NO Summer School?!

March 17, 2008

Dear Parent/Guardian:

As the Board of Trustees of the Ross Global Academy Charter School, we would like to take this opportunity to explain some recent programming decisions. The Board and Administration have been working on the program and budget for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2008. This exercise involves examining all aspects of educational programming, curriculum development, facility planning, regulatory compliance, expansion of grades and the impact these changes will have in the upcoming year on the human and fiscal resources of Ross Global Academy.

It is clear that the focus of our faculty and administration this summer needs to be on middle school, planning for the expansion of grades for next year and on the continued development of the curriculum and professional development of our faculty. Additionally, this expansion is necessary to ensure the continued financial sustainability of the school.

As a result of our analysis of the combination of financial, facility and human resources available to the school, we have concluded that we can no longer offer a Summer Program. This means that no summer program will be offered in 2008. The Board and Administration believe this decision least affects the educational programming that takes place during the school year.

At the meeting of March 13, the Board also decided to continue the Saturday program for the remainder of this academic year, but no longer will require attendance of the students. Dr. Clagnaz has been asked by the Board to conduct a series of focus group meetings that include parents, faculty and students to examine the structure and educational value of a Saturday program for next year and beyond.

We want to ensure the Ross Global Academy Charter School remains financially sound while providing the best programming for our students. While budget and programmatic decisions are always difficult, we believe we have made decisions that least likely affect the educational success of our students as compared to alternative options.

We look forward to a long future where the continued success of the School and its students is the focus.

Sincerely,

Nicolas W. Combemale
Trustee,
On behalf of The Board of Trustees
Ross Global Academy Charter School

PICTURE DAY! Monday April 14, 2008!

It's picture day! Remember to press that collar and seam, slick that cowlick down and keep that winning smile bright! Check your child's back pack for more info on the available packages and other details.

Your liaison at RGA is Ms. Candice Ifill, you can contact her via email at cifill@rossglobalacademy.org. You are also welcome to post a question here at the blogspot by using the comments option!"

Magazine Fund Raising Drive

Ross Global Academy is now participating in a Magazine FundRaising Drive conducted by QSP/Reader's Digest in order to support student activities and other worthwhile projects. 40% of every dollar spent will be kept by the school for its educational budget and is considered a tax deduction. This fund raiser's success will depend on your participation which will often require only minimal out-of-pocket expenses.

You can participate in 1 of 2 ways:

1) Order magazines, music and books through the Internet by going to http://www.qsp.com/, click on "Shop Now", enter our account #425054311 and onceagain click on "Shop Now".

2) Submit a list of email addresses of friends and relatives that may becontacted to support our school. Go to http://www.qsp.com/, click on "RegisterNow", enter your email address, your name and your child's name, and ourschool's account #425054311. Then click the "Register" button followed by"Send E-mails" and type away!

Finally, in order to receive your prize, remember to fill out the prizeslip tearoff sent with your original packet and return with a printedreceipt of orders by Thursday, April 10th.

Thanks so much for your help!

Proposed New Changes for RGA PA Bylaws

Xavier Chavee, our PA treasurer introduced a few proposed changes to our Bylaws at the last PA meeting. Please review the following and share your comments here. If you would like to receive a copy of the current PA Bylaws, you can write to jiinsblog@gmail.com for a pdf copy. We will discuss these proposed changes at the next PA meeting. Please check your email or check back to this website for the next PA meeting date.

RGA BYLAWS – PROPOSED CHANGES FEB 2008

1. Article IV – Membership

OLD - Section 1: Membership

A person in parental relation is defined as one who is directly responsible for the care and custody of a child on a regular basis in lieu of a parent and legal guardian. A person may only qualify as a person in parental relation if no other eligible person applies as parent or guardian.

Any determinations about who constitutes a person in parental relation must be based on the individual circumstances surrounding guardianship and custodial care of the particular child, and shall include consultation between the PA executive board and the Principal.

NEW - Section 1: Membership

A person in parental relation is defined as one who is directly responsible for the care and custody of a child on a regular basis in lieu of a parent and legal guardian, as long as the relationship is not being challenged by the parent or guardian. Typically this would include grand parents and direct family members, and partners.

