3/18/08 School Board Meeting

Attendees:  Dennis Comella , Sherry Babey, Pete McManus, Denny Bruce, Stacey Hobbs,

            Jennifer Bode, Lucie Mohr, Mark Hollinden, Deana Padgett, Pam Huelsman, Kathy Stivers

Absent:  Ruth Ann Harmling

Opening Prayer:  Kathy Stivers

Closing Prayer:  Pam Huelsman

Old Business:  

• Covered February and March goal calendar.  

• Decided to move the March “update computer facilities” to computer items in February.  

• Looked at session dates for school board new people to attend.

• Pam Huelsman discussed other schools admission policies and how they were similar or different from St. Gabriel’s.  The decision would be implemented to accept students from other parishes that didn’t have any school affiliate.  All new students would be on a probationary period for three months.  Final acceptance would be at the discretion of school administration.  In the future, special needs students will be  considered based on percentage per classroom in accordance with archdiocese.  In addition, the removal of #6 in handbook, which states, “accept non Catholic students on a tuition basis”.

Faculty Update:  Dennis Comella

• 3^rd Quarter reports cards and conferences have been held.

• Catholic Identity with 2^nd graders beginning 1^st communion, 7^th graders prepping for confirmation and service criteria.  Holy Week beginning Thursday and Friday in Church with special masses.

• 3^rd, 5^th, 7^th grade finished Terra Nova Testing.  The cafeteria served breakfast before school during the testing window.

• Cathy Balbach-art teacher selected to present in New Orleans at a National Art Education Association Conference

• Young Authors: several winners went on to regional judging.

• 8^th graders Governors Cup at state had 6 participating, which is the most ever from St. Gabriel.

• Spelling and Geography Bee has had 6^th graders representing St. Gabriel.  

• Walkathon gearing up to begin soon.

Principal Update:  Pam Hueslman

• Delayed Schedules/Emergency Closings:  working with archdiocese on changing all grade schools to be the same as high schools for a 2 hour delayed schedule instead of individual school policy

• Handbook:  minor changes and wordings addressed.  No major changes to be addresses.  Pam will email copy to board prior to the book going to the printers in May to look over. 

• Extra Conference Day added this year by archdiocese.  Discussion by board on when and what time this will occur.  Decided on April 16^th from 3-6 pm as needed by teacher and parent.  April 18^th is deadline for parents to be informed their child is failing for the school year.  St. Gabriel will not offer summer school and other schools fill up fast. 

• The last day of school this year is May 21^st, with the 8^th graders last day on the 15^th, a Brunch with parents on May 16^th, and graduation to be held on May 20^th.

• 08/09 Calendar distributed with conference days of October 9^th, March 5 and April 24^th.

• The new doors in the cafeteria and kindergarten wing to be done shortly.

• Bus Subsidy-final vote in state legislature upcoming for private school funding for buses.

• New Hires:  3^rd grade:  Jenee Chamberlain taking Lisa Rohleder’s position; Ashley Weiland staying home and Beth Macaluso taking her position in kindergarten.

• “Did You Know” see website for early dismissal due to inclimate weather when phones are busy.

• Media:  Next year a teacher will be assigned to submit articles for local newspapers.

Open Discussion:

• Stacey Hobbs-outside parent from St. Patrick complimented St. Gabriel on their technology.  Multiple visitors to school are impressed with St. Gabriel Technology.  Frequently sited as a key reason for them to consider our school for their children.

Action Items:

•  Change Pete McManus email to:  Shamrok77@bellsouth.net  and Deana Padgett’s email to: keatd@bellsouth.net 

• Business Manager to speak about budget.

• All schools: design a logo on uniforms that would immediately identify us at St.Gabriel

• Uniform breaks being reduced for next year; think of incentives to keep kids active in boxtops, skating etc.

Next Meeting:  April 22^nd-6:00 pm

Opening Prayer:  Denny Bruce

Closing Prayer:  Mark Hollinden

St. Gabriel School Board - January, 2008

Attendees:  Pete McManus, Mark Hollinden, Deana Padgett, Stacey Hobbs, Lucie Mohr, Denny Bruce,
                        Jennifer Bode, Dennis Comella, Sherry Babey, Pam Huelsman, Kathy Stivers
Absent:  Ruth Ann Harmling

Old Business: 

• Deana Padgett updated the board on attending the recent faculty meeting. Teachers seemed to be receptive about board members attending and sharing ideas.  January 17th faculty meeting Mark Hollinden will try to attend if he is not out of town with business.
• Pete McManus gave an update from the Stewardship Committee and they said that you do not have to have a child enrolled at St. Gabriel in order to serve on the school board.
• Kathy Stivers reported on the Terra Nova Achievement Tests for the school.  Overall, St. Gabriel looks very good compared with the national standards.  Pam Hueslman also stated that all Catholic schools are considering testing grades 1-7 in the future.  Currently only grades 3, 5, and 7 are tested.
• Pam Huelsman talked with Father John about the admission policy.  He has asked the school board to come up with one that he will look over.
• Sherry Babey presented the updated copy of the yearly goals month by month of the school board.

Faculty Update:  Dennis Comella

• Reconciliation for 2nd graders will be January 20th and the children have been preparing for it.
• PTSO is sponsoring the first Father/Daughter Dance on January 12th.
• School is preparing for the Catholic Schools Week January 28-February 1.
• Young Authors Story Writing Contest sponsored by the Courier Journal has begun.
• Students are also preparing for the Geography Bee and the Spelling Bee.
• Quick Recall Teams have started for 5&6 and 7&8 graders.
• Governors Cup Academic Matches will be at St. Gabriel starting on January 26th.

