2. Executive Board Members present: Virginia Marentette (Co-President), Elisa O’Keefe (Co-President), Ashley Webb (Vice President), Chris Cebrzynski (Principal), Meredith Grindrod (Teacher Representative), Diane Beasley (Secretary), Sharon Bennett (Treasurer), Maura Healy (Asst. Treasurer), Nisa Gosselink-Ulep (Asst. Treasurer), Maurice Werner (Budget and Planning), Sue Guzman (Hospitality, Past President), Jason Levin (Ways and Means), Amy Mack (Communications), and Stephanie Owens (Personnel).Other Members in Attendance: Christine LoCascio (SIT Representative), Michele Murphy, Kirsten Hawkins, Angela Pearson.
3. Approval of prior minutes – Diane Beasley  Diane presented the minutes for the June meeting, which had been posted on BaseCamp for review on September 5^th, and sought the Board’s approval of the minutes. Diane made a motion that the Board ratify the previously posted minutes for the June 7^th meeting as the official record of that meeting.  Sue seconded the motion, there was no objection, and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.  
4. President’s Report – Virginia Marentette and Elisa O’Keefe
   1. Introductions.  Elisa welcomed the meeting attendees, and all attendees introduced themselves and identified their positions on the Board or committees as applicable.
   2. Approval of Board Committee Chairs. The four Board committee chairs were previously identified as Maurice (Budget and Planning), Amy (Communications), Stephanie (Personnel), and Jason (Ways and Means). Virginia made a motion for the Board to approve the Committee Chairs. Maura seconded the motion, there was no objection, and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
   3. Mosquito Spraying. Elisa reported that the mosquito treatment of the mulched areas was completed.
   4. Scholarship Fund. Virginia and Elisa summarized the key aspects of the scholarship fund approved by last year’s HSA Board. The total fund is $5000, to be disseminated towards supporting field trip costs and other expenses (e.g. Odyssey of the Mind) for low-income Murch students. The current process is for teachers to submit funding requests on behalf of the student(s) to Mary Eckstein for specific trips/events. An approval decision will be made by a team of personnel, including Mr. C., the assistant principal, counselors, etc. Upon approval, the request will be sent to the HSA with a dollar amount only (i.e. no identifying information regarding the beneficiary will be submitted to the HSA).
   5. New Parent Breakfast. The new parent breakfast, held on September 1^st, was very successful with a good turnout.
   6. 4^th Grade Ropes Course Field Trip Funding. Meredith discussed an upcoming field trip for 4^th graders to the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School, which includes a ropes course and other activities to promote trust and collaboration among the students.  The cost will be paid for with 2017 Paddles Up money raised for experiential learning.  Parents will be asked to cover the cost of transportation.
   7. Fall Fair. Chairs are in place for the Fall Fair, which will take place on October 14^th, with a rain date of October 21^st.
   8. SOS Campaign. The SOS campaign will be launched soon. Donation requests will go out in Friday folders along with Murch car magne

4. Principal’s Report – Mr. Cebrzynski

Mr. C. reported on various current events, and noted that the school year was off to a great start, with a seamless transition for most students. There are currently 571 students enrolled at Murch with a projected enrollment of 576, although that number may be surpassed as new families are joining the school.

There are some changes from last year, including the addition of new staff. Also 4^th and 5^th grade students can now go to the bubble since X-Day morning and afternoon programs are no longer at the Murch@UDC site.

 We also have a new DCPS chancellor with a strategic plan that was presented at Back to School Night. Mr. C. noted that the improvement focuses for the school year will be: literacy, writing, and social skills, with less stress placed on test scores and more on cultivating the ability to write and express oneself clearly.  Also are continuing and developing several programs for the students, including the ENCORE program, which will be coupled with resource classes, and will focus on teaching cursive, keyboarding, and literacy skills.  The school will also be implementing a SEM class that kids can enroll in, and the Flex Academy after school programs will be starting shortly. Mr. C. cited research that shows that kids who participate in one to two afterschool activities are more successful, so he wants to have multiple opportunities for Murch students to choose from.

