Karigon Partnership Team

Contents...

Brochure

Minutes

Partnership = Team

Click=20 here for a copy of the brochure with details describing = the=20 Partnership Team

We invite you to become a partner in = our=20 Home-School Curriculum Connection by completing the=20 Community Resources Survey. The information = collected=20 will be used to develop a Community Resources database to be = shared=20 with teachers. We would like to strengthen our social = network=20 and curriculum by finding local family, business and = community=20 members who can assist in our educational programs. If you = are=20 interested or you know of someone who would be able to = assist and=20 have a hobby or expertise in a particular area(s), please on = the=20 link below to take this online survey.

COMMUNITY=20 RESOURCES SURVEY

Minutes

KARIGON=20 PARTNERSHIP TEAM MINUTES

April 27,=20 2009

FINAL

Members=20 Present: =20 June Allison =20 = G= reg=20 Wing

= = &= nbsp; =20 Meredith Andrews Lee=20 = Serino &= nbsp; =20

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Lisa Crannell =20 = Nicole=20 Paupini

Diane=20 Lemyre

Minutes: =

=20 March Minutes reviewed and approved with minor=20 corrections.

Inspiration:=20

=20 =93There is no limit to the good you can do in this life, if = you don=92t=20 care who gets the credit.=94 =

New=20 Business:

1. =20 Bonnie Walmsley, ELA Coordinator for Karigon, = presented to=20 the Team ELA=92s Annual Evaluation and Plan to Improve = Student=20 Performance. The 2008-2009 Objectives: A) Complete Balanced = Literacy=20 Framework that will allow Elementary teachers to share a = common=20 framework that will improve instruction techniques. B) = Improve=20 teachers=92 knowledge of Writers Workshop, teachers have = been trained=20 and students=92 writing scores, and interest should improve. = C)=20 Establish criteria for AIS eligibility for ELA, to establish = consistency of students receiving AIS so that AIS becomes = equitable=20 district-wide. D) Improve ELA scores so that students are = better=20 prepared for ELA tests. Better ELA scores will be the = outcome. E)=20 Standard Reading Assessments to be consistent and accurate=20 comparable to ELA for intermediate grades. Objectives = planned for=20 2009-2010 school year to date: A) Look at writing prompts = for all=20 grade levels to create consistent prompts district-wide. = This should=20 create consistency and coordinate between grade levels. B) = Review=20 spelling program to create better spellers. =20

2. =20 Gayle Burns Math Coordinator for Karigon presented = the Annual=20 Evaluation and Plan to Improve Student Performance: Area of = Concern:=20 NYS Math Standard & Assessment in Math. Department = problem, find=20 a new program to better meet the ECC=92s and NYS Standards. = Department=20 Objectives: A) Continue to support Harcourt Math Program = until a new=20 program is adopted for Sept. 2009. B) Math Acceleration = Criteria=20 workshops have been offered in the support of excellence in=20 instructional techniques. Tests for End of Year assessment = in Grades=20 K, 1 & 2 reviewed and improved. C) Implementing = Professional=20 Learning Communities. D) K, 1 & 2 Assessment and = guidelines=20 updated. E) New textbook series adopted for 2009 -2010 = school year.=20 K-5 Macmillan McGraw-Hill New York Math Connects. = **Grade=20 level implementation to be determined. Expected outcome = easier to=20 use with pre and post March skills, enhanced technology, and = tiered=20 support system.

Old=20 Business:

Mrs.=20 Paupini reported BBQ was a successful community event and = has=20 booked Brooks for next year. Children enjoyed the slide = show and=20 face painting. THANK YOU TO ALL THAT MADE THIS EVENT = SUCCESSFUL!=20
Lisa=20 reported the District Partnership meeting was canceled. =
Kathy=20 Geary has volunteered for a KPT term to replace June = Allison.=20 = &= nbsp;=20

Actions:

1. =20 Lisa will=20 try and have the KPT job posting placed in the Journal again = if not=20 to late.

Next=20 Meeting: =

1. =20 May 18, 2009=20 - Karigon Media Center: Agenda items will include = Science and=20 Social Studies update, Professional Learning Communities, = and new=20 member update.

Thank you,=20 Meredith, for the snacks!

KARIGON PARTNERSHIP TEAM=20 MINUTE

March,=20 23, 2009

Members = Present: =20 June Allison =20 = &= nbsp;Janice=20 Wilson Greg = Wing

&= nbsp; =20 = &= nbsp; =20 Meredith Andrews = Lee=20 = Serino &= nbsp; =20

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Lisa Crannell =20 = =20 Kathy Watrobski

Diane=20 = Lemyre &= nbsp; =20 Sandy=20 = West =20

Minutes:

February minutes were reviewed and = approved.

Inspiration:

=93It=20 is our choices=85that show what we truly are, far more than = our=20 abilities.=94 J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and The Chamber of = Secrets,=20 1999 British fantasy author.

Old Business:

Format established for the Parent = Connection=20 to the Curriculum and was presented by Mr. Wing. = Discussion and=20 consensus was to promote next year during open house at = Mr. Wings=20 parent presentation and by the teachers in there respected = classrooms. This would allow for contacting a broad base = of=20 parents. =20
BBQ pre orders have been reported = and tallied=20 thus far at 101 orders totaling $2577.50. Special thanks = to June=20 & Diane for doing such a professional job in = processing the=20 orders and tickets. Looking forward to a nice turn out and = sunny=20 weather. =20
Mr. Wing reports that he has the = paper work to=20 begin the process of opening KPT checking account. Pending = Board=20 approval funds raised at the BBQ will be held in PTA = account.=20
The Team Feedback survey was tallied = and=20 reviewed. Overall positive feedback on Teams effectiveness = was=20 reaffirmed. Mr. Wing reminded the Team that our KPT = meetings are=20 open meetings. It was also discussed that the KPT Feedback = Team=20 Check was a useful tool and will continue to use to self = check=20 Team effectiveness.=20
Mr. Wing reports acknowledgement by = the D.O.=20 of KPT consensus to not participate at this time in there = request=20 for Data Team. =20
Meredith prepared a member rotation = flowchart=20 which will be kept by Paula for future reference. Thank = You=20 Meredith.=20
Lisa created a summary of what KPT = is about to=20 be published in the Karigon Journal. This will give = parents and=20 teachers a better understanding of what The Team does and = assist=20 in recruiting new members. Great Job Lisa!=20
Lisa reported our FBI contact is in = court and=20 will not be able to do our internet safety presentation. =

&= nbsp; =20

New Business:

Mr. Wing reports ELA coordinators = have been=20 scheduled.=20
Update on New members=20
BBQ = update =20

Actions:

All will be attending BBQ and = shifts have=20 been assigned to help serve and clean-up. Let=92s have = fun and=20 show our Karigon Spirit.

Next Meeting:

1. = April=20 27, 2009 Karigon Media Center.

Thank you Kathy for the Cookies!!

KARIGON PARTNERSHIP TEAM = MINUTE

February=20 23, 2009

Members = Present: =20 June Allison =20 = &= nbsp;Nicole=20 Paupini Janice = Wilson

&= nbsp; =20 = &= nbsp; =20 Meredith Andrews = Lee=20 = Serino &= nbsp; =20 Greg Wing

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Lisa Crannell =20 = =20 Kathy Watrobski

Diane=20 = Lemyre &= nbsp; =20 Sandy West=20 =

Minutes:

January minutes were reviewed and=20 approved.

Inspiration:

Appreciation is the most neglected-yet = most=20 powerful-marketing tool available.

Coming together is a beginning, keeping = together is=20 the progress, working together is

success.

Old Business:

Mr. Wing report on the Parent = Connection to=20 the Curriculum survey resulted in low participation. The = survey=20 will be resent to all Grade levels. =20
Nicole reports all going well in = planning the=20 BBQ, Diane and June volunteered to process orders and = tickets.=20 Many other KPT members signed up to help the day of the = event. BBQ=20 orders will be sent home March 3^rd. Alice has = taken on=20 the task of artist photos=92 to be displayed the night of = the BBQ.=20 =20
Mr. Wing reports that BBQ funds will = be moved=20 from PTA holding account to a separate account.=20
A Team Feedback survey was completed = to=20 monitor Team effectiveness=92. Results will be reviewed at = the March=20 meeting. =20
Request for A Data Team from the DO = was=20 presented and discussed. The Team thought it was an = interesting=20 idea but had several concerns. Mid-year timing to put this = together along with possible duplication of existing = programs=20 where the primary concerns. The Team=92s consensus was to = not take=20 on such a task at this time. = =20
The Team reviewed the Member = Rotation Schedule=20 and will research same to recruit new members on alternate = 3 year=20 rotations. Meredith will further research terms.=20 = =

New Business:

The Karigon School Motto has been = established=20 as =93TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT=94.=20
Mike Valiquette, HS East = 11^th grade=20 student, was acknowledged by Mr. Wing as the winner of the = design=20 contest to create a new Karigon sign. Karigon=92s Class of = 2008=20 fifth graders selected his Puzzle Piece Logo as their = favorite and=20 will leave a new sign as their legacy to our school.=20 = =

Actions:

Nicole will be getting out the BBQ = orders=20 March 3^rd.=20
Mr. Wing will be following up on = the Parent=20 Connection to the Curriculum survey, compiling data of = the Team=20 Feedback check, and responding to the request for Data = Team.=20 =20
Meredith will research Team Member = rotation.=20
Diane & June are implementing = an order=20 processing system to facilitate seamless service at the = ticket=20 processing table the night of the event.=20
Lee will be arriving early the day = of the=20 event to help facilitate set-up.

