Archive for the ‘PFC Meeting Notes’ Category
Friday, October 21st, 2011
PFC Meeting Notes 10/11/11
SSC REPORT (Liz Janes):
First meeting was today. We have a Quorum. Test data was covered. Looking to target needs to tailor funds, primarily for academic support. The PFC pays for a reading specialist for 1st and 2nd grades. FoHM should look at academic support. Currently FoHM is supporting science through a Google Community grant.
Reviewed the balance scorecard (Posted on the website: http://harveymilk.com/for-parents/bsc/). We think there is a need to streamline it using real world language, solutions and plans.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT (Tracy):
Budget – <Add Graphic>
Of the 2% of that is left…..
71% school materials
19% equipment
6% field trips
4% daily operational
There is very little money coming from the district….
We are reliant on the PFC and other fund raising groups to make up for these shortfalls.
Question: Is there a budget goal? A: Yes, but I don’t have a number. I have a wish list, though.
Test Scores have moved up in English Language Arts and Math. However, the Achievement Gap is real and present in our school. Currently gathering data from teachers to access needs, determine where the gaps are specifically, and target programs accordingly. The goal ultimately though is to serve all students. Those who are at and above proficiency need to move up, just as those who are flat-lining in proficiency need to reach higher achievement.
FRIENDS OF HARVEY MILK REPORT (Leanne Waldal):
At this point, still not enough donations are coming in. We need 40 parents to donate $80 a month, or 80 parents to donate $40 a month. OR WE WILL NOT HAVE ENOUGH FUNDING FOR NEXT YEAR’S AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM! It’s quite dire. In November we will be deciding whether or not we can continue the program.
Outreach effort: Susan and Shawn are working on contacting those who said they could offer time or money to the after school program on their form.
Science grant from Google has come through and is being implemented (Mission Science trips for grades 3-5, Tree Frog Treks for grades K-2, and classroom equipment.) Have applied for a Camp Mosaic grant, will know in the next couple of weeks if that comes through. (In addition, Audrey applied for a grant to cover transportation.)
BUDGET REPORT (Terry Bennett):
Fruit Box money is in good shape. Pledge drive is abysmal (way behind what it was last year). Drag show and Drag Café netted about $4,400. Movie night did $900, which is great (we’ll have another movie night in the Spring). The Halloween Dance is coming up (Friday, Oct. 28, 6:30-8:30 pm). Events have been on track. We will not find out about the Castro St Fair until December, it should be at least $2,000 in revenue.
Next event is the Pancake Breakfast (Buffalo Whole Foods, Spike’s Coffee and Whole Foods Market in Noe Valley donated all of the perishables. THANK THEM!)
(Update 10/20/11: We raised $1760 at this event! Thanks everyone for your help…)
Weekend after Thanksgiving: fundraising event at Cliff’s! ($5 ticket gets you 15% off all of your purchases, all of the ticket money goes to HMCRA).
CAMP MOSAIC UPDATE (Karen Thompson):
A parent from last year donated the $500, which was used for the deposit. The $800 teacher stipend is being given up (Bless them!). This money could go towards the cost of transportation if the grant does not come through, or towards student scholarships.
Insurance is covered – through an existing policy as it turns out.
Friends of Harvey Milk is overseeing the Camp Mosaic funds, so if you want to donate, contact: treasurer
friendsofharveymilk
org (treasurerfriendsofharveymilkorg)
Looking at Bake sales and other events through out the year to support the trip.
The first bake sale is Nov 8th.
GREEN SCHOOL YARD COMMITTEE (Anna Etkin):
The yard is transforming into a wonderful learning environment and it is all due to the Green Schoolyard Committee. They have developed many community partners and have a really exciting and beautiful plan. They will be posting plans near the office.
It will be an alternative learning space. It will allow for all different ways of learning. Children will actively participate in maintaining the gardens. There will be a kitchen garden and the area behind the bungalow is being transformed into an outdoor classroom. There the kids can interact directly with nature, learning Science, Math, Art, etc. directly from the garden.
Right now they need muscle! There is an email list to sign up, if you are interested in doing some yard work. Look out for announcements regarding the next workday!
ARTS COMMITTEE (Audrey Vernick):
A Visual Artist will come in to work with all classrooms starting in January for 10 weeks. This is through SFArtsED (www.sfartsed.org). The school has worked with this organization in the past, and we are looking to build a long-term relationship with their artist(s) so that we have the same people coming in every year to get to know the kids and our community, and to build trust and continuity. We are also looking to bring in PAW (Performing Arts Workshop) for capoeira and creative movement, but that is contingent on fundraising.