5. Treasurer’s Report – Sharon Bennett.
   1. Monthly Financial Report.  Sharon provided copies of the Balance Sheet and Income Statement, which she reviewed with the members present, and then asked if there were any questions. Sue asked about the differences in the SOS revenue on the Income Statement, and Sharon responded that the difference in the amounts was related to families who opted to spread their contributions out over the course of a few months or up to a year.
   2. Financial Controls. Sharon also provided a handout which detailed the financial processes and controls in place for the HSA and reviewed the various checks and balances in place, including: the accounting software for all HSA bank accounts and credit card transactions (Xero); bank account access; cash withdrawal procedures, approval, and reconciliation; deposits; check management, approval, and reconciliation; credit card transactions; expenses; cash collection procedures; and the payment system.Sharon asked that all Board members accept their Xero invitations, as it gives them the ability to view the financials as they come out, and Elisa agreed and stressed that this acts as an additional check. Sharon noted that there were two instances of credit card fraud last year, which were caught because the charges were posted to Xero and noted by Board members as suspicious.Maurice raised a question regarding Board votes on expense overages, and Sharon responded that particular check was put in place to increase transparency and act as a financial control.  There is also a $2500 limit for both purchases and checks written out, again, to act as a financial safeguard.

      Sharon also noted that she had spoken with counterparts at Lafayette, who had recently dealt with embezzlement within their organization, to get information on safeguards that could prevent similar circumstances at Murch. Based on these discussions, Sharon noted that the HSA has excellent financial controls in place, as noted above, and that the cash aspect was really the only area of concern. Virginia mentioned that we are looking into getting a safe to hold cash until deposits can be made, and that it would be nice to get a secure storage space for the HSA at the renovated Murch.

      The HSA also utilizes an accounting firm to prepare and file taxes for the year. Sharon thanked Sue for her suggestion that every Board member review the returns, as all Board members are listed on the tax return.

   3. Move to Cashless System. Sharon noted that we are making efforts to transition to a cashless system. This includes moving from written checks to online bill paying, and potentially using the Square system to accept credit card payments at school events such as the Fall Fair. Elisa noted that using such a system will greatly ease the accounting process after the fair as well as being more convenient for families (and likely increase revenue at the fair).  Both Mr. C. and Angela provided anecdotal evidence of the increase in revenue at school events by using Square, and the relative ease of such a system. Some discussion ensured regarding the fees and fee structure associated with Square and similar systems. Regarding PayPal, Sharon noted that we are not receiving the non-profit rate from PayPal, and Virginia asked if there was any customer service points of contact that could help with this.
   4. Credit Card Rewards Rebate. Sharon mentioned a new source of funds, the credit card rewards rebate on spending. She recently redeemed the accrued points in the amount of $2775, which will be used to purchase iPads and Square components.

