Parent Council Meetings 03-04Unami Middle School

Unami Parent Council

The purpose of Unami’s Parent Council is for parents to share their ideas and voice their concerns. Principal Gary Fuller and Assistant Principal Cheryll Dougherty preside over the meetings, with visits from Unami staff and district personnel. Parents are able to keep in tune with what’s going on in the school and the district, and help determine expenditures.

Minutes from 2004-05 Meetings

Minutes from Previous Meetings (2003-04):

May April March February January

December November October September

Click here for minutes from 2002-2003

For Info on the Unami Parent Council contact the Unami office.

Minutes from May 21, 2004

Special guest Michael Dougherty, Athletic Director at Central Bucks South, provided a Power Point presentation and update on the new high school. Highlights included:

The “West Wing” of the school (to your left if you’re facing the school from Folly Road) is the Arts wing. The library connects the wing to the central core of the building. Completion of the auditorium is expected in mid-November.

The classrooms and educational area are located in the central “arc” of the building. This section of the school is three stories tall.

The “East Wing” is the Athletics wing. The gymnasium seats 2000. The cafeteria connects this wing to the core of the building.

When entering the building from Folly Road, you will be in the administrative area on the second floor. The student entrance is from Bristol Road, and it will be on the main floor.

The boiler is in place!

Locker areas are in each part of the “arc.” There are 2200 lockers in place.

Science classrooms are nearing completion; they just need furniture.

There are “Flexible Team Learning Areas” surrounded by classrooms and teacher planning areas. These areas are also basically complete.

The school is, aside from furniture, essentially ready for academics.

The shallow area of the pool is five feet deep. The pool will have a floating bulkhead, so swimming and diving events can take place at the same time. Swimming will be part of the regular physical education curriculum.

The football field will have sod, and the practice fields have already been mowed.

Catwalks are being installed in the auditorium.

The Core Team has been working on values, goals, and a vision statement.

South’s “Homecoming” will be a Fall Festival, since there are no alumni.

The field hockey area is ready to sod and they are in the process of hiring a coach. All other coaches for fall sports have been hired.

The primary surfacing is complete in the track and tennis areas.

There is a lighted stadium for baseball and one for softball. Junior Varsity events may be held at Barness Field in Warrington.

The gyms will be complete in time for the opening of school.

The football team will be practicing at Unami this summer.

The first football game is away on September 3^rd. The first home game is September 10^th against CB West.

The home side of the stadium has seats for just over 2000; the away side for just over 1000, with handicapped seating available on both sides.

Season tickets will be available; however, details for purchase are yet to be determined.

Student parking issues are to be determined.

Class rings will be available. A representative from the ring manufacturer has stated that rings will be available that represent West/South or East/South for students who have attended both schools.

Logos have not been finalized, but students from each incoming school have been involved in their design.

Questions and comments about CB South should be directed to cbsouthnews@cbsd.org.

Superintendent’s Advisory Council: Susan Kolterman reported that the group’s areas of discussion included an update on the progress at Central Bucks South, transportation issues, and an overview of the required graduation project. Complete minutes are available at www.cbsd.org.

Treasurer’s Report: Joy Doneson provided an updated budget. $7496 is available for disbursement. The Parent Council and Assistant Principal Cheryll Dougherty brainstormed a list of items to fund. Ideas included: more showcases for student artwork; framed student artwork; tack strips for temporary display of student art; a new podium in the auditorium and improvements in the sound system; adding to the funding for Unami’s 40^th anniversary celebration in 2005; providing funds for academic teams for special beginning- or end-of-year activities; funding extra activities for Discover Unami Day for incoming 7^th graders; and replacement of books for the library. There is specifically a need for reference books and biographies. Head Librarian Holly Kilpatrick spoke of the 2000 or so outdated books that have been weeded out of the library, and her wish list of approximately 220 books. The Parent Council approved:

$700 toward Unami’s 40^th anniversary celebration (bringing the total set aside to $1000)

$500 for framing of Unami student artwork

$3000 toward the refinishing or replacement of the current podium, with whatever funds remaining to go toward sound system improvements

$1000 for tack strips, to be installed by Unami’s custodial staff

$2000 for the library

This leaves $296 to carry over into next year.

