Over the past couple of weeks, the number of playground "incidents" between students has been rising. We are aware of the issues that have been happening and are working on short-term and long-term solutions. Below are some of those ideas.
1) I am hoping to have the trees that are adjacent to the playground equipment removed. This is a trouble area for effective supervision.
2) We are going to have the “Slider” permanently removed. This piece of playground equipment is a trouble spot for many grade levels.
3) I will be talking with the lunchroom supervisors regarding the ongoing issues and assist in problem-solving.
4) The other hot spot for issues is the walk in from recess to lunch. Again, I will be problem-solving with the lunchroom staff regarding ways to address this area of concern.
5) Issues involving individual students have resulted in appropriate consequences; lost the privilege of recess, parent phone calls, etc.
6) I am working with recess staff to identify “Winter Recess” activities that can replace the chasing and snow throwing games.
7) Role-out the “Peaceful Playground” program, (http://www.peacefulplaygrounds.com) which was purchased by the PTO last spring.
8) Classroom teachers are discussing and re-modeling appropriate playground behavior.
To assist in our efforts on making Carver a positive learning environment for all students, please make sure to contact your child's teacher anytime you hear of incidents of bullying, harassment, etc.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Cases of Head Lice
Over the past couple of days, Mrs. Mitchell (Carver Health Assistant) has sent home a couple of students who were identified has having head lice. Cases of head lice at school are not common, but it is also not uncommon.
The following are the steps taken when a student is found to have head lice:
Below are links to more information regarding head lice.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/common/lice.html
http://www.headlice.org/
The following are the steps taken when a student is found to have head lice:
- Student is sent home for lice treatment.
- Student returns to school and must be checked by Mrs. Mitchell.
- Student is allowed to stay at school or sent home based upon the check from Mrs. Mitchell.
- Mrs. Mitchell provides ongoing checks of the student
Below are links to more information regarding head lice.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/common/lice.html
http://www.headlice.org/
Mass Phoning Tool
Yesterday, December 9th, I sent out a call to all parents from school. The system that allowed for that mass calling is called "School Messenger." The "School Messenger" system can contact all parents at Carver in approximately 5 minutes. The system sends out a recorded message to the phone number that was provided to the school at the beginning of the year on the emergency card. The system provides the school a way to connect with all parents in a very efficient manner.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Cold Weather and Recess
The Carver policy for winter recess is that the students will go outside for recess when the temperature or wind chill temperature is above zero. For days when the temperature is below zero, the students will have recess in the gym.
Although this may seem a little harsh, having students going outside when it is 1 or 2 degress outside. But it is important for the students to get outside to get fresh air, to engage in some physical activity, and most importantly to get simply get out of the building and away from each other if only for a couple of minutes. We are better able to combat cabin fever (student restlessness) by taking advantage of as many recess opportunities as possible.
So, it is incredibly important for students to be appropriately dressed for the weather. All students, at a minimum, should have a jacket, hats, and gloves. Even better, boots, snow pants, thermal underwear, etc., etc.
** Note - Please note that 4th and 5th grade students are experts at using "I am not cold" as an excuse for not dressing appropriately. Parents of 4th and 5th graders need to be a little more deligent in making sure their child(ren) have what they need to stay warm and healthy.
Although this may seem a little harsh, having students going outside when it is 1 or 2 degress outside. But it is important for the students to get outside to get fresh air, to engage in some physical activity, and most importantly to get simply get out of the building and away from each other if only for a couple of minutes. We are better able to combat cabin fever (student restlessness) by taking advantage of as many recess opportunities as possible.
So, it is incredibly important for students to be appropriately dressed for the weather. All students, at a minimum, should have a jacket, hats, and gloves. Even better, boots, snow pants, thermal underwear, etc., etc.
** Note - Please note that 4th and 5th grade students are experts at using "I am not cold" as an excuse for not dressing appropriately. Parents of 4th and 5th graders need to be a little more deligent in making sure their child(ren) have what they need to stay warm and healthy.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Carver Website - Keeping it Current
A standing item on my "To Do" list, over the past weeks and months, has been to update the Carver school website. I realize the valuable tool that the website could be in communicating with parents, students, and others. I also realize that the value this website/blog, or any website, provides is directly connected to the timeliness of the information. For the Carver website, that has been a HUGE issue.
The issues contributing to our website's troubles have been:
Mr. Slavin
The issues contributing to our website's troubles have been:
- Technical skills - Our current website vendor's user interface is not friendly for users. I would like to support the creation of teacher websites, but the product that we are currently using is making that challenging.
