Hillside PTA/SATp Meeting Minutes

February 12, 2023 @ 6:30p (Virtual only)

Reviewed & approved by PTA membership vote in 3/10/2023 PTA/SATp Meeting

• Welcome 

 

2. Minutes approved unanimously from January 12, 2023 meeting

 

3. PTA Treasurer’s Report

• General Budget & Finance Overview
  • Have $20k in bank from Fireball earmarked for 3 things: Projectors, Bulletin board and rehab of DOT room 
  • Mike working with district to get items paid for (just under $10k for projectors, training and installation)
  • Sitting on some cash, but don’t have many more fundraisers planned for rest of year. Have big spend items coming up: 5th grad picnic, EOY picnic for teachers
• Requested budget changes– with Membership approval:
  • Increase Field Trip budget by $1,000.00– from $3k to $4k in total – this will support an end-of-the-year field trip for all 3rd grade students
  • Increase Science Day budget by $600.00 – this will allow for the PTA to underwrite the Science Day Assembly which costs $1,435.00.  ($900.00 is already in the budget)
  • Both items put to vote, seconded. Approved unanimously
• For future discussion:
  • Increase in beautification budget
  • Purchase folding tables for the school – these will replace existing folding tables that are in extremely poor condition
• This has been a year of learning: How much do we spend? How much do we save? What bandwidth do we have from fundraising perspective? What is the true cost of stuff given inflation? What is expectation around continuing events that happened pre Covid?

 

Q: Did District put any money toward projects Fireball funding was earmarked for? E.g. Capital projects. Would hope we’re pressing upon Dr. A to push district to put money toward things that are important to the parents and school and that PTA shouldn’t necessarily have to fundraise for. 

A: Don’t believe District put money toward bulletin boards or DOT room. Only thing that’s happened is the projectors. These questions best addressed with Dr. Anglin.

 

Q: Another item we’re fundraising for is beautification – landscaping, plants, etc. This is another area where the District is falling short, we have been asked to keep our “gem in the center of town” shining brightly. Similarly, school has asked for new tables. Shouldn’t be an item we pay for, but that’s where we find ourselves.

 

4. Nominating Committee Update

• Report from Tawaina and Kim to consider new exec board members – 5 roles that need to be filled 
• Seeking support from existing leadership (shadowing, pre-planning for next year). Coming out of pandemic want to encourage participation from parents and families. Reach out if you’re interested or have questions. More details during March meeting.
• Focusing on Exec board roles and considering committee roles as “extra credit.” Hoping that if people don’t sign up for leadership, they will sign up for committee chairs
• Vivian Hadis joining as third member of Nominating Committee

 

5. Principal’s Report – presented by Mrs. JoAnne Carroll, Interim Principal 

• BHM: Students are doing wonderful job with BHM announcements – they’re proud, happy and it’s going really well.
• HIB assessment: Follow up, additional detail after meeting with Mr. Acevedo and Ms. Scott:
  • Will have a meeting with whole school community
  • HIB self assessment scores largely impacted by COVID protocol. Most of 2020-21 we weren’t in the building. ‘21-22 parents and community not allowed in building. Area where we scored low is required documentation of parents and community being in building and attending meetings. – Ms. Scott will gather more information on how other schools scored themselves in this area since families were not allowed in building.
  • Children were not in school together and families were navigating stress, fear, etc. Many students were entering building for the first time. Focus was always to meet needs of students with regard to SEL 
  • Highest scores we received was for HIB investigations, procedures and partnering with families to ensure safety of children 

 

• Will hold follow up community meeting to provide more information to parents. Told Mr. Acevedo that the March 10 PTA meeting might be too late but hope to have information to parents early next week about when community meeting can happen.
• Mr Acevedo was in charge of this area at his former school, so there are two people including Ms. Scott who have deep knowledge on this
• Would like to make a nice PPT to share with community and confirm when is the best time to present information. Important for all three of us to be involved (Acevedo, Carroll, Scott)
• No determination yet made about whether a communication will go out preemptively to acknowledge report and offer plan for when further communication will happen 
• Carroll feels like the article presented information without explaining it, created more questions than answers

 

Q (from Carroll): Were parents presented the self assessment?

 

A: Justin/Lani provided clarity about the Local article and self assessment that was completed later than it normally would have been. Typically would get reports at end of school year – Mr. Vargas has some personal matter that prevented him from completing it when he normally would have. District has also hired an anti-bullying coordinator – Maggie Dock, who started in September 2022 and was not in place when assessment was done. Report was made public at 1/12/23 BOE meeting and Local put out article on Monday, 2/6

 

Q: After seeing article, should I be alarmed as a parent? Communication to families should address what the self assessment looked like and what will be done to address the challenges it raised.

 

A: Scott and Acevedo have taken numerous phone calls, emails about this so we’re not running from it, just need to strategize around how to address it

 

Q: My child experienced bullying for 3 months on the bus and the matter had to be elevated to Dr. Ponds. I advocated for an anti-bullying coordinator for the district. Asked an attorney who is knowledgeable about HIB laws.There is a recording that I’m happy to share. Do you know how many HIB reports there were last year and how many there are this year so far? Can # of HIB reports be included in presentation to the community, that would be very informative?

 

A: Don’t have that data in front of me. Great that you advocated for anti-bullying coordinator. Happy to have separate conversation about your child. Once I have an understanding of whether I’m allowed to provide that information I will do so unless i’m not allowed to and if that’s a case, will tell you why.