Bonnie Labowsky reported that the Unami Staff Appreciation Luncheon went very well. Several thank you notes from staff members were shared with the group. Mary Pat Kuchan volunteered to head up this effort next year.

The Parent Council will need someone to take minutes at next year’s meetings. Also, if anyone is interested in compiling Unami’s newsletter, please email Cheryll Dougherty at cdougherty@cbsd.org.

The Relay for Life was a huge and rewarding job. Unami raised over $16,000 for the American Cancer Society, and the five middle schools together raised over $70,000. Almost 200 students from Unami participated, and it was truly a wonderful experience. Many thanks go out to the Unami organizers, students, and parent volunteers for their contributions.

Freshman Day: June 11^th is Freshmen Day. The day begins with spring sports awards, followed by the 9^th Grade Talent Show and the distribution of yearbooks. The students then travel to Lenape Valley Swim Club for outdoor activities. Students can either bring a bag lunch or purchase pizza on site. In the event of rain, the group will travel to the United Artists Theater in Montgomeryville to see a movie. They will return to Unami in time for regular dismissal. Students will then return to the swim club at 7:30pm for their Freshman Dance. This is a casual event with a Caribbean theme. The pool is heated, but students should bring weather-appropriate clothing. There will be a DJ, and hors’ d’oeuvres will be served. Parents must pick up their children at 10:30pm.

This was the final Parent Council meeting for the year.

Unami Parent Council meeting minutes are courtesy of Jill Shaner.

Return to top of page

Minutes from April , 2004

Superintendent’s Advisory Council representative Susan Kolterman reported that the group’s topics included E-Notes and “Shelter in Place.” Minutes are available at cbsd.org.
Thanks to Unami’s faculty for their utilization of E-Notes.

Joy Doneson provided the treasurer’s report. $5774 is available for disbursement. Funds already budgeted include: $1100 for the 9^th grade Health Fair (to be held April 28^th), $224 for Student of the Quarter, $700 for the Staff Appreciation Luncheon, $1000 for Freshman Day, $300 for Unami’s 40^th Anniversary celebration, and $2500 for after school clubs. At the May 21st Parent Council meeting, the group will vote on how to distribute the remaining funds.

Staff Appreciation Luncheon: The May 5^th event is being catered by a deli, which will provide hot entries, sandwiches and salads. Parent volunteers are providing supplies and desserts, and setting up, serving, and cleaning up. For more information, contact Bonnie Labowsky at 215-822-0915.

9^th Grade Assessment: The assessment went well this year, with only three out of 311 having yet to complete the task. Completion of 9^th grade assessment is necessary for graduation. The group discussed the timing for establishing teams and selecting topics next year.

Unami Idol: Mr. Michael provided information about this evening of entertainment. The faculty will perform 22 acts for Unami’s students. Proceeds from ticket sales and voting will benefit Relay for Life. Mr. Michael asked the Parent Council for $250 to reward the Relay for Life team who has raised the most funds so far. They will be treated to a dinner at Uno’s, a limo ride to Unami, and front row seats for Unami Idol. The group approved his request.

Relay for Life: Unami has more than 180 students on 20 teams involved in this worthwhile event (the 2^nd highest participation rate in the district). There is a parent meeting at 7pm on Wednesday, April 28^th at Tohickon Middle School. Parent of all participants are encouraged to attend.

Dance Marathon: Over 170 students participated in the 9^th grade Dance Marathon. They raised close to $6000, which will be donated to the Relay for Life. Great job, 9^th graders!

