O’Hara Renovation – O'Hara Elementary PTO

Meeting Recap: Principal and PTO Board Updates, Planning for Next Year

recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the last PTO meeting of the 2016-2017 school year! Here’s what was discussed at the May 19 meeting:

Principal’s Update on STAR and Class Assignments

Students have completed the last round of STAR assessments for the year. Students in all grades will be going home with a copy of their student STAR folder by May 31st. Teachers will be meeting individually with each student to review results, with a focus on celebrating growth and identifying areas of opportunity for the future.

Principals Batis and Edwards have formalized a new data-driven process for class assignments. The process is designed to achieve balanced classrooms that meet the diverse needs (academic, behavioral and social) of all learners. Teacher feedback, including input from specialists who work with students at multiple grade levels, will be part of the class roster process.

For more details on STAR and the class roster process, refer to the May Principal’s Update.

Budget and Construction Update

Outgoing Treasurer Tonja Condron provided an update on year-to-date income and expenses. This year’s income/expenses effectively net out, which was identified as a PTO Board objective for the 2016-2017 school year after careful consideration of the reserve funds held in the PTO account and concerns voiced by families.

Major expenditures for the year include purchase of Chromebooks for students and new art boards. A significant reserve amount is still set aside for the greenhouse and playground. Payment to the school has been delayed due to the construction bid process (re-bids are still pending
public school board vote), but construction is still currently slated to begin on June 12th.

Kristina Adams will begin a two-year term as treasurer in the 2017-2018 school year.

Plans in the Works for Next Year

The PTO is working on adding some organized activities to indoor recess. The plan currently involves several rotating carts that would house various activities, including an option for physical activity designed for the classroom. If you would like to help, email Dana Rofey.

Mrs. Johnson also announced plans to increase O’Hara student involvement in the Kids of Steel Marathon Program. Anyone interested in supporting this initiative for the 2018 Marathon should contact Mrs. Johnson directly.

With the school year coming to an end, the PTO Board will be planning out goals and projects for the 2017-2018 school year over the summer. We’d love to hear your ideas! Comment below or email Sarah Shaffer with suggestions on what you think we should focus on or areas where we can improve.

Committee Chairs and Members Needed

There are several open committee chair and member positions. Please email Carrie Work if interested in serving on or chairing a committee.

Yearbook – Cari Tarasi will be taking over chair position; Interested volunteers should email outgoing chair Lisa Correnti
Hospitality Committee – 3 to 4 members needed
Thanksgiving Baskets – Chair needed
Book Fair – 3 to 4 members needed
Fifth Grade Day – multiple positions open

PTO Meetings

Meeting Recap: Student Data Folders, Renovations, PSSA

Here’s what you missed at the March PTO Meeting:

STAR Benchmarking Update – Student Data Folders

February STAR benchmarking is complete and Student Data Folders have been created as of February 28th. Copies of the folders should have been sent home with 3rd, 4th and 5th graders (available upon request for students in K-1). Students worked with teachers to create the folders. Students were involved with data graphing, goal setting and reflections. Mrs. Batis reported positive feedback from students. Next year’s Open House will include a Curriculum Night and STAR benchmarking will be one of the topics covered. In the meantime, teachers are available to answer questions and address concerns.

Additional Lunch Monitors Added

Mrs. Batis shared that two additional monitors have been added for increased coverage during lunch/recess.

Renovations to Begin in June

The O’Hara Renovation project will be going out to bid (it’s really happening!!). Mrs. Batis shared an overview of the proposed Phases and Timeline (tentative and subject to revision, of course!):

Phase 1 (Begins June 2017, Ends August 2017): Office, Commons, Cafeteria, Library, Art Rooms, Playground
Phase 2: (October 2017) 5th Grade Classrooms/Hallway
Phase 3: (November 2017) 3rd/4th Grade Classrooms/Hallway
Phase 4: (December 2017) 1st Grade Classrooms/Hallway
Phase 5: (January 2018) 2nd Grade Classrooms/Hallway
Phase 6: (February 2018-August 2018)Kindergarten Classrooms/Hallway, Auditorium, Gymnasium, Music Areas

For additional information on the planned renovations, attend one of the upcoming Principal Coffee Hours (RSVP requested):

April 19, 2017 (9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
April 20, 2017 (4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Please click here to RSVP.