Principal Update:  Pam Hueslman
                       

• 3rd grade bathroom area torn up over Christmas break and the floor is almost completed Kindergarten bathrooms will also now be updated starting in June.  Keyless entry has been discussed and new doors put on classrooms. 
• 32 principals will be using a E-walk device at St. Gabriel to monitor teachers with two minute observations.  It plugs into a computer and downloads information immediately to teacher about comments seen during walk thru, individual instruction, group work. etc.  It can help with goal setting, professional growth and instructional techniques.
• Staff Changes:  Barbara Dunaway is leaving to find a part time job.  Tammy Goodlett will take Barbara Dunaway’s  secretaries job in the front office.  Kim Boyd and family will be relocating to Florida and Lisa Rholeader will be taking Kim Boyd’s 2nd grade.  Susan Hart may retire at the end of the year.
• There has been progress between timely reports to the Archdiocese from the Cafeteria.  Some Cafeteria Survey response items that have been implemented include playing music during lunchtime and placing cups by the cashier to use to fill with water.
• Asked to support GIFT-a business tax credit for schools from the state that is being sent out to parents.

Open Discussion: 

• Pete McManus addressed the board about straying off topic too much during meetings and asked us to be more focused.

Action Items for next meeting:
                       

• Sherry Babey to present updated monthly goal calendar with changes made.
• Pam Huelsman will check with business manager about attending board meeting in March.
• Mark Hollinden will follow up with Bruce Nord with Terra Nova tracking of grades 3, 5, 7.
• Pam Huelsman will review  other schools admission policies and update the board.
                         

Closing Prayer:  Kathy Stivers

Meeting Adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

St. Gabriel School Board - November 13, 2007

In Attendance:

• Pam Huelsman                                             

• Pete McManus                         

• Kathy Stivers                                               

• Stacey Hobbs       

• Dennis Comella                                            

• Lucie Mohr 

• Mark Hollinden                                             

• Sherry Babey

• Ruth Anne Harmeling                                    

• Jennifer Bode

Opening Prayer:  Stacey Hobbs

Chairperson Comments – Mark Hollinden

• Discussion of homework policies.

Old Business:

• Registration Night – We will no longer have a registration night.  Parents will pick up packets earlier in the summer and return the completed forms to the School Office.  Open House will be a time to meet the teachers and see the classrooms.

• The Board would like for one of its incoming members this spring to not be a parent of a student at St. Gabriel.  Pete McManus will talk with Father John and the Stewardship Committee regarding this and report back.

• The remodel on the restrooms located near the 3^rd grade classrooms will begin over Christmas Break.

• We are still looking for a new project for the Board.  One possibility is an Alumnae Directory.  This will be this month’s Did You Know.

New Business:

• St. Gabriel School ’s admissions policy was discussed and new wording was suggested.

• The picking up of students from after school activities was discussed.  Students will now be dismissed in the same manner as they are when school is out.  They will be picked up in the car pool line area.

Faculty Update – Dennis Comella

• The computer lab now has 15 mobile, wireless laptops that can go to any classroom.

• Sixth grade Quick Recall won the city championship.

• Second grade continues to work toward their First Communion. 

• Professional Development – The teachers are observing one another in their classrooms.

Principal Update – Pam Huelsman

• Centralizing the cafeterias – The Archdiocese will get contracts and all Catholic schools will have the same lunch.  The goal is to start this in January.

• The Wellness Policy – healthy snacks will come back into effect with new guidelines for accreditation.  This should take place in the next year.  Also a new binder will come out in the spring regarding blood born pathogens.

• Julie Adams will attend a future Faculty Meeting to talk about food allergies.  We have a considerable number of students who only eat peanut butter for lunch; therefore going nut free would pose a problem.  All teachers are trained in how to use an epi pen.  Gordon Food Service provides most of the food to the Archdiocese and they provide a full list of ingredients for their products on their web site.

Action Items:

• Deana will report on the Faculty Meeting she attended.

• Mark will send an updated copy of the goals to Sherry.

• Pete will talk with Father John and the Stewardship Committee regarding having a non parent on the School Board next year.

• Ruth Anne will get Margaret the new Did You Know.

• Lucie will try and attend the next Faculty Meeting.

• Kathy will review the Terra Nova tests.

• Pam will speak with Father John about the admissions policy.

The next meeting will be on January 8, in the Teacher’s Lounge at 6:00 P.M.

St. Gabriel School Board : September 14, 2007

In Attendance:

• Pam Huelsman                                            

• Pete McManus                         

• Kathy Stivers                                               

• Stacey Hobbs       

• Dennis Comella                                            

• Lucie Mohr 

• Mark Hollinden                                            

• Denny Bruce        

• Ruth Anne Harmeling                                   

• Deana Padgett      

• Sherry Babey                                                        

• Jennifer Bode

Opening Prayer:  Mark Hollinden

School Board members introduced themselves.

Chairperson Comments – Mark Hollinden

• M ark attended a School Board workshop.  He gave a report of the ideas presented in the workshop.

• All School Board members were asked to talk with parents and see what they would like to see from the School Board.

Old Business:

• Review of School Board goals.

• Discussion of Online Registration – Not ready yet but hopefully there will be changes made for next school year.

• Review of School Board Goal Statement-Calendar for the month of September.  Some items moved.  Sherry Babey will provide all members with an updated calendar next month.

New Business:

• School Board member(s) will begin attending Faculty meetings in order to get a better understanding of the needs of the school.

Faculty Update – Dennis Comella

• The theme for this year is “Serving God’s people yesterday, today and tomorrow.

•  Kindergarten will have grandparents in for lunch this month.

• SHINE program will reward students with high scores on the Terra Nova tests.  These students will be able to visit with St. Michael’s, St. Edward’s and St. Martha’s campuses for enrichment.

• Students will participate in the Nickel Wars this month.

• All rooms have audio enhancements.  Every classroom now has a projector and many have Smart Boards.

• Pinwheels for Peace - On Friday, September 22, all students will the pinwheels they have made in art on the front lawn.  This event will be emailed to the Courier Journal and The Record.

