PGE - for Web Archives - Meeting minutes, School year 2001-2002

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Parent for Gifted Education Minutes         September 17, 2001

Present: Lisa Boyd, Ken & John Mineart, Betsy Standen, Martha Kamp, Anita Swanson, Marilyn Parrish, Peg DeRango, Hung-Sun & Sung-Hee Oh, Eunice H. Caldwell, Cassandra Davis, Rebecca Towns, Pam Wilson, Leon Saul, Mike Golden, Monika Barbary, Ruth Harris, Gail Dartez, Andy Tatar, Terry James Mohaupt

President Terry Mohaupt called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at West Middle School Library, welcomed and thanked all for attending, noting that this meeting is held the 3rd Monday each month at this time and presenting a new format for this initial meeting.
Members who were present introduced themselves to the group.

1. Board Reports
President Terry James Mohaupt

  • announced that the Illinois Association for Gifted Children (of which we are a member) will sponsor a Parent Group meeting on October 2, at 7:30 p.m. at Anthony's in Oak Brook. Anyone interested in more details can contact Terry. This conflicts with the Parent Council Forum on the Unitary Status Action Teams.
  • praised Ronn Lyford, formerly Assistant Principal who oversaw the Academy and CAPA at Auburn, and has now gone to be Superintendent of Lutheran schools, for his work on behalf of the program.  


Vice President  vacant

Secretary  No report and no review of last meetings minutes. The Annual Report and "What Did PGE Do Last Year?" report were provided for all on the sign-in table, in lieu of a secretary's report of last year's final meeting.

Treasurers report  Leon Saul
We have had 90 members join for the 2001/2002 school year and a total dues paid of $1420.00 which includes some monies for King Elementary and Teacher Appreciation. There will be a balance of a deficit of $670.68 carried over from last year 2000/01 when a $900 loan from T. Mohaupt is repaid.
EOY 2000-2001, 21 May 01 - 15 June 01: Balance forward $1,023.22; deposit of $900 from Terry Mohaupt; expenses of $1,693.90; ending balance $229.32, with 122 members.
15 June 01 - 17 Sept. 01: Balance forward $229.32; income member donations of $1,420.00 (which includes some money for King Elementary and Teacher Appreciation); ending balance $1,649.32, with 90 members.
Discussion of loan repayment included assurance that there is no hurry
.

Publication  - Terry,  for Andy Tatar, asked that those who are interested in helping with the 2001/2002 directory sign up after the meeting or contact Terry. The data will be entered at King School.

2. School Reports:

King
 Terry reported that King needs a PTO president and vice-president; and that the King Open House is October 16 along with the PTO meeting. Please consider volunteering for these positions. King School has 5 new faculty members: Terri Lindmark, grade 2; Lori Gagliano, formerly grade 4, returning after a leave of absence with her twin sons, now teaching grade 3; Veena Tandon, grade 4; Kathryn Bridges, Art; and Jeffrey Meyers, P.E.

West  needs PTO President and Treasurer and an additional Fundraiser co-chair. New teacher, Tim Aures, 7 G math.
September 20th is the Open House. Mike Golden, Principal, has been facilitating some class changes to alleviate classrooms that are in excess of allowed contractual numbers of students. There, also, has been a decrease of counselors due to illness. The Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) returns to West this year; and, Mr. Golden has formed both parent and student West Advisory Committees. Student trips are being reviewed to be in line with board and non-discriminatory policy. Mike reported that the superintendent's interpretation of Board policy sems to be that all students on free and reduced lunches must be allowed to go on any field trips within the curriculum.

Auburn
 Marilyn Parrish
needs Booster Club volunteers to train for next year's board, because current officers are parents of graduating seniors.
Saturday, December 1, will be testing for the gifted program for students currently enrolled in the district
.
The 2001 graduating Auburn Academy class ranked fifth nationally on the ACT with IMSA being third and the University of Illinois Laboratory School in Urbana being first. David Doncheck will be recognized, with his father Phil, at the next school board meeting Tuesday, September 18. He scored a perfect 36 on his ACT along with 31 other students throughout the nation with some 340,000 taking the exam. David is in the Class of 2002 at Auburn Academy. Congratulations to them all, their parents and their teachers!!!
Ruth Harris reported she is continuing to ask the Research & Evaluation Department to separate the Centralized Gifted Programs students scores from the general education students scores where the program is housed as a "school within a school". Because of the ACT being taken as part of the Prairie State Exams this year, the ACT office will not be able to accomplish this separation.
Hung-Sun Oh related his concern about how parents learn when students need to take important exams such as the ACT, high school class ranking issues, and letters of recommendation from counselors to colleges. Terry will encourage Auburn staff to attend November PGE meeting.

Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)  Terry would like an increased presence of these members in PGE. We need a liaison. November 27 and December 1 will be auditions. November 8, 9, and 10 will be the Musical. Terry requested volunteers to man a table with PGE information during these performances.

3. Standing Committee Reports:

Parent Council
 Terry : An Open Forum regarding the progress of Unitary Status will be held at West Middle School on October 2, 2001 at  7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for all to give input to the process if you are unable to take time to serve or observe the committees. Also, Focus is October 20th at Cherry Vale Mall.

School Board  no report

Legislation  Terry reviewed and updated information on federal legislation. The House & Senate Conference Committee on ESEA is deeply divided on whether to accept the grants-to-states for gifted education legislation, which was passed as part of the Senate version of ESEA. A list of House and Senate Conferees was passed around, and Terry encouraged all to contact our legislators to support the Gifted legislation.

Teacher Renewal  Terry
: Mark Walter and Terry have been meeting within the district schools and administration to work toward renewal of the teachers. Gifted grant funds were allocated for buying Courage to Teach and distributing it to all teachers with the gifted program. Marilyn Parrish reminded all that a note to a teacher or principal is an everyday way in which we all can participate in teacher renewal.

Teacher Appreciation  Volunteer coordinator is needed. Terry reviewed history of the annual party.

Web Site  Andy Tatar reported that a new page is under construction and that help is needed for maintenance.

Family/Peer Support/ Buddy System at West was described and is a new effort to connect remaining and incoming students and their families.

Action Committee Reports:

  • Unitary Status Committees Reports were briefly given by committee members and the group was encouraged to attend the Parent Council Open Forum on October 2nd  7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Supervisor Search  Ruth Harris The money for a supervisor has been re-allocated to be used for consultation and it is apparent that no supervisor will be hired for the gifted program in the foreseeable future. Ruth will bring a copy of this years gifted state grant to the next PGE meeting for the parents.
  • Calling Tree  needs volunteers to organize it.