PSSA Administration Begins April 3rd

The PSSA schedule for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders is as follows:

Mrs. Batis emphasized that the goal is to maintain a sense of normalcy throughout the testing period with a slightly modified schedule. Testing will begin promptly at 9:10am. Families are asked to avoid scheduling appointments during the testing periods (students arriving late are not permitted to enter their home room if testing has begun).

Sample PSSA materials are available online at the Pennsylvania Department of Education Website.

Save the Date – The next PTO Meeting is Friday, April 21st!

PTO Meetings

Meeting Recap: PTO Budget Approved, Renovations to Begin in June

recap

2016-2017 Budget Approved

At Friday’s PTO meeting, Treasurer Tonja Condron reviewed the 2016-2017 Budget. The budget, which was unanimously approved by those present, includes allocation of over $100,000 to the renovation of the school playground and greenhouse, as well as $16,000 for the purchase of two Chromebook carts to be shared among grades. These expenses will largely spend down the “reserve funds” carried over from prior years. Tonja also shared allocation of funds to several new programs, including: a mini-grant fund for teachers, a scholarship fund for extra-curricular activities, and the creation of a teacher supply closet that will be stocked with Kleenex, hand sanitizer, paper towels, and other consumable items.

The beginning bank account balance at the start of the school year was $128,808. The anticipated ending balance will be $17,539. The remaining balance will include reserve funds held for the library and Shawn Neville Character Award, as well as $5,000 in operating expenses to start out the 2017-2018 school year.

Additional Lunch Monitors Added

Mrs. Batis shared that two additional lunch monitors have been added to the staff, with two more anticipated. She also noted that concerns raised at the January PTO meeting have been addressed, and the lunchroom is notably less chaotic (a sentiment echoed by several other attendees).

Schedule Changes Implemented

Changes to the master schedule that were announced in January have been implemented. The changes have resulted in an additional 10 minutes of valuable instruction time as well as an uninterrupted 60 minute block for math.

Renovations Slated to Begin in June

Construction is tentatively set to begin the day after school ends and will follow a phased approach culminating the following summer. Phase 1 will include the Commons Area, Library, Art Rooms, Administrative Office Area and some soundproofing for the cafeteria to reduce noise in the computer lab. The current plan for the Commons Area is to create a flexible learning area to better utilize space available. The Art rooms will be moving to the lower level so that all homerooms (where students spend the most time) will have classrooms with windows. The classrooms will be receiving less visible but much needed improvements, including updates to the mechanical/HVAC systems and lighting. While this will result in the need for “swing spaces” as classes are temporarily relocated, every effort will be made to minimize the disruption to student learning environments during the renovations.

The playground and parking lot will be included in the renovations. Facilities representatives will be providing additional details at the March Principal Coffee Hours (dates/times to be announced).

Online Spirit Sale Begins February 13th

A two-week, online Spirit Sale kicks off Monday, February 13th. Sales will be open through February 27th and items ordered will be delivered before the end of March.

Volunteers Needed

The Hospitality Committee is seeking new members. The committee is responsible for organizing refreshments for Open House and planning the Teacher Luncheon. Contact Faith Moser or Tonja Condron for additional information or to express interest.

Library Volunteers are always appreciated (clearances required)! Find open time slots at signupgenius.com (search by the email “TheRehakFamily@gmail.com”).

Upcoming Events

PALS – The next PALS meeting will be held February 22nd at 9:30am at the Market District Café. More info at palsinfo.org

District Forum – The next District Forum will be held Tuesday, February 14th at 9am in the LGI room at the Fox Chapel Area High School. The topic will be technology. More info at foxchapeldistricforum.com

Click here for a full list of upcoming events and the district calendar.

