Education Advisory Committee

Minutes Education Advisory Committee (EAC) May 17, 2021 Virtual Meeting Attendees Members Present Absent David Toledo, Dist 1 _X _ Vilay Senthep, Dist 1 _X _ Mary Daniel, Dist 2 _X _ Dawn Powers, Dist 2 _X _ Melissa Day, Dist 3 __X _ Rose Greene-Colby, Dist 3 _X _ (joined @ 7:36pm) Carolyn Bernache, Dist 4 _X _ Tessie Aikara, Dist 4 _X _ Also Present Maria Mackie, Councilmember Kiaisha Barber, Staff Liaison Jessica Prentice, Clinical Supervisor Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Call to Order Ms. Bernache called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. Old Business Approval of the April Meeting Minutes The Committee reviewed the meeting minutes from the April 19, 2021 meeting. Mr. Toledo motioned to approve the minutes as presented. Second by Ms. Aikara. All members in favor; no opposed; 7-0. Results of Principal’s Survey The Committee reviewed the survey results received from the school principals. Most schools noted that they benefited from the EAC’s school grants and school supply distribution. Home technology upgrades and virtual tutoring were the initiatives that the principals acknowledged would be the most beneficial to the schools. Grants and tutoring were noted as significant ways the City and the EAC can support the schools. Suggestions from the survey included parent workshops and family nights. It was suggested to keep the principals informed of the book distribution so the schools can be notified when they are scheduled. It was also suggested to provide the schools examples of how 1 the EAC grant money can be used to help schools focus on technology upgrades and virtual tutoring. Summer Camp Scholarships The City Council reviewed the request to include Maryland National Capital Park and Planning (MNCPP) camp offerings. Both MNCPP and University of Maryland will have both virtual and in-person summer camps. The camp offering were advertised to the schools and through the City’s weekly bulletin and Municipal Scene. There have been 16 applications received as of today. PTA Membership Dues Ms. Powers gave an update that PTOs do not pay fees and the MD PTA charter was revoked. It was suggested that if the EAC will provide funds to cover PTA fees, then it would be best to provide at the start of the school year. The EAC decided to table this item until the Fall. Book Distribution Mr. Toledo suggested to have book distributions at multiple City locations, such as the College Park food bank, or to distribute books during the City’s movie night events. The Hollywood Farmers Market was another suggested location. Mr. Toledo motioned to spend $4,000 from the budget for the purchase of books to distribute over at least two City events. Second by Ms. Greene-Colby. All members in favor, no opposed; 8-0. Ms. Bernache motioned to use $400 to purchase journals and $100 to purchase pencils and supplies to distribute at the book distribution. Second by Mr. Toledo. All members in favor; no opposed; 8-0. Tutoring Program Ms. Bernache will ask Dr. Levin to provide the EAC more details on the tutoring program that he suggested. Achievement recognition strategies The Committee brainstormed ideas to show recognition to students or schools for achievement. It was suggested to have a sign that recognizes a student’s achievement that can be shown in the lawn of the student’s house. Ms. Daniel motioned to create a lawn sign to honor exceptional student achievement. Second by Ms. Bernache. All members in favor; no opposed; 8-0. New Business Election of Chair and co-Chair The Committee selected Ms. Bernache to remain as the Chair and Mr. Toledo will remain as co- Chair. New Preschools in College Park There are two new preschools in the City. Ms. Greene-Colby suggested for the Committee to see what EAC initiatives can be applied to the preschools. 2  Adjournment Adjournment Ms. Bernache adjourned the meeting at 9:12 p.m. 3