Principal Update – Pam Huelsman

• St. Gabriel has implemented a new 3 year plan for technology.  At the end of this period all classrooms will be equipped with Smart Boards.

• Mrs. Rastocny (4^th Grade) will be receiving her Master Catechist.  Three quarters of the faculty have already received this honor.

• In December construction will begin on the 3^rd grade bathrooms. 

• Becky Romero is the new Resource teacher.  She will be working with students and teachers.

Action Items:

• School Board will talk with parents regarding what they would like regarding Open House Night and Registration Night.  Come to the next meeting with written ideas please.

• We need to come up with a project for the year.

The next meeting will be on November 13 in the Teacher’s Lounge at 6:00 P.M.

School Board: May 15, 2007

  Opening Prayer:  All

  Chairperson Comments:  Mark Hollinden

• Quick Synopsis of what we decided on the Handbook for absent members absent in April.

• Continue updating the roster with members absent in April.

• Check with Liesa Speer to get a list of all who have taken the School Board Class.  Ask Janey for the sign up sheets for anyone who was interested in being on the Board.

• Review 2006-2007 accomplishments.

• Set goals for 2007-2008.

Action Items/Old Business 

• Pam – Check with Father John regarding sending out a welcome letter to everyone who buys a home in the area.

New Business:

• Faculty Update:  Dennis Comella

• Principal Update:  Pam Huelsman

• Open Discussion

Closing Prayer:  All

School Board: April 17, 2007

In Attendance:                                                       Not In Attendance:

Kathy Stivers                                                         Judy Stacy

Dennis Comella                                                     Denny Bruce

Mark Hollinden                                                      Deanna Padgett

Ruth Anne Harmeling                                             Pam Huelsman

Sherry Babey                                                         Julie Dosch

Jennifer Bode

Sandy Bradley

Opening Prayer:  Kathy Stivers

Guest Speaker – Lisa Leister, Business Manager, St. Gabriel

• Tuition letters were mailed out today.  Tuition has increased 1.3%; however, you will still get a 5% discount if you pay the tuition in full.

• A new Resource Teacher has been approved.

• Gilkey Windows will be replacing all of the windows in the old building.

• The next project is to completely renovate the bathrooms in the old building.  The bathrooms in the gym and church will be updated not completely renovated

Chairperson – Mark Hollinden

·        A roster was passed around to update the School Board members.

 Vice Principal Update – Kathy Stivers

• Magic Graphics will be printing 2000 copies of the new school brochure for $499.00.

• We will be composing a letter to St. Francis Xavier, In Mt. Washington, asking them to put our brochures in their “Welcome Baskets.”

• The PTSO, along with Kathy and Pam are working on an article for the Neighborhoods section of the Courier Journal on the Derby Parade at St. Gabriel.

• St. Gabriel received a call from another school wanting to visit and observe our teachers using our new technology.

• Brief Handbook discussion.

• Faculty Update – Dennis Comella

• The last day of school will be May 23, with an 11:00 dismissal.  

• On May 24 all parents should come in and get their children’s report cards between 8 – 11 AM .

• Pam is attending the Ageon awards banquet tonight.  Six teachers from St. Gabriel were awarded grants this year. 

•  The Second Graders are getting ready to have their First Communion.

Closing Prayer - All

School Board: January, 2007

January 9, 2007

Attendees:

• Mark Hollinden                        

•  Jennifer Bode

• Dennis Comella                         

• Sandy Bradley

• Julie Dosch                               

• Deanna Padgett

• Pam Huelsman                          

• Judy Stacy

• Kathy Stivers                            

• Denny Bruce

• Ruth Anne Harmeling

  Opening Prayer – Pam Huelsman

  Old Business:

• Replacing Video Taping in the Classroom – Sheryl Kremer was present to discuss some of the obstacles to replacing the system we use.  Due to technology, storage, training, budget, etc., there is no easy solution.  One idea would be to have one digital camera for each grade and have the teachers take still pictures during the year and then compile them onto one DVD to be given to each child in their own grade.  Mrs. Huelsman will take this idea to the next faculty meeting to see how the teachers woul d feel about taking on a project like this.

• Three drafts of the St. Gabriel brochure were passed out and a layout was chosen.  We have a printing price of $881 for 1,000 copies.  That price includes folding which we do not need.

New Business:

• January items on the Goal Statement – Calendar were read and discussed.

Faculty Update – Dennis Comella

• Report Cards went home yesterday.  The current grading period will go until the Student Conferences in March.

• Parent Open House for Catholic School Week will be Wednesday, January 31.

• The Second Grade is preparing for Reconciliation.

• The Fifth Grade is getting ready for Vocation Awareness Week

Principal Update – Pam Huelsman

• St. Gabriel has been chosen to have Mass for the Archdiocese for Catholic School Week.  Archbishop Kelly will be here to conduct the Mass.   A reception in his honor will be in the Loft following the Mass.

• Letters of Intent have been given to all Teachers.  

• St. Gabriel will continue to have 175 day school year.

“Did You  Know” for January:

• Archbishop Kelly will be at St. Gabriel to celebrate Catholic School Week on Tuesday, January 30.  Representatives from all Catholic Schools will attend.   This year’s theme is “Come Hear the Good News of Catholic Schools.”

Action Items:

• Pam will check with the faculty regarding replacing the video taping with digital cameras.

• Kathy and Denny will get more quotes for the brochures.

• All members need to think about what they would like out next project to be when the brochures are finished.

• We will do a walk through of the school building to look for physical improvements that need to be made.

Open Discussion:

• Should we continue to have a meeting in December?