PTO Meetings

Agenda for February 10th PTO Meeting

february-meeting
Please join us for our monthly PTO meeting this Friday, February 10th from 9:15 – 10:15 am in the school auditorium. Items on the agenda include:

O’Hara Administration Update (Mrs. Batis and Mr. Edwards)
- Lunch/Recess Update
- Status of Schedule Changes
- Update on Planned Building Renovations

PTO Board Update
- Review of 2016-2017 Budget and Allocation of Reserve Funds

Attendees should sign in at the school office before heading to the auditorium. Coffee will be provided!

For those unable to attend, a recap and minutes will be shared here after the meeting. Questions? Comment below!

PTO Meetings

Meeting Recap: Recess, Lunch and Bench Marking

Friday’s PTO meeting initially focused on the lunch/recess process, specifically some interesting questions about when and how students can use the restroom during lunch and recess. Mrs. Batis provided clarification on current bathroom policies that will hopefully put your (and your student’s) mind at ease:

When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. Students are able to go to the bathroom when out at recess or while at lunch. The policy change is that students must sign in and out on a clipboard. This is so monitors and staff always know where every single student is at any given moment.
Bathroom Emergency?? Skip the clipboard and get to the bathroom if it’s a true emergency. The monitors will see your frantic scramble (and very much appreciate your effort to make it to a toilet in time). This is true for medical emergencies as well – if you need help, get to the nurse!
You don’t need to declare your intended action. Seriously, no talk of “number one” or “number two” or rating the urgency of either. Refer to item 1 above.

Bathroom talk aside, the changes outlined in the January 6 email from Mrs. Batis are being made to increase the safety of students and create a more enjoyable lunchroom environment. The changes are a work in progress and will continue to be adjusted as needed (a brief attempt at limiting the number of students who could go to the bathroom at the same time ended quickly).

Here’s what else was shared at the meeting:

Dismissal Process Will Remain the Same (for now)

Previously discussed changes to the dismissal process are being tabled for now. The renovations to O’Hara will include changes to the parking lot, and the dismissal process will be revisited when those plans are finalized.

Star Assessments Focus on Growth

Mrs. Batis provided an overview of the type of data collected during the Star Assessments, which are administered four times per year (September, November, February and May) and used as a bench marking tool. The assessments are 30 minutes in length for both reading and math (with the exception of Kindergarten, which is a single assessment). Star is based on state standards and national norms, and is skills driven. The results help drive instruction and meet individual needs to focus on growth (not achievement). Teachers are able to use the results to identify weaknesses and then have the freedom to determine how to work on weak areas.

Parents expressed interest in seeing their student’s results and learning more about how they can use the data at home to work with their students. Mrs. Batis shared that Star is relatively new to O’Hara and that sharing the information with parents/guardians will be incorporated at some point. Students will also be given access to their own results in a way that helps them chart their individual progress and outline their personal goals. Mrs. Batis shared that on average, students who track their own progress see a 32% increase in scores, more than their counterparts who do not.

If you’d like to hear more about the Star Assessments and how they are used, RSVP by 1/23 for one of the upcoming Principal Coffee Hours on January 26th (4:30 – 5:30 in the library) or January 27th (9am – 10am in the commons).

Board Updates

The Board is in the process of finalizing the 2016-2017 budget (including allocation of reserve funds) and will present it for vote at the February 10 PTO meeting.

