Glenn Dale Elementary School PTA

March 4, 2008

The meeting was called to order by J. Dickerson, PTA President at 7:10 p.m.

Glenn Dale Community Center and Splash Park

Ms. Dickerson introduced Mr. Thompson, from Glenn Dale’s Community Center, who announced that the first day of Summer Camp Registration is March 15.  He indicated that 85% of the Summer Camp spaces are taken within the first hours of the first day that Registration is open. 

The Center will be having activities throughout the Spring Break culminating with the Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Monday, March 24.  Mr. Thompson asked parents to note that NFL Flag Football registration started on Friday, February 29^th and spaces are still available.  The age ranges are 1-8yrs; 9-10yrs and 11-12 year olds.  The fee of $50 covers 6 games and a jersey.  Also, there will be intergenerational line dancing on Fridays 7-9:30. 

Finally, the Splash Park will open on Memorial Weekend on May 24^th.  The Center is looking for Life Guards and will help to train individuals desiring to become a Life Guard.  The new park will be introducing its new slide on Memorial Weekend.  April 1^st is the first day to make registrations for Birthday Parties at the Splash Park.  The hours for the Splash Park are M-F 12noon – 7pm Weekends 12noon – 8pm.

School Beautification

Ms. Vandermeys began her report by thanking the PTA for its generous donation to the Glenn Dale Elementary Beautification Committee.  The committee began with a small program of planting bulbs and cleaning up.  On Mondays and Thursdays 6^th Graders earn Community Service hours by helping with this project.  The PTA’s donation will help to by dirt and several bushes.  The school is purchasing a couple of benches that will be located by the tree in the front of the school.  The committee plans to have a Spring Clean-up after Spring break.

If anyone has landscaping skills, the committee would welcome their assistance.  There is a bit of a drainage issue, so any expertise and knowledgeable guidance are appreciated.

Ms Dickerson indicated that the Treasurer’s Report and the Minutes are attached to the agenda.  If there are no questions, the meeting will proceed with the Principal’s report.

Principal’s Report:

Ms. Thompson began her report by thanking everyone for coming to the meeting.  She acknowledged that in previous years, that at this time attendance usually dwindles to less than a hand full of folks, so the continued support and participation by so many parents is exciting.  She stated that parent involvement is critical to help the children succeed and that it “Takes a Village” to ensure that all succeed.

The administration continues to monitor uniforms, in large part the program is working.  There remain a few students who continue to violate the policy primarily in the area of colored tights and shoes.  She enlists parents help in gaining 100% conformity.  She reminded parents that the last Friday of each month is no-uniform day and students can wear what they like as long as it is appropriate for school.  She cautioned that parents need to ensure that dress is non-revealing with all body parts covered.

We are doing better with the drop offs in the morning.  The recommendations from the Safety department have been put on hold because of budget cuts, however, the director is still trying to get us a crossing guard.

MSA’s

Ms. Thompson announced that the State measurement tests on student performance will be held April 1& 2 for Reading and April 8&9 for Math.  In March, teachers have been doing a countdown to the MSA providing additional support where there are content areas that need to be revisited.  In addition, she hopes that parents and students are taking advantage of other extended learning opportunities through the Study Island and First in Math computer based programs.

Last year the school made its targeted goals in Reading and Math. In 2007, the County goal in Reading was 65 and in the 60’s for Math.  Glenn Dale’s score was 69.4 in Reading and 70.6 in Math.  In 2008, Glenn Dale has set a goal of 72.1 for Reading and 66.5 for Math.  She stated that the strategy is to keep expectations high and provide the supports needed to help all of the students reach them.

There will be MSA Prep Rally’s.  Students are developing tasteful raps to keep students enthused.  Also, there will be incentives for being on-time for testing days and buddy pairings between classes taking MSA’s and those that are not.

Student Discipline

Lastly, Ms. Thompson wanted to address the concerns expressed at the last meeting about student discipline.  She stated that for the most part the Gator PBIS program is working well.  Overall discipline has improved.  When there are problems, she referenced the Student Code of Conduct that is available for parents to review.  This document is the centerpiece for addressing behavior problems.

Glenn Dale Day at the Glenn Dale Community Center Splash Park

Ms. Dickerson announced that Monday, June 2^nd will be Glenn Dale Spirit Day at the Glenn Dale Splash Park.  The entire park will be the exclusive venue for Glenn Dale students and family.

K. Lyons asked parents to think about ideas for fundraising.  Please fill out the form attached to the agenda or send or drop off ideas at the school and they will be passed on to the PTA.

April 18 is Career Day – whether you drive a Truck or work in an office, you are wanted in the classroom.  Please try to be available. 

Kudos were given to the TAG group that competed in Destination Imagination.  Restaurant Night at the Vista Gardens Chick-Fil-A will be on March 12^th.  A parent asked about whether we are interested in getting uniforms donated that are in good condition that students have grown out of.  Ms. Dickerson reminded that group that the PTA created a uniform donation fund at the beginning of the year.  Parents are encouraged to augment this program with additional donations of uniforms that are clean and in good condition. 

Important Dates:

3/12/08 – Restaurant Night at Vista Gardens Chick-Fil-A

3/14/08 – Teacher planning day – School Closed

3/17-24 – Spring Break

3/25/08 – School in session

3/28/08 – Picture Day – no uniform

3/31/08 – Picture Day – Class pictures w/uniforms

4/18/08 – Career Day

6/2/08  -- Glenn Dale Spirit Day at Glenn Dale Splash Park

Ms. Dickerson adjourned the meeting at 8:00p.m. after disbursing homework passes and drawing for gator prizes. 

___________________

Toni F. Laws, Secretary

Parking Lot Questions

 Can MSA dates come home early or regularly until the actual test dates?

Ms. McGowan has sent out, and you should have received, two MSA reminders so far.  The reminders included the dates as well as helpful hints for parents.  The MSDE website (Maryland State Department of Education) has ALOT of information for parents on the MSAs including sample questions.

When is Ident-a-Kid coming?

K. Lyons has contacted Ident-a-Kid for available dates and is in the process of checking with the school to confirm a date.