Health Fair: On April 28^th, 9^th grade students will participate in this event, which focuses on health, nutrition, and fitness. Students are signing up for different stations, which they will attend throughout the day. The day will conclude with a motivational assembly. More information

PSSA: The testing window in 2005 is from April 5^th – 15^th. This year, Unami had 100% participation in taking the test. The group discussed how to get students to take the PSSA, as well as other tests and assessment, seriously. Unami provides some incentives, rewarding the top three scorers in each tested area with savings bonds. Students with the most improved scores from 5^th to 9^th grade can also earn a savings bond, and students whose scores indicate a 20% improvement over 5^th grade receive a movie pass. The group felt this was an appropriate incentive.

Honor Roll: There has been discussion lately in the “Vent” in The Intelligencer about the number of students listed on honor rolls. The consensus in the meeting was that our students work very hard for their grades, and that the coursework is certainly more difficult than we encountered as students! For the second marking period at Unami, 63% of 7^th graders, 56% of 8^th graders, and 58% of 9^th graders were listed on the honor roll.

Extras: Unami students are active in many different arenas. Students participated in county and regional Science Fairs, the regional and state Science Olympiad, the regional and state Geography Bee, and National History Day. Unami students have artwork on display throughout the county. Check it out at the hospital, post office, train station, and elsewhere around town!

“Naive” Program: Handouts from this program about drug and alcohol abuse are available in the front office.

Next month’s meeting will be at 9am, May 21^st.

The next Parent Council meeting is May 21st at 9:00 AM.

CB South Athletic Director Mike Dougherty will be joining us to talk about athletics and other programs at our new high school. The group will also determine the disbursement of funds left in the treasurer’s fund.

Unami Parent Council meeting minutes are courtesy of Jill Shaner.

Return to top of page

Minutes from February 18, 2004

Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council topics included food services, pupil’s rights, allowed vacation days being reduced from ten to five, and calendar revisions. The last day of school is currently Friday, June 18^th. Complete meeting minutes can be viewed online at cbsd.org. If you have any concerns you would like brought up at the meeting, please contact Unami’s representative, Susan Kolterman, via e-mail at skolterman@cavtel.net.

Joy Doneson gave the treasurer’s report. There was no activity last month, and the balance remains at $6874. Next year’s assignment books have been ordered.

Mr. Mark Hoffman spoke to the group about the upcoming Dance Marathon. It will be held on Friday, March 26^th from 3-10 pm. (March 26^th is an early dismissal day.) The Dance Marathon is a “Freshman House” community service project. 9^th graders will raise money for the American Cancer Society. Students will ask for pledges or donations, as well as selling t-shirts, lollipops, and having penny wars. Last year’s freshman class raised $3200 for Doylestown Hospital’s Neo-Natal unit. The Parent Council approved Mr. Hoffman’s request for $1200 to cover the costs of police security, a DJ or band, food, door prizes, and other supplies. This event is one of over 20 activities supporting Community Service at Unami this year.

Mrs. Kathy Houpert presented information about the 9^th grade Unami Health Fair, which will take place on Wednesday, April 28^th. Interactive sessions will include karate, kickboxing, jump roping, speed and agility, and possibly fencing. Health-related screenings will include blood pressure, height and weight, BMI (body mass index), body fat, muscle tension and stress. Topics covered will include acne/skin care, eating disorders, depression, self-defense, tobacco hazards, exercise myths, young women’s health issues, and more. The closing assembly will feature motivational speaker Rick Vale, whose message is “See It, Believe It, Achieve It.” This daylong event will be the culmination of three years of health and fitness training for the 9^th grade class. Mrs. Houpert is in need of parent volunteers. Please contact her at khoupert@cbsd.org.

Another activity in need of volunteers is the first-ever Middle School Relay for Life, May 15^th from 10am – 10pm at Tohickon Middle School. Check out the link on the web site for more information and a volunteer form, or contact Jennifer Coruzzi at jcoruzzi@cbsd.org, Denise Miller at dmmiller@cbsd.org, or Janet Rodenhausen at jrodenha@cbsd.org.

9^th Grade Assessment is going well. The students have been meeting during resource every Tuesday and Thursday, and many having been making use of the library after school. Assessment times will be assigned during the week of February 23^rd, and the groups will present on March 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd. About 30 teachers are acting as mentors.

