Willoughby-Eastlake Association for the Gifted and Talented   WEAGT  

Meeting minutes 9/11/07

WEAGT membership meeting 9/11/07

Called to order 7:11 pm by Tim Higgins, president.

In attendance:  Ryan Cummins, Dina Rossi, Tonya Mihalek, Sharon Daneshmand, Janice Tatonetti, Lori Wylie, Amy Harker, Cathy Valaitis, Cliff and Sandy Foltz, Maria Fechner, Lynann Panchula, Nancy O’Deens, Jean Marino, Sue Luck, Christin Somich, Annette Thompson, Carol Bergeron, Tim Higgins, Dave Fiebig, Betty Stevens, Alketa Lufi, Andi Lufi, Lisa Faulkner, Vicki Gainar, Kathy Liberatore, Alison Ciferno, Wendy Nedlik, Margy Kerestesy, Kristy Horrocks, Deric and Stacy Payne, Shanti Blatnik, Linda Barrus, Stephanie Perusek, Trixie Higgins, Marty Shingler

 Introduction of this year’s WEAGT officers: Tim Higgins, president, Sue Luck and Annette Thompson, co vice presidents, Carol Bergeron, secretary, and Marty Shingler, treasurer.  Tim Higgins thanked outgoing WEAGT president Dave Fiebig for his two years of service, which included the creation of the WEAGT website. 

Mrs. Betty Stevens welcomed parents and introduced Mrs. Amy Harker, the new Assistant Principal.  Mrs. Harker and Mrs. Stevens will work together this year to prepare for Mrs. Harker’s assuming the coordinator position in the future.  Mrs. Harker will do the testing and communicate with parents. 

WEAGT’s history was discussed.  It was formed in 1978 when parents wanted to provide opportunities for their gifted and talented children.  The constitution was written in 1980 and provides for a single event to raise the funds for the following school year. 

Dina Rossi introduced the auction as that fundraiser.  It will be a dinner event that will include a silent auction, Chinese auction and live auction.  It will be held on Saturday February 23, 2008 at the Patrician Center in Eastlake.  The donation of items and services to be auctioned are welcome.  Items can be stored at Garfield School in Willoughby Hills.  Michelle Marcsik and Dina Rossi are co chairs.  Volunteers are welcome.  Twenty five thousand dollars was raised last year.  These are the funds to operate the Zenith program.  Various classes have created highly sought after projects for the auction.

Marty Shingler discussed the budget.  New funds are allocated for competitions, author visits, and events such as Power of the Pen and Science Olympiad.  Further information about the budget is available upon request.

Sue Luck introduced the picnic as an opportunity for families to welcome new families and share experiences.  Dave Fiebig underscored his confidence in the budget, stating that the money funds a wide variety of items.  Sue Luck said that Marty Shingler invests the funds wisely, generating a good return on behalf of the Zenith program.  

Someone asked if the mainstream teachers can access the Elmo system.  Zenith teachers are happy to share if the system is available.  Mrs. Stevens underscored that PTA and WEAGT have a good history of sharing equipment.  Annette Thompson mentioned that the laptop cart is in heavy use for the Zenith classrooms, so not a lot of time is available in regards to the laptop cart.

Tim Higgins asked for motion to approve budget.  Maria Fechner motioned.  Dina Rossi seconded.  Unanimous approval.  

Tim Higgins would like for WEAGT to host a Family Fun Night in the winter as a time to set aside business and allow for families to play and socialize.  Ideas for the Family Fun Night include math and science games, as well as boards games.

Dave Fiebig invited us to access WEAGT’s website, which is www.weagt.org, and invited suggestions for links to other websites.  Tim Higgins mentioned that WEAGT can invite a teacher and a student to demonstrate their work at WEAGT meetings.  Mrs. Ciferno approved.  Sue Luck mentioned the school website, run by Mrs. Goebel, and added that input is welcome.  WEAGT will include contact information for the board in its minutes. 

Tim Higgins announced that PTA and WEAGT met over the summer to discuss ways to work together and to pledge support for each organization.

Mrs. Stevens passed out a Dictionary for Parents to help define educational terminology.

7:55 Tim Higgins motioned for dismissal.  Carol Bergeron seconded.  Meeting adjourned.