Tuttle Elementary School

SAC Meeting Minutes

Nov. 14th, 2007

Attendees:

Melissa Thompson, Marcy Kennelly, Maria Rodriguez, Michele Tegio, Jennifer Kahler, Patty Adams, Jennifer Olade, Maria Bruquetas (translator) Yaritza Delgado, Alea Miller, Megan Williams, Susie Welsh, Estella Currielle, MaryBeth Slane, Faustina Martinez, Jerilynnn Palmer, Cynthia Martin, Lisa Styers Theresa Wysocki, and Jane Courtright.

Old Business:

We were designated an A school for the 2006-07 school year. It was decided by the staff to disperse the money equally between all staff present during the 2006-07 school year.

Mrs. Holcomb’s request for funding for the science T-shirts was approved unanimously by all present SAC members.

At a previous SAC meeting, a parent expressed a concern regarding potential changes to the entrance/exit of the school. She was concerned that a change in this could result in more congestion and confusion. Mrs. Kahler acknowledged that a discussion had occurred regarding entrance/exit procedures but that there will be no changes made at this time.

Treasury Update:

The SAC budget currently stands at $8, 369.20 out of the consumable budget.

New Business:

The main topic at this month’s meeting focused on the discussion of grade level field trips. Previously, PTO assisted teams with the funding for the field trips. Due to budget issues, they will not be able to fund field trips this year as much as they did in the past. PTO has agreed to contribute $1000 towards the field trip fund. It was decided that SAC would assist as much as possible. In order to ensure equity among the grade levels, teams were asked to submit a list of proposed fieldtrips and costs. It was also noted that bus transportation costs approximately $400 per field trip. This fee is in addition to the ticket price for events.

At this time, SAC has $728 in the field trip budget. There is another $8000 in the consumable fund that can be moved to the field trip budget. After much discussion, it was decided that SAC would assist teams by allotting $5 per student on each grade level. MaryBeth made the motion to give $5 per student on each grade level. Jennifer Kahler seconded the motion. The motion was passed.

Ms. Nugent submitted a request for $300 to assist in with the Embracing Differences project. After much discussion, the SAC members decided that they did not have enough information to make an informed decision. They requested to table this proposal until more details were provided. It was suggested that Ms. Nugent attend the next SAC meeting in order to provide more details and to answer questions. This request for funding will be tabled until the December meeting.

The art department has also asked for funding to cover subs while they take students to the Van Wezel. At this time, we were unable to determine if SAC can provide money for subs. Mary Beth will contact the Landings to clarify this issue. We will share this at the next SAC meeting. In addition, the SAC team requested more specifics in terms of how many subs and how many hours in order to determine an exact dollar amount.

Mrs. Plescia has requested $510 to purchase Dewey Decimal signs and make the media center more inviting and user friendly for both the teachers and students. The motion was made by Marcy Kennelly to accept the purchase request and Alea Miller seconded the motion. SAC agreed unanimously to fund the request for signs for the media center.

Lisa Styers has requested $700 to fund the purchase of award ribbons. The students will participate in the Presidents Physical Fitness Contest. MaryBeth made a motion to fund the purchase of the award ribbons. Maria Rodriguez seconded the motion. SAC members voted unanimously to support this purchase.

A current SAC member, Estelle Currielle with Latino Excellence, has started a class at Tuttle to assist parents who would like to learn English. At this time, the classes are offered to parents with students already in tutoring in order to assist with child care. The classes, however, are open to anyone interested with the understanding that they are responsible for providing their own child care.

Mrs. Welsh shared an update on the Tuttle chorus. Currently there are approximately 120 students participating in the chorus. They will perform in five shows in December, 1 in January and 2 in February. Please see Mrs. Welsh for the locations if more information is needed.

After money was allocated for the Science Fair T-Shirts, PE Ribbons, Media Center Signage and Field Trips, there is approximately $4,227.54 remaining in the consumables budget.

Principal’s Update

Jennifer Kahler shared that she is working with Holly Randall to revamp the courtyard. Plans are being drawn up. The proposal includes moving the gazebo and adding pavers. To assist with this project, Mrs. Kahler is organizing a special fundraiser that would give people the chance to purchase an engraved paaver to be placed in the new courtyard.

A motion was made by Mrs. Slane to end the meeting at 8:30. Maria Rodriguez seconded the motion. The SAC meeting concluded at 8:28. The next SAC meeting will be held on December 12, 2007 at 7:30 in Room 201.