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Minutes 02-28-08 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2008, 7:00 P.M., IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Present: Stephen Waldman, Chair Mary Morera, Vice Chair (arrived at 7.26 p.m.) Carol Lundquist Pamela Camel (arrived at 7:11 p.m.) Hattie Miller (left the meeting at 7:50 p.m.) Loretta Wilkinson Frank Chiste, Student, Regular Voting Member Brianna Frank, Student, Regular Voting Member Lisa Pierre, Student, Regular Non-Voting Member Sherri Claude, Board Liaison I. Call to Order Chair Waldman called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. II. Pledge of Allegiance/Moment of Silent Reflection Ms. Wilkinson led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silent reflection for our men and women in the Armed Forces. Self introductions were made, including the new board members. III. Approval of Minutes of January 24, 2008 Ms. Wilkinson requested Homosassa Elementary School on page 4 be corrected to Plumosa Elementary School. Ms. Claude requested a change to page 8, item B. to reflect the deadline for submitting applications for the Bob Borovy Award (not the Youth Volunteer Bank) was April 4, 2008 rather than May 4, 2008. Motion Ms. Wilkinson moved approval of the minutes for January 24, 2008. Ms. Frank seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 28, 2008 IV. Approval of Agenda There were no additions or corrections to the agenda. Motion Mr. Chiste moved approval of the agenda. Ms. Frank seconded the motion that passed unanimously. V. Announcements / Presentations / Correspondence Chair Waldman announced Ms. Claude prepared a letter for his signature soliciting monies from the American Legion Post for the Borovy Award. The American Legion Post had donated $1,000 for the last several years. VI. Public Audience None. VII. New Business A. Presidential Classrooms Linda Friedman, teacher and Chairman of the Social Studies Department at Boynton Beach High School, advised she had been a volunteer instructor for the last seven years for Presidential Classroom, in Washington, D.C. Students from across the nation attended this event. This year Ms. Friedman would accompany four students from Boynton Beach High School, at a cost of $1,450 per student for the week. The cost included accommodations, food and tuition for the program. Airfare was not included. Last year, Ms. Friedman accompanied 11 students, including Ms. Frank. In previous years, daily guest speakers included Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colin Powell and Ralph Nader, and members of the Supreme Court. Activities included sitting on the Floor of the House of Representatives, meeting with Representatives, Senators and Political Action Committees (PAC), visiting the various embassies and touring the Holocaust Museum. The students participated in congressional groups, electing their individual leaders from both parties. On one occasion, a student from Boynton Beach High School was selected as Speaker of the House. Ms. Friedman noted the program was underfunded, and she requested a donation of $1,000 in order to keep the program going. More than $5,800 had already been raised. Kayla Francis and Ms. Fichera were two of the four students participating, and were in the audience. The program they would be attending was Candidates Week, March 23- 2 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 28, 2008 29, 2008, which served as an introduction to government. Senator Barack Obama had agreed to attend. The students were selected based upon their interest, grade pOint average and successful completion of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). The program this year was limited to seniors. Ms. Frank pointed out she was only able to attend last year's Presidential Classroom as a result of Ms. Friedman's financial assistance. She noted the trip was a wonderful experience for her. Motion Ms. Wilkinson moved the board provide $1,000 out of the Miscellaneous Fund. Ms. Lundquist seconded the motion that passed unanimously. The board agreed a presentation should be made after the students returned from the Washington trip. Publicity would be sought through the news media. It was noted funds donated should be monitored by the board. Donations were made to Boynton Beach High School for equipment, and wheelchairs had been purchased for children in China. B. Proposal to Reward Academic Accomplishment at Boynton Beach High School Ms. Friedman explained she had been working with Chair Waldman regarding a proposal to reward academic accomplishments in Social Studies on all grade levels, while creating criteria that would not eliminate any students. She discussed the various ways in which this could be done. Criteria considered were multiple choice examinations, an essay test and an oral presentation. Rewards to students would include monetary awards, plaques, and a certificate of participation. Students at all grade levels indicated their interest in the program and ninth, tenth and eleventh grade teachers were in the process of developing their own criteria. Not often enough were students rewarded for their accomplishments. Ms. Friedman provided a copy of the proposal, which is on file in the City Clerk's office. Chair Waldman spoke of the merits of an oral presentation, especially when presented in a collegial manner. He believed an oral presentation sharpened a student's skills and provided an opportunity for the student to speak in a sophisticated fashion. Ms. Friedman emphasized it was intended that the competition be open to all freshman, sophomore, junior and senior students. Chair Waldman inquired as to whether the board could supply the plaques for the four grade levels. It was anticipated the program would come to fruition by the end of the current school year. Ms. Claude 3 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 28, 2008 noted plaque kits could be purchased for approximately $15. Plaques created by professionals would be more expensive. Chair Waldman contemplated a plaque for the students but also a plaque which could be displayed by the school, with the