Next Meeting – February 13, 2007

Opening Prayer – Sandy Bradley

Closing Prayer – Denny Bruce

School Board: December, 2006

December 5, 2006

Attendees:

• Mark Hollinden

• Dennis Comella

• Sherry Babey

• Pam Huelsman

• Kathy Stivers

• Ruth Anne Harmeling

  Opening Prayer – Pam Huelsman

  Principal – Pam Huelsman

• Rough Draft of the new school brochure was passed out.  Discussion followed and a few changes were made.  After new tweaks are made, next step will be to look into funding.
• Safety Newsletter was passed out for proofreading and approval.  It will be sent home with students on 12/6/06.  This month’s “did you know” will include the opening two sentences of the newsletter and close with “A letter outlining procedures has been sent home with the students.”  Ruth Anne will see that it gets in the bulletin.  Also the date of our next meeting will go under the “DYK” section and will be added to the Parish Calendar.

Old Business:

• Updated by laws were discussed and further corrections were made.  Sherry will type them up and email them to the Board.
• An idea was read regarding what can be done to keep the video taping of the students.  Idea was given to Pam to discuss further and see if this is feasible.

  New Business:

• A new enrollment was discussed.
• Before each meeting going forward the Secretary will send out a reminder of the meeting. 
• Cafeteria received 100% score on recent inspection.

  Faculty Update – Dennis Comella

• Christmas break will end this grading period.
• Terre Nova tests are being looked at and reviewed to be sure all areas being tested are currently being covered.

Action Items:

• Discuss pricing of new brochure and assign someone to look into this.
• Sandy will update us on a Taste of St. Gabriel.
• Pam will follow up on the video idea.
• Judy will forward new calendar and goal statement and remind everyone one week prior to the meeting.
• Sherry will update the by laws and send out the copies by email.

  Next Meeting – January 9, 2007

Opening Prayer – Pam Huelsman

Closing Prayer – Kathy Stivers

  Closing Prayer – Mark Hollenden

  Meeting ended with a tour of the school and a stop in the office to see how the new security system works and what it is capable of.

School Board: November, 2006

Detective Dan Jackman spoke to grades 5-8 
regarding Internet Safety

All members present watched the new “Virtual Tour” video in the Computer Lab.

New Board Member Sherry Babey introduced herself.

Mark invited Joe Bradshaw, a realtor, to give us his thoughts on marketing the school through local realtors.  He suggested we use the following groups to distribute our brochures.

• The Board of Realtors

• Fern Creek Chamber of Commerce

• Highview Ministries

• He also recommended adding Sports photos to draw in parents who are sports minded, and to show that we have a well rounded school.  

• He also felt the background color of the brochure was too plain and recommended using school colors instead.

Mrs. Huelsman brought up that we should be cautious with what we say in the brochure.  

• We need to be careful with regards to students with special needs and behavior needs.  

• Also it is necessary for the family to join the Parish for the children to be able to attend the school, with the exception of Mt. Washington which does not have a school.  

• Also we don’t want to encroach on another Parish’s territory.  Our main focus will be in Fern Creek, Jeffersontown and Mt.  Washington.

Old Business:

• Mrs. Stivers has put current brochures in the back of the Church. Mrs. Stivers shared baptism numbers for those entering Kindergarten next year.

• Alumnae Update:  Judy received an email from Todd.  And he does not have time to devote to this project.  We will table it for now until we have finished our marketing project.  Then we will look into making it our second project.

• By Laws:  The By Laws were read and  Article 3, Section 3 - C, the   opening sentence will be updated to read, “To fill a vacancy on the Board the Chairperson or Pastor shall appoint a replacement from the previous year’s eligible candidate.

• Article 4, Section 1 – B, Number 4, the position of Sergeant-at-Arms has been eliminated.  And Article 4, Section 1 – F, which lists the duties of the office has been eliminated also.

New Business:

• New Welcome page is up and running on the web site.

• Parental concern regarding why girls cannot have more than one piercing in their ears was raised.  The rationale seems to be one earring is tasteful and two leads to three, etc. 

• Second concern was raised regarding when it is appropriate to wear skorts/scooters.  Since skorts are really shorts from the back they can be worn when shorts may be worn.  Uniform discussion will take place again in March.

• Video taping of the children is not going to be possible much longer due to advancing technology and the fact that we can’t keep up with the changes.  It is a neat thing and we hate to let it go.  Judy will contact Video Kitchen and see if they have any options they could suggest.

• School Board will begin this month putting a “Did you know” blurb in the bulletin each month.  November’s blurb will be “Did you know that the School Board is redesigning the tri-fold marketing brochure we currently use for prospective families, which highlights our school’s strengths.  Ruth Anne will contact Margaret in the office and get it in the bulletin.  It will be accompanied by clip art featuring a school house to let everyone know it is from the School Board.  December’s blurb will focus on school security.  This will be accompanied by a letter going home with students regarding security precautions taken at school.

• A walking tour of the school will take place at the next Board meeting and will be added to the December Goals Calendar.

Dennis:

• Det. Jackman was here to speak with the students about Internet Safety.

• We had two teams in the Toy Bowl.  The 5 and 6 Grades, who did not win their games and the 7 and 8 Grades, who did win and were in the Courier Journal.

• Food drive going on now will extend through Christmas.  The winners will get a Movie and Popcorn day from Mrs. Huelsman.

• The Tolerance theme is ongoing with an emphasis on “Do the right thing.”  Nest Tuesday is a “mix it up” lunch day, where the students will sit next to someone new.

• 8^th Grade just had their Prayer Day in preparation for their Confirmation which will be the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

•   Preliminary work on the Christmas program is about to begin.

•   All teachers have been asked to observe another teacher, preferably not in the same grade or teaching the same subject.  Faculty is doing this now and hoping to gain a different perspective and get some new ideas.

Pam

• Right to Life group has given special recognition to St. Gabriel for having such a high number of participants in their walk.

• The new cameras were mentioned in the on-line newsletter.  The next goal is to have the gym monitored.

• The students had a nice retreat for the Prayer Day.  Students were asked to write down their reactions for the day and made an action statement regarding what they had learned.

