St. Joseph School
School Advisory Committee (SAC)
Meeting Agenda
October 10th, 2002

Committee Members
Sr. Christina Marie Luczynski, Principal

September SAC Minutes – No changes. D. Dedee Doyle moved to approve; seconded by H. Wager; unanimous approval. 

Budget Review – L. King reviewed the YTD actual vs. planned budget. 

Sr. Christina reviewed the prioritization of expenditures. The purchase of the Reading Series will be given first priority. The publisher is giving the school beneficial pricing during the initial year of purchase. As such, the feasibility of purchasing an additional level of the Reading Series during the current year was discussed. Recent purchases include chairs for the Kindergarten and two overhead projectors with carts and accessories. The need for new chairs in the Art Room was discussed as many chairs are beyond repair. 

K. Keenahan indicated that the invoice for the Magazine Drive had not been received, however it was expected shortly. The portion of Magazine Drive revenue from direct donations increased year over year. The Fundraising committee will review the format of accounting for donations and make any recommendations to improve/change the process for future magazine drives. 

The interim vote on purchasing sweatshirts for the new staff members was unanimous. 

Committee Reports

Principal’s Report – Sr. Christina discussed her participation in NY Talks, a leadership academy that promotes the integration of technology as an enhancement to class curriculum. A technology survey will be taken by children in Grades 3 – 6 to gather information which will allow for custom programs to be designed for the teachers throughout the year. 

Superintendent’s Conference is scheduled for Friday, October 11. The student teachers are finishing up their assignment. There is the possibility of having additional student teachers later in the school year. 

Development – M. Malone stated that an announcement has been placed in the Sunday bulletin requesting current information on alumni. Additional forms will reside in the vestibules of church. SAC has received a request for guidance relative to areas of concentration for grant writing. Sr. Christina would like to concentrate efforts in the areas of academics (particularly science) and the enhancement of student spirit (i.e. clubs, music, etc.). 

Enrichment – Approximately 120 students have signed up for the various after school activities. Parent volunteers are still needed. Sr. Christina will request volunteers in her Wednesday newsletter. The 3:30 end time for all activities is firm. Drama club will operate separately from the after school activities under Mrs. Triplett’s supervision. There is no possibility for soccer in the gym this year. 

Fundraising – The Entertainment Book sale is currently underway. 

Public Relations – D. Dedee Doyle stated that headway was being made in getting placement in the media. The review of St. Joe’s Express resulted in no definitive ideas other than the need to make it more current. 

Special Events – H. Wager stated that letters have been sent out to all those who volunteered to help with Special Events. Thank you notes have been sent to all those who helped with the School picnic. The response for the Sock Hop has been very good. 

Technology – The Technology committee will be meeting on Wednesday, October 16. M. Caito reported that Jim Bevacqua from the diocese IT support group will be spending time during the next few weeks configuring the network server, installing anti-virus software and setting up user accounts. This will facilitate the use of curriculum enhancing software that has been purchased using the NY State Software budget. D. Overfield has placed Room Parent information on the website. 

Welcoming – No activity. 

Other Topics/Discussion

Filling Open SAC positions – The Vice Chairman, Enrichment Assistant Chair, Development Assistant Chair and the PreK-3 Member-at-Large position are still open. Names of interested candidates should be forwarded to Sr. Christina Marie or G. Hebert. 

The PreK-4 Member-at-Large position has been filled by L. Torrell. 

Security Update – The importance of educating staff, students and parents regarding security procedures and the adherence to these procedures was emphasized. A large part of this is being aware of the surroundings and identifying those things which are out of the ordinary. Visitors to the school MUST sign in and wear a badge identifying themselves. There will be no exceptions even during morning drop-off. Staff and parents frequently in the school (lunch monitors, etc.) will receive picture badges. 

Room Parents – A meeting for room parents was held on October 3. A guidebook was put together for Room Mother’s to use. A phone tree for emergency situations where the premises would need to be vacated will be established. 

Class Fundraisers at SAC-sponsored events – H. Wager was approached about a class holding a fundraising activity at the Sock Hop. The proceeds from this fundraiser would go to defray class-specific expenses. After extensive discussion, D. Dedee Doyle moved that no individual class will be allowed to raise funds at a SAC-sponsored event; seconded by L. King; unanimous approval. 

PreK-4 Fieldtrip – L. Torrell discussed the cancellation of the PreK-4 fieldtrip to the pumpkin patch due to safety concerns related to transportation. The consensus was that communication on this issue was not as good as all would have liked. It is hoped that better communication in the future will help to alleviate similar situations. Sr. Christina will be working to see if alternative methods can be implemented to enable field trips. 

Health & Safety Committee – A parent requested that SAC consider establishing a Health & Safety Committee. G. Hebert recommended members give the suggestion consideration and be prepared to discuss at a future meeting. H. Wager moved to table the request until such meeting; seconded by L. King; unanimous approval. 

Adjournment – H. Wager moved for adjournment; K. Keenahan seconded. All approved