Next Meeting:

1. = March=20 23^rd, 2009 Karigon Media Center.

Refreshments were graciously provided = by Lisa=20 Crannell. Thank You!

&= nbsp; Karigon=20 Partnership Team Minutes

&= nbsp; January=20 26, 2009

Members=20 Present: Meredith=20 Andrews Lee=20 = Serino = June Allison

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Nicole Paupini=20 = &= nbsp; Sandy=20 West = Diane=20 Lemyre

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Janice=20 = Wilson &= nbsp; =20 Lisa Crannell

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Greg Wing

Implementation=20 of 21^st Century Skills into Karigon=20 Curriculum: =20 Karigon teachers shared at today=92s meeting.

●Kathie=20 Palmieri:

The=20 5^th grade will be incorporating skills from the = writing=20 curriculum into the social studies curriculum. The students = will=20 have opportunity to create power point presentations, make = movies,=20 do live performances, and voice over=92s. As they do their = research=20 projects, they will be learning to site their sources. = Students will=20 be doing podcasts instead of book reports for their African = American=20 studies unit.

●Jan=20 Wilson:

As = part of=20 the curriculum goals for New York State history, the = 4^th=20 grade will be doing a study on the Hudson River painters. = They will=20 visit the Albany Institute of Art. Greg Wing will be = doing a=20 water color project with the students. The students will be = writing=20 persuasive essays on the Hudson River, with strong emphasis = placed=20 on geography. Concentration and focus will be given to the = profile=20 of an elementary student in Shenendehowa, and goals are set = to=20 incorporate further development of 21^st century = skills.=20

●Nicole=20 Paupini:

The=20 3^rd grade will be focusing on the Social Studies=20 performance test. Emphasis will be placed on developing = necessary=20 skills to prepare the students for the test. The students = will be=20 choosing a country to study. Goals to incorporate writing = skills=20 into the social studies curriculum are set. The students = will be=20 exploring websites, use Google Earth, and learn to get = pictures off=20 the web to develop their research project.

Parent=20 Connection to the Curriculum update: The skills=20 and resources within our Karigon community can be a valuable = asset=20 to the curriculum for our students. Karigon would like to = provide=20 opportunity for people to come in to the school community to = share=20 their areas of expertise. The partnership team has been = working on a=20 plan to create a data base for gathering this information = from=20 parents, businesses, and others in the community.

Greg=20 Wing consulted with Gail Pietrafesa, lead teacher for = technology in=20 the elementary schools. Working with Greg, she developed a = web form=20 called, The Community Resource Survey. Gail = came to=20 share this with the partnership team today. The team = reviewed the=20 survey form and made some revisions. The form is easy to = fill out=20 and the information is categorized to assist in managing the = data,=20 in an efficient and user friendly manner. Keeping the = information up=20 to date was discussed. Gail suggested to the team, that we = open the=20 data base to a grade level first, to see how things go. The=20 partnership team made a decision to begin with the = 4^th=20 grade. Decisions can be made later to revise the system as = needed.=20 Eventually, the plan is to make this information resource = available=20 to all grade levels through out the district. What a = wonderful way=20 for our community to be involved and what an enhancement to = the=20 curriculum!

Together=20 Pond and Outdoor Classroom Update: = Greg Wing=20 has spoken to our local Lowe=92s home center, and he = has=20 written up a grant for this project. Last fall, Troy nursery = already=20 donated 10 trees for the area. After the recent ice storm, = the town=20 of Clifton Park donated 2 truck loads of mulch for the pond = area.=20 With the current economic situation, the partnership team is = grateful to the community for their support. Plans are being = made to=20 develop our own science kits and lesson plans for=20 students.

Brook=92s=20 Barbeque: =20 Nicole Paupini has been organizing the barbeque.

A=20 flyer will be sent out by February 12^th and = information=20 will be put in the Karigon Journal. The = barbeque is a=20 wonderful opportunity for the community to come together. = Activities=20 are being planned for the barbeque. There will be a slide = show of=20 Karigon students working in their classrooms on their art = work.=20 Brenda Fensterer, Karigon=92s computer lab teacher will = assist in=20 presenting the slide show. A display of the student=92s = artwork will=20 be set up. Face painting will be done by high school = students. With=20 concern for current economic challenges, the partnership = team agreed=20 on allowing 50% of the proceeds to be put toward for the = Together=20 Pond Outdoor Classroom Project. The rest will be held in = reserve for=20 future academic needs.

Library = Media=20 Center = Survey=20 Results: The purpose=20 of the survey is to observe the impact the center has had = upon staff=20 and students. The team reviewed a report of general comments = made=20 from all grade levels. Much of the information was very = positive.=20 The information will be forwarded to Karigon=92s librarian, = Donna=20 Walters, and computer lab aide, Brenda Fensterer for review. = They=20 will use this information to make the appropriate changes = and to=20 assure everyone has opportunity to use the = center.

Old=20 Business:

Nicole=20 Paupini will be notifying the Character Education team that = the=20 partnership team approves the Birthday Penny = Chart.

Jan Wilson=20 attended the District Partnership Team meeting. Dr Robinson = was in=20 attendance and discussed the school budget and the current = economic=20 situation. He emphasized the goals and objectives to give = our=20 students the best education will not be compromised. He = encouraged=20 all to be mindful of cutting back where possible and to = remain=20 positive.

New=20 Business:

New front=20 doors have been installed. Buzzers will be used for = admission into=20 the schools after students arrive.

Concern from=20 stakeholders has been expressed for safety in the bus port = area out=20 in front of Karigon. Ice develops in the low areas around = the=20 columns. The team decided to have safety tape put around = these areas=20 so students go around and can no longer run = through.

Action=20 Items:

●Parent=20 Connection to Curriculum:

-=20 Greg Wing=20 will send revisions to the Community Resources = Survey=20 form

=20 to Gail Petrafesa

-The=20 4^th grade will pilot this

-Greg=20 will have a notice sent home to 4^th grade parents = about=20 this

●Together=20 Pond:

- = Greg will=20 submit the paperwork for the grant to Lowe=92s

●Barbeque:

- = Nicole=20 Paupini will get flyers printed and sent out

- = Teachers=20 to get 1 parent to take pictures of students in art classes = for=20 the

=20 Brook=92s barbeque. Jan Wilson will over see=20 this. =20

=20

●Library=20 Media Center Survey:

- = Greg Wing=20 will give surveys to Donna Walters and Brenda = Fensterer

- = Greg will=20 have safety tape put up around columns in bus port areas=20 so

=20 students will not walk/run through these icy = areas

***Next=20 Partnership team meeting: February 23,=20 2009

KARIGON=20 PARTNERSHIP TEAM MINUTES

October 27,=20 2008

Members=20 Present: =20 June Allison =20 = &= nbsp;Nicole=20 Paupini Janice=20 Wilson

= = &= nbsp; =20 Meredith = Andrews Lee=20 = Serino &= nbsp; =20 Greg Wing

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Lisa Crannell =20 = =20 Kathy Watrobski

Diane=20 = Lemyre &= nbsp; =20 Sandy = West =20

Minutes: =20 September minutes were reviewed and approved.

Kathy=20 provided inspirational poem SLOW DANCE by David L.=20 Weatherford.

A = wonderful=20 reminder to slow down and enjoy what we take for granted = every=20 day.

