Despite all of the rain, the flowers are beginning to bloom and spring is in the air… life is busy and it is no exception at Allenby or the APA. Just last week we had an APA meeting one night, a community meeting with Karen Stintz around parking and traffic safety and then topped the week off with our first ever Family Kindergarten Night. Close to 120 families, eating pizza, socializing and watching the magic of “Tricky Ricky.” A fantastic night and something we might want to think about doing in the future for each grade level to get to know each other better.
Our APA meeting on Tuesday night was very well attended but worth giving a few highlights to those who were not able to attend and to keep everyone informed. (Complete minutes are available here.)
Grade 6 Graduation Funds
The money requested by the 6th Grade Graduation Committee was reinstated in the budget. It had been voted down in the September meeting due to a lack of understanding of how much money was needed for the graduation festivities and because other cuts were being made in the overall budget. This meeting was a great opportunity to explain the budgeting process and how it is done annually. We were thrilled to see so many people present at the meeting. Many of these parents had been involved with previous graduation ceremonies and were able to give the attendees a better understanding of the events around graduation and the corresponding costs as opposed to just line items in the budget. It is with this understanding that we will be able to create more description in the budget going forward.
Technology
An excellent presentation was made on potential technology options for Allenby. Last year the APA “earmarked” money to spend on technology. The discussion was on the value of continuing to add Smart Boards to more classrooms as well, why it might be important to branch out and invest in some other forms of technology. Research was done on what other schools in our Ward are doing as well as an extensive cost analysis. For a full report please see the minutes from last month when they are distributed. This discussion will continue at the May APA meeting. Several motions were put forth in the April meeting and will therefore be voted on in the May meeting. Please join us at the May meeting, be a part of the discussion and vote. We need to hear from you.
Fun Fair/Charity Update
The Fun Fair is absolutely an Allenby Signature Event. Not only do Allenby families enjoy the food, games and rides but the entire community have come to enjoy it too. However the funds go to benefit Allenby. Products are donated, volunteers give their time, and families spend their money with that intent. As a result, and after much debate, we have had to come up with a protocol for those wanting to use the Fun Fair to showcase other charities and causes. Every cause is a terrific one and has a special meaning to everyone involved. The APA has taken the position that other charities cannot use our directory, newsletter, etc. to advertise or collect fund. Having said that, we have made an exception this year for student driven charities. This year a group of students approached Jennie Ucar and asked to set up a table at the Fun Fair. They came to her with a business plan and were given an opportunity to present at the March council meeting. The parents that were present at March agreed to the program. This has led to other groups wanting the same opportunity. So, after much debate at the meeting we decided on the following:
If students create a plan and have it approved by Jennie Ucar, they could set up at the fair in a “Charity Nook” at the Fun Fair. They will be allowed to distribute information and have a small donation box. It will be the responsibility of each group to set up and tear down their area and the group must be supervised by a parent. Please note that this was not an easy decision but the parents at the meeting worked hard to come up with a protocol that would take all positions into account.
Parking
On Wednesday Karen Stintz hosted a community meeting to attempt to resolve some of the parking issues around the school. The purpose was to come to some resolution around the congestion, allow legal parking for parents and provide an environment that is safe for both residents and pedestrians. Many residents attended and were very vocal about the parking issues around Allenby at pick up and drop off. We established that the community supports our changes to the Kiss ‘N Ride program and Karen Stintz will proceed to take our request for signage change to council in June. In addition, a working group consisting of parents and residents was formed to continue to work resolving the issues around permit parking. This group consists of a community member from each section of the streets around the school, APA representative and Karen Stintz’s office. They will need time to make the changes, so in the mean time we plead for your patience. Please keep the kindergarten area clear, stay out of tow away zones and keep residents’ driveways clear.
Lastly, our reason for the summary in addition to just posting the regular minutes, is to let everyone know that because Allenby is a large community it is sometimes challenging to find balance amongst all opinions, positions and history. However, please know that every member of your Exec Board tries their very best to do so in the most equitable manner possible and in the spirit of representing all parents. We continue to encourage everyone to come to the APA meetings where your experiences, enthusiasm and knowledge can be heard.
We hope to see you at the May APA meeting and of course at the fabulous Fun Fair on June 4th!
Lori and Heather
Co-Chairs, Allenby Parents Association