Any determinations about who constitutes a person in parental relation must be based on the individual circumstances surrounding guardianship and custodial care of the particular child, and shall include consultation between the PA executive board and the Principal, with the Executive Board having the final decision authority on such matters.

2. Article V - Officers and Elections

OLD - Section 1: Number, manner of selection and term of office

The officers of the Association shall be:

One (1) President or two (2) Co-Presidents
One (1) or two (2) Vice-President(s)
One (1) or two (2) Secretary(ies)
One (1) Treasurer
One (1) Board of Trustees Parent Representative - who can also fill another elected position

Each of the above officers, except the Board of Trustee Parent representative, is to be elected at the General Meeting of the Association in June for a one (1) year term. Term of office shall begin July 1st and end on June 30th. The Board of Trustee Parent Representative will be appointed by a majority vote of the Executive Board.

NEW - Section 1: Number, manner of selection and term of office

The officers of the Association shall be:

One (1) President or two (2) Co-Presidents
One (1) or two (2) Vice-President(s)
One (1) or two (2) Secretary(ies)
One (1) Treasurer
One (1) Board of Trustees Parent Representative – this position is to be filled by the elected President. If 2 Co-Presidents have been elected by the general membership, one of these will be elected by the Executive Board to fill this position.

Each of the above officers, except the Board of Trustee Parent representative if there are 2 Co-Presidents, is to be elected at the General Meeting of the Association in May for a one (1) year term. Term of office shall begin July 1st and end on June 30th.

3. Article V - Officers and Elections

OLD - Section 3: Manner of conducting elections

3.1 Nominating Committee

a) A nominating committee will be formed (*). The nominating committee shall consist of three to five (3-5) members to be elected by the membership at the March meeting. The majority of the members of the nominating committee must come from the membership. The nominating committee shall choose one of its members to serve as chairperson. No person employed in the school shall be eligible to serve on the nominating committee.

(*) For the academic year 2006/2007 it is proposed that as a one time exception, the elected parent representatives (assisted by other parent volunteers) will solicit officer candidates amongst the general membership, and will organize the elections, including the acceptance and counting of the votes, and the announcement of the voting results.

b) Members of the nominating committee are not eligible to run for office. An eligible member of the nominating committee may be considered as a candidate if she/he immediately resigns from the committee in writing.

NEW - Section 3: Manner of conducting elections

3.1 Nominating Committee

a) A nominating committee will be formed for the duration of the election process (*). The nominating committee shall consist of three to five (3-5) members to be elected by the membership at the March meeting. The majority of the members of the nominating committee must come from the membership. The nominating committee shall choose one of its members to serve as chairperson. No person employed in the school shall be eligible to serve on the nominating committee.

(*) For the academic year 2007/2008 it is proposed that as a one time exception, the elected parent representatives (assisted by other parent volunteers) will solicit officer candidates amongst the general membership, and will organize the elections, including the acceptance and counting of the votes, and the announcement of the voting results.

b) Members of the nominating committee are not eligible to run for office. An eligible member of the nominating committee may be considered as a candidate if she/he immediately resigns from the committee in writing. Once the elections have been finalized, the members of the nominating committee become eligible to volunteer for positions not filled by the election or for positions that have been vacated by previously elected officials, except for the President/Co-President position(s).

4. Article V - Officers and Elections

OLD - Section 4: Duties of the Officers

4.1 President or Co-Presidents:

The president or designated co-presidents shall preside at all meetings of the PA and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee. The president or co-presidents can propose chairpersons of PA committees and shall encourage meaningful participation in all related activities. The president or co-presidents shall communicate regularly with the executive board members in accordance with these bylaws to plan the agendas for the PA meetings. The president may be one of the signatories on the PA checking account. He/she will also attend the Board of Trustees meetings, and shall serve as the alternate for the appointed Board of Trustees parent representatives. If the President is chosen as the Board of Trustees Parent Representative, (one of) the Vice Presidents shall serve as the alternate parent representative to the Board of Trustees and shall attend the Board of Trustee meetings.