Old Business -
Terry gave a report on the low number of surveys which were returned in the "homework survey". Out of 1,300 surveys distributed, only 6 were returned. Terry compiled the responses and shared them with the three principals, detemining that there is no program-wide problem. He restated PGE policy that individuals with a problem should go to the teacher first. If it is unresolved, then they should go to the principal.

New Business

  1. The artistic associate at N.A.T., Gail Dartez, passed out flyers with the following plays to be presented at NAT with three of the authors enrolled in the Centralized Gifted Program.
  2. Friday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. The Revenge of the Woman Dressed Largely in Black by Blake Heathcote.
  3. Saturday, September 22 at 3 p.m. To Carry the Child by Jonathan Courie
  4. Saturday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m. Might Have Gone Fishing by Rufus Cadigan
  5. Sunday, September 23, 1:00 Young Playwrights Festival, including 3 students from West Middle School Academy, Mrs. Mead's class.
  6. Sunday, September 23 at 3 p.m. Impression: Sunrise by Ralph Tropf
  7. Sunday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m. The Fettered Rose by Steven Packard
  8. Call 964-6282 for more information, Tickets are $3, NAT has funding for students unable to pay, and !!!ask about dinner with the playwrights!!!!
  9. Congratulations to these students, their parents and their teachers. And, thank you to the NAT for their support of these young artist.


The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m., followed by refreshments and informal discussions.
Next PGE meeting is October 15th at 6:30 at West Middle School.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Parrish, Secretary pro tem and Terry James Mohaupt, President

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Minutes for  Monday, October 15, 2001 , West Middle School Library - 6:30 PM

President Terry Mohaupt called the meeting to Order@ 6:35 p.m.
Attendance: Pam Wilson, Gary Wortham, Ruth Harris, Marilyn Ross, Marilyn Parrish, Bob Algie, Leon Saul, Jude Makulec, Mike Golden, Terry Mohaupt

I. Board Reports
President: Terry James Mohaupt - Welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming; asked that after the  meeting, everyone stay to help organize volunteers.

Vice President: vacant
Corresponding Secretary: vacant

Recording Secretary: Terry, for Arlene Williams: minutes from the September 17 meeting were approved.
  
Treasurer: Leon Saul: No activity; beginning and ending balance $1,649.32; 90 members.

Publications: Andy Tatar - Directory data entry: Jill Saul has been doing most of it. Newsletter submissions form was distributed.
 
At-large: Pam Wilson  - no report

School Liaisons:

1. King: Tuesday, October 16, Open House @ 6:00 & PTO @ 7:00 p.m. Oct. 25 - playground dedication.

2. West: Mon., Nov. 5 PTO; & Mon., Dec. 10 PTO. Discussion about IMSA. Renaissance sponsoring gift-wrapping fundraiser @ Cherry Vale Mall, from Nov. 10 thru Dec. 22; volunteer forms were distributed; Tracy Torres is coordinating. Monthly breakfast for teachers: Jude Makulec asked for more volunteers. Testing date Dec. 1 for those in grades 5-7. Ruth Harris advised that the brochures had been mailed.

3. Auburn Academy:  Thursday, Oct. 25, 5-9 p.m., Auburn Tech Plan, RSVP Pat Hale 966-3333 x-103 by 10/22. Tue., Nov. 6 Booster Club. Thu-Sat, Nov 8-10, Musical; PGE help with info tables? Saturday, December 1, testing date for those in grades 8-11. Tue., Dec. 4, Booster Club. Discussion about using separate Academy test # on standardized testing, to disaggregate Academy scores from rest of population. Auburn counselors and principal will be contacted. Saturday, Oct. 20, PSAT test @ West for Auburn students has 147 registered.

4. Auburn CAPA - November 27 & December 1 auditions. Contact George Whinna, CAPA Coordinator.

II. Standing Committee Reports
A. District Meetings

  1. Parent Council - Jude Makulec: Sat., Oct. 20 - FOCUS @ Cherry Vale Mall. Terry will take PGE information to King, West, & Auburn booths. Gary Wortham suggested that next year we should have King/West/Auburn booths together. Co-President Anne Pritz-Hall is writing a column for the Rockford Register Star.   
  2. School Board - Oct. 23, Nov. 13 & 27, Dec. 11

 
B. Public Relations - Paul Lizer - no report
C. Legislation - no report

D. Teacher Renewal - Terry, for Mark Walter, reported that Sue Freiburgerıs second-grade class @ King did the brainstorming similar to what was done with the teachers. At a parent grade-level informational meeting, when he reported the kidsı interest in Spanish, a parent who teaches Spanish at Rock Valley volunteered to come in to King to teach Spanish to the kids! Terry and Mark will meet with West & Auburn teachers.

E. Teacher Appreciation - no report
F. Website - no report
G. Gifted Advisory Group - no action

H. Family Peer Support/Buddy System - new: West has begun, with Mrs. Borchers contacting families and making some connections.

III. Action Committee Reports

Unitary Status Action Teams
: Jude Makulec - CHOICE survey: 7.2% gifted in district provided 12.9% responses. CURRICULUM 5-year plan will address Gifted in the 4th year; AP & Honors in 1-2 years. FINANCE revealed need to provide correct information about Gifted funding to central administrators; also educational accountability information. Mike Golden will arrange for Ruth Harris and the principals to meet with district administrators to correct information. Jude said Joyce Price reported receiving a ³letter of condition² from ISBE about Gifted identification procedures. Ruth Harris stated, ³We do not have an identification procudure in writing to everyone with a fixed cut-off point.² Discussion followed.

Gifted Program Report Card - no action
Supervisor Search - no action
Calling Tree - no action

IV.
Old Business - Terry distributed copies of the grant

V. New Business

  • IAGC Convention, Feb. 3-5, 2002, Chicago Marriott Downtown
  • Terry will write more letters to the editor/news releases about Academy ACT scores. Melissa Burke was named as a contact @ Rockford Register Star.


Meeting Adjourned @ 8:22 p.m.
No one stayed after the meeting to help organize volunteers.
Next meeting: Monday, November 19
Upcoming PGE meeting schedule for 2001-2002:

  • November 19
  • December 17
  • January 21 (M L King Day, no school...may be changed)
  • February 18
  • March 18
  • April 15  (also WEST PTO)
  • May 20 (Also Auburn Spring Sports Banquet)


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Minutes for  Monday, November 19, 2001 , West Middle School Library

President Terry Mohaupt called the meeting to Order@ 6:35 p.m.

