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Sterling Middle School PTO Meeting Wednesday, February 15, 2017 @ 6:30pm Meeting Minutes
Attending: Dr. Franceschini, Ms. Courtney Mitchell, Kristin Perry, Jen Zemotel, Aimee Chin, Michele Heim
I. UPDATE from Principal and Assistant Principal (Dr. Franceschini & Ms. MItchell)
MCAS 2.0 Preperations:
• Schedule: ELA (April); Math (May); Science & Technology (May) • Grades 4 and 8 will take tests online this year. Other grades are expected to take online tests next year.
• Students taking online exams will be allowed to ask technology questions during the exam (that is, computer-‐related questions about taking the exam).
• Accommodations for students in need are available for both paper and online tests. Online accessibility tools are available for all.
• Practice Tests were recently made available to teachers; they’re using them in class. • After School Clubs in ELA, Science, & Math (run by Ms. Guimond, Ms. McGuire, Ms. Barry, and Ms. Foley). Open to invited Students (identified by their teachers as students who will benefit) and any other students who want extra practice.
• PTO asked if they can provide snacks, drinks. Dr. Fran & Ms. Mitchell will let them know if needed.
• QPS administration is providing new materials & resources to teachers to aid test preparation in both ELA and Math.
• Technology: o IT rep (Ms. Lisa Manual) has tested the building’s PCs. (Approx. 66: 6 CARES Rm
1, 10 Media, 24 Lab, 14 Tech, 12 CARES Rm 2) o 8th Graders are given top priority for computer labs in order to take practice tests
and become familiar with the online test taking process. o A mobile cart of 30 new Chromebooks (from QPS) will arrive on March 1st to
boost Sterling’s PC inventory. The cart can be parked in hallway and Chromebooks can be divided among multiple rooms and used at the same time.
o 8th Graders will have a solid month to get familiar with online version of the exam.
• Use of scratch paper is allowed (and encouraged) for 8th Grade online Math exam. • Teachers are taking a 2 hour webinar re: the online exam. • Tutorials and a list of resources re: MCAS 2.0 will be available to parents soon.
• Sterling will hold an Academic Community Night for parents on 3/30 (6 – 8pm) . Will offer test-‐taking tips, resources, etc.
New Building: Builders and project management will increase activity on weekends & half day Tuesdays in preparation for the partial demolition that is scheduled for this summer.
Miscellaneous: • Grade 8 just finished their Cell Projects; working hard to prepare for their Science Fair • March 8: High School Guidance Counselors will teach 8th graders how to schedule electives.
• Grade 8 High School Course Selection Nights: NQHS (3/13) & QHS (3/16) • Choral Festival has been postponed, date TBD. • Grade 5 School Council Summit rescheduled for March 9. • After School Programs, session II. Most programs starting up week after vacation. • Cell Phones in school: Letter will be sent home to explain rule (no phones during school hours) unless being used for academic purposes at invite of a teacher. Families should call the school office (617-‐984-‐8729) if need to contact a student. Will post letter to Facebook page as well. Many, many students have been using phones during the day (using Snapchat, receiving calls, etc.).
II. TREASURER’S REPORT See attached. Balance: $3,122. Expenses: Donation to Mr. McGillicuddy’s family ($1 per student + a small donation fee). $300 to Ms. Barry for school play costumes & props.
III. REQUEST FOR FUNDS None at this time.
IV. CITYWIDE PTO REPORT Roundtable discussion. Lots of PTOs (mainly at elementary schools) raising funds to increase # of computers so that students can better prepare for online MCAS tests. Ed Grogan (retired QPS Social Studies teacher) inspired by recent QPS commitment to diversity and attended to express concern about NQHS mascot.
March 6th Citywide Meeting: Stress Management for Students, special presentation by Maura Papile, Director of Student Support Services at QPS. Sample topics: stress management techniques used in QPS classrooms; how stress affects child development; tips & activities for families.
V. FUNDRAISING Stay tuned for Spring Fundraiser: Mixed Bag Designs. Dr. Franceschini suggested holding an assembly for students to explain the sale and incentives. Orders will be due in time for a pre-‐Mothers’ Day delivery.
NEXT MEETING: March 21, 6:30pm
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