CHPSPO Meeting Notes – August 13, 2013

Capitol Hill Public Schools Parent Organization
Capitol Hill Community Foundation

419 East Capitol St., SE (next door to Riverby Books)

August 13, 2013
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

 

1. Washington Teachers’ Union Outreach – David Street

Discussion by group:

• Union striving towards community participation
• How to ‘maximize’ the ‘ward’ or community meetings?
• Cultural changes around ‘last days of school’
• Is IMPACT a sensible use of resources?
• How can we (community) best support efforts (akin to IB)
• How can we align w/ WTU  and community on issues like Catania bills (ex: chartering capability for DCPS)
• Relationship between Teach for America, DCPS and impact to career teachers?
• Principal contracts – 1 year apt
• Aug 27 community organization alliance strategy meeting: Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ 5301 North Capitol Street, NE – 6:30-8:30PM

2. Campaign for Artful Resistance – Bess Altwerger invited (http://saveourschoolsmarch.org/get-involved/the-campaign-for-artful-resistance/)

Discussion by group:

• Do schools, individuals, teachers, families want to create art?
• Ideas around ‘it’s not on the test’?
• Art to be displayed at busboys and poets? Other public spaces?

3. Discussion of Council member Catania’s Community Conversations; Next Steps on Education Bills

• Parents and Communities for Neighborhood Schools
  • Soon to distribute comments around Catania bills
• Need to keep close watch on when hearings are scheduled
  • Catania may not necessarily introduce all bills for vote

4. Planning Walk-to-School Day – George Blackmon

• Communications to schools this week. Are schools participating? Recruit volunteers.

5. CHPSPO Elections

Nominations:

• Suzanne Wells – Chair
• Sandra Moscoso – Secretary
• Treasurer?
• Vice Chair?

6. Libraries Update

• Librarians for schools 300+ was restored; excess from renovations earmarked to stock school libraries supported by council. However, librarians have not been actively recruited, nor have books been purchased for renovated schools.  NOTE – See update on this via Peter MacPherson’s recent post.
• Plan: protest at ribbon-cutting for Dunbar

Next CHPSPO Meeting:  September 17, 2013

Upcoming Events:

August 24              School Beautification Day

August 27              WTU Community Organization Engagement Strategy planning meeting:  Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ 5301 North Capitol Street, NE – 6:30-8:30PM

October 9              Walk to School Day