 

6. President’s Report

• Hillside School Tours a success. Thank you to all of our volunteers and our Tour 

leaders, Karen Andes and Jillian Reich.

• Student tour guides were enthusiastic and had pride in showing off their school. Good flow of people
• Karen & Jill have grandfathered themselves in to this role. Can they do a write up of what they do so that we can share it with future parent chairs
• Next year, encourage 3rd graders to do Nish tours.

• Explorers Winter Session registration & enrollment was successful
  • Off to good start. Spy Kids sold out quickly. Plan to run most popular classes again next cycle. 
  • Awarded 13 scholarships and 5 students are using para to participate – paid for by PTA
• Mounted interactive projectors (qty 4) paid for with Fireball proceeds are on order

 

7. PTA Calendar Review/Event Planning 

• Review volunteer needs for upcoming events – Family Coding Night doesn’t need volunteers
  • Asking for those of us engaged to reach out to networks to ask for folks to sign up for various events/needs
  • Skate Date – Stacie has 3 vols who will be leads for wristbands, cupcakes and cleanup/setup, looking for more (wristbands may be sent home with kids in advance). Also doing spirit wear table again – sweatshirts and long sleeves (child and adult sizes) were popular
  • Have a chair for 5th grade ceremony – need to check in with her. Working to secure Nishuane park for 6/20 for 5th grade picnic
  • Someone volunteered to chair talent show –  April 14
  • Related docs: 
    • Event Volunteer Planning Doc
    • SUG
• Events underway– volunteers in place and planning/supporting
  • Science Day (3/31)
  • International Night (4/27)
  • 5th Grade Picnic (6/16)
  • 5th Grade Yearbook – Papasikos has offered to sponsor 5th grade yearbook again this year. Will be done by Susan Gardner Zartman
  • Suggestion for April meeting – have a night out, in person only

Q: Did we ask parents of families in the gymnastics show, play production, etc to volunteer? Teachers usually ask parents whose kids are involved to volunteer.

A: We will check and follow up on that. Mr. Poff is always looking for parent volunteers. Ms. Lever to my knowledge hasn’t asked, but I don’t recall parents volunteering for gymnastics show, it was other teachers

Q: When soliciting volunteers, could we structure language as: “Are you going to this event, can you offer 30 minutes beforehand or after?” Challenge has been finding people to lead it. 

C: Nishuane planning caregivers night out on 2/17. Also held volunteer recruitment event which we called a volunteer party (held at Montclair Women’s Club). SATp led scavenger hunt where people had to identify committee chairs and what their roles were–was a fun way to find out about volunteerism. Sedita spoke to drum up enthusiasm and participation. Spent $1k (provided food) which was well spent because we gained 3 possible board members and committee chairs.

8. SATp Updates

• Past Month’s Activities/ Events
  • Hillside Cares MLK Day of Service- Blessing Bags and Peace Note Drive (1/16)- Huge thanks to Christina Joseph Robinson, Kendra Johnson and Ms Harris for organizing a successful event_with collaboration of Nishuane we had our best year ever 950 blessing bags and $240 donated
• Current initiatives 
  • Black History Month – Celebrating Black Excellence: Uncovering Hidden Histories in STEAM: 
    • The Father of Video Gaming (2/7) – Karen Lawson – Recorded event and will post some footage. Trying to do something where she goes into the schools. May do Youtube channel where we post it and take it down.
    • STEAM U (2/21 @ 3:50p, MLC) 
    • Everyday STEAM Superstars (2/21, 7p)
    • Read In Literacy Contest (2/1 – 2/28) – class in each grade with most books read will win a pizza party
    • Lights, Camera, Action! w/ BrainPop (2/21+ 2/24) – many teachers have signed up. Karina Lynch and staff will lead movie making workshop with classes
    • Hillside Cares Food Drive (2/13 – 2/17) – collection will happen in each classroom to support Toni’s Kitchen & local organizations
      • 3rd grade- cereal bars, pop tarts, oatmeal
      • 4th grade- dry pasta, rice, beans
      • 5th grade – canned soups + vegetables, snack packs
• Upcoming initiatives
  • Annual Skate Date (3/3, 6:30 – 8:30p) proceeds support AAPI, Women’s History Month, Juneteenth
  • Women’s History Month (March)
    • League of Women Voters of Montclair: History on Voting – March 8 at 7pm
  • Christina Wallace will head up Hillside Social Justice – met with Dr. Anglin, she will need more help

Q: Thinking about what happened at Nair Tamid. I’m Jewish and kids are also. Kids asked me why this happened. Wondered if there’s anything happening for Jewish History Month in May? A: May is AAPI. Let’s partner and do something

Q: Does SATp need help? 

A: Yes. Have been putting together promotional videos to drum up interest. Before Dr. A went out she did a video. I also did one as did Christina Wallace and Ms. Morrisroe who is the SATp teacher coordinator. Will be posting them on Facebook.

9. BOE/PTAC Updates

• HIB report
• Updates on bond referendum – bonds were sold at 3.5% which brought in $5 mil for tax payers, moved on it quickly before interest rates dropped. Also reviewing construction companies that responded to bids, may have hired one. Things are moving
• Things are pretty quiet with PTAC

Q: Went to recent PTAC meeting where Dr. Morgan reviewed standardized test scores. I left that meeting and PTA meeting where Dr. A reviewed results dissatisfied. We need a school wide meeting led by Anglin to address findings and present an action plan. Should be taken up by PTAC and then should have a building-wide committee

A: PTAC will take on this matter as hard as they did the bond referendum. Ponds said it’s his #1 priority to address this issue and close the gap. If you watch most recent meeting, Jennifer Goforth presented another set of data on internal assessment. 

