School Leadership Team 2022 - 2023

October SLT Meeting

October 20th, 2022 at 2:30 p.m.

October Meeting Agenda 

October Meeting Minutes

SLT Meeting Minutes 10/20/22

Meeting call to order at 2:35 p.m. by Ms. Mullins

Principal’s Report presented by Mrs. O’Connor and Mrs. Kalogridis
Priority focus is to distribute leadership and build teacher capacity to leverage data sources and
design rigorous lessons in both ELA and Math.

Instructional Focus is to utilize multiple sources of data to design rigorous, relevant, and
differentiated instruction.

The goal is to use data to drive instruction.

Different teams will be meeting on Tuesdays at 3pm, every other Monday, and monthly (RTI, BRT,
SEL, Crisis, SLT, ILT, Data, PD). All teams have a common goal, to support the children and the staff,
and to help them learn and grow.

Beginning of the year screeners have been completed. This data is very important and it’s broken
down by skills and standards. We will be analyzing this data, and utilizing it to drive instruction.
• K-2 Acadience for ELA & MAP GROWTH for Math
• 3-5 MAP GROWTH for Math and ELA

Teachers are formally assessing the student’s reading levels through Literably and Fountas and
Pinnell three times a year. In between they assess them informally to monitor growth.

Administration will be monitoring progress by visiting grade meetings and doing snap-shots to
provide support.

CEP goals get updated based on the data and school needs. The district provides feedback once the
initial goals are submitted. The 5 goals will focus on Math, ELA, Quality IEPS, supportive
environment, and chronic absenteeism. All goals must be SMART goals with a targeted population.
We will identify quarterly progress and revisit the goals in January.

Each month different cultures are showcased and celebrated. Students participate in the morning
announcements by reading about people who represent each culture.

Events coming up:
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Light up the Night
• Breast Cancer Walk
• PTC November 3rd

AIS after school slips went out to eligible students. Program begins in November. It will be held on
Wednesday and Thursdays.

PTA Report
Treasurer's position was open. Beverly Chand was nominated and filled the position with no
opposition.
Motions carried for use of funds:
• $350 Fall sweet treats
• $250 Light Up the Night merchandise
• $625 Gratitude month raffle ($25 GC’s for each winner for each class)
Picture Day Nov. 1st K-2, Nov. 2 3-5. We need help from the teachers to collect money.
Treasure Report Balance $6,644.13

PAC Report
13 parents attended las parent meeting.
Voted on 2 Math Workshops that parents felt were needed. $200 will be spent on each workshop.
Flashcards for the lower grades, or math dictionaries for the upper grades

Role of SLT:
• Core members
• Responsibility of each member
• How are CEP goals developed and tracked
• SLT comes to consensus, we do not vote
• Everyone needs to participate to have an effective meeting
• Bylaws were reviewed and amended for the number of members
• length of terms
• Roles need to be assigned at the next meeting, think about what you would like to do?
(Secretary, chairperson, time keeper)
• Attendance of meetings
• Welcomed Mrs. Ali as new Parent Coordinator.
• Ms. Blanchard suggested another afterschool program and will send information about it.

Meeting Adjourned at 3:40pm

November SLT Meeting

November  17th, 2022 at 2:30 p.m.

SLT Meeting cancelled, not enough members for Quorum

December SLT Meeting

December 15th, 2022 at 2:30 p.m.

December Meeting Agenda

December Meeting Minutes

SLT Meeting Minutes 12/15/22

Recorded by Yahaira Feliciano

Meeting call to order at 2:30pm 

Note: SLT roles need to be assigned for time keeper. Ms. Ali participated as time keeper for today’s meeting. Ms. Ali will conduct a survey to determine parent availability in an effort to increase participation. 

*NO PTA REPORT AVAILABLE (PTA President absent due to family emergency.)

*PAC MEETING CANCELED LAST MONTH DUE TO LACK OF ATTENDANCE. Therefore, no report is available.

