Present: Angie Nelson, Frances Archer, Lori Hinton, Merryl Brownlow, Sandy Salkover, Melinda Prawer, Melissa Echavez, Shameem Ajani, Kira Maar, Lisabeth Rohlck, Jackie LuCavelli-Argondizzo, Anita Prasuram-Raman, Patty Marfise-Patt, Sue Donaubauer, Renee Jablonski, Catalina Roque, Amy Kwit, Elise Oldham, Lori Samataro, Mindy Schloss.

Meeting called to order at 6:32 p.m.

Debra Gelfand Fund : Melinda Prawer and Sandy Salkover reported.
The Debra Gelfand Fund is in its 17th year and is a vital resource for our schools. School fundraisers that contribute to the fund include Westbrook Movie Night, Ink Cartridge/Toner Recycling Project and the Fall Carnival. Donations may also be made to the fund by purchasing Donation Cards (“In Memory”) in any denomination. Contact Melinda Prawer to purchase these cards.

Global Language Program: Kira Maar reported.
The program will kick-off on October 1st and we have approximately 90 kids enrolled at each school. Classes include Spanish, French and Chinese. There are 44 sessions in the program. Kira has created a Mission Statement and a set of Guidelines for the program. Parent volunteers are needed to help with the Global Language Program.

New Fundraising Programs: Yolanda Hart reported.
e-Scrip Program – register your Dominicks Fresh Values Card and 4% of your purchases will go back to WB/GG.
Script Gift Card Fundraiser – will start in October. More details to come.

Principal’s Report: Merryl Brownlow reported.
• Enrollment: 3rd – 182, 4th – 135, 5th – 125, NSSED – 8 Total = 450
• Staff – 15 new staff members which includes associates.
• Student Recognition System – Positive feedback received from the Climate Committees implantation of the student recognition program at GG. Students seem to be more aware of the Pillars of Character Counts and are responding positively to the Great Gator slips.
• Spirit Days – students encouraged to wear school colors or Gatorwear on Fridays.
• Student Council – reps are being elected and meetings will be held on Mondays, beginning on September 23rd.
• Chorus – starts next week. 57 3rd graders have signed up.
• Orchestra & Band – contact Cindy Warren or David Hoppe with any questions.
• Field Trips – 3rd graders are going to the Grove this week.
• NWEA Testing – finishing up this week. Results are used to plan for instruction.
• Data Days – half days set up for teachers to examine data from fall assessments and plan appropriate instruction.
• School Improvement Plan – major goals are:
1. Increase percentage of students meeting their growth targets on NWEA in the area of reading 70%.
2. Empower all students to develop ownership and responsibility for their own learning, with a building focus on the area of reading.
3. Foster an educational community that values diversity demonstrating respect for all and taking responsibility for our own actions.
• Book Badge Nights at Glenview Public Library – September 24 (Grades 4 and 5) and October 2 (grades 2 and 3) have been set aside for students to get a preview of the Book Badge program at the library. Hours are 6:30pm – 8:00pm.

Principal’s Report: Lori Hinton reported.
• Enrollment: K – 160, 1st – 172, 2nd – 188 Total = 520
• Staff – 8 new staff members.
• WB Rules for Good Citizenship – Five Rules for Good Citizenship:
1. Be Safe
2. Be Kind
3. Listen
4. Walk
5. Quiet Voices
Peace Corners created for students to use strategies for solving problems. It is a place where students go to “use their words” to work out problems.
• Picture Day – October 23rd.
• Curriculum Night – thank you to everyone who attended.
• International Bike/Walk to School Day October 3rd – everyone is invited to walk or bike to school either from their neighborhood or Flick Park. Also, when students exercise for 30 minutes, they can complete a raffle ticket to win stickers, helmets, etc.
• Pinwheels for Peace, Friday, September 21: International Peace Day – WB will take part in an international art and literacy project, Pinwheels for Peace. Students will be planting pinwheels with messages of peace outside the Learning Center rotunda.

Treasurer’s Report: Lori Samataro reported.
The checking balance is $76,532.73. The CD balance is $25,623.70. The CD matures on 9/23/07 and we will roll it over. The account balance is high because major expenses have not yet been paid out.
PTA approved the expenditure for the GG Walking Club.
PTA approved budget increase for Parents in Partnership.

Committee Reports:

-School Supplies: Thank you to Tina Plunkett and Tina Skoubis on a job well done.

-Wrapping Paper: Going smoothly.

-Fall Carnival: Food must be pre-ordered this year. There will be goldfish and two new events – Dunk Tank and Obstacle Course. Volunteers still needed.

-Health & Safety: National Walk to School Day is October 3rd. Students can earn raffles for walking and biking to school, participating in physical fitness and registering their bikes.

-Environmental: Grocery bag sales – orders are due by 9/28.

-Book Fair: Westbrook Book Fair will be the week of October 8th. There will be books for all ages.

-Market Days: Pick up is 9/26.

-Dinner Dance: Date is February 29th.

Other Business:
Amazing Minds: Adding 1 additional class due to demand. Classes start next week at Westbrook.

Partnership Walk – will take place at Millennium Park on October 14th. 100% of funds collected go to eliminate global poverty. Register at www.PartnershipWalk.org.

Rotary Fun Run – takes place this Sunday.

Dining for Dollars: Next event is Steak n’ Shake on October 16th

Meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Submitted by Mindy Schloss