Principal’s Advisory Committee Minutes
Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
February 11, 2008

Bob Herring, Mary Gene Kling, Christi Yust, Mark Abel, Greg Bell, Barb Daugherty,
Mark Deutsch, Maura Muenchen, Liz Sudbury

1. We gathered in prayer.

2. Solid Academics
There was a long discussion of the future of foreign language instruction at Nativity K-8.  Among those present there was support for the following tracks:
 • 2-3 Intro to Chinese and Spanish           4-8 Chinese            4-6 Chinese / 7-8 Latin                         
 • 2-3 Intro4-6 Spanish / 7-8 Latin              4-8 Spanish           4-6 Spanish / 7-8 Latin
 
There was a consensus that the higher tuition necessitated by the incorporation of foreign language would not be a factor for parents new to the school  but may be a factor for those already enrolled.  The discussion will continue

3. Global Perspective
The theme for the exchange program (“The Friendship Journey – Time to Change the World” ) and the accompanying logo were shared and met with a positive reception. (See Home Page)

4. Arts  & Technology
 • Singers of United Lands will conduct a 4-day residency with students in Grades 4-8 through the regularly scheduled    music classes.
 • Nativity is soliciting bids from 3 I-tech companies to provide tech support for ours system.   The Tech Committee will    have a chance to review the bids.

5. Rooted in the Gospel
The goals of deeper understanding of respect and reconciliation along with improved math scores in measurement for  OCSAA Continuous Improvement Plan were shared.

6. Enrollment Strategy
Over 100 packets of information have been submitted to parents who expressed an interest in Nativity.  Last week of parishioner registration; this week is for community registration.

7. Out of Uniform
The idea of a “slide show” of uniform / not uniform clothing was endorsed.  No student would be identified; parent permission would be obtained.

8. From the Floor
 • An update of the cafeteria proposal for a different menu was shared.
 • The need for new tables in the art room was mentioned.

Principal's Advisory Committee Minutes
Feast of St. Theresa
October 15, 2007

Bob Herring, Mary Gene Kling, Christie Yust, Patti Newberry, Maura Muenchen and Liz Sudberry

1. We gathered in prayer.

2. Global Perspective
China Update – NKU will do an evaluation of the impact of the China Initiative by interviewing staff, students and parents. Details to be announced.

3. Arts & Technology
Nativity is pursuing a week long residency with Singers of United Lands (5 voice international group) that will work with 5th –8th graders in February.

4. Enrollment Strategy
Parent Testimonials and Letters for the Parent to Parent Page were again solicited.

5. Construction Update
A group of neighbors have filed an appeal re. the permit Nativity received to build the gym.

6. Out of Uniform
The suggestion to keep it simple was articulated. There is concern about the complexity of the uniform once Student Government offers their recommendations.

7. Adjourn.

Principal's Advisory Committee Minutes
Feast of St. Vincent de Paul
September 27, 2007

Bob Herring, Mary Gene Kling, Barb Daugherty, Mark Deutsch, Vicky Garry, Sara Hilton,
Shelia Kinney, Roger Krummen, Jody McClain, Maura Muenchen

1. We gathered in prayer.

2. Global Perspective
China Update – We have requested that Jillin be granted a Visitor Visa and have heard nothing from the Department of Homeland Security. As soon as there is news, it will be reported to the community.

3. Arts & Technology
Young Americans Evaluation – Overall a positive experience with a recognition that some wrinkles need to be worked out. Recommendation: repeat in 3 years / at the next available opportunity.

4. Enrollment Strategy
Parent Testimonials and Letters for the Parent to Parent Page were solicited.

5. Back to School Events – Evaluation
Overall positive reaction to the scheduled events with some recommendations for improvement, e.g. sound system at PTA Open House and 1st Grade Parent Night, provide babysitting, etc.

6. Bathrooms and Fire Drills
Need to make sure that bathrooms are checked for students and that students in the bathroom when there is a fire drill know where to report

7. Construction Update
Information presented on the status of the gym project. Recommendation that additional information be provided to the
neighbors. A sidebar to this conversation was a recommendation that new mulch be put in the play structure.

8. Out of Uniform
Lengthy discussion of the out-of-uniform / spirit day dress code. Consensus from those present is that Nativity connected T-Shirts and jeans be permitted every week.

9. Adjourn.

Principal's Advisory Committee Minutes
Feast of St. Bernard
August 20, 2007

Members Present: Bob Herring, Mary Gene Kling, Christi Yust, Mark Abel, Barb Daugherty,
Mark Deutsch, Sara Hilton, Shelia Kinney, Paula Merits, Patti Newberry, Liz Sudbury

1. We gathered in prayer.

2. Solid Academics
2.1. Use of the bus for field trips Grades 4-8 A parent asked that the practice of 4th –8th graders taking the Metro for field trips downtown or on the Montgomery Road Corridor be reconsidered. Concerns centered on student safety (lack of seat belts, students standing when the bus is full, etc.) There was a discussion of the reasons for the practice. (Less expensive, better for the environment, support for public transportation). There was support for the practice with the suggestion that student load be divided between 2 buses to increase opportunity for students to have a seat.

2.2. Chinese Language Lessons
There was a discussion of the new program for Nativity.

3. Global Perspective
North America Camp There was a lengthy discussion regarding the feasibility of Nativity
hosting a "North America Camp based on the Eurocamp model. Perhaps it's possible if the North American "camp" followed The Friendship Project template. More discussion is needed

3.3. Multi-national Study Groups There was support for Nativity students participating in an research with students from other nations in collaborative groups and presenting the results at a gathering of the participating schools, e.g., students in Ukraine, Germany and USA would study the impact of acid rain on their respective cities, gather the data, and present their conclusions. More discussion needed.

4. Arts & Technology
Young Americans – Encourage students to sign up.

5. Rooted in the Gospel
Parents for Peace & Honor Code Both will be used again this year.

6. Enrollment Strategy
Parent Testimonials and Letters for the Parent to Parent Page ~ Parents encouraged to write letters for the web page.

7. Out of Uniform Definition needed to insure we are all on the same page. Discussion followed. Distinction made between out of uniform day and spirit day. More discussion needed.

8. Recycling
There will be a new emphasis on recycling under the initiative of Paula Mertes and Beth Muething.

9. Ground Breaking Patty Newberry is looking for Ground Breaking Committee Members to plan the festivities re. the new gym.