St. Joseph School
School Advisory Committee (SAC)
Meeting Agenda

September 12, 2002
Committee Members
Sr. Christina Marie Luczynski, Principal

Attendees: Sr. Christina Marie, G. Hebert, P. Knauf, M. Caito, M. Malone, M. Marconi, D. Dedee Doyle, H. Wager, K. Lechner, D. Overfield, K. Caterisano, R. Hanscom 

The meeting was called to order. 

June SAC Minutes – No changes. H. Wager moved to approve; seconded by M. Marconi; unanimous approval. 

SAC Operating Guidelines – It was clarified that Section 7: Terms and Limitations of the SJS SAC Operating Guidelines reflect the diocesan guidelines. M. Malone moved to accept the SJS SAC Operating Guidelines as written; M. Caito seconded; unanimous approval. 

Budget Review – The 2002 – 2003 budget was reviewed in detail. The purchase of the Reading Series for the primary grades will be given first priority. Sr. Christina Marie will prioritize the remaining expenditures for the October meeting. M. Caito mov ed to adopt the budget; H. Wager seconded; unanimous approval.  

Committee Reports

Principal’s Report – In addition to kindergarten, this year there will be aides in Grades 1 and 2. There are also student teachers in 1G and 3S. Iowa Testing will be the first week of October. The Teachers’ Webpage has begun charging a per teacher fee for use of the site. In the past, the teachers found the site to be extremely easy to use. Sr. Christina Marie will quantify the total cost for using the site, however, it is expected to be minor. It was determined that SAC should cover this cost rather than the individual teachers. 

Development – M. Malone reviewed the objectives of the committee. The primary objective will be to build a database of alumni. Letters to parochial high schools and entries into Sunday bulletins were discussed as a means of locating alumni. The feasibility of using an online form for alumni to enter current information was discussed. 

Enrichment – Several extracurricular activities will be run by Creative Themes this year. The cost will be kept to a reasonable amount given the partnering with of an outside organization. There was discussion surrounding the 3:30 finish time requested by the Parish office to ensure adequate time to clean up for Parish programs using the school at night. G. Hebert to follow up on this issue. 

Fundraising – Magazine drive is in full swing and is expected to meet the school goal.  

Public Relations – D. Dedee Doyle reviewed the objectives of the committee. The ability of the PR committee to help market the events of other committees (i.e. Fundraising) and also the building of relationships with local media was discussed. The format and usefulness of the St. Joe’s Express will be reviewed by the PR committee and recommendations made. 

Special Events – The School/Parish picnic is scheduled for Sunday, September 15. H. Wager and J.Caccavale have been working closely with the Parish Picnic Committee to coordinate the planning. Anyone who indicated a willingness to help with the picnic on the Volunteer Form has been contacted. The DJ for the Sock Hop has been booked. There is the possibility of having additional activities in the foyer during the Sock Hop. The gym has been scheduled for the Ice Cream Social. 

Technology – The technology committee has not had its first meeting yet. M. Caito discussed in more detail the line items of the budget that relate to the technology committee. D. Overfield will post the wishlist to the School website, making note of the fact that these donations would be tax deductible. 

Welcoming – Playdates for the families new to St. Joseph’s were very successful. The August 21^st and August 28^th dates saw 45 parents and children attending and 33 parents and children attending, respectively. New families were assigned a welcoming family to ease their transition into the School. A survey will be sent later in the year to gather feedback from these new families. 

For Catholic Schools Week, the Welcoming and Public Relations Committees will be working together. M. Marconi discussed the possibility of a broader committee which would also include teachers to better coordinate efforts. 

Other Topics/Discussion

Filling Open SAC positions – The Vice Chairman, Enrichment Assistant Chair, and Development Assistant Chair are still open. Names of interested candidates should be forwarded to Sr. Christina Marie or G. Hebert. 

Two Member-at-Large positions were created with the approval of the SAC Operating Guidelines. These positions are one-year terms to be filled by the parent/guardian of a preschool child. G. Hebert will draft a memo to be distributed to the preschool parents explaining the position and asking for interested parties to volunteer. 

The secretary position vacated by M. Antetomaso due to her acceptance of a teacher’s aide position has been filled by P. Knauf. 

Security Update – The two back doors on the school building were replaced over the summer. All doors to the school will be locked during school hours except the main school door. The education of parents and teachers is of the utmost importance. In that light, a Monroe County Sheriff will be attending a faculty meeting to discuss safety/security at a faculty meeting. 

Academic Excellence Committee – H. Wager discussed the responsibilities of the Academic Excellence Committee of St. Rita’s SAC. There is a great deal of overlap between this committee’s responsibilities and those of several of SJS SAC’s existing committees. 

Room Parents – A meeting for room parents will be held in September. All room parents have been assigned. The limitation of two room parents per classroom has been eliminated allowing more parents to be involved. 

Emergency Preparedness - A parent attended the meeting and explained the policy/procedures of Monroe County during an emergency situation, and questioned if St. Joseph’s had an emergency preparedness plan. Sr. Christina Marie explained that in an emergency situation, St. Joseph’s falls under the direction of the Penfield School District which would coordinate with the County. 

Adjournment – D. Dedee Doyle moved for adjournment; H. Wager seconded. All approved.