Maple Grove Parent Advisory Meeting
Monday, April 4, 2011, 6:30 PM
MGE Office Conference Room
Attending:
Abby Smull, Trina Rudicil, Allison Hamling, Julie Kaufman, Chris Tiffany, Cindy Metzger, Doug Barry
Parent Survey
- · Results from the October 2010 district survey were handed out to those attending. Time was given to review the data and look for areas of affirmation, positive and focus areas for future work/discussion.
- · Discussion - Class size was a concern noted (question: is there a cap? Not a stated one but the district is concerned too); communication can be a challenge (how to contact principal, what kindergarten associates do & why, why do we have professional development and early outs, our math program and other curriculum programs); parents discussed the desire for more positive communication from school – individualized
- · Barry response
o Specific survey items will be looked at in more detail and a follow up survey will be administered during PT conferences this fall and following years.
o Barry will include a blurb about what teachers are doing during early outs when a reminder email is sent. It will also be shared in our newsletter and Barry shared the Professional Development Blog our Instructional Coach, Leslie Perrigo, completes each time to highlight new learning.
o Our Building Leadership Team will brainstorm ways our staff can extend more timely, ongoing, individualized, positive communication to parents.
o We often have teachers give educational-learning presentations during the first 10 minutes of PTO meetings (ex: this month, Mrs. Tara Broich will involve parents in a learning activity with Words Their Way).
Technology plan
- · 2011-12 school year
- · Input for beyond
o Question came up: ½ cent sales tax a possibility? Thought that parents/community would pay the extra to get technology in the hands of students.
o Comfortable and get it in to their hands
o Equity – ensure that it does not matter which teacher a child gets, equal time is spent in the lab or engaged with technology.
o Opening our 'technology' doors to home: iPods, iPads, Kindles, etc. are allowed at MGE and other schools. Management of them is still a question. Would be student’s responsibility.
Video Discussion – Time ran out! This item did not get discussed and will be tabled.
- · Prior to meeting, please watch Changing Education Paradigms: http://youtu.be/zDZFcDGpL4U Disclaimer - the video is a thought provoker, not a commercial. I'd love parental thoughts on it.
- · Discussion - what does it mean for MGE? Waukee?
Create May agenda
- 1. Changing Education Paradigms
- 2. Safety & new technology – Parent presentation; FBI Internet Safety Presentation?
Dates will be sent electronically to see what the best time/day is.
