trip- 3 parents supervised 46 students who went to UNB to watch the game.

6. Winter Carnival Feb 27, 2009- A group of parents served hot chocolate to children participating in outside activities on the 27th. We used the home ec room to heat up the hot chocolate. Special thanks to the cafeteria and to Janice MacFarlane for loaning the urns to do this with.

7. Knitting- A parent volunteer, Lynn Thibodeau has graciously offered to teach the kids to knit at lunch hour. It was on the announcements. Hopefully we will start this week.

8. Easter Decorating- We put up a few decorations in the office to make it more festive on March 26, 2009.

9. Easter Eggs- For Easter/PT interviews the teachers were treated to Easter eggs with chocolate and an inspirational quote.

10.Healthy Eating Initiative- Taco Soup- prepared Thursday April 16, 2009 in the evening and served
during the morning of the 17th. We had volunteers come out Thursday and then volunteers come out Friday. The volunteers really appeared to enjoy themselves and the kids had positive feedback on the soup.
11. Volunteer Week- This is national volunteer week. We had planned to have an event Thursday the 23rd over noon hour but have cancelled it. Due to conflicts for the time and many didn't feel they had done enough to warrant recognition, we have put this on hold. Many of our volunteers just want to help out .....

12. School Dance- April 29, 2009 will be the next school dance. An email was sent out today to volunteers regarding supervision of the event.

13. Grade 8 celebration- will get involved once information is sent out to the grade 8 parents.

Friday, May 8, 2009

May 11, 2009 - Agenda

Nashwaaksis Middle School
PSSC Committee Meeting
May 11 2009
Agenda

7:00 Call to order
Approval of Agenda

Approval of March 2009 Minutes

D.E.C Report- D.E.C Rep- Carol Coleman

Friends Report – Mary Rowe

Principal’s Report

Discussion: SIP update
Nutrition and exams

Action Item Follow-up:

Action: Mitch to send an electronic copy of the Parent’s Conference Planner to Alan.

Action: Copy of SIP to be distributed to PSSC members. Discussion on this to be held at the May PSSC meeting. (done)


New Business

Next meeting date: June 8 2009

Adjournment

Monday, May 4, 2009

March 25, 2009 Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Meeting
NMS – PSSC Committee Meeting
March 25, 2009

Attendees:
Anne Small Pat Campbell Shauna Miller
Tracy Allen Sherry Thomson Mitch Claybourn
Andrew Rowe Alan Atkins (Staff)

Regrets: Heather Touchie Carol Coleman (DEC Rep) Tracey Grattan John MacKenzie
********************************************************************************************
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
• Minutes of the February meeting were presented and approved with one amendment – Add follow up item - Posting of the DEC parent survey – posted on the blog. Ask parents to fill out the survey. Send out talk mail.

2. Friends of NMS Update- Vicky Patterson PSSC liaison
• See attached submitted written report.

3. D.E.C Report - Carol Coleman

• None. Carol was unable to attend the meeting.

4. Principal’s Report
o There are planned changes for northside middle schools. A driver of this change was the need to offer similar programs in all middle schools. The changes mean that over the next 3 years, around Nashwaaksis, we could have a smaller school population as some of the feeder elementary schools that have been coming here, will be redirected to other northside middle schools. Current students at NMS will be grandfathered (will complete all 3 years). It is estimated that 50 kids will be going to Devon that we usually had coming to our school. Next year we will still have 30 classrooms, however over the subsequent 2 years we will reduce overall to have an estimated 6 fewer homerooms. We will lose some funding that is based on student population. There will be staff changes.
o We are preparing for the Memphis Committee meeting – Laptop Institute. Recent budget cuts will impact the laptop program. It is unknown at this time how these cuts will impact our program.
o A geography challenge was held for grade 6.
o A committee is working on the NMS Vision statement for the school. This will be presented to the PSSC.
o A talent show was held on February 20
o The Winter Carnival was held prior to the March break.
o The anti-bullying day where kids wear pink went well.
o The Crash Test Dummies drummer spoke to the kids. City Police helped to sponsor that event.
o The field house committee announced that new bleachers will be coming. Potentially the field house will be closed for the full month of August.
o On March 11th a big challenge was held where all students and those in the school at the time chomped on an apple at once.
o Cleaning staff in the building are doing a good job and are also friendly. We received favourable comments from the district and Alex Dingwall.
o Creative Clothing came in for one lunch hour. There was a small uptake on this.
o We are completing school-wide speeches. The NMS oratorical contest is to be held on March 25th.
o The under 16 wrestling tournament will be held at NMS in May.
o The Grade 8 celebration is scheduled for June 16 or June 18. This involves a full day of activities including going to the lake, a BBQ and a dance. There will be a formal dance held.
o Food services – We are continuing to review the food being provided in the vending machines to ensure it meets nutritional guidelines. The challenge is letting the vendors know what the acceptable food items are. Usage of the cafeteria is down.