- Connectivity issues - There are web tools that are accessible from home that are not accessible from school, this blog forum for one. Updates to my blog, for example, can only be done at home.
- Time
- Questions regarding content - Part of my challenge has been to identify what information should be on the site.
- Give teachers access to a more teacher friendly website creation vendor. Teachers who are interested in creating a classroom website will be given the opportunity to use "Teacherweb." "Teacherweb" is an easy to use online product that I believe will appeal to many teachers.
- Research top education sites. I have been doing a fair amount of research in award winning education sites, and I am going to use them as models for website content.
- Staff and myself will be taking the time necessary to do this work well.
Mr. Slavin
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Carver Student Achievement Data and AYP
The MCA II student achievement data is out and it looks very positive.
The below are three year building proficiency totals as measured by the MCA II in mathematics for Carver Elementary.
· 2006 - 56.3%
· 2007 - 68.4%
· 2008 - 77.2%
* 3 year proficiency increase of 21.1% in mathematics (highest 3-year proficiency gain of any district 622 school)
The below are three year building proficiency totals as measured by the MCA II in reading for Carver Elementary.
· 2006 - 73.7%
· 2007 - 74.8%
· 2008 - 78.7%
* 3 year proficiency increase of 5% in reading (only district elementary school showing a positive proficiency gain in reading during the past 3 years)
2008 MCA II % of students demonstrating proficiency in Reading
Carver - 79%
Castle -69%
Cowern - 72%
Eagle Pt - 72%
Oakdale - 67%
Richardson - 66%
Skyview EL - 80%
Weaver - 72%
Webster -58%
2008 MCA II % of students demonstrating proficiency in Mathematics
Carver - 82% (77% when scores from the MTELL (alternative assessment for ESL students) are factored in)
Castle - 67%
Cowern - 82%
Eagle Pt - 78%
Oakdale - 79%
Richardson - 62%
Skyview EL - 78%
Weaver - 82%
Webster - 59%
More information regarding Carver Elementary performance on the 2008 MCA II can be found at:
http://education.state.mn.us/ReportCard2005/schoolDistrictInfo.do?SCHOOL_NUM=027&DISTRICT_NUM=0622&DISTRICT_TYPE=01
As was the case last year, the amazing results in reading and mathematics are overshadowed by Carver identified as not making "Adequate Yearly Progress" in both reading (2nd year) and mathematics (3rd year). But as was the case last year, there is a lot more to the story. For the rest of the story as well as information regarding the consequences associated with not making adequate yearly progress, and information about Carver Elementary's 2008-2009 school improvement plan, please attend the PTO meeting on September 16th at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be at Carver in the media center.
Joe Slavin
Principal
The below are three year building proficiency totals as measured by the MCA II in mathematics for Carver Elementary.
· 2006 - 56.3%
· 2007 - 68.4%
· 2008 - 77.2%
* 3 year proficiency increase of 21.1% in mathematics (highest 3-year proficiency gain of any district 622 school)
The below are three year building proficiency totals as measured by the MCA II in reading for Carver Elementary.
· 2006 - 73.7%
· 2007 - 74.8%
· 2008 - 78.7%
* 3 year proficiency increase of 5% in reading (only district elementary school showing a positive proficiency gain in reading during the past 3 years)
2008 MCA II % of students demonstrating proficiency in Reading
Carver - 79%
Castle -69%
Cowern - 72%
Eagle Pt - 72%
Oakdale - 67%
Richardson - 66%
Skyview EL - 80%
Weaver - 72%
Webster -58%
2008 MCA II % of students demonstrating proficiency in Mathematics
Carver - 82% (77% when scores from the MTELL (alternative assessment for ESL students) are factored in)
Castle - 67%
Cowern - 82%
Eagle Pt - 78%
Oakdale - 79%
Richardson - 62%
Skyview EL - 78%
Weaver - 82%
Webster - 59%
More information regarding Carver Elementary performance on the 2008 MCA II can be found at:
http://education.state.mn.us/ReportCard2005/schoolDistrictInfo.do?SCHOOL_NUM=027&DISTRICT_NUM=0622&DISTRICT_TYPE=01
As was the case last year, the amazing results in reading and mathematics are overshadowed by Carver identified as not making "Adequate Yearly Progress" in both reading (2nd year) and mathematics (3rd year). But as was the case last year, there is a lot more to the story. For the rest of the story as well as information regarding the consequences associated with not making adequate yearly progress, and information about Carver Elementary's 2008-2009 school improvement plan, please attend the PTO meeting on September 16th at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be at Carver in the media center.