Principal’s Report

• Revisions to CEP goals have been made and submitted for the November deadline. 
• The following Instructional foci are in place: 1) Distribute leadership and build teacher capacity to leverage data sources to design rigorous lessons in ELA and Math. 2) To utilize multiple sources of data to design rigorous, relevant and differentiated instruction.
• There are many teams in place to impact every child’s school experience and success. In ILT we are focusing on data (Fall Screener and Fountas and Pinnell levels) and taking a deeper dive into what standard based gaps exist in order to remediate them.  
• 5 CEP goals have been developed: One is to Increase ELA growth to 45%. For math, we would like to reach 40% growth. Developing high quality IEP goals will also be a focus. IEP goals will be progress monitored to help children achieve them. According to the survey, 81% stated behavior is appropriate at PS 97 and we want to improve this to  reach 90%.  We have a crisis team in place to help teachers and staff members manage student behavior more effectively. 
• Fall BOY screener has helped the school focus on the progress made when compared to Spring state testing of 2022. Growth has been made in ELA and we are now at 44% of students performing on or above grade level. In math, there has been some growth as well and we now have 39% of students scoring at  a level 3 or 4. 
• AIS and extra curricular activities are in place, as well as Saturday ENL classes. Special education support is also slated to begin remotely on Saturdays. The Saturday Academy will focus on providing enrichment experiences for students performing on and above grade level.
• Coding with the community was a success with many elected officials and community members participating in the event.  Computer science night was also held and parent involvement was high. Students were able to showcase their coding skills. 
• Holiday activities such as, ugly sweater day are slated for next week to boost school morale.  All are encouraged to participate.  

Other agenda items discussed: 

Uniform Initiative: Enforcement of school uniforms was a concern in the past. Adherence to school uniform policy was debated since we are in a public school setting and many parents felt that it was a choice, not a mandate. Parent members would like to have uniforms in place but agree that they have to be mandatory for all students in order to promote compliance.  Mr. Aggoub shared that he would like to promote and incentivize school uniforms in order to have staff and parent buy-in. Mr. Aggoub will develop a school wide uniform policy in order to help with compliance. Title 1 funding could be utilized to buy each child at least one school uniform to help support parents financially and equitably. 

Success Academy charter schools have been surveying schools to obtain site usage. 

Other SLTs in our district would like support on preventing charter schools from utilizing public school sites. Mr. Aggoub shared that charter schools can negatively impact public school funding. Ms. Mullins will submit the UFT request in support of public schools safeguarding their buildings. 

Final Thoughts and Next Steps:  

Mr. Aggoub shared that we had an opportunity to apply for a dual language program at PS 97. Mr. Aggoub is awaiting formal notification of acceptance into the program.  He is also awaiting guidance on training opportunities and funding in order to pilot this program for Spanish native speakers starting next Fall. 

A PTA election will be scheduled for January in order to have new parents voted into SLT in an effort to improve consistent participation and compliance.

Meeting ended: 3:43pm

January SLT Meeting 

January 19th, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.

January Meeting Agenda

January Meeting Minutes

SLT Meeting Minutes 1/19/23

Recorded by Diana Morelli 

Meeting call to order at 2:30pm

SLT Team discussed that members can only miss two meetings before being removed from the team.  Advanced notice must be given if a member cannot attend.  We need more engagement from the team.

Principal Report:

• 2022-2023 School Foci
  • Using data sources to ensure that the instruction is rigorous in ELA in Math
  • Every Staff Member is on a team this year: BRT, ILT, SIT/PPT, Attendance, SEL, PD, RTI, Crisis Intervention, Data
• ILT: Analyzing student work, data analysis and progress monitoring
• Deputy Superintendent Visit/Feedback
  • December 14th, visited by Deputy Superintendent Askew
    • Highlights: student choice
    • Growth: discussion protocols, rigor, pacing, and assessment
    • Bring more student work to teacher teams, identify gaps and plan next steps
• ELA and Math Data
  • Fall Screener -  ELA: 44%, Math 39.3%
• Many after school and Saturday programs: Art, Music, Robotics, AIS, Chorus, Student Council, Ballet Hispanico, ENL, Special Education, Enrichment (3-5)
• Many Parent workshops in January

