Rocklin Academy Gateway PSP Board Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2014, Multipurpose Room
________________________________________________________
Name
LaNette
Barnum
Florizel
Mason
Email
jlbarnum@hotmail.com
President
florizel.mason@gmail.com
docbinny@gmail.com
Binita
Mandal
Katherine
kathalfa@mac.com
Turner
Tawny
tawnyhigh@gmail.com
High
Lanette
Iribarren
chelbo@aol.com
Kathryn
Clark
Klangley23_1@hotmail.com
I.
Role
Vice
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Fundraising
Officer
Events
Chair
Welcome/Introductions/Announcements
LaNette called meeting to order at 6:41.
Board was introduced:
Lanette Iribarren, Fundraising Officer
Kathryn Clark, Events Chair
Binita Mandal, Vice President
Katherine Turner, Secretary
Tawny High, Treasurer
LaNette Barnum, President
Florizel Mason, Vice President
II.
Principal’s Report
Principal Jillayne Antoon was introduced and given the
floor.
Thanked the board and those in attendance;
commented on their enthusiasm.
Offered some background – this is her 4th year as an
administrator, and prior to that she was a teacher at RA.
Her philosophy is centered on the Five Core Values (can
be found here:
http://www.rocklinacademy.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?
uREC_ID=186617&type=d)
Her top priority is being present and involved in student
learning.
Has seen it borne out that a data-driven approach is best
for student learning.
Started conducting classroom observations this past
week.
If she is on campus, it doesn’t necessarily mean she’s
available because she’s often conducting observations.
Connecting with the kids is very important.
The first round of staggered testing has been done, and
results were compiled on Monday.
Early release Mondays are crucial, because the extra time
is used for collaborative inquiry, sharing what strategies
worked, and professional learning.
Illuminate data and assessment is being used.
New math curriculum has been rolled out.
- There is information in the classroom newsletters and
online as to how parents can offer support.
- 1st round math assessments have been completed for
the purpose of setting individualized student goals.
- Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled in a
couple of weeks.
She is still meeting with contractors.
The kitchen is coming soon!
- Next week is test cooking.
- The first lunch menu will be served on the 27th
She is in the process of hiring front office staff.
Student clubs under discussion, as are vendor-provided
afterschool enrichment programs.
- Math Olympiad ready to go.
- Other enrichments are PSP supported (through Giving
Campaign).
- There are plans being discussed for parent-run clubs.
There was a large turnout for kids interested in Student
Council. This made the selection process hard!
- Student council focuses on character education via
leading the monthly rallies, and implementing the 8
Keys of Excellence and Core Virtues.
- Focus on public speaking practice, and the technical
aspects of student council, as well.
III.
Teacher Rep Report - Kristina Hamada Wong, 1st grade
Ms. Hamada Wong has taught for 15 years, k-4th grade.
She is excited to get initial data to customize curriculum
and do math assessments.
Collaborative inquiry and standards have been discussed,
and reports are coming soon in the Gazette.
The teachers are getting familiar with Illuminate and
coordinating data with assessments.
Currently, the 1st grade is studying the human body and
systems, and has begun exploring classic fairy tales.
The 2nd grade is studying early civilizations with emphasis
on Asia and activities like making paper.
IV.
Treasurer’s Report – Tawny High
Fundraising Goals
- Goal is $221, 000; funds-to-date, $25,431
- Easiest way to donate is to click on the RA Gateway
website – contribute the whole sum now, or sign up for
monthly payments.
- Takes less than two minutes to complete.
- Everyone can see the goal meter rise on the giant
gator outside the office at pick-up/drop-off.
V.
New Business – LaNette Barnum
Give Campaign
- It is a one-ask donation per student, covering the entire
year, of $332.
- If the goal is met, there is no need for other fundraisers.
- Information can be found in newsletter and on website,
along with the links to donate online.
- This can be handled in monthly installments.
- Families are encouraged to give what they can, with
an eye toward the goal of $332 per student, as that
covers the costs.
o Someone asked what our marketing strategy is.
o LaNette explained that the fundraising is being
handled by the PSP, and we want to remind, but
not pester.
o Reminders will appear on FB page
o It was suggested that we have a hard copy of
gazette/newsletter.
o It was suggested that we have a drop box in the
office for checks.
o It was suggested that we put reminder stickers on
the kids.
o It was suggested that we do other fundraisers so
multiple family members can contribute to a
child’s goal (ex. Bike for Fun).
o It was asked if we could forward the donation link
to other relatives for a particular student’s fund.
o LaNette emphasized that if we meet budget, we
need no other fundraisers.
o It was clarified that volunteer hours are
connected to the charter school budget; not the
PSP funded programs.
o It was asked how LEF corporate giving ties in with
the overall budget
 It was explained that LEF is distributed
throughout the RA campuses.
-
-
-
 It was explained that Superintendent
(Spears) decides how it’s spent, based on
how to impact the most students, or the
campus in most need of something in
particular, such as tech learning.
 It was explained that there is a separate
corporate matching link for LEF.
It was reminded that donations are tax deductible.
It was explained that a sizable portion of the Give
Campaign fund goes to field trips and covers the fees
for the year.
It was emphasized that the Giving Campaign is critical
to making RA Gateway a state-of-the-art school.
o It allows for a known budget.
o It empowers RA Gateway show a corporation a
strong number as an incentive for them to match
funds and be part of a success story.
o It strengthens connection.
It was asked how $332 will cover field trips when last
year, the 5th grade’s trips cost over $500
LaNette assures that it covers the costs.
It was pointed out that it is easier to ask for an upfront
amount, especially when parents have multiple school
fundraisers
It was pointed out that, with the Give Campaign, the
PSP gets 100% of the money given, as opposed to
making our kids salesmen for other companies who
take a cut.
LaNette explained that if the PSP doesn’t reach goal by
roughly January, Spring fundraising will need
consideration.
OMG yogurt/Yakkety Yak wireless owner/parent
offered fundraising, if we need to fundraise.
The PSP will also supplement with monthly restaurant
nights (it raises funds and builds community).
Watch Dogs: Approval for Kit
- There are lots of family members interested in this
program that provides positive male role models and
an extra layer of security on campus.
- The kit costs $350 and includes vests, program
guidelines and video, a banner, etc.
- The program is still open for sign-ups.
- They’ll soon have a FB page.
- Tracy Armstrong made motion to approve.
- Krista Steinmetz seconded.
- None opposed - $350 for watchdogs approved.
Target Red Card
- Florizel signed the school up as a recipient.
- The card acts as a debit/credit at Target, and provides
a 5% discount for owner/1% of purchase totals for
school (which will probably go to the PSP).
Amazon Smile (another percentage-of-purchase
program) is also being considered.
The first Boxtop drive of the year is to end on the 17th –
students can drop them in the designated envelope/box
in their classroom.
VI.
Next Meeting
A fill-in sheet was offered to attendees for ideas for the
PSP’s next agenda.
The PSP is still firming up the regular meeting times. It will
be announced in the Gator Gazette, FB, etc. as soon as
possible.
VII.
Adjournment – 7:29 – LaNette Barnum