Old=20 Business:

A=20 tour of the developing Outside Classroom (Together Pond) = was=20 undertaken by the members. A firsthand look at the = potential of=20 this area was beneficial to the Team.
Reviewed=20 and accepted roles for the Team as presented.
Kathy and=20 Sandy will be the Team PTA liaisons and Lee will be = available as=20 needed.
Reviewed=20 the Teams goals and objectives that were discussed in the = Team=20 Training Program and drafted by Team Member Diane Lemyre.=20 Concurrently the years=92 time line was reviewed and = discussed=20 with minimal changes that will be forthcoming.
Nicole=20 announced the date proposed by Brooks for the Karigon BBQ. = It is=20 tentatively set for March 24, 2009 from 12 noon to 7pm. = Discussion=20 followed as to the goal and purpose of the BBQ. Continued = emphasis=20 on building a sense of community at Karigon was the = primary=20 consensus with a secondary benefit using proceeds to fund = a school=20 project.
Nicole=20 also presented findings of interest and concerns from the = Alice=20 Marzitelli as to potential ideas to utilize an art project = to=20 motivate parents and children to attend and enjoy the BBQ. =
Lisa=20 has another potential resource for the Cyber Safety = Program and=20 will investigate an alternative program through the = District=20 Attorney=92s Office.=20 = =20

New=20 Business:

A=20 challenge was presented to the Team to investigate the = possibility=20 of locating any unused or mothballed computers that might = be made=20 available to the Classroom Aids. High volume with = low access=20 to the current operating system is stressing the work = flow.=20
The Team=20 discussed establishing a protocol for announcing student = birthdays=20 at the Morning Program. The Team consensus was that = birthday=20 announcements would not be included in the Morning = Program.=20

Actions:

Nicole=20 will follow up with Art Teachers=92 as to potential = involvement=20 with the Karigon Community BBQ.
Lisa=20 will follow up on the District Attorney=92s Cyber Safety = Program.=20
Greg=20 will speak with the Technology Committee on availability = of=20 computers for the Teachers Aid Department. =

Next=20 Meeting: =

1. =20 November 24,=20 2008 Karigon Media Center.

2. =20 Agenda items=20 will include developing Media Center Program/Survey, Cyber = Safety=20 Report, Earmark BBQ funds, and update on Karigon Community = BBQ.=20

Refreshments=20 were graciously provided by Jan Wilson. Thank You! =

&= nbsp; &n= bsp;=20 Karigon Partnership Team Minutes draft copy

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; &nbs= p; =20 May 19, 2008

Members=20 = Present: = ; =20 Laurie=20 Halbolm June = = Allison = =20 Lisa Crannell

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 = &= nbsp;Meredith=20 Andrews Marge = Buonnano Lee=20 Serino

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 = <= /SPAN>Janice=20 = Wilson &= nbsp;=20 Diane Lemyre Todd=20 Kerner

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 = Greg=20 Wing

Inspiration: =20 Nothing ever comes to one, which is worth = having,

&= nbsp; =20 Except as a result of hard work.

&= nbsp; =20 - Booker T. Washington

Minutes: They=20 were reviewed by the team and accepted.

Karigon=20 Reviews the Science Curriculum

Mike Feher=20 2^nd grade teacher at Karigon and the Science = Program=20 Coordinator came to speak. He shared the = following:

This=20 committee made a review of the science program for each = grade level.=20 Curriculums goals and objectives were reviewed with = attention given=20 to the district=92s goals.

The Carolina=20 Science Kits that have been in use for the past six years = will be=20 used as a resource, to teach the science objectives. New = areas of=20 study will be implemented into the science curriculum, as = long as=20 there is compliance with the district goals and objectives, = and ECC=20 standards, (essential content and competencies.)

The=20 committee reviewed students test scores. A review was made, = of the=20 skills students need to succeed in Karigon=92s science = curriculum.=20 Teachers will continue to provide students with the hands on = activities to develop their skills. Karigon will continue to = purchase resources to support curriculum goals. The aquarium = in the=20 lobby is one such item, and a weather station will be = installed in=20 Karigon.

Plans to=20 establish an in house science team for Karigon are being = considered.=20 Teachers would work together to create science kits that = could be=20 used by all teachers.

Brook=92s=20 Barbeque Profits: Greg Wing=20 shared that we have a total of 951.57 in the fund. The = partnership=20 team agreed to split the profits as follows and make them = available=20 to the following:

$300.00 will=20 be designated to Karigon=92s school counselor, Debbie = Reinish. She=20 will purchase books for her library that will provide = support to the=20 students and their families

.=20

$310.00 will=20 be designated to Diane Kunz, teacher for the Links Program = in=20 Karigon. She will purchase the DRA2 reading assessment kits, = for=20 students in the kindergarten through second grade levels. = There will=20 be a small shipping and handling fee added to the $310.00. = The=20 partnership team agreed to cover this as well.

$200.00 will=20 be designated for the teachers on the first grade level. = They will=20 purchase sets of books to help their students make the = connection=20 between their reading and writing skills. The teachers will = be=20 sharing these books.

New Members=20 for the Karigon Partnership Team next year:

Sandy West,=20 a Karigon parent will replace Todd Kerner. Kathy Watrobski, = a=20 Karigon parent and a teacher=92s aide in special education, = will=20 replace Marge Buonnano. They will be invited to the last = partnership=20 team meeting for this year.

Action=20 Items:

Mary Murphy=20 will come to next month=92s meeting. She will inform the = partnership=20 team about the work done this year with the social studies=20 committee. Work has been done to review the social studies=20 curriculum at Karigon.

Next=20 Partnership Team Meeting:

This will be=20 the final meeting for the 2007-2008 school years. It is on = June=20 16.

KARIGON PARTNERSHIP TEAM MINUTES

APRIL 28, 2008

Members Present: = Laurie=20 = Halbolm =20 June=20 = Allison =20 Lisa Crannell

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Meredith=20 Andrews Marge=20 Buonanno Lee Serino

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Janice=20 = Wilson &= nbsp;=20 Diane=20 Lemyre = Todd=20 Kerner

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Greg Wing

Inspiration: When = you learn,=20 teach. When you get, give.

&= nbsp; =20 - Maya Angelou

Minutes: April minutes were = reviewed and=20 accepted with a couple minor changes.

Writer=92s Workshop faculty meetings = and=20 workshops were held at Karigon this year with Lauren Gimmel = ELA=20 Academic Administrator for the elementary school = level:

Greg Wing asked Lauren to come to the = Karigon=20 Partnership meeting today to speak with us about the = progress made=20 this year.

Attached to these minutes is a progress = report=20 submitted to us by Lauren.

These meetings and workshops were = held, to=20 help provide a support system for the teachers as they = integrate=20 goals to develop reading and writing skills for students, = within=20 their curriculums. These meetings provided an excellent = opportunity=20 for new teachers at Karigon to receive knowledge and support = for=20 these areas as well.

The primary connection between reading = and=20 writing skills for our students was reviewed. Kristen = Graber, a=20 kindergarten teacher, brought a set of books for teachers to = review=20 called =93THE BRAND NEW READERS=94.

The importance of being sure district = goals are=20 being implemented into the curriculum as well was = reviewed.

Bonnie Walmsley ELA = coordinator also=20 came to our Karigon Partnership team meeting to share = information=20 about accomplishments made in these meetings this year: =

She explained to us that efforts have = been made=20 to work at the school level to implement goals for the=20 Writer=92s Workshop Program. .She said = attendance to=20 these training workshops was very helpful to teachers.

Bonnie also shared that model lessons = have been=20 set up by teachers, for other teachers to use in their = classrooms,=20 as a tool to provide help and support. They want to do more = with=20 this, and would like to take teachers who are strongly = skilled in=20 these areas, to develop more of these model lessons for = future use=20 in the future.

Work was done to set up a balance in = the literacy=20 program for teachers. Strategies were put in place for = teachers to=20 get on board together to fine tune and describe what balance = actually is. Efforts were made to give teachers clear = direction and=20 a common understanding as to what these goals are, as they = work=20 together to teach reading and writing in their = classrooms.

They have worked to create access to = professional=20 resources, and to make them readily available to teachers. = This will=20 be helpful especially to new teachers coming on board.

They worked on guidelines to provide = consistency=20 on the K-2 grade levels to assess a student=92s reading = skills.

The grading system for the elementary = level was=20 also reviewed. The benchmarks and standards for a grade of = 1, 2, 3,=20 or 4 were reviewed. Efforts were made to give a clearer=20 understanding of what the requirements are for each grade.=20 Special attention was also given to be sure Karigon = was on=20 target on the district level as well.

Math Curriculum changes being=20 reviewed

Gail Burns came to our KPT meeting and = shared the=20 following:

The protocol for administering math = testing for=20 our students was reviewed.

An agenda to communicate the = district=92s protocol=20 for test administration was discussed. Changes were made to = be sure=20 there is clear direction for teachers to follow as they = administer=20 the math tests for each grade level.

The committee finalized the procedures = to be=20 followed for students targeted to enter the accelerated math = program=20 at the end of third grade.

New York State test results for math = were=20 reviewed. Teachers examined the scores to draw conclusions = as to=20 where students excelled in their scores or fell behind. What = teachers can do to help our students excel in math was also=20 discussed.

An elementary school pamphlet for math = was=20 created and is being provided to teachers on each grade = level so=20 clear direction for math goals and curriculum can be = followed.

