Sea Cliff School Parent Community Association

Meeting Minutes from September 2020:

The first General Meeting of the Sea Cliff School PCA was convened at 8:30am on September 23, 2020.

In attendance were: Courtney Chambers (PCA co-president), Jordan Loftus (PCA co-president), Katherine Kletter (VP-Events), Vanessa Marks (VP – Events), Lisbel Wolner (co-Treasurer), Marianela Marco (co- Treasurer), Lisa Cashman (Merchandise), Adeline Phelps (Secretary), Lisa Colacioppo (Garden Committee Chair), Peggy Friedman, Tracey Bacher, Tannaz Balooch, Monica Leach, Wes Leach, Michael Tadduni, Reem Abu-Sbaih, Yi Fang Shen, Kate Duggan, Simone Sanchez, Johanna McAdams, Lynne Chang, Stephen Redenti, Kip Gresio, Cara Gresio, Patricia Weiss, Sandra Collins, Tessie Topol, Maria Mosca, Stacie Luciano, Sara Jones (School Board President), Natasha Gordon.

Events update by VPs of Events:

-We are not able to have most live events this year due to COVID precautions. Be on the lookout, however, for alternative events as well as how the situation develops in the Spring.

-The Bookfair will be virtual this year and will include the opportunity for kids/families to purchase books and merchandise virtually.

-We are unable to do it live because of multiple in-person risks.

-It will include Virtual author visits. Be on the lookout for this event.

Teacher’s Summary given by Ms. Hild and Ms. Bailey is attached separately.

Update from Jeannette Wojcik, Principal:

• Thanks to everyone who made the in-person school year safe and possible.
• Hope you (parents) had an opportunity to see the many tents installed for outdoor learning. 
• The students are outside for Lunch, Recess, and Specials.
• Teachers have found time to bring kids outside for reading as well, and the kids have enjoyed it and have been really flexible.
• PE is outside as well.
• Thanks to the PCA for providing the outdoor cushions and drawstring backpack for the kids to bring their classwork outdoors.

Reopening Summary (Mrs. Wojcik)

• There was a building-based team over the summer to reinvent and reimagine in-person learning from the bathrooms, to the classroom to lunch.
• It has been very successful and the kids have adapted well.
• Kindergartners did very well walking into school each day. They are happy to be in school.
• We have “smile buttons” to show kids the teachers faces for Social Emotional Learning and Safety.
• It has been a monumental task, but we are very happy to see the kids back in person.
• Teacher’s have been developing appropriate materials as to why we need to social distance and wear a mask. Books such as “Smiling From Ear to Ear,” “Lucy’s Mask,” “Germ’s vs. Soap,” “Paula and the Pandemic,” “Billy and the Brilliant Bubble” have assisted the kids in understanding.
• We also have bulletin boards outside the classrooms with the kid’s pictures.
• Teachers have the resources to share and practice what they need to with health and safety.
• When to handle masks, how to walk through the hallway etc.
• Sinks (portable sinks installed where there were not sinks) and sanitizer are in each classroom.
• Handwashing is encouraged, however sanitizer is available when handwashing is not possible.
• We are also spending time reviewing the (educational) material from March to address any gaps from online learning.
• The online program is being set up for Google Classroom with asynchronous and synchronous instruction in case we need to pivot back to full Distance Learning.
• Teachers have had professional development for online and outdoor learning.
• We will also be learning and implementing the “RULER” program which comes from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.Teachers will be learning about RULER. The program helps children to name their emotions and regulate them. The RULER program uses a “MOOD METER”The teachers will be trained and then the students. It’s comprehensive, supportive and replaces the “Beautiful Me” program. It’s research based and has been around for 15 years. It will probably start Sept 2021 because of the delays caused by the Pandemic.
• We plan to use outdoor learning as much as possible for as long as possible. Make sure kids are dressed appropriately for weather.
• The decision to learn indoors will be tied to the rain, windchill and weather (~high 40’s Farenheit).

Parents Maria Mosca and Reem Abu S’baih commented that they support outdoor learning.

Mrs Wojcik commented further that they can’t really do outdoor heaters under the tents because they will be considered indoor structures. When learning is indoors the Special’s teachers (except for PE) will push into the classroom in order to keep the cohorts together. They will look into moving around to different classrooms once the health restrictions change. Kids will be prepped in Google Classroom as well.