NEW - Section 4: Duties of the Officers

4.1 President or Co-Presidents:

The president or designated co-presidents shall preside at all meetings of the PA and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee. The president or co-presidents can propose chairpersons of PA committees and shall encourage meaningful participation in all related activities. The president or co-presidents shall communicate regularly with the executive board members in accordance with these bylaws to plan the agendas for the PA meetings. The president may be one of the signatories on the PA checking account. He/she will also fill the Board of Trustees representative position (BoTrep), as described by RGA’s charter application. In the case of the election of Co-Presidents, one of these will be elected by the Executive Board to fill the Board of Trustees position, and the other Co-President shall serve as the alternate for the appointed Board of Trustees parent representatives. The BoTrep will attend all the Board of Trustees meetings. If only 1 President is chosen as the BoTrep, (one of) the Vice Presidents shall serve as the alternate parent representative to the Board of Trustees and shall attend the Board of Trustee meetings.

5. Article V - Officers and Elections

OLD - Section 5: Vacancies

A vacancy occurring in the office of president or co-presidents shall be filled by the vice-president for the remainder of the term of office. In the event that the vice-president does not wish to assume this position, the vacancy shall be filled by a special election process.

A vacancy occurring in any other position shall be filled by a special election process. Officers who wish to resign their positions once an election has been certified, must do so in writing to the secretary. If the officer has records in his/her possession at that time, the records shall be turned over to the secretary. In the event of the resignation of the secretary, he or she must transfer records to the president or a co-president.

NEW - Section 5: Vacancies

A vacancy occurring in the office of president or co-presidents shall be filled by the vice-president for the remainder of the term of office. In the event that the vice-president does not wish to assume this position, the vacancy shall be filled by a special election process amongst the general membership. Until a special election of the general membership could be convened, the Executive Board of the PA, will vote in one of the remaining executive board members to serve as Interim President. The special election should be held within a period not to exceed two (2) months from the date of the vacancy.

A vacancy occurring in any other position shall be filled by a special election process amongst the PA’s Executive Board members. Officers who wish to resign their positions once an election has been certified, must do so in writing to the secretary. If the officer has records in his/her possession at that time, the records shall be turned over to the secretary. In the event of the resignation of the secretary, he or she must transfer records to the president or a co-president.

Memo from PA Officers

Here is last week's memo from PA officers in case you have not had the opportunity to see it yet:

August 2, 2007

TO: RGA Parents
FROM: PA Officers

We want to let you know about two important meetings today that have very positive implications for RGA for the coming year.

The first was meeting between Ila Gross and Sarah Krill, the executive director and after school coordinator of LEAP (Learning through an Expanded Arts Program), Nick Combemale (RGA Board Member and Chief Financial Officer), and officers of the Parent Association.

As many of you know, LEAP is the after school program that the PA officers recommended for consideration by RGA. Briefly, LEAP has been in existence for 30 years, serves over 200,000 children a year in 300 schools throughout New York City, and has won numerous awards for excellence in after school programming. The meeting today was to ascertain whether LEAP would be a good fit for RGA and whether or not the legal, logistical and liability issues could be overcome. The LEAP executive director stated that the program would be tailored to support and supplement the RGA curriculum. The meeting was very positive and Nick Combemale is being proactive in pulling together the information needed to determine if the LEAP program can be brought to RGA for the fall.

Parents should understand that if these issues can be resolved (and we think they can, although there is no guarantee) that this will be a fee-based program. LEAP has said they will keep the cost as low as possible, with $40 per week per child a tentative working figure at this point. The PA will fundraise to try to offer some help to those who may need it and we will continue to have discussions with the RGA Board to see if any additional scholarship support can be provided.

The second meeting was the Board of Trustees meeting. There was considerable discussion among the Trustees about curriculum, professional development for the teaching staff, standards-based assessment for both teaching and administrative staff, and a number of other similar issues that had to do with achieving the high quality that is expected by the RGA Trustees, the parents and the staff. We were very encouraged by the progress that appears to have been made and the commitment to continue to build on the progress.

Some specifics that we think are of particular interest:

A provisional safety and evacuation plan will be in place by the beginning of the school year. There will be a mandatory review process by a variety of safety officials (school safety, police, federal officials and others) and any changes that are required by these bodies will be made. The provisional plan will be made available to all parents at the start of the school year.