5. Follow up to Previous Action Items

• Add students to the committee on fruits and vegetables grant proposal along with Kim and Alan.

• Alan to talk to teachers about options to food rewards (i.e. in lieu of pizza parties)

• Friends of NMS to spread the word that we need coaches/more parental involvement in order to establish more school sports teams. – Friends of NMS have not met to discuss this item.

• Alan to arrange for a note on the BLOG about the DEC Parent Survey. Also a voice mail to be sent out asking parents to fill out the survey.

NEW BUSINESS:

6. Parental Involvement in NMS, in particular upcoming parent-teacher meetings
• How can we get the word out on the importance of parental involvement at the upcoming parent-teacher meetings? The concern is that the parents of the kids that need help, are not showing up at the parent-teacher interviews. We could be proactive by taking attendance at the fall meet the teacher night and then following up with the parents that were absent. Also, we could lead the parents to the classrooms after the initial meeting. An e-mail parent-family list is helpful. We could invite parents to come to some of the events (i.e. talent show, oratorical contest).

Action: The Leader in Me – Can this program be brought to NMS? Pat to provide a website address to Alan on this program.

Action: Schedule presentation on the Developmental Assets program to the PSSC.

7. Electronics Policy

• How are we doing in enforcing the cell phone policy? There are problems with students being distracted by the cell phones. There is some research from Europe there are health hazards for those under 20 using cell phones. Alan has done some research on the legal limits of administering the cell phone policy. What is being proposed is that the device be taken away from the student, put it in an envelope and then call the parent to come pick it up. We need to get the parents buy-in on this. Alan made a presentation on the approach to deal with this at the last principal’s meeting. This issue has been brought to the attention of the District and Kelly Lamrock.

Action: Alan to forward article on sexting to PSSC members and also will have it posted on the BLOG.

Action: Andrew to send note to the DEC for support and direction on the cell phone policy.

8. Talk Mail Program for NMS

Alan informed the committee that NMS will be buying the School Connects program for our Talk Mail program for the new school year.

9. District 18 new priorities

Alan informed the committee that there is a new program called Student Voice. A suggestion was brought forward that NMS participate in this. Alan advised that we will be awaiting further information on this.

Action: Bring forward this for further information/discussion at the April meeting.

10. Green Matters essay contest

There is a Green Matters essay contest as posted on the City of Fredericton website.

Action: Alan to arrange to have information on the Green Matters essay and Earth Day hour posted on the BLOG.

11. Stem Expo

An inquiry was made re NMS involvement in the Stem Expo this year. Alan informed the committee that NMS had some entries this year.

Next meeting – April 20, 2009 7pm.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Agenda - April 20, 2009

Nashwaaksis Middle School
PSSC Committee Meeting
April 20 2009
Agenda

7:00 Call to order

Approval of Agenda

Approval of March 2009 Minutes

D.E.C Report- D.E.C Rep- Carol Coleman

Principal’s Report

Discussion: use of outdoor areas around the school

Action Item Follow-up:

Action: The Leader in Me – Can this program be brought to NMS? Pat to provide a website address to Alan on this program
Action: Schedule presentation on the Developmental Assets program to the PSSC.
Action: Alan to forward article on sexting to PSSC members and also will have it posted on the BLOG
Action: Andrew to send note to the DEC for support and direction on the cell phone policy.
Action: Bring forward student voice for further information/discussion at the April meeting
Action: Alan to arrange to have information on the Green Matters essay and Earth Day hour posted on the BLOG.


