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Meeting Minutes: June 6th 2011

June 6, 2011

Uniform meeting

MacArthur Cafeteria

Committee Attendees:   Kate Munson, Eugenio Fischer, Ann Tucker, Elizabeth Jones, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Holliman, Ms. Caldera, Vincent Penoso, Ms. Merbeth, Crystal Gaines, Jeff Lane, Carolyn Ostermann-Healey, Kathleen Kuehnast, Chad Sarchio, Julie West, Karen Avery, Deanne McNulty

Out:  Sally Eastman, Pilar Latorre, Ms. Norman

(Members: Stacey Caldera, Ms. Norman, Ms. Merbeth, Chad Sarchio, Dena Battle, Dara Surratt, Deanne McNulty, Jake West, Sally Eastman, Eugenio Alberto Fischer, Pilar Latorre, Vincent Penoso, Elizabeth Jones (Chair), Carolyn Ostermann-Healey, Agandi Mulahi, Crystal Gaines, Rena Brown, Ann Tucker, Jeff Lane, Karen Avery, Kathleen Kuehnast, Christina Lytle, Kate Munson, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Holliman)

Meeting times:  For the future meetings, should we meet at 7 or 6:30?  The teachers and administrators like 6:30 because it’s a long day for them.  Perhaps we’ll switch it around each time.

Timeline:

Some of the points on the timeline that we need to be prepared for is Back to School Night and the date to send out the next survey. 

Back to School Night:  it would be a good time to present the work of the uniform committee to date.  Possibilities are to have kids model potential uniforms (or have pictures available).  Mrs. Thompson thinks anything done at Back to School night needs to be more informational.  The parents really want to get into the classrooms.  So this night would be to introduce the idea and give people an idea of what a voluntary uniform might look like.  The topic would only get 5 – 8 minutes at Back to School Night, but it’s an opportunity to get the widest exposure.  Put in people’s hands a fuller explanation of where the uniform process is. 

There was general agreement that the Back to School Night information was not sufficient to inform the parents, and therefore there should be a couple of meetings dedicated to the uniform issue.

In communicating the uniform issue, especially to incoming kindergarten families, there needs to be information given to them during k-prep and in any other ways so they are not surprised.

These and other issues will be dealt with in the communications subcommittee.

Survey timing:  When is the best time to get it out?  If we get it out at the middle of October, there is plenty of time to follow up on responses before thanksgiving.  One possible last ditch effort is reminders in the first quarter report card envelopes that are required to be signed and returned.  This is usually the middle of November.

Ideas for communication: We could look into a Robocall for a reminder to complete your MacArthur Voluntary Uniform Survey. We would need to contact the central board for information on a Robocall.  Gene would be willing to do a robocall message in Spanish.  However many phone numbers in the school’s database are wrong.  Another option for reaching out to the vast population is through emails in the directory. 

Ideas for communication for the population that may not have email addresses:   Mrs. Katzer has a Latino parents meeting in early October, this could be an opportunity to discuss uniforms and the survey.

Another opportunity for parental involvement: We will have one information session about uniforms after Back to School night open to all. We need to give dates for this session at Back to School night.  This needs to be an information session as well as an opportunity for parents to give speak at the meeting.  Prior to any sessions, we must get out a FAQ. 

Communication will come from The Committee on the Voluntary Uniform Policy.

Discussion of Elizabeth’s Process email:

Survey Subcommittee:  The final survey should be released to all families at MacArthur by mid-October.  Getting the student and teacher voice is also important but not required per the ACPS policy.  In the first committee meeting, the Brozmann Family mentioned doing some type of a professional survey. We need to contact them to see if this could be a viable option for this survey. The final survey should have the type and colors of uniform we are recommending.

The Logistics Subcommittee: This subcommittee  should really focus on the various places to purchase uniforms, the cost and work with PTA on developing a clothes closet for students in need. The logistics subcommittee will look into bulk purchasing for uniforms. We must have all of this researched and documented by the beginning of school.

We decided to discuss the colors with the whole group at this meeting tonight (mtg 6/6/11). The colors should be limited to three colors on top and two colors on the bottom so that we do not have to revisit this issue at a later date.

Colors for uniforms discussed: Dark Blue and Khaki bottoms, this includes pants , shorts, jumpers, skorts, and skirts. This will follow the current length dress code guidelines (finger length to the knee). This will include cotton-type pants (or yoga pants, cargo pants) but no jeans. Blue sweat pants or sprit wear will be acceptable for gym day.

Tops-  the tops will be plain, with no graphics.  The preferred top is a collar shirt, in red, white and blue.  Slight variations on dark blue will be acceptable.  Sweaters within the uniform color scheme are acceptable.

Other items discussed:

Foot wear should follow the same policy as our current policy..

The group will not speak to hair accessories or hats.

A Motion was made on the following:

Navy or khaki pants or shorts for boys. No jeans.

Navy or khaki skirt, skort, dress, jumper, pants (including yoga pants or cargo) for girls

Navy sweats/shorts for gym days

Dark blue, red or white collared shirt with no graphics or logos

Shoes/sneakers will follow the current policy, however the new policy will discourage light up shoes.

Any colored socks are acceptable, preferably white or to match top but we will not limit colored socks.

Vote on Motion:  Unanimous vote with Chad Sarchio abstaining.

Misc Notes:  Elizabeth will attend the PTA meeting on 6/7/11 to discuss the uniform update.  A suggestion was made to link to FAQ on the MacArthur webpage.

Vincent discussed the Google groups, to make sure everyone is clicking the bottom link once to sign in. 

Elizabeth will discuss the pros and cons of uniform at the next meeting. Many members discussed articles out there to review on this issue.