• Mrs. Huelsman is asking all teachers to put cursive back into the curriculum due to poor handwriting of the students.  From 4^th Grade up all homework will be required to be done in cursive.

• Terre Nova tests are changing based on the practice tests the students just took.  They were not fill in the circle but questions to analyze with handwritten answers.

Action Items:

•   Ruth Anne will take care of getting the “Did you know” into the bulletin.

•   Sherry will update the By Laws.

•   Pam will follow up on the sports pictures and hopes to have a rough draft of the brochure to review by next month.

•   Judy will look into technology options and forward the new goals calendar to everyone.

  Next meeting will be December 5 and Pam will have the opening Prayer and Mark the closing Prayer.

School Board: September 19, 2006

Cheerleaders hold the theme for the 2006-2007 school year

  Attendees:

• Dennis Comella   
• Denny Bruce
• Pam Huelsman    
• Jennifer Bode      
• Julie Dosch
• Kathy Stivers       
• Sandy Bradley    
• Ruth Anne Harmeling   
• Mark Hollinden
• Deanna Padgett
• Judy Stacy

  Opening Prayer-Judy Stacy

  Chairperson Comments-Mark Hollinden

• Stacy Fallahay will no longer be able to attend school board meetings. Action Item: Mark Hollinden will start the process to fill her vacancy.
• Discussion regarding page 19 of the school handbook and uniform code. Uniform code is always re-visited in March with the handbook overall review.
• Discussion concerning social opportunities for the 7^th and 8^th graders.
• It needs to be communicated better where fundraiser monies are allocated.  Action item: Pam Huelsman to speak with Lisa Leister regarding the various proceeds from Target, Meijer, and other fundraisers to report back to the group.
• Mark would like to see ideas around a St. Gabriel “Marketing” plan. Action item: Denny Bruce will see about printing quotes for pamphlets.
• Action item: Judy Stacy will touch base with Todd Metzmeier regarding any new info he has about the Alumnae News.
• Mark would also like to see a list of Yearly school Board accomplishments that we could pass on to the incoming School Board each year.

Old Business

• Re-introduction of members for school year 2006-2007

New Business

• Review Goal Calendar for school year 2006-2007

Faculty Update- Dennis Comella

• New 6^th grade language arts teacher-Sr. Sharon Blanco
• Kris Autry and Carrie Early are sharing duties of full-time Spanish teacher.
• Bev Forst is now resource teacher.
• 2006-2007 School Year Theme “Tolerance-Doing the right thing in the real world.” This theme works hand-in-hand with the peace builder activities.
• Pinwheels for Peace
• At every school mass the children are asked to bring in an offertory piece of paper stating what they have done or will do over the next week (stewardship). Collages of these stewardship examples will be placed all over the school.

Principal Update- Pam Huelsman

• This year we are trying to mirror the school masses very close to the Sunday Liturgy. The teacher that plans the mass keeps the Chalice in her classroom that week.
• We will have 2 collections/donations:
  • Food collection before and after Thanksgiving. (School-wide, Highview Ministries)
  • Each classroom “adopted” senior citizen/shut ins/those in need. The children contact them with cards etc and invite them to visit the classroom. 
• Expectation is for all teachers to achieve Master Catechist designation.
  • Theresa Owens-Blake and Pam Huelsman just received this designation)
• New wellness policy allows for more healthy snacks limiting the “sweet snacks” to one day a month such as a party day.
• Technology - 9 classroom sound systems are being ordered and installed with teacher microphones.
• PowerSchool updates were installed this Friday.
• Registration on-line is still on the horizon. More updates to come.
• Two video cameras at entrance are  on and working 24 hrs a day. Taped surveillance.
• Kathy Stivers and Pam Huelsman attended a 2 day seminar-“Catholic Schools Enrollment Solutions”

Open Discussion

• Terra-Nova info is looked at for re-evaluation of curriculum on an ongoing basis.
• Teachers are involved in the Archdiocese of Louisville Curriculum review. 
• Dennis Comella will add Terra Nova update to his February monthly faculty update for school board members.
• Next meeting is scheduled for October 10, 2006 from 6-8 p.m. in the faculty lounge.
• Sandy Bradley and Dennis Comella have opening and closing prayers for the October meeting.

Closing Prayer-Pam Huelsman

School Board: June, 2006

Meeting Minutes : June 13, 2006

Attendees: Jennifer Bode, Denny Bruce, Todd Coke, Ruth Anne Harmeling, Pam Huelsman, Mark Hollinden, Todd Metzmeier, Deanna Padgett, Judy Stacy, Kathy Stivers

Absent: Sandy Bradley, Julie Dosch, Stacy Fallahay, Shelly Mirus

Opening Prayer

Welcome to all new School Board Members.

Each School Board member introduced themselves and welcomed the new members.

Old Business

New Business

• Chairperson Comments-Todd Metzmeier

Todd welcomed the new school board members and thanked all members for a great 3 years on the board. This is the last meeting for Shelly Mirus, Todd Coke and Todd Metzmeier as their terms are expiring. We thank them all for their service over the last few years and especially thank Todd Metzmeier for his leadership in the position of Chairperson this past school year.

School Board for 2006-2007 School Year is:

• Fr. John Stoltz

• Pam Huelsman

• Kathy Stivers

• Dennis Comella

• Mark Hollinden

• Jennifer Bode

• Judy Stacy

• Sandy Bradley

• Julie Dosch

• Denny Bruce

• Stacy Fallahay

• Ruth Anne Harmeling

• Deanna Padgett

We discussed the ongoing Alumnae discussion. Everyone thinks it is a good idea to try to get together an Alumnae database for St. Gabriel. Todd Metzmeier volunteered to spearhead this effort. He will call Kim Corbett (Picnic Committee) and see if there is any room for an alumnae booth at this year’s picnic. Alumnae could sign up and give their current contact info to get the rolls started for this project. 