Joe Slavin
Principal
Staff Changes - 2008 - 2009
Within the coming days, parents and students will be finding out who their teacher will be for the upcoming school year, and most parents and students will be seeing names like Cummings, Bauer, Burrell, and Schmitz replacing names like Life, Dahl, Russeth, and Gibb. What I was hoping to be a relatively quiet summer had become another summer filled with applications, interviews, and mailbox changes in the office.
The following are the staff changes that have taken place this summer with a short description as to the reason for the change:
Kindergarten - Megan Cummings replaced Melissa Oliver who will be Carver's Literacy Specialist
1st Grade - Katie Schmitz replaced Jaimie Gable who is going to be teaching 2nd grade again at Carver (a fourth section of 2nd grade was added in July)
3rd Grade - We are looking for a replacement for Kathleen Gibb who just today (August 13) resigned her position to pursue an opportunity outside of education
4th Grade - Sarah Hysjulien replaced Sue Rensted who will be Castle Elementary School's Literacy Specialist for the 2008-2009 school-year
5th Grade - Kristin Bauer replaced Kate Russeth who took a position in a family business
5th Grade - David Burrell replaced George Dahl who retired from teaching in July
Music - Carrie Krause replaced Lou Ann Henderson who took a part-time teaching position at Eagle Point
The Carver community and I will greatly miss the contributions of the talented staff who are moving on to other opportunities. But we are equally as excited about the talented and committed professionals who will continue to positively impact the lives of Carver Elementary students.
Joe Slavin
Principal
The following are the staff changes that have taken place this summer with a short description as to the reason for the change:
Kindergarten - Megan Cummings replaced Melissa Oliver who will be Carver's Literacy Specialist
1st Grade - Katie Schmitz replaced Jaimie Gable who is going to be teaching 2nd grade again at Carver (a fourth section of 2nd grade was added in July)
3rd Grade - We are looking for a replacement for Kathleen Gibb who just today (August 13) resigned her position to pursue an opportunity outside of education
4th Grade - Sarah Hysjulien replaced Sue Rensted who will be Castle Elementary School's Literacy Specialist for the 2008-2009 school-year
5th Grade - Kristin Bauer replaced Kate Russeth who took a position in a family business
5th Grade - David Burrell replaced George Dahl who retired from teaching in July
Music - Carrie Krause replaced Lou Ann Henderson who took a part-time teaching position at Eagle Point
The Carver community and I will greatly miss the contributions of the talented staff who are moving on to other opportunities. But we are equally as excited about the talented and committed professionals who will continue to positively impact the lives of Carver Elementary students.
Joe Slavin
Principal
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Peace Award Recipients
The following are the Carver Peace Award recipients for the 2008-2009 school-year:
Emma B.
Aaron B.
Nicholas M.
Jaida H.
Abbi V.
Caden C.
Savannah B.
Ryan J.
Lucy F.
Lida V.
Kaitlynn L.
Amber N.
Gabriella B.
Viliam V.
Karem V.
Lydia C.
Hannah J.
Jordan M.
Candace H.
Sarah O.
Torie K.
Ellie T.
The Peace Awards are recognition of those students who demonstrated the Carver C.A.R.E.S. of Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control on a daily basis. These students also made Carver Elementary and the greater community a more peaceful place to learn, live, and grow.
The Carver Peace Awards program is a partnership program with Lutheran Church of Peace. Lutheran Church of Peace has been sponsoring this program for over 5 years. We are greatly appreciate our relationship with LCP.
Congratulations to the students listed above and all of the Carver students for making the 2007-2008 school-year incredibly successful.
Mr. Slavin
Emma B.
Aaron B.
Nicholas M.
Jaida H.
Abbi V.
Caden C.
Savannah B.
Ryan J.
Lucy F.
Lida V.
Kaitlynn L.
Amber N.
Gabriella B.
Viliam V.
Karem V.
Lydia C.
Hannah J.
Jordan M.
Candace H.
Sarah O.
Torie K.
Ellie T.
The Peace Awards are recognition of those students who demonstrated the Carver C.A.R.E.S. of Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control on a daily basis. These students also made Carver Elementary and the greater community a more peaceful place to learn, live, and grow.
The Carver Peace Awards program is a partnership program with Lutheran Church of Peace. Lutheran Church of Peace has been sponsoring this program for over 5 years. We are greatly appreciate our relationship with LCP.
Congratulations to the students listed above and all of the Carver students for making the 2007-2008 school-year incredibly successful.
Mr. Slavin
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
End of Year Awards - Kindergarten Graduation?
Over the past couple of weeks, we have received numerous calls inquiring about an end of the year awards ceremony or Kindergarten graduation. Neither event took place this year, and in fact, Carver has never had a Kindergarten graduation (at least as long as anyone could recall). I hope to answer questions you may have regarding these events as well as shed some light in the decision-making process at Carver Elementary.
