Location: In-person at Chatham Park Library and Virtually on Zoom
In attendance:
In person: Dr. Jabari Whitehead, Stella Frederick, Dario Mescia, Stacey Tomaschik, Benjamin Nunez, Lauren Perry, Chelsea Nichols
Virtually: Janelle Lacey, Amy Mescia, Ed Duffy
Principal’s Report (Dr. Whitehead):
Thank you to HASA for operating Barkapalooza by designing (thank you Melissa Larsen), providing t-shirts to all students and staff, and, coordinating DJ Brickhouse. Thank you to the teachers, Mr. Shaefer, Mr. Casey, and Mr. Cleary for planning the games and activities. Thank you to the Construction lead for updating the students and incorporating the digger for the teachers’ dramatic entrance. Thanks also to HASA for making sure Movie Night is happening.
Reference to email reminders sent out earlier in the day: There is no school-provided supervision before or after school on school grounds. This is seen as a “big problem.” The school grounds are open to community use after school. Older students from the middle and high schools often congregate on the grounds after school. This, along with unsupervised dismissed elementary school students, makes for many unsupervised minors in one place. Dr. Whitehead’s Request: Before school, students should not be arriving much more than five minutes before the first bell rings at 8:35. After school, it is suggested that students go home and then come back with supervision. The school has no responsibility for any happenings on the property before or after school. Anything that occurs is a township matter.
Halloween Parade: This is happening as it has in the past on Halloween with the only difference being the route. It’s a little longer. See Dr. Whitehead’s email for the precise route sent earlier today. Families are welcome to view the parade at any place on the route. The kids will parade outside unless there is extreme weather. The parade begins at 11 am.
Construction update: t is operating on schedule. The construction team may request the use of the existing library a little earlier than scheduled, but this will still occur late in the school year and will not affect Book Fair or students’ access to their library special and borrowing books. The construction team will also request access to the cafeteria a little earlier than scheduled but will not interfere with breakfast and hot lunch being served to the students. Superintendent, Dr. Reutche and Dr. Whiteahd will be meeting with interior designers about colors and naming areas of the building. They are utilizing feedback from the students.
Community Feedback/Concerns: Construction vehicles are often seen leaving the construction area via the sidewalk on Allston Ave during drop-off time, causing a safety concern. The fence is also always open on Allston during drop-off and pick time. This week, the fence was open and blocking the sidewalk, which a parent closed. Dr. Whitehead will talk with the Construction lead about avoiding vehicle entry and exit during drop-off and pick-up time.
There is a potential opportunity to incorporate the construction project with a reading incentive for the children.
There is a potential opportunity to incorporate the construction project with math enrichment program for the children.
Potential Topics for HASA Meetings meetings. Survey is out to the community for feedback. Reminder from Dr. Whitehead: teachers and staff have no contractual obligation to attend meetings after 3:45.
School Counselors — what they do, how families can utilize them
Technology — what safeguards are in place, how is it being used
Nutrition — how lunches are chosen
Middle School — Middle School principal, Dan Horan, to present to graduating fifth grade families
Chatham Families Together (CFT) — what it is and what they do
Events Update/Upcoming:
Mum sale is complete — Thank you to Chairs/Organizers, Corinne Marie Rhodes and Julia Krasniqi!
Boosterthon - We are halfway to our overall goal. Fun Run is happening Monday, October 14.
Sports Outings:
76ers night is set for Monday, February 24 against the Chicago Bulls. Email and social media notice is going out this week. Sale link will publish next week.
Dr. Whitehead suggested an outing at the Philadelphia Wings for a future event.
Park Meetup at Chatham Glen Park is happening Saturday, October 19, 10am-Noon. Wear red and white or your Chatham shirts. We especially hope to meet and welcome new families.
Movie Night is happening in cooperation with Penfield Civic Association on Saturday, October 26 at Grange Field. More details to follow via email and social media.
Pumpkin Contest is confirmed for Halloween Day. More details to follow soon via social media and email.
Pancake Breakfast is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 7 with Stacey and Pete organizing in absence of a volunteer Chair. Dr. Whitehead suggests reaching out to professional chefs in the community as a good resource.
Science Fair has a volunteer chair — Communication will start soon
Online Spirit Wear sale happening soon. Hosting on HASA’s website. Hopefully can pick-up orders at school and then some other pop ups.
IDC: First meeting to set topics for the year is on Monday, Oct 14. The survey mentioned above will be used for Chatham Park talking points.
Sponsorships: In progress, lots of interest.
Treasury Report: $8,00 came in the last month via donations, clubs sales, and merchandise sales. We will have a full budget for each event and classrooms by the end of October.
Comments