Three parents plus our speakers (both also parents) attended the
meeting.
Nancy explained various columns of Stanford test results. "Grade equivalence" is not clearly named: means how a child of another grade taking the same test would score.
"No Child Left Behind" (NCLB): CVCS must participate by law. All grades ≥ 3. Takes a week in March. Kids have unlimited time. Requires juggling of children to various rooms so test-takers of different speeds and attention levels can be monitored. Some children have all but reading sections read to them. State sets the schedule. Problem that this typically is Tech's spring break. Numerous essay questions, all graded two or three times, cause workload such that March is latest time to take in order for results by September.
No specific information relayed to help teachers understand what topics cause a group to test below competence. Teacher may know that a class failed in 4 of 9 categories, and have only a two or three word category name, with no syllabus or sample questions to yield interpretation.
Stanford (SAT-9): CVCS chooses this one because results are available to teachers down to the per question level if desired, and results are compared to national scores. We test all grades K-8. Usually takes six school mornings. If scheduled for first week of May we may get results before end of school year. Teachers can review the information for the students they will teach in coming year.
Candy Cane parade: suggestions were to start in early October. Have a parent or sponsor wiling to work after school, with a design idea, and tools. Need to have a flatbed after school on work days, which could be once a week or a whole week. Night-time parade so float needs generator to run lights. Socorro's best parade, not worth it to participate with "kids in back of a pick-up". Needs $$ to meet the community standards.
Shirts: There may be T-shirt inventory remaining from school founding. Can they be at least brought out for view or sale at things like Fall Fest? Where and what do we have? Discussion of modifying the dress code to allow T-shirts w/ CVCS logo, as fundraiser by the PA. On Fridays only, on half days, on all days? This would motivate kids to (whine to parents to) purchase. A parent suggested that modifying the dress code to raise cash may send the wrong message on several levels about our philosophy. Polo shirts perceived as too expensive, would not generate much income.
Two logo possibilities are shown, "voted" upon at Fall Fest, vote count unknown, Jill has the jars.
School priorities: Teachers' priorities, as given in a recent survey, were shared. Thought that funding for additional staff or a van is too great for PA. Computers may be funded under bond issue. Discussion of electrical limitation in current multi-purpose room, problem of trying to run the EPGY program when only half a class can login at a time. One parent may discuss ideas for lower power draw with Karin W. and Shawn P.
Kim believes that raising about $3K for a sign is right size project for PA. Kim showed examples of various signs. Attendees liked idea of one with display room for notes like: "Fall Fest this SUN noon, open to all". Idea of engraving donors names on some metal section of sign. Design and placement may need to wait until permanent buildings are at least in final architectural drawing stage, i.e. one-two years in future. Acrylic sign to replace the water-stained one mentioned as short-term goal.
Van for field trip transportation: continuing problem, CVCS requests get bumped by other schools, and everyone gets bumped by athletic teams. Could we purchase two used 15-seat vans? Drivers need CRP and driver training but not CDLs. Could we borrow from any local churches, businesses if we can provide insurance coverage? No one "owns" this project.
Bricks: preliminary estimate is that bricks need to sell for $100 to cover material and engraving costs. "Buy a bale" might be used for E-pod promotion.
No additional topics were raised.