A committee is reviewing different text = books for=20 math as well as New York state standards for math students = on the=20 elementary level. A different text book is being considered. = This=20 however, will not happen until the 2010-2011 school = year.

New Members Update for next year=92s = Karigon=20 Partnership Team:

Kathy Watrobski, an aide in Karigon = will be=20 replacing Marge Buonnano for next year. Marge has completed = her=20 third year on the team. Todd Kerner is also leaving. A = possible=20 replacement for him is being considered. Todd will be = talking=20 someone who may be interested in replacing him. Lee Serino = also=20 knows of someone who may be interested. Greg Wing also said = we will=20 wait to see who will come forward. A decision will be made = after=20 this.

Old Business:

Brook=92s Barbeque: Marge did an = excellent=20 job this year coordinating this huge event for Karigon. Our = thanks=20 go to her for all the work she did to make this a = success.

She reported that profits made = from the=20 barbeque were $563.00. Profits were down slightly = because it was=20 decided to keep the prices of the pre orders the same as = last year.=20 In spite of this, the barbeque was very successful. What to = do with=20 this money was discussed. Todd Kerner said there are some = funds left=20 from last year=92s barbeque as well. He will go back to the = PTA=20 treasurer to see the total amount we have. Meredith Andrews=20 suggested we go back to the stakeholders and teachers to get = an idea=20 of what will be done with this money. The KPT team will then = vote=20 and decide how this money will be spent.

ACTION ITEMS:

Todd Kerner will e mail Paula White to = tell her=20 the total amount we have left to spend from last years = Brook=92s=20 barbeque.

Meredith Andrews will talk with = teachers about=20 the profits made from the Brook=92s barbeque and get some = ideas for=20 possible purchases.

Lee Serino will e mail Paula White with = a person=20 who may be interested in becoming a KPT member for next = year.

Greg Wing will determine a plan to be = sure funds=20 are available for the end of the year KPT dinner.

KARIGON PARTNERSHIP TEAM = MINUTES

February=20 25^th, 2008

Members = Present: =20 Laurie=20 = Halbohm = =20 June=20 = Allison = =20 Lisa Crannell

&= nbsp; =20 = &= nbsp; =20 Meredith Andrews = Marge=20 = Buonanno Lee=20 Serino

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Greg=20 = Wing &nb= sp; &nbs= p; = ; = =20 Todd Kerner

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; &nbs= p; = ; =20

Inspiration: =93Without a = struggle,=20 there can be no progress.=94 Frederick Douglass

&= nbsp; &n= bsp;=20 =93What is possible for me is possible for you.=94 Frederick = = Douglass =20

Minutes: January minutes were = reviewed=20 and approved with minor changes

New Member=20 Rotation:

There=20 was a discussion as to what members of the team were = completing=20 their terms. It

was=20 decided that Marge, Todd, and Laurie would complete this = school=20 year. A new team

member from each of the represented = stakeholder=20 groups must be found. Laurie will

contact Maria in the office to put a = notice in the=20 bulletin. Todd will contact Greg as to

what=20 will go in the journal to generate parent interest in = joining this=20 team. All the notices

will include the day and time of = meetings.

Heifer International Project:

Tammy=20 Learn, a Karigon parent, gave a presentation on the Heifer=20 International Project

at=20 the last KPT meeting. If Karigon took part in this project, = an=20 assembly would kick it

off. The fundraiser would take place = for=20 approximately 2-3 weeks. Possibly using a read

to=20 feed program or a spare change container in the lobby with a = visual=20 thermometer.

Everyone from the team brought it back to = their=20 stakeholder group. The teacher

stakeholder group had concerns about the = paperwork=20 involved and if the education

component could fit into their busy = day. The=20 teachers also want reading to be it=92s own

reward instead of connecting it with an = external=20 incentive. A discussion took place that

there=20 are local people in need instead of sending raised funds = over to=20 another country.

The=20 team also discussed that schools are not service = organizations and=20 there are so many

charities out there. By the end of = the=20 discussion, there seem to be more concerns than

positives. The team has decided not = to move=20 forward with this project. Greg will speak

with=20 Tammy Learn.

Team Feedback Check:

Each member of the team in attendance = completed a=20 survey form. The survey looked at how each member felt = that=20 KPT was doing in the following areas: goals, emotions, = needs,=20 positive impact, and concerns. The results will be = shared at=20 the next meeting.

Understanding=20 Building Committees:

Greg = distributed a=20 list of all the functioning committees at Karigon along with = their=20 members. He also compiled a description of each = committee. =20 These descriptions are to be a part of the faculty/staff = handbook=20 and will need to be revised each year. A discussion = took place=20 about whether or not there should be a contact person = listed. =20 It was decided that someone who wanted to contact these = committees=20 could go to any member.

Brook=92s BBQ=20 Update:

The Brook=92s BBQ will be held on = 3/25/08 from 3:30=20 to 6:30 at Karigon. Flyers went home with the students = today. Brooks raised their prices by 5-10 cents but = our prices=20 are to remain the same. A notice will also be in the = March=20 journal. Meredith Mercer has graciously offered to = dress in=20 the chicken costume again this year. First order forms = to go=20 out Monday. Volunteers will need to sign up soon to = work this=20 event. The meals can be either eat in or take = out. Marge=20 to let the local fire department know the date and time of = the=20 BBQ.

Old Business:

Dry Pants for Students: Meredith = purchased=20 sweat pants of several different sizes. She was able = to get=20 them on sale for approximately forty dollars. They = will be=20 available in the nurse=92s office. The idea is that = parents=20 will wash and return them. A note will go home with = students=20 who needed to borrow the pants. Meredith will talk = to nurse=20 Mary about the letter.=20
Spelling Bee: Greg has not yet = approached the teachers about the spelling bee. He = will=20 bring up the topic at the next faculty meeting on March=20 11^th.=20
Cyper-Safety: The parent = meeting had to=20 be cancelled due to the weather. Parents felt they = were not=20 well notified of the cancellation. An attempt to = reschedule=20 was mad but the dates did not work out with Karigon=92s=20 schedule. Lisa will contact the president of the PTA = to=20 possibly do it during the April PTA meeting. Lisa = will also=20 contact Greg to coordinate the student=92s assembly. = The=20 teachers would also like to know the approximate length of = the=20 student assembly so they can plan accordingly. Lisa = will=20 attempt to get this information from the Out Reach = Officer. =20
BBQ-Family Event: A discussion = took=20 place about making Brook=92s BBQ a more family-community=20 event. Last year the majority of the families got = the meals=20 to go. Having entertainment such as a clown might = encourage=20 families to stay and socialize. It is to late to start = something=20 like this year but something to think about next = year. =20

New Business:

No new business was discussed =

Actions:

Greg to speak with Tammy Learn about = the=20 team=92s decision not to move forward with the Heifer = International=20 Project=20
Greg to compile the information from = the=20 feedback survey=20
Greg will ask staff members about = running a=20 spelling bee=20
Lisa/Greg to schedule cyber-safety=20
Laurie to contact Maria about = putting a call=20 for new members in the bulletin=20
Todd and Greg to coordinate what is = published=20 in the journal to generate interest for new parent members =
Team members will e-mail Paula with = agenda=20 items

Next = Meeting:=20 March 24^th, 2008

&= nbsp; =20 = =20 New Member Rotation-update

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Team Feedback Results

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 BBQ Update

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Update on Library Media Center

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Spelling Bee

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Review Karigon Insert to the Handbook

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20

KARIGON PARTNERSHIP TEAM=20 MINUTES

January=20 28^th, 2008

Members = Present: =20 Laurie=20 = Halbohm = =20 June=20 = Allison = =20 Lisa Crannell

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Meredith Andrews = Diane=20 = Lemyre &= nbsp; =20 Lee Serino

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Janice=20 = Wilson &= nbsp; =20 Marge = Buonanno =20 Todd Kerner

Greg = Wing

Gary Di=20 = Lallo &n= bsp; &nb= sp; &nbs= p; = ; =20

Inspiration: =93Our = deepest fear is=20 not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that = we are=20 powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our = darkness=20 that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be = brilliant,=20 gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not = to=20 be? You are a child of God. Your playing small = doesn=92t=20 serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about = shrinking=20 so that other people won=92t feel insecure around you. = We are=20 born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within = us. It=92s=20 not just in some of us, it=92s in everyone, and as we let = our own=20 light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission = to do the=20 same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our = presence=20 automatically liberates others.=94 Nelson Mandela

Minutes: December minutes = were reviewed=20 and approved with minor changes

Karigon=92s Library-Media Center = Project=20 Update:

Greg stated that all the budget pieces = have been=20 submitted and quotes were being gathered. Donna and = Brenda put=20 together the furniture needs. A meeting being held = tomorrow=20 will start to look at the timeline, coordination, and = details. =20 Dr. Robinson stated that since he received the letter from = KPT a lot=20 has transpired. He agreed with Greg that everything is = moving=20 along. Dr. Robinson feels that Karigon is a good = position to=20 get this project carried out. Tesago has already = completed=20 there library media center. The plan depends on: 1. = Enrollment=20 at Karigon-the media center project means the loss of three=20 classrooms 2. Budget-this is not an anticipated=20 problem-use as many resources as we can so we this is not = contingent=20 on the budget. Greg will keep the team updated. =

Heifer International Project:

Tammy=20 Learn, a Karigon parent, gave a presentation on the Heifer=20 International Project.