A: Let’s brainstorm best way to advocate for transparency. Principal doesn’t need permission to hold a school-wide town hall–happened at Glenfield with a month’s notice. Think the administration should be doing the same thing at Hillside. Don’t expect Ms. Carroll to present, but maybe she can get someone from district to present. There should be a better attempt to bring prominence to NJSLA results. Needs to be translation/context provided for things like HIB, NJSLA. At Glenfield, Dr. Rollins, Mr Pelli along with 6 teachers gave a robust presentation around NJSLA report – virtual meeting, separate from PTA meeting.

A: How NJSLA results were presented at Hillside: Anglin said last minute, I’d like to present NJSLA data. We need to take an active role in helping admin schedule more town hall meetings.

Meeting adjourned at 8:09p. Next PTA Meeting Friday, March 10th @ 9:30am

Attendees:

Michael Barrett

Alexa Capeloto

Nicole Chalfoun

Tsihai Hanson

Stacie Hawes

Kim Marsh

Obie Miranda-Woodley

Rachel Rajaram

Christina Robinson

Lani Sommer-Padilla

Dawn Page

Selena Strader

Justin Taylor

Tawaina Turner-Dones

Sabina Wasonga-Gitau

Amira Williams

Anita Fee Willis

Dwayne Woodley

Caitlyn Yeykal

 

The December 20, 2022 PTA/SATp meeting minutes are available here.

 

*approved in the 1/12/2023 PTA meeting*

Hillside PTA/SATp Meeting Minutes

*approved in the 1/12/2023 PTA meeting*

November 18, 2022 – 9:30a

 

Meeting began at 9:37a (Hybrid – in person @ Hillside + virtual via Google Meet)

 

• Welcome

• • Approval of minutes from October 20, 2022 meeting – minutes approved unanimously
  • Special Guest – Mr. Edwyn Acevedo, New Hillside Assistant Principal (starting December 2022) 

 

• Principal’s Report (Dr. Anlign)

• In transition to new assistant principal, goal is consistency, which I can’t guarantee this year, so will work really hard to maintain transparency. 

• 95 candidates, 3 finalists, 4 rounds of interviews for Mr. Adamo’s vacancy. Acevedo responded well to how to support families, students, how he would learn the culture. 

• Anglin due Feb 10, papers in to work through January. We’ve planned through the end of the year. Interim principal position was publicly advertised, there have been applicants. Superintendent’s responsibility to hire. Top candidate has gone to a different district but process is underway. Leave is until end of May, want to be back in June

• • Mr. Martire in his role has been closely involved with longitudinal student data and sitting with teachers to consider student’s growth. Trying to keep Tier 3 students from needing to be evaluated, trying different interventions to support students. Interim position was advertised. Mr. Martire was the top pick. FIlling in until Dec. 19 when Acevedo begins.
  • Pre-PTA meetings are important to discuss hot topics in the school and district overall. Let’s work from space of everyone has good intentions, proactive mindset. 
  • Transition: asking for trust in systems, protocols that we have in place at Hillside. Acevedo should come in and observe and make assessments about our climate and culture in spirit of collaboration, being proactive. As a new admin, he has been hired to be a new team player, not to fix anything. E.g – Scheduling: already complete for the year, so focus will be on add/drop and necessary adjustments. 
  • IEPs, G&T – these are systems that are up and running
  • 3rd graders starting aesthetics. Can only offer # of classes that we have adults to teach. Offerings are dictated by teachers available to teach them. Students will have to make choices. Something that we’re always assessing is our goal is to meet students’ needs – driven by qualification for certain classes. We are aware of challenges, asks, needs – classes change from year to year based on that feedback. Won’t always work out but we’re trying our best.
  • Nish/Hillside conflict: Dr. Anglin will change bell schedule by 10 minutes to accommodate families with children at both schools.
  • Lighting in auditorium – assessment done last year – stage lighting is nonexistent. Needs complete overhaul. We have $15k, will see what company can do for that.
  • Winter concert is Dec. 5th (day for students/staff) and 6th (evening for parents)

 

Q: Is child study team fully staffed?

A: Still hiring a psychologist. Have a counseling psychologist, but can’t manage testing in house until we have a psychologist. Case loads are larger than typical school. Every child in this building has a case manager, but only divided among 2.

 

Q: Will Spanish be offered?

A: Status is that we don’t have an applicant. Off the schedule, though still in Genesis. There’s a teacher shortage to fill world language positions.

 

Q: When will the gym floor be finished?

A: Construction team is pouring cement on Friday, 11/25. Demo is done, takes 2 weeks and then finishing process. Don’t foresee being in double gym until the new year. Following that, auditorium and dance studio will have work done. Feel confident that our director of buildings and grounds is honest, straightforward. Keep in mind, this work impacts Explorers for winter session.

 

Q: How is Hillside responding to data from district regarding achievement/testing?

A: Students who are proficient or exceeding proficiency aren’t excelling either. We are digging deep with teachers. Waiting for building-based data, will present that to community. Testing information is to inform instruction. Data tells us which standards we are below or on grade level with. First line of attack is to look at other standards where we were outperformed by other schools in the district. Teachers need to consider scope and sequence of instruction – how many days were spent on topic, was there enough homework. We have PLCs with teachers once every 6 days. Teachers meet with admin once/month where we discuss every kid who is demonstrating below grade level proficiency. Each child has an RTI form, teacher is responsible for identifying specific goals and plans to meet those goals and assess whether the strategy is working. If we’re seeing progress, we keep going. If things are stagnant we ask questions to consider what to change, whether additional evaluation is needed. Involving families – if gap is greater than half grade level or year’s worth of proficiency to find out what’s going on at home to get full profile of the student, so that we know we’re working efficiently to support their needs.