Kindergarten Graduation
Like was mentioned above, Carver has not had Kindergarten graduation for a very long time, if at all. And consequently, up to this point, due to history, it has not been brought up as a topic of discussion by building staff.
End-of-Year Celebration
A change this year from past practice was the replacement of the End-of-Year Awards program with an End-of-Year All School Meeting. This change came about for a couple of reasons: First, school staff felt that the past End-of-Year Awards programs focused primarily on one grade level versus the entire school. Second, the All School Meeting was a newly added part of our work, and adding some of the typical end-of-year stuff (Peace Awards, Outstanding Attendance, etc.) in that structure made a lot of sense.
How does Carver Elementary School decide on school-wide programs?
Schools are a lot like people with different personalities and different views on things. However, schools are significantly different from people in that its personality and views are shaped by those of its community (parents, students, and staff). So, how do we as a school gather input regarding the things the community feel are important? What is the system of gathering information and making decisions?
Information Gathering/Decision-Making
The following are school teams and committees that are used to help gather information and assist in decision-making.
School Leadership Team - Committee of teachers representing all grade levels and departments of Carver. The SLT is charged with looking at the systems and structures that impact the entire school and classrooms.
Carver Parent-Teacher Organization - Carver's parent organization that assists in many school-wide projects through volunteers, fundraising, support, etc.
Responsive Classroom Committee - This building level committee is responsible for moving forward Carver's school-wide implementation of Responsive Classroom. The RC committee also is charged with creating and refining school systems of building and maintaining a safe, orderly, and respectful learning environment.
So moving forward, I will be soliciting feedback from the above groups on the End-of-Year All School Meeting, possible Kindergarten graduation, as well as other events or programs that should be part of Carver Elementary School.
Mr. Slavin
Kindergarten Graduation
Like was mentioned above, Carver has not had Kindergarten graduation for a very long time, if at all. And consequently, up to this point, due to history, it has not been brought up as a topic of discussion by building staff.
End-of-Year Celebration
A change this year from past practice was the replacement of the End-of-Year Awards program with an End-of-Year All School Meeting. This change came about for a couple of reasons: First, school staff felt that the past End-of-Year Awards programs focused primarily on one grade level versus the entire school. Second, the All School Meeting was a newly added part of our work, and adding some of the typical end-of-year stuff (Peace Awards, Outstanding Attendance, etc.) in that structure made a lot of sense.
How does Carver Elementary School decide on school-wide programs?
Schools are a lot like people with different personalities and different views on things. However, schools are significantly different from people in that its personality and views are shaped by those of its community (parents, students, and staff). So, how do we as a school gather input regarding the things the community feel are important? What is the system of gathering information and making decisions?
Information Gathering/Decision-Making
The following are school teams and committees that are used to help gather information and assist in decision-making.
School Leadership Team - Committee of teachers representing all grade levels and departments of Carver. The SLT is charged with looking at the systems and structures that impact the entire school and classrooms.
Carver Parent-Teacher Organization - Carver's parent organization that assists in many school-wide projects through volunteers, fundraising, support, etc.
Responsive Classroom Committee - This building level committee is responsible for moving forward Carver's school-wide implementation of Responsive Classroom. The RC committee also is charged with creating and refining school systems of building and maintaining a safe, orderly, and respectful learning environment.
So moving forward, I will be soliciting feedback from the above groups on the End-of-Year All School Meeting, possible Kindergarten graduation, as well as other events or programs that should be part of Carver Elementary School.
Mr. Slavin
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Carver Elementary Photo Gallary
More Carver Elementary Photos can be found under Links on the right side of this page or at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/CarverElementary
If you have photos from Carver Events that you would like to add to our Photo Gallary, please email or send by CD to me.
Enjoy the photos of the amazing Caver students.
Mr. Slavin
http://picasaweb.google.com/CarverElementary
If you have photos from Carver Events that you would like to add to our Photo Gallary, please email or send by CD to me.
Enjoy the photos of the amazing Caver students.
Mr. Slavin
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Spirit Week - Crazy Hair and Hat Day
To celebrate the end of the school year, the Carver Responsive Classroom Committee organized a spirit week which had students dressing in Carver wear, pajamas, hats, etc. It was a fun week for staff and students.
Carver PTO - General Member Meeting
Carver PTO
General Member Meeting
April 15, 2008
Board members present: Christine Kass, Karen Mueller, Joe Slavin
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 by Christine Kass.
