School Board Meeting Highlights
8-26-14
Agenda:
For a complete agenda, please visit us at:http://www.boarddocs.com/pa/parkland/Board.nsf/Public
All motions were approved.
Business Meeting
Student Recognition
National History Day advisor and teacher Calliope Volikas recognized Hannah Hakim for placing 2nd at the State competition and also for competing nationally. Hannah was also awarded a certificate for making the State Chorus.
Foundation Presentation
Nicole Mehta McGalla, Director of Community Relations & Development, gave an update on the Foundation which was formed 3 years ago. Since then, $356,000 has been given to Parkland Schools and $575,000 raised. A part-time Executive Director, Kris Siessmayer, leads the organization. Two SMS 6th grade teachers, Wendy Albertson and Suzanne Nelson, spoke about how grants given to them from the Foundation has impacted teaching and learning in a positive way in their classrooms. Wendy purchased desks that allow students to stand or sit on stools and swing their feet which helps them focus and is not distracting to others. Suzanne spoke about her document camera which helps her teach reading strategies and showcase materials in her classroom.
Turf Field Presentation
Mr. Richard Sniscak made a presentation to the School Board that outlined the need to install turf at the soccer/track stadium. He noted that the move from spring to fall for girls' soccer does not allow the grass to recover from so much play as boys also play in fall. He asked the Board if Alvin H. Butz Corportation could be hired to do a cost analysis on turf installation at the stadium and the Board consented. A presentation on the findings will occur later this fall.
Two-Year Teacher's Contract Ratified
The School Board approved a two-year teacher's contract. Click here to read the full press release.
Approval of 2014-15 Goals
The Board approved the goals which were presented at last week's meeting by Dr. Rod Troutman, Assistant Superintendent.
Roundtable
The Board and Mr. Sniscak commented that today marked a great Opening Day as all professional staff returned to school. Mr. Sniscak's video, which featured Mr. Sniscak talking to all of the Parkland mascots to get them excited for the upcoming year, was a big hit with the staff. Check it out on Parkland's Community Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C2s_gNQ-kA
Everyone conveyed best wishes to the entire staff for a wonderful start to the 2014-15 school year.