7. Budget and Planning Committee Update – Maurice Werner
   1. Low Income School Grant. Last year, the HSA set aside 1% of the 2017-2018 budget ($3000) for grants to low income DC schools. Maurice spoke with several parents at Wilson and Deal who had similar set asides in their budgets to see how they allocated those funds. Through these discussions, he learned about the Parent Empowerment Program (PEP), to which both the Wilson and Deal organizations donated. Maurice provided a brief overview of PEP, which is administered by the Washington Lawyers Committee (WLC) for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs. PEP provides Title I schools with matching grants that support academic enrichments projects at the schools. To qualify for a grant, parent groups associated with the schools must submit an application and undergo an interview process, with the expectation that any grants awarded will match money raised by the parent groups. Grants are capped at $1000.Discussion ensured regarding the perception of politicization by donating to a program administered by the WLC, how well PEP delivered support to the applicant schools, and whether the schools receiving the grants would have systems in place to properly administer the funds. Michelle, who previously worked at Tyler Elementary, a Title I school, suggested that Maurice contact the parent groups at some schools that have worked with PEP to inquire about their experience.  This suggestion was well received, as well as Virginia’s that all board members read through the documentation Maurice posted to Basecamp. Maurice added that a representative from the WLC can come to an HSA meeting to provide a brief on PEP as well as address any questions or concerns, and that they hold a quarterly luncheon that an HSA representative can attend.After much discussion, the Board concluded that Sue could attend the next luncheon as a representative, and that, in order to be transparent with the school community about where the grant could be directed, Maurice will invite a WLC representative to speak to PEP at the next HSA meeting. This way, interested families can find out more and provide feedback to the Board.
8. Communications Update – Amy Mack
   1. New Volunteers. Amy noted that there is a large communications team in place this year, with 10 volunteers providing designated and back-up support. One of the goals of the team is to reduce paper communications and go green. Amy also noted that she would like more info on the Fall Fair, SOS campaign, and Auction so that she can coordinate the dissemination of information in a timely manner. Virginia noted that they are working on getting SOS finalized so they can roll it out and have possible giving incentives tied in with the Fall Fair. The team will also be updating the school stats on the website.
   2. Social Media. Amy stated that there is a dedicated social media volunteer (Katie Drossos) who will be working to increase Murch’s social media presence.
9. Personnel Update – Stephanie Owens
   1. Employee Handbook Revisited.  Stephanie reported that a first draft of the employee handbook was completed last school year, but that it is being fine tuned to more closely mirror DCPS policy with respect the PTO and sick leave for aides. Stephanie also noted that PayChex, the payroll service used for the aides, has several features that will streamline the payroll and accounting process, but that these features come at an additional cost. Virginia asked Stephanie to look into the costs associated with each of the extra features and report back to the Board.
   2. Six Full Time Aides, one Part-Time Aide on Staff. Stephanie summarized the number of full and part-time aides on staff at Murch.
   3. Ways and Means Update – Jason Levin
      1. Nationals Day. Jason reported that 89 tickets were sold for Nationals Day, which resulted in $445 back to the HSA.  He noted that with more advance notice, sales would likely increase next time. Ashley noted that the cost could be prohibitive for some families, and asked if less expensive options could be available. Jason responded that while that particular pricing was set by the Nationals organization, he is looking into scheduling similar events for other sports and venues that will span a range of price points.
      2. Restaurant Nights. The HSA earned $78 from Potomac Pizza sales at Back to School Night. A restaurant event is scheduled at Tesoro on September 28^th – 20% of all dining bills, all day, will be donated to the HSA. Jason is also organizing an event with Galley, a meal delivery service, from October 16-20, and information on this will be provided at the Fall Fair. Other restaurant nights are in the works throughout the school year as well.
      3. Shopping Rewards. Jason is setting up or renewing rewards programs with multiple stores, including Harris Teeter, Giant, Target, and Wal-Mart. Murch also participates in Amazon Smile, and with Amazon’s recent purchase of Whole Foods, we could potentially set up a rewards program with them as well. Jason also discussed the Heart of America Foundation, which works with large companies to support school beautification days – this could be a potential when Murch moves back to the renovated facility.