 

Q: Is RTI form shared with families?

A: No, it’s internal data that’s used to inform the conversation with families. Just shared between teacher, administrator. 

 

Q: Are there any plans for field trips this year?

A: We don’t micromanage field trips beyond saying one grade level field trip per year. PTA supports each grade level with $1k. Districtwide 3rd graders have a field trip around the town. 5th graders across district go to planetarium at Glenfield. Should be separate from what teachers are planning. Trips need 90 days notice for approval.

 

Q: Is there still a requirement that someone has to be on the bus who knows how to administer an epi pen?

A: District requires nurse or designee who can administer epi pen. School nurse works hard to have a designee. “NARCAN” policy K-12 that requires certified person on every field trip has been the challenge. Solution is problematic because it can’t interrupt instruction, adds extra hoops and roadblocks. E.g.: Mr. G and Mrs Bartol have taken it upon themselves to get NARCAN certified because they take students on trips often.

 

1. Are morning school classes being offered for extra support?

A: Hillside, Glenfield and Nish have Title 1 funds (derived when families complete lunch application form) to support “at risk students.” There’s also ESR 2 funds in district (COVID relief funds) Still waiting to receive Title 1 funds. We have a very small tutoring program. Based upon proficiency demonstrated through class assessment, HW, students were invited Tues – Fri morning for 1 hr. 2 certified teachers for main instruction, 2 paras who lead students through work.Title 1 funds will allow us to triple the program. SATp working to get MHS students in to help with program. Ms. Morrisroe is interviewing HS students this month. 

 

Q: What are we doing to support students who are at/above proficiency?

A: Piloting two other literacy programs in district. Teachers are adamant that writing in CCC curriculum is not rigorous. We’re working on resources we’re giving teachers. Not requiring math workshop model. Sometimes necessary to be cautious to mandate initiative that district won’t back. Rolled out worksop model for math teachers – requires them to work everyday with groups of 4 to be able to differentiate when children know the material. Strategy is to get half teachers on board so that they pressure colleagues to get on board with targeted instruction. 

 

• Remarks from Acevedo: 

• Appreciated the interview process. Will focus on getting to know the building, culture of Hillside. Want to make sure we’re working together and collaborating. Has over 20 years as educator – 8 in admin, 15 in classroom – resource, LA, computer, testing coordinator, before going into admin. Has 16 yo child. Spend 23 years in Paterson

• Accomplishments (Justin) 

• Boogie Bash – 10/28

• • • • Big success, a lot of learning, limited in space we had. Kids loved it
      • Upwards of 1000 people who came. That hard number helpful for food, space planning in future 
      • Grossed $12k, netted $9k which goes into general funds to support teacher stipends, field trips, etc.
      • Collected feedback among folks who chaired committees: Biggest pain points were congestion, food sales. 

• Cast of Characters Parade – 10/31

• PTA offered coffee and cider for children and families which was well received

• Election Day PTA Bake Sale – 11/8 

• Raised $200, had Glenfield and MHS students volunteer

• Beautification Committee – 11/14

• Continued its work on the Hillside grounds – planted 150 bulbs

• Explorers (Committee)

• Fall program raised $5800 Covered all scholarships through parent donations including one extremely generous donation of $1k. 

• Trying to settle invoices for Explorers instructors.

• In process of sourcing ideas, instructors for new classes. Will make Facebook post to canvass parent community. 

• Looking for instructors for Winter, Spring. Want to add new programming. No response yet on Google form that went out to Hillside teachers to gauge interest in teaching a class 

• Recommendation made to reach out to MSU for ideas, work with specific companies

• Christina will include in Dr. Anglin’s e-blast.

• If a child needs a para to help support them in Explorers, PTA will help support

• Have had some issues with behavior in classes. Will include parental behavior agreement in registration process. Mr Jarvis is admin. He has agreed to give instructors his cell phone number if there are any issues in classes

 

Q: Is there an orientation that instructors have?

A: No, just basic instructions

 

Q: Are morning classes being offered?

A: Not in winter, maybe in the Spring. 

 

Q: Can we do a Spanish Explorers class – this year or next?

A: Let’s consider it

 

• SATp Updates (Stacie)

• • 11/3 Curriculum night was great. Morrisroe, Bongiovanni presented – Do we need to do a better job of advertising it? 
  • Coat drive ends today. Goal was 190 to donate to Montclair Police Dept. Community Service unit
  • Upcoming events:
    • 11/19 – Lenape Trail gratitude hike – 9:30 – 11a
    • 11/21 – Native American Heritage Month – Redhawk Council. Coming to speak to students at Nishuane – collaboration with Nishuane SATp.
    • 12/5 -9: Book purge – week before Hillside Book fair (starts 12/12). Donating books to MFEE Navegadores program
    • Extended day tutoring program – looking for MHS students from NHS, Key Club
    • 12/1 – Next SATp meeting – determined conflict with Nishuane PTA meeting
    • 11/24 HIllside CARES Holiday meals – Families in need supported anonymously. Funded through PTA, managed through SATp
    • Make A Wish coordinated by Ms. Best

 

• SEPAC Update– Alixandra Gould 
  • SEPAC – Special Education Advisory Council – volunteer run. Goal is to connect, support network of parents, caregivers of children who have IEPs, 504s, focused on inclusion. Do advocacy work, meet with district, school admin and PTAs, anyone can receive support. 
  • One of the challenges – parents don’t know what services are available, trying to raise awareness. How to build accommodations when there are so many different needs? – Collaborate with SATp
  • Sam Chipitz, Caitalin Cade are other coordinators. 
  • Make sure non-academic opportunities are supportive for students as well (i.e. Explorers, sensory breaks at school events)
  • Monthly meetings – 11/28 @7p via Zoom. montclairsepac@gmail.com. Also have a FB group. 