New Business

Next meeting date: May 11 2009



Adjournment

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

February Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Meeting
NMS – PSSC Committee Meeting
February 9, 2009

Attendees:
Tracy Allen Sherry Thomson Shauna Miller
John MacKenzie Alan Atkins (Staff) Mitch Claybourn
Andrew Rowe Carol Coleman (DEC Rep) Tracey Grattan
Heather Touchie-Blakely Pat Campbell

Regrets: Anne Small

Guests:
Mary Rowe (Co-Chair of Friends of NMS)
********************************************************************************************
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
• Minutes of the January meeting were presented and approved

2. Friends of NMS Update- Mary Rowe for Vicky Patterson PSSC liaison
• The Annual General Meeting was held on January 13, 2009.
• As part of the fruit and vegetable grant, a fruit trifle including mixed berries, melons, peaches was provided to the students.
• Raised $190.20 at the Bake Sale. Proceeds to go to the Anti-Bullying program.
• Teacher appreciation is this week including a luncheon on Tuesday. There are 20 volunteers involved in this.
• Meeting with Alan to discuss future activities for NMS for the remainder of the year.
• Go to http://friendsofnms.blogspot.com/ for more details on the activities of the Friends of NMS

3. D.E.C Report - Carol Coleman

• Refer to attached written update from Carol Coleman for DEC activities.

4. Principal’s Report
• Alan gave an update on the school review at Barkers Point School. He indicated it was a valuable exercise for him however it was quite time consuming
• Annual General Meeting for Friends of NMS was held on
• Developmental Assets program held.
• Peter Clark reading held with Grade 6’s .
• Press conference with Microsoft signing was held. The program being offered is phase two of a three-phase plan of providing educational software packages to schools
• There were approximately 350 kids at the school dance last week. Dance was well received.
• Alan gave an update on the survey -Tell Them from Me (TTM) which is administered three times per year. This is a national survey which gives a snap shot of the student’s perspective of the school in the areas of student engagement, student wellness, and the school climate. Last week the second round of surveys was administered involving approximately 210 – 240 students. The third time that the survey will be administered this year will be in May. One observation was that the language in the survey was too advanced for grade 6’s, which might have an impact on the results. To resolve this, grade 8’s will be sitting down with the grade 6’s to help them understand the survey. From the survey results, it was recognized that NMS needs to look at how to address the below average scores in the category of participation in sports and other clubs. Some of the information from the survey will be shared with students.
• Geography Challenge to be held this week.
• As part of School Improvement Plan, teachers will be working on a vision for the school as part of the professional development days this week.
• French Immersion meeting with Alex Dingwall to be held this week.
• Variety Show is scheduled for February 20.
• The annual Winter Carnival will be held the last week before March break. As part of the carnival, the drummer from the Crash Test Dummies will be coming in to do a motivational speech (grade 7 & 8 only)


5. Follow up to Previous Action Items

Action – Alan will talk to the secretaries and guidance councillor and determine how to get the message out to the girls about the availability of these products and how to request them. COMPLETED.

Action – Shauna to advise the parent who approached her on this issue to tell his/her child to discuss this with the guidance councillor. COMPLETED.

Action: Alan to get back to Anne about a comparison of sports fees between schools. COMPLETED.
Alan did a survey of other 3 middle schools. We charge $80/student/sport. Devon charges $40/student/sport. Albert charges $50/student/sport and for varsity/JV up to $250. George Street charges $25/ student/sport and up to $250 for varsity/JV.

Action – Friends of NMS to spread the word that we need coaches/more parental involvement in order to establish more school sports teams. – Friends of NMS have not met to discuss this item.

Action – Alan to have the meetings dates noted on the BLOG. COMPLETED.