Committee & Project Updates

Spirit Gear Sale: An online spirit sale is slated to kick off in mid-February. Samples of items for sale will be out at various times throughout the two-week sale. Stay tuned for more information!
Fifth Grade Day: Collection jars were sent home in December. Students will be turning in the money in a few weeks, and again in April. This year’s gift will be to spruce up the courtyard, including a new table with plaque.
Giant Eagle Apple Students: The program has 947 supporters and O’Hara has earned $1,817 this year. Make sure your Advantage Card is registered!
Square 1 Art: Orders can still be placed. The PTO will earn 15% of profits throughout the year on any purchase.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

January 20 – NO SCHOOL
February 10 – PTO Meeting, 9:15am
February 17 – NO SCHOOL
February 20 – NO SCHOOL

PALS – The next PALS meeting will be held January 25^th at 6:30pm at the Sharpsburg Library (1212 Main St). Speaker Cindy Duch from The Peal Center will be discussing 504 Plans. More info at palsinfo.org

District Forum – The next District Forum will be held Tuesday, February 14^th at 9am in the LGI room at the Fox Chapel Area High School. The topic will be technology. More info at foxchapeldistricforum.com

Incoming Kindergarten Class:

Pre-Kindergarten Story Time

Last Names A-K: February 9, March 9, and April 20 @ 2 p.m.

Last Names L-Z: February 10, March 10, and April 21 @ 2 p.m.

New Kindergarten Parent Orientation Meeting

February 21 – 6pm

District Wide New Kindergarten Registration

February 27 – 4pm – 6pm @ Sharpsburg Community Library

March 1 – 4pm – 6pm @ O’Hara Elementary

March 4 – 9am – 2pm @ Dorseyville Middle School

PTO Meetings

Proposed Changes for Dismissal | O’Hara Slated for Renovation

Approximately 35 people attended the November 18th PTO meeting, which kicked off with Mrs. Batis introducing herself and some proposed changes. Click here for the full meeting minutes.

Proposed Changes for Dismissal

Mrs. Batis shared that her initial impression of O’Hara is positive – the school is safe, secure and welcoming. However, she and Mr. Edwards have observed some potential areas for improvement. Their first initiative is to address the current dismissal process for car riders. Mrs. Batis, who is trained in FEMA emergency planning, said that there is currently a lot of “cross-over” traffic, with students and parents walking in front of buses to get to the parking lot. This cross-over traffic creates a potential safety issue. Mrs. Batis has proposed lessening the cross-over traffic by having car riders picked up from exits on the side of the school. Here’s a sketch of the proposed change provided by Mrs. Batis.

Note that there are two pick up doors – one for Kindergarten and one for Grades 1 – 5. In the case of families with siblings in Kindergarten, the older students would be dismissed from the Kindergarten door.

Parents raised several potential concerns over the proposed changes. These concerns included questions over adequate parking in the side lot, the safety of children getting into cars in a congested lot, and where parents would wait for students on cold days. Mrs. Batis will take parent concerns into consideration as the plans are finalized. Questions and concerns regarding the proposed changes should be directed to Mrs. Batis.

Mrs. Batis and Mr. Edwards are looking forward to getting to know parents and guardians. The principals will be hosting a monthly “Principal’s Coffee Hour.” Each month will cover a different topic of interest and also provide the opportunity for informal discussion. The first coffee hour will be held on November 29 at 9am. Subsequent meetings will include some evening options. Additional information will be posted when available.

O’Hara Slated for Renovation

District Forum reps shared details of plans to renovate O’Hara beginning June 2017. Click here for details of the proposed renovation.

School Superintendent Dr.Freeman also outlined the plans in a separate meeting with PTO presidents Dana Rofey and Carrie Work.

Good news: The playground will be included in the renovation plans! The PTO will have the opportunity to supplement proposed playground improvements, one possible use of the PTO reserve funds.

Upcoming Dates to Note

November 22, Nutrition Assembly
November 23, Early Dismissal (noon)
November 24 – 28, Thanksgiving Break
November 29, Principal’s Coffee Hour, 9am
November 30, PALS Meeting on School Performance Profiles, 9:30am, Roots of Faith (Sharpsburg)
December 12 – 16, Dollar Days Benefiting ALS/Live Like Lou (in conjunction with District Telethon)
December 16, PTO Meeting, 9:15am
December 23, Class Holiday Parties, 2:30pm
December 26 – January 2, Winter Break