Academically, we are nearing the successful close of the spring semester. Scholars have demonstrated steady growth, and early results from recent assessment data suggest improvement across Math and Reading. Our faculty continues to refine curriculum strategies, with a particular emphasis on project-based learning and standards-based instructional practices. 

Enrollment for the 2025–2026 school year remains strong, with 95% of current families re-enrolled and new applications exceeding projections. We attribute this to our deepening community relationships, growing number of families who are spreading the word, and consistent outreach efforts. 

Our partnerships with the Emory University School of Medicine and the Jane Goodall Foundation yielded phase II of our gardening project – with the addition of a grove of blueberry bushes and peach trees. The garden is now growing cucumbers, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, peppers, herbs, and leafy vegetables. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to place-based education and concludes a year-long passion project for some of our scholars. 

On the operational side, we are finalizing the FY26 budget proposal and will present it to the public in May and June. Facility updates, including the addition of five new classrooms, are progressing on schedule and within budget. 

Finally, I want to acknowledge the incredible work of our teachers and staff. Their dedication remains the heart of our mission, and their impact is evident in every scholar’s growth. 

Enrollment (exceeded goals in every category so far):

• 284 new application
• 293 accepted seats
• 273 full registrations
• Waitlist for 7th grade

Attendance:

• Continues to be strong, above this time last year (96+%)

Micro-Village meetings at 90%, goal of 100% by end of year.

26 offers for next school year have been made (met the current timing goal).

1 ISS incident in March

MAP Reading, Math and ELA spring was this week.  Data will be available next meeting in May.  

Action Item for Dr. PT: Prepare personnel vacancy report for May

• Reviewed the Academic Assessment calendar (on track for dates and timing)
• Used Spring MAP testing as a "test" for the Milestone.  Between now and the Milestone, there will be a simulation with the testing platform and item samples/tools on the platform.  

• The main revision has already been completed (earlier start to the school year, so more time for make up dates at the end of the year for Milestones.

Action Item for Dr. PT: will work with Directors to draft the SY25-26 Academic Assessment Calendar

Dr. PT gave an overview of the most up=to-date and revised version of the promotion policy.  

Action Item for Dr. PT:  Delete "GAA language goes here…" line

TAS received a 5 star (highest!) rating on the School Climate CCRPI (staff and family input on the survey).  TAS is in the top 20% of schools in the state!

• Thank you for continuing to support succession planning.
• Submit 2 prospects to our succession planning tracker.

April 23 2024

• PTO: 
  • School Principals Day/Directors day – May 1
  • 7th grade field trip - May 6
  • School Nurse Day – May 8
  • Public Service Recognition Day - May 8 *local police, firefighters public service ppl and lunch - $1K budget last year
  • Teacher appreciation– May 5th-9th
  • We are meeting again virtually on April 29th to determine actions for each committee for this first week of May in partnership with Kynea and TAS Staff
  • Slides can be found here: TAS PTO Kick Off Slides_040325_Final
• Phonathon: 
  • Thank you to Carl, Emily and Shelby for signing up for the board led enrollment phonathon!
  • We will be contacting 80+ TAS parents in the next 2 weeks to help get our SY25-26 enrollment up!
• Teacher Appreciation Week: 
  • The theme for the week is "Teaching Is a Work of Heart"
    • Staff have received a donation for breakfast on Wednesday from our partners, Sigma Gamma Rho. 
    • Last year board members donated to support our teachers - would also like to contribute to this week.The planning team is looking for lunch and breakfast donations or catered meals. 
    • What is possible from our end?
• Reflections from JPT about Beautification Day!
• Additional Board Activities: 
  • We are all done with Board Trainings for this school year! Thanks so everyone for helping us remain compliant!
  • Spring Retreat - May 4
  • Board Prospecting Mixer - May 8
  • Opportunities to support in the 6th and 7th grade showcases - June 4 and 5

Jaamal presented March financials.  

Action Item for Jaamal: Jaamal to share the March financial reports with the board.

Action Item for Nicole: Follow up with Jaamal and finance committee about bonuses.

Jaamal presented a proposed budget for 2025-2026.

Action Item for Jaamal: Jaamal to share the projected budget for 2025-2026 with the board.

Last year our auditor was Bambo Sonaike, CPA, LLC.  The finance committee recommends that we use him again this year.  The same 4 from last year were provided by the SCSC again this year so the recommendation is to stick with Bambo.  Alvin and Sabrina agree with this recommendation.

Jaamal and Bernard shared the FY25 mid-term allotment sheet.

Action Item for Jaamal: Jaamal to share the FY25 mid-term allotment sheet with the board.

There are multiple transportation vendors to review for a future board meeting vote.  Marketing is also a vendor recommendation for May.

As part of our ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen the board at The Anchor School, we’ll be hosting a Board of Directors Recruitment Event on Wednesday, May 8th from 7:00–9:00 PM at Condesa Coffee. This will be a warm, casual evening designed to introduce prospective board members to our mission, share the work and impact of the board, and begin building relationships with individuals who may be a great fit.