The Design Bazaar is coming up on November 19th, 12 – 6 pm (this is one of our bigger fundraisers for the year). My goal is to raise enough money to fully fund the Artist in Residence ($7,700).
Our meetings are the 3rd Friday of every month at 4pm. See the HMCRA school calendar.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/ VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
- Design Bazaar, 11/19/11: we will need help in shifts from 10:30 am-7:30 pm. We also need food and beverage donations and other help. Contact Audrey if you would like to volunteer or donate.
- The Ducal Court, a local fundraising group, is hosting a Craft Fair on December 10 at HMRCA. We need someone to spearhead this event; they are giving us 2 tables free of charge and would like us to sell student artwork. Do you want to help coordinate this effort? Email John A.
- Merchandise Coordinator: would you like to help with sales of Spike’s Coffee, SF Mercantile/Harvey Milk merchandise, or the Harvey Milk Wines? Email Audrey.
- Dine out for Education: we need someone to spearhead the project and help out (January 24, 2012).
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011
PFC Meeting Notes 9/13/11
(notes in [brackets] are from Audrey V.)
Principal’s Report
GATE (Gifted and Talented Education Program) Coordinator – Kelly Clark, 5th grade teacher, is our school’s GATE coordinator. The GATE program helps make sure that students who are above proficiency are getting pushed.
• Parent question: When are kids identified for the program?
As early as Kindergarten, but Site-based teams can begin identifying 3rd graders after 2nd grade CST testing.
[More information about GATE can be found here:GATE Web site: www.sfusd.edu ≥ SFUSD Resources > Departments > Academics and Professional Development > Gifted and Talented Program]
School Loop
Online sign up. Please see flyer in Wednesday folder. Facilitates communications: between parents and the district but also within the school — parents groups, teachers can post assignments etc. Great tool, works well, will not be the only communication tool.
How to contact Tracy – After morning circle, email peopletsfusdedu (peopletsfusdedu) or make an appointment.
Volunteering in the school – during school hours. To become a volunteer, please call: 415.749.3700 or go to http://www.sfedfund.org/programs/volunteers_individuals.php to begin the application process.
Restorative practices – HMCRA is working on our RP program now. It’s a very tailored program. This approach is working well so far. An information sheet was handed out (Shawn has copies in her office).
—-
SSC report
The School Site Council advises the principal and helps synthesize and coordinate sources of funds: the PFC, Friends of Harvey Milk, district money, and other sources. There are 3 parent vacancies that must be filled to have a quorum as required by the district [SSC needs 5 parent members and 5 faculty members]
SSC meets 5:30-6:30 on the 2nd Tuesday of every month (prior to the PFC Meeting)
—-
Friends of Harvey Milk Report
Leanne was not here tonight (due to illness) but Michelle Lutz (new FoHM Board Member) and Kellie Seringer (FoHM Board Member) were there to answer questions.
Q&A with Leanne Waldal, FoHM Board Member (via email, prior to meeting):
Q: When and where FoHM meetings are, who can attend, how parents can become a member of FoHM?
A: Meeting dates/times are on the school calendar (3rd Sunday of the month, 3:30-4:30 pm), all meetings are at Kellie Seringer’s house. Anyone is welcome to attend. We are looking for 2 new board members who can work/volunteer 5 hours/month focusing on managing fundraising and grant writing. Board members are required to attend monthly meetings.
To become a board member: attend meetings, indicate interest, support FoHM, ask to be a board member or we extend an invitation. SSC members cannot be FoHM board members due to conflict of interest
We also need volunteers for our outreach effort (see below)
Q: Grant updates: what grants have been received, where is the money going, do you need help with grant writing?
A: Have received $15k grant for science (restricted to $6k for mission science, $6k for tree frog treks, $3k for science coordinator and supplies) – we need someone to manage this grant (make sure the money is spent and report back to the funder = Google community grants)
Yes, see above – need a board member for help with grant writing and/or a volunteer or two to help manage and apply for grants
2 grants have been applied for to raise funds for Camp Mosaic
Q: After school update, if you have one (i.e. are donations coming through? Or at least a reminder that people should be setting up their $80/per month-per child donation)
A: At this point, not enough donations are coming in
We have 27 parents who either are giving at least $80/month/child or have given at least $720/kid/year. We need approximately 80 parents to be giving $80/month/child.
