Orchard Ridge
Elementary
PTO Board Meeting
September 10, 2002
Lisa Kornetsky
Catherine McKenzie
Michele Hughes
Heather Renken
Mike Hertting
Mary Day
Mike Stone
Virgene Schroeder
Don Crary
Kim Kanous
Claudia Blum
Lisa Stec
Nancy Kopecky
Kathy Statz
August Minutes
August minutes were approved unanimously.
Dr. Hertting discussed the new 4/5-classroom transition. Mrs. Blessing moved to the 4/5 class. A new teacher, Ms. Mueller has been hired. He is very positive about the transition. He spent a good deal of time talking to concerned parents. Six other new staff members have been hired in addition to Ms. Mueller.
There was a general consensus that the new recess arrangements are working out well. Dr. Hertting finished writing the 3rd grade grant for a performing artist. Teachers can brainstorm who they would like to see perform at the school.
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Heather Renken reported that the Ice Cream Social has many volunteers. Everything is set for this event. The Fire Department and Police will be present. Many volunteers are still needed for future events.
The program for October will be Peaceful Playgrounds. The program set for November is Safety/Emergency issues. This program will include issues such as whether the back door should be locked, what to do about bullying children, and a discussion of what information children are receiving at the school about safety.
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The Board discussed ways to increase parent involvement in school activities and with teachers. Of particular concern was how to involve transient families. One suggestion was for the room parent to call families about upcoming events, such as the Ice Cream Social. Another suggestion was to make sure that all announcements are in Spanish as well as English. A translator at school is available to translate the announcements.
Virgene Schroeder discussed heat problems in 3 south and 3 west-facing rooms. These rooms are quite warm now, but also are warm in the winter. $600.00 was approved to purchase six fans for these rooms. The PTO will ask parents to voluntarily contribute towards the cost of the fans. A poster asking parents to “Adopt a Fan” will be set up at the Ice Cream Social.
sThe business meeting was closeds
Nancy Kopecky presented her success to date in developing the Schools, Parents & Reading Connection (SPARCs) program. Each classroom will receive three SPARC bags, each of which contains a separate theme. For example, one bag will focus on the environment and contain books and activities related to environmental issues. Ms. Kopecky sought to assure that the books contained authors from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Hertting reported on test scores for Orchard Ridge School – Year 2001-2002.Over the last 13 years attendance has dropped from 550-300. Generally, the percentage of low-income students has remained stable. Last year the percentage of minority students spiked 25%. Student mobility increased as well.
The following is a summary from Dr. Hertting’s discussion of third grade test scores.1) The test results are lower than last year; 2) more students were tested, approximately 45 all together; 3) Orchard Ridge had the highest percentage of minimal scores in the district; 4) in math, Orchard Ridge did very well, and 5) ORE scored slightly over the average in reading.
Dr. Hertting feels that extra staff devoted to reading will be the most beneficial way to increase test scores for the school.
Those interested in viewing the test results can go to Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction Website.