September 17, 2018 Meeting Notes at Tucker Middle School
- Introductions were made with 25 people in attendance, including 6 Tucker Cluster Principals and 2 Assistant Principals, our Regional Superintendent, our School Board Representative, and our School Board Representative Elect.
- TMS Overview-Meredith Moseley presented TMS information and accomplishments.
- Easy Money Opportunities -Erin Kirn and Anne Thomas presented Easy Money opportunities for every school. CLICK HERE for link to adaptable flyer for use at your school.
- TCC Website and Logo -Rich Benevento presented the new TCC website which should go live in October.
- STEM database – Erin Kirn and Anne Thomas presented the STEM database form for individuals to share their STEM strengths so that we can pair them with the needs at individual schools. Suggestions include keeping it private and include drop down boxes for STEM categories for wider inclusion. Also suggested that we create a “PBL Description/Needs” database for schools to share their project needs.
- Principal Reports-
- Livsey Elementary – Shawna Pickett, Principal, reported they are getting a new roof and their kitchen and gym work was completed. Have created a STEM Lab and were very successful in soliciting donations from Livsey community regarding Lab.
- Idlewood Elementary- Rosemary Malone, Principal, shared they have a new AC unit.
- Tucker Middle School – Minnie Baker, Assistant Principal, announced Chromebook rollout was successful with over 1000 units distributed. Less than 100 left to give out.
- Smoke Rise Elementary – Pamela McCloud, Principal, announced Donuts with Dads turned out over 150 dads and time together was used to inform dads how they can be more involved in the school. Parent facilitated an aquaponics pond and a garden is on the way. Bicycle and televisions given for incentives and a game room has been implemented for student rewards.
- Tucker High School – Eric Parker, Principal, announced Chromebook deployment is underway as well as a hotspot rollout, new Parent Center is representing Region 2, CLICK HERE for new THS informational flyer
- Brockett Elementary – Antoinette Seabrook, Principal, announced as new in her position she is building relationships, has hired Mr. Davis as Strings teachers for 4th graders, received grant from Dunwoody Nature Center for a pollinator garden, implemented schoolwide Class Dojo, 100+ in attendance for newly reinstated Grandparents luncheon, Patrols led pledge at City Council Meeting, received 65 new Chromebooks through Title I funds.
- Midvale Elementary – Tara Dougherty, Principal, shared they were written up by AJC CLICK HERE as having high test reading scores in district, Mr. Davis is teaching Strings, after school STEM club has started with 170+ students involved, Robotics Club has begun this year for 4th/5th graders, getting an update on the roof, and have 1;1 Chromebook:Student ratio for 3rd-5th graders, 10:1 for K-2nd grade.
- Trenton Arnold, Region 2 Superintendent, reports:
- Our STEM letter request helped garner 10 additional interpreters for the District. Additional interpreters given based on number of EL learners in school community as well as number of languages represented within the district.
- Tucker Cluster has 3 schools which are within 12 months of being STEM certified and are getting additional support from the county in their Project Learning.
- October 11th, 7pm, TMS will host Dr. Green on the Scene, an open forum to ask questions of the DCSD Superintendent.
- Jim McMahan, District 4 School Board Member, reports:
- 2 new people coming on to School Board in January: Allyson Gevertz replaces Jim McMahan and DaCosta replaces?
- 2019-2024 District Strategic Planning is beginning in October. There will be input meetings held in coming months with our community meeting being the first, possibly on October 2nd, location and time TBD. Jim requests we advocate our needs, write a letter to the Board,
- Here is the RAMP (Resource Allocation Methodology Plan) PowerPoint Jim presented. RAMP is used as a funding method for Charter Schools
- Jim encourages all schools to share their CSIP (Continued School Improvement Plan) with the community. Show how your school is allocating resources and use an accountability card.
- Allyson Gevertz, District 4 School Board Member Elect, reports:
- Legal Department is looking for feedback regarding difference between volunteers and visitors in our schools. The county is looking at requiring a $40 background check at the volunteer’s expense. Background checks would be good for 5 years. How would this requirement effect volunteerism at your school? Please provide feedback to Marissa_Key@dekalbschoolsga.org by October 7th.
- Erin Kirn and Anne Thomas requested:
- Feedback regarding future TCC discussion topics. Topics suggested include: communication, proven fundraising opportunities, report from Chief Science officers, mentorship programs, how to handle student anxiety stemming from social media.
- A volunteer to help manage TCC’s social media footprint through FB and Twitter
Our next meeting will be at Tucker High School on November 27th from 6-7:30pm. Please email us with questions at tuckerclustercouncil@gmail.com or check out our website at tuckerclustercouncil.org