Minutes of CSCA Board Meeting, February 16, 2011

In attendance:  Paul Dieter, Carol Wolf, Margaret Chodos-Irvine, Principal Oksana Britsova, Nancy Hom, Laura Gibbons, Julie Vergeront, Wynn Potter-Levy.

Principal’s report:  Parent talked to her about concerns with homework load.  Staff did survey of amount of homework.  Came back ranging from 0 to 2.5 hours a night, with one hour on average.  Students spent the most time on math, Spanish, science.

Also concerned about the image of the school with respect to drugs and tobacco.  Student Senate is bothered that a few students set the image of the school.  Senate is going to start a healthy lifestyle campaign and Oksana found money from the District to help with training.  She wants to know if the CSCA has any ideas for you to help support.

Bell schedule:  math scores have declined in past two years.  Math teachers are concerned that tht e bell schedule (big blocks) are not as good for learning.  Spanish teachers also think shorter, more frequent classes are better, but not so with science, art and humanities.  No agreement has yet been reached.

Open Houses and school tours have gone very well.  125 families were at first open house.  60 were signed up for school tours.  Next open house is in March.

Budget is very tight and there are concerns about budget and staff cuts.  It’s very demoralizing to the principal and staff.

Renovation of Seattle Center:  Food court will be renovated starting over the summer and will go through April of next year.  It will impact where the students can be/eat during lunch.

Paul Dieter:  From BLT, he reports that the staff is incredibly dedicated.

Treasurer’s Report:  More money came in for the annual fund drive—over $7000 total so far.

Updated mini-grant information:  Carol provided a report to Paul.  More than half the money remains to be distributed.  About $1000 remains to be distributed.

Mother Earth Grant:  Still seeking clarification from staff about the distribution of Mother Earth funds.

CBC Report:  Night at the Theatre seemed very successful; 106 tickets sold, 84 people attended, $1400 raised.  Teacher appreciation, Art Showcase, and Fundraising House Party up next of CBC agenda.

Fundraising:

Margaret Chodos-Irvine: Proposal for fundraiser relating to student created posters, limited editions that would be sold for  $35.  Three parents have agreed to help out so far.  Approximately 8 juniors and seniors, recommended by the faculty will be asked.  Asking CSCA for funding:  total cost is $774 for first year.  Would be less expensive in future years.  CSCA agreed it is a good idea and Margaret will start to go with it.  Proposal is attached.

Liz Wolk:  Promotional art show case poster to advertise to potentially interested families, school board, community.  Would sell advertising on bottom of poster.  Wynn said graphic design students can design and work with Liz and Paul on it.

Paul:  Appeals campaign—how to continue on with the annual appeal and house parties.  There will be reminders in the Blast.

House parties at the homes of Liz Wolk and Julie Vergeront.  They should coordinate and pick dates.  Late April/early May works best.