PTA Report:

• Motion of $1200 for Show your Love Month Pop up for 2/9 and 2/10.  Merchandise purchased by PTA
• Motion of $400 approved for Guidance Counselor Week 
• Graduation pictures next week, Thursday, Jan 26, 2023. Requested attire: Girls white shirt or blouse, boys white collared shirt.  March 29 and Mar 30, 2023 is the absentee retake day.  Absentees only.  Many notices were sent home regarding picture day.
• Balance of $7,632.27.

PAC Report:

• Meeting January 5th, PAC is struggling with getting parents involved
• Balance of $2,348
• December meeting canceled due to not enough parents in attendance
• Math workshop for upper grades - still need a teacher
• Mother’s Day workshop
• Voted on Valentine’s read aloud, another lower-grade math workshop, St. Patrick’s Day, Healthy Smoothies, $200 each, $1,600 total.

Level of attendance in PTA and PAC meetings is not as strong as it should be, difficult for decisions to be made when not enough attendance is presented.

-Suggestions to separate PTA meeting and Award Ceremony

-Suggestions to bring meeting back in person, or changing timing

-Parent suggestions: for an in-person meeting, children are engaged in workshops while the parents are in meetings, snack is provided; suggested that each grade could host each month

-Incentives for parents, small gifts like a tote bag, key chain

- Have a calendar set up of events

-Consider May/June hosting these types of events

-Consider holding Students of the Month during the School Day

-Consider changing the timing so the meeting starts earlier

-PAC will try to have March meeting in person

Uniforms

-Starts with SLT, then presented to the PTA.

The SLT is presenting to move forward with a Uniform Policy for 2023-2024 School Year and the attending members would vote

Uniforms show uniformity, equity, would reduce bullying, reinforcement of policy - need to be clear, consequences need to be clear, cannot be an option, must be schoolwide.  Strict guidelines are needed if the policy is not adhered to.  Maybe 5th grade can wear something different as they are the seniors of the school.  Students can help craft a contract/agreement to hold them accountable to the rules they created.

Move CEP Goals to the February Meeting

Meeting adjourned 4:14pm

February SLT Meeting

February 16th, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.

February Meeting Agenda

February Meeting Minutes

SLT Meeting Minutes 2/16/23

Recorded by Diana Morelli 

Meeting call to order at 2:30pm

Minutes read by Diana Morelli

Minutes Approved Alina Saltas and Lauren Shiner

Principal Report:

• Mascot unveiled: Forest the Raccoon
• Middle of Year Screeners:
  • Acadience K-2 Reading
  • Map Growth Math K-5, ELA 3-5
  • Screeners are used to target groups of students and their needs 
• State Exams
  • There is no extended response in 3rd grade
  • 4th and 5th grade still have extended response centered on paired passages
  • NYSESLAT is administered to ELLs
  • No State Science Exam this year - the 5th grade students will take the State Science Exam in 2024
• CEP Goals
  • Being monitored based on the data that is being collected
  • Data will be organized and analyzed to assess whether we are on track to meet goals or if we need to rethink our current action plan
• After School and Saturday Programs
  • Invitations sent to targeted students based on data, to ensure they get the support they need
  • Lunch & Learn program - teachers provide extra support to their students during lunch
• Important Dates
  • Respect for All Week Feb. 13-17
  • Mid-Winter Recess Feb. 20-24
  • Thank you to teachers for providing workshops to families that are academically aligned to empower parents and support studen

• School Uniform

1. SLT and PTA will co-host an open forum for parents, teachers, students, and administrators on Wednesday, March 22nd at 6pm virtual meeting, with breakout rooms, translation available if needed 

• SLT will plan for this meeting during the March Meeting on March 16th with a survey that asks for feedback from parents, teachers, students.  We will also research to bring information regarding anticipated questions
• Can feature mascot on uniform
• Fashion Show to get students excited