• Review Goal Calendar

June

• Review By-laws- (Move to October)

• Plan/evaluation of plan to maintain building and grounds (duplicate of a December task)

• Provide opportunities for students to participate in community service programs (list of service projects completed by grade this year is posted on the web page.)

• Provide more religious experiences for parents and students.

• Archdiocesan professional development opportunities (available professional development booklet passed around for review/ ongoing catechist training.)

• Continue to evaluate need for Development Director to work with marketing and fundraising (Pam to review)

• Work with Development Director to create a program for planned giving (position not created yet)

• Explore/study other opportunities for use of facilities (move to November)

• Provide textbooks, instructional videos, and other materials for each student that will teach the traditions and doctrine of our faith. (adoption year specific)

• To monitor the size of the endowment and to investigate the proper use of the endowment (finance committee)

• Establish job description for development director. (position not currently approved)

• Establish an Alumni list (Todd Metzmeier has agreed to be the point person for the Alumni list. He will try to get space at this year’s picnic to get information/ will also explore possibility of signing up on the web)  

Action Item: Mark Hollinden will contact John Duce asap to see if the goal calendar (2002 is last revised date) is available electronically for update. If not we will re-type. Either way, we will start the new School Year with a clean copy.

• Faculty Update- Dennis Comella

May 24^th was 8^th grade graduation.

Teachers are working on their professional development/ in-service this summer.

Summer school is in session this week.

Vacation Bible School is the week of June 19^th.

Wednesday August 9^th is registration and faculty meeting.  

• Principal Update- Pam Huelsman

Remodel of the conference room and sick room are complete. Thank you to the Wednesday crew and all who helped.

Would like for all teachers to become Master Catechists, and not just those who teach religion.

Also would like to have a Liturgical expert.

New for school year 2006-2007 each child will be asked to write down a service they will do that is related to the weeks scriptures and will be put in collection basket at school masses. Best may be published in the bulletin.

• Current issues

Elect new officers for School Year 2006-2007.

Chairperson-Mark Hollinden

Vice- Chairperson-Jennifer Bode

Secretary- Judy Stacy

Sergeant-at-Arms –Sandy Bradley

  Schedule meetings for 2006-2007 School Year.

• September 19, 2006

• October 10, 2006

• November 14, 2006

• December 12, 2006

• January 9, 2006

• February 13, 2006

• March 13, 2006

• April 17, 2006

• May 15, 2006

• June 12, 2006

Open Discussion

  Closing Prayer

Next meeting is September 19^th 6-8pm in faculty lounge.

School Board: May, 2006

Meeting Minutes: May 15, 2006

Attendees: Sandy Bradley, Dennis Comella, Julie Dosch, Mark Hollinden, Pam Huelsman, Todd Metzmeier, Judy Stacy, Kathy Stivers

Absent: Jennifer Bode, Todd Coke, Stacy Fallahay, Shelly Mirus, Fr. John Stoltz

Opening Prayer

Old Business

• Fr. John trained 5^th graders to serve last week.

 New Business

• Chairperson Comments-Todd Metzmeier

• Sunday May 14^th was selection Sunday. Three new School Board members were selected. The new members for are Denny Bruce, Ruth Anne Harmling and Deanna Padgett. They will replace the members whose term is expiring, Todd Coke, Todd Metzmeier, and Shelly Mirus. Todd M. will call all of the new members and invite them to the June meeting. At the June meeting we will elect officers for the 2006-2007 school year and introduce new members.

• Todd also mentioned that the Da Vinci Code movie is coming out this week and brought it to Ms. Huelsman’s attention for the sake of discussion at Jr. High level,

• Review Goal Calendar

• Student Handbook review- The handbook is reviewed by faculty/staff as well as School Board. Minor changes include update of current lunch prices and deletion of other parish school names in SHINE section due to merger.

• Self evaluation of school board-Review of meeting notes and goal calendar accomplishes this.

• Materials for full-day kindergarten and pre-school programs- Previous years initiative for faculty and administration.

• Increased materials and staff for special needs-Success makers program, chairlift, 19 audio systems. 

• Examine, evaluate and revise the scope and sequence of the religion curriculum/review evaluate and purchase materials to support the religious curriculum- New editions of the same series of book will be used next year. New edition has better material.

• Increased materials and staff for full day K and pre-K programs- previous years initiative for faculty and administration. 

Faculty Update- Dennis Comella

• Walk-a-thon was a huge success collecting approximately 18,500 this year. Awards day for Walk-a-thon is this Friday

• Eighth graders went on their class trip to Washington D.C. last week. Awards day for them is Friday and Graduation is Tuesday at 7pm. 

• Seventh grade is getting ready to go on retreat to Mt. St. Joseph’s.

• Student Council elections are this week.

• Next week is the awards ceremony for the end of school year 2005-2006.

• Closing school mass next Thursday. Spirit of St. Gabriel award will be given out.

• New Leopards meeting this week is for those families that will be new to the school for school year 2006-2007.

 Principal Update- Pam Huelsman

• Open House will be earlier this year. Pam is working with rest of administration to update process for advising parents of children with excessive tardiness and absenteeism. 

• Faculty changes for next school year are minor. Laura Pohlman will be leaving to accept a position at DeSales. Bev Forst will take over Laura’s role. Sr. Sharon Marie Blanc will fill Bev Forst’s teaching position. Kris Autry will go part-time (Spanish teacher) and Carrie Early will also teach Spanish part-time.

• Ms. Huelsman will see about a member of student council coming to the next school board meeting.

• Next year students will be asked to write down an act of kindness/act of goodness that they will perform each week which is relevant to the gospel of the week. They will be collected at school masses.

Current issues

• Action item- Everyone is asked to bring their copies of the School Board Goal statement Calendar to be updated for next school year. 

Open Discussion

Closing Prayer

Next meeting is June 13^th from 6-8 in the faculty lounge.