NEW BUSINESS:

6. Nutrition

Concern was raised over how NMS is adhering to the nutrition policy. There was a grant started through the Department of Wellness, Culture & Sport. The purpose of the grant was to promote students eating more fruit and vegetables. Funding is provided as a flat amount per middle school as well as an amount per student. Schools need to request yearly for the grant and provide a report of what was done with the last year’s funding. Discussion was held around what should be provided under this program.

Concern was raised that there were non-nutritional items sold as part of a fund raising event. It was identified that many other nutritional items were provided as part of the fund raising event as well.

Request that the removal of non-nutritional items from vending machines be expedited.

Action – Add students to the committee on fruits and vegetable Grant proposal along with Kim and Alan.

Action – Alan to talk to teachers about options to food rewards (i.e. instead of pizza parties).

Next meeting – March 16, 2009 7pm.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

March 16, 2009 - Agenda

Nashwaaksis Middle School
PSSC Committee Meeting
March 16 2009
Agenda

7:00 Call to order

Approval of Agenda

Approval of February’s Minutes

D.E.C Report- D.E.C Rep- Carol Coleman

Principal’s Report

Discussion on how we can get the word out of the importance of parental involvement at the upcoming parent-teachers meetings.

Action Item Follow-up:

– Add students to the committee on fruits and vegetable Grant proposal along with Kim and Alan.

– Alan to talk to teachers about options to food rewards (i.e. instead of pizza parties).

New Business

Next meeting date: April 20th 2009

Adjournment

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

January 12, 2009 - Minutes

Minutes of Meeting
NMS – PSSC Committee Meeting
January 12th 2008

Attendees:
Tracy Allen Sherry Thomson Shauna Miller
John MacKenzie Alan Atkins (Staff) Mitch Claybourn
Andrew Rowe Carol Coleman (DEC Rep.) Tracey Grattan
Anne Small Heather Touchie-Blakely

Regrets:
Pat Campbell
Guests:
Mary Rowe (Co-Chair of Friends of NMS)
****************************************************************************************************
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
• Minutes of the December meeting were presented and approved with one change – Update attendees to include Heather Touchie who was erroneously missed from the list of attendees.

Action – Sherry to update the minutes and send them to Andrew for official posting onto the NMS website.

2. Friends of NMS Update- Mary Rowe for Vicky Patterson PSSC liaison
• Annual general meeting is scheduled for January 13th
• Nominations – Vicky Patterson, Mary Rowe , Mary Leo Dick – appointed as co-chairs of Friends of NMS for this year
• Go to http://friendsofnms.blogspot.com/ for more details on the activities of the Friends of NMS

3. Principal’s Report
• School improvement plan update
• Cross grade Math exam this week. Looking for a baseline. The same test will be administered at the end of year.
• Writing code prepared for all subjects (all grades)
• SIP goal – curriculum list for grade 7 teachers.
• Alan at school review at Barkers Point this week.
• Cafeteria usage – allowed some groups to go down early; basically rotating the grade levels to reduce congestion and increase usage of the cafeteria
• Signing by MicroSoft to be held on January 22nd at the school as NMS is the laptop school in the District. MicroSoft will want to see the laptop project. Minister will be here for the signing. No other details on this are available at this time.
• Attendance letters been distributed. NMS has between 10 – 15 students who do not attend regularly. NMS sends out monthly attendance letters and makes calls.
• Gr. 7 classes starting Legion tours which involves going through the museum and then attending a lecture. They also discuss freedoms that we enjoy due to the sacrifice of the veterans.
• Leo Hayes band was here performing before Christmas
• Two Christmas concerts were held involving NMS students
• Alan reviewed current staff changes. See main site for details.
• Cross diagnostic testing scheduled this week.
• HPV testing scheduled this week for girls
• Alan reported that he is attending a middle school developmental assets workshop on Friday.

4. D.E.C Report
• Questionnaire going on line this week

• Action – Alan and Carol to put a note on the BLOG about this. Also a voice mail to be sent out.

• PSSC chairs 2nd orientation meeting to be held on January 15th
• Reviewed operating budget. Supplementary funding approved as requested by various PSSC’s in the district.
• The Laptop Institute has announced that NMS is the 2009 school spotlight Award recipient. NMS is the first public institution to have been chosen as the Spotlight School.
• Refer to attached written update from Carol Coleman for additional DEC activities.

