The meeting was called to order by the ES Chair, Janet Golden at 8:35 a.m.

VIRTUAL SCHOOL DEMONSTRATION:

• Barb Dow gave the PSA an overview of the "Blackboard" software for a virtual (computer) school. The U.S. Office of Overseas Schools has given six international schools this software to develop and test for use in case of possible evacuation, and as a daily communication and curriculum tool for home/school use. The software originated at the university level and is still being adapted for use by K-12 schools. Every student (6-12th grade) at AES now has a password and account for use of the Blackboard software. Teachers and students are being trained in how to use the software that allows a student to access information for all of his/her courses and to receive general information from the school community.
  
  It is possible that teachers will use the system next year to post course information, assignments and grades, etc. The MS is currently testing another software, "Ed-Line" which it feels is more suited to teacher-student curriculum exchange.

• The ES Publishing Center hasn't really taken off this year but it is hoped that next year ES teachers will integrate the Center with their curriculum projects.

• The HS thanked the PSA for its gift of Rs.12,000 to the HS Reach Out Program.
  
  The PSA is going to remain flexible in its charitable funding program. Proposals for funding requests will continue to be accepted.

• Those attending the PSA meeting discussed ways to involve more AES parents in PSA meetings and activities. At present PSA monthly meetings are attended by 20 or so parents. One idea discussed: hold regular monthly PSA Executive Committee Meetings (open to any interested parents) where business issues are discussed and executive decisions taken. In addition, hold more general, social PSA meetings for a wider parent audience every 2-3 months which would feature light snacks/a quick rundown of PSA issues and events/short presentation on something of interest to parent/school community. Any additional parent ideas on how to bring the PSA and AES parent community closer are welcome! Send ideas to psa@aes.ac.in.

• The PSA is going to try to organize a farewell dinner for staff and families leaving AES this year. A Farewell Dinner was last held 2 years ago.

• The PSA will be more active next year in organizing some evening cultural events for the parent community.