9. New Business
   1. “Screenagers” Movie Screening (Kirsten Hawkins). Kirsten, an adolescent medicine specialist and pediatrician, discussed Screenagers, a documentary about growing up in the digital age that was made by a physician. The movie addresses helping kids find balance and navigate a tech filled world. The movie is appropriate for children ages 10 and up. Schools can host screenings by either paying a flat $650 for two showings, or paying $500 and charging for tickets, with the school receiving 50% of any proceeds above the $500. Discussion ensued regarding which showing option is best, what venue to use (UDC Theater or Deal Auditorium), and what audience to invite (just Murch or other schools as well).  Sue suggested not charging admission, but rather selling concessions. Kirsten also mentioned the possibility of hosting a panel that included physicians (Kirsten), filmmakers (Jen Oko), and kids for discussion after the screening. Virginia asked Kirsten to contact Mary Eckstein regarding potential screening spaces and associated costs and report back to the Board.
   2. Reggio Space (Sue Guzman). Sue stated that the early childhood team received approval for the purchase of Reggio materials using Paddles Up funds last year.  Volunteers will be installing the materials in the mulched area on September 23^rd from 10am – 2pm.  Sue inquired as to whether the HSA could cover the cost of boxed lunches and coffee for the volunteers that day, which was met with approval by Virginia and Elisa.
   3. Meredith raised a question regarding the disbursement of Paddles Up funds and whether grades can submit multiple requests per year. Elisa responded that the funds would be spread among the grades so that all would benefit, but that there were no hard and fast rules regarding disbursement. In this vein, Meredith mentioned that the 4^th grade is reading Wonder and a movie version is being released in November – is there a possibility that Paddles Up could be used to fund a movie night? Discussion ensued regarding the book and possibility of a movie night, with no conclusion.
10. Old Business
    1. SIT Update (Christine LoCascio). Christine reported that there has been significant progress at the site, including the completion of the roof on the cafeteria, the installation of the green roof over the media center, and the new window installations.  Discussions on furniture selections will be taking place soon, and the SIT has an onsite tour scheduled for September 27^th, during which they will be able to tour the inside of the building.Christine also presented a rendering of the early childhood playground, which will be located on the roof of the cafeteria. The SIT was solicited for comments on the playground design, and the team provided a coordinated response. Basically, the initial design was almost identical to the playground at Forest Hills, so the SIT requested some changes to the design to differentiate the Murch playground from Forest Hills’, as well as to incorporate some features unique to the Murch neighborhood landscape.

Elisa adjourned the meeting at 8:45 PM. 

Plus, you can get a tour from Mr. C of what’s going on at the “old” Murch and see the construction up close and personal.

So, take a minute…or six and enjoy.  Watch it here!

We also had a friend/co-worker of Trena’s take photos around the room.

That was a huge hit as well as we also did a “step and repeat” towards the front of the gym. So if you know if one I would definitely suggest it. Maybe Evy?

Photo Booth:

Good Vibrations photo booth is who we used.

http://www.goodvibrations.org/our-services/photo-booth/

There was another company we found, but they were not available for the party last year, but maybe for this year you can check them out:

We have Photobooth packages that are normally $850 for 3hrs (Deluxe) or $1000 for 4 hrs (Diamond). With our current special, it’ll bring the price down to $550 for 3hrs and $700 for 4hrs. In addition, we have a 2hr package for $400. Each package includes the following:

• 2, 3 or 4 Hours of unlimited photo booth use
• Color or black and white photos
• Our inventory of props
• Customized footer on your photos
• Option to send via email
• Onsite attendant(s)
• Digital copy of all photos from event
• Unlimited Prints
• Premium Backdrop
• Photo Album (included with 4hr pkg..$75 add on otherwise)

Please let us know if this works for you.
Thanks,
Taj & Tommy@CapCityBooths
info@capcitybooths.com
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1. Executive Board Members present: Sue Guzman (President), Meredith Grindrod (Teacher Representative), Chris Cebrzynski (Principal), Brendan Holland (Secretary), Maurice Werner (Budget and Planning Chair), Nisa Gosselink-Ulep (asst-Treasurer, Purchaser), Sharon Bennett (Treasurer), Maura Healy (asst-Treasurer), Ron Eckstein (VP), and Maggie Gumbinner (former HSA co-President).

Other Members in Attendance:  Jessica Regan and Elisa O’Keefe (Auction co-chairs).

2. Principal’s Report – Mr. Cebrzynski

1. Mr. C. reported on various current events. New DCPS Chancellor started Feb 1.; Mr. C. and administrators will be meeting with him later in the month and have invited him to Murch for Read Across America Day in early March. The day celebrates reading, but toned down a bit this year, invite some special guest readers into the classroom.  Sue confirmed that HSA will provide hospitability support for that day, so we’ll provide snacks and drinks.  A few UDC professors, police, firefighters, secret service, city council folks, etc., to come celebrate reading.  Also have partnerships with a couple of Embassies that we could reach out to as well.  Finalizing list at the end of next week and teachers are preparing as well.Three upcoming events:  1.)  The Spring play is scheduled for June 2^nd, it will be the Lion King at the UDC theater.  2.)  Science Fair is scheduled for March 30^th, and a bit different this year, in part because of space.  It will be voluntary, not mandatory; it will be held in the bubble.  3.)  Immediately prior to the next two HSA meeting nights we’ll be having parent meetings to talk about PARC tests and the SEM (school-wide enrichment model).