5. Follow up to Previous Action Items

• Glenda Saint report - Executive summary from Glenda Saint report distributed. Alan advised that PSSC members that they can get a copy of the full report from him.
• BLOG Update - BLOG – names have been corrected. Dates for the meeting need to be updated.
• Request to update October 2008 minutes – Protocols state that a change cannot be made to previous minutes that were approved. Correction to the previous minutes (re Home and School) noted in December 2008 minutes.




NEW BUSINESS:

6. Access to feminine protection products
• A parent requested that more efforts be made to provide access to feminine protection products for the girls.
• Currently the guidance councillor or secretary can provide these. As well most teachers have them available in the classroom.

• Action – Alan will talk to the secretaries and guidance councillor and determine how to get the message out to the girls about the availability of these products and how to request them.

7. Access to microwaves. – Particularly for students with health concerns.
• A parent brought up the suggestion to have access to microwaves, particularly for students with health concerns that need to bring in special food.
• It was reported that NMS had microwaves in the classrooms up to last year. However they were removed as they caused electrical overloads and congestion problems in the cafeteria. There is some availability of students to microwaves based on special circumstances but it depends on the teachers. This is done on a case by case basis.

Action – Shauna to advise the parent who approached her on this issue to tell his/her child to discuss this with the guidance councillor.

8. Parity of sports fees between NMS and other schools.
• A parent was inquiring about how schools set the fees for participation in sports activities. Alan stated that the individual school sets their own fees.
• There was a question about the don’t pay, don’t play policy. A concern was raised about how the school will support underprivileged kids under this policy. Alan said there is money that is available, however this is not advertised.

• Action: Alan to get back to Anne about a comparison of sports fees between schools.

9. Discussion held on how NMS could be more inclusive in school sports teams
• Similarly to last meetings discussion, there was a question raised about how NMS could be more inclusive and permit more students to have the opportunity to be on a school sports team. Similar to other schools, there tends to be a small group of students that play on most of the sports teams that represent the school. The question which was raised was, is there something that we can do to have more teams/give every student who wants to, an opportunity to play on a school team not just the more athletic students. There was a suggestion to have some developmental school teams. Unlike drama and band which is completely inclusive, sports teams have very limited spots.

Action – Friends of NMS to spread the word that we need coaches/more parental involvement in order to establish more school sports teams.

10. Schedule for upcoming PSSC meetings
• The PSSC meetings for the year will be held on Feb 9, March 16, April 20, May 11, June 8

Action – Alan to have the meetings dates noted on the BLOG.

Next meeting – February 9, 2009 7pm.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Agenda - February 9, 2009

PSSC Committee Meeting
February 9 2009
Agenda


7:00 Call to order
Approval of Agenda
Approval of December’s Minutes
Friends of NMS update- Vicky Patterson
D.E.C Report- D.E.C Rep- Carol Coleman
Principal’s Report

“ Tell Them From Me” student survey results

Action Item Follow-up:

• Sherry to update the minutes and send them to Andrew for official posting onto the NMS website.

• Alan and Carol to put a note on the BLOG about this. Also a voice mail to be sent out.

• Alan will talk to the secretaries and guidance councillor and determine how to get the message out to the girls about the availability of feminine protection products and how to request them

• Shauna to advise the parent who approached her on microwave issue to tell his/her child to discuss this with the guidance councillor.

• Alan to get back to Anne about a comparison of sports fees between schools.

• Friends of NMS to spread the word that we need coaches/more parental involvement in order to establish more school sports teams.

• Alan to have the meetings dates noted on the BLOG

New Business

Next meeting date: March 13th 2009

Adjournment

Monday, January 19, 2009

December 8, 2008 Minutes

Minutes of Meeting
NMS – PSSC Committee Meeting
December 8th 2008

Attendees:
Tracy Allen Sherry Thomson Shauna Miller
John MacKenzie Pat Campbell Alan Atkins (Staff)
Andrew Rowe Carol Coleman (DEC Rep.) Tracey Gratten
Mitch Claybourn Anne Small Heather Touchie Blakely (teacher rep)

Regrets: Barb Brittany

Guests:
Mary Rowe (Co-Chair of Friends of NMS)
****************************************************************************************************
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
• Alan welcomed Barb Brittany as the new PSSC member. Minutes of the November meeting were presented and approved with minor changes.

