Arlene Mays-Johnson, UCLS Parents’ Association President, called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 PM. in Judd 126. The minutes of the last PA meeting were approved.
Director’s Report
Mr. Magill gave an update on the Lab+ capital campaign and on the work of the architects. The architects have been at Lab about three times a week and have held over 50 meeting. They have created a “Futures Committee” to gather ideas on what education will be like in the future. This work will be completed by early April. A new project approval date of March 2010 has been set for approval by the University’s Trustees of the project. However, work will start this summer on the roof of Blaine Hall.
School Council Reports
Nursery/Kindergarten Council: Michelle Boraz spoke about recent activities, including the approval of five teacher grants and the planning of a Parents’ Night Out.
Lower School Council: Amy Boonstra informed those in attendance of a presentation on civility planned for April 30 at 7:00 PM where teachers will speak about their approach to the subject. Also planned are a lunch for teachers and a talk for parents on friendship by the new counselor, Cathy Gruber.
Middle School Council: Susan Ataman reported on activities since November. They have included a lunch for teachers, a breakfast for new families, three giant gym nights, two parent-to-parent meetings, and the granting of 19 advisory grants. The Council is renegotiating a contract for picture day since it has not been profitable recently. Leslie Pilot-Gatton and Robin Charleston will be the co-chairs of 8th Grade Graduation. The price of holding the reception at the Quadrangle Club has increased significantly and they are seeking alternative venues.
High School Council: Principal Matt Horvat reported for the High School Council. Grants were written for the community service project, prom, and the 2009 graduating class scholarship seed money. He spoke about planned events for spring including a talk on early intervention in drug and alcohol use. Dates are May 3 and May 6. He also spoke about high school graduation reception planning. Mr. Horvat also mentioned that there had been a good turn out for his talk in February on Course Selection.
Diversity Task Force Presentation
Sonya Malunda and Andrew Neal, co-chairs of the Lab Schools’ Task Force on Diversity, spoke about the work of the task force and the draft Diversity Statement. Angela Park, an outside consultant, facilitated a discussion with the audience on the draft Diversity Statement. Among audience comments were a request to include recommendations on the website and a question on how this ties in with the schools’ initiatives on civility. Mr. Magill announced that he would be hiring an Associate Director for Educational Programs who will be responsible for diversity. Andy Neal presented several graphs showing changes in the schools’ racial and ethnic composition over time.
Development Committee Report
Peri Altan, chair of the Lab Schools’ Development Committee, updated the audience on fundraising. She explained that in today’s economy, more Lab families are seeking financial aid from the schools.
Connections Fundraiser Report
Debbie Green reported on Connections. The committee has decided that proceeds from Connections 2009 will be used to fill the annual fund shortfall for operating funds at Lab and to provide increased financial aid for students. In addition, incremental proceeds will support Lab+ initiatives. A new feature of this year’s auction will be an online auction of over 150 items.
Communications Presentation
Charapin Pongtornpipat, Communications Coordinator Elect, explained and discussed the PA’s newly modified website. An explanatory page was distributed and is attached hereto.
Based on the minutes submitted by Joan Simmons, UCLS Parents’ Association Secretary.
Posted on March 28th, 2009 by Ken Housinger
Filed under: - HS, - LS, - MS, - N/K, - School-wide, Events/Meetings | Comments Off