Ashton Elementary School

 

 

S.A.C. Minutes

October 16, 2007

3:30 pm

                                                    

 

1)       WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS                       S. Whitesides

                                                                                                W. Muth

 

          Meeting was called to order by Susan Whitesides at 3:33 pm.

          Mr. Muth informed the group that Ms. Boyd, Mrs. Natherson,

          Mr. Muth, and Mrs. Farb will represent Ashton at the

          5 Star Ceremony today at 5:00 at the Landings.

         

 

 

2)      APPROVAL OF MINUTES 9/18/07                    S. Whitesides

 

          Mrs. Susan Brown motioned to approve the

          9/18/07 minutes; Mrs. Phillips seconded, and the

          motion was approved.

 

 

 

3)      2007-2008 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN W. Muth

 

          The Ashton School Improvement Plan was approved.

          Some of the trainings our teachers will be attending are:

          Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategies; ActivBoard training;

          ESE staff special trainings; Writers in Control K-5 workshops

          during the day; diagnostic progress monitoring.  Check out the         website for full details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4)      A+ MONIES                                                               W. Muth

 

          Mr. Muth was so pleased and impressed with Ashton

          staff and with their plan to distribute A+ monies.

          80% of the A+ monies will be distributed as staff bonuses;

          20% will be disseminated back to Ashton. Many teams have

          been working on how they would like to spend the 20%. K/2

          and 3rd would like to purchase ACTIVotes; 3rd would also like

          ACTIVslates; 4th instructional materials; specials would like:

          music, science, ACTIVotes; PE suggested a volleyball area but

          we’ll be contacting Facilities Dept. for help with that; 1st grade

          would like a knowledge box and ACTIVotes;   There will be

          approximately $2,498 per team.  Active votes are $999 until the end         of this month.

          There are some ACTIVotes teachers will be getting through

          Grants, and there are some to be checked out in the media center.

          Ashton received 10 Building Blocks Grants;  Mr. Redington

          is our grants coordinator this year.  3 teachers in 3rd grade

          would like more student computers.  District is leaning to

          purchasing lap tops that would remain on carts and be movable

          throughout the school.  Mr. Muth suggested that the SAC

          form a consensus to go forward with the 80/20 as suggested,

          and Mr. Muth will work with the teams to spend their share

          as they have voted upon.  Mr. Bockler suggested that the

          children get in on some of the reward like a DJ, etc.  Mr. Muth

          will bring this suggestion to Team Leaders at their next meeting. 

          We will not use the A+monies for these celebrations, but will use      school funds.

          Mr. Bockler made a motion to move forward with the 80/20

          as stipulated above, and Mr. Robustelli seconded.  The motion

          was approved.    

 

 

 

5)      FACILITIES UPDATE                                             W. Muth

 

          New playground is in operation.  We are very proud of how it

          turned out.  The cafeteria flooring will be changed possibly

          over the winter break with ceramic tile.  The change will

          be through the facilities department, as they feel the tile will

          be easier to maintain and last longer.  Mr. Muth feels that

          the cafeteria tables will need to be replaced soon.  Several

          of the tables are at least 15 years old, mismatched and wearing out. 

          The cafeteria is used for multiple programs and the appearance

          is a reflection of the whole school. A question was raised about

          the possibility of a fence being installed encompassing the campus.            We have not been told of any additional fencing being

          installed at this time.  Is discussion by Ashton parents allowed

          before this decision is made?  Shouldn’t the Facilities Dept. be          responsible for replacing the tables since they have found the monies          to replace the floor?

 

 

 

6)      COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT                    W. Muth

 

          Possible ideas: 2nd grade - Humane Society; Paint for Pride;

          Ronald McDonald House; Habitat; 4th grade - UNICEF; JM;

          Specials - JM; hearing impaired summer camp  

 

 

 

7)      PTO UPDATE                                                            PTO Rep

 

          Entertainment books - $5,000 raised

          Lunching with loved ones went well;

          Preparations for Starry Starry Night are going well; The date is        February 16, and  will be held at the Chelsea Center.

          The Sally Foster gift wrap sale is extended to 2/22;

          Volunteers are still needed for the carnival;

          Middle/high schoolers will receive volunteer hours for working

          the carnival.  There is a meeting on Thursday at 6:30 for Haunted    House information.  A suggestion was made to start using the

          website to disseminate information to parents        more often.

          Book fair is scheduled for the first week of December.

 

          Mr.Muth thanked the PTO and staff for all their hard work setting

          up the carnival, and PTO thanks the  staff for all their hard work

          with the carnival also.

 

         

8)      OTHER                                                                       All

 

          Meeting adjourned At 4:18.