 

Q: How can we raise awareness/educate about  inclusion, acceptance. Want to work with parents who have neurotypical kids to understand how all students benefit.

A: “The Big Picture” Film screening – 11/30 at Nishuane could be an opportunity to promote SEPAC’s work, build community

 

• Other Updates/Announcements (Justin)

• • PTA needs Need help for:Committee members needed: (5 mins)
    • 5th Grade Committee – t-shirts, celebration, field day, graduation
    • Nominating Committee needed by Dec 2022 – identify slate of new board members
    • Hospitality (to plan upcoming Staff Holiday Luncheon and other events)
  • BOE/PTAC updates
    •  PTAC – 100% focus on bond referendum. Guess on next push is implementation on Bond referendum
    • BOE/PTAC – focus on achievement gap and pressuring district to close achievement gap

 

Attendees: 

Edwin Acevedo

Samanthaa Anglin

Lino Martire

 

Jason Anderson

Christy Crawford 

Alixandra Gould

Kimberley Gray

Tsihai Hanson

Varsha Hathiramani

Kendra Johnson 

Cynthia Kibble

Heather Miller

Obie Miranda-Woodley

Jeff Norstedt

Mendi Obadike

Jessica Robaire

Christina Robinson

Julia Savoca

Selena Strader

Justin Taylor 

Tawaina Turner-Dones

Amira Williams

Josie Williams

Anita Willis

Sarah (Last name no captured)

Dawn (Last name no captured)

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:05a.

 

Hillside PTA/SATp Meeting

October 20, 2022 – 6:30p

 

Meeting began at 6:35p (virtual via Google Meet)

 

• Overview of recent accomplishments (Justin)

 

• 10/12 Bike Walk to School Day
• Explorers Program – updates to come from Explorers team
• Boogie Bash Planning  – Lots of activity in prep for event
  • 250 pre sale tix sold
  • Big bump expected leading to close of pre-sale

• PTA membership drive – 113 members currently pushing for 200
• Beautification committee continues planting, mulch on Hillside Ave. 

 

• Justin ran through meeting minutes from previous meeting. Minutes approved unanimously

 

• Principal’s Report (Dr. Anglin)

 

• Farewell to Mr. Adamo – Anglin/Adamo led a conversation and talk with staff. Montclair losing a tremendous advocate. 

 

• Timeline for new AP hire
  • Candidate was approved at October 17 BOE meeting: Edwyn Acevedo. Must give his 60 days notice. (~Dec. 16 start). Will do a soft transition. 
  • Will need to have an interim AP. Priorities: schedule alone is a big lift, also have a lot of communication with families, one person can’t continue to do that, holding meaningful weekly meetings with teachers which happen by grade level and are driven by data. 
  • Mr. Martire will be interim. Has been in district for 20 years, at Hillside for 10. Worked hands-on in pupil services dept. Does a tremendous amount of work to help us keep track of children in a longitudinal way, also CI data, CI assessments. Helps us think about how to grow and accelerate children
  • Considering a meet and greet with Mr. Acevedo once he’s fully onboarded. Mr. Martire’s role has been advertised for, goal is to backfill it but will come up with a couple ways to be creative as needed. Major periods are 3,6,8 for him. Hoping to find someone to do math intervention work while he works as interim AP.

 

• Boogie Bash – affected in a major way by having ground floor repairs happening. Construction crew is working from 3p-11p. 

 

• Field Trips – Daily meetings being held regarding field trips, they will return this year. Teachers are actively planning for them.

 

• Communication style – what you’ll get from me is timely responses. If I don’t have the answer, I don’t have the answer, but I will try to get it or direct you to the best resource.

Priority to keep communication open, hold pre meetings with PTA leadership to discuss hot topics. 

 

• Maternity Leave
  • Due date is Feb 10. 
  • Interim principal position has been posted, there have been some applicants. Goal is to have someone in place by January 15. 
  • Will return from leave this school year
  • Regarding personnel decisions: BOE board secretary wants to move personnel updates from 2x month to 1x month

 

Q: How do teachers and administrators feel about bond referendum? Is there support at Hillside, in the district among teachers and administrators?

 

A: We’re not going to be out there cheering for it. There’s the per pupil budget, staffing budget, then capital budget. Every year there are things I have always asked for. The walk through with superintendent captured my wishlist for building improvements for Hillside. Exciting to see it happening.

 

• Boogie Bash (Caitlyn)

 

• This is a building year for us so spending more on Boogie Bash than we expected to. Still quite nervous. Thank you to parents who have stepped up to volunteer, admin and office staff, buildings and grounds. 

