HSA Minutes – October 2024 Meeting Minutes

HSA Meeting

October 23, 2024

Attendance: 10 in person, 6 online

Meeting called to order at 9:05am

School Updates / Dr. Oates

Continuing with School Theme. In October, the focus on safety – discussing volume inside, listening to directions the first time, and walking inside.

Teacher Representative – K Bielicky. Discussed Heggerty program and instruction on phonemic awareness.

Curriculum corner – Dr. Oates explained reading levels and why school is moving away from this. Discussed importance of phonetics and reading comprehension and existing knowledge. Still assessing students for reading level.

Parent Book Club – Book is Anxious Generation, 11/21 at Paris Baguette at 7pm.

National Custodian Appreciation – Mr. Manning is grateful for the HSA’s acknowledgement. Dr. Oates also thanked HSA for appreciation for National Principals month.

Walking School bus – last one this Friday. Has been a great success.

Donation of the month – Canned beans this month!

Week of Respect Occurred – Discussed importance of treating one another with respect. Inviting curiosity and comfort. Diwali celebration this Monday. 11/6 is Dia de los Muertos. Dr. Oates relayed information from District re: differences between HIB and Code of conduct. Code of conduct is an internal process, dealt with in an age-appropriate way with a focus on learning. HIB is state mandated. If cause for concern related to HIB, Dr. Oates is obligated to investigate. Used as opportunity for education as well. For it to be HIB, it has to be targeted, disrupt schooling, and have intent.

Events – Art Docent Day today. Daffodil planting day this week. Discussed how Halloween day and parade occurs at Sommerville. Parade will be in back this year.

Next month Dr. Oates will discuss test scores.

HSA Updates – Nicole Ragains presented.

• Ladies Night Out – Oct 24 – At Barre Method, sign up closes at noon tody. 3 spots remaining. Bring socks!
• Friday is picture day retakes – pls sign up on link sent via E News.
• Daffodil Planting festival – pls sign up if you’d like to help Green Team.
• Halloween Festival – Oct 26 – Pumpkins can be dropped off Friday am or evening. Can also bring Sat am if needed. Will have face painting and donut truck.
• Boosterthon Nov 13 – 22 – Biggest fundraiser of the year. Learning character traits and end with fun run.
• Progressive Dinner Nov 16 – Adult only. Sign up ends next week.
• Family Photo Session 9/27 and 9/28 – Very successful but also rained so had a few cancellations. Ash V will not do next year so we need to consider others. Pls share if you have ideas!
• DEI Kicked Off – Had first meeting. Holiday Docent is continuing. Pls join for meetings and open to new initiatives.
• Wild Robot Movie 10/6 – Event was a smashing success! The theater was also grateful. Consider doing this in spring in future years.
• New Family Get Together 10/11 – Great RSVPs and excited to keep doing this event for families.
• Book Fair – Oct 16-17 – successful event, great feedback re: vendor again.
• DIY Pizza – Successful – 70 pizzas were sold.
• Directory / HSA Dues – Live for families who paid dues!
• Book Gifting with library is open!