Attendance: Jude Makulec, Constance Carter, Zonca Thompson, Ray Thompson, Leon Saul, Lynette Vil, Sandra Clark, Arlene Williams, Marilyn Parrish, Lewis Jordan, Martha Shula, Tom Shula, Gary Bishop, Susan W. Lindvall, Andy Tatar, Ruth Harris, Samuel Etim, H. Cyrus oates, Tabitha Ketton, Gary Wortham, Yvonne Reed, Mike Golden, Terry Mohaupt

I. Board Reports

President: Terry James Mohaupt - Welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming.

  • He introduced Gifted Program Psychologist Ruth Harris, who presented the proposed Secondary Gifted Program Student Identification/Selection Process Summary for grades 8-11 [Complete text [[followed]] these minutes.-tm]. As background, she reviewed the identification and selection process from her thirty years of experience. In preparing the proposal, she consulted national sources, including University of Connecticut. The conclusion is that there is no perfect answer. Most sources recommend that all giftedness exists in all populations and multiple criteria be used for identification. Consultant Dr. LuAnn Smith has been with IMSA for thirteen years. This proposal shows pilot criteria for 2002-3, and includes the following elements: recruitment brochures funded by the district; review past evaluation instruments and consider new ones; multiple measures for selection. This will be a costly process. January 5, 2002, will be training for the Selection Committee. We will be ³borrowing the validity of established processes² used by IMSA, which survived the challenges of repeated audits. Selection will determine filling open seats. A break will come at the midpoint: top 50% will be based upon numerical score, bottom 50% will use multiple criteria, looking for a ³spark.² In the evaluation process there will be no minimums; no selector will be an eliminator. Currently the capacity is 120 at each year level; the secondary program serves 1150 out of 1800 who tested eligible.

 

  • Special Education Director Gary Bishop reminded the group of the importance of the program continuing to reflect student/community demographics and to continue the educational growth of this multicultural community. Associate Superintendent Joyce Combest Price must be able to defend the process. Further discussion included retention of minorities and those with increased struggling who need support programs. IMSA spends $25,000 per student, with peer tutors, mentors, and study hours. Diversity enriches us but needs more support. King Principal Constance Carter, West Principal Mike Golden, and Auburn Gifted Advisory Specialist Gary Wortham mentioned some of their support procedures, including the safety net/exit procedure, that is standardized in the program. Lewis Jordan questioned teacher mentoring; it was last done in 1995-6 in the district; now there is no formal program. Mr. Golden recommended that concerned parents phone Anna Borchers, Westıs Gifted Counselor. Weighted grades were eliminated per interpretation of the court directive. Dr. Oates offered insights about what grant committees look for. The racial ratios are 50:50 @ King and 47:53 @ West; more information can be found in the September Fall Housing Data report.


Recording Secretary:  Arlene Williams - Minutes from October 15 meeting were approved.

Treasurer: Leon Saul - Balance forward: $1,649.32; Income $175.00 member donations; Ending balance $1,824.32; liabilities $190.00 (to King PTO $165, and $25 set aside for Teacher Appreciation); 101 members.

Publications: Andy Tatar -  Directory - data entry is almost finished; King Student Support Specialist Mrs. Lindvall will verify. Kathy Campbell of King arranged for Amcore Bank to donate $300 to help with costs; an acknowledgment will be printed in the directory. Newsletter - motion approved to cut costs by dropping bulk mail permit, e-mail to those who are online, send copies home with King students, and mail to paid members not covered by King or e-mail.

At-large: Pam Wilson - absent, no report

School Liaisons

King: Principal Mrs. Carter - Playground dedication program from October 25 was displayed. Testing letter - grade five will be tested at King prior to the December 1 testing. Chess. Mrs. Carter distributed Kingıs ISAT scores from the 2000-2001 school report card, noting that 100% of grade 3 meet or exceed math standards, to applause. The district painter will help by the end of November to finish the painting begun by parents and staff. ³K-Kids Club² is providing teacher grants monthly from proceeds from their store. Mrs. Carter announced Golden Apple nominees: Jannice Bubnack, Susan Freiburger, Cheryl Gullett, Ruth Keppel-Aleks, Jeffrey Meyers, Karen Wilson.

West: Principal Mr. Golden - Nov. 9, 8G trip to Auburn ³Spotlight on Diversity presented by CAPA, Academy, and JROTC to ³introduce the diverse opportunities Auburn has to offer within the ŒGifted programs;ı² and some Auburn students came to West to share with students. Nov 15, 89 students from 8G took a career field trip to RMH. Mon., Dec. 10 PTO meeting. Testing letter: students in the  gifted program grade eight will be tested at West on November 28. Dee Whittington, Ombudsman, same job, new title, to address complaints from parents, students, or staff in order to gather information and reconcile misunderstandings. Mr. Golden displayed the newest Chess trophy, and distributed Westıs School Report Card, emphasizing positives. In the National Youth Scholastic competition Nov. 10 & 11, West took fourth place; grades 4-5, sixth place; grades K-3, eighth place. Mr. Golden will get T-shirts from the PE department for the chess team. West won ³best banner² at Focus on Excellence in Education at Cherry Vale Mall. A pilot scholar/football program to begin in the fall is being organized; Genelle Samuelson and Mike Dillard have gone to the Sports Coalition for money.

Auburn Academy:  Gifted Advisory Specialist Gary Wortham - 2 new A.P.s: Thomas Goodley, Jr., & Patrick Hardy; Terry was a member of the selection committee. Academy has a separate ACT Test #, so scores will be disaggregated. Tue., Dec. 4, Booster Club. Tech meeting, Jan. 10, 5-8 p.m. Testing schedule. Diane Covington, Ombudsman (cf. West above). Right Track Initiative attendance pilot program, partnership between school district and the court system, targets 14-year-old students in nineth grade who have been absent between 18-45 days in eighty grade. Website Auburnite school newspaper http://auburn.rps205.com

Auburn CAPA - November 27 & December 1 auditions. Antigone Dec. 7 & 8 @ 7:30 p.m.

II. Standing Committee Reports

A. District Meetings

  1. Parent Council - Jude Makulec - reported on FOCUS on Excellence in Education @ Cherry Vale Mall in Oct; district safety study committee, PTO guidelines; Area Superintendents roles have shifted to management; Anne Pritz-Hall (Parent Council Co-president) is writing a column for Rockford Register Star; Dan Danielowski discussed dual-credit and the CISCO program. Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.
  2. School Board - New members installed. Next meetings Nov.  27, Dec. 11.