The committee could have an information booth in the front lobby during first quarter conferences for report cards. This was a suggestion by Mrs.Holliman.

After tallying the calendar, August 22 is a potential date to meet as a majority group before school starts.  The subcommittees will work during the summer via email.

Meeting adjourned 8:22pm.

Meeting Minutes: June 2nd 2011

June 2, 2011

Uniform meeting

MacArthur Library

Committee Attendees:  Elizabeth Jones, Ann Tucker, Crystal Gaines, Sally Eastman, Jeff Lane, Dara Surratt, Ms. Caldara, Ms. Norman, Deanne McNulty, Kathleen Kuehnast, Carolyn Ostermann-Healey, Julie West, Debbie Thompson, Karen Avery, Afandi Mulahi, Ms. Holloman, Ms. Merbeth, Katie Munson, Christina Sarchio

Maury school representative:  Tonya Kelly.  The push for uniforms started when Maury was a failing school with trying to look nicer by wearing nice pants and collared shirts.  When Ms. Jackson came over as a principal in 04/05, she got the support of the PTA and student body and implemented uniforms in the fall of the 05/06 school year.  On the first day of school, about 80% of students showed up in uniform, despite having so little time between announcement and implementation.  Now, most students come in uniform.  Uniforms are only worn Monday through Thursday with Friday being free dress within the overall dress code guidelines.

Maury’s uniform is powder blue or navy shirts and khaki or navy blue bottoms.  No sandals, no flip flops.  Girls can wear skorts, jumpers, shorts, pants, sweaters.

Mrs. Kelly likes the uniform policy now, but having a girl, it reduced the morning clothing battles.  She and other parents donate used uniform clothes as their children outgrow them to the nurse for redistribution. 

Q:  Did you fund for some of the uniforms when you started?

A:  I don’t think so, but they knew the PTA would step in with the parents who had need.  To supplement the uniform they had some Maury spiritwear printed, but she doesn’t exactly remember. 

Q:  What about those families that were against uniforms?

A:  Ms. Jackson met with parents and there was lots of communication about the uniform and where to buy them. 

Q:  What was their timeframe?

A:  Started the conversation about uniforms in January or February and it was implemented at the start of the next school year.

Q:  How many meetings?

A:  At least one PTA meeting to discuss, then the survey, then another PTA meeting where the issue was decided.  Then it was implemented.

Q:  If the uniform issue was brought up in 02/03 why did it take until 05/06 to implement?

A:  There were 3 different principals during this time period.  Ms. Jackson spearheaded it.

Q:  How many students were at Maury then and now?

A:  140 students when the uniform issue started and now 350 students (the school is at capacity.)

Q:  What was the motivation to go to uniforms?

A:  They were a Title 1 school, and there were many poor children who came to school in very bad clothes and the children were noticing it.  It was an equalizer socioeconomically.  The children didn’t have to worry about who was wearing what and they could concentrate on their school work.

Q:  Has it had this intended effect?

A:  Scores have shot up since they went to uniforms, and while it’s due to the teachers and the principal, but it certainly didn’t hurt. 

Q:  You said there didn’t seem to have many parents ask for uniforms for free?

A:  The social worker would know which parents need help, and she works with the PTA to highlight which families may need uniform assistance.  Sometimes, individual parents just step up and buy uniforms when it is said that there is a need.

Q:  Are there children who do not wear uniforms?

A:  Not that she has ever seen.

Q:  What about children with sensory issues or can’t do zippers or buttons?

A:  They don’t have these children at Maury, but they would have to make exceptions.  They can wear yoga pants or leggings.  Maury is quite relaxed about the uniform.  What’s important is that the students look like a team and contribute to school pride.  It’s more about the colors than the style or fabric of the clothes.    

Q:  Does the general population understand it is voluntary?

A:  Yes, but it doesn’t say it in the materials.  She hasn’t heard any parents complain in the many years she’s been there. 

Committee Structure and Voting:

Does this committee need to follow Roberts Rules of Order for committee business?  It was agreed that we will follow Robert Rules of Order for any formal committee business, such as motions, seconds and votes, but follow a loose conversation style during discussions. 

The committee was reminded that it is an advisory group to Ms. Thompson, who will get the final say. 

Decision:  We will be doing seconds and motions. 

Decision:  50% of members for a quorum.

Implementation based on State and Alexandria guidelines:

State guideline legal considerations:  The City guidelines already follow the state guidelines, but the committee will consult the state guidelines as it goes forward. 

Communications Notes:  [During the committee’s discussion, many members and visitors brought up issues relating to committee communications.  These are contained here.]  As the committee communicates about these issues, the fact that that uniforms are voluntary should be repeatedly stated.  We should call the committee the MacArthur Parent/Teacher Uniform Committee to reflect the input of the teachers on the committee.  We will gain input from the teachers, staff, and students next fall.  To maintain transparency, we need to be neutral in our communications to parents and the school. 

First Survey Results:

36% or 118 families responded NO, representing 115 children

64% or 203 families responded YES, representing 277 children.

Motion:  Committee feels that there has been “sufficient interest” in evaluating and making recommendations for a process going forward.  Second.  Vote:  Unanimous with Christina Sarchio abstaining. 

Motion:  Cap the committee at 25 members.  Second.  Vote:  Unanimous.

The committee directed Elizabeth Jones and Mrs. Thompson to issue a joint communication that states that the committee’s process in evaluating and making recommendations for a process going forward on the issue of uniforms at MacArthur will not reach its conclusion until after the start of the next school year.  Therefore, there will be no change to the MacArthur dress code for start of the 2011/2012 school year.

Adjourned.

Public Schools can have a uniform policy that is Voluntary

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