The next Parent Council meeting is Friday, March 19th at 9:00AM in the library

Unami Parent Council meeting minutes are courtesy of Jill Shaner.

Return to top of page

Minutes from January 16, 2004

Susan Kolterman reviewed the minutes from the last Superintendent’s Parent Advisory meeting. Topics included the restructured SAT tests and the weight of student backpacks. Check the CBSD website for complete minutes.

Joy Doneson announced there is $6874 available in the account. There were no requests for funding at this meeting.

Ninth graders have chosen their groups and their topics for 9^th Grade Assessment. Their mentors were announced on Friday, January 16^th. Groups will meet every Tuesday and Thursday during resource. A the end of February they will have more time during school hours, and will give their presentation in front of a peer group. Although there is time allotted during school, this is primarily an AT HOME PROJECT. Unami’s library is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 4:45. Presentations will take place March 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th after school, from 3pm – 7pm. Teams of teachers trained in the assessment process evaluate the groups. The assessment comprises .5 credits toward graduation. March 2^nd is also 6^th grade orientation at Unami.

On January 28^th at noon, Unami students can visit Middle Bucks Institute of Technology. Parents are welcome to attend. Please call the guidance office for more information at 267-893-3414.

Denise Miller spoke about the Relay for Life, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. This year will be the first “middle school only” Relay for Life, and each of the five district middle schools are participating. It will be held at Tohickon Middle School on Saturday, May 15^th from 10am – 10pm. Teams of 8 – 10 students will work together to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Each student is asked to raise $50. There will be a $10 registration fee that will cover the cost of a t-shirt and other necessary supplies. One student from each team will always be walking on the track. There will be a kick-off at Unami in mid-March. Unami is in charge of ceremonies. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED. Parents are needed to chaperone, control traffic, set up and clean up, set up luminaries, bake, and more. Information will be coming home in mid-February. Please contact Jennifer Coruzzi, Janet Rodanhausen (jrodenha@cbsd.org, 267-893-3427), or Denise Miller (dmmiller@cbsd.org, 267-893-3423) for more information or to volunteer.

Brian Hensel presented information about Project Green, a recycling program originated by a “grass roots” group of 9^th graders and spearheaded by Sarah McAnulty and Madelyn Houser. They are heightening awareness of recycling and trash collection, and have persuaded volunteers from each class to get involved. Project Green posted lists of what is recyclable around school, and set up five recycling stations. Initially they targeted the cans and bottles in the cafeteria, where they are now collecting six times as many recyclables. They have also increased awareness of recycling in the classroom. During resource, volunteers check the bins for “contamination” (items that can’t be recycled), and deliver them to the recycling stations.

Program planning is currently underway for 9^th graders. Parents, familiarize yourselves with the Program Planning booklet your child received. Attend the Program Planning Night at CB West on January 22^nd at 7pm. You will receive verification of the courses your student has selected. Mr. Fuller recommends that you make a copy of this to keep at home. Eighth grade program planning will take place from February 2nd – 18th. Parent planning night is February 11^th at 7pm. Eighth graders must choose their electives. Seventh grade program planning is scheduled for February 18th – March 4^th. There is no parent meeting for 7^th grade, since, other than language choice, there are so few changes in the program from 6^th grade. Sixth grade Parent Night is March 2^nd at 7pm.

Science Showcase will be February 26^th from 7 – 8pm. (Please note this date change!)

Parents of 9th graders! Please note that midterms are approaching.

Social Studies: February 6^th & 13^th

World Language: February 3^rd, 10^th & 11^th

Math: February 12^th

Midterm grades get averaged with finals for a 5^th marking period grade. Eighth graders have midterms and finals in world language and in Algebra 1.

