LECONTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA) MISSION: CREATING COMMUNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES FACILITATE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS, ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, AND OTHER GROUPS FUNDRAISE IN SUPPORT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING, INCLUDING ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT FOR STUDENTS
AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS
PRINCIPALS WELCOME
Angela introduced Principal Veronica Valerio. Principal Valerio thanked the Parents and Teachers for coming out and being part of and helping to build our community at LeConte. Principal Valerio shared information about her
journey to our school and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve LeConte as Principal, I love your kids already. Principal Valerio brings 17 years of experience as an Educator, during which she has taught 2nd grade in a bilingual classroom, served as Administrator and Site Administrator, and as a K-8th Literacy Coach. Most recently, Principal Valerio has been with BUSD for the last two years leading Professional Development for K-12 Teachers/Instruction.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Parents were invited to complete their PTA membership applications for 2013-14.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Angela and Minerva thanked Guadalupe for providing the PTA dinner. Lunch forms: parents were encouraged to complete their free and reduced lunch applications, whether or not they believe they are eligible or want to receive free lunches. 5th Grade Outdoor Education Trip: There will be a meeting on September 19th for the 5th grade trip. Parents are encouraged to pay what they can towards the expenses for the trip. The PTA will also support the trip. Afterschool classes: Parents Tanya Spanier, Ann Sperske, and Carol Perez provided highlights on the afterschool classes for Fall 2013, including several new offerings (e.g., Kids on TV, Fashionistas, Ceramics) as well as old favorites (e.g., Circus). K/1st grade classes will run from 2:30 to 3:30 and 2nd 5th grade classes will run from 4-5 PM. The Berkeley Learns afterschool program will provide an option to purchase childcare for the period between end of school and the afterschool classes. There will be a fee (to be determined) for this care. Registration is due on September 27th and both online (preferred by coordinators) and paper registration is available. Wednesdays will be meeting nights (PTA, SGC, ELAC, Coalition of African American Families) School Governance Council Call for nominations. Sally Grant invited parents to the SGC meetings which will be held on the 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Nomination forms for SGC positions were sent home and are due on Friday September 13th. The SGC is responsible for development of the school plan for student achievement and for directing funds. Angela and Minerva passed out the LeConte calendar for 2013-2014 Afterschool Tutors (more information in October)
CLOSURE NEXT MEETING 10/9/2013 5:30 PM DINNER, 6:00 PM MEETING (CHILDCARE PROVIDED)
Angela emphasized that the PTA philosophy is One Community One PTA for Everyone. Towards this end, Angela announced that PTA meetings will be held alternately in English (with Spanish translation) and then, the next month, in Spanish (with English translation). This aligns with the foundation of two-way immersion. The district will be providing interpretation equipment for future meetings. Angela and Minerva invited all parents to submit their ideas and to contribute. As Co-Presidents, they have an open door policy and invite and support participation by all families.