It=92s a family/community based project = that would=20 provide an opportunity for the students=92 to help others = around the=20 world. The ultimate goal is to end hunger around the = world and=20 use the earth=92s resources wisely. The Heifer project = has two=20 main components: 1. Education: There is a curriculum = provided for=20 3-6^th grade and it could be modified for = k-2. 2.=20 Fundrasing:Karigon students could raise money to purchase a = living=20 loan for a family. A Read to Feed was mentioned as a=20 fundraiser idea also a coin bucket in the lobby with a = visual=20 thermometer to keep track of the donations to date. = The Read=20 to Feed would be about 2-4 weeks in length. This = project=20 gives a living loan to families in need. The = recipients=20 are given training on how to take care of their animal and = must pass=20 on at least one off spring of the animal they receive. = It=20 would give Karigon students a sense of pride and the feeling = that=20 they could make a difference. It would encourage = students to=20 go beyond themselves and appreciate what they have. = The team=20 will take the idea back to their stakeholders and it will be = discussed at the next meeting. =

Cyber-Safety:

Cyber Safety is currently a part of the = 4^th and 5^th grade computer lab=20 curriculum. A list of safety tips and a safety pledge = were=20 passed out to the team members. Lisa contacted a = Community Out=20 Reach Officer. This individual will present to the = parents at=20 the PTA meeting on February 6^th for = approximately=20 one hour. He/she will then speak to the 4^th = and=20 5^th graders the next day at an assembly. = Greg would=20 like to be in contact with this individual prior to the=20 presentations. Lisa will have the Community Out Reach = Officer=20 contact Greg.

Redistricting Feedback:

At the last faculty meeting teachers = filled out a=20 survey about how they felt about the redistricting. = The survey=20 asked for comments in the following areas: goals, = emotions,=20 needs, concerns, and positive impacts at optimal=20 implementation. The team reviewed the teachers=92=20 responses. Greg sent this information to the District = Office=20 to provide an insight should Shenendehowa have to redistrict = in the=20 future. One parent mentioned that they felt the = curriculum was=20 about the same for their child who was redistricted from = another=20 school. And that some new friendships have been made = that=20 would not have probably happened if her child had not been=20 redistricted.

Code of Conduct:

The code of conduct is a document that = both the=20 parent and the child sign. The district wide one is=20 standard. Greg distributed Karigon=92s Code of = Conduct. =20 Greg made some revisions prior to the meeting. The = team=20 reviewed the document and accepted it with the = revisions.

Dry Pants for Students:

Students who have accidents or their = pants get=20 wet do not have a change of clothes available to them at=20 Karigon. Parents have to bring the student a change of = clothes=20 if their pants should get wet. Mrs. Andrews stated how = this=20 takes away from instructional time. It was discussed = that a=20 change of pants should be available in the nurse=92s = office. =20 Meredith felt it would take about fifty dollars to fund = having sweat=20 pants purchased in a couple of sizes. Greg stated that = the=20 funds may be able to come from petty cash. Meredith = will look=20 into this.

Old Business:

No old business was discussed

New Business:

Spelling Bee: Parent members = of the team=20 brought up the topic of a spelling bee. There was = some=20 confusion as to why some schools have one and others do = not. =20 Greg explained that after several traumatic incidences on = stage=20 that it was decided by the staff not to host a spelling = bee at=20 Karigon. Parent members felt that their children = should have=20 the same opportunity as students in other buildings to go = to=20 regional and state spelling bees. Greg will bring up = the=20 topic again to the staff to see if there is a renewed=20 interest. If the staff does not want to have a = spelling bee=20 then the PTA may want to look into hosting one after = school and=20 then those children and families who want to take part = could have=20 that opportunity.

Actions:

Team members will take the idea of a = Heifer=20 International Project back to their stakeholders to = receive=20 feedback=20
Meredith will look into purchasing = sweatpants=20
Greg will ask staff members about = running a=20 spelling bee=20
Team members will e-mail Paula with = agenda=20 items

Next Meeting: February = 25^th,=20 2008

&= nbsp; =20 = =20 New Member Rotation

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Team Feedback Check

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Understanding Building Committees

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 BBQ Update

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Heifer Project

DRAFT KARIGON PARTNERSHIP TEAM=20 MINUTES

November=20 26^th, 2007

Members = Present: =20 Laurie=20 = Halbohm = =20 June=20 = Allison = =20 Lisa Crannell

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Meredith Andrews = Diane=20 = Lemyre &= nbsp; =20 Lee Serino

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Janice=20 = Wilson &= nbsp; =20 Marge = Buonanno =20

Greg = Wing

Gary Di=20 = Lallo &n= bsp; &nb= sp; &nbs= p; = ; =20

Inspiration: =93Excellence can be = obtained if=20 you:

Care more = than others=20 think is wise;

Risk more = than others=20 think is safe;

Dream more = than others=20 think is practical, and

Expect more = than others=20 think is possible.=94 -unknown

Minutes: &nbs= p; =20 October minutes were reviewed and approved as written

Karigon=92s Library-Media Center = Project:

&nbs= p; = ; =20 Greg developed a draft position letter to send to Dr.=20 Robinson. The team reviewed the letter. There = was a=20 discussion on the length of the letter but everyone was = comfortable=20 the way it was written. Greg will send it to Dr. = Robinson.

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Greg showed Dr. Robinson the power point presentation. = He=20 appeared excited and saw the worthiness of this = project. After=20 seeing the power point presentation, Dr. Robinson began = collecting=20 information about the cost and timeframe. Greg is to = look into=20 the cost of furniture.

Greg also = showed the=20 power point presentation at a faculty meeting. =20

Partnership Goals and Timeline for=20 2007-2008:

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 The team approved goals for the year and a corresponding=20 timeline. Please see attached.

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 There was a discussion about enhancing our building a sense = of=20 community goal. We discussed different charity work = that could=20 be done in our community. Lisa described that the = Student=20 Council did more charity work at Chango and PTA plays a = large=20 role. Currently Karigon participates in Relay for = Life, fourth=20 grade is adopting a family and angel network. Greg = explained=20 that the Heifer project has been mentioned to him by a = parent. =20 This project could be incorporated into the curriculum and = go=20 directly along with the character education program. = The team=20 decided they would like to hear more about this. Greg = will=20 have the parent who expressed interest in this project, = speak at the=20 next meeting. It was also mentioned that Captain is a = local=20 charity that we could get involved with.

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20

Open House:

There has been a discussion at PTA = meetings about=20 the procedures at the Karigon Open House. Parents are = having=20 to split up to visit all their children=92s classroom. = Greg=20 stated that he has continued the format that was going on = when he=20 got here. Chango has two nights for open house with = 1-2=20 sessions each night. It would be difficult for the = teachers to=20 do their presentation numerous times. A suggestion was = made to=20 have Greg do his presentation in the middle of the two = sessions=20 since some parents only have to come to the second = session. =20 Greg feels it is important for parents to hear it at the = beginning=20 of the night. He emphasizes that it is not a night for = individual conferences with the teachers. It will be = looked=20 into how many families this actually affects. The PTA = has an=20 open house committee and Lisa will provide the team with = more=20 information at the next meeting.

DPT:

Jan and Lisa have attended to represent = the=20 Karigon Partnership Team. The district team will meet = every=20 other month. At the last meeting, each team was asked = what=20 they were working on. They also wanted input on school = supply=20 lists. It appeared they were looking at establishing a = district wide supply list. Greg stated that he feels = another=20 group will be working on that. =

New Business:

Gary DiLallo started a discussion on = the 12/11/07=20 proposition. He stated that there has been a lot of = negative=20 media surrounding this. The tax impact would be $2-6 = per=20 household depending on what township you live in. = Young=20 Scholars is being faded out at some levels. It was not = working=20 as a pull-out service where the student was responsible for = both the=20 work that they missed in the classroom and what was assigned = in=20 young scholars. At times, this work was unrelated to = the=20 classroom. They are looking to make the work similar = to the=20 classrooms but enriched.