Cheryll Dougherty attended a workshop entitled “Secrets of the Street.” She and Mr. Fuller provided several handouts, including: “What Parents Can Do to Keep Kids Safe from Drugs” and “Some Indicators of Designer Drug Use/Abuse.” These and other handouts are available in the front office. A survey compiled every three years in the Central Bucks School District indicates that more than 40% of 8^th graders had used alcohol, and about 10% had used marijuana, 10% uppers, and 10% downers. Drug use doubles between 6^th and 8^th grade, and doubles again between 8^th and 10^th grade.

The next Parent Council meeting is Wednesday, February 18th at 7:30 PM.

Unami Parent Council meeting minutes are courtesy of Jill Shaner.

Return to top of page

Minutes from December 12, 2003

Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council meeting minutes can be viewed online at cbsd.org. If you have any concerns you would like brought up at the meeting, please contact Unami’s representative, Susan Kolterman, via e-mail at skolterman@cavtel.net.

Joy Doneson offered the treasurer’s report. There is currently $12,790 in the account. The Parent Council approved setting aside $5,000 for next year’s assignment books and $1,000 for 9^th Grade Freshman Day. This leaves $6,790 in the account.

Updates included:

Winter Concerts were very well attended, and the student performers did an excellent job.

On December 12^th, 315 “immigrants” got off the boat for Ellis Island Day. This is an inter-disciplinary activity during which 9^th graders experience a simulation of what it was like to come to America in the early 1900s.

7^th grade Greek Times kicks off on December 19^th. This is an inter-disciplinary event, with students donning chitons and becoming Greek for a few days.

Program planning will begin for students in January and February.

In April, a 7^th- and 8^th-grade-only casual dance will be held. Plans are still being formulated for 9^th Grade Freshman Day, which will be an all-day event in June.

Relay for Life:

Planning continues for the first ever Middle School Relay For Life in the Central Bucks School District. Relay For Life is a major fundraising event benefiting the American Cancer Society. Several CB middle schools have participated in the Central Park Relay For Life for the last three years. This year we are preparing for a middle-school-only event to be held at Tohickon Middle School on May 15, 2004. All five middle schools in Central Bucks will be included. Unami will be in charge of ceremonies at the event. If you know of a cancer survivor who would like to be involved or would like to initiate the Walk, please contact one of the Unami coordinators listed below. Luminaries will be available for purchase and will be lit during the Relay. Parental help is needed. You can encourage your children to get involved and join a team. You can volunteer to chaperone. You can supervise or help with the fundraising. We would also welcome a few parents to help out with organizing the event. Please contact Denise Miller, Janet Rodenhausen, or Jen Coruzzi.

Rod Stone, Principal of Central Bucks South, visited the Parent Council. He provided updates on a variety of topics:

Construction: Construction of such a comprehensive project involves many inter-related tasks. Contractors are able to heat indoor areas, so work is being done internally. Classrooms are now being painted and drop ceilings are being installed. The library and cafeteria have wooden trusses installed. The auditorium and pool are not scheduled to open until October. The design of the school is complex and very attractive. Classroom areas are fairly concentrated. If you look at the front of the school from Folly Road, the Arts wing is to your left, Academics is straight ahead, and Athletics is to the right. If you enter from Folly Road, you will be on the second floor, which will house administration. Work is also being done on the fields, with a basic track completed. Some fields will have to be sodded.

School colors and mascots: South’s colors will be royal blue and black. The mascot is the Titans. All 9^th, 10^th and 11^th graders slated to attend CB South were invited to vote.

Core Team: A group of approximately 24 staff members is working with Mr. Stone. Ongoing tasks include ordering building supplies (everything from desks to beakers). Information will be available on the district web site soon.

Student Advisory Council: The first task of this group of 24 students from CB East and CB West was to choose the preliminary school colors, which were then voted on to determine South’s color. Their next goal is to begin building a positive culture for South. The group brainstormed a list of 30 items to work on, including yearbook, homecoming, rings, student government and graduation.

Athletics/Activities: Hiring of staff is not being driven by importance but by the timing of events. Directors of activities that start taking place next summer may be hired before other personnel. General staffing will take place in late winter/early spring. Administrators are primarily in place.

