PTA meeting March 18, 2010
In attendance were Dr. Cuthbert, Mimi Laver, Mary McLaughlin, Jen McLennan, Ms. Terrell, Ms. Gross, Erik Warga, Beth Mailley and Ginger Jacobs.
Mr. Duff, Ms. Choi and Addie Alexander talked about the Green Team of Stoddert students and what they do. Addie explained and demonstrated some of the tools they are learning to measure light and heat with. They are working on conserving energy and recycling in the school building.
The Student Council president Connor O’Bryant spoke about the activities of the student council this winter/spring. They have collected donations for Haiti, Trick or Treat for Unicef, and Pennies for Patients. They held the annual spirit clothing sale in March and are working on implementing a “yellow box” for students’ suggestions for the school.
Dr. Cuthbert talked about the draft proposal for the Stoddert Initiative: Making a World of Difference in the Global Environment. It provides an opportunity to feature science initiatives regarding environmental and energy themes with a global perspective. She shared the architects’ sample color schemes for the new building and the latest information from the construction team: still on schedule! Academically, the staff and students are preparing for city-wide testing which will be in April.
Mimi thanked everyone for their volunteer efforts and great show of support from all attendees. It was a huge success – a fun time was had by all and it made some money too!
Erik distributed a copy of the latest budget, income and expense sheets to all in attendance. While we do have money in the bank, we are still selling bricks to pave the entryway for the new school & community center and to raise money for next year.
Speaking of bricks- having each class represented in the plaza is an important way to make sure every student has a “brick” they belong to and someone in each classroom will be coordinating and collecting a small amount from as many students as possible for this project.
Julie Schneider spoke about the naturalized playspace and garden plans for the new school grounds. While the physical work can’t begin until fall, planning is underway already and a date will soon be set for a design meeting- sharing ideas, making decisions and designing the space. Stay tuned for the day and time!
Ms. Choi added that although she’s very interested in “DC Farm to School” , they quite often have meetings during the week that she cannot attend. If anyone is interested in attending and sharing info -please let her know!
Ms. Stevenson’s class is collecting clear plastic bottles for a project they’ve been working on with architects. They will be building a greenhouse on the new school grounds later this spring.
Several PTA board positions will be open at the end of this school year and our May PTA meeting is when elections will be held. Please give some thought to what you’d be interested helping with next year!
