PSA GENERAL MEETING
August 19, 2004
- The meeting was called to order by Pat at 8:45 a.m.
- Pat welcomed everyone attending and thanked the newcomer’s committee for all of their hard work. She explained PSA’s objectives and purpose at the school.
- The administrators for all schools were introduced and each gave brief remarks. Those introduced included: Dr. Bob Hetzel, Mr. Uwe Bagnato, Dr. Barbara Sirotin, Mr. Michael Foxhall, Ms. Beth Miller-Manchester, and Ms. Kathy Bader.
- Members of the PSA executive board were introduced.
- Scott Dow discussed the athletic program at AES and explained the function of SAISA (South Asian Inter-School Association). Mr. Dow encouraged parents to help support the athletic program by providing housing for visiting athletes and hosting the hospitality room for visiting coaches during SAISA events hosted by AES.
- Bandana Sen, the head of the library, let parents know where they could find information about school events. She also asked for volunteers to work in the library.
- The minutes of the May 2004 general meeting were read and approved.
- The treasurer’s report was read.
- Elementary School report:
The elementary school representatives are working on developing a survey to be given to elementary school parents at the first coffee. They hope to receive feedback from parents to see what issues they would like to see discussed. Patti and Sumana are looking at how to spend any funds they will receive from PSA this year. They are hoping for much active support from parents for all elementary school activities.
Middle School report:
Helen Brudvig welcomed Lea Santos as the new middle school representative. The first middle school coffee will be held on September 14, 2004 and the topic to be discussed is the middle school mini-course or “week without walls”.
High School report:
Renu reported that monthly coffees will be held and various topics will be discussed. A parent network will be formed to counteract the tendency of students to pull away from parents as they reach high school age. The high school back to school night is August 24. Parents will get to follow their child’s schedule and meet the teachers.
- Newsletter report:
Emma has received much positive feedback regarding the newsletter. She plans to connect the newsletter with the PSA website and have it be kept current. She asked for contributions for information to place in the newsletter.
- Webmaster report:
Angela needs to receive updates on all school and community activities so that she can keep the website current. Please contact Angela if you can help her keep the information current.
- Events Coordinator:
Maitreyi needs volunteers for all scheduled events. Quiz Night is September 3, the fall barbeque is September 18, Night Under the Stars is October 30. Please contact Maitreyi if you can help.
- Curriculum Council report:
Sandhya is looking for an additional volunteer to help her by attending some of the monthly meetings. No meetings have been held yet.
- Old Business:
The activities calendar was decided at the end of the 2003-2004 school years. Any scheduled activities will be dropped if there are no volunteers to plan and organize the activities. The elementary school project of game and picnic tables has been approved and work will begin immediately.
New Business:
Students at the Japanese school have requested that 20 AES parents be interviewed on August 20th for a survey on trash in India. Please help if you can.
AWA cookbooks are on sale for RS. 400. The proceeds go to support a child from a nearby slum to attend school. See Eleanor Boyse if you would like a cookbook.
Andrea Sherman announced the start of a new year for Girl Scouting. Many volunteer positions are open and leaders are needed for all ages. Please contact Andrea if you would like to be a part of this wonderful organization.
The Hole in the Wall computer project was explained. A computer kiosk is to be constructed in the jhuggi adjacent to the school to house computers accessible only by children. The computers, funded by AWA, will be monitored and data will be collected to help determine how children learn computer skills. A similar computer station, funded by AES, will also be constructed near the AES elementary school playground for the use of AES children. The wireless network currently in use at AES will be used to provide Internet service at both kiosks at no extra charge. AES is fortunate to be able to be involved in this India-wide project established by NIIT, one of the world’s largest computer training and software services companies. For more information check out the website:
http://www.niitholeinthewall.com/
- The next PSA general meeting will be held in the boardroom at 8:30 on Thursday September 16.
- Meeting was adjourned at 9:45.
|