• Volunteer numbers – in good shape, expecting to get more over next week

• Updates
  • Concern that people don’t know what it is given that most current Hillside families have not attended a BB 
  • Worry about chaos given set up restrictions
  • Heading to Costco to pick up last minute things
  • Parent child meetup area? Put up a sign. Will brainstorm during check in meeting on Friday
  • Will not advertise more given current numbers and space limitations. Next week’s eblast/ FB posts will be about needs for volunteers, conduct expectations. 
  • Amazon wishlist will close on Monday, looks like all item requests have already been fulfilled

• 250 kid tickets – 280 adult tix sold to date
  • Buildings and ground capacity was 400, so need to update them. Make a last push as early as possible tomorrow. Don’t want to extend pre-orders but tix can still be purchased at door.

 

Q: Do we want to push another blast to get kids talking about it?

A: Two more FB posts scheduled as well as e-blasts, volunteer push

 

Q: Congestion in hallways, air ventilation might be a concern. Since we’re advertising that parents need to attend with kids, there will be more parents.

A: (Anglin) Not having gym is huge amount of sq ft. that’s lost. Ensuring that adults supervise their children is important. We can increase air flow by opening doors but feeling like we shouldn’t advertise anymore given current numbers and having auditorium off limits. 

 

Q: Were tix set aside for families who can’t afford to attend Boogie Bash?

A: Working with Ms. Best in office. She is working on a list of families who want to attend and we will provide tix. List is about 19 families, 13 or 14 said yes

 

• Treasurers Update (Mike)

 

• Collected $5,600 to date
• Explorers – jump in revenue from $17k last year to ~$24k this year
• Reimbursement form updated. 
• Field trips – use a budget number from 2000 ($2k), needs to be revised to $3k ($1k per grade). Need to figure out how to plug that hole.

 

• Event Updates 

 

• Rescheduling car wash to Spring
• Cast of characters – 10/31
• Student council elections – 11/8

 

• SATp Updates (Stacie)

 

• October 7: Hispanic Heritage celebration in collaboration with Nishuae was great success
  • Over 100 people attended
  • Watching booksellers had books available 
  • Performance by Ms. Pereira; craft from Ms. Daniels
  • Bake sale from girl scouts – $400 proceeds donated to to Taller Salud to support families in PR affected by Hurricane Fiona

• Hillside Cares coat drive. October 17 – Nov. 18 – received 173 coats last year, goal is to collect 190 this year. Donations go to Montclair PD Community Service Unit

• Upcoming events
  • 11/1 – Thanksgiving meals food drive. Working with Stacy best to identify families in need
  • Book drive – donating to Montclair Mutual Aid. Will take place week before 12/12 PTA Book Fair
  • November – Native American Heritage event. Collaborative event with Nishane at Nish. Looking to get Red Hawk nation to perform and provide history on Montclair. Grateful Hike of the Lenape trail – 11/19
  • 11/28 – Make A Wish and holiday meal helpers
  • Pop up workshops and MHS students to help tutor students
  • Email hillsidesatp@gmail.com if you want to volunteer

 

• BOE/PTAC updates (Lani)

 

• BOE meeting was jam packed with presentations:
  • Learning communities – shifting ways in which they’ve done PD to train principals to do PD themselves
  • Architects who have been working with district on renovations that will happen for bond referendum. Also presented at Town Halls
  • Discussions about BOE’s goals for the years
  • Passed policies re: health and sex education. Voted on and passed.
  • PTAC gave updates – huge push for bond referendum.
  • MFEE has 3 different grants available to teachers – SEL among others
• PTAC is looking for $ and volunteers to support bond referendum. If you’re looking to donate, visit their website.
• PTAC wants to add Hillside PTA to the list of supporting organizations 
  • Didn’t have quorum to vote
  • Suggestion was made to say “PTA Exec Board” which was approved

 

• Next meeting date announced – 11/18, 9:30a

 

Q: How do we get more people to come to PTA meetings?

A: In person is helpful. Trying to do hybrid at minimum. Carrot is opportunity to hear from, ask questions of Dr. Anglin

 

• Discussed, brainstormed ways to drum up participation including:
  • Short FB posts with meeting teasers, highlights. Kim Marsh willing to be interviewed about value she sees in attending PTA meetings
  • Behind the scenes, wondering what’s happening, want to ask questions. Demystifying – what PTA is, isn’t. What is the role of PTA meetings especially when people are otherwise engaged?
  • Nishuane has 147 members – offer giveaways, promoting opportunities to socialize to encourage people to join and participate if their friends are, combining PTA meetings with other events e.g. Principal’s Tea to bolster participation
  • Could we do once a quarter in person? We will do in person in January. Should all meetings be in person, not hybrid?
  • Suggestion of all in person meeting for November
  • At Nish, room was packed for PTA meetings. Coming off pandemic, a lot of new families figuring out ways to get engaged. Some fatigue on part of more established families

 

Q: What was thought process in going hybrid for Nishuane PTA meetings? Did you see results?

A: Not conflicting with getting kids to bed, etc.

 

Attendees:

 

Thomas Adamo

Samanthaa Anglin

Michael Barrett

Alexa Capeloto

Sarah Chamberlin

Tsihai Hanson

Stacie Hawes

Jill Marcus

Kimberly Marsh

Mendi Obadike

Christina Robinson

Allison Silverstein

Lani Sommer-Padilla

Justin Taylor

Tawaina Turner-Dones

Josie Williams

Anita Fee Willis

Caitlyn Yekal

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:06p

 

*meeting minutes approved by PTA Membership in 11/18/2022 Meeting

Hillside PTA/SATp Meeting Minutes

September 23, 2022

9:30 a.m.

