Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes: Wednesday April 3rd, 2024

Mr Huran - Middle School Principal Visit

A little about myself: I’ve been at the middle school for 12 years, the district for 15. Prior to Haverford school district, I was in Upper Darby. When I made the switch professionally, I moved my family to the district as well and now my children attend Haverford schools. Our schools are in a really great place considering the past few years. From a parent perspective, I know the experience of having kids in these schools. Academically, socially, athletically & artistically. I am here to personally dispel myths about middle school and answer any questions you may have. .
Questions from attendees:

The district has no policy that students can or can't have cell phones, it's more about network and devices. Procedures in middle school - almost all kids have cell phones and the expectations are talked about once a week. Cell phones & ear buds must be in the locker at all times once school starts. Fridays are “byod-bring your own device” days in the cafeteria. Kids are allowed to bring their own devices at lunch, no pics, no videos, no calls, yes to games & music. If the staff sees a cell phone one time it is taken and given back with discussion. The second time it happens the family has to come pick it up. If it continues to happen there are further consequences. Families often push back that this is how they communicate with their child. Before “BYOD" was implemented students hid devices a lot more. With 1600 kids, barely 10 phones are confiscated a week. The bigger problem is social media and kids using their cell phones inappropriately.
Education around internet safety? It is presented in the 6th,7 & 8th grade health classes - especially 6th & 7th grades. Safety policies are strict - police, suspension, taken very seriously.
We find kids are honoring the expectations

Chromebooks and the network in our district: Post covid we like to have as little done on the chromebook as possible while in school. Outside of school it's easier for students to submit work via chromebook.
The network is constantly being monitored but a high degree of monitoring tends to be off putting, not supportive & “ big brother-ish.” Families sign an agreement and policies are followed. We have found very little misuse of chromebooks and when incidents do incur- the chromebook and network are removed, policies are strict. Students are given paper & pencil. Example: A student is searching online about weapons and sends a picture to someone else. A line has been crossed. Something like this has happened only 2 or 3 times in 12 years.

6th grade- a little over 500 students. Kids are put onto one of 4 identical teams. On each teaching team there are 5 teachers - Math, science & Social studies. Unified arts teachers mix kids of the entire grade. The difference between level one and level 2 students is writing. All follow the same curriculum. For math there are a few more levels. Higher levels have larger class sizes, lower levels have lower sizes and co-teachers. Science and social studies are not leveled.
Languages?- 6th grade has an introductory mix of spanish, latin
Parental involvement? “At some point in 6th grade your kids are gonna be like- stay away!” 6th grade can be tough for parents but kids have a planner. Every day teachers are available 47 minutes to work with kids or parents. Come to the PTO meetings for involvement. Not as much opportunity for parent involvement as there is in elementary schools. Kids encouraged to advocate for themselves- taught independence.
Placement? By the end of the school year the middle school gets lots of data qualitative and quantitative data and makes a recommendation to put kids in different levels. Recommendations are made that allow for parent input. Kids are reevaluated and can move every marking period.
To contact me- please feel free to email or call with questions. I strive to be super accessible. We will start sending more info to parents as the end of the year comes.

Recording Secretary - Call for Approval of Minutes - March 2024 Minutes Approved
Haverford Education Foundation - We provide 1500 grants for innovative projects, student teacher parent community driven. This organization provides these grants through fundraising. The big fundraising event: Twilight fun run 5k, 1k elementary challenge is on April 27th. A Friendly competition between elementary schools to increase participation is being held for a Rita’s water ice party. Sponsorships are available as well with a deadline of this friday. The Chestnutwold PTO was a sponsor last year. Confirmed that the PTO will sponsor again. Sign up online to register.
Principal’s Remarks - Vote to change PTO bylaws

Motion #1 - split the current VP of After-School Activities to two positions: VP of After-School Clubs and VP of Out-of-School Events - yay- 19, opposed: 0 opposed… motion passes
Motion #2 - move the VP positions and the Secretary position from a one-year term to a two-year term
Yay-8, opp, opp 10… motion does not pass

Katie Gretchen
Kristia Magdy
Thank you for the field trip donations!- This helps make the field trips attainable for us.

Tech - the major update is they are taking away youtube for elementary and questions were posed about what they are blocking and how. Parents are concerned. A lot of tech is integrated in the curriculum so it is difficult to switch.
Keeping tech in school? This came up for kinder and 1st and 2nd. - teachers were told not to use tech during indoor recess.
Tech audit coming soon - fill it out!!Look for it in the district blast.
Next meeting on transportation.

Principal’s Remarks & Community Discussion - Restrengthening Family Involvement

Assemblies: Benergy, Paleontology assembly is on Thursday, May 2nd, and Cole the Deaf Dog in October
Artist in Residence Day, Friday, April 19th-Jill Robostello, “doodling and art as a fidget”
Evening of the Arts, Wednesday, May 29th-dedicated sign up forthcoming, could use many hands to hang artwork on the 16th and 17th of May, will send out a sign up genius in the beginning of May via the art teacher.

Family Engagement at Chestnutwold: 73 responses to the survey
Please see attached slides from Principal Leach’s presentation- LINK TO PRESENTATION
What does that tell us?

Convo with Teachers? - How do we find those opportunities, what does that look like to you?

Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 1st at 7:30 PM- Jennifer Munch will present a parent seminar on Childhood Anxiety.