School Board: April, 2006

Meeting Notes:  April 11, 2006

Attendees: Jennifer Bode, Sandy Bradley, Todd Coke, Dennis Comella, Mark Hollinden, Pam Huelsman, Todd Metzmeier, Judy Stacy, Kathy Stivers, Fr. John Stoltz.

Absent: Julie Dosch, Stacy Fallahay, Shelly Mirus.

Opening Prayer- Todd Metzmeier

Old Business

New Business

• General comments from Fr. John Stoltz.

• Responses to the Archdiocese surveys were submitted. Currently they are looking at how to deal with the shortage of clergy. Catholicism is growing while clergy is declining.

•  The new regional school which merged the schools formerly known as St. Bartholomew, St. Barnabas and St. Pius will be named John Paul II Academy and currently projects an enrollment of 584.

Chairperson Comments-Todd Metzmeier

• Review Goal Calendar-April

• Budget published in bulletin- (This is taken care of by Finance Committee administration) Parish Council is going to review budget at tonight’s meeting and it is mailed to parishioners.

• Use parent/student surveys to evaluate programs (Student surveys were reviewed last year for accreditation which takes place every 5 yrs.)

• Curriculum implementation in Fall and update per Archdiocesan guidelines in Spring/Summer (Pam Huelsman and Kathy Stivers are working on the textbook adoption for 2006-2007. It will include Language Arts, English, Phonics, and Spelling textbooks.

• Respond to Staff and Administration input ( Pam Huelsman does this on an ongoing basis thru staff meetings.)

• Action Item: May’s Goal Calendar includes a review of the School Handbook. Everyone is asked to review this prior to the May meeting and bring comments to the meeting. Teachers will also be reviewing.  

Faculty Update- Dennis Comella

• On April 11^th Aegon awards were presented to Theresa Blake, Mary Flynn, Susan Hart, Jennifer Miller and Cindy Wincek.

• Between 2000-3000 canned goods were collected for the service project and sent to Edmonton, KY.

• Thursday will be the Seder meal; Friday will be Good Friday Service.

• Second Graders will make First Communion the two weekends following Easter.

• First week in May the school will have the annual Walk-A-Thon fundraiser.

• Eighth graders will go on their annual class trip to Washington, D.C.

• The Summer Bridge series books have been ordered.

• After school clubs available such as “Art Club” and “Spanish Club”.

• SHINE program is in its second session. Teachers will be teaching Rockets, Art, and Ancient Egypt etc.

Principal Update- Pam Huelsman

• Follow up discussion- “True cost of an Education”. A list of incidental school year expenses was submitted to Pam Huelsman for reference when a new family considers the overall cost of an education at St. Gabriel.

• Laura Pohlman will be leaving at end of school year. Kris Autry will be part-time next year and Pam will fill the part-time Spanish teacher position.

• Aegon awards are presented for creative ways to increase students’ knowledge. They are available for all Jefferson County elementary, middle and high schools. St. Gabriel is very proud to have 5 recipients this year.

• Update from Leisa Speer on the current legislation regarding public vs. private schools and their sports programs is still being voted on.

• The sick room will be moved from the front office to an actual room next year. A new conference room will also be available next year.

• Current enrollment for 2006-2007 school year is 749.

• Next year we will have 175 instructional days. Year after we will have 177 instructional days. A new general wellness and better nutritional policy is being looked at by the Archdiocese for all schools.

Current Issues

• Fr. John will schedule server training for 5^th graders and possibly 4^th graders by end of school year.

• We will have 3 outgoing School Board members this year; Todd Metzmeier, Todd Coke and Shelly Mirus.

• Selection Sunday will be on May 14^th.

• Todd Metzmeier called those people who showed interest in School Board on their Stewardship forms and most have already attended the School Board Workshop in previous years. The current workshop will be on Monday April 24^th at 7-8:30 in the Library.

Open Discussion

Closing Prayer – Jennifer Bode

The next School Board meeting date has been changed due to conflict with the Eighth grade class trip. The May meeting will be May 15, 2006 from 6-8 in the Faculty Lounge.

School Board: March, 2006

Meeting Minutes: March 14, 2006

Attendees: Jennifer Bode, Todd Coke, Dennis Comella, Julie Dosch, Mark Hollinden, Pam Huelsman, Todd Metzmeier, Shelly Mirus, Judy Stacy, Kathy Stivers

Absent: Sandy Bradley, Stacy Fallahay

Opening Prayer

Old Business

• Review minutes from 02/14/06- approved

• Reviewed process for posting School Board Meeting Minutes to the Website. The old process was to approve the previous month’s minutes at the following meeting prior to posting the notes on the website. This insured accuracy but was not very timely. Everyone agreed to implement a new process where notes are electronically distributed after the meeting and approved via e-mail. Once approved they will be sent directly to Sheryl Kremer to load to the website. This entire process should take no more than one week.

 New Business

 Chairperson Comments-Todd Metzmeier

• Review Goal Calendar

  • February

  • Develop a yearly budget plan

    • This was completed in mid-February. The big item this year is adopting new books for Language Arts, Phonics, Literature and Spelling.  

  • Provide more opportunities with Religious Orders

    • Fr. Jim has made several visits to classrooms and appointments are set for rest of the year for more interaction between students and Fr. Jim, Fr. John and Sr. Ruth Ann.

    • Additionally there is more visible space in the cafeteria etc. that has a religious theme.

    • Currently the children are participating in a protein food drive for a mission in Edmonton, KY.

  • Stewardship vs. Tuition

    • This was an old heading previous to the switch to tuition. Will be deleted.

• March

  • School Board Workshop

    • The School Board Workshop is scheduled for April 24^th from 7-8:30pm.

    •  Action item: Todd Metzmeier will make calls to each parishioner that marked School Board on their stewardship form.

    • It is required that a parishioner attend this workshop before they will be put on the list for selection Sunday.

