Raising Achievement/Closing The Gap Task Force Minutes

Raising Achievement/Closing The Gap Task Force Minutes
October 13, 2009

Present:  Carol Caffee, Pat Regan-Alston, George Greger-Holt, Spencer Register, Justin Bartholomew, Tamera Moore, Norma Boone, Daniel Haithcox, Robin McCoy, Robert Logan, Maria Soto, Esther Coleman, Holly Duncan, Mia Munn, Chris Blice

Carol opened the meeting and reviewed the agenda.

The Minority Achievement Award Celebration was discussed.  The event is scheduled for November 14.  The Northwood event will start at 10:00 and The Honorable Carl Fox will be the guest speaker.  The Jordan-Matthews event will begin at 1:00.  Mary Harris has agreed to be the guest speaker.  She is also contacting Norman Clark as a possible guest speaker.  The Mary B. Harris Educator Award for Minority Achievement will be presented to her at both celebrations.

Carol discussed the budget.  A $100 donation has been received from the Bonlee PTSA.  There are $300 from community members committed as well.  Mr. Logan discussed using school district funds, but is checking with legal counsel to make sure it would not violate any laws.  If appropriate, the district would like to donate as well.  Carol suggested that the district may want to support the multi-cultural conference tentatively planned for the spring that would be open to anyone.

There is, as of July 21, $738.16 in the bank excluding the $400 that is currently committed.  Carol asked is anyone knew of any organizations that might be willing to support the task force.  She also asked task force members for a contribution.

Carol has researched medals that are more substantial than the plastic ones currently used.  She found some bronze colored metal ones that will cost $836 for 950.  She also asked Hoyle Dixon, who quoted a price of .87 per medal, or 826.50 for 950 medals.  It was agree to work with Mr. Dixon on the medals.  It was agreed to purchase 1,000 red, white and blue ribbons as well.  It was suggested that the ribbons could be attached to the medals by students who needed to do some community service.

Mr. Dixon also has quoted a price on the plaque.  He will provide the engraved plaque for $25.  The plaque will have 10-12 spaces for additional names.  It will be entitled, “Mary B. Harris Educator Award for Minority Achievement” and Ms. Harris’ name will occupy the first space.

Decorations were discussed.  Carol agreed to bring table cloths.  It was agreed that we not provide refreshments.  Balloons will again be used.  Esther suggested that flowers be presented to Mary.

Entertainment was discussed.  The Northwood Jazz Ensemble was suggested.  Chris will check with Mr. Cottrell.  Norma will check on entertainment at Jordan-Matthews.

George reminded the group that a translator and translation equipment would be needed.  Justin agreed to ask about a translator, George will check on equipment from Federal programs.

It was agreed that the group would meet at 9:00 for setup at Northwood and 12:00 for setup at Jordan-Matthews.

Carol reported that there were 915 names on the list.  It was agreed to purchase 950 medals and 1,000 ribbons.

George provided a copy of the family invitations and passed them around.  Maria looked at the Spanish version and agreed to rework them.  George agreed to email the letters to Maria in the morning and to change the font to Comic Sans for easier reading.

It was suggested that the Basic Skills classes at Northwood and Jordan-Matthews could stuff and seal the envelopes.  A meeting on October 22 from 4:00 – 6:00 was scheduled to put the address labels and bulk mailing labels on the envelopes.  Robin agreed to find out how to get the bulk mailing labels and how to get the letters to the post office.

The program was discussed.  It was agreed that Mr. Logan and the school principal will be available for shaking the student’s hands.

Norma agreed to MC the event at Jordan-Matthews and Chris agreed to MC the event at Northwood.

Robin suggested someone help the students learn how to speak into the microphone.  All agreed it was good experience for the students.

The program was planned:
    Welcome – Carol Caffee
    Pledge of Allegiance – Norma/Chris
    Entertainment
    Presentation of the Mary B. Harris award
    Guest Speaker
    Presentation of the awards to students
    Closing – Mr. Logan

George agreed to send invitations to School Board members, County Commissioners, mayors, and Town Council members.

Subcommittee reports were given.  The Pre-K – 2 group has a meeting tentatively scheduled for October 22.  Mia reported that the Graduation Rate subcommittee will meet shortly.

Esther suggested spending time to discuss race so that everyone is on the same page.  Mia suggested inviting all active members including subcommittee members.  George asked for a list of subcommittee members.  Daniel emailed it as he spoke.  George will contact Pete for his list.  The meeting was scheduled for December 8 form 6:30 – 8:30.  Light snacks will be served and Esther will arrange a guest speaker in Dismantling Racism.

The next meetings were scheduled for:
October 22 from 4:00 – 6:00 in Central Office Conference Room
November 14 – Minority Achievement Award Celebration
December 8 from 6:30 – 8:30 in Central Office Conference Room
   
No further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

George Greger-Holt