Notes from Parent Group
September 11, 2007
8:30-9:35 am

Introductions of those in attendance – Nansee Greeley, Renee Wright, Robyn Kramer, Jessica Kotfis, Patti Osman, 12 parents

Background and general information about grant money from Jacobs/Sandercott family, Mel Levine, Schools Attuned, 6 people attended training this summer

Several people mentioned hearing Mel Levine on Minnesota Public Radio last week, see link, http://minnesota.publicradio.org/ Search Mel Levine and several broadcasts come up.

Announcement about Rick Lavoie coming to speak on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 because of a donation from the Johnson family
Afternoon for faculty
Topic: Motivating Students
Evening for parents and others in the community
Topic: Parenting Today: Unique Pleasures and Unique Pressures
More information will be coming about how to get the word out

Compass activity
What kind of learner are you? What do you need as a learner?

Schools Attuned – Nine Principles
Parents read through the principles individually and thought about which principles spoke to them
Text-based discussion and sharing with group-
Which principles spoke to you? Which principles do we already use at MPA?

General announcements
Treat sign-up sheet was passed around
Resources/handouts available for pick-up

Discussion about organization of future meetings
Evolution of the group
Each division will lead two meetings
Have notes available online, not sent out through email group
Want to include more people from MPA community
Information in e-communications in general and each division
Name of group discussion – want to be more inclusive and not have “Learning Differences” part of the name
Parent Group on Learning was suggested, others have been suggested in past

Topics suggested today for future meetings
Parent of MPA graduate that group heard last spring
PACER – technology and other resources they offer
RFBD resources
Mel Levine DVDs
Parent panel on homework strategies
Other topics were also suggested last year so we may add to this list

Future meeting dates and topics:

October 9, 2007 7:00 pm
Rick Lavoie: Parenting today: Unique Pleasures and Unique Pressures
Nicholson Center

November 13, 2007 8:30-9:30 am Contacts: Bob Cooke and Jessica Kotfis
Follow-up on Rick Lavoie
Homework Strategies
Treats: Mary Indritz

January 8, 2008 8:30-9:30 am Contacts: Robbie Seum and Patti Osman
PACER
Treats: Charlotte Morgan

February 12, 2008 8:30-9:30 am Contacts: Nansee Greeley and Robyn Kramer
Mel Levine
Treats:

April 8, 2008 8:30-9:30 am Contacts: Bob Cooke and Jessica Kotfis
In the works…
Treats:

May 13, 2008 8:30-9:30 am Contacts: Robbie Seum and Patti Osman
Books on Tape
RFBD
Treats: Gretchen Corkrean