2. Based upon feedback from this meeting, PTA makes recommendations to the SLT.  (Adopt and Create Policy on 4/20/23)
3. SLT decides what the uniform would be, whether a loaner will be made available to students who do not report in uniform  

PTA Report:

• Meeting on 2/8/23
• Motions to approve $2,000 Pop-up Shop April 5
• Merchandise of $300 for Show your Love Pop Up
• Motion $700 for Stuart Assembly, Nick the Baloonatic
• $200 for Cricket cut Press Machine - shirts, events, etc.
• Graduation picture orders forms were sent out, only absentee pictures will be retaken on March 29/30. Due Date February 17th for Orders. $60 shipping fee after this date.
• March 29/30 Spring pictures for the rest of the school
• Ms. Ali on behalf of Ms. Shiner shared the Mets Reading Program, beginning 2/13
• Balance of $6,033.48
• Congratulations to all students being recognized during PTA meeting.

PAC Report:

• Isabel not in attendance, no PAC Report

Mid-Year CEP Goals will be discussed next time once we have all data organized.

December Meeting: Success Academy wanted to push into school buildings.  When we unite for a cause, it has an impact.  SLTs and Teams across Queens were able to put a stop to Success Academies coming to those schools.

Next Meeting: March 16th, 2023

Meeting adjourned 3:41pm

March SLT Meeting

March 16th, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.

March Meeting Agenda

March Meeting Minutes

SLT Meeting Minutes 3/16/23

Recorded by Diana Morelli 

Meeting call to order at 2:30pm

Minutes read by Diana Morelli

Minutes Approved Alina Salta and Ziara Mosquea

Principal Report:

• Data - Mid-Year Screeners
  • What skills are lacking? How do we use data to group students and target student needs?  How can we use data to monitor student progress?
  • ELA: Acadience in K-2 and MapGrowth 3-5
  • The district is very interested in measuring student growth
• State Designation:
  • PS 97Q has been designated for Local Support and Improvement (LSI) by the state.  The language has changed from “Good Standing.”  This is the highest designation a school can get.  We will continue to receive support from our local academic community to keep this standing.
• Testing Dates
  • ELA 3-5 April 19 and 20
  • Math 3-5  May 2 and 3
  • Students are formally assessed on grade level standards.  Data gives teachers specific information to tailor instruction to student needs for next school year
• All upcoming events can be found on our school calendar
  • Upcoming Workshops: Read Alouds, Fundations
• Adopting School Uniform
  • Survey was created for parents, teachers, and students to share their thoughts
  • Forum Scheduled for Wednesday, March 22nd
  • By April 20th (Next SLT Meeting) we will begin creating a policy that will be rolled out

PTA Report:

• Meeting March 8th 
• Motions
  • Grade 1 Trips $200
  • Grade 2 Trips $600
  • Grade 5 Yearbook $1002.94
  • $200 Assistant Principal Appreciation
  • $150 Secretary Appreciation
  • $100 Principal Appreciation
  • $2000 Teacher Appreciation
  • PTA Checkbook $159.53
  • PTA Balance $7,047.45

• March 29/30 Spring pictures for all students
• March 29/30 for Graduation Absentees

PAC Report:

• No March Meeting, February Recap:
  • Difficult to hold meetings because there are not enough parents to attend
  • Many workshops left for families to attend
  • Summer Basket with books, penmanship books, dice, math activities for the Summer to help them not fall behind
  • PAC in person for April and May, refreshments provided.

