OCTOBER 2004 CSCA MEETING MINUTES

The Center School Community Association
Board Meeting Minutes
October 12, 2004

Attending

Randee Blackstone, Susan Clifford-Jamroski, Crystal Kilmer, Dorothy Skans, Jade D'Addano, Brian Vance, Guests: Diann C. Sanusi, John Brockhaus, Martha Crawford

Minutes: Approved.
Treasurer's Report: Good.

A point raised during the general membership meeting was that auction expenses are high. The CSCA will work to lower the expenses this year.

Mini grant report: The new process for mini grants went well. Total curricular requests were $3,000. All grant requests were either partially or totally approved.

PTA Standing Rules: Local PTA's addition to state by-laws are included in the standing rules. Dorothy asked if anyone would like to review the PTA general standing rules. Dorothy will work on a draft and bring it to the next meeting.

Agenda: Graduation requirements for TCS.

Brian explained the graduation requirements at TCS from a historical perspective during the membership meeting in September. We reviewed TCS current requirements and the direction the requirements are going. There will be a slight reduction in Social Studies and Art. Other requirements are greater than the district requirements, such as language arts, math and foreign language.

Brian asked for feedback from the parents. Students have already responded with their concerns. The process will be brought from the CSCA to Site Council.

Some parents voiced their concerns about the ability of their students to succeed at the Center School, they suggested Brian gather more data before increasing requirements to graduate above the district's requirements.

Jade mentioned that the block classes are larger in some cases, which makes it difficult to get the individual attention from the teachers. The four week sessions are making it more difficult b/c the tutorials are built in.

Martha observed the student population is changing. Students are learning more about TCS before coming, and some need to make up other credits.

Tutorials, parent conferences and arts integration are ways that TCS supports students.

Parent Education Night: CSCA will take a lead role in scheduling a parent education night.

Committee Formation
Reflections: Debbie Lierman
Directory: Susan and Beckey Sukovaty
Student Recruitment: Need a group of parents to get involved to do an open house every month. Contact Brian if you're interested in helping.
Tutors: Please get the names of people interested in tutoring to Brian.

Volunteer Coordinator: Is there a way to pay for a volunteer coordinator position next year? We discussed the possibility.

News: Representatives from Successful Schools in Partnership will meet with Brian and Dorothy.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Clifford-Jamroski
CSCA Secretary