Parent Question: Will Google Classroom be used for in person kids who are out for other reasons?

• Mrs. Wojcik replied: We are in process of setting it up so that students will have access to the materials on Google Classroom, however they will receive make up materials from their teachers as usual.

Parent Question: What is the strategy for clearing the air in classrooms in winter?

        – Mrs. Wojcik replied: We are looking into using the gym and Auditorium as alternate learning          

          spaces and will rotate through those spaces. Unfortunately we are limited.

Parent Question: What are the Quarantine Guidelines?

               Mrs. Wojcik replied that the Department of Health will determine the parameters à Contact tracing will be done à Disinfection will occur according to the Department of Health. Currently it is a dynamic situation, however the pattern elsewhere has been 2-3 day closures at a time unless we picot to full online learning as a Society.

Parent Question: Can we do Snack Outside?

• Snacks are outside as the weather and space allows.

Parent Question: Kids don’t like the Chromebook, are there other options?

• Kids have had trouble using ipads because it doesn’t support the Google Classroom program.

Maria Mosca Comment “Thank You!”

Mrs. Wojcik: It has been our heartfelt goal to return to in person learning. During this process, I asked myself what I would want for my own children, and that’s what you’ve got.

Parent Question: Can we spread the kids out at dismissal?

• Mrs. Wojcik: We can try to move some more to the sides, however we do not want the kids to be backed up in the doorways. We will try to push down the street and spread out.

Parent Queston: Can younger kids walk with home with older 4^th-5^th grade siblings?

• Mrs. Wojcik: I will look into it, the rule was established before I started here.

Natasha Gordon Comment: (Parents) Read the weekly emails every Friday to be sure not to miss things.

Mrs. Wojcik: We are trying not to send multiple emails.

Tannaz Ballooch presented NS CASA update:

• I am the chair of NS CASA and we work closely with Dr. Giarrizzo to combat substance abuse in our district.
• There is a newsletter, look out for that.
• Last year we had CASA programs for parents which dealt with Social Emotional Learning and Substance abuse. We plan to continue those remotely.
• In October is Red Ribbon week which we will likely do virtually.
• Sign up and we will email you information.

Elizabeth Wolner (Co Treasurer) – Review of Budget:

Ms Wolner provided an introduction and overview of the PCA 2020-2021 Budget, including going through the budget list line by line. The detailed budget was provided for review.

• We usually have strong fundraising.
• This year we are budgeting for a deficit instead of breaking even.
• Some events will be shifted to spring.
• Some Kindergarten events occurred.
• Kindergarten parent mixer was cancelled.
• The School Play company gave us a credit of $2800 to apply toward the next production given the circumstances of the Pandemic.
• For game night we will be limited as to what we can do.
• The Enrichment program is usually a big fundraiser but we cannot use it in the fall planning budget and plan to raise about 1/3 of usually.
• Box Tops:
  • Reem Abu-Sbaih manages box tops and mentioned that some box tops can be processed through an app, however some can also be scanned from the actual boxes, AND scanned from receipts. Box Tops are due Nov first and March 1. So get them in by late October.
• PCA Dues: Can use paypal to pay dues. Class parents can write a check that consolidates parent payments. Paypal does charge the PCA a 2.5% for use.

• Family Photo Days TBD
• Reminder that we need insurance for certain events that has to be filed in a timely manner and that we have to budget for these fees.
• Budget for coordinating council fees.
• Budget for staff luncheon.
• Budget for tax prep, if needed.
• Budget for commited expenses for Sea Cliff School improvement: Cushions for outdoor learning and Fence to improve Outdoor Garden Learning space.
• We also fund the fifth Grade Circus and the Garden/Bunnies which are dependent on the usual fundraising.

Parent Question:

        What is the best way to pay PCA dues?

• Ideally a check because paypal charges 2.5% extra from PCA.
• The school doesn’t want parents in the building.
• Put the teacher’s and the child’s name on the payment.
• Good to have a receipt but no repercussions if you don’t.

• It was added that the Fence was too extend the garden fence to make it into more of an outdoor classroom.

VOTE:

The Budget was passed unanimously with 29 votes YES.

