This month, we were fortunate to have a special presentation by John Lane, Family Involvement Specialist from
MNPS Student Services, on Tardiness.
- Tardiness has many causes, but the results are always damaging to the individual student - as well as to the teachers and classroom. Entering a class after it has begun is distracting for everyone, and is often embarrassing for the individual student.
- Tardiness causes the student to start the day off behind, and generally enforces feelings of unpreparedness, as well as fostering an outlook of apathy and disregard towards the education process.
- Students who are consistently tardy also have higher rates of disciplinary action and suspension.
- To avoid tardiness, prepare, prepare, prepare! Do as much as you can the night before to eliminate the early morning rush: lay out clothes, pack pantry/sundry lunch items, organize students’ backpacks, etc.
- Early to bed, early to rise! The importance of a good night’s sleep cannot be underestimated.
- Give ample traffic time: Nashville’s morning commutes are congested and hectic – expect this and be ready to leave with enough to account for delays.
Old Business
Clarification on the science fair issue was made by Ms. Garrett: due to changes in curriculum/requirements
based on Common Core standards, the Science Committee did not feel that there
was enough time available to prepare and submit quality entries this year.
Sweetheart Dance / Parent Involvement
The evening was well received and successful, excellent job
everyone! Suggestions were made
regarding buffet setup (place settings? drink carry/serve options) for next year,
and the possibility of a less formal “dress down” event was discussed also. An event scheduled to coincide with the
end-of-year picnics was recommended and generally believed to be a good idea;
more information will be discussed and presented at the next meeting. Other options for parent involvement events
are always welcome.
Spring Fundraiser(s)
- Due to the cancellation of the Sonic Card plan, and limited time to coordinate a new offering, there is no set schedule/plan for a spring fundraiser. Questions were raised regarding the Little Lambs cookie event vs. other competitors (Otis Spunkmeyer or previous venues) = Little Lambs was much more efficient as far as time/value, and offers significant profit percentages. One ITC parent presented the idea of another concert or showcase to raise funds – in particular those needed to improve the auditorium – but no final word/decision was made. More details will be forthcoming, and any decisions were tabled until next meeting in order to avoid overlapping any school initiatives.
- Candygram sales were very successful in the 5th & 6th grades! Funds were returned back to the individual grades for spending. Ms. Garrett also commended the school on its strong Student Council initiative this year. Great job!
- Boxtops are due again on 2/26. A small committee was established to have them entered / forms completed so that they could be mailed asap by Mr. Moore. Volunteers to help count the boxtops would be appreciated @ EOD 2/26 and/or afterschool until 4pm.
Principal’s Report – Ms. Garrett
- Dr. Murcray is hard at work writing a brand new song for this year’s Cressie Awards! The students in attendance all agreed that they were looking forward to hearing this new masterpiece. J
- There have been more walk-throughs as of late, and this process will continue to improve as the scheduling for these events is fine-tuned. There is also a work-order in for a new “buzzer” in the front office that will help to keep the hallways secure. Thank you all for your patience as we continue to improve the school’s security policies.
- Ms. Julie Martin-Walker has been working with staff on improvements/moving to Project Based Learning. Science, Literacy, and Math are all up to Common Core standards, and Social Studies is currently being integrated over the next two years. Please feel free to look up (Google) PARRC for more info on Common Core. (Common Core issues that are addressed through MNPS social media venues will be highlighted and shared, as well, on the PTSO pages.)
- Dress code rules were also clarified: non-denim pants of any solid color are acceptable, though no “skinny/tight/legging” pants will be permitted. Pants must have room to gather; tights or leggings must be worn under other school-appropriate attire. Turtlenecks, polos, and collared shirts of any solid color are permitted as well.
Announcements
The PTSO Audit will be performed by Tax Planning & Defense; 501(c)
status is still ongoing, though is a slow process. Grant writing opportunities will be available
once the status is official, and help searching for/completing these would be
welcome!
Strengthening Families classes have been cancelled due to lack of
reservation / participants; interested families can see Ms. Hall for information about rescheduling with other ongoing classes. Additionally, we are welcoming new ideas for raising parent participation – attendance in
meetings and school events has been low, and we would like to put together a
plan that coordinates more effectively with school walk-throughs, performances,
and etc. Please contact the PTSO emails with
any suggestions!
NEXT PTSO MEETING: APRIL 16th –
there will be NO March PTSO meeting.
Enjoy your spring break and intercession!
