Title
School and Community Relations Committee Meeting of September 22, 2008
The meeting was called to order by Chair Korge at 5:30 pm. A quorum requirement was met by 5:40
PM.
Excused Absence: No motion to excuse members.
Vacant Positions: Secretary Garcia stated that Mr. Humberto Miret's nomination to the board was sent to the City Commission for approval. The City Commission meeting is scheduled to take place on September 23, 2008. Secretary Garcia reported that the City Clerk's Office has notified the City Commission that the board still has one position to be filled.
Minutes: Vice-chairperson Joan Reitsma made a motion that was seconded by Member Pat Kiel to approve the August 26, 2008, minutes with a minor change. Minutes were approved.
Education Compact: Chairperson Debbie Korge mentioned that Cathy Swanson and her office staff are no longer in charge of the Education Compact. Assistant City Manager Donna Lubin is now in charge of the project.
Parking: Discussion ensued regarding the notification of school events be emailed to Secretary Garcia. Secretary Garcia will then inform the Parking Department of a school event in order for
tickets being issued during the event. Sgt. DeJong mentioned that she would like the YRU office to be the liaison between the schools and the parking department. A form letter called a "courtesy notification" will be drafted in order to notify the parking department.
Ponce De Leon Open House: It was reported that the Open House was extremely successful and there were over 500 people in attendance.
Coral Gables Open House: The Open House which is the largest event of the year will take place tomorrow, September 23, 2008. Principals were reminded to notify Y.R.U. regarding the proper notification of a school event. Y.R.U. will in turn notify the Parking Department so guests will not be ticketed during the event for parking violations.
Adopt A Classroom: Adopt-A-Classroom invites the community into the classroom in support of teachers and their students. By adopting a classroom, donors form partnerships with specific classrooms providing financial and moral support. The result is a meaningful contribution to education in which donors experience the direct impact of their effort and celebrate in a classroom's success. It increases opportunity for student success by empowering teachers with community partners and funds to purchase resources for the classroom. Donors and teachers communicate throughout the school year, so donors can learn about the difference they have made in the lives of the students. Donors may choose to support the classroom in ways beyond the financial contribution, such as visiting the classroom, chaperoning field trips and other activities that are coordinated directly between donor and teacher.
Police Issues: Sgt. DeJong mentioned that there were incident reports regarding several students throwing rocks at a boat which is stationed in one of the nearby Ponce de Leon residents.
FCAT Retake: On October 6 and 7, Coral Gables High School will provide retakes for several students which is extremely important for the school has a whole. The school is 10 points shy from becoming a "B" school. It is extremely important for the re-takers to do a good job. Classes have been provided for those students on Saturdays, and attendance has been excellent.
Coral Gables PTSA: Sharon Watson expressed that the PTSA is doing extremely well in new membership and uniform sales. She also stated that at the two meetings they have had parental attendance has been extremely high.
Red Ribbon Campaign: The Red Ribbon Campaign will have its Proclamation tomorrow at the City of Coral Gables Commission Meeting on September 23, 2008.
Coral Gables High School Grounds: Assistant Principal Humberto Miret explained that the Miami-Dade School Board does not allow anyone to use the school grounds due to liability issues. The track can be used for walkers, bikers, and joggers. Sgt. DeJong expressed that she would pass the information to the Patrol Division so officers can escort the trespassers off school grounds.
Police Issues: There are several kids from Ponce de Leon Middle School that are scratching cars and damaging the vehicles in the garage area.
Also Sgt. DeJong stated that a liason between Coral Gables Police Youth Resouce Unit and the Coral Gables Elementary School was implemented. Det. Norma Dieppa has been assigned to the school and is currently gathering more information on the program at the elementary level. Miami Beach Police Department has a School Resource Officer assigned to one of the public elementary schools. Once her research is complete, the School Resource Officer Program will formally be implemented at that school.
City Commission Update: None
City Projects Update: None
Next Meeting Dates: The SCRC will meet again on Tuesday, October 14, 2008, at the Youth Center starting at 6PM.