Willoughby-Eastlake Association for the Gifted and Talented   WEAGT  

WEAGT MEETING MINUTES: JUNE 14, 2006

The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:25pm with Dina Rossi filling in as secretary.

Many thanks to Joyce Hribar Fiebig for offering the use of her law office conference room, and the truly wonderful refreshments that she also provided. Thanks, Joyce!

Welcome to Laynee Smith! Laynee is a former WEAGT President and has indicated that she will accept a nomination to the board as Secretary for 2006-2007 in September. Nominations will be open at that time for other WEAGT members who may want the opportunity to run for secretary also.

There was discussion about improving the New Parent Package to simplify the information and update the description of WEAGT without a lot of unnecessary details. The emphasis would be on parent assistance with gifted children.  It was decided that there should be less information about identifying attributes of gifted children, but links for further reading and a brief description of events for the upcoming year.  Furthermore, it may include information about how the Zenith program is integrated seamlessly into Washington. It would also describe how WEAGT helps to enhance and enrich the Zenith program, and introduce the concepts of pullout as well as self-contained classes.

A Zenith class directory was suggested. Inclusion would be completely voluntary. Such a directory would assist families who want to communicate regarding homework questions or social engagements, as well as giving WEAGT more tools to help in dispensing information. A form would be distributed to Zenith families at the beginning of the year.

The group briefly discussed some ideas for the upcoming year’s events.  WEAGT is once again planning the ‘New Family Picnic’, considering potential speakers, and a family night.   Possible speakers that will be contacted are Sylvia Rimm, Jim Delisle, and representatives of MATS/CTD at Northwestern and the Davidson Institute.

An announcement was made that the W-E School Board will be replacing the oldest computer in each kindergarten, first and second grade classroom, district-wide. 

The technology discussion continued with the suggestion to purchase a 15-18 unit mobile cart, 12 laptop computers and an LCD projector for use by Zenith classes. Scheduling is being discussed which would allow the Zenith classes which are currently on the second floor to come downstairs to utilize the cart (perhaps in Mrs. Campbell’s classroom on Fridays).  Funds for this purchase would come from the unused budget allocation from this year as well as what might be budgeted for the upcoming year.  Budgeting for future growth and maintenance of the unit is also being considered.

The preliminary estimate is $18,500. and a proposal has been requested.

Expanding the mission of WEAGT to the upper grades was discussed. It was suggested that a grant program could be adopted for enrichment materials/activities for honors or AP classes, or staff development for teachers of those classes.  It was also suggested that perhaps monies could be budgeted for scholarships for Zenith children, continuing education of teachers beyond the current Zenith teachers or even supplemental equipment to enhance some of the labs at the high school. The WEAGT mission is to serve all gifted students of the W-E district but this has been limited to the Zenith classrooms. Further discussion and exploration into the need was resolved.

The board approved expenditure to purchase 50 copies of the novel “Trouble Don’t Last” by Shelley Pearsall for the 5^th grade Zenith classrooms.

A chess club is being considered for next school year.  Annette Thompson identified a retired Eastlake resident who is interested in working with students after school.  Mrs. Stevens will be calling him to set up an interview.

An audit committee was put in place. It will consist of Ruth Alexander, Annette Thompson and Marty Shingler. The audit will take place in August. A budget meeting will also take place in August. Notice of meetings will be on www.weagt.org

Next year’s meetings will be held on the following dates:

Thursdays:

September 14

November 2

January 11

April 19

The annual dinner & auction will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2007.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30pm.