&= nbsp; =20 The majority of the referendum has to do with athletics and = physical=20 education. Shenendehowa is losing outdoor = fields. This=20 means we have to get more use out of the fields we = have. This=20 proposition project includes an artificial turf field. = The=20 rationale behind this expenditure is that the field could be = used as=20 much as needed with little worry about the wear and = tear. The=20 artificial turf field could be used longer into the fall and = earlier=20 into the spring. This would not only benefit the = athletic programs but also the physical education = programs. =20 Every student in the high school would use it. The = referendum=20 also includes an 8 lane track. The current track is=20 deteriorating. The seating would also be improved to = increase=20 safety and crowd control. Bathrooms would be built = instead of=20 the porta-potties. Gary stated that Shenendehowa = students need=20 to be well balanced in all areas. It is a sizable = investment=20 to meet the needs of a portion of the Shenendehowa = population. =20 This has been done in the past for other Shenendehowa = programs.

&= nbsp; =20 The parents expressed their concern over having multiple = votes=20 during the year. The parent representatives feel that = a=20 December vote really prohibits a good voter turn out. = The road=20 conditions, holiday commitments and those who vacation south = for the=20 winter will have an impact on voter turn out. It also = costs=20 additional money just to have the additional vote. = Gary=20 explained the timeline on why the vote is taking place in=20 December. A discussion that artificial turf seems = above what a=20 high school needs. According to Gary, numerous schools = in the=20 area are going this way as well as the need to use our space = more=20 efficiently. The PTA would be an excellent forum to = provide=20 the parents with accurate information. =20

Actions:

Greg will send Dr. Robinson the = letter about=20 the library media center=20
Greg will invite Lauren Gimmill to = our April=20 meeting to talk about Writer=92s Workshop=20
Greg will invite the parent to come = and speak=20 about the Heifer Project=20
Lisa will report on the findings of = the PTA=20 Open House Committee=20
Lisa will speak with Trooper Palmer = about=20 cyber-safety: look into education for both parents and = fourth and=20 fifth graders=20
Team members will e-mail Paula with = agenda=20 items

Next Meeting: December = 17^th,=20 2007

&= nbsp; =20 = =20 21^st Century skills-cyber-safety

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Character Education K-3 and peer mediation-Deb Reinisch

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Heifer Project

KARIGON PARTNERSHIP TEAM=20 MINUTES

October=20 29^th, 2007

Members = Present: =20 Laurie=20 = Halbohm = =20 June=20 = Allison = =20 Lisa Crannell

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Meredith Andrews = Diane=20 = Lemyre &= nbsp; =20 Lee Serino

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Janice=20 = Wilson &= nbsp; =20 = &= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Todd Kerner

Greg=20 = Wing &nb= sp; &nbs= p; = ; = =20 Linda Buyaskas

Inspiration: Fun Facts: 1. Next to = Warsaw,=20 Chicago has the largest Polish population in the = world. =20 2. The water of Angel Falls (the world=92s highest) in = Venezuela=20 drops 3,212 feet. It is 15 times higher than Niagara=20 Falls. 3. Spain literally means =91the land of=20 rabbits=92. 4. Chances that a road is unpaved in = the US:=20 1%, in Canada: 75%.

Minutes: &nbs= p; =20 June minutes and September were reviewed and approved as = written

Karigon=92s Library-Media Center = Project:

&nbs= p; = ; =20 Greg showed a power point presentation with visual = depiction of=20 Karigon=92s current facilities and other library media = centers around=20 the district. The majority of Shenendehowa elementary = schools=20 have an updated media center. Donna Walters shared her = frustrations over the current library space and the need for = updating. The team discussed the disparity between = Karigon=92s=20 current library and other library-media centers around the=20 district. Donna explained how the library and computer = lab=20 need to be close together. Construction could take = place this=20 summer since the summer program will not be held at Karigon = this=20 year. District goals include our students having=20 21^st century skills, an updated library media = center=20 would help our students obtain those skills.

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Team members took a tour of Karigon=92s computer lab. = We also=20 walked over to Orenda to see their updated Library Media=20 Center. Karigon is looking to use their model to = develop=20 ours.

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Greg will be showing Dr. Robinson the power point=20 presentation. Greg and Donna will also draft a = position letter=20 to bring back to the team. Parents will relay the = information=20 seen today to the PTA.

Partnership Goals and Timeline for=20 2007-2008:

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 The team developed goals for the year and a corresponding=20 timeline. Please see attached.

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20

New Business:

1. =20 Cyber-Safety: Linda brought up the topic of=20 cyber-safety. This is taught in the middle school but = teaching=20 this to the kids at a younger age would be beneficial. = DARE=20 already has a set program that does not include = cyber-safety. =20 An assembly for the 4^th and 5^th = graders would=20 educate our students. Greg would want to preview the = program=20 before it was seen by the student population. Parents = will=20 bring this up to the PTA who could follow up on finding an=20 appropriate speaker.

2. =20 Brook=92s Barbeque Funds: The team had a = discussion about=20 using a portion of the money raised from the barbeque for = the=20 library media center. We have = limited funds=20 that could not fund the project. Money from the = barbeque could=20 be used to put a special Karigon flair to the library media=20 center.

Actions:

Lisa and Todd will discuss the = topics of the=20 library-media center and cyber-safety with the PTA=20
Greg will show Dr. Robinson the = power point=20 presentation and draft a letter about the library media = center=20
Greg will invite Lauren Gimmill to = our April=20 meeting to talk about Writer=92s Workshop=20
Team members will e-mail Paula with = agenda=20 items

Next Meeting: November = 26^th,=20 2007

&= nbsp; =20 = =20 21^st Century skills

KARIGON PARTNERSHIP TEAM=20 MINUTES

September=20 17^th, 2007

Members = Present: =20 Laurie=20 = Halbohm = =20 June=20 = Allison = =20 Lisa Crannell

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Meredith Andrews = Diane=20 Lemyre

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Janice=20 = Wilson &= nbsp; =20 = =20

Greg = Wing

Gary = DiLallo

Introductions/Inspiration: = Introductions were=20 made around the table. Two of the parents were not in=20 attendance and we look forward to meeting them at the = district KPT=20 training.

Minutes: &nbs= p; =20 June minutes will be reviewed at the next meeting

DPT:=20 = &= nbsp;=20 The District Partnership Team is looking for two building=20 representatives for the 2007-2008 school year. This is = a once=20 a month commitment to serve as a liaison between our = committee and=20 the district level. Jan Wilson and Lisa Crannell have = graciously=20 stated that they will attend to represent the Karigon = Partnership=20 Team.

Roles and Responsibilities:

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Leader: Greg Wing

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Facilitator: Meredith Andrews/ June Allison

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Recorder: Laurie Halbohm/Diane Lemyre

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Celebrator: Lisa/Marge

Refreshments: See=20 rotating schedule- June will develop the schedule

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Coach: Lee (evaluate how the team is doing)

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 PTA Liaison: Todd/Lisa

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 There was a discussion about those who take on the = celebrator roles=20 should be an essential part of the annual BBQ fundraiser. = Will table=20 this discussion until all the team members are present.

Partnership Training: The = Partnership=20 Training will take place on 9/28 from 8:30-3 at the HSW = Training=20 Center. The district is strongly recommending that = each team=20 attends. Reviewed areas/ideas that we may want to work = on from=20 the Shenendehowa District Goals, Objectives and Action = Plan. =20 The elementary section was distributed by Greg. The = team took=20 a look at how we can play a role with these = objectives. Will=20 discuss this at the training and as we form our KPT = goals.

Posting of KPT Minutes:

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 A small statement will be placed in the journal. The = minutes=20 will be posted on the web-site. Greg will forward the = minutes=20 to the appropriate person after the minutes are finalized by = the=20 committee. The minutes are also distributed to staff = attached=20 to the daily bulletin once they are finalized.

Old Business:

&nbs= p; = ; =20 1. Reviewed last years outgoing members=92 = comments. =20 Comments included: how people enjoyed being on the team, = happy the=20 funds went to education and student growth, training was = beneficial,=20 meetings were run smoothly, liked the increase structure = over the=20 years, and a message to parents to attend the training and = the PTA=20 meetings.

New Business:

1. =20 One support staff position is still unfilled. = The team=20 decided to continue as is and actively try to recruit all = the=20 members next year. If anyone is interested please = contact your=20 stakeholder members.