Christine gave the financial update, as Diane was unable to attend the meeting. Transportation costs were paid out for field trips taken through March. The Carnival was a success and Christine remarked that over the past few years, the PTO has come remarkably close to earning similar profits. The raffle income was around $5,000, all other income was around $7,000 and the expenses were around $2200.
The 5th grade team spoke briefly about the trip to Deep Portage on May 5th-7th. The money raised this year was enough to cover the trip. The team will be selecting Deep Portage classes for the students soon. Cathy Boehm and Christine Kass are going on the trip. This is Carver’s 13th year of going to Deep Portage.
A parent offered some comments about the message that teachers are sending before students take their MCAs. Her daughter was stressed because she had heard the message that the school would close if she didn’t do well. In PLC time, Joe told all the students that tests were coming up. As a group the staff hadn’t agreed on the wording to use regarding the importance of testing, without putting too much emphasis on the testing. Cathy Boehm suggested the mother talk to next year’s teacher before the test.
Patti Life requested that the PTO contribute $500 for the end of the year party again for the magician.
Carnival Review-Karen Langer sold tickets and passed on to Cathy Boehm that she heard several positive comments about how nicely it went. Shannon Hafner noticed was that “Adopt a Pet” had way fewer stuffed animals to give away than in previous years. It was discussed that when Spring Break comes right before the carnival, there are generally fewer donations because of the timing. The woman who did the face painting brought her own supplies and the question was asked if the PTO could reimburse her. The volunteer chair position is open for next year. Christine remains open to suggestions about the Carnival for next year.
Christine announced that she had contacted the Minnesota Twins and Carver night will be Friday May 2, 7:10 vs. Detroit. Carver families will get tickets for the family section. Christine and Joe will create fliers and letters will come from the office. Christine reserved 50 seats, as a minimum for the group.
A monetary request came for the STARs banquet. The PTO has historically sponsored a table. Cathy moved that PTO contribute $250 for the banquet. The motion was seconded. When put to a vote it was unanimously passed.
Cathy Boehm mentioned that the PTO has always given the money to the 5th grade for magician for the last day of school. Christine will check with Diane about handling that.
Board elections are technically due to occur. The positions of parent co-chair, teacher co-chair, secretary, and treasurer are open. Diane Brass would like to step aside as treasurer after next year. The current members would like to remain in their positions-the teacher co-chair will be Molly McChesney, Christine Kass will continue as President, Karen Mueller will continue as Secretary, Diane Brass will continue as Treasurer. A slate vote was held and a unanimous vote resulted in the Board retaining its current members.
Regarding PTO agenda items, is there a way to solicit feedback without being here? Should the secretary send out minutes/agenda electronically? Joe has been thinking of a Carver PTO blogspot.
Cathy Boehm asked what staffing looks like for next year. Joe said Lisa Swanson and Kate Russeth are looping up to 5th grade. Carver is experiencing declining enrollment. With the exception of kindergarten, all the grade levels will have between 85-90 students. Tom Mealey will be teaching an all boys’ section of first grade and the plan is to keep them in the same loop to second grade.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:22.
General Member Meeting
April 15, 2008
Board members present: Christine Kass, Karen Mueller, Joe Slavin
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 by Christine Kass.
Christine gave the financial update, as Diane was unable to attend the meeting. Transportation costs were paid out for field trips taken through March. The Carnival was a success and Christine remarked that over the past few years, the PTO has come remarkably close to earning similar profits. The raffle income was around $5,000, all other income was around $7,000 and the expenses were around $2200.
The 5th grade team spoke briefly about the trip to Deep Portage on May 5th-7th. The money raised this year was enough to cover the trip. The team will be selecting Deep Portage classes for the students soon. Cathy Boehm and Christine Kass are going on the trip. This is Carver’s 13th year of going to Deep Portage.
A parent offered some comments about the message that teachers are sending before students take their MCAs. Her daughter was stressed because she had heard the message that the school would close if she didn’t do well. In PLC time, Joe told all the students that tests were coming up. As a group the staff hadn’t agreed on the wording to use regarding the importance of testing, without putting too much emphasis on the testing. Cathy Boehm suggested the mother talk to next year’s teacher before the test.
Patti Life requested that the PTO contribute $500 for the end of the year party again for the magician.
Carnival Review-Karen Langer sold tickets and passed on to Cathy Boehm that she heard several positive comments about how nicely it went. Shannon Hafner noticed was that “Adopt a Pet” had way fewer stuffed animals to give away than in previous years. It was discussed that when Spring Break comes right before the carnival, there are generally fewer donations because of the timing. The woman who did the face painting brought her own supplies and the question was asked if the PTO could reimburse her. The volunteer chair position is open for next year. Christine remains open to suggestions about the Carnival for next year.
