Communications and Public Awareness Committee - June 7
 

After review of the SPARK Positioning Statement, Master Frame Template, banners, and Ready Nation video clips from "The Bedrock of NH's Prosperity" the group talked about brainstorming with 6-10 NH business leaders about next steps, and that when we meet we need to be: concise, prepared and energetic. At our next meeting we plan to discuss the Fall Business Leaders Meeting, and review our work plan.

Evaluation Committee - June 1

The Evaluation Committee reviewed a form from the Family Engagement Committee. Recommendations were given to reduce the reading level.  The Evaluation Committee also discussed the presentation to the Council on the Membership Survey and what changes should be made to the next membership survey.  There was also a discussion on the best method to evaluate the Council memberships participation in Spark NH.  Survey and focus group together is one possibility.  Further discussion will take place next month on this topic.  
 

Executive Committee - May 24

The committee debriefed the last Council meeting and set the agenda for this month. The group discussed a grant opportunity in collaboration with MCH that could provide sustainability for Spark NH.   Elissa Margolin has been hired as a consultant for Spark NH's sustainability efforts. A diverse, core group that will be overseen by the Policy Committee will meet monthly to work on strategic planning. The Committee plans to have Patty Ewen present on the Common Core. The process for Council's involvement in Committee work was reviewed. Laura and Debra Armfield reported out about the NGA conference. The Committee re-convened via conference call. The Committee approved Spark NH's collaboration with Maternal and Child Health for the Project LAUNCH grant. The Committee also finalized the funding reimbursement process for Council members.

Family Engagement Task Force - Jun 13

At the June meeting the task force accepted the changes made to the parent questionnaire by the Evaluation Committee. The group discussed how it would like to disseminate the questionnaire. It agreed it was important to track where it was being sent. It looked at the list of parent groups again and noticed that mental/behavioral health and culturally diverse groups were not represented.   The task force will contact different groups that work with parents to help reach parents around the state.

Data Committee

The Data Committee did not meet in June.  There will be no July meeting, but the SASID Task Force will meet on July 31, from 1:00-3:00pm at Two Delta Drive.

Home Visiting Task Force

State-level leadership from home visiting programs in the Division of Public Health Services; the Division of Children, Youth, & Families; and the Division of Developmental Services met on June 6, 2012, facilitated by the NH Children's Trust, to continue planning for the future direction of the Spark Home Visiting Task Force. This leadership group is drafting a vision, mission, values and beliefs, charge, and structure of what we are envisioning will become the Home Visiting Coordinating Committee. Next steps include gathering input on these drafts from the members of the former Task Force, and planning to kick off the work of the Coordinating Committee.

Needs Assessment Task Force - June 6

The task force created a request for proposals (RFP) for a Consultant to further address all the priority statements that were chosen earlier this year, arrange, and analyze existing data in New Hampshire and create a comprehensive report of findings.  The task force set a timeline for the RFP to go out June 15 and proposals due July 18. The final product would be completed the end of January 2013. The task force is asking members to join a hiring workgroup to review proposals and interview candidates. There will be no July meeting of the task force.

Policy Committee - June 12

The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC), the consultants to lead the development of the statewide, comprehensive early childhood strategic plan for New Hampshire, presented a PowerPoint of their proposed planning process and timeline to the committee. The first task is for NECTAC and the Committee to review different strategic plans by uploading any strategic plans to the shared web platform "Base Camp." All stakeholders are encouraged to send relevant plans to Laura by July 1. The committee hopes to have time on an upcoming Spark NH Council meeting for NECTAC to present to the full Council.

Quality of EC Systems Committee - June 19

 Christina MacDonald gave a very informative presentation on Department of Education data (data/reports available on the website or by request). All Council/committee members were invited to attend. By September 2012, 21st Century Schools will have the capacity to link inputs (school/program characteristics) to student outcomes. The Quality Committee debriefed the Community Café on access to services and ICC focus group on referrals. Summary of results will be shared with the Council. Kristin Booth presented on the QRIS Task Force meeting and invited committee feedback on definition, guiding principles, and elements. Quality Committee is drafting an online survey on access, referrals, and coordination/collaboration.

Work Force and Professional Development Committee - June 22

The WPD Committee heard reports from members about possible alternatives to the PORTAL Project for coordinating and disseminating information about professional development opportunities.  The group concluded that the PORTAL Project as conceived in the project charter fits best with committee goals.  A sub-committee reported on conversations with web designers at 36 Creative about possibilities for the PORTAL site.  The group also discussed possible ways of funding the site.  The Committee completed a draft of the Project Charter, which will be submitted to the SPARK Council for feedback and reviewed again by WPD Committee members at the June meeting before signing.

Meetings are held at 2 Delta Drive in Concord NH unless otherwise noted.