   Mr. C. also reported that the budget process will start at the end of February with allocation from DCPS, and Murch must submit a reply to the budget by March 15.  LSAT is involved, identifying the needs of the school and students, and providing input to Mr. C. to set priorities.  LSAT meetings are open and we’ll have at least one or two before the budget reply is due.  Short time frame to turn around input for DCPS.  One issue is that the projected enrollment for next year is less than we have right now.  This could potentially result in a reduction in budget, but with same faculty.  So supplies, custodians, support, tech, etc., would have to be adjusted instead.  The school administration has responded with a projection of 30 students above the current level, but unclear if DCPS will accept the higher projection.  Also questions about additional funding that may be earmarked for other needs in the school system and may not have additional funds beyond the school’s annual budget.  Mr. C. will also be looking to coordinate with the HSA budget chair to discuss HSA’s support and the balance between DCPS budget and what HSA can support.

   Maggie encouraged participation on the Budget Committee, as it’s important and addresses how the HSA spends money to support the school.  LSAT also coordinates to help inform HSA budget team to make recommendations.

3. President’s Report – Sue Guzman
   Update on By-laws Compliance–  Following up on the discussion from last meeting, Sue reported she is still working to connect with the attorney to potentially hire to help us with the by-laws compliance.  Hope to connect and report back next meeting.

4. Treasurer’s Report – Sharon Bennett
   Sharon provided the Treasurer’s report.  Business license has been renewed and the agent changed to Joanna.  But we were unfortunately the victim of credit card fraud.  The HSA credit card number seems to have been used internationally, but we halted the charges and worked with the credit card company so it is all resolved.With respect to the monthly numbers, we’re still facing a shortage on SOS, but we’re actually ahead of where we were last year at this time.  There was a big push last year after the auction in April of 2016.  So we ended in a better place last year, but as of right now we’re projected to come in under our projected goal for the SOS campaign.  Discussion ensued about the timing of further SOS pushes this year and balancing messaging and communications with the Auction.

   Sharon also highlighted that on the income statement the Talent Show and Lip Sync (which is March 9^th) have been pulled from the misc. fundraising category.  Helpful to see what we are netting from each of those events specifically.  They are actually generating some revenue and could be helpful to track these events separately.Discussion ensued regarding the spring musical and generating the revenue to support the musical.  It’s anticipated that ticket sales, pizza sales, sponsorships and ads in the program, and a participation fee for students.

5. Old Business
   1. Update on Spring Auction.  Jessica Regan and Elisa O’Keefe, the auction co-chairs, provided an update on the planning for the Spring Auction.  $13k of the $25k budget is already committed for Washington Hebrew and C2 (auction support services).  The planning has kicked off with a Dining-Out Chair and a Solicitation Chair, and working on getting a Chair for the live auction, and looking for an MC.  Discussed the need to find someone to serve as the live auction master of ceremonies.  Also discussed need for more get-aways and vacation-type items.  Discussed the need for volunteers the day of; planning of food/catering; and working on numbers for food and beverage.  Ticket sales are set up and hard copy invitations and newsletter inserts are set to go later this spring.  Sue encouraged folks to attend the build-a-wine-cellar party.
   2. Renovation Update. Ron gave a brief update and a brief discussion ensued regarding the progress on the renovation and the breaking of ground for the cafeteria. Work is progressing, and planning for the play ground layout and outdoor spaces is continuing.
   3. Murch Movie Morning – Ron provided an update on the planning for a morning movie Sunday April 2^nd at the Avalon. Options were a bit limited for the spring and could have some potential conflicts with sports (Avalon seems to have more options in the fall).  Some concern about attendance and interest, but will try it and promote it to encourage participation.  Contract will be coming to Sue.  Maybe put options in the Friday folder to let students/families vote on the movie (advertising and participation).  Seem to be many good options available from which to choose.  Admission will be free, but concessions will be run by Avalon (and be at normal cost).  Hoping to get at least 300 attendees.
   4. Employee Handbook. Discussed further issues related to the Employee handbook for aides employed by the HSA.  Discussed the need to clarify policy holidays and sick leave, and to track the time and apply policy consistently.