Outreach effort: We need volunteers to help us contact all parents with kids in the after school program. We have plans to talk with or email with every single parent who has a kid in the after school program to see how it is/isn’t working, how we can make it better, whether or not there is interest in the program continuing, and who can donate time or money to help the program continue. Our fundraising development consultant (Molly Clark http://www.schwarczclark.com) is meeting with us next week to discuss the process for that.
Q: Anything else you want to say?
A: FoHM is finding new insurance (our insurance company decided FoHM is not education-based and cancelled our policy.) FoHM has, in the past, covered the insurance for camp mosaic. It’s not clear yet if FoHM can afford insurance that covers Camp Mosaic.
—-
Kellie Seringer is in the process of researching and assessing other insurance policies. Looking at other Excel programs’ insurers. Will look into a “special event” rider for Camp Mosaic. [They are getting quotes from insurers and report back to the community as soon as possible.]
Parent Questions:
Q: Before the FoHM covered the cost of Camp Mosaic (the last 2 years), how was insurance covered?
A: Through the school’s policy. However it was not necessarily appropriate because though the policy number was written on the application form for the camp, there may not have been coverage for the Camp in the policy.
Karen Thompson and Tina Moss (4th grade parents) will work with Kellie on insurance issues for Camp Mosaic.
—-
BUDGET REPORT:
Not much to cover without Terry [absent due to illness]
Stipend for subs is being worked on.
Pledge drive – if you have ideas of how to make it more interesting – PLEASE HELP.
Terry and Audrey will spear head. Don will help
Popcorn Machine broken need to be replaced — Victor and Tony (kinder dads) have offered to by one in time for the Drag Show and Halloween Dance.
We have developed a “Request for Funds Form” for the PFC – please use. Will help the PFC keep track of requests.
—-
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Art Committee – First meeting will be Friday Sept 16, 3:30-4:30 pm
The purpose of the Arts committee is to ensure the arts are part of every child’s education. This committee was folded in to the PFC last year. We need volunteers to help with the following: Manage our Visiting Artist (s) [through SF ArtsEd], coordinate Design Bazaar, attend meetings, help maintain Art Carts (materials cart and resource cart available to teachers to easily bring art curriculum into their classrooms), etc. Kellie has list of people who are interested. Let us know if you’d like to be added to the list (k2kellieyahoocom (k2kellieyahoocom) or audverngmailcom).
Donations and Matching Funds – Next PFC we will discuss how we can streamline sources of matching funds and other potential revenue sources.
FoHM PFC/SSC Summit is scheduled for Tuesday November 8th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Purpose of the summit is to facilitate communications and align goals of the three groups (FoHM, PFC, SSC). The basic focus will be on how we work together. We would like to hold a Summit quarterly to get all three groups together on a regular basis. Need questions beforehand so we can be prepared (i.e. have budget information on hand etc.) so if you have questions, PLEASE email audverngmailcom (audverngmailcom) or bring your questions to the next PFC meeting (Tuesday, October 11, 6:30 p.m.).
Join the HMCRA Yahoo mail group! If you have not joined our Yahoo Group, please click on the link below and join: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HMCRA/
Roller-Skating party to raise money for Camp Mosaic: Sat. Sept. 24, 6:15-8:15pm Where – Redwood Roller Rink in Redwood City
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Drag show, Sat. 9/17 – 10 people – Set up and breakdown, See Susan’s email – sign up. Help is needed 5:30-11pm.
Also need help with T-shirt sales from 7-8pm and during the Drag Show intermission.
Castro Street Fair, Sunday, Oct. 2, 10am-5pm – The more volunteers we have the more money we will make. We man the entrance at 19th and Castro by the Buffalo Whole Foods market. Can generate up to $30 an hour. Really fun for the whole family (kids love dressing up and collecting donations/handing out stickers). Great community event. Contact Liz Janes to sign up: usat64attnet
Drag Café, Sunday, Oct. 2, 5-7pm – – after the Castro Street fair – need 8 -10 people. Contact Susan (susantramontanagmailcom) or John (johnadviceandinsightcom)
Design Bazaar – 4 people – Need help soliciting Vendors at 2 art fairs on September 17-18. Audrey has a letter for Vendors (audverngmailcom)
GRANT WRITERS!! (1 or 2 people) – Target field trip grant, School yard/PE grant (some are just a paragraph or so). Let me know if you can help (audverngmailcom)
Ink cartridge re-cycle – 1 person – This would be ongoing. Set up drop off location at school. Investigate who will take them and what they will pay. How many you can return at a time. Etc.