The next Parent Council meeting is Friday, January 16th at 9:00 am.

Unami Parent Council meeting minutes are courtesy of Jill Shaner.

Return to top of page

Minutes from November 19, 2003

Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council meeting minutes can be viewed online at cbsd.org. If you have any concerns you would like brought up at the meeting, please contact Unami’s representative, Susan Kolterman, via e-mail at skolterman@cavtel.net.

Joy Doneson offered the treasurer’s report. There is currently $12,200 in the account. We still need to budget for Freshman Day and next year’s assignment books.

Updates included:

Mix-It-Up Day was held on Tuesday, November 18^th. This annual event was promoted by a national organization and sponsored at Unami by the Diversity Club. Students were assigned random seats during their lunch periods. The purpose was to encourage students to interact with others outside of their normal peer group.

Katie Neil, a 14-year-old singer and songwriter, provided an assembly.

The Fall Sports Awards assembly was held on Friday, November 21^st.

Upcoming announcements will detail appropriate behavior at Unami dances. There should be no kissing, and a student’s hands should only be placed at their partner’s waist, shoulders, or back. We are still in need of chaperones for the December 5th dance. Chaperones need to be at Unami from 7:15pm-10:45pm. Anyone interested should contact Denise Miller at 267-893-3423.

9^th grade students had the opportunity to vote for Central Bucks South school colors and mascots. Jerseys showing sample colors are hanging in the main office. CB South’s core team of approximately 25 staff members will be announced in January.

Upcoming events include:

Winter Concerts: All concerts start at 7:30pm.

7^th grade - December 3^rd

8^th grade - December 4^th

9^th grade - December 10^th

7^th grade Greek Times is December 19-23.

Student Council will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for Temple Children's Hospital. Toys are being collected for children of all ages. Please bring toys to school from Thursday, November 20th to Monday, December 8th. Toys will be collected outside the main office before and after school. Suggested items are crayons, art supplies, coloring books, board games, puzzles, books, dolls, action figures, crossword puzzle books, or any item you feel would be a nice gift for a very sick child or teenager.

 Relay for Life:

Planning continues for the first ever Middle School Relay For Life in the Central Bucks School District. Relay For Life is a major fundraising event benefiting the American Cancer Society. Several CB middle schools have participated in the Central Park Relay For Life for the last three years. This year we are preparing for a middle school only event to be held at Tohickon Middle School on May 15, 2004 involving all five middle schools in Central Bucks. We need parental help in every way. You can encourage your children to get involved and join a team. You can volunteer to chaperone. You can supervise or help with the fundraising. Or, if you are really ambitious, we are looking for a few parents to help out with organizing the event. Please contact Denise Miller, Janet Rodenhausen, or Jen Coruzzi.

Funding requests:

Sharon Williams, Unami’s Colorguard Instructor, requested funds for the purchase of new flagpoles. The group voted to allot the Colorguard $500.

The next Parent Council meeting is December 12^th at 9am. Mr. Rod Stone, Principal of Central Bucks South, will be attending.

Unami Parent Council meeting minutes are courtesy of Jill Shaner.

Return to top of page

Minutes from October 17, 2003

SUPERINTENDENT’S ADVISORY COUNCIL: Members listed 19 agenda items to address in future meetings, covering a wide range of issues that are of concern to parents. To review the list, go to the district’s web page, click on “Parent Resources: Parent Advisory Council,” then select “Meeting Minutes.” If you have questions about any of the topics, or if you would like to suggest an additional topic for a Superintendent’s Council meeting, please call Unami representative Susan Kolterman at 215-997-2120.

TREASURER’S REPORT: The exact amount of funds available to Parent Council is not yet known, since invoices for the cost of magazines and prizes have not been submitted.

REQUESTS FOR FUNDING: 5 requests for funding were presented. All were approved in full.

Teachers John Crea and Lyn Yetto were granted $1,308.50 in EDRs for devoting over 100 hours to auditions and rehearsals for the fall play. About 60 students are participating in the play, either as performers or as stage crew members. (See FALL PLAY below for performance information.)