Christine announced that she had contacted the Minnesota Twins and Carver night will be Friday May 2, 7:10 vs. Detroit. Carver families will get tickets for the family section. Christine and Joe will create fliers and letters will come from the office. Christine reserved 50 seats, as a minimum for the group.
A monetary request came for the STARs banquet. The PTO has historically sponsored a table. Cathy moved that PTO contribute $250 for the banquet. The motion was seconded. When put to a vote it was unanimously passed.
Cathy Boehm mentioned that the PTO has always given the money to the 5th grade for magician for the last day of school. Christine will check with Diane about handling that.
Board elections are technically due to occur. The positions of parent co-chair, teacher co-chair, secretary, and treasurer are open. Diane Brass would like to step aside as treasurer after next year. The current members would like to remain in their positions-the teacher co-chair will be Molly McChesney, Christine Kass will continue as President, Karen Mueller will continue as Secretary, Diane Brass will continue as Treasurer. A slate vote was held and a unanimous vote resulted in the Board retaining its current members.
Regarding PTO agenda items, is there a way to solicit feedback without being here? Should the secretary send out minutes/agenda electronically? Joe has been thinking of a Carver PTO blogspot.
Cathy Boehm asked what staffing looks like for next year. Joe said Lisa Swanson and Kate Russeth are looping up to 5th grade. Carver is experiencing declining enrollment. With the exception of kindergarten, all the grade levels will have between 85-90 students. Tom Mealey will be teaching an all boys’ section of first grade and the plan is to keep them in the same loop to second grade.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:22.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
May PTO Board Meeting Minutes - Member Agenda
Carver PTO Board Meeting
May 13, 2008
Members Present: Molly McChesney, Christine Kass, Karen Mueller and Joe Slavin
Joe reviewed the financial statements. The PTO checked cleared to cover the $5000 that was used to add multi-cultural books to the Guided Reading library.
Gold C income was down $6700 from last year. Kathryn Beich brought in about $781 less this year than last.
The overall profit from the Carnival was $312 less than last year. This year, Carver families donated more to the Carnival than in the past and businesses gave less than previously. About one third of the solicited businesses responded and donated something to the Carnival.
After a brief discussion, the Board picked a date for the Carver Carnival; 4/4/09. Karen VandenEinde and Kathryn Gantriis/Libby Tabaka tied with the same number of parent volunteers for this year’s carnival. Those classes will get an ice cream party this Spring.
Field trip expenditures were up more than $3600, but they were still within the allowed budget.
Peaceful playground-Christine asked about how is it going to be rolled out. Paul and the RC committee will plan this spring and implement next fall.
Monetary Request- The Youth Frontiers retreat requires a $750 deposit for next October. Christine will check with Diane.
PTO Today- $199 is due for subscription and subsequent insurance coverage. The Board decided to continue the subscription.
The magician who entertains the fifth grade on the last day of school costs $500. The PTO has covered this in the past. Christine will check with Diane and Cathy.
Molly is wondering about the allocation for field trips expenses. Can there be a field trip statement for teachers to keep track of what they are spending for the year? Joe will create the form.
Tyler Stolp Memorial Ideas- What is a meaningful tribute to Tyler? Planting a tree, naming the garden in the front of the building. Tyler liked sports, maybe naming the ball diamond after him? Is there a service project to connect with his name? Animal shelter volunteers? Feed Our Starving Children? Naming the annual Twins outing after him, charging an extra $1 and making a donation to a charity? The discussion will be taken to the general meeting.
Christine will contact the recycling company regarding the collection of ink cartridges. They may have some promotional fliers, or other ways to get the information out to the community that we are collecting and recycling the cartridges at school.
The board will not meet in June, but will pick a date for an August meeting.
PTO Member Meeting
May 20, 2008
Agenda
1.) Treasurer’s report
2.) 2nd grade presentation
3.) Monetary requests
4.) Peaceful Playground
5.) Open house/Parent info/Math night/Toolbo
6.) Policy discussion-
Personal businesses of Carver families-when/how do we determine who we give our “business” to?
7.) Tyler Stolp memorial ideas
May 13, 2008
Members Present: Molly McChesney, Christine Kass, Karen Mueller and Joe Slavin
Joe reviewed the financial statements. The PTO checked cleared to cover the $5000 that was used to add multi-cultural books to the Guided Reading library.
Gold C income was down $6700 from last year. Kathryn Beich brought in about $781 less this year than last.