  
B. Public Relations - for Paul Lizer, Terry reported on and shared Oct. 28 David Sidney (2001 Academy graduate) guest column in Rockford Register Star;  Nov. 17, Terryıs letter to editor [text printed at the end of these minutes]; Nov. 15 School Board President Mike Williams on WNTA, positive remarks he made about the program.

C. Legislation - Terry reported and reviewed recent legislation about gifted, including concern about the state gifted categorical grant becoming lumped into a block grant, and the contact information for state legislators. Jude Makulec volunteered to abridge Terryıs e-mail for a more concise report for King School newsletter to solicit more contacts to legislators. In federal legislation, the Conference Committee on ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) is debating on the differences between House and Senate bills, which include grants-to-states and the Javits program. Terry is working with IAGC and NAGC in support.

D. Teacher Renewal - Terry for Mark Walter reported that we are still trying to arrange meetings with West and Auburn faculties.

E. Website - for Mark Walter and Andy Tater, Terry reported no progress. King Schoolıs site is now linked to RPS 205 site.

III. Action Committee Reports

Unitary Status Action Teams: Jude and Terry reviewed highlights of recommendations to the school board.

Gifted Program Report Card - Dr. Lampingıs office will include information on not only centralized gifted program but also identified gifted students outside the program. District may seek to use shared resources, including the grant. PGE must monitor use of the grant.
Discussion emphasized the need for gifted program administrator.

Supervisor Search - Gary Bishop agreed when asked if the search is now ³in limbo.²

IV. Old Business

A.
Finance meeting re: gifted funding information accuracy. Mike Golden will set up a meeting with Tom Hoffman and Mary Ann Brown.

B. Vacant positions: After discussion, because the following leader positions remain vacant, no action will be taken in those areas and they will be removed from PGE goals for now: Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Family Peer Support/Buddy System, Program/speakers, Gifted Advisory Group of college recruiters & admissions officers to assess Program results, Volunteer Coordinator, Calling Tree, Testing Day Refreshments.

C. Jude Makulec for the second year agreed to organize the Annual Teacher Appreciation Event.

V. New Business

  • IAGC Convention, Feb. 3-5, 2002, Chicago Marriott Downtown. Terry offered to share registration information with anyone interested in attending.
  • IAGC membership annual dues: Motion approved to cancel parent Group membership at $120 and change it to Individual $40 membership for Terry, who will continue to share information with PGE.
  • Market Day SchoolShare fundraiser information was distributed: Go to www.schoolshare.com  Shop online at top merchants. A percentage will go back to your school.


With no other business brought before the board, meeting was Adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Next meeting: Monday, December 17
Future  PGE meeting schedule for 2001-2002:  

  • January 21 (M L King Day, no school...may be changed)
  • February 18
  • March 18
  • April 15  (also WEST PTO)
  • May 20 (Also Auburn Spring Sports Banquet)

Respectfully submitted by Terry James Mohaupt

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PARENTS FOR  GIFTED EDUCATION
Minutes for  Monday, December 17, 2001

President Terry Mohaupt called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Attendance: Leon Saul, Pam Wilson, Marilyn Parrish, Constance Carter, Sharon Appleman, Gary Bishop, Gary Wortham, H. Cyrus Oates, Marilyn Ross, Ruth Harris, Tom Shula, Phil Doncheck, Kristin Wilson, Jude Makulec, Joy Schneider, Terry Mohaupt

I. Board Reports

President
: Terry James Mohaupt - thanked everyone for coming during this hectic holiday season. Introduction of attendees. The complete text of Ruth Harrisıs Student Identification/Selection Process Summary from November 19, and the text of Terryıs letter published on Nov. 17 in the Rockford Register Star are printed on the back of tonightıs agenda.

Secretary:  Arlene Williams, absent. Minutes for November 19, 2001, were approved.

Treasurer: Leon Saul - Balance forward $1,824.32. Income: $10 membership plus $300 donation from AMCORE Foundation for Directory, for $310.00 total. Expense: $40.00 IAGC dues. Ending balance $2,094.32. Liabilities: $900 loan from T. Mohaupt, $25 Teacher Appreciation, $165 King PTO donations, for $1090 total. 102 dues-paying members. Motion approved to pay liabilities. Terry will write and send a letter of thanks to AMCORE Foundation.

Publications:

  • Directory - for Andy Tatar, Terry, distributed copies and congratulated Andy, and Martha Shula, who delivered to and picked up from the printer, and distributed to King School last Friday. Terry will sort and distribute to West and Auburn on Tuesday. Discussion for next year included considering a negative-response-only form, to retain the existing database unless changed on request. Notice will be made in the newsletter for people who did not get listed and for corrections or changes.
  • Newsletter: Terry requested more input. Discussion included editing copies of King, West, and Auburn newsletters for a digest.


At-large: Pam Wilson, Marilyn Parrish - no report.

School Liaisons

King:  Principal Mrs. Carter reported King Schoolıs URL: http://schools.rps205.com/King/ More than six barrels were filled for the Salvation Army donations.G.A.R.ıs Dance Source Unltd. performed for grades 1-3. Jamminı Peacemakers performed with Dorothy Paige-Turner and Kouncil Koraliers at the Sinnissippi tree lighting. NIUıs MEAP group will visit the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Discussion of elementary entrance criteria included Ruth Harris reporting her search for an elementary consultant, and Gary Bishop stating that it probably would be based on whatıs learned from IMSA.

West: Pam Wilson reported IMSA enrichment has moved up with the seventh grade class; the three-year grant will expire when these students finish eighth grade, and the school will need to seek new funds; those interested should ask the IMSA teachers (Mrs. Laskonis and Mr. Zackery), Principal Mike Golden, or Pat Wengrow for details. Discussion about the Boys Club basketball team and the West girlsı basketball team, including the work of Genelle Samuelson and Mike Dillard to get the support of the Rockford Sports coalition. Those interested should contact West PTO President, Mrs. Dillard.

Auburn Academy: Gary Wortham reported that he, Ruth Harris, Kathy Heisel, and Dr. Smith are working on the bugs in the selection process. Readers are needed for January 5. Scholastic Bowl team #1 in the state, #21 in USA. Website Auburnite school newspaper http://auburn.rps205.com

Auburn CAPA : Gary Wortham reported that Antigone was a success. Mrs. Schryack-Pagh and members of her CAPA Art classes will visit Chicago on Wednesday to visit the Cleopatra and Van Gogh exhibits. Families with questions about choices may make an appointment with Gary Wortham.