John Crea was also granted $480 to enhance the Student of the Quarter program for 7^th and 8^th graders. The funds will be used to purchase enhanced prizes and a bulletin board in order to use the awards as a motivational tool for students.

Math Coordinator Barbara Barber was granted $500 to purchase additional calculators for 7^th and 8^th grade. The new calculators will replace some older ones that are no longer functioning well. These classroom calculators will be available for use during classes and standardized tests for any student who forgets his or her own calculator, or who does not own one. (All 9^th grade classroom calculator sets are working properly.)

Cheryll Dougherty, Assistant Principal, was granted $2,500 to allocate among the many after-school clubs that have been proposed by teachers, which will provide year-long learning opportunities to students. (See CLUBS below.)

Bonnie Labowsky, a parent, was granted a $700 budget for next spring’s Staff Appreciation Luncheon.

BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED:
Librarian Holly Kilpatrick needs the following:

One parent to coordinate the volunteer schedule during the upcoming Book Fair, scheduled for Dec. 1 through 5. Holly will provide a list of hours that the Book Fair will be open as well as names of volunteers from Back to School Night sign-up sheets; the coordinator will call the volunteers to find out when they are available and will ensure that the schedule is filled.

Additional parents to work during the Book Fair.

Please contact Holly at if you are willing to help out.

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND:

Paul Beltz, a representative of the Central Bucks School District, gave an informative presentation on the status of Central Bucks schools regarding the federal “No Child Left Behind” educational mandate. His presentation detailed the increasing demands of the legislation over the next several years and the difficulties that will be created. His slides will be posted soon on the district web page for your information.

It was announced that School Board representative Teri Gardner is seeking immediate feedback from parents on the issues raised by this legislation. She will be taking our concerns to state legislators in early November. Please email her.

UNAMI WEAR: Order forms are still available in the office, where the items for sale are also on display. Orders turned in before today should arrive in time for holiday gift-giving; orders placed after today may not be delivered until after the holidays.

MAGAZINE DRIVE: The sale was very successful this year. A few prizes still have not arrived.

FALL PLAY: Unami students will perform A Night of Comedy, a presentation of three 1-act plays, for the public on Wednesday evening, November 5 at 7:30 PM. There is no admission charge. The three plays, entitled Antic Spring, This Is A Test, and Drama Club, will also be presented at student assemblies on Thursday, November 6.

CLUBS:

Reading Clubs start on Tuesday, October 21 and will continue during resource every Tuesday for 7 weeks. Students were able to choose from a wide variety of offerings, from Sports to Tolkien.

A variety of after-school clubs have been proposed by teachers, including: Claymation, Soup Kitchen, Sewing Projects, Reading Olympics, Science Olympiad, Science Research, Recycling, Introduction to German, Weight Room, Intramural Sports, Diversity, Flagline (color guard), SADD (decision-making), and Teaching French to Toddlers at Seedlings. These and other clubs will meet at various intervals throughout the year.

Winter Clubs will be returning this year, meeting once a week during Resource.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Two programs of potential interest to parents have been scheduled, unfortunately both on the same night.

Thursday, November 6 from 7 to 9 pm at Lenape Middle School: “Strong People, Strong Families” is a free program for parents that includes a keynote address on “Thriving Not Surviving: Building Resilience in Our Families” and workshops on 8 parenting topics. Workshop registration is not necessary. For information, call Ann Kuntzmann, Lenape Guidance Counselor, at 267-893-2810.

Thursday, November 6 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at CB West High School Auditorium: “Is Standardized Testing Failing Our Schools?” will be presented by renowned speaker and author Alfie Kohn. Admission is free. Call 1-800-492-2727 by November 1 to reserve a seat.

The next Parent Council meeting is Friday, November 19 at 7:30PM

Unami Parent Council meeting minutes are courtesy of Bonnie Labowski

Return to top of page

Minutes from September 26, 2003

This year’s magazine sale broug