April 22, 2021 Meeting Minutes

HSA Meeting – April 22, 2021

7pm  on Zoom
26 in attendance

Dr. Oates provided school updates:

• We are happy to announce that Somerville Children’s Theatre had its first in person rehearsal today.  The performance will either be recorded and streamed or performed outside.  Dates to be determined.  Stay tuned!
• It was originally decided that to keep uniformity from K-12 all desks would get plexiglass.  However, due to the size of the K and 1 students the shields are being removed because those students are 6 feet apart anyway.  The younger students were having trouble sitting behind the plexiglass because it isn’t exactly clear and they were standing up to see over it.
• There is an uptick in drop off and pick up due to all students returning to in person instruction every day.  Somerville was meant to be a neighborhood walking school that is why there really isn’t any good places to park.  Please use the drop and go lane if you are dropping off and do not stay in your car there.  Please use the crosswalks only.  Parents are the worst offenders.  
• We will revisit safety patrol next year in hopes to get a parent schedule to help facilitate safe protocols in the morning.
• We are all looking forward to the Ruby Bridges Assembly on May 4th.  This will be a LIVE virtual assembly.  
• Stacey Barsa is heading up the food donation.  Any student who donates will receive a choose to be nice sticker.
• We will be having an outdoor promotion ceremony this year to highlight the 5th graders.  It will be nice to end the year safely but memorably.  It will take place in the back of the school and parents will be allowed to attend.
• 5th grade Graydon Field Trip June 16th.
• 5th graders will be highlighted in mini videos that they will submit about their favorite Somerville memories.  These will start in May
• Most likely no Step up Day and teacher assignments will be mailed in August.
• NJSLA Testing Delayed until the Fall.  It will be in either September or October.  The state said we will receive the data quickly.
• The New Diversity and Equity Club will meet with Dr. Oates tomorrow.  It will be composed (eventually) of students, parents and teachers.

HSA Updates:

The 2021-2022 HSA Executive Board was introduced and voted on.  Unanimous vote for the new board.

President: Christine Lear
Vice President: Beth Pfeil
Treasurer: David Barger
Asst. Treasurer: Stacey Barsa
Secretary: Deirdre Costello
Communications Secretary: Sarah Traband

Clothing Drive on April 10 was a great success.  Clothes were picked up by Clothing Donation Services who partners with “Strengthen our Sisters” a shelter that offers supportive services for homeless women and survivors of domestic violence.

New HSA Website is up and running.  Great resource for information on current and upcoming events.  Spread the word about the website!

On-Going/Upcoming Events:

• Pie & Cake Sale through Carousel Cakes: orders due Sunday, April 25.
• Ruby Bridges Book Sale: Extended until April 27.
• Spring Plant Sale: Orders due April 28.
• Toiletry Tuesday: Collecting toiletry products for Ridgecrest Nursing Home (village wide program) May 4, 2021
• International Day: Festival Theme.  Register today to submit a video of your country.

Next Meeting: Friday, May 21 at 9:00am
Meeting will be in person out front of Somerville with Zoom option as well!