6. New Business

None.

Sue adjourned the meeting at 8:40 PM. 

Meeting was called to order at 5:38

Administrative

• Review November minutes
• Vicki motioned to approve the minutes, Adam seconded the motion.

Items for Discussion

• Stefanie Berger joined us to discuss implementation of the enrichment program to date: mission/objectives, challenges, successes, what works, ideas for next year, etc.
  • Emily reviewed past discussions about I/E
  • Stefanie went over the most recent Enrichment offerings (explorers, junior great books, weather, math project from cornerstones, and more)
  • Want kids to learn in a hands-on way and have different experiences than they would be exposed to in the classroom
  • Projects are presented to other students once completed
  • GoQuest is new program that all kids are being added to (paused I/E block to add them to this) and will be a great addition to the enrichment program (as well as for teachers to use); could be helpful with helping to connect grade-levels
  • Junior Great Books program connects and progresses thru each grade-level
  • Aides are documenting and saving lessons
  • Stefanie thinks 4^th and 5^th grade I/E is running very well
  • Idea of enrichment is to broaden kids exposure and understanding of topics (and more than just literacy and math)
  • Challenges
    • Aides don’t have a place to keep all of the kids projects and supplies
    • 30 minute time can be limiting, especially with lower grades, for longer projects  – especially with needing to move around building, move supplies and find a space
    • Aides are buying own supplies
    • Computer issues
    • Need to look into what professional development and support may be required to build a strong, sustainable program
  • Ideas for going forward
    • Could be great for completed projects to be presented to parents and/or to other classes
    • Have a “toolbox/bank” or lessons to pull from so that it’s not a prescribed thing each year, but aides are not making new lessons all the time; projects need to be ready to go at the beginning of the school year
    • Enrichment training for aides
  • Next steps:
    • survey/focus groups?
    • Scope and sequence for I/E block?
    • How to measure success?
    • Figuring out upfront costs and budget needs—define high, middle, low budget scenarios
    • Finding “kits” and projects that are already made
    • Coordinate with HSA—possibility to fund materials or other support? Display I/E projects at Auction?
  • Researching costs and programs
    • Karen is going to reach out to Sue
    • Aaron, Stefanie and Vicki are going to research programs
    • Mr. C – consider budget requirements

• Text for Murch website describing I/E block for parents
• Small group has draft of letter à will be sent around to LSAT

Other

• DCPS webinar on budget process—link to be shared with group

1. Executive Board Members present: Sue Guzman (President), Meredith Grindrod (Teacher Representative), Brendan Holland (Secretary), Amy Mack (Communications), Joanna Brown (VP), Nisa Gosselink-Ulep (asst-Treasurer), Maura Healy (asst-Treasurer), Ron Eckstein (VP), Stephnie Owens (Personnel), and Maggie Gumbinner (former HSA co-President).

Other Members in Attendance:  Christine LoCascio (SIT)

2. Approval of prior minutes – Brendan HollandBrendan presented the minutes for the December meeting, which had been posted on BaseCamp for review previously, and sought the board’s approval of the minutes.
   Brendan made a motion that the Board ratify the previously posted minutes for the December 14^th meeting as the official record of that meetings.  Sue seconded the motion, there was no objection, and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.  

3. Principal’s Report – Mr. Cebrzynski
   Mr. C. was unable to attend in person, but sent a written report updating the Board on various current events, which Sue shared with the Board.

