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
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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
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
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.
***********************************************************************************
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.
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
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.
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.
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