Meeting began at 9:34 AM

 

• Welcome to all; brief introductions by new PTA exec board 

• Justin provided brief overview of minutes from June meeting, reminder that only current PTA members can vote
• Minutes were approved unanimously 

 

Principal’s Report 

• Dr. Anglin introduced framing of her report as opportunity to highlight trending topics, questions/concerns from community:
  • Aesthetics rescheduling – not easy scheduling classes trying to maintain 15:1 ratio, some classes lend themselves to larger class sizes. If we couldn’t hit 15 that was a class the district was looking for us to close. Only closed 1 class for A days and 1 class for B days, which affected kids getting their top choices. Want this to be clear across communication channels with parents.
  • Spanish – Have received a lot of emails from parents with disappointment. We do not have a Spanish teacher at this time. We are not getting candidates applying. Not the only Spanish position in district that isn’t filled. Districts across the state are experiencing world language shortages. Have to hire someone who is certificated in teaching Spanish. Search began in June. We have been looking since last school year and will continue to. 
  • Mr. Adamo’s departure – was important to highlight in detail at BTSN – slides will also be on school website and in 9/23 eblast to school community
  • School materials and basketball hoops – they’re coming! lots on back order e.g. air conditioners going into classrooms, sorting materials. Awaiting two hoops to be delivered, thanks to parent volunteers.
  • Sex education curriculum – Follow state standards by district that are board approved and each school required to implement. Hillside can always be a safe place to share perspectives on varied opinions. We ask questions and send them up chain of command to Dept of Equity, Curriculum & Instruction. No power to change or omit at the building level.
  • Outdoor lunch – During COVID, we had outdoor lunch because we wanted to increase air ventilation and flow and limit number of children in given space (no more than 80). This year, with 150 kids at each eating session, do not have space to accommodate outdoor lunch every day. Also since we’re at the mercy of temperature and weather and person power it takes for setup, didn’t feel sustainable or most efficient. We can’t run 6 eating moments and maximize recess time, which is what we’re prioritizing while COVID numbers are at baseline low. When there are new variables, we are quick to adjust and assess at needed.
  • Building conditions on ground floor – There was a lot of water damage from Ida last September. Hillside is largest elementary school. Also house several district depts: Child Study Team, IT, Printing services, Buildings and Grounds as well as classrooms. All these offices and core instructional classes, two gymnasiums, auditorium all water damaged. Pushing district to make repairs happen, were put on a shelf all last year. Following dance studio repairs at Glenfield, repairs will begin at Hillside (Week of 9/26). Need confirmation on whether it will happen during school day or after hours. There is no complete timeline for how long work will take. Expectation is that gymnasium will be compromised for less than a month.
  • Nish/Hillside pick up/drop off – Age old gripe. Have always expressed to district that Hillside is willing to make an adjustment of 10-15 minutes if that’s helpful. Can’t make this change on the building level. Central office, board meetings is the platform for that.
  • 2022-23 School Year – Every year is a great year. At the curriculum Thursday PD meeting with staff, there was a different feeling in the air. Staff is happier, building is up and running full throttle, Things are going really well, nothing but optimism. Here to answer any questions that you have.

 

Q: What is level of confidence that renovations will be completed by end of October for Boogie Bash?

A (Dr. Anglin): We’re going to stay the course and when we have tangible, real evidence that we need to get creative, we will. Shouldn’t hang our hat on the maybes. 

 

PTA Treasurer’s Report 

• Justin: Year of learning and adjustment, things we didn’t account for. Will come back frequently to make adjustments and determinations on what the true spend is and revenue that we generate.

• Michael provided following overview:
• Budget for total income: $124k, 64% increase from budget last year due in part to new events we did in response to COVID (car wash, popcorn fundraiser) and drastically increased our revenue for spirit wear 
• Opening balance: ~$53k including $20k from Fireball revenue. Add income, reduce expenses – ending balance would be ~$30k
• For purposes of presenting budget to PTA community, want to move to metrics that are more digestible – e.g. cost per student

 

• Highlights:
  • Expenses: $128k 
  • 50% margins for spirit wear sales
  • Cost of hospitality has gone up with inflation – includes: PTA events like BTSN, food for volunteers, teachers. Start of year gathering for teachers – When teachers get together we fund food.
  • Beautification – volunteers – increased budget for this area

 

• To be discussed 
  • Brain Pop on the budget but not funded. Is it needed for all kids to access outside of school?
  • Raised $20k last year from Fireball – 4 projects we want to use that against

 

Comment (Dr. Anglin): Fireball funds earmarked for bulletin boards throughout halls to create moments of “feel good” to display student work, mounted projectors for classrooms that need them to ensure that every classroom has capital resources. Always thinking about how funds will impact ALL children and not just a niche.

 

• Budget approved unanimously 

 

PTA Calendar Review/Event Planning 

• Focus on Boogie Bash – scheduled for October 28
• Caitlyn provided following overview/asks:
  • 300-400 participants at last BB. Recruiting a lot of volunteers
  • Some supplies left from previous years, have rough idea of what we want to do. 
    • Elements: haunted hallway with set design, half the gym with dance set up, crowd comes out other side, small games to keep kids occupied. Photo booth near cafeteria, cider donut games.
    • Blocked off areas that won’t be in use: auditorium, need security details to support areas that shouldn’t be accessed
  • List of committees that need chairs:
    • Haunted Hallway set decoration
    • Volunteer management – distribution of labor, communication, day of check in and managing volunteers
    • Decorations
    • Registration/admissions 
    • Small games – corn hole, supplies set up, day of management
    • Bake sale
    • Photo booth – logistics, supplies
    • Costume contest – planning and execution, communication & prizes

 

• Caitlyn will respond to all emails expressing volunteer interest

 

Comments:

Dr. Anglin/Mr. Adamo: MC for the costume contest is a make or break. In past, costume contest has been held in auditorium. Kids gathered in hallway to prepare and paraded on stage, judges were parents.