The overall profit from the Carnival was $312 less than last year. This year, Carver families donated more to the Carnival than in the past and businesses gave less than previously. About one third of the solicited businesses responded and donated something to the Carnival.
After a brief discussion, the Board picked a date for the Carver Carnival; 4/4/09. Karen VandenEinde and Kathryn Gantriis/Libby Tabaka tied with the same number of parent volunteers for this year’s carnival. Those classes will get an ice cream party this Spring.
Field trip expenditures were up more than $3600, but they were still within the allowed budget.
Peaceful playground-Christine asked about how is it going to be rolled out. Paul and the RC committee will plan this spring and implement next fall.
Monetary Request- The Youth Frontiers retreat requires a $750 deposit for next October. Christine will check with Diane.
PTO Today- $199 is due for subscription and subsequent insurance coverage. The Board decided to continue the subscription.
The magician who entertains the fifth grade on the last day of school costs $500. The PTO has covered this in the past. Christine will check with Diane and Cathy.
Molly is wondering about the allocation for field trips expenses. Can there be a field trip statement for teachers to keep track of what they are spending for the year? Joe will create the form.
Tyler Stolp Memorial Ideas- What is a meaningful tribute to Tyler? Planting a tree, naming the garden in the front of the building. Tyler liked sports, maybe naming the ball diamond after him? Is there a service project to connect with his name? Animal shelter volunteers? Feed Our Starving Children? Naming the annual Twins outing after him, charging an extra $1 and making a donation to a charity? The discussion will be taken to the general meeting.
Christine will contact the recycling company regarding the collection of ink cartridges. They may have some promotional fliers, or other ways to get the information out to the community that we are collecting and recycling the cartridges at school.
The board will not meet in June, but will pick a date for an August meeting.
PTO Member Meeting
May 20, 2008
Agenda
1.) Treasurer’s report
2.) 2nd grade presentation
3.) Monetary requests
4.) Peaceful Playground
5.) Open house/Parent info/Math night/Toolbo
6.) Policy discussion-
Personal businesses of Carver families-when/how do we determine who we give our “business” to?
7.) Tyler Stolp memorial ideas
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Track and Field - Grades 3-5
Mr. Vogel and the third, fourth, and fifth grade students enjoyed a wonderful track and field day. Students competed in numerous events. The sun shown all day and the temperature was perfect for running, jumping, and competing.
Carver Before and After School Opportunities
This year, Carver Elementary has offered over 20 different before or after learning opportunities for students. Some examples of these 5th grade choir, chess club, academic team, math and reading clubs, as well as Spanish Club. These opportunities were offered by school staff as well as parent volunteers. We are excited at the number of students who were able to take advantage of these opportunities. We look forward to expanding our before and after school program in the future, possibly working in conjunction with Community Education to expand enrichment as well as remedial programs.
The pictures are from the Carver Chess Club's final event of the year. Members of the chess club put their skills to test against staff, parents, and other family members during their end of the season get together. The level of play was high and everyone had a fabulous time. Thank you to Mrs. Swanson and Mrs. Bearth for all of their work with the students this year.
The pictures are from the Carver Chess Club's final event of the year. Members of the chess club put their skills to test against staff, parents, and other family members during their end of the season get together. The level of play was high and everyone had a fabulous time. Thank you to Mrs. Swanson and Mrs. Bearth for all of their work with the students this year.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Carver Night at the Metrodome
On Friday, May 2nd, over 260 Carver students, family members, and staff attended the Minnesota Twins game. The turnout for this first time event greatly exceeded our expectations. Thank you to all of you who were able to attend and make this a great Carver event!Friday, May 9, 2008
Deep Portage and Carver Staff Changes
DEEP PORTAGE
The 5th graders had their Deep Portage trip this week. This annual trip, which is supported tremendously by the Carver PTO, supports district 5th grade science curriculum as well as provide the students with a unique experience with their teachers and classmates.
While at Deep Portage, the students attend classes on orienteering, canoeing, lake study, rock climbing, team building, etc. Teachers and parent volunteers accompany the students and help provide supervision with the bus ride to and from, classes, meal-time, night-time, etc.
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend part of Tuesday with the students at Deep Portage. It was fun for me to see how much fun the students were having. The parent volunteers were having a great time too.
Thank you to all for your support of the 5th grade Deep Portage trip. We look forward to the trip again next year.
CARVER STAFFING CHANGES
During my short time at Carver there has been a considerable amount of change of the staff. I have had the privilege to add many wonderfully skilled teachers as well as sadly say goodbye to staff members moving on to other positive opportunities.