Uniform Survey Results:

• Most parents are in favor of uniforms: Strongly Agree(58.7%), agree (16.8%), neutral (11.2%)
• Mullins researched uniform companies: Flynn O’Hara (expensive), Cookies (fair), The Children’s Place (very cost effective)
• **if Uniform Policy is adopted, we can potentially host a uniform swap every June or September for families to trade uniforms that are in good condition
• Title I school - there is financial support for our families who are in need
• Survey Concerns:
  • Cost of uniform, policy being enforced, religious beliefs and customs
  • There are several questions that indicate we need to clarify misconceptions and give clear expectations
• Uniform is to promote equity within our community
• School Store with optional items for purchase that show school pride

Students will complete a survey early next week

Information has been and will be shared with families, parents should be engaged with the school in order to be aware of school happenings so they may give their voice

Planning for the Forum:

• Agenda for the meeting
• Team will meet around 5:15/5:30 to prepare for the meeting on March 22nd

Uniform Policy Contract:

• Intro/Rational
• Colors/Cost
• Benefits
• Loaner Expectations
• Ladder of Consequences/Intervention
• Signatures (Parent & Student)

Next Meeting: April 20th, 2023

Meeting ended 3:45pm

April SLT Meeting

April 20th, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.

April Meeting Agenda

April Meeting Minutes

SLT Meeting Minutes 4/20/23

Recorded by Diana Morelli 

Meeting began at 2:30pm

Minutes read by Diana Morelli

Minutes Approved Alina Salta and Yahaira Feliciano

Question regarding school standing and the phrasing: How can we make it more clear to our school community that we are still in “Good Standing?”  The state has changed terminology and it appears unclear.

Principal Report:

• Happy Celebrations to All!
• School Construction Authority:
  • Exterior/Roof Maintenance (until Fall 2024)
    • Safety measures include evening/night work, scaffolding, no use of the schoolyard
  • Library Media Center (expected finish date of January 2024)
• Current Data:
  • Math Simulation: Data will be analyzed by teachers with a focus on subgroups (IEPs, ELLs) in order to better understand student needs and plan for the future
• State Exams
  • This week was the ELA Exam
  • Math Exam is May 2nd and 3rd
• Academic After School Programs ended in April
• School Uniform
  • Majority of Families are interested in uniforms
  • We reviewed sample uniform policies and discussed the importance of keeping it simple and using visuals (offer a vote and student choice)
  • Uniform will be navy pants.  Students will vote on colors of shirts: light blue, gray, or white.  Student vote will be for grades 2-4

PTA Report:

• Meeting Apr 19, 2023
• Motions approved for 
  • Pre-K Stepping Up Pizza Party $250
  • Stuart & Vanatta Science Ceremony $500 
  • Jun 23, 2023 Marino Ices giveaway for all students $800
  • Mother’s Day Boutique May 10th-12th
  • Absentee Day for Spring Pictures on May 17th
  • Teacher Appreciation Week May 8-12th.  May 9th: Hot Lunch for Teachers
  • Treasurer’s Report for March, Balance of $5,802.27
  • Elections for PTA in May, all positions are open and two parent SLT positions are open

PAC Report:

• Summer baskets will be given after May meeting
• Mixed response for virtual/in-person meeting, suggested alternating
  • May will be in-person on May 4th

Meeting adjourned 3:32pm

May SLT Meeting

May 18th, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.

May Meeting Agenda

May Meeting Minutes

SLT Meeting Minutes 5/18/23

Recorded by Diana Morelli 

Meeting call to order at 2:30pm

Minutes read by Diana Morelli

Minutes Approved Alina Salta and Nicole Mullins

Principal Report:

• Congratulations to Alina Salta for agreeing to be PTA President and to the new PTA Team
• Teaching & Learning:
  • Leverage current data and progress monitoring
  • Receiving district support
• Health and Safety:
  • Educate our community about the dangers of social media; responsible use and parent monitoring 
  • E-cigarettes; shops opening near our schools; not a big issue in our school but it is an issue in middle schools; can trickle down to the elementary level
• Construction:
  • Major updates happening to exterior and roof of building.
  • Library conversion beginning June 1st 
• Attendance:
  • Many K-2 students are missing a great amount of school; ensure that children are continuing to come to school
• Uniform:
  • Students voted for light blue uniform top.