Garden Update by Lisa Colacioppo and Maria Mosca

• Successful Four Season Garden.
• We have Renato help as a consultant a few times a year.
• We love to have the children in the garden.
• Ms Hassani and Mrs Hecker hosted outdoor learning in the Garden this summer.
• There were 11 students this summer.
• Right now we have peppers, beets, pumpkins etc.
• Garden Club will allow for ore utilization of the Garden for kids.
• Mrs. Krupin has been working in the garden with the kids for SWES.

Amy Renaud – Enrichment Update:

• Summary of PCA Enrichment
• Going to send a survey to gauge what, if any, interest in virtual programs and also what we may for the spring.
• (provided clarification that the after care program is separate and has a separate fee)
• Different age level requirements for different Enrichment programs.
• Usually try to make something available every day.
• Will continue to work on virtual programming for the time being.

BOE summary – Sara Jones (BOE President)

• Intro to the BOE – sets the budget and district policy.
• Has been more complicated this year due to the Pandemic.
• Meetings are public, and at 7:45pm on Thursdays.
• Currently can let 38 people into the auditorium in the High School.
• Where votes/policies are made.
• Public comment is at the end to voice thoughts and concerns.
• Currently can email public comments to the board  – instructions are on the website. Limit comments to 150 words and label them “public comment.” You can share whatever you want as long as you do not name an individual in your comment.
• Should get a sense of what your board does.
• Have been consumed with Pandemic work and reopenings. Have come at a high cost, ~$3million in Pandemic related expenses.
• Complicated because of highly regulated by state Ed department.
• Still many details and ongoing work.
• This week:
  • Setting goals for the year.
  • This year we are also assessing what we are doing right now.
• CC bond question:
  • How does COVID effect the bond?
    • Largely proceeding on pace.
    • Bond works with energy performance contract.
    • Interest rates are low, so getting more out of the bond at less of a cost for the district.
    • Bond work is proceeding.

Comment by Lisa Cashman:

• Bond is different from the energy performance contract. 3 Separate things but work together. 2 separate pots of money. EPC helps the bond work go well and be more effective.
• Try to go to meetings when you can. Go and say positive stuff.
• They have made the meetings as safe as possible.
• Everyone can have a hand in helping stay safe.
• Will have a budget vote around February.

Question by Maria Mosca:

• When is Board Appreciation Night?
  • This year it is November 5.
  • Would like to know about gifting Garden Baskets.
  • This year the board would like to recognize the administrative and custodial staff.
  • Had to look deeply into ventilation, class set up etc.
  • Food Services ran all summer as well.

Merchandise Summary:

• Lisa Cashman: Sample of what we sell. (Lisa Cashman models Sea Cliff School hat).
• Doing order forms this year and we are going to design new styles.
• The company we are using has employees who have Autism, however we may have to raise prices if we continue to buy them there.
• A new idea for design is to use alumni retro shirts with a North Shore Vikings theme as a basis to design new styles.

Mrs Wojcik comment:

• Spirit days are on Fridays of the last week of every month.

Lisa Cashman Comment:

• Summarized HEPA Filter Initiative.
• Will Launch in a few days.
• CDC and EPA recommend as adjunct units. They are free standing and made in NY. $130,000 for the whole district (one in each classroom). It would break down to $50.00 a student if we have 100% participation.
• We hope to have them in by November when the colder weather comes.
• Each Unit is $508.00
• Trying to currently find out what the turnaround time will be once purchased.
  • Sara Jones comment: UV lights are not allowed in buildings they are too highly regulated. We are hoping to change ventilation through the ductwork, but it’s a long term undertaking.
• Look at the Viking Foundation under HEPA.
• District has already purchased 76 of these units for classrooms. Can be used for other (air filtration) purposes once COVID is not the focus.

Auction Update:

• Same Chairs.
• Scheduled for April 9 at Sea Cliff Manor. Not certain what is going to happen.
• Going to meet about what will happen and coordinate past and future plans.
• Possible that there will be more than one smaller fundraiser that will have the same items.
• Will take advantage of online Auction platform as much as possible.

Visit from Dr Giarrizzo:

• I appreciate your patience.
• Complicated.
• Doing as much outdoor learning as possible.
• The staff is great.
• I want to emphasize safety outside of the school day; “No Parties!”
• Mutual Responsibility.

Courtney Chambers closing:

• Next General Meeting is November 4 and will be in the evening and most likely virtual.
• Back to school night links will be sent as well.

Meeting adjourned at 10:13am.