‘Thank You’ letters or gifts for donors – 1 or 2 people - create Kids’ Stationary for notes – Friends of Harvey Milk have a lot of stuff like that (Kellie)
Dine out for Education - 1 or 2 people – Need some brainstorming and people to reach out to restaurants. Dine out for Education is a big organization for all schools being spearheaded by McKinley Elementary and MUMC (Merchants of Upper Market/Castro). Audrey is looking to do this on a grass root level just for HMCRA – Maybe once every other month, in a different neighborhood. Ask your favorite restaurant if they’d be willing to do a once a year fundraiser for our school.
Bar night for Education - Don (Asha’s Dad) is going to look into this (akin to the former BAR/AIDS project).
Friday, September 9th, 2011
PFC Meeting Notes 8/16/11
Meeting Chair: Terry Bennett (mom to Camille, 3rd), PFC Treasurer
The PFC: Parent Faculty Club
PFC has automatic membership to all parents and faculty at the school and everyone is welcome. Meeting is the first Tuesday of each month, 6:30-8:00 pm.
Childcare and dinner are provided.
What the PFC provides:
1/3rd of the budget goes to Kindergarten Aides – 4 hours per day, and a Literacy Aide in 1st and 2nd grades.
All classroom supplies (as the state budget leaves almost nothing for that).
10 weeks of art teacher for all grades, spring fieldtrips, assemblies – usually arts related.
Sponsors the Green schoolyard too.
This means there is a lot of money to raise. We estimate we will need to raise around 80k this year to cover next and what we fall short of this year. The goal for the pledge drive starting this week is 30k . Please use E-Scrip (http://www.escrip.com/)– through Safeway club card, Visa, MC, AmEx, and Target. Sign up your cards on escrip.com. A percentage of your purchase will go to the school of your choice.
See the actual budget posted on the Yahoo groups files page for more concrete summary of the budget and what is getting funded in terms of staff and supplies.
Leanne Waldal and Moya Watson – Leanne is the Treasurer of Friends of Harvey Milk; she also oversees and maintains the fabulous webpage. There is a school twitter account and a Facebook page that has been used for some fundraising.
The SSC – School Site Council – Each school in the district is required to have a School Site Council. The SSC is responsible for: supporting the principal with the annual budget; integrating the SFUSD, SSC, FOHM, and other budget sources; reviewing and working with families to revise the balanced scorecard; and to annually certify the after-school provider (which is currently Milk’n'Cookies run by FoHM).
Government funds from the SFUSD are insufficient to provide the level of instruction and supervision that HMCRA students deserve. HMCRA’s after-school grant and other resources from the district were larger in the past. We are now moving towards more dependence on families for financial support and/or time.
The SSC is required to have 5 parents and 5 staff (including the principal) as voting members. We are currently seeking 3 new parent members to replace those who left at the end of last year. Accounting experience helpful but not
required. If anyone would like to volunteer, please email our principal, Tracy Peoples at peopletsfsudedu or SSC Member Liz Janes at usat64@…, or attend our next meeting 9/6 at 5 pm in the library. (No childcare or dinner
provided.)
PFC Elections:
Audrey Vernick and John Antoniades were confirmed as co-chairs for 2011-2012.
Sarah Weil was confirmed as Secretary.
Audrey and John recommended that each classroom take the lead on different fundraisers throughout the year and got many volunteers. (Audrey will post the calendar of assignments on the yahoo groups page, and Shawn will distribute the
list in the next Wednesday folder)
Friend of Harvey Milk – Kellie Seringer:
Jon Voss started friends of Harvey Milk as a 5013c to accept big grants. Friends of Harvey Milk has historically funded things like Mission Science and Camp Mosaic for the fourth graders, in addition to the after-school program.
Funding for programs has changed significantly this year. Because of the large bump in after-school program enrolment in the last 2 years (from 75 to 220 kids utilizing the program), and other changes including a more formalized hiring process, the extra funds (that were formerly being used for Mission Science, Camp Mosaic, Tree Frog Treks, and the salaries for some extra staff positions) are now being used entirely to fund to the after-school program. FOHM has been
applying for grants to make up for the shortfall but this will cover only a portion. Fundraising is a must and FOHM is looking to raise 75k to 80k to keep Milk and Cookies as it is. Contributions of $80 a month per child will be asked of parents using the program. Because of the specifics of the grant, which covers part of the after school program, we are required to fund 35% of the program.
