Willoughby-Eastlake Association for the Gifted and Talented WEAGT

WEAGT membership meeting 1/8/08

Present: Tim Higgins, Sue Luck, Annette Thompson, Carol Bergeron, Marty Shingler, Amy Soltesz, Tonya Mihalek, Lori Wylie, Katie Zalar, Jean Marino, Trixie Higgins, Steph Gooch, Christin Somich, Nancy O’Deens, Julie Orahoske, Sandy Foltz, Shanti Blatnik, Stephanie Perusek, Lynann Panchula, David Fiebig, Jackie Rosenberger, Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Harker

  Tim Higgins called to order at 7pm.  Dave Fiebig lead Pledge of Allegiance.  Those present introduced themselves.  

Sue Luck discussed Family Fun Night to be held at Washington on either 3/3, 3/4, or 3/6, depending on school availability.  Key Club members at the high school or former WEAGT kids could help run games.  Snacks and beverages will be available.  Members voted for Monday, March 3 from 6:00-8:00, pending availability of the school.  Thanks to Sue for her efforts.

Tim Higgins provided the Auction update.  Working meetings will be held at Garfield School in Willoughby Hills on Wednesdays at 6:30 and Saturdays at 9:00.  Please contact Dina Rossi at dina@studiorossiinc.com, or Michelle Marcsik at mmmarcsik@oh.rr.com for further information.  Annette Thompson mentioned that solicitations from local businesses are being sought, and that face to face requests for donations works better than stand alone letters.  

Mrs. Stevens updated the membership on the purchase of Elmos.  We are getting a confirmed quote for three LCD projectors, three Elmos, and three carts for a rough estimate of $4400, which is within budget.  

Mrs. Harker said that new switches (hubs) have been installed in each classroom and teachers are able to plug in wireless computers upstairs.  Larry Tarka provided in service for teachers and staff on 1/7/08.  

Tim Higgins said that WEAGT would like to sponsor a speaker.  The membership discussed the possibility of looking into Nancy Weber or Sylvia Rimm, who is local.  Having a speaker present on financial planning was discussed.  Annette Thompson and Mrs. Harker will research speakers.

Marty spoke of the investment policy he drafted, in which he urges future treasurers to invest WEAGT funds into bonds with maturity dates that range from September through February.  He mentions that the Auction, held each year in February and which is the sole means of WEAGT funding, provides an infusion of cash in late February.  Tim mentioned that officers are limited to a two year term and that WEAGT would like to seek a successor to follow in Marty’s able footsteps.   Marty said that the job commitment is approximately four hours a week, more at auction time.  

Trixie Higgins reports that chess will recommence on Friday, January 18 and will run for seven weeks.  An expectation form will be required for each participating family to clarify needed behaviors.  We will continue to use the upstairs gym, with the youngest novice students having instruction in a separate room.  

PTA reports that fourth and fifth grade girls and their moms/ special adult female are invited to the maturation tea on Wednesday January 23 at the Eastlake library at 6:30.  The school nurse will show a school board approved film and moms and daughters will have the opportunity to educate the girls about upcoming adolescent changes.  A similar forum for boys and their dads is being explored, perhaps thru a local hospital.  

A thank you is extended to Jackie Rosenberger for her work on the Santa Shop this past December.

Mrs. Zalar reports that the second graders are capably carrying their laptop computers safely up and down the stairs.  The classes are enjoying them very much.  Mrs. Orahoske added that the fourth graders are enjoying the laptops, too.  Students today gave power point presentations about earthquakes and tsunamis, and that the quality and depth of the projects was outstanding. Mrs. Zalar says that in the future teachers would like more stand alone computers, when finances permit.  

Tim mentions that Tim Hamman could speak to the membership about a new concept in education this year of “value added.”  Mrs. Harker, also trained in value added, mentions that this focuses on yearly academic growth.  Although it is sometimes difficult to measure those student who perform significantly above grade level, the current state OAT tests provide enough stretch that these students can still have their progress measured.  A year’s growth is expected for all students.  

Carol mentioned that the turn out for this meeting was terrific and asked if the Willoughby Library was a good location for people to attend WEAGT meetings.  Favorable responses were given, and the Board will look into holding another meeting or two there.  Meeting adjourned at 8:26.