students' names added. The board members inquired whether Ms. Friedman had approached the School Advisory Committee (SAC) Title I Monies or Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTO). Ms. Friedman advised she had not approached SAC, which had only limited funds available. The school was not well endowed by members of the commercial community. At the present time, Ms. Friedman was merely looking at plaques, considering a senior award and seeking some type of cooperative effort. The board members believed the request was premature and suggested it be addressed after the Washington trip, and at the time Ms. Friedman and the students made their presentation to the board. Miss Miller left the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Motion Ms. Frank moved to table until Ms. Friedman was ready to present the proposal. Ms. Wilkinson seconded the motion for further discussion. The board inquired as to why the competition pertained only to Social Studies. Mr. Friedman explained the area of her expertise was Social Studies. However, it was her intent to approach the Chair of the Mathematics Department, as well as the Chair of the English Department. It was also suggested the competition be made more interactive. Ms. Friedman replied the competition was in its infancy and the proposal was not set in stone. The board members believed the project was a wonderful idea and suggested Ms. Friedman approach the board for monetary support once the proposal was finalized. In the interim, the board offered its verbal support of the project. Vote The motion passed unanimously. VIII. Old Business A. Tennis Carnival The date for the Tennis Carnival was set for Saturday, April 26, 2008 either from 1 :00- 2:00 p.m. or 2:00-4:00 p.m., at Hunters Run. Vice Chair Morera noted she generally 4 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 28, 2008 requested $50 from the board for the purchase of refreshments. Up to 30 children, aged 6 -18 years of age, would be accepted. The children would be grouped by age. Three tennis courts were reserved for the event. As it was too late to advertise in Funfare, Vice Chair Morera suggested flyers be distributed to the Civic Center and other central sites in the City. Ms. Claude offered to prepare the flyers, and Vice Chair Morera will confirm the time. Refreshments and two -hour tennis lessons will be provided. Chair Waldman noted Phyllis Stern, former Education and Youth Advisory Board member, and current Community Relations Board member, started the event and donated her time every year. She had also provided free tennis rackets and other give- aways. Vice Chair Morera requested suggestions for prizes and noted give -aways would be appreciated. C. Borovy Award (taken out of order) Ms. Claude noted she had not received any applications, but pointed out the deadline was still two months away. Chair Waldman explained the Borovy award was a cash award for $000 $1,000, and was provided to the graduating senior who made the greatest contribution in volunteer service, and who resided in the City of Boynton Beach. Three recommendations were required from someone other than a relative. B. Youth Volunteer Bank It was noted at a previous meeting, the board had decided to revisit the rules and regulations and, in particular, whether to revert to providing cash awards or giving out prizes. Vice Chair Morera provided background on the Youth Volunteer banquet, which rewarded children participating in the Youth Volunteer Program, an annual program beginning each April. The banquet was generally held in May, after completion of the school year. Children could volunteer at houses of worship, schools, and any organization that accepted youth volunteers (Beach Clean -up, Great American Clean -up, and Habitat for Humanity). The hours would be banked through the board's program. At the end of the year, the board would host the banquet with prizes and awards provided for the children that had accumulated hours. In the past, youngsters having the greatest number of hours were awarded savings bonds. However, there were questionable situations wherein it was believed the hours were padded, and the savings bonds awards were discontinued. Additionally, interest in the program had waned. As an incentive, hours banked with schools could also be banked with the board's program. The board was attempting to find other incentives that would make the program more attractive to youth volunteers. 5 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 28, 2008 Ms. Claude noted there were approximately 75 youngsters in the program. Several new members were enlisted through Ms. Pell. Savings bonds ranged in amounts of $25 to $100, depending upon the greatest number of hours accrued and the funds available. As mentioned above, abuses of the system were noted. Thereafter, in addition to banking hours, diversity of volunteerism was also considered. Still, there was difficulty deciding what awards would be given and some parents had questioned the board's methods. For the last few banquets, in addition to a catered dinner, tote bags and other gifts had been provided to all the volunteers who banked hours and attended the banquet. It was suggested a workshop be held in a more intimate setting in order to hammer out the rubric sought by the board and to establish criteria. Consensus The board agreed to change the location of the regular meeting on March 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Claude will determine what facility is available and notify the board. The Youth Volunteer Bank will be the only item on the agenda and a recording secretary will be present. Consensus The board agreed to hold the banquet on held May 2, 2008. The award would be given out at that time. C. Fundraising It was anticipated the next Oceanfront Concert would be held the third week in March. Ms. Claude will verify the date and draft a letter to Panera Bread requesting 225 cookies. Ms. Claude would coordinate efforts with Ms. Wilkinson. x. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 8: 19 p.m. ~ p J-,. Stephanie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 032108 6