Title
School and Community Relations Committee Meeting of May 12, 2009
Body
[Excused Absence: No excused absences were requested.
At this meeting Member Doug Austin asked for an excused absence for the March 10, 2009, meeting. Vice-Chairperson Joan Reitsma and Member Victor Shabanah approved his request. Motion carried. Member Pat Kiel requested an excused absence for the April 20, 2009, meeting. Vice-Chairperson Joan Reitsma and Member Victor Shabanah approved his request. Motion carried.
Minutes: The April 20, 2009, were approved unanimously with one minor detail which was "a recognition breakfast and include all of the sponsors". Motion passed.
Education Compact: The committee has not met during the last month so an update could not be given.
Budget: There is still no final budget available for the new school year. Discussion will ensue at the next meeting.
Florida Power and Light: Chairperson Korge expressed that the city commission is very well about the high intensity cable was address. The FPL have appended plans to bury the lines underground where Bird Road is situated and the second option would be to be buried underground U.S.1. The City Commission is very well aware and the consultant has been hired. The consultant will review the health and safety issues that these lines will cause. A formal FPL proposal has not been sent as of yet to the City.
A full article from the Miami Herald was distributed to all of the members.
Elections: As mentioned last month, Member Andrew Yagoda was selected as the new chairperson beginning in September 2009. Members were to select a Vice-Chairperson after Secretary Anna Garcia clarified if you were any time restrictions in serving the committee as a member before being appointed as Vice-Chairperson. Secretary Garcia informed the committee that there were no restrictions. Ms. Ana Rodriguez was nominated as the chairperson. Motion passed unanimously.
Membership: Members were advised that nominations are being made by the commission and on or about June 1, 2009, members would be advised if they will continue their membership from June 1, 2009 to May 2010. The committee members serve a total of a two year term. The members that are subject o reappointment are Joan Reitsma, Barbra Harley, Andrew Yagoda, Victor Shabanah, Doug Austin, and Debbie Korge.
Coral Gables Police Department: Sgt. Melissa DeJong from the Youth Resource informed both school principals that she is drafting a letter to the other divisions regarding assisting at the schools on the last week of school. In addition, the Coral Gables Police Athletic League will open its door for summer registration on May 11, 2009.
Ponce De Leon Middle School: The school is committed to accept as many students in the Magnet Program as possible. There is an increase of private students applying to Ponce de Leon Middle for the next school year.
PTSA: At Ponce De Leon Middle School the PTSA is working diligently on different fundraising ideas in order to subsidize the effects on the decrease of budget funds.
Appreciation Day Luncheon: On April 21, 2009, the Appreciation Day which has taken place for the past 20 years recognizing students at the Hyatt Hotel. The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce reached out to the community. Maxine Clark founder of the Build a Bear Foundation and through her personal foundations, they were able to sponsor the event. Due to funding, middle and high schools were combined. This luncheon is to recognize each top students at the schools including private and public schools.
E-News: A friendly reminder to the school representatives that E-news is a great tool to be used in order to showcase the school and its students.
End of School Year: On June 3 and 4 both the high school and the middle school will be dismissed at noon.
Coral Gables High School: Principal Gans expressed that she was sure that Omar Cancio has the highest grade point average 8.04 in the history of Miami-Dade County who is a current Coral Gables Police Athletic League member.
Summer School: No summer school will be provided on Night School will be provided at the Coral Gables High School.
Language Grant: Coral Gables High School and Ponce De Leon Middle School have received a grant in the amount of $300,000. The grant requires the component of a elementary, middle, and a high school participating in this program to receive all of the funds. It is approximately over one million dollars will be received over a four year program. The foreign language which will be taught at these schools is Chinese.
Last Day of School: Preparations are taking place for the last school day which is June 4, 2009.
Teachers will be allowed to take June 5 as a recess day. Teachers will be working half days on June 3 and 4. For the first time in the last ten years, the whole student body will be at the school everyday during the last week of school.
Graduation Day: On June 5, 2009, at the University of Miami Bank Atlantic.
Closing Remarks: Chairperson Debbie Korge expressed that she was very honored to have served on this committee for eight years.
Graduation: The graduation commencement for Coral Gables High School will take place on June 5, 2009, at 3 pm at the University of Miami's Bank Atlantic Center. E-News will be notified for the date notifying the residents to avoid the area and/or expect delays.
City Projects Update: None
Next Meeting Dates: The SCRC will meet again on September 8, 2009, at 6 PM at the Youth Center's 2nd floor conference room.
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