Parents as Partners, 27 March 2008
Present: Kelley Charland, Patty LaRose Kent, Jackie Redmond, Laurie Lavallee, Julie Mueller, Sharon Sturm, Laurie Singer, Woody Martel, Conny Thoma, Linda Fortin-Mitiguy, Pete Firkey, Geoff Glaspie, Jeanne Grant, Mary Lou Lord.
The meeting opened with introductions. We were pleased to welcome parents of 5th graders from Fleming who will join us in September.
Principal Laurie Singer gave an overview for the new teaming structure to begin in the '09-'10 year. For next year, our 6th grade will retain its current status, 7th grade will combine English and Reading into Language Arts, and 8th grade will have a new Language Arts/Social Studies teacher who will teach 2 sections of each subject.
Following our May 15 meeting, Laurie will give the Annual School Report to parents. Both meetings will be held in the cafeteria.
Grade Representative Reports
6th grade: No news
7th grade: Medieval Night moved to April 17. Sharon Sturm described the order of events for the evening. Laura Seman will be soliciting food for the evening. More information to go out to parents in the 3rd quarter report cards.
8th grade: Upcoming events include: Spaghetti Dinner, Lake Champlain Boat Cruise and Promotion Night. 8th grade reps. Will work with 8th grade teachers to support the events. 7th grade parents will be asked to serve refreshments after the Promotion Night ceremony. This will be followed by a dance for the 8th graders.
Staff Appreciation Week
Linda Fortin-Mitguy and PJ Neverett are chairing; please send any suggestions for activities to them. They will contact grade reps for assistance.
ADL Book Sale
To be held the week of April 14. Charlie Day will need parents to staff.
Reminder
April 10 is an early release day (11 AM) for parent/teacher conferences. 6th grade teachers will be available in the library; 8th grade team is in the cafeteria. These will be held 4:30-8 PM. 7th grade conferences are 12-8 PM and will be student-led.
New Business
Laurie announced the first day of school will be Aug. 27.
A change to next year's 6th grade curriculum: Students will take one half year of French, and one half year of Spanish. She will survey students before they begin school as to their preference and will repeat the survey at the end of the school year.
The meeting for incoming 6th grade parents will be held late May/early June.
Another dance has been added for April 11. Laurie Lavallee and Woody Martel offered to work concessions.
The meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM.
NO MEETING IN APRIL: NEXT MEETING IS MAY 15 IN THE CAFETERIA.