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Minutes 09-27-12 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2012, AT 6:00 P.M., IN CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BLVD. BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Steve Waldman, Chair Sherri Claude, Board Liaison Carla Colebrooks Dr. Tiffany North Loretta Wilkinson ABSENT: Mary Morera, Vice Chair I. Call to Order Chair Waldman called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m II. Pledge of Allegiance /Moment of Silent Reflection The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, followed by a moment of silent reflection. Self introductions were made. III. Approval of Minutes of August 23, 2012 Motion Dr. North moved to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Ms. Colebrooks and unanimously passed. IV. Approval of Agenda Motion Ms. Wilkinson moved to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Dr. North and unanimously passed. V. Announcements /Presentations /Correspondence A. First Book South Florida 1 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL September 27, 2012 Jessica Hall, Chairman for First Book South Florida, 815 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., advised she was present to introduce the organization. She commented that literacy continued to be a problem among children from low income families. First Book is a national, non - profit organization, dedicated to providing new books to children in need and addressing one of the most important factors affecting illiteracy which would be access to books. Since 1992, First Books had distributed over 90 million books to children in need countrywide and was on target to reach their 20 anniversary goal of 100 million books in November. Studies had shown that interest in reading more than doubled among children who receive books from First Book. She advised that First Book is a newly- formed, all volunteer advisory board, dedicated to providing new books to children in need in Palm Beach County. The funds the Board raised would be put back into the community in the form of grants. Once per year, grants would be awarded to local literacy programs, serving at -risk children at no cost to their program. Her purpose coming to the meeting was for support in helping to get them known in the schools, help them register with First Book to access resources that provide low -cost or free books such as The First Book National Book Bank and The First Book Marketplace By registering, the schools would have completed the first step in the grant application process. She also advised that they were in the market for fundraising events and possibly could partner with this Board in fundraising activities. They currently have one in progress called "Make a Book Workshop" which would take place before the holidays. B. Update on Advisory Board Attendance Issue Ms. Claude advised that Chair Waldman wrote a letter to the Mayor and discussed the issue of the two Board members who were removed from the Board due to various circumstances. There was a response from the interim City Manager who indicated she would be interested in helping to figure out a solution. She indicated she would place it on the Commission agenda for the first meeting in October. Chair Waldman advised he cited the point that Hattie Miller had been on the Board from the beginning and had been ill. In addition, Carol Lundquist had extenuating circumstances with her family and had been removed from the Board. Both indicated they would like to come back on the Board if possible. Ms. Wilkinson shared that Commissioner Ross was talking about getting more people on the Boards and how more volunteers are needed. There seemed to be a sense of apathy in the area. At that particular Commission meeting, the Commissioners accepted resignations from three people. One of them was the student board member of this Board that left for college. Ms. Wilkinson advised she had a couple of students who were interested in joining the Board. 2 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL September 27, 2012 VI. Public Audience Jeannie Heavilin, 734 NE 9 Avenue, Boynton Beach advised she was also looking for youth volunteers interested in becoming involved. Ms. Heavilin distributed the final flyer for young artists /young authors, in addition to the letter for the school. The Arts Commission helped her with the final touches to attract attention from the middle and high school students. She was trying to have the exhibit at Boynton Beach Mall for more exposure which should help obtain some sponsors, as well as hold a reception there. On November 15, 2012, the second annual "Putt'n around the Holidays" would be held at Putt'n Around in Delray Beach. The cost would be $25 /person which would include food, drinks and 18 holes of miniature golf. VII. New Business None. VIII. Old Business A. Adopt -A- Classroom Ms. Claude advised the checks were in process The Board should decide where in the previously chosen schools they would be going. After some discussion on the process used to choose a classroom, it was agreed that if a teacher put in the form, it meant the classroom needed the dollars. Ms. Wilkinson reviewed the list of teachers with needs that applied. After discussion, it was suggested out of 14 teachers at Forest Park, Natalie Rashore a first -year kindergarten teacher would be the adopted classroom. Nine registered at Galaxy, and Bridgett Barbera was chosen who had 21 students with moderate learning disabilities Chair Waldman would take care of the Boynton High School donation. B. Education Marketing Initiative Chair Waldman advised that Commissioner Ross had an Education Marketing Initiative idea. This entailed developing some language highlighting the educational opportunities in Boynton Beach. Everyone was instructed to construct an idea. Chair Waldman suggested "lifetime learning, A -Z, in Boynton Beach ". Dr. North suggested "global education in your local community" Ms. Claude advised the next step would be for the Community Relations Board to schedule a meeting for all the Boards involved to have a group advisory board meeting in October to discuss this. 3 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL September 27, 2012 C Fundraising Dr. North provided follow -up on the Zumbathon. The original contact could not assist as she did not live in the City. However, Dr. North received another contact and will follow - up before the next meeting. Chair Waldman reminded everyone that monies need to be raised. There was two years remaining on the Borovy Award. D. Shred -A -Thon Ms. Wilkinson advised she was waiting on a return call from Mr. Fogarty at the high school. The date was set for November 3, 2012 from 9:00 a.m — noon. This event was all ready to go. E. Youth Volunteer Bank /Bob Borovy Award Ms. Claude advised there was nothing new to report. The Borovy Award would be on the website next month and she would forward it to the schools. There was no change in the Youth Volunteer Bank. IX. Future Meeting Dates: October 25, 2012 December 6, 2012 X. Adjournment Motion There being no further business to discuss, Ms. Colebrooks moved to adjourn. Ms. Wilkinson seconded the motion that unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. ,L.. Ellie Caruso Recording Secretary 4