The Board will move expeditiously to resolve the issues of after school so that the LEAP program can be brought into RGA by the end of September. It is common practice for most after school programs to wait until two to three weeks into the school year before beginning.

WE MUST EMPHASIZE THAT ALTHOUGH WE ARE OPTIMISTIC THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN, IT IS NOT CERTAIN AND WE MAKE NO GUARANTEES WHATSOEVER THAT AFTER SCHOOL IS A DONE DEAL!! IT IS NOT – THERE ARE ISSUES THAT WILL TAKE AT LEAST ANOTHER COUPLE OF WEEKS TO RESOLVE IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF WE CAN PROCEED WITH LEAP.

Saturday school will be staffed largely by the regular teaching staff so there will be continuity between the regular school week and Saturday school.

The Board has placed the quality of the food high on the priority list for the coming year. There has been a noticeable improvement over the summer and there was an explicit commitment on the part of the Board to maintain and build on that improvement during the year.

There will be a survey conducted among all parents to determine which RGA families do not have a computer or internet access at home. The Board will explore ways to provide every RGA family who needs it with a computer and internet access.

AGAIN, THERE WERE NO GUARANTEES OFFERED THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN, BUT THERE WAS AN EXPLICIT RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY TO OUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION AND OUR FAMILIES, AND A STRONG COMMITMENT ON THE PART OF THE BOARD TO TRY TO ACHIEVE THIS.

All in all, we were very impressed by the commitment of the Trustees and Dr. Clagnaz to the future of RGA, to the quest for excellence in every area of the school and to the enormous effort that is being put into meeting the needs of our children and families. The PA will work in every way possible to support these important initiatives and help make them a reality.

1st Graders Learned Native American Dance Forms

Omatayo's dad, Tunde, took these short videos of the dances that Nathan Damweber's 1st graders participated in at the National Museum of the American Indian back during their first field trip of the school year. Margaret Ng set up the trip!

Prospect Park Zoo Trip!!

A highlight of the summer session was a visit to the Prospect Park Zoo, which has three major exhibit areas designed to engage children, especially, in learning about wildlife: The World of Animals, Animal Lifestyles, and Animals in Our Lives. These approaches to wildlife education are based on WIZE (Wildlife Inquiry through Zoo Education), the nationally-acclaimed education programs developed by Bronx Zoo educators. In the World of Animals, youngsters can meet prairie dogs nose-to-nose, and walk among wallabies. The Animal Lifestyles building's centerpiece is a spectacular habitat for hamadryas baboons. Animals in Our Lives exhibits encourage children to observe and draw wildlife; outside, visitors can interact with friendly, touchable species in an inviting barnyard. The kids participated in Prospect Park Zoo's education department programs for school groups.

A Different Alley

The Lower Schoolers went to Alley Pond Environmental Center during the field trip-packed summer session. The Center is dedicated to establishing an awareness, understanding and appreciation of the environment and the responsibilities associated with preserving the environment in an urban setting. The APEC mission is accomplished primarily through providing education and awareness programs for all constituents of the community, utilizing the Wetlands habitat and nature preserve of Alley Pond Park, which APEC manages and maintains, as a learning center and environmental laboratory. The Park is comprised of 150 acres of woodlands, trails, streams and ponds plus an aquarium, animal care and education center. It's amazing — and right in the heart of Queens! The kids loved it! To enjoy with them, check the great weekend kids' programs here.

Lower School's Socratic Dialogues

The summer session was chock full of field trips! Here's a peek at the Lower School trip to Socrates Sculpture Park! The kids participated in the Park's free Summer Outdoor Art-making Workshops, which offered the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities inspired by exhibitions at the Park. Taught in the Park by exhibiting artists, the children learn fundamental and contemporary art-making techniques. Presented as part of the Park's 20th anniversary year, the exhibition on view for their visit was "L.I.C., N.Y.C.," highlighting and celebrating the area's remarkable creative community, featuring works from a broad spectrum of generations and mediums. Photo credit: Meilyn Soto-Chapman

What if you earned a Penny for the PA Every Time You Searched the Internet?