For example, last year Mrs. Laurie Wahl left Carver to accept a newly added math specialist position at Oakdale Elementary School, and Mrs. Kristen Blissenbach and Mrs. Karla Glenna each took a leave of absence to stay home with their children. These different life events/opportunities are wonderful for the individuals and their families but often leave the school community saddened at the loss their absence creates.
The 5th graders had their Deep Portage trip this week. This annual trip, which is supported tremendously by the Carver PTO, supports district 5th grade science curriculum as well as provide the students with a unique experience with their teachers and classmates.
While at Deep Portage, the students attend classes on orienteering, canoeing, lake study, rock climbing, team building, etc. Teachers and parent volunteers accompany the students and help provide supervision with the bus ride to and from, classes, meal-time, night-time, etc.
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend part of Tuesday with the students at Deep Portage. It was fun for me to see how much fun the students were having. The parent volunteers were having a great time too.
Thank you to all for your support of the 5th grade Deep Portage trip. We look forward to the trip again next year.
CARVER STAFFING CHANGES
During my short time at Carver there has been a considerable amount of change of the staff. I have had the privilege to add many wonderfully skilled teachers as well as sadly say goodbye to staff members moving on to other positive opportunities.
For example, last year Mrs. Laurie Wahl left Carver to accept a newly added math specialist position at Oakdale Elementary School, and Mrs. Kristen Blissenbach and Mrs. Karla Glenna each took a leave of absence to stay home with their children. These different life events/opportunities are wonderful for the individuals and their families but often leave the school community saddened at the loss their absence creates.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Parent Involvement
Carver Elementary is very committed to supporting the involvement of parents in the education process. Below are 6 different types of Parent Involvement.
TYPE 1--PARENTING: Assist families with parenting and child-rearing skills, understanding child and adolescent development, and setting home conditions that support children as students at each age and grade level. Assist schools in understanding families.
TYPE 2--COMMUNICATING: Communicate with families about school programs and student progress through effective school-to-home and home-to-school communications.
TYPE 3--VOLUNTEERING: Improve recruitment, training, work, and schedules to involve families as volunteers and audiences at the school or in other locations to support students and school programs.
TYPE 4--LEARNING AT HOME: Involve families with their children in learning activities at home, including homework and other curriculum-linked activities and decisions.
TYPE 5--DECISION MAKING: Include families as participants in school decisions, governance, and advocacy through PTA/PTO, school councils, committees, and other parent organizations.
TYPE 6--COLLABORATING WITH THE COMMUNITY: Coordinate resources and services for families, students, and the school with businesses, agencies, and other groups, and provide services to the community.
Our hope is that this BLOG may help in supporting the parent involvement types of communicating, decision-making, learning at home, parenting, etc. You will find that the BLOG allows you post comments, and we encourage you to do so. The more opportunities that we have to dialogue about things that go on at Carver, the better able we will be able to meet the needs of your child and your family.
Finally, this BLOG is a cooperative effort of Carver School staff (me) and the Carver PTO. It is our hope that this tool will help support the work of the PTO as well as the work of the school.
Please feel free to share our questions and comments anytime, and please check back often for current topics, discussions, etc.
Joe Slavin
Principal - Carver Elementary School
TYPE 1--PARENTING: Assist families with parenting and child-rearing skills, understanding child and adolescent development, and setting home conditions that support children as students at each age and grade level. Assist schools in understanding families.
TYPE 2--COMMUNICATING: Communicate with families about school programs and student progress through effective school-to-home and home-to-school communications.
TYPE 3--VOLUNTEERING: Improve recruitment, training, work, and schedules to involve families as volunteers and audiences at the school or in other locations to support students and school programs.
TYPE 4--LEARNING AT HOME: Involve families with their children in learning activities at home, including homework and other curriculum-linked activities and decisions.
TYPE 5--DECISION MAKING: Include families as participants in school decisions, governance, and advocacy through PTA/PTO, school councils, committees, and other parent organizations.
TYPE 6--COLLABORATING WITH THE COMMUNITY: Coordinate resources and services for families, students, and the school with businesses, agencies, and other groups, and provide services to the community.
Our hope is that this BLOG may help in supporting the parent involvement types of communicating, decision-making, learning at home, parenting, etc. You will find that the BLOG allows you post comments, and we encourage you to do so. The more opportunities that we have to dialogue about things that go on at Carver, the better able we will be able to meet the needs of your child and your family.
Finally, this BLOG is a cooperative effort of Carver School staff (me) and the Carver PTO. It is our hope that this tool will help support the work of the PTO as well as the work of the school.
Please feel free to share our questions and comments anytime, and please check back often for current topics, discussions, etc.
Joe Slavin
Principal - Carver Elementary School
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