September 2018

NAPAGE

September 17, 2018

1:00 p.m. - Baierl Center

MEETING MINUTES


Welcome

Amy Franz welcomed everyone to the meeting including guests Dr. Joseph Sciullo, Director of Student Services, and Sheri Schlosser, Gifted Support Master Teacher. Board members introduced themselves, and then introductions proceeded around the room.


Upcoming Gifted Advisory Committee (GAC) Meetings

October 9

November 13

All meetings are held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Central Administration Office


Next NAPAGE Meeting

Scheduled for Monday, October 15, 2018 at 6:30 pm at the Baierl Center in the Ponce Room. The first of two evening meetings this year.


Upcoming Events

  • NAI GOAL Open House - September 20, 6:30 p.m.

  • NASH GOAL Open House - September 27, 6:30 p.m.

  • Superintendent’s Coffee: Marshall Elementary - September 25, at 9:30 a.m.

  • School Board Meeting: September 26, 2018 – Regular Meeting (A.W. Beattie)

  • School Board Meeting: October 24, 2018 – (Combined Meeting) - Work Session/Regular Meeting

  • Chapter 16 Roundtable Discussions by the State Board of Education - October 3, at Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3 from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration deadline is September 28 at noon. Registration Info

  • PAGE Annual Conference: November 29 and 30 at Pittsburgh Marriott North (8am - 4pm). Suggestion to pick break-out sessions that are specific for your child or group. Informal networking opportunities.

  • NASH Counselor Coffee (third Thursday of month at 7 a.m. in Ponce Room).

    • Thursday, October 18 - College Decision Types & Strategy .

    • Thursday, November 15 - College Testing (SAT, ACT, and Test Optional)

  • NASH Principal Coffee

    • September 20, 7 a.m.

  • NAI Principal’s Coffee

    • November 8, 1:30 p.m.

Consumer Concerns

Please direct any consumer concerns to your building representative, Amy F., or Elizabeth W.

New Business

  • Rebecca H. is collecting dues ($10) for the 2018-19 school year. This

  • Elementary GOAL

    • Open House reports - Hosack had zero parents attend. Other parents report inconsistent notification of their school’s GOAL open house night.

    • Occurs during WIN time (What I Need) as part of the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) implementation. During the week there are three, 45 minute periods/classes where students focus on ELA creativity, ELA critical thinking, and IO. There is a 4th WIN period/class, but it is not GOAL time. This is a bit more time than in the past at some buildings.

  • Middle School GOAL -

    • Discussions regarding changes to the middle school day will start back up possibly winter/spring. One of the suggested options is to move GOAL into the Activity periods. Currently working through things with administration and union, but there will be public forums for feedback and exchange of ideas.

    • Suggestion was made to survey high school GOAL students about best way to modify GOAL time in the middle school day as they have first hand experience in what works/does not work/lessons learned.

  • Missed PE class requirements vary by building, and teacher. Generally the teachers are looking for students to make-up working by the 3rd missed class (in a 9 week grading period)

  • Review homework guidelines, again. Encourage students to reach out to teachers to gain a clear understanding of expectations (when/how to turn in HW if out for IO etc.) Dr. Sciullo said he is aware, and will review again as well.

  • ELA in Curriculum Review. Technology and Engineering Education to begin Curriculum Review. Looking at possibly dropping woodworking segment in favor of more STEM/robotics/coding activities.

  • School start time - still researching transportation and other budget feasibility. Student population is tentatively at the highest its ever been, almost 8500 students. Early October is traditionally when official population numbers are released.

  • North Allegheny Grad Survey to be conducted for those who are 2 and 6 years out.

  • Career portfolios have started for all students.

Upcoming Meeting Ideas

Asked those in attendance what would would they like to see at upcoming meetings.

  • Admissions officers presentation from a top tier university and perhaps one that could speak about Honors College opportunities

  • SAT and ACT - What are they, pros/cons, how to prepare etc.

  • College in High School presentation

  • Break into grade level discussions and/or group chats

  • Mindfulness and Connection times - Learn how the district is incorporating these practices.

  • Gifted Resources - What experiences have we found for our kids - classes, camps, resources etc.

  • Social and emotional needs of gifted children

Mission Statement:

NAPAGE is a parent support/advocacy group. We are the North Allegheny chapter of the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE). PAGE is a nonprofit advocacy group dedicated to helping gifted learners, parents and educators. You can visit their website at www.giftedpage.org for more information.

NAPAGE’s mission is to advocate for and support gifted children and their families in the North Allegheny School District. We accomplish this by:

  • Providing parent representation to NA’s Gifted Advisory Committee (GAC and SEAC)

  • Sharing experiences, concerns and successes

  • Proactively addressing issues that arise

  • Encouraging the use of best practices in gifted education