II. Standing Committee Reports

A. District Meetings

  1. Parent Council - Jude Makulec reported that Dr. Lamping discussed the Stanford testing results.
  2. School Board -  Marilyn Parrish reported that the special meeting about Student Assignment boundaries had a large turnout. Terry reported that at the Dec. 11 meeting King School First-grade teacher Michele Beach was recognized for her Master Teacher certification that she received in 1999, with another teacher from Dennis who received hers in November. Terry reviewed selected details from the districtıs 2001-02 Strategic Plan that apply to our program.

 
B. Public Relations - Paul Lizer - absent, no report

C. Legislation - Terry reported on the Federal House of Representatives and Senate passage of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA), citing retention of the Javits Gifted & Talented Students Education Act, Local Innovative Education Programs, Grants to Local Education Agencies..., and congratulations from NAGC President Tomlinson. On the state level, we will continue to work with IAGC to influence legislators to retain the gifted grant as a categorical rather than a block grant.

D. Teacher Renewal - for Mark Walter, Terry reported that we are still trying to arrange meetings with West and Auburn faculty. Auburn Principal Mrs. Wilson agreed scheduling is a problem.

E. Website - Mark Walter, Andy Tatar: absent, no report.

III. Action Committee Reports

  • Gifted Program Report Card - After discussion, the group determined that Terry needs to contact Dr. Brown again, and also school board members, to expedite this report.
  • Supervisor Search - Discussion included the expense of advertising; making national contacts; the importance of the Program Report Card for recruitment. Grant funds that in the past had been for a supervisor have been allocated to other areas. Gary Bishop will provide updated grant expenditures by the next meeting. Action on the agenda for January will be to list specific desired functions of a Gifted Central Administrator.


IV. Old Business

Finance meeting re: gifted funding information accuracy - On Tuesday, Dec. 18, Ruth Harris and the principals will meet with Mary Ann Brown of the district finance department.

V. New Business

Parent Joy Schneider introduced discussion about violence and discipline problems in one school and the need to develop or use programs to address the issue throughout the district and society. King School Principal Mrs. Carter will confer with Ruth Keppel-Aleks and Officer Milo; and Gary Bishop will review existing programs with Mrs. Carter and Ed Portillo. They will bring their findings to Old Business at our next meeting.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

The following items originally on the agenda will be carried over to the next meeting:
IV. Old Business - recognize Zach Morris as Rhodes scholar
V. New Business

  • IAGC Convention, Feb. 3-5, 2002, Chicago Marriott Downtown
  • Student Identification/Selection Process:  selection committee
  • Other grants and other funding sources: Title I, Title II, Title VI, Class-Size Reduction Grant, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Rockford Public Schools Foundation
  • Gifted consultant Stephanie Tolan to speak on gifted adolescents, Wed., Feb. 6, Quest Academy, Palatine
  • Strategy for district again cutting from seven to six periods in middle and high schools

Next meeting:  January 28  
Future  PGE meeting schedule for 2001-2002:  

  • February 18
  • March 18
  • April 15  (also WEST PTO)
  • May 20 (Also Auburn Spring Sports Banquet)


Respectfully submitted by Terry James Mohaupt, 399-8432, mohaupt@home.com

====================

PARENTS FOR GIFTED EDUCATION

Minutes for Monday, January 28, 2002

Attendance:
Terry Mohaupt, Marilyn Parrish, Mike Golden, Pam Wilson, Gary Bishop, Jude Makulec, Leon Saul, H.Cyrus Oates, Joy Schneider, Ann Pritz-Hall, Gary Wortham, Allie Benson, Kristin Wilson

Board Reports

President: Terry Mohaupt- Mentioned that Zach Morris, former student in the Gifted program has been recognized as a Rhodes Scholar. The IAGC convention will be held Feb. 3-5. Two possible fundraisers to consider are MarketDay and Schoolshare.com. Center for Cultural Exchange has a 17-year-old student from Kosovo in need of a place to live in Rockford during his time here.

Secretary: Arlene Williams, absent. Minutes from Dec. 17, 2001 were approved.

Treasurer: Leon Saul- Balance forward $1,574.32. Income: $380.00 member donation. Expense: $900.00 Loan repayment. Liabilities: Teacher Appreciation Donations $45.00 and King PTO Donations $235.00 for a total of $280.00

Publications: Andy Tatar, absent. Suggestion from Marilyn Parrish to standardize the staff layout in the next directory. Jude Makulec will check on getting the PGE newsletter included in the King PTO newsletter.

At-Large: Pam Wilson, Marilyn Parrish- Marilyn is trying to obtain correct Illinois State Scholar information for the Rockford area. Marilyn also requested that Gary Bishop check on the Commended Scholars from RSD 205. We would like to have this information reported in the RRS.

School Liaisons
 
King website is up and running. Key dates: Feb 12, PTO meeting, Feb.13, Family Fun Night, March 8, Ice Cream Bingo, April 8, Lighted Library with Mayor Doug Scott, April 26, Fun Fair. Policy and Procedure for Lunchroom and playground supervision is being revised. Attempting to hire additional supervision

West Key Dates: Feb.4 PTO meeting, May 16 Ice Cream Social, Band Concert. Tyler Kerr is the school level winner of the National Geographic Geography Bee. He will progress to the next level. Girls b-ball team 6th and 7th grade doing well. Two businesses are donating the goal posts for football scheduled to begin at West next year. Still working on course offerings for next year. Having difficulty getting some Art/Drama courses through because District administrative staff perceives this as competition with the Arts magnet school. Discussion followed, consensus that since West is a feeder school to Auburn and CAPA, drama/art and dance is a natural offering. West is attempting to strengthen the tie between West and Auburn, not undermine the arts magnet. Also, other middle schools offer art, drama and dance yet are not harassed about competing with the arts magnet.

Auburn Academy: Gifted testing now has a subjective essay and file to help with the selection process. Process for "high needs placement" is being developed for students moving into the RPS district. Eventually this process will be duplicated and the middle school and elementary level. Cyrus Oates discussed the fact that many African-American students feel uncomfortable with the attitude of other students in the Academy at Auburn. Many have left the program because of this problem. Gary Bishop stated that gifted program needs to make this issue a priority. Auburn should be the model of tolerance and diversity. This should be included in the curriculum. Gary Wortham reported that Auburn Academy students would take a field trip to NAT in February to see Romeo and Juliet. All city musical, "The King and I" will be presented Wed. 3/27 10:00 am and 7:00 pm and Thurs. 3/28 at 10:00 am.