PTA Report:

• May 10th Meeting
• Elections for PTA President, Secretary, and Treasurer; Ms. Saltas was asked to keep the position and she accepted.  Ms. Belmonty is secretary. Ms. Chan is Treasurer.  
• No parents ran for the two SLT vacancies
• Elections for Vice President and SLT vacancies will be held after Summer Break
• $250 for Kindergarten Stepping-Up
• $700 Multicultural Day event
• Mother’s Day Boutique profit of $1,039.50
• Father’s Day Boutique June 6 and 7
• April 30th balance $6,296.13

PAC Report:

• In-person meeting, 10 parents in attendance
• Treasurer Report $0, all money has been spent on workshops
• Encouraged parents to reach out to PAC, PTA, and Parent Coordinator
• Calendar of events translated into Spanish, flyers to be distributed before dismissal

Remuneration Form

• Must be completed before June 15th Meeting
• For next year, let’s consider other ways to use SLT Time to its full potential

School Uniform Policy

• One-pager created outlining policy and visuals
• Options provided for different vendors 
• Social Media/Notices will be sent home, parents will be made very aware of the policy over the summer and before the new year begins

CEP Goals

• All Students Learn to Read Well
• All students are physically and emotionally safe
• All students have a high-quality academic experience
• All students graduate college and career ready and have a strong plan and pathway to economic security
• Redesign the system to be more inclusive and responsive for parents and families, including having more families choose NYC public schools

• More intentional and purposeful visits to classrooms; survey; more events that welcome families

Meeting adjourned at 4:00pm

June SLT Meeting

June 22nd, 2023 a 2:30 p.m.

June Meeting Agenda

June Meeting Minutes

SLT Meeting Minutes 5/18/23

Recorded by Diana Morelli 

Meeting call to order at 2:30pm

Minutes read by Diana Morelli

Minutes Approved Alina Salta and Nicole Mullins

Principal Report:

• Congratulations to Alina Salta for agreeing to be PTA President and to the new PTA Team
• Teaching & Learning:
  • Leverage current data and progress monitoring
  • Receiving district support
• Health and Safety:
  • Educate our community about the dangers of social media; responsible use and parent monitoring 
  • E-cigarettes; shops opening near our schools; not a big issue in our school but it is an issue in middle schools; can trickle down to the elementary level
• Construction:
  • Major updates happening to exterior and roof of building.
  • Library conversion beginning June 1st 
• Attendance:
  • Many K-2 students are missing a great amount of school; ensure that children are continuing to come to school
• Uniform:
  • Students voted for light blue uniform top.

PTA Report:

• May 10th Meeting
• Elections for PTA President, Secretary, and Treasurer; Ms. Saltas was asked to keep the position and she accepted.  Ms. Belmonty is secretary. Ms. Chan is Treasurer.  
• No parents ran for the two SLT vacancies
• Elections for Vice President and SLT vacancies will be held after Summer Break
• $250 for Kindergarten Stepping-Up
• $700 Multicultural Day event
• Mother’s Day Boutique profit of $1,039.50
• Father’s Day Boutique June 6 and 7
• April 30th balance $6,296.13

PAC Report:

• In-person meeting, 10 parents in attendance
• Treasurer Report $0, all money has been spent on workshops
• Encouraged parents to reach out to PAC, PTA, and Parent Coordinator
• Calendar of events translated into Spanish, flyers to be distributed before dismissal

Remuneration Form

• Must be completed before June 15th Meeting
• For next year, let’s consider other ways to use SLT Time to its full potential

School Uniform Policy

• One-pager created outlining policy and visuals
• Options provided for different vendors 
• Social Media/Notices will be sent home, parents will be made very aware of the policy over the summer and before the new year begins

CEP Goals

• All Students Learn to Read Well
• All students are physically and emotionally safe
• All students have a high-quality academic experience
• All students graduate college and career ready and have a strong plan and pathway to economic security
• Redesign the system to be more inclusive and responsive for parents and families, including having more families choose NYC public schools

• More intentional and purposeful visits to classrooms; survey; more events that welcome families

Meeting adjourned at 4:00pm