 

Mr. Adamo: There will be a custodian on site who is good and attentive. If kids want to go somewhere else they hit the stairwells. Parents standing in front of stairs, blocked of with caution tape is good deterrent. 

 

Tawaina Turner-Dones: Super excited that Boogie Bash is coming back, happy to help.

 

• Justin provided following overview of successful early year events:
  • Beautification Committee’s revitalization of Hillside grounds. Special thank you to Megan Reilly and YardBird Montclair for their help! Working on plan for what’s needed in terms of people and costs.
  • New Family Tours
  • Staff Welcome Back Lunch
  • New Family Ice Cream Social
  • First Day of School Welcome Back Breakfast – done with Stacie/SATp
  • Hillside Welcome Back Picnic (150-200 ppl)

Future events:

• Hillside Bike/Walk to School Day – 10/12 – info coming in Dr. A’s email and on FB
• Hillside/Nishuane Movie Night will be postponed until Spring (April) since original date is same weekend as Nish’s pancake breakfast
• Hillside Carwash– 10/22, 10am-2pm
• Boogie Bash– 10/28, 7:00 pm 
• Election Day PTA Bake Sale– 11/8
• Book Fair– 11/14 – 11/18 
• A call was made for Class Partner/Liaison 

• The PTA is looking for a volunteer to help serve as the Class Liaison Coordinator to disseminate important PTA communications to all the class liaisons (who then send to class families)
• Christina Robinon serving in that role currently in absence of coordinator. Information forthcoming.

• Explorers registration opened on 9/22 info on Hillside PTA website. Any questions email explorers email. 

 

SATp presentation 

• Stacie provided an overview of SATp and focus on school goals (Development of Skills; Equitable, Safe Community; Effective Communication)

• All of the SATp Committees need volunteers:
  • Skills Development
  • Cultivating Equity
  • Community Engagement
  • Communication
  • Volunteering

 

• Upcoming events:
  • National Hispanic Heritage – Fri. October 7 on Hillside Playground (5:30 – 7p)

Music, dancing, food vendors, asked teachers for samples of student work. Booklist from Watchung Booksellers and Read Aloud

• Hillside Cares Coat Drive launches October 17, Collect gently used coats at Door K and Door on St James. Partnering with Montclair Police Station.
• First SATp meeting – Wednesday October 12th, 7:30p (virtual)

 

• Goals – Partner each year with Dr. Anglin and teacher liaison for  school year goal; this years goal is  “Individualized instruction and equity for all”:
  • SOAR high – each student not on grade level is provided oppty to meet with MHS tutor with oversight of teacher/guidance counselor – will likely start in January
  • Equity for All – Popup workshops – Working with teachers, local businesses and parents in coalitions to foster heritage months. Doing 7 popups. Starting in October for Bullying Prevention Month.
• Deck will be posted on Hillside website including link for SATp meeting 

 

BOE Meeting 

• Lani provided following overview of 9/19 BOE meeting:

• Mr. Cooper gave presentation – sharing updates on personnel efforts – most schools are almost entirely staff. District making improvements to make hires that reflect ethnic diversity of schools/students.
• SEPAC – working on family caregiver handbook, which will serve as a guide to help families navigate school system and needed resources
• Bond Referendum – coming up for vote on November 8. Money earmarked for improvements for Hillside will make a huge difference.
• Two town halls coming up in person, unknown whether they will be livestreamed or live comments allowed:
  • 9/29, 8p @ MHS 
  • 10/13 @ Glenfield
  • District website re: Bond referendum: https://www.montclair.k12.nj.us/cms/one.aspx?portalId=889560&pageId=57526133

• Sex ed curriculum – Curriculum committee reviewing some of curriculum and looking for feedback from parents – email Allison Silverstein or BOE. Policy guide link (pages 9-16):https://www.montclair.k12.nj.us/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=71210420
  • Comment (Dr. Anglin): Children are going to grow up and curriculum does not always reflect that. Reviewed about every 5 years. Now is a great oppty to ask questions, express concerns. 

• Justin gave brief overview of PTAC 
• Lani: PTAC is largely focused on Bond Referendum. At BOE, Tessie Thomas, PTAC President gave overview of initiatives going on at each school 

 

Q: Will communications around bond referendum be happening at district level, or what should we do at school level?

A: PTAC sent out a survey to gauge interest and recruit volunteers, get in touch with PTAC.

 

Q: Can a link to vote on Bond referendum go in the E-blast?

A: If not in todays, it will go in the next one.

 

• Justin gave parting remarks, encouraged folks to continue to join PTA, upcoming meetings.

 

Meeting adjourned at 10:48 AM.

 

Attendees:

Thomas Adamo

Samanthaa Anglin

Michael Barrett

Ana Cristina dos Santos

Tsihai Hanson

Suresh N Varsha Hathiramani

Stacie Hawes

Mohini Jaiswal

Laura Linn

Mel Mall

Kimberly Marsh

Lani Sommer-Padilla

Justin Taylor

Tawaina Turner-Dones

Amira Williams

Josie Williams

Anita Fee Willis

Caitlin Yeykal

 

Meeting minutes approved at 10/20/2022 PTA/SATp Meeting