• Talent Show coming up on Friday, January 27^th at 6PM in UDC Theater.
• Murch night at Potomac Pizza will now be on February 2^nd. Potomac Pizza will graciously donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds to Murch.
• Evening upcoming to meet the Enrichment coordinator Ms. Bentley and learn about the school wide enrichment at Murch, date to be announced.
• Science Fair (date to be determined), Lip Sync (which will be March 9^th), and Fourth grade job fair is upcoming this spring (date to be determined).
• PARC assessment evening. There will be an evening meeting this Spring for parents of students Grades 3-5 to learn about the PARC tests and the standardized testing at Murch.
• Also a reading and a math evening, to learn more about our instruction at Murch.
• Spring Musical. Branch will be organizing the spring musical and is currently considering options for what musical to do.
• Fifth Grade promotion ceremony will be held Monday June 12^th at UDC Theater for the Arts.
• Also still planning an end of the year family fun night.Brief discussion ensued about publicizing these and other Murch community activities, both through the website and alternative means.

4. President’s Report – Sue Guzman
   1. SIT Update– (Christine LoCascio).  Christine provided an update from the SIT, reporting that a complete, detailed update had been posted to the website a couple of days ago.  The SIT had a meeting with DCPS and design team Dec. 6^th, and a copy of that presentation is also on the website.  Christine described it as an exciting meeting; the design team provided photos of interior rendering and samples of materials.  Still working on furniture and materials, but getting to greater level of detail.  Design team seems to be thoughtful in the approach and holding extensive conversations with the teachers and faculty.  Plans for the gym and the cafeteria progressing.  Playground planning is also ongoing.  The builders have received approval for site prep and are beginning broader work on the grounds, including curb cut. Found some additional asbestos that needs to be remediated, but also some original floors that can be reused.  Next meeting will be in sometime in February.
   2. Spring Auction Status Update. Sue reported that there is a strong team in place for the Spring Auction, and they are already hard at work.  Team of three folks:  Jess Regan, Elisa O’Keefe, and Liz Haines.  Virginia Marentette (who was a co-chair last year) is also onboard to handle the catalog, merchandise backend, and tech issues, etc.  The team has a date (Saturday, March 25^th) and developed a theme (Glitz, Glam, Gatsby) and work is proceeding.    Sue suggested that they consider sign-up parties and the class creations, both of which have been popular in the past.
   3. Tree Recycling/Mulching Results. Sue reported that the annual tree recycling/mulching event was quite successful, despite the cold and snow this past Saturday.  Approximately 50 trees were recycled and generated almost $600 in donations.  A huge thanks to everyone who came and the volunteers who staffed it despite the weather.

5. Treasurer’s Report – Sharon Bennett.
   Sharon provided an update on the current financials, which were little changed from the last report as there has not been much spending.  Noted the changes to the spreadsheets consolidating or eliminating a couple of line items as discussed at the last meeting.  Those changes have been implemented/reflected on the financial materials (balance sheet and income statement provided).

6. Old Business
   1. Update on SOS campaign. Sue discussed the SOS income thus far and the fact that both participation level and revenue have increased.  Participation is up and the net total is approximately $83k at this point.  The revenue thus far is reflected on the balance sheet that Sharon has posted for the board on BaseCamp.  (Sharon posted updated balance sheet and income statement with information as of 1/11/2017.)
      We are at about 35% participation, which is down from 41% participation last year, but the average amount donated per family (per child) has increased.  150 families have participated.  Fall Fair promotion was a successful push, along with flyers at Halloween parade, and Giving Tuesday email.  Sue also referenced Elizabeth Mettler’s updated docs, which were circulated to the Board electronically.
   2. Teacher Directed Enhancement Grants. With Ms. Grinrod’s assistance, we sent out the call to teachers for additional grant applications if teachers have projects in mind.  The messaging included a notation that all grant applications will be considered, but there is no guarantee of funding.  The deadline for submission is January 24^th, and the committee will get together to review and discuss to fund as appropriate.
   3. Recap and Further Discussion on Bylaws/Insurance/Compliance Matters. Sue revisited the presentation that Josh gave us at the last meeting and some of the issues that were raised.  Sue wanted to raise for the Board’s consideration the suggestion Josh made regarding potentially hiring an attorney to review the Board’s bylaws, and to provide guidance and drafting assistance.  Discussion ensued about the need to update the bylaws to ensure compliance with DC law.  Agreed that it might be worth exploring the cost and determine the feasibility of engaging a lawyer to ensure the Board remains in compliance.  Josh has recommended an attorney who practices specifically in this area and could be of assistance.  Would need to approve off-budget spending, and need to coordinate so it could be accomplished in a manner that the board can consider, and have the full membership vote on.  With the Board’s support, Sue will reach out to contact the attorney and explore what retaining such service would cost.