The Milk and Cookies program is unique to this school. If there is not enough money raised by December then FoHM plans to stop running the after-school program and it will be handed off to the Boys & Girls club or YMCA (which traditionally hires high school students because they offer minimum wage salaries).
Other Milk and Cookies things: The staff will coordinate your child’s attendance in sports programs at the Eureka Valley Rec Center – during program hours (taking the kids over and bringing them back). Parents are responsible for letting the staff know what program(s) your child is enrolled in. Parents are always welcome to lend their talents to the Milk and Cookies program, and just generally help out. Talk to Susan Tramontana, afterschoolhmcracom.
ARTS COMMITTEE:
“Our Arts Committee helps support a wide range of visual and performing arts activities for all grade levels in addition to SFUSD’s choral and instrumental music programs. The committee has raised funds to provide visual arts
instruction to all classrooms for 10 weeks each year.”
We need members! Help us support arts education for our kids! Help plan and run the Design Bazaar, a fabulous, fun, fundraiser on Nov. 19, 2011 from 12-5pm! If you want to join or help our efforts, please contact Kellie Seringer.
PFC Budget
PFC is starting with 77k but we will need to raise at least 72k this year to maintain conditions for next year.
General Comments:
Total need including what FOHM needs is 160k. Camp Mosaic: currently, there is no money budgeted but the 3rd & 4th grade classes are planning fundraisers. The reservation has been canceled for the fall, but a new reservation has been made
for the spring. If funds come together a spring session is possible.
Facebook and Twitter accounts are good for leveraging fundraising events, getting support from out of town family members (grandparents!) etc.
Budget is approved.
Tracy Peoples: New Principal
The first monthly Parent & Principal Coffee Chat will be Friday, Sept. 2, 9:45-10:45 am. Please come!
Discipline: We will work on proactive deterrents this year (Restorative Practices). This is an approach to discipline… a discipline philosophy to teach students how to treat each other. Restorative practices will be developed in the next few weeks and we’ll bring in parents too.
Ms Whitt (1st grade teacher) commented: We’ve got commitment in every classroom to do `community circles’ in class (to reduce conflict). We are also using “I” messages: “I felt like this when you did that,” “I felt like this when that happened,” etc.
Ms. Peoples is also looking to support more English Language Development (ELD) and culturally specific programs. Other goals are to build community and have happy kids. She will have a bigger report next time.
Achievement data: Harvey Milk is on a positive trend – moving up. The rest of the district has flat-lined. This will drive professional development this year.
With regard to achievement: no GATE (gifted and talented education) coordinator yet this year.
John & Audrey: new PFC co-chairs
Audrey: Special Ed and Inclusion are her passion. She organizes an Inclusion event every year. Her son Bennett is in full inclusion in 2nd grade.
John: “In the PFC, it’s our job to Harvest money, build community and have fun.” His main events are the drag shows. The drag shows bring in a lot of money ($4,000-7,000 per evening historically) and also bring in the performing community as well as the neighborhood community.
Attached:
HMCRA after school financial state
FoHM budget
Friday, December 10th, 2010
Parent-Faculty Club started late due to SSC overtime. Next meeting will be the FIRST TUESDAY OF 2011, January 4, 6-7:30 (SSC will be following Tuesday.)
Budget items:
1. Wells Fargo awarded 25+ schools with $3K grants to celebrate the Giants’ win. We will be getting a check in a ceremony from them at the beginning of the Winter Peace Assembly, 12/16.
2. Online Auction: preliminary results of the online auction, raised $5K. The hardest part is in packing/shipping bought items, so next time we might want to focus on gift certificates and services.
3. 12/9 we will find out how much we earned at the Castro Street Fair.
4. In January, PFC will focus on Spring Carnival/Auction planning.
5. The Arts Bazaar raised $2500 for Arts – we still need another $3K to get an art teacher into the school through the end of the year.
6. The Tech Search Party raised $2600 for HMCRA – Vincent would like a Civil Rights-themed Tech Search for us next spring. Perhaps in concert with Rainbow Walk folks? (Mr. Tom is on that committee.)
Staff Notes:
Our librarian is moving to a new school next semester, so we will have a new one.
Again, next meeting will be the FIRST TUESDAY OF 2011, January 4, 6-7:30 (SSC will be following Tuesday.)