2. =20 Barbeque: Marge Buonanno did an excellent job = organizing this=20 fundraiser last year. The money raised was utilized to = help=20 the students here at Karigon. The team members responsible = for=20 organizing this should contact Marge for all the details.=20

Next Meeting: October = 29^th,=20 2007

&= nbsp; =20 = =20 Agenda to be developed at the KPT training day

________________________________________________

KARIGON=20 PARTNERSHIP TEAM MINUTES

January=20 22^nd, 2007

Members = Present: =20 Laurie=20 = Halbohm = =20 Marge = Buonanno =20 Linda Buyaskas

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Sue=20 = Morrissey &nbs= p; =20 Donna=20 = Zavery &= nbsp; =20

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20 Meredith Andrews = June=20 = Allison = =20 = =20

Greg = Wing

Gary = DiLallo

Inspiration: To conquer without = risk is to=20 triumph without glory- Pierre Corneille

Minutes: &nbs= p; =20 December minutes reviewed and approved

Profile of a Shenendehowa: The = elementary=20 profile was developed last year. Now there is a = profile that=20 spans across a students=92 entire school experience. = The profile=20 looks at what will make the child successful in the future = (graduate=20 with these types of traits). Greg distributed forms = that each=20 grade filled out seeing how they are doing toward the = elementary=20 profile. These forms were not complete as some of the = special=20 areas had not had a chance to enter their input. This = form=20 will allow everyone to get a sense of what is happening in = the=20 building. Looking at areas in which we could add more = or areas=20 that we may overdo. See how our current curriculum = aligns with=20 the profile. These forms where initiated at Karigon = not the=20 district office. It also allowed the teachers to = become more=20 familiar with the profile as they completed the form. =20 This is a work in progress and the teachers have not = seen the=20 completed forms. Kathleen Clark at staff development = was=20 contacted and Karigon is looking how to best utilize the = information=20 collected. The following topics will be explored: = Where we=20 should head form here? Areas to cutback/expand. Should = all the=20 areas be explored in every subject? One = suggestion was=20 made to bold the headings to make the form more legible.

Report Card Update: Janine and = Linda had a=20 draft document for a survey. It will be sent to = Karigon=20 parents from the parents not from KPT. A disclaimer is = to be=20 added that this is a fact finding survey and nothing may = happen as a=20 result of the information collected. The survey will = allow the=20 parents to rate statement on a scale of 1-5. A = suggestion was=20 made to make sure the statements are more neutral and that a = place=20 for comments be added after each question. Also a = statement=20 will be added to the top about why the report cards did=20 change. The information will be collected and passed = on to Dr.=20 Snyder if warranted.

Character Education: Greg began the = discussion by reading a statement that Deb Reinisch had sent = to=20 him. She looked further into obtaining training for = peer=20 mediation. She found an agency in Saratoga called = Mediation=20 Matters. The person she spoke to was enthusiastic = about the=20 training but was new to the agency herself. The agency = had=20 done this type of training in the past. They were = going to get=20 back with Deb about the price. Another training option = that is=20 a possibility would be from individuals employed at=20 Shenendehowa. Acadia did their training through the=20 counselor. Al Green was involved in this = training. Greg=20 stated that he is very motivating and the kids really like=20 him. A brief overview of peer mediation was given for = those=20 who were not present at the last meeting. An adult = would=20 always be present during each mediation. Need about 5 = adults=20 trained. Approximately 16-20 students would also be=20 trained. The skills they obtain could be transferred = to their=20 own life experiences. All the collected information = about this=20 program has been very positive. Committee members are = to go=20 back and speak with their stakeholders about instituting = peer=20 mediation in 4^th and 5^th grade. = Greg=20 would like a response by 2/8. If a positive response = is=20 collected then both training options will be = considered. =20 Funding options include BBQ money or possibly from the = discretionary=20 funds at Karigon. Will discuss this again at the next = meeting.

&= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20

Old Business:

1. =20 Redistricting: Loraine Longherst had a = meeting=20 about redistricting that Greg attended. There was a = lot on the=20 agenda. Did not address how schools will balance the = class=20 lists. Linda stated that parents received a letter of = where=20 their children will be going next year. This included=20 information about who the PTA president would be and the = dates of=20 the PTA meetings so parents can attend in school their child = will be=20 attending next year. Greg is establishing dates for = the=20 incoming Karigon students and their parents to tour = Karigon. =20 These dates will occur over the summer. The principal = of=20 Orenda has written a children=92s book about = redistricting. It=20 will be distributed to the classroom teachers at Karigon to = be read=20 to the students.

2. =20 Aides and redistricting: A concern has come up = about=20 what the plan is for the current aides at Karigon who are = not=20 attached to a special education class. Greg stated = that it may=20 be as late as June or July before the aides will know what = building=20 they will be assigned to. The district is looking at = building=20 needs and the needs across the district before decisions are = made.

New Business:

&= nbsp; =20 No new business was discussed

Next Meeting: February = 26^th,=20 2007

&= nbsp; =20 Understanding Committees

&= nbsp; =20 Review member rotation plan

Character = Education=20 Program for the 4^th and 5^th grade-peer = mediation update

&= nbsp; =20 BBQ Update

November 27, 2006

KARIGON = PARTNERSHIP=20 TEAM MINUTES

November = 27,=20 2006

Members=20 Present: = Laurie=20 = Halbohm = =20 Marge = Buonanno =20 Janine Cammarata Sue=20 = Morrissey &nbs= p; =20 Donna=20 = Zavery &= nbsp; =20 Linda Buyaskas Meredith=20 Andrews June=20 = Allison = =20 = =20 Greg=20 = Wing &nb= sp; =20 Gary DiLallo

Inspiration: =93The cure=20 to safety is an aware and involved school community. = Teachers=20 are hardworking, respectful and caring for the students they = serve. More than not, they are trusted by students and = parents, and such as, have a unique opportunity to engage = residents=20 and youth in sustained conversations and activities that = mitigate=20 against violence.=94 Times Union

Minutes: October=20 minutes reviewed and approved with minor changes

Halloween = Feedback: Positive feedback was received by all=20 stakeholders. Greg stated that he felt that we had = about 300=20 people watch the parade. The sign out-sticker system = went=20 smoother this year as staff was more comfortable with the=20 procedure. Having the students sit in the upper grade = hallway=20 was much safer and less scary for the younger students as = they=20 paraded by. Support staff and special area teachers = will be=20 matched with a class where they know some of the=20 students.

Update on = New Parent=20 Member:

&nbs= p; =20 There has been no response and the team sees no benefit to = keep=20 asking. The team agreed to have two parents represent = their=20 stakeholder group. We will revisit this issue in=20 February. We will have to look at incorporating = parents who=20 will be redistricted to Karigon. The team may need = three new=20 parent members for the next school year as this is Linda=92s = last year=20 of her term and Janine=92s children will be redistricted to = a new=20 school.

Posting = of KPT Minutes=20 on the Karigon Website:

&nbs= p; =20 The finalized minutes are now posted on the web-site. = A=20 discussion about making the minutes a PDF file would allow = for an=20 easier layout for them to be printed. Greg will look = into this=20 to see if this is possible.

Review = Faculty Feedback=20 on K-2 Writer=92s Workshop and 3-5 Harcourt: =

&nbs= p; =20 At the last faculty meeting the staff was asked to = individually=20 complete a survey that the team developed with Carol = Scarce. =20 This information was then put together and distributed to = the=20 team. Greg shared the feedback with several = individuals with=20 from the DO. He received positive feedback including = that the=20 needs are similar to those in other buildings, ideas for=20 professional development, and some of the negatives can be = quickly=20 addressed. Greg will bring this information back to = the=20 faculty to have them discuss it. Letting grade levels=20 prioritize and decide what areas to work on. Look at = brining=20 district level people to include them on the training and = progress=20 of making these two programs more successful. May want = to look=20 at using KPT funds to buy more sets of the Units of Study = for=20 Primary Writing so that the teachers will have increased = access to=20 this resource.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 Parents are impressed with the 4th grade reading log. = This is=20 not a part of the current program. The teachers in = that grade=20 level thought the program was weak in this area and = implemented this=20 log.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 Need to develop a process for the materials to be = distributed=20 appropriately by number of sections/students each school = has. =20 Last year a procedure was not in place and there seemed to = be=20 difficulty getting materials to the appropriate = places. It=20 appears that the building coordinators will be responsible = for=20 taking an inventory before the end of the year. They = will look=20 at the forecasted number of sections and disperse supplies = at the=20 end of the school year so teachers will start the new year = with the=20 appropriate supplies.

Old=20 Business:

Report = Cards: =20 Heard of some concerns about the report cards after the = first=20 quarter and parent-teacher conferences. Greg shared = the=20 response from the district office regarding our question = about the=20 end of the pilot year. The DO welcomed our suggestions = but=20 want to look at the report card from a = macro-perspective. They=20 feel time and training are required. The DO stated the = pilot=20 year is over and this is the format that will be used. = Discussion ensued that the pilot year did not address parent = concerns. Feedback was only taken at the end of the = first=20 quarter last year not at the end of the school = year. =20 Concerns included the following:

Motivation: =20 Students may not be motivated to work harder because they = will still=20 get a 3.