Standing Committee Reports

District Meetings

  • Parent Council  Jude Makulec discussed Academic Watch list. High Schools will be meeting to devise a plan to improve test scores. Ann Pritz- Hall, Parent Council Co-President was present and reported on the school referendum to be voted upon on March 19. Parent Council would like to help with an open forum to help educate the voters about this issue. A sub-committee is being formed to work on the referendum forum.
  • School Board  Jay Nellis would like to receive school newsletters


Legislation  Terry IL School code amendment about discipline

Teacher Renewel  Mark Walter, absent no report

Action Committee Reports

  • Report Card for gifted program, Dr.Lamping assured Terry she would provide the necessary data for this project. Terry will make a formal request to the school board from PGE for this to happen. Parents may need to continue to contact school board members.
  • Teacher Appreciation  Jude Makulec, Will be held on May 3 from 6:30pm until 9:30 pm at the home of Kathy Torrance. Auburn Jazz Band will entertain. Invitations are in the process. Will need monetary as well as food donations.


Old business

  • Dec. 18th there was a meeting to discuss the Auburn budget. Meeting Tomorrow, Jan.29 to revise budget for this year.
  • Gifted Grant Expenditure Update: big decision on how to free up money to fund a gifted supervisor.
  • Gary distributed packet of information sent to school board re: gifted plan to attract private school kids.
  • Review of discipline/state school code amendment


New business

  • Budget Cut Strategy committee: Jude will lead.
  • Supervisor/Coordinator Search committee: to be addressed at the next meeting
  • Discipline committee: Joy Schneider will lead
  • Referendum committee: Marilyn Parrish with assistance from Parent Council
  • Grants and other funding: to be addressed at the next meeting


Next PGE meeting will be held Monday, Feb. 18, 2002 at 6:30 in the West Middle School Library
 
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PARENTS FOR GIFTED EDUCATION
Minutes for Monday, February 18, 2002

Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m.

Attendance: Terry Mohaupt, Tom Shula, Connie Carter, Gary Bishop, Mike
Golden, Pam Wilson, Ruth Harris, Leon Saul, Sue Christensen, Susan Lindvall,
Cyrus Oates, Marilyn Parrish, Jim Jennings

I. Board Reports

A. Secretary: Pam Wilson  Minutes approved from Jan.28, 2002

B. Treasurer: Leon Saul-Directory bill is $702.00 (1st $300.00 will come from the AMCORE foundation. The remainder will be split with King. Budget: Teacher Appreciation (May 3) suggested budget of $200.00 was approved. Ending balance as of Jan.28, 2002 was $1,574.32

C. Supervisor Search Committee-Ann Anderson, Asst. Superintendent, Human Resources advised committee of the following:

  1. HR Advertising budget is stretched, she felt gifted grant money would have to be utilized to advertise for a gifted supervisor
  2. HR would assist in the writing of any ads.
  3. Discussion followed with the point being made that since the gifted program is a district program, the advertising for this position should be paid for through district monies, NOT gifted grant monies.
  4. Terry would like the committee to prepare a formal document with job description and recruitment plan. No volunteers at this time, will discuss at next PGE meeting.


D. PGE meeting date changes: we will change the April 15 meeting to April 22
And the May 20 meeting to June 3, 2002.

E. Volunteer List Coordinator-Gifted testing date is March 9 for K-4. Coffee
for parents will be served. We will need volunteers to speak to the parents
from 9:30 until 10:15. Susan Lindvall volunteered to be there.

F. Gifted Grant expenditure update and amendment-Gary Bishop.

  1. Adjustments to grant include: $8000.00 for additional supplies to each school. A meeting will take place on April 16 to make final adjustments to the grant. If we are successful in finding a supervisor, major adjustments will have to take place because the supervisor's salary will be drawn from the grant.
  2. Gifted Program is an agenda item for the Education Committee Tues.March 5 at 5:00 in the boardroom. Please try to attend.
  3. Second round of secondary testing will be administered.
  4. Discussion/Request from Marilyn for a hard copy of the gifted grant for the 2001-2002 school year.


G. Budget Cuts Strategies & Referendum Committee-Jude Makulec/Marilyn
Parrish. Vote Yes for Rockford kick off will be tomorrow, Feb.19 at 3:30 at
the Coronado. REACH forum to be held March 4 at the IBEW building.
$140,000 budget cut for High school giftedWhat is this???? Gary and the
principals will look into this. Jim Jennings will try to post the budget cuts
on the RPS website. He will also assist in getting the National Merit
Commended Scholars information published in the RRS.

H. Auburn/CAPA  Nothing to report

I. Auburn Academy: Booster Club needs leadership for the 2002-2003 school
year. Twenty physics students are scheduled to participate in the Physics
Bowl. Ninth grade orientation and registration will be held March 19 and 21.

J. West: PTO meetings on March 11, April 15 and May 13. Football meeting on
March 1.


K. King:

  1. Two educators from the UK to visit King for 10 days. King was chosen by the State Department.
  2. Social/Emotional Discipline policy revised. RPD Sgt. Pierson is developing a program for this spring. New IL Public Act 92-0260 distributed. Article: "States break up bullying" also distributed. See the attached report by Joy Schneider on additional work done on the social/emotional discipline policy.
  3. Also, Susan Lindvall distributed brochure about Peer Mediation, Talk It Out, Life Skills for grades 3-5 and Here's Looking at You form Grades 1-2.
  4. King also has 12 mentors.


L. Parent Council-Jude Makulec
Feb. Meeting was a working meeting to discuss fundraising.

M. Legislation-Terry
[A legislative alert for that time was attached-tm]

N. Office of Educational Accountabilitystill working on obtaining a gifted
Program report card.

O. Other Business: Field trip policies. Please notify board members of the
concerns about field trips.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Next meeting: Tuesday, March 18, 2002 at 6:30 in the West Middle School
Library

Respectfully submitted by Pam Wilson, Secretary Pro Tem

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P
arents for Gifted Education meeting Minutes for March 18, 2002

President Terry  Mohaupt Called the meeting to Order @ 6:35 p.m.  
Attendance, introductions: Abigail Mohaupt, Ruth Harris, Pam Wilson, Bob Algie, Leon Saul, Joy Schneider, Jude Makulec, Alie Benson, Kristin Wilson, Gary Wortham, Mike Golden, Marilyn Parrish, Sue Christensen, Terry Mohaupt

REPORTS -

President: Terry James Mohaupt:

  • Canvassed current PGE Board for retentions and members for candidates for next year-- Pam Wilson agreed to be Secretary, Leon Saul agreed to continue as Treasurer.
  • gave PGE information envelopes to Auburn & King to provide information to prospective families;
  • shared Deborah Willsey's Directory cover;
  • presented Calendar of events to the end of the school year, with two additions
  • requested PGE members to share with a family from Downers Grove that will be moving to WEST  


Secretary:  Pam Wilson - February minutes were approved.  