  • Revisions to the long range plan in conjunction with the Parish Council and School Board

    • These were completed for the accreditation binder that was used last Spring for the site visit.

  • US Economy

    • This is an old heading that will be deleted.

    • We have looked at the issues involved in this under enrollment and baptismal records.

  • Update computer facilities

    • The computer facilities are on a schedule that updates our resources on an ongoing basis.

    • The technology fee that will be added to the book bill this year will also support this. 

  • Expanded Spanish Program

    • The Spanish program was expanded a couple years ago by adding a dedicated Spanish room (in Memorial Hall) and a full-time Spanish teacher.

  • Increase and update software and hardware

    • Our software and hardware is updated thru scheduled reviews.

    • The Power School system was put in place and is in it’s second year of use.  

Faculty Update- Dennis Comella

• PTS conferences were 2 weeks ago.

• Terra-Nova testing begins this week.

• Several activities are scheduled during this season of Lent.

  • Stations of the Cross are on Fridays, the protein food drive for the mission in Edmonton, KY , and reconciliation is scheduled for children in grades 3-8.

  • The children have also been working on a project where the classes “adopted” an RCIA candidate and have written letters/cards of support to them as they are on their journey of initiation that will be celebrated Easter weekend.

• The 7^th and 8^th graders that participate for the Governors Cup have tested in the local/regional middle school division.

• Spring Break coming up April 3-7.

• Last day of school is scheduled for May 25^th with 11am dismissal.

Principal Update- Pam Huelsman

• Pam handed out the tentative calendar for the School Year 2006-2007.

• The PTSO meeting last Thursday evening was very informative and successful. The subject was online safety for our youth and was presented by a detective in the crimes against children unit, a technology person and a counselor. They spoke about a lot of online issues including the dangers of sites such as myspace.com. Due to the unfavorable weather that night and other conflicts, it was suggested to repeat this at a future meeting since there seems to be a lot of interest. Pam will look into offering this type of meeting once a year possibly at the first or second PTSO meeting of the year.

• There is currently a proposal that would change the CSAA eligibility rules for High school that is being monitored by the Catholic School superintendents office as it is not very favorable. 

• The baby bottle fundraiser for the pregnancy resource center raised $3700.00.

• Fish Fry is occurring each Friday.

Current issues-None

Open Discussion-None

Closing Prayer- Dennis Comella

Next meeting is scheduled for April 11, 2006 6-8pm.

• Todd Metzmeier will have opening prayer.

• Jennifer Bode will have closing prayer.

School Board: February, 2006

Meeting Minutes: February 14, 2006

• Attendees: Jennifer Bode, Dennis Comella,  Stacy Fallahay, Pam Huelsman, Lisa Leister, Todd Metzmeier, Judy Stacy, Kathy Stivers.

• Absent: Sandy Bradley, Todd Coke, Julie Dosch, Mark Hollinden, Shelly Mirus

Opening Prayer –Pam Huelsman

Guest Speaker: Lisa Leister

• Budget process begins on Thursday.

• Each department (example: Men’s club, PTSO),  is responsible for their budgets as it pertains to their goals and needs.

• Fr. John and Lisa Leister work on the operating, overhead, salaries, tuition, and building budgets, as well as review the department budgets for approval.

• The Finance Committee then reviews and approves the budgets.

• Then it goes to Parish Council for a courtesy review.

• Tuition is part of this budget and new tuition rates will be finalized soon and announced.

• One change this year is the announcement that we will be going on a 10 month tuition cycle to replace the current 12 month tuition cycle. Fr. John is still reviewing this but it would allow the income for the school to follow the expenses cycle. It also would allow those families that have children in the eighth grade to finish paying tuition at the same time their child is graduating.

• There are other misc. incomes in the months of June and July as people catch up their stewardship and pre-pay tuition.  The pre-paid discount incentive is being looked at. Increasing this incentive may encourage more families to pre-pay. Those families who are going to pre-pay must do so prior to the due date or they will forfeit the pre-pay discount.

• Tuition agreement forms will be going home soon and must be returned. Last year several follow up calls were made to secure all of these forms. This year no calls will be made, a letter will be placed in the registration envelope advising that the family must see Fr. John or Lisa Leister to turn in the tuition agreement form prior to receiving the registration packet.

• This year each department is being asked to make a donation to the Capital Improvement Fund. Previously each department made a donation to the Building Fund but that will be paid off in November 2006 (or sooner). 

• New Co-Chairman of the Finance Committee will be announced this week.

• Mike McCarthy is stepping down as Co-chair and will continue on finance committee as well as head up the development committee. 

• Parish Council has a sub-committee that is reviewing the SCRIP program. Their current recommendation is not to credit any monies from the program back to individual family tuition accounts. Monies would go to the parish.

• The parking lot is in need of major repairs. Quotes are being reviewed and work is to begin when school lets out for the summer and completed before the picnic.

• Smaller gaming activities are being phased out such as Ham/Turkey fundraiser, Super bowl party fundraiser etc. We will concentrate on community building activities other than gaming. (Picnic and Bingo will not be affected)

Old Business

• Review minutes from 01/10/06- Minutes were approved with no changes.

New Business

• The Festival of Ministries was this past weekend. Thank you to all that volunteered at the School Board table.

Chairperson Comments-Todd Metzmeier

• Review Goal Calendar-Due to lack of attendance, we will review goal calendar at next meeting on March 14, 2006.

Faculty Update- Dennis Comella

• Catholic Schools Week was the last week in January and was a huge success.

• The children have been working on a project to collect donations in “baby bottles” for the Pregnancy Resource Center.

• Grading period ends next Friday with conferences in March.

• Aegon program grants are being written and submitted this time of year.

• Ash Wednesday the entire school will attend services and the Stations of the Cross will be on each Friday during lent. Children are working on Lenten promises. 

• Kindergarten recently had their “Love Mass”.