St. Vivian Education Commission
Official Minutes
May 19, 2005
Members Present
Darrin Roll Mark Merz Joan Haber
Tony Mastriani Martha Siegel Mary Wiley
Ex Officio Members Present
Fr. Paul Gebhardt Jean Margello
Mary Ann Ellerbrock Jodie Bender
Opening Prayer
Fr. Gebhardt opened the meeting with a prayer
Approval of Minutes
Minutes of the March meeting were not presented for approval.
They will be reviewed at the next meeting.
Communication From Parish Members
Anna Turner, a parishioner and parent, voiced a concern that there is no playground with a softer surface than blacktop. She asked if the yard by Finney Trail could be used. Martha Siegel said that there had been some discussion of this matter by the P.T.A. and business manager. Some of the issues to be settled are those of grading, upkeep, care and placement. The P.T.A. is putting $3,000 into repainting the parking lot, installing adjustable basketball hoops and funnel balls. They are working on a long-term plan and setting aside $5,000 per year towards development of a playground.
Faculty Concerns
No reports
Reports:
Pastor
The St. Margaret Mary Deanery Education Futures project is meeting May 26 to give a report on its status. They are mapping out a strategy for the schools in our deanery.
They are also planning an informational meeting for St. Vivian on proposed ways to deal with the shortage of priests. June 5th is the tentative date. Other meetings will be held at the other parishes as well.
Fr. Paul distributed proposed changes to the by-laws to clarify the role of the education commission as an advisory committee. He distributed copies of the Archdiocesan policy book dealing with the role and function of the education commission.
Mary Beth Khamis has proposed a youth show choir for junior and senior high students. Fr. Paul said that the proposal will have to go through a process of review by the appropriate committees.
Director of Youth Ministry/Religious Education
Jodie reported that the PSR just completed the PSR program for the school year. The tentative date of the fall start is September 11. Classes will run from 9:30 to 11:15.
The St. Margaret Mary Deanery has proposed a Summer school of P.S.R. that will last for 2 weeks and run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Amy Miller has volunteered to lead the Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 11:30 Mass.
On Tuesday, May 24, the 8th graders are going to Pleasant Vineyard for a retreat and fun day.
On Tuesday, May 31, the 7th grade will attend a leadership retreat at Mercy Center.
On June 1st students will take a tour of the Greek Orthodox Church.
In response to the accreditation process, we will be planning more multi-cultural experiences for our children.
As a part of Youth Ministry, high school students have requested co-ed basketball. Over 75 children signed up. The majority of the students are from St. Vivian.
Jackie Barron, the religious education secretary, will be leaving her position on July 15. They are currently interviewing for a new secretary.
The 8th grade graduation will be held June 2 at 7:30pm.
Liaisons
Temporal Affairs
Martha announced that new volunteers are still needed for the Grocery fund.
People have volunteered to be co-chairs for the next festival.
Plans for a mural outside the art room are on hold.
The school has a balanced budget this year.
Principal
Jean reported that a new English series, Zaner-Blozer Strategies for Writers, has been purchased for grades 1-8. The $12,500 cost was paid for by auxiliary service funds.
A bullying policy that was developed was presented to the Education Commission for review. A decision whether or not to approve will be made at the June meeting.
Teaching changes- Gerry Deller is retiring, Judy Hampel is not returning, Bridgett Raffenberg is not returning.
We are in need of a pre-school aid three mornings a week.
Kim Becker has been hired as a replacement for ms. Hampel.
Due to low enrollment in the second and fourth grades, there will be three teachers who will teach grades two and four. Mrs. Liederbock will teach 4th, Ms. Hendricks will teach 2nd and Ms. McManus will be split between the 2 grades teaching language arts.
Jean distributed copies of the Diocesan Crisis Communication flow chart that was given to all Archdiocesan schools.
Jean asked the commission to consider adding khaki as a color choice for uniform pants and shorts. After reviewing a survey from the Student Council and some discussion, Martha moved to approve the inclusion of khaki pants and shorts. Mark seconded the motion and the majority of the commission approved the motion. Jean will communicate the change to parents and the uniform suppliers.
Old Business
The crisis plan is in the final stages of development. He will bring it to the next meeting for review.
New Business
Darrin and John Hadden will count the votes after the election of new parish council and Education Commission members.
Jodie mentioned that a question was brought to her about having an arts and crafts week for younger children that would be handled by the office of youth ministry. There was positive response from the commission.
Announcements
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 16 at 7:00 pm.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mark Merz and Mary Ann Ellerbrock seconded it.
Respectfully submitted by Joan Haber