Treasurer: Leon Saul - Balance forward $1,574.32. Expenses $702.00 to Print Shop for Directories, $235.00 to King PTO from donations designated for King. Ending balance $637.32. Liabilities $45 teacher appreciation donations. Receipts Pending $241.20 King PTO share of Directory printing. 133 contributors.    

Auburn CAPA: All-city musical, King and I, 3/27 & 28; Jake Schneider (King 4th grader) plays Lewis. This is the last week of auditions for CAPA.

Auburn Academy: Scholastic Bowl team was 4th @ State; Tuesday, 3/20, 1:30 p.m., Dr. Brown will be at Auburn; Booster Club needs volunteer leaders. Mrs. Wilson reported that with the new electronic studio, students can do video streaming and announcements. Chess Club went to the state tourney in Peoria on Friday & Saturday. Amanda Makulec as Area Representative will attend National Student Council in Virginia Beach. Auburn currently has 104 students in grade 9 Academy, with 65 and 60 at the next two grade levels.   

West: 5/16 social; Junior National Honor Society has begun for grades 7 & 8, with 3.5 GPA. Next year, grade 6 will have 133 students, 128 in grade 7 and 114 in grade 8.

King: 3/19 @ 6:30 p.m. PTO meeting has been canceled; Terry displayed the Jan-Feb Newsletter he received in the mail    

Gifted Grant Current Revision: Gary Bishop - finalizing meeting will be 4/17.  
Program Report Card: Ruth Harris; Marilyn Parrish presented information from the Illinois State Scholar Program plus a data chart covering the years 1998-2002 showing the number of state scholars and class size from twelve area high schools, including Auburn, which will become part of Gifted Program Report Card  

Testing: Ruth Harris - 330 kindergartners were tested for the 78 first grade openings. On Saturday, March 9, approximately sixty at each grade level tested for 78 seats at second grade (which will include roll-up from first grade; 4 at grade 3, 13 grade 4, and 4 grade 5; projected notice of admissions date, April 30.  Terry thanked Susan Lindvall, Connie Retzer, and Abby Mohaupt for speaking with parents.  4/27,  2nd round of secondary, 9:00 a.m. @ Auburn, by invitation letters, no mass mailing. Projected notice of admissions date, May 29.

School Board: Jude Makulec  

Parent Council: Jude - The referendum forum at Roosevelt had low attendance.  

Teacher Appreciation: Jude - Teachers and their spouses are invited Friday, May 3 at the Torrence home, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. PGE Board members and volunteers will serve.     

Legislation: Terry - copy of current legislation concerns was in packet. Don Manzullo co-signed letter in support of the national Javits Gifted Education Program & Terry sent a letter thanking him. Terry also sent letters to Senators Durbin and Fitzgerald, as part of a group effort with NAGC.

DISCUSSION - @ 7:45 p.m.  Discussion of new budget cuts, including effects on Gifted Program at each school and the Grant, and if the referendum fails.  With tort elimination, 1.5 positions at King will be moved into the grant; 1.0 at Auburn will be eliminated. Mrs. Wilson informed the group that that would be the Gifted Support (Gary Wortham) position. The decision was made to get the job description from Gary W. and distribute to parents, soliciting support to present to Joyce Price. Other sources of funding were suggested; i.e., Coke, other grants. Vote tomorrow on the referendum. Commended committee of Jude Makulec, Marilyn Parrish, Anne Pritz-Hall, Connie Bland, and P.E.A.C.E.

OTHER BUSINESS
Joy Schneider reported on social issues. After discussion, Mike Golden suggested he, Anna Borchers and peer mediators visit King School to inform students of expectations in middle school. Gary Wortham of Auburn also will be involved. Mike Golden will contact King Principal, Connie Carter.    

Meeting was Adjourned @ 8:30 p.m.
Next meeting: April 22 - nominations of new officers.
Annual meeting: June 3 - election of new officers for 2002-2003

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Parents for Gifted Education meeting Minutes for April 22, 2002

The monthly meeting of the Parents for Gifted  Education organization was held in the West library on April 22, 2002.  Terry Mohaupt called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.

Others in attendance were:  Ruth Harris, Mike Golden, Marilyn Parrish, Arlene Williams, Sue Christensen, Gary Bishop, Leon Saul, Susan W. Lindvall , Jude Makulec, Tom Shula, Martha Shula

President: Terry James Mohaupt reported that a nomination committee needs to be established for officers for 2002-2003 PGE.  Marilyn offered to serve and said Pam Wilson would also.  We discussed and noted dates of upcoming events.  The King Fun Fair was added  (5:30-8:30 4/26/02);  Terry reported that he has nominated our program for recognition in a national NAGC/NRC diversity project.

Treasurer: Leon Saul - Balance forward $637.32. Expenses $23.90 for refreshments & supplies @ testing; $40.00 referendum supplies. Ending balance $573.42. Liabilities $45.00 Teacher Appreciation donations. Receipts pending $241.20 King PTO Share of Directory Printing. Discussion was held concerning King PTOıs share of printing costs for the directory.

Publications: Terry for Andy Tatar- newsletter (sheet) with calendar and meeting minutes was hand-placed @ King, e-mailed, and posted to 90 per Andy's sort without e-mail or King.  The savings were considerable.

Gifted Grant Current Revision: - Gary Bishop reported that the final version of this yearıs grant will be completed next week.
Gifted Program effects of budget cuts (staff, support, grant for 2002-03): Gary Bishop reported that the Gifted grant for next year is uncertain at the moment.  He suggested we (as individuals) remain vigilant  with our Senators and Representatives in our advocacy for the grant money.  After 4/30, the legislature will need 2/3 vote to override the gifted grant money being included in a block grant rather than its former categorical. He is meeting with Principals now to make purchases. Marilyn asked if we could have an objective criteria for evaluation of programs or staff funded by the gifted grant. Jude Makulec provided a copy of the amended grant dated 4/4/02 and budget breakdown dated 3/11/02. She also included her spreadsheet of Support Staff for RPS 205 Elementary Schools, 2001-02. Mike Golden made copies, which were distributed to attendees.  The numbers were discussed and Jude was thanked for her efforts. Jude will use the figures at the Magnet Committee, with the goal of getting families to return to public schools via the Gifted Program through use of the Magnet Grant.  Marilyn invited Jude to come to PEACE and present the data.