7. New Business
   1. Murch Movie Morning.  Ron reported he is working on finding a date for a potential matinee movie later in the Spring.  Still think it is a good idea and trying to make it work. Potential conflicts with sports and other things, but eager for community events.

Sue adjourned the meeting at 8:35 PM. 

1. Principal
   1. Mr. C spoke about the new chancellor and a phone call he had with him and other DC Principals.
   2. We hope he will have the chance to visit Murch soon

2. Intervention/Enrichment
   1. What is RTI? How is it different from I/E?
      1. RTI à The program/plan/method that identifies and tracks students as at risk or below grade level; very specific – lots of assessments and coordination; RTI comes in 6 week cycles – if the intervention is not successful, it can be modified, or moved to getting an IEP
      2. I/E is based on data and all students participate
      3. Another way to think about it – “A student who has an RTI plan will receive an RTI during I/E, but a student in I/E doesn’t always have an RTI plan.”
   2. The Murch I/E Program – What does it look like? (Murch Mindcraft)
      1. Looked at handout by Stefanie Berger
      2. Aides implement the Enrichment, classroom teachers do the Intervention (groups are mixed within the grade-level based on need); Math Specialist and Enrichment Coordinator help too – 12 adults help during each grade level’s I/E block
      3. Math – 10% are in the intervention block –  grades 3 -5
      4. ELA – 17% are in the intervention block – grades 3-5
      5. 2^nd – 5^th grade have 30 minutes per day (1^st grade has a different model)
      6. STEM competitions starting in January to add more Science and Math to I/E
      7. Most cycles are 3 weeks – number of days a week depends on groups/grade level
   3. Responses from teachers & aides on I/E
      1. 72% of teachers responded that a challenge is that there is not time to meet to discuss I/E
      2. (School-wide Enrichment à Ms. Bentley – separate from I/E block (based on their interest survey); 2^nd – 5^th graders will all have an enrichment project with her.)
   4. Discussion of articles and information on other I/E programs
   5. Going forward
      1. Coming up with specific Goals and Objectives of I/E block
      2. Communication with parents about the I/E block
         1. Section on the website about it?
   6. Get 3 or 4 measurable/achievable goals
      1. Would help get all grade levels more on the same page
      2. Enrichment à Clarify what we are doing – not pushing to the next grade-level, but exploring creativity and curiosity
   7. Make a scope & sequence for I/E block?
      1. At the end of the year, look back at projects and see overlaps in grade levels and see how to connect them and what to use again next year.
   8. Discussion of budget considerations to help with this more
   9. Time set aside on PD days to plan for I/E
   10. One idea – Once a month, grade-level teams get a full day to plan with specific goals
   11. This work is being done to be utilized for next year.
   12. Future thoughts à  Utilizing parents with knowledge in specific areas to help (ex: meteorologists)

A small group will meet to work on creating a draft of goals (Emily, Karen, Vicki, Aaron, Lauren).

3. Miscellaneous
   1. Computers
      1. Adam talked about the issues we are experiencing with laptops at school
      2. Suggested sending out a survey to all teachers – is everyone having this problem?  Can we reach out to HSA about fixing this?
      3. Mr. C will put Adam in touch with the DCPS person in charge of technology to discuss if we can use Chrome Books.