Download minutes PDF Minutes Approved

Menlo Park Academy Governing Board

Minutes

Board-Staff Retreat

Date and Time

Tuesday June 2, 2020 at 9:00 AM

Location

Phone Numbers
(‪US‬) ‪+1 631-493-7883‬
PIN: ‪974 665 590#‬
OUR MISSION: Menlo Park Academy is a public school that develops the potential of gifted learners through an exemplary program of rewarding experiences that nurtures the whole child.

Directors Present

Dante Giancola (remote), Richard Hronek (remote), Susan Dornan (remote), Suzanne McFarland (remote), Teri Harrison (remote), Tiffany Randle (remote)

Directors Absent

Fraser Hamilton Sr, Melissa Picone

Guests Present

Amanda Conti, Amy Kreiger, Ashley O'Malley, Barbee Thomas (remote), Beth Turk (remote), Brittany Harramann, Carla Biggert, Cassie Sponseller (remote), Dan Pernod, Danielle Dachtler (remote), David Berenson (remote), Deb Vandrasik, Dennis Costa, Doug Thompson (remote), Eamon O'Donnell (remote), Erin Peters, Frank O'Grady, Grace Coyne (remote), Janie Zell, Jeanette Louis (remote), Jeff Jaroscak (remote), Jennifer Ingraham, Jenny Polasko, John Cycyk, Julie Cronin, Karen Uthe (remote), Kateland Kacic, Kendra Blackburn, Kimberly Glinka, Krista Nenandal, Kristen Barnes, Linda Mensah, Lindsey Macey, Melissa Long, Natalie Briganti, Nick Pennypacker, Pamela Ziss, Patty Saddle, Rena Gardin, Scott Caldwell, Shannon Jakubczak, Shanon Kneidel, Shelby Hess, Shumei Hu, Staci Young, Sylvia Rimm, Tara Schmitt (remote), Vearra Campbell (remote), Wendy Knipper

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

Teri Harrison called a meeting of the board of directors of Menlo Park Academy Governing Board to order on Tuesday Jun 2, 2020 at 9:00 AM.

II. Welcome

A.

Agenda Review

Teri Harrison welcomed the full team and reviewed the agenda and plans for the day. The theme for the 20-21 school year is flexibility. 

B.

Kickoff

Dr. Rimm shared a message about flexibility to kickoff the meeting. 

III. School Happenings

A.

Budget

Teri Harrison reviewed the budget for 2020-21. 

B.

Enrollment

Jennifer Ingraham and Karen Uthe shared information about our current enrollment. The process is moving along very well. Enrollment numbers are stronger now when compared to last year at the same time. Retention activities have been effective as the retention numbers are also high. Events have shifted to virtual and marketing efforts adjusted for the current environment. 

C.

COVID-19 Task Force

Susan Dornan gave an update regarding the task force. Areas of focus. Asked the staff to engage by joining a sub-team.

IV. Break

A.

Break

Group took a break. 

V. Flexibility

A.

Flexibility

After some brief comments regarding the current tensions and protests regarding social justice, Pamela Ziss went through an exercise on resilience. Don't make decisions when you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired (HALT). While we all crave certainty, we should attempt to stay in the "green zone" of positivity during these challenging times. Group performed some mind mapping exercises and considered what emotions they wanted to spread. "Moving forward, you can count on me for _________".

VI. Lunch

A.

Lunch Break

Group had a lunch break. 

VII. The Future

A.

Philanthropy

Lisa Sierk reviewed a presentation on philanthropy and organizational culture. During these times, giving is surprisingly high. Work with the community on engaging with them, which will result in their giving their time, talent and treasure. Consider where we can get creative. The key is collaboration. Culture is about attitude, understanding and behavior. 

B.

Skip Levels / Staff Survey

The group split into smaller teams to share some successes and potential areas for improvement with various board members. Completed the staff survey when not in a meeting. 

C.

Flexibility Activity

VIII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 3:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Teri Harrison