Eliminating the Achievement Gap

Minutes – August 19, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Lorell Angelety.

The minutes for June 17, 2006 were approved. These minutes can be found on-line at the EAG Website (www.bcwb.org/eag).

Student Voices – Our guest speaker was Joshua Wilson. He is an example of students who are doing good things. Joshua is a sixth grade student attending Monocacy Middle School. He spoke to us about his attending the Congressional Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. this December. This is a six-day workshop where students learn leadership skills and how to set and achieve personal goals. The cost of the conference is $1800.00 and he is seeking financial sponsors. If interested, please contact his mother Rosalind Munyiri –Wilson, at rosalindmunyiri@yahoo.com.

FCPS/EAG Partnership Agreement- This partnership agreement between FCPS & EAG was renewed for a second year. FCPS Superintendent Dr. Linda Burgee spoke of her support for EAG and of both parties cooperating with each other to benefit all children in FCPS. Earl Robbins, who also signed, thanked Dr. Burgee for the support EAG has received from FCPS. Both agreed that our theme this second year would be to continue to work together for the benefit of all students.

21^st Century Community Learning Centers – Maria Whittemore seeks volunteers to serve at specific FCPS schools. If you are interested in helping at Waverly Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and Hillcrest Elementary, please contact Maria.

Educational Trust (Shirley Snowden)- Zettura Sims–El will be our speaker on October 21, 9:00- 12:00. She will speak to parents and others about strategies that are non-threatening to help work with schools, teachers and children. This event will be advertised on FCPS Channel 18 and all other interested parties will be contacted (i.e. fraternities, sororities, PTA, etc.) This event will be in conjunction with our regular monthly meeting.

Elections – Dr. Burgee spoke briefly about the importance of getting out to vote at the primary elections on August 12, 2006. The elected officials are the one’s that make important decisions about education and use of funds. Take time to understand the issues. What are the candidate’s belief systems? Are they in line with yours? The EAG unanimously supported Darryl Boffman for School Board Member.

FCPS Resources – Many school system resources can be found in the back of the FCPS calendar (p. 21-55). This includes the FCPS phone directory and handbook. Anyone interested in receiving one at no cost should stop by his or her local public school office.

Committee Reports

Public Relations (Sharon Dragon) – Yellow Brick Road Article, Achievement Gap in Elite Schools Article, and pictures from members of EAG working on students computers can be found on the EAG website (www.bcwb.org/eag).
Computers (Darryl Boffman) – a team of people are needed to set-up the next group of computers. Sign-up sheet is on the EAG website or contact Darryl. Debbie Bostian (LES) is compiling list of eligible LES student recipients.
Family/Community Involvement (Ted Russell) – the committee is developing numerous projects:

ü Community Outreach at the Mall -collaboration between multiple groups (FCPS, volunteers, FC Department of Health, utility assistance program, academic resources and others)

Literacy Development (Olivia Robbins) – Books to Families distribution

ü 109 to Headstart

ü 254 to LES Book Rack (98 new and 155 used)

ü 69 to Advocates for Homeless

ü 202 to Lincoln Elementary School (LES)

ü 4 to family on Carver’s Apartments

ü 356 to Hillcrest Elementary (111 new and 245 used)

ü ? to North Frederick Elementary

YMCA Minority Achievers (Lorell Angelety)– Group is in the process of re-evaluating their content and structure.
Student Voices (Eric Brown) - none
Advocacy (Maynurd Hurd)- on summer hiatus

Announcements

Darryl Boffman – $4900.00 City of Frederick Grant received. Funds will be applied to Computers for Families program.

August 18-20 – Harper’s Ferry Free Concert Series

Multiple groups performing

100^th celebration of the Niagara Movement

First meeting of the NAACP Council

August 19 - Lincoln Alumni Yard Sale

Lincoln Apartments Community Center

7:00am – 1:00 pm

August 19 – Rex Bowins Congregation

Back-to-School Fair

1:00-4:00 pm

August 20 – Asbury Methodist Church

Back-to-School Blessing

Speaker – Sherry Colette

3:00 pm

August 21 – HSA Results released

August 26 – Back-to-School Fair

Frederick Towne Mall