Nov 8, 2016 - Purpose: The purpose of the Family Team is to support the theory of the Reggio Emilia approach to educatio
November 8, 2016 8:00am November Family Team Meeting Welcome & Family Team Mission Families play an integral role in the learning experience of the children, and at the same time, help ensure the welfare of all children in the school. The Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center Family Team System provides the organizing structure for parent and guardian involvement at the school. Mission: The Mission of the Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center is to continuously expand the potential of children, the experiences of educators and the involvement of parents within the diverse community of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Purpose: The purpose of the Family Team is to support the theory of the Reggio Emilia approach to education which includes the rights of Family to be actively involved in the daily life of the school; to realize the mission for the Discovery Center; to provide opportunities for family involvement and collaboration with staff; and to join in a partnership with teachers and community to build a quality school. Membership: The Family Team consists of all parents and guardians of children enrolled in The Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center. Rights & Responsibilities of Family Team Members: 1. Grow their understandings about the philosophy of the school. 2. Participate in the life of the school in various ways. 3. Help ensure the welfare of all children in the school; 4. Help develop community with other members of the Family Team. 5. Find a voice in and cultivate a relationship with the Discovery of his/her child. Introductions, All 5 min Help ensure the welfare of all children in the school 15 min • Family Team Funds: Account summary, Nadia Rydingsward - $2,882.93 • Outstanding check for $250 for Minecraft Club • Wreath invoice needs to be paid • Wreath sale money not yet deposited • Teacher liaison, Sana Amash • Community Potluck feedback, especially parent social • Family Team found this even to be successful! We agreed that it was nice to have projects (masks) that parents could work on, as well as younger siblings. We found it good to be able to connect with other families. • Thank you for First Friday staff luncheons • Teachers have really appreciated this, and have felt well loved. There was enough food this last time, but hasn’t always been in the past. Something to be mindful of when planning future FF luncheons.
• Have families noticed a difference in their children with two recesses? • Parents commented that their children have made reference to having two recesses, and it’s been positive. Teachers have also said that they are noticing positive results. Sana also mentioned that it would be helpful to have children (especially our younger students) practice putting on their winter gear at home with families, so that it’s not so time consuming once winter arrives. • Wreath sale • 81 wreaths were sold, adding $405.00 to the family team funds. There will be a SignUp.com sheet made so people are able to sign up to help distribute wreaths to families on November 17th and 18th. Grow their understandings about the philosophy of the school _ 10 min • John Robinson, Principal • Board Updates – Working on communication internally and externally. Regular meeting for staff (that are optional) have been added – turnout thus far has been good. They’re also looking at the Charter re-authorization through GRPS and Andrew Brower and Abby Sutter are heading this up. The main points being focused on are communication, evaluation, and reauthorization. • Sarah Cooper, Pedagogista • We’re currently working on developing systems at the Board level and the Family Team level. Sarah and John are working with Jessie and Natasha to develop and define the roles of the Family Team co-stewards, as well as four new committees. The four committees are – fundraising, records (yearbook, business directory) teacher appreciation, and family team activities. New Family Team mini-grant request guidelines • Changed to make it easier for teachers to request money • There is a new process in place for teachers to request money. Teachers in all Discoveries and Studio can now bypass the voting process by requesting up to $250 per year, per Discovery. These funds may be used for field trips and classroom enrichment projects/materials. • Process will stay the same for parents, but with better clarification • $250 limit per request will stay in place for all requests: • To allow us to help support a greater number of causes • Is sustainable with our current fundraising efforts • Roles of Family Team sub-committees and committee chairs have been defined and we are ready to move forward with recruiting and planning within the committees
• Each committee will be headed by a chairperson who will report to the co-stewards. To allow and encourage more parent involvement, committee chairs shall not be current Family Team co-stewards or Board members. • We are working with John and Sarah to better define the roles of the co-stewards before we start looking for new co-stewards • Participate in the life of the school in various ways _ 20 min • Traffic volunteers needed during drop off and pick up • Board meeting on Monday, November 14 at 6:00pm in the Studio, open to all • Upcoming events: • Family Team Movie Night: November 18, doors at 5:30, movie starts at 6:00 • The Nightmare Before Christmas • A SignUp.com sheet will be put together and posted for volunteers • Volunteers needed to help with set up, concession sales, and clean up • Family Team sponsored roller skating party in February • The evening Family Team meeting in October was very well attended, so we will likely continue to alternate meeting times Help develop community with other members of the Family Team 15 min • Board update, Abby Sutter • Wreath sale update • Sold 81 wreaths, profit of $405 for the Family Team • T-shirt sale/fundraiser • We are working with a GRCDC parent on design and pricing • Teacher appreciation, First Friday Food • December 2, theme is Healthy vs. Unhealthy, look for sign up information in a few weeks Next Meeting 5 min December 6, 6:30pm Family Team Contact Information: General e-mail:
[email protected] Jessie Hammond:
[email protected] Natasha Nyberg:
[email protected]
