Parent Group Report - February 27, 2008
Karin Parker reported on various events taking place at Steller, including Open House, which had a new format, and the All Community meeting. She also reviewed progress events to come, including Spring Intensives, testing, and the Northwest Accreditation Process. The All Community meeting will be on March 26th, and will be facilitated by Karen Kirk. The goal will be to work on a Mission Statement that will be the first step in the Accreditation process.
Treasurer Mary Tanner reported that the Parent Group had over $8,000 in funds available to distribute as needed by the Steller community.
Ken addressed the parent’s questions about the purpose of Intensives and how the classes are developed. The large blocks of time allow something that would otherwise be difficult to do during shorter, more spread out periods, including travel, art and community involvement projects. It facilitates the use of transportation and parent participation. Karen and staff believe that most students do not have a big problem finding credit for core classes, so students can get elective credits during intensives without getting behind. Some classes do offer credit that will apply to requirements, which can be taken by students who are behind in their credit counts.
Parents offered examples of intensives that they felt were worthwhile for their kids, and discussed the value of travel, skiing, arts and crafts classes, etc. Shannon and Ken reported on the progress of the three goals and accompanying action items that were identified for this year. They note that in regards to goal number two, communication skills training, has been completed, and should, perhaps be done every year.
The group agreed to fund to requests. The first was $246 for printer cartridges to use in the color printers teachers use for classes. The second was for up to $400 to purchase a class set of headsets which teachers could check out to use for student podcasting projects. The group discussed several ideas for how to get the best quality for the money, and how to manage the sets to avoid theft or loss.
There was discussion of Parent-Teacher conferences, focusing on several issues including how much staff time is available, the best time for parents to get information about their child.
The Parent Group will need new officers for next year, and it would be good to have them at least partially in place so that the group can be up and running right away. The positions that will need to be filled are 2 co-chairs, a co-treasurer to work with Mary in her last year, and a secretary or co-secretaries.
Donations are needed for the Auction, which will be on March 28th at 5:30. Set up will take place that afternoon, and parents are needed for a variety of jobs and to bring finger food.
The next Parent Group meeting will be March 26th, at 5:30, prior to the All Community Meeting.