Action – Sherry to update the minutes and send them to Andrew for official posting onto the NMS website.

2. Nomination and Election of Officers of PSSC
• Mitch Claybourn stated that after 1 ½ years he was stepping down as Chair. Only one name was brought forward for the position of Chair of the PSSC – Andrew Rowe. Andrew was appointed into the position by acclimation. Discussion was held on whether to appoint a Vice-Chair. No one volunteered for this position so there will be no Vice-Chair. In the event that Andrew is not available to attend a meeting, Alan will Chair the meeting. Sherry Thomson was appointed into the position of Secretary by acclimation.
• Alan expressed his appreciation to Mitch for his support on the PSSC and other support he has provided to the school over the years.

3. Friends of NMS Update- Vicky Patterson PSSC liasion
• Food Bank Support – more than a ton of food and monetary donations were received for the Food Bank.
• Fire Fighters Challenge - there were11 volunteers for the Fire Fighters Challenge. There was a nice write up in the Gleaner on the Challenge. Vicky expressed thanks to Tim’s who donated the coffee.
• Parent-Teacher munchie table – there were 18 volunteers who sent in food for this.
• Friends of NMS decorated the office for Christmas which the students and staff appreciated.
• Christmas dance & bake sale – to be held this week. 25 parents volunteered to bake and 4-5 volunteered to work on the table.
• New anti-bullying campaign.
• Junior Achievement program – the Grade 6 program is done. The Grade 7 program is to be done in January. First time ever, every class is participating.
• Friends of NMS was asked by another school in District 18 to use/adapt their constitution. This demonstrates that this new innovative organization works well.
• Elections – Dec 1st – nomination form posted on the blog. Forms were sent off to parents. Election date in January 12.
• See written update at http://friendsofnms.blogspot.com/ for more details as well as Appendix A.

4. Principal’s Report
• Remembrance Day celebrations went well.
• HPV immunizations were held
• CD/PD Days held.
• Field house meeting held on November 17th.
o Concern was raised over the issue of night supervision.
o Bleachers are to be replaced within the next 2 years. 75 – 85K.
o Renovations completed to date include new curtains, new floor, and new roof. There are no additional capital costs required for the field house in the foreseeable future.
• Report cards/Parent Teacher interviews were held on Wednesday and Thursday. Administration is currently gathering information and reviewing the results/stats.
• NBTA Council Day held on Nov 21st – Engaging the 21st Century kids. Theme through each generation – we can’t rely totally on technology.
• Grade 8 math assessments. Alan distributed the results of the provincial middle level mathematics assessment. 60% of students are at the appropriate and above level, NMS received the highest “in town” middle school results.
• Brent & Alan participated in threat assessment 2 training.
• Kids and parents loved the Fire Fighters Challenge.
• Parent Survey – 250 – 350 estimated returns.
• Tell Them From Me (TTFM) – Anti-bullying program held.
• Badminton Finals – Our team was the winner.
• T-Shirt/clothing sales happening this week.
• NMS teachers participated in technology conference to be held in Memphis. NMS was selected to present this summer on the laptop program from our perspective. First pubic school to be the guest speaker at this international event.
• School Improvement Plan (SIP)
• Completed survey on SIP with teachers. Reviewed progress to date. Adding more information and projects to the SIP using SMART goals. Developmental Assets – participated in this.
• January 8 & 9 Math test to be held for the whole school. This will be developmental to diagnosis/see weak spots in our curriculum. Will be doing a post-test at the end of the year.