No = differentiate=20 between a low 3 and a high 3. To much of a range for = level=20 3. Why not use a plus/minus system?

Go back = to grades=20 (percentages) in Middle and High School

K-2 has a = continuum=20 that is more developmentally appropriate. May want to = look at=20 doing that 3-5.

Comments = varied from=20 teacher to teacher-some were very vague.

Parents = want more=20 information-look at things coming home but a lot of the = writing does=20 not go home but into student portfolios.

Are = teachers providing=20 material/opportunities for students to do above grade level = to make=20 a 4 obtainable?

How will = students be=20 placed next year with the wide span for level 3?

Parents = will contact=20 their stakeholder group and see how much of a concern there = is about=20 the report card.

New=20 Business:

Monster = Mash: =20 This is a PTA run event. Concerns that parents were = dropping=20 their children off instead of supervising them at this = event. =20 There were children outside running around without = supervision in=20 the dark. Linda will discuss the concerns with the PTA = and=20 encourage them to ask for volunteers to monitor the=20 doors.

Next = Meeting: December=20 18th, 2006

Character = Education=20 Program for the 4th and 5th grade

Update = parent feedback=20 about the report card

October 26, = 2006

Members = Present: Laurie=20 Halbohm, Marge Buonanno, Gary DiLallo, Sue=20 = Morrissey &nbs= p; =20 Donna Zavery, Linda Buyaskas, Meredith Andrews, June = Allison,Greg=20 Wing

Inspiration:=20 Janine was not present = =96=20 general discussion=20 instead

Minutes: &n= bsp; =20 September minutes reviewed and passed

DPT: =20 Shared Decision Making Blueprint for Progress document = discussed =96=20 Greg=92s changes were noted. Comments typed on = separate page;=20 response needed ASAP.

Goals = &=20 Objectives:

&nbs= p; =20 -Greg will be contacting Joe Nicolella or Lorraine = Longhurst.. Greg=20 will give our student information sheet to District with = request to=20 distribute it, or a similar standard, to students coming = into=20 Karigon district due to redistricting. This will be = used=20 during teacher assignment meetings.

- Greg to = get feedback=20 at next faculty meeting re Harcourt and Writers Workshop. = (Grades=20 3-5 are currently in year 2 of the program.) Joanne = will=20 accumulate the results for discussion at our next = meeting. =20

- Report = cards =96=20 general discussion on format and what to do from = here.

- = Barbeque =96 Gary=20 reminded KPT that Giffy=92s is in our tax paying = jurisdiction, and=20 perhaps we should consider using them again instead of = Brooks. =20 They are used at all other elementary schools. We are=20 committed to Brooks for 2007, perhaps the following year it = should=20 be considered.

Old=20 Business: - Three AIS teachers are = requested to=20 attend a district meeting on Halloween. Greg has = requested=20 replacements for them that day due to the number of visitors = to the=20 school that day and to ensure a safe event.

Donna = pointed out that=20 the Science outcome from the department head for Spring 06 = was never=20 submitted as a follow-up to our meeting. Greg will = request it=20 of Mike Feher.

New = Business: Clothing=20 is needed for the nurse=92s office, mostly sweatpants = and

sweatshirts. =20 Perhaps a note can be put into the Karigon = Journal.

Next = Meeting: November=20 27, 2006

&nbs= p; =20 = =20 Halloween Feedback

&nbs= p; = ; =20 Harcourt & Writers Workshop faculty feedback

&nbs= p; = ; =20 Parent vacancy

September=20 18^th, 2006

Members=20 Present:
Laurie Halbohm
Marge Buonanno
Janine=20 Cammarata
Sue Morrissey
Donna Zavery
Linda=20 Buyaskas
Meredith Andrews
June=20 Allison
Greg Wing
Gary = DiLallo

Inspiration: = =93The best thing for being sad,=94 replied Merlin, = beginning to=20 puff and blow,=94 is to learn something. That=92s the only = thing that=20 never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your = anatomies,=20 you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your = veins,=20 you may miss your only love, you may see the world = devastated by=20 evil lunatics, or know your honor trampled in the sewers of = baser=20 minds. There is only one thing for it then- to = learn. =20 Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the = only=20 thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, = never be=20 tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of=20 regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. = Look=20 what a lot of things there are to learn.=94 T.H. = White, =93The=20 Once and Future King=94

Minutes: = June minutes=20 will be reviewed at the next meeting

Correspondence: = Each member of the team received a letter of = resignation from=20 the newest parent member. She would be unable to = attend the=20 meetings on Mondays at 2:30. A discussion occurred = about the=20 day/time of the committee meetings. We currently have = strong=20 attendance for all members on the committee and a strong=20 representation at this time. It was noted that all the = partnership teams in the district meet immediately after = their=20 school day. A letter expressing our regrets will = be=20 drafted and sent to the parent who resigned. She will = be=20 encouraged to participate in school activities in the = capacity that=20 she can. The team agreed that when we solicit for new = members=20 we make sure the time and day are clearly indicated. = Linda=20 will prepare a notice to fill the current parent member=20 position.

DPT: =20

The District Partnership Team is looking for = building=20 representatives for the 2006-2007 school year. The = next=20 district meeting will be held on October 11^th at=20 4:00. During that meeting they will establish the = meeting=20 days/times for the remainder of the school year. Sue = Morrisey=20 has graciously stated that she will attend to represent the = Karigon=20 Partnership Team.

Roles and = Responsibilities:

Leader: Greg Wing

Facilitator: Meredith Andrews/ = June=20 Allison

Recorder: Laurie Halbohm/Linda=20 Buyaskas

Celebrator: Donna Zavery/Marge=20 Buonanno

Refreshments: See rotating schedule- = Donna will=20 develop the schedule

Coach: Janine Cammarata/new parent=20 member

Partnership = Training: The Partnership Training will take place on = 10/19 from=20 8:30-3 at the HSW Training Center. The district is = strongly=20 recommending that each team attends. Reviewed = areas/ideas that=20 we may want to work on from the Shenendehowa Goals and=20 Objectives. Will discuss the following areas during = the=20 training session: 1. The Profile of a Shenendehowa = Elementary=20 Student to the curriculum and Essential Content and = Competencies, 2.=20 Review the make-up of the instructional day looking at = amount of=20 time given to Core areas and look at the use and consistency = of the=20 new report card. A discussion occurred about the pilot = of the=20 new report card. Was the pilot year successful? = Are the=20 results of the survey published? Are parents pleased = with the=20 change? Is it to be continued to be piloted or is it=20 complete? Greg will forward these questions to the = Elementary=20 Report Card Committee.

Posting = of KPT=20 Minutes:

&nbs= p; = ; =20 A small statement will be placed in the journal. The = minutes=20 will be posted on the web-site. Greg will forward the = minutes=20 to the appropriate person after the minutes are finalized by = the=20 committee.

Old=20 Business:

Reviewed = the KPT=20 Brochure: Greg will check to see if the mission = statement=20 corresponds with the district one. A few cosmetic = changes=20 were done to insure that individuals knew were the form = was to be=20 submitted. The brochure will have to be changed on = the=20 web-site as well.
Halloween = Letter: =20 Reviewed the Halloween letter and procedures. = Date=20 changes need to take place. A discussion about = questionable weather-very hard to judge. Parents are = still=20 welcome to call the office if they are unsure. There = was=20 also a discussion about the 5^th grade = dismissal. =20 A parent member stated that parents were unsure of what to = do and=20 it was very congested. Greg will talk to the = 5^th=20 grade about there plans for dismissal and safety at=20 pick-up.
Student/Parent=20 Handbook: The district wide handbook that was = published is=20 very similar to Karigon=92s. A thank-you for all the = hard work=20 that was put into Karigon=92s Handbook since it was used = as a=20 template.

New=20 Business:

Code of = Conduct: It was discussed that page was = unclear. What=20 does it mean when they don=92t check a box or don=92t sign = it. =20 The sentence will be moved as part of the paragraph so = that the=20 form will just need to be signed.
It was = found that=20 page 3 and 4 of the Handbook is a duplication of = playground=20 rules
Character Statements:=20 The question was raised about the statements that are read = over=20 the announcements each morning. Greg said he = believed that=20 there was a bank of statements that each selection was = chosen=20 from. A discussion on how the kids could become more = involved and be more tuned to the morning message. = Maybe=20 having the kids submit statements based on the character=20 words. Popcorn Park has a writing-brainstorming=20 component. It may be announced that =93Ms. X class = submitted=20 the following character statement.=94 The idea will = be brought=20 to the Character Ed Committee.
KPT = Table: A=20 table will be set up for KPT during the open house. = It will=20 be separated from the PTA table to distinguish between the = two=20 groups.

Next=20 Meeting: October 23^rd,=20 2006

Goals = from the training=20 day

Report = Card

Minutes = on the=20 = web-site