Willoughby-Eastlake Association for the Gifted and Talented WEAGT

WEAGT MEETING MINUTES from September 14, 2006

President Dave Fiebig called the meeting to order at 6:50 pm. The meeting was held at the Campbell Park Pavilion in Willoughby Hills, in conjunction with the new Zenith Family Picnic.   The pledge of allegiance was recited, and Dave welcomed all in attendance.

NEW Business:

Treasurers Report- Marty Shingler reported that there is presently $19,000 in the checking account.  Several certificates are maturing at the end of September, two others maturing at the end of November and a CD that will mature in May 2008. This brings the total funds to $40,200. 

Teachers Report- Mrs. Michelle VanArnhem issued a huge thanks to WEAGT for the support the Zenith teachers receive.  While corresponding with other teachers in an online gifted course this summer, she realized how fortunate the teachers of the district are to have this program in place, while many other schools do not.

Secretary Nomination- Dave Fiebig opened the floor for nominations for the office of secretary for the 2006-2007 school year.  Dina Rossi made a motion to nominate Laynee Smith as the incoming secretary.  Maria Fechner seconded the motion.  No other nominations from the floor.  Motion was put to a vote.  Motion is carried.

Summer Reading Program- Dave Fiebig reported that the summer reading results were approximately 85 returns and prizes were forthcoming.  Help on the counting and distribution was requested.  There was discussion of getting a committee to arrange prizes ahead of time for next year, so there would not be a delay in rewards.

2006-2007 Budget Approval- A proposed budget was presented to all in attendance, and a brief discussion was had about where the major source of funding for the program came from (Auction).  Dave Fiebig stated that the WEAGT Board met in August to develop the proposed budget. Some small changes were made to accommodate the increase in the area of technology, due to a proposed purchase of a mobile laptop cart that would be available for use in all Zenith classrooms. Tracy Tillotson made a motion to approve the budget as presented. Mary Ann Watts seconded. Motion was put to a vote. Motion passed unanimously.

Mobile Cart Approval- Dave Fiebig presented a request for the approval of the purchase of a mobile laptop cart that would house 12 Toshiba laptop computers with external battery chargers.  The cost would be approximately $17,500.  There was a brief discussion about the power supply in the media center currently being inadequate, and Dave Fiebig assured the audience that the cart would contain backup batteries for longer classroom use.  Bob Marino made a motion to approve the purchase, and was seconded by Darren Klug.  Motion was put to a vote. The motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports:

Science - Linda Barrus reported that the Science Program would still include three programs per year per classroom.  The teachers would choose from “Science To Go” and the “Mad Science” presentations.

Market Day – Joyce Fiebig explained that Market Day was a once a month fundraiser that provides approximately $5,000 a year profit. Funds are used for school wide events such as COSI and accelerated reader books. The first sale was held on Sept 13, and was well received.   Contact Joyce Fiebig if you would like to volunteer with the distribution. It is a simple, easy, fun way to be involved.

Auction- Co-chairs Dina Rossi and Michelle Marcsik stated that this year’s auction would be held on Feb 24, 2007, at the Patrician Party Center.  Info would be coming home soon requesting volunteers and donations.  This annual event provides the source of the majority of WEAGT’s funding, and is a very nice evening for all parents, family and friends of WEAGT.

Coordinators Report- Mrs. Stevens reported that the school year was off to a great start.  Enrollment in the Zenith Program has increased, and the pullout program is at capacity.  She also stated that David Allen, a Chess Master in Cleveland would like to offer after school chess lessons to Zenith students. A 16-week course, meeting once a week with homework assigned would be $169 per child.  The Chess Club would begin in the fall, and children would be grouped according to ability.  Brief discussion followed with a large number of parents showing interest -by a show of hands - in beginning the program.  Vice President Annette Thompson will send out a flyer, and ask for parent assistance. Mrs. Stevens also stated that the new Spanish teacher, who speaks the native language, was bringing much enthusiasm and culture to the 4^th and 5^th grade program.  The Spanish teacher would like to embark on a field trip to a Spanish Theatre performance with a cost of $19 per student. Discussion was made that perhaps WEAGT could subsidize some of this cost.  Again, a show of hands demonstrated strong support.

New Zenith Directories- Dave Fiebig reported that a handout recently was sent home requesting participation in a new classroom directory. The directory would include contact information for each student to facilitate play dates, parties, and other social contact.  Participation is optional and would only go to those who participate.  A form is available online, if you did not receive it.

Resource Center- Books and information on gifted education and raising a gifted child are available for borrowing in the school library.  Donations are accepted if you have material other parents could benefit from.  A list of books avail will be posted on the web site shortly.

OLD Business:

Website-Please visit www.WEAGT.org for information involving the history of the Zenith program, bylaws, constitution, and current news.

Announcements:

OAGC Conference for parents of gifted children will be held October 15-17, 2006 in Columbus.

The Remaining Zenith Meetings are: (7:00pm in the school library- unless otherwise announced)

n     November 2, 2006

n     January 11, 2007 (not January 1, error made on calendar)

n     April 19, 2007        

Meeting was adjourned at 7:28 pm.  Attendance was estimated at 150.