5. D.E.C Report – Carol Coleman

• District Education Council – setting priorities exercise. Sending out a survey in January to all parents/administrators/public at large. Asking for areas of focus. Focusing on 6 main areas:
• Academic excellence (NB3)
• Diversity of academic subjects
• Focus on school culture (raising the bar as far as academic excellence, second language)
• Healthy student, healthy schools (emotional and physical aspects)
• Quality of teaching (in order to achieve certain academic goals)
• Focus on communication (parents, teachers, administrators, PSSC)

6. Action Item Follow-up
• Copy of Glenda Saint report not yet available

• Update on the UNICEF program - Collected $6000 for the UNICEF program.

• Nutrition Policy – Shauna Miller reviewed content of vending machines and provided a list of healthy options to replace items that are in non-compliance of the Nutrition Policy. Sub counter is not doing well.

• Talk mail system - Alan reported that the program, SchoolConnects is available through SynreVoice Technologies Inc. This program is used at George Street and could be a good option for NMS. Alan is exploring this further. Estimated cost would be $1500/year. There is no Rogers/Aliant preference. It goes to all phones.

• PSSC Blog Update - Main link shows last year’s committee. Alan will ask Kim to update this.

New Items

7. E-mail received from Paula Colter.
• There hasn’t been a formal Home & School tried in this school. October Minutes of PSSC should be amended to reflect that there was no formal Home & School tried at NMS, rather an informal one.

Action – Alan to have the minutes amended to reflect the nature of the Home & School activity tried at NMS.

8. Communications between teachers and students.
• Alan noted that we communicate well with our parents in many different ways. However, e-mail takes more time than anything for our teachers. E-mails between teachers & parents are trending towards being negative. Need to encourage face to face and/or phone conversations to improve communications particularly when dealing with issues.

9. Technology & French language – Tracy Allen
• Tracey asked if there was any way to guide students on research techniques on the web in French. Recognized that this is a challenge if students search in English and then translate.

Next meeting – January 12, 2009 7pm.


Appendix A
Friends of NMS Update

Food Bank
The food bank folk were shocked the amount of the donations. They said there was more than a tonne of food which, to purchase, would cost the food bank more than $2400.00. There were monetary donations as well. There was a nice write up in the Gleaner & Northside News.

Firefighter's Challenge
"Burning Down the House 2008" was November 25,2008. 11 volunteers gave their time to help with the set up and/or running of the obstacle course during the day long event. We thank Tim Horton's who organized the donation of coffee and muffins from their Main Street Store.

Parent-Teacher Interview Munchie Table
During the November 19th and 20th Parent Teacher Interviews, we were fortunate to have 18 volunteers send in food items for our "Munchie" Table. Got a lot or positive feedback from the stagg.

A few ladies went in again to help Kim with Show choir costumes.

Christmas decorating- Based on the Halloween decorating of the office’s success, the 3 co- chairs decorated the school office for Christmas.
Christmas Dance Bake Sale (close to 25)
To make the upcoming Christmas Dance (Thursday Dec. 11) a bit more festive for the kids, we will be selling some Christmas baking. As an allergy precaution, we asked that no nut products be used, and that a recipe card/ list of ingredients be included. This should add some fun to the children's night. (Proceeds from the sale will be used towards the school's Anti-Bullying campaign - which is our December need of the month).

Christmas families used to done annually at NMS, but hasn’t been done at the school for 3 years. The money from the baked items not sold at the dance will be sold over lunch break Friday and it’s proceeds will be combined with the $72.52 from the Pumpkin contest for this cause).

JA- grade six classes were done last week. Grade 7 will be done in January. First time in 31 years JA will be into the school to provide courses for all grades/classes at NMS.

Mr Atkins received an email from an elementary school in District 18 asking for permission to
use our Friends of NMS Constitution and Guidelines to use as a template for them to form a similar task based group to replace their existing Home and School. We are very flattered by their interest.
Friends of NMS Elections- Nomination Forms and Information (blogged Dec 1) sent home Dec 2-3, Voice mailed today or tomorrow. Cut off is December 12. Election date TBA January.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

PSSC Meeting Dates

Future dates for PSSC meetings:

February 9, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
March 16, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
April 20, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
May 11, 20090 - 7:00 p.m.
June 8, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.