Willoughby-Eastlake Association for the Gifted and Talented WEAGT

WEAGT Membership meeting

Dec 12, 2007 

Present: Tim Higgins, Annette Thompson, Sue Luck, Carol Bergeron, Marty Shingler, Dina Rossi, Michelle Marcsik, Corrie Bergeron, Betty Stevens, Amy Harker, Paul Liberatore, Kim Aliazzi, Kim Evans, Alison Ciferno, Lori Wylie, Tonya Mihalek, Stephanie Perusek, Barbara Myers, Dave Fiebig

Tim Higgins called meeting to order at 7:04 with Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Fiebig (congratulations, Dave!)  Tim mentioned that the Board had just met with Tim Hamman, Director of Elementary Education, and Larry Tarka, Computer Services Manager to discuss the reduction of computers in the Zenith classrooms.  Mrs. Stevens summarized the points made by Tarka and Hamman by saying the replaced equipment was obsolete and beyond repair.  The computers were to be recycled or kept for parts.  Mrs. Stevens adamantly stated that no equipment leaves Washington for another school.  “What comes into Washington stays at Washington- it doesn’t leave,” she said, referring to equipment purchases.  She said we will loan equipment on occasion, but nothing is ever given away or taken.

Mrs. Ciferno is the teacher liaison to the WEAGT Board, and she mentioned she spoke with the Zenith teachers about technology wish lists.  Although teachers at the older grade levels use computers more, all teachers agree that Elmos are very welcome.  Mrs. Stevens bought six Elmos for the building, and the WEAGT Board is looking to purchase three more.  We are also considering buying a wireless keyboard and mouse for each Elmo cart.  We are considering three speaker systems to be shared.  Mrs. Stevens and Mrs. Harker brought an Elmo into the room for the benefit of those who haven’t seen one.

Mrs. Stevens and Mrs. Harker state that a price reduction now has Elmos at $539 per Elmo.  Carts were not yet priced, nor does this price include the most expensive element, the projector.  They suggest that buying locally rather than from the Elmo manufacturer will allow for more servicing options.  Wireless keyboard and speakers will be bundled into the cost of each Elmo when purchased locally as well.  Further quotes will be available in January.  Annette Thompson motioned that the principals use the $4500 in the technology fund to purchase three elmos and carts, with two elmos to be downstairs and one upstairs.  Included in that motion was freedom to notify the board if the cost would be higher.  Corrie Bergeron seconded.  Motion passes unanimously.

Marty Shingler mentioned that several line items on the budget could be moved around.  We are done with “tax preparation” and the “picnic for new families” has money left over.  Mrs. Stevens also said that “magazines for classrooms” is done for the year, with money left over.  Marty proposed that we move those extra funds to the OAGC conference expenses, as WEAGT agreed to cover partial expenses for more teachers than had been anticipated.  This would cover the shortfall in this item.  Annette Thompson moved.  Dave Fiebig seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

Dina Rossi reports three fine arts classes will start in January; two in clay medium and one in an alternate medium.  All fourteen Zenith classes will participate.

Michelle Marcsik reports that 1238 solicitation letters for the Auction have been mailed and that the first donation has arrived!  The auction is the means by which Zenith enrichments are funded.  Volunteers are sought, and a work schedule of Wednesdays and Saturdays is anticipated.  Auction is Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Patrician Party Center.  Interested parties can contact Michelle Marcsik at mmmarcsik@oh.rr.com or Dina Rossi at dina@studiorossiinc.com.

Science Committee reported that the teachers have chosen their activities from both from Mad Science and Science To Go.  Most teachers have scheduled their events.

PTA reports that the Beef O Brady’s fundraiser was successful; ninety percent of the business at Beef O Brady’s that night was for Washington.  Spirit Wear is here.  Mrs. Ciferno and Mrs. Ristau’s classes sold the most- congratulations!  January 23 will be the maturation tea for fourth and fifth grade girls.  A similar event for boys is being explored by graduating nursing student Kim Evans (way to go, Kim!)  Annette Thompson mentioned that Hillcrest Hospital has an age appropriate event for both children and their parents that PTA might explore.

Chess club reports that teachers and chaperones liked having chess in one room, although a separate room for the youngest students will be looked into.  Latchkey mentioned that the noise at pickup time was very loud.  Rules of Student Behavior and Expectations for Parents will be drawn up prior to the start of the next set of chess classes January 18^th.  Parents are required to climb the stairs and sign their children out unless they have a physical limitation that prevents them from doing so, which they can discuss with the chaperones. 

Dave Fiebig raised the issue of lunch room noise and the noon aides taking away recess as punishment for excessive talking.  Mrs.. Stevens talked about the struggles of controlling voices and that only a portion of the recess is taken as "time out".  Dave asked parents to remind children of their indoor voices and to throw away their trash so they can enjoy all of recess outside.

Extra sweatpants and sweatshirts are needed at the clinic for changes of clothes.  Parents are exhorted to be sure their children are wearing coat, hat, mittens, and boots when coming to school in the winter.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:20.  Next Meeting is January 8^th at 7:00pm in the library at Washington Elementary.  Have a terrific vacation!