The Stony Creek Advisory Committee (SCAC) held its first meeting of the 2007-2008 school year on September 12, 2007.  The committee reviewed its goals of (1) providing an open forum for parents, teachers and administrators to bring comments, concerns and positive feedback to the table; (2) communicating information on new policies, changes at school, upcoming events, and other important announcements; and (3) aiding in effecting change, if necessary, by gathering information to provide recommendations and to enable effective communication between home and school.  

The committee members include 4 parent representatives, 3 teacher representatives, and Dr. Evans.  

The committee discussed the following items in September: 

Letters Home:  Parents were very appreciative of letters sent home the first day of school explaining teacher changes in 1^st & 4^th grade classrooms.  The timing and content of the letters reflected the committee’s discussions last year about similar circumstances. 

Back-to-School Night: Dr. Evans discussed the change of format for Back-to-School Night, reflecting some of the changes to the format discussed by the SCAC last year.  Now that Back to School Night has been held, the committee will review feedback on this year’s format.         

Birthday Celebrations:  Teachers and students have been discussing and brainstorming birthday celebration ideas within each classroom.  At Back-to-School Night, teachers will review the selected ideas and how birthdays will be celebrated.  For example,Mrs. Reardon’s class will have the birthday child may bring in a book to share with the class. 

Cafeteria snacks:  Parents asked for details about what snacks are sold and  how to obtain itemized lists of their child’s cafeteria purchases,.  Questions regarding these issues will be addressed by the committee.  In addition, a suggestion was made to have the PTO invite Chris Madigan from Chartwells to a meeting to discuss these and other related questions/ concerns.

Peanut Free Allergy Letter:  This is an important letter given to students/parents of a “peanut free” classroom.  This letter provides information about appropriate food to be brought into the classrooms in order to protect the health  of students who may have a potentially dangerous reaction to peanuts.  There is also a “peanut free” table in the cafeteria.  This and all other tables are cleaned after each grade level leaves.

Suggestion Box:  In the past, the Student Council offered a suggestion box for students.  Dr.  Evans will discuss this idea with current Student Council leaders.