Help support the PA every time you do an Internet search. Click the flyer for info!

Raffle Winners!!

Here are some fun raffle results! Congratulations to all the winners! Thanks yet again to the many generous donors and ticket sellers and buyers!
Ms. Liendra Baptiste was the raffle's Grand Winner (she also sold the tickets that won these prizes!):
Brand-new 2GB iPod nano

$100 Lands' End Gift Certificate

$50 J. Crew Gift Certicate
USPS Star Wars-themed Gift Basket



Ms. Richards
4 New Victory Theater Tickets for 2007-2008 Season



Ms. Margo Wilson
One-of-a-Kind Necklace of Semi-Precious Stones, designed and donated by Jewelry by Chandrika
Surprise Goody Bag


Michael Pagano
Christopher Norman Chocolates Deluxe Box

Rebecca Chan
The Ultimate Rolling Stones Swag Bag


Ms. Lakeima Roberts
3-Piece Luggage Set
Brittany Newman & The Security Officer
Lunch with Mr. Damweber
Brittany Newman
Afternoon with Mr. Rosenberg


Dr. Clagnaz
One-year Family Membership, American Museum of Natural History


Anna Fighera
Disney Shelf CD player
Albert Yau
Prepaid telephone calling card
Candace Ifill
Digital camera
Debony
Designer Handbag

Joshua Rivera
Nextar MP3 Player

Rudolph Roman
Disney slimline telephone

Robert Chanze Moss
Biking with Mr. Brown

The Chronicle of Higher Education News Reader

The Chronicle of Higher Education's daily news reader is now also posted in the sidebar! Online, The Chronicle is published every weekday and is the top destination for news, advice, and jobs for people in academe. It's never too early to get to know the scene!

New York Magazine Family and Kids News Reader Added!

There's now a news reader from New York Magazine in the the roster of feeds on this website. Why waste paper and create clutter? Save your wallet and a tree by reading it here! Here's a sample of what you can read in the sidebar!

Minor-League Options
In minor-league baseball, most of the players are going nowhere and nobody cares who wins. Here's what really matters with the local teams.

Beaches Near Here
Get a dose of sand and sea. Be home by dinner.

Pour Darlings
Rainy-day spots for every type of player.

Great Spirit
Original New Yorkers (and friends) convene.

'Bossy Bear'
Find a useful moral in this story.

A Huge Thank-You to All Picnic and Raffle Participants and Supporters!!!!!

Please click the poster to for an expression of thanks to everyone who made yesterday's picnic and raffle such a huge success!!!!

Picnic Pics!!!

Yesterday's First Annual RGA Picnic, held at Washington Market Park's beautiful gazebo, was an enormous success!!! The event was headed up by Isadora Bolton, Mary Shanahan and Meilyn Soto-Chapman, who all deserve enormous thanks for their efforts, as do all the family, faculty and administrators who generously contributed to the raffle* (*more details to come)!

According to Margaret Ng, the raffle —which brought in a whopping $1,152 into the PA coffers — was the evening's highlight. "PA co-president Sherrill Collins worked her magic and was busy selling raffle tickets until seconds before the drawing. The raffle box was overfilled with ticket stubs,and children lined up to each place a hand into the raffle box to draw out the winning ticket for each raffled item. I'm not sure who was more excited, the children who welcomed the opportunity to pick the winning ticket or the parents who won the prizes!"

Mary Shanahan further reported, "I can’t believe how many people came; how many people brought food; and how much fun everyone had together! The lower school children loved the hats and bubbles that Iz brought. Erika Kirkland and Brittany Newman both came as clowns, to the delight of the children, whom they presented with wonderful balloon creations! A lot of new families attended. The raffle was dramatic and fun, thanks to Nathan (otherwise known as Mr. D). Everyone discovered Washington Market Park, and, with luck, the school will make use of this nearby resource frequently in the future!

While thunderstorms prevailed on the originally scheduled date, the weather was perfect yesterday for picnicking!! (Great banner, btw, Iz!)

(Photos courtesy of Meilyn Soto-Chapman; Picasa upload graciously handled by Louis Diaz!)