Testing: Ruth Harris reported on testing.  The secondary second round will be this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at Auburn. Seventy letters were sent out. Scheduled are about 20 at grades 8 and 9, 15 at each other grade. Selection committee will meet May 9. Mike Golden suggested we promote the Gifted program in an effort to get families to return to the district.

Program Report Card: Ruth Harris & Terry - Terry passed around graphs showing the results from the ISAT and Stanford tests.  This will be in the "report card" in the future. Ruth Harris suggested that those who are awarded honors be listed on our Web Site.  We wondered if Jim Jennings would be the contact person.

Auburn CAPA:   Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - May 9, 10, 11 @ 7:30 p.m.

Auburn Academy: Terry reported on International Chemistry Olympiad: per Bruce Keyzer, ³In early March, six first-year Auburn chemistry students, Duıaa Elnoovy, Emily Jakobsen, Sara Koerber, Amanda Otto, Cathy Thuruthumaly, and Jamie Wilt and AP chemistry student Jason Razo competed in the International Chemistry Olympiad prequalifying test. Emily Jakobsen placed fifth for first year students and won $20. She will be honored at the May American Chemical Society dinner and meeting. Jamie was the only Rockford School District student that won a prize in either the first or second year divisions. Good job and many thanks to all the students who competed.² Booster Club needs officers and volunteers. Mr. Auburn Knight will be Friday, 4/26, to benefit MotherHouse. PGE will ask Jim Jennings [District 205 Communication Director] to post on the district website and send press releases to the daily newspaper all Illinois State Scholars, etc.  Marilyn distributed copies of a table from The Chronicle of Higher Education which shows the 99 colleges and universities enrolling the largest number of freshman Merit Scholars names in 2001.

West: 5/16 social; Mike Golden reported that West will offer two different nights of orientation for incoming students in the hopes of attracting more parents and that two large television screens will be placed in the lunchroom for announcements.May 8 will be for traditional curriculum and May 9 will be for gifted families. West chess teams will attend May 10-12 the National Chess tourney in Milwaukee.

King: Martha Shula reported that King hosted Mayor Scott for a lighted library night of reading and that the Marilyn Ginestra memorial area is underway and hopefully will be dedicated soon, with a memorial bench and tables sometime in May. Grades 4 & 5 K-Kids Club will have its installation. Kendell Coates will be awarded Kiwanis plaque and $200 savings bond. Next year, King will work with Auburn and Guilford. Susan Lindvall will teach grade 4 next year. The King PTO Board wants the Amcore Foundation donation to cover only their portion of the Directory costs, and not be split with PGE. PGE asked Martha to go back to King PTO Board and ask them to reconsider, and that PGE will pay the difference, in the spirit of cooperation, if they choose not to.

Teacher Appreciation: Jude Makulec reported the teacher appreciation open house will be held Friday, May 3, at the Torrence home, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Auburn Jazz Band will perform. Marilyn expressed concern that the event was not being held in a public location, but rather in a private home and hoped that PGE would not be seen as an organization that is not open to all.  A suggestion was made that at King's fun fair this Friday there be a sign-up, so that  those who wish to contribute food or help work will have an opportunity. We suggested that no alcohol be offered.       

Social issues: Terry shared RRStar article on University Women forum last Sunday, which WEST AP Karen Johnson attended; and reported for Joy Schneider -Mrs. Carter has not had [a police officer] come to King School yet. The King Playground meeting scheduled for April 15th with Mrs. Dimke was postponed. King school has two paid lunch aides, as of 4/22, according to Susan Lindvall. Lewis Jordan may be interested in developing a social program. Mr. Shullıs info re: Anger Alternatives for HS students was given to Gary Wortham at the last PGE meeting. Joy is going to check on Bully Proof Your School Program in Gramm Elementary School near Naperville. She is going to check out a Violence Prevention Collaborative Program with Gerri Alton. Handing out info on state workshops for safe schools will be postponed.   

Education Committee:  Terry reported that decisions on both the co-curricular eligibility and 6 period day were tabled.

Parent Council: is also concerned with Middle School sports & Spirit Squad; 6-period-day; co-curricular eligibility.  http://icpac.indiana.edu/publication/infoseries/is-68.xml  enrichment camps in Indiana.  RAAC has a paid intern program

P.E.A.C.E.: Marilyn Parrish & Terry - planning support for the 2003 Referendum

Discussion of Academy testing, ACT/Prairie State; NACAC:  Terry read an e-mail he received about Prairie State/ACT exams. [Complete text follows minutes below--TJM.]

Other -
We discussed the difficulty that former students face in returning to Auburn or West for a visit. The suggestion was made to have them contact Kathy Heisel or Anna Borchers in advance of the visit.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.

Next meeting: Annual meeting: June 3 - election of new officers for 2002-2003

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Mr. Mohaupt:

I'm responding to one of the questions that you had in  a recently posted note on the IACAC listserv.  You stated that your organization was hearing that the PSAE administered ACT was not accepted at all colleges and universities throughout the country.  I want to put your concerns to rest.

This question arose with  regularity during the first year of the PSAE testing.  Occasionally,  it would be reported to us that a particular institution had stated that they would not accept the PSAE administered
ACT.  We would immediately call that institution to confirm that rumor.  In all but one case, we found that institutions that accept ACT scores from national test dates, will also accept the state PSAE administered ACT score.  The one instance where that won't happen is with the Air Force Academy.  All students attending that institution must qualify under NCAA regulations.  At this time, the NCAA refuses to permit scores from tests administered on non-national test dates to be used for qualification.  This has not been a problem in Illinois, for the state permits students to take the PSAE ACT at no cost on the October national test date that follows the Spring PSAE testing if the student wishes to retest.

In most of the instances where rumors of nonacceptance arose, we found that the institution stated that they would not accept the PSAE scores for admission.  As you may know, the ACT is one of several components of the PSAE and, while we send it separately to colleges and universities as the student requests, the State incorporates it with the other tests of the PSAE to come up with a PSAE score.  Perhaps there will come a time when PSAE scores are used for admission,  but such is not the case at this time.

Please let me know if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,
Jack Reese, Director
Postsecondary/Business Services
ACT-Midwest Office
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Respectfully submitted,
Arlene Williams and Terry James Mohaupt