Notes from the NGFS Community Meeting
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Navigator: Kathy Berna
Note Taker: Ben Bogard
Minutes: Jennifer Sanchez
The meeting followed classroom meetings and began at approximately 7:00 pm.
Introductions:
The attendees each introduced themselves and described their affiliation with NGFS.
Agenda Items:
Uniform (Addition of hats and sunglasses):
The group discussed the pros and cons of including a hat and sunglasses as part of the school uniform, noting the need to protect the students from the effects of the sun during their outdoor activities. Concerns were raised as to whether or not students would like the idea of wearing hats, the likelihood that they would lose their hats, and, if hats were interchanged among students, perhaps the spread of head lice might occur. The idea of wearing sunglasses was also discussed,
Various styles of hats were explored, along with the possibility of students personalizing their own hats. Whether the hats took the form of "bucket-style"(covering the ears) or baseball hats, the group agreed that hats should only be worn outside and should be removed when entering the school buildings,
The administration and parents will look into different styles that might be adopted as part of the school "uniform." In the meantime, parents are urged to provide their children with sun protection.
Name of School/Logo:
A lively conversation took place about the school's current name: The NewGate-Field School. Tim Seldin (Head of School), in response to a question, explained that the name "Field School" had come about as a way of honoring a colleague (Elizabeth Ely) who had founded a "sister school" in the Washington, DC area called The Field School. The name Field School stems from the concept of hands-on 'field-study' in the forests, meadows, seaside, museums, businesses, and public institutions of the community in which students live, which is such an important aspect of Montessori education. Tim stressed that the name was just a name, and he urged us not to get too focused on it. When the two schools merged, he hyphenated the two names to create NewGate-Field to reflect the joining of the two communities. Many comments followed expressing appreciation and comfort with the positive school culture that is evolving, and appreciation and comfort with the traditions from both side of the new school family. After a thoughtful discussion of the pros and cons of re-branding the school with a new name took place, the community meeting decided to continue as NewGate-Field School for the time being, seeing no need to incur additional expenses to develop a new logo and signage in the immediate future.
Financial/Fund Raising:
Tim Seldin reiterated the need for active participation in this year's fundraising activities to help close the gap between income and expenses and advised that Annual Campaign materials were being prepared and would be mailed in the very near future. A suggestion was made that future pictures of children used in the Campaign materials show each child working in the classroom environment rather than a head shot,
In The Pink
The group was reminded that the school's most popular fundraiser, In The Pink, was coming up and that it was a great time to enjoy the company of parents, faculty, and friends as well as an incredible assortment of food from many of the area's finest restaurants,
This year, there will also be a pajama party with organic pizza for children whose parents are attending the event. The cost is just $8 for the evening; however, reservations need to be made with Annie Bleecker in the school office (922-4949). The cost of tickets to In The Pink is $50 per person.
International Baccalaureate (IB):
Because it was getting late, Tim Seldin introduced the topic of the IB program as a "teaser" for the next community meeting. He reported that Montessori high schools in the US are beginning to "take off," and that by incorporating Montessori principles into the IB structure, he feels that we will be able to provide a replicable model for other Montessori school that wish to extend their programs through the secondary years, Eva Bogard, an IB teacher at Riverview high school and mother of 3 students at NewGate-Field, added that the IB program encourages students to become global citizens who speak their minds and are aware of issues relevant to the planet, issues that are very compatible with the Montessori approach. Eva added that in many public high schools the IB program is reserved for the most gifted, and is delivered at a demanding and often stressful pace that quite different from how the IB was designed and how it works abroad. Eva expressed enthusiasm for the plan to weave Montessori and the IB program together, which Eva and Tim explained will lead to a very different experience. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an international standard with an emphasis on collaboration not competition. Its students are eagerly sought by colleges world-wide.
Parent/Infant Center:
Lorna McGrath (Associate Head) announced the opening of the Parent/Infant Center for parents with infants ages 4 to 6 months at the Ashton Road Campus. Classes will begin on November 3rd and will be taught by Lorna. and Michelle Roy will offer additional classes in pre-natal yoga, yoga and baby, and infant massage. A grand opening will be held in January
Facillities:
A request was made for an update on short- and long-term plans for improvements for both campuses (including shade for the playground areas). This item was tabled until the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
