Shared Decision Making Minutes

February 11, 2008

Present:            Jacki Aman, Marijke Bell, Viana Bowers, Margarete Couture, Deb Chase-Wegner, Diane Dersch

Absent:                        Vickie Badalamenti, Kim Lawrence, Heather McLaughlin

Margarete stated that now is the time to prioritize our goals.  Marijke thinks the “Healthy Snack” topic is a goal to obtain.  The committee all agreed that healthy foods in the classroom would be our main focus.  We discussed several other issues around the table and then voted on one main topic to work on this school year.

Viana voiced three topics of interest that she would like addressed in the school:

1.      Healthy Tips on Menu and Healthy Word Snip It on AM loudspeaker

2.      AM Walks, Healthy Recipe Contest, Fruit “still life”

3.      Continue Healthy Choice Awards

Viana asked “how do we approach teaching nutrition to the children?” We know that 2^nd graders learn health and wellness education through BOCES.

Jacki addressed the fact that according to the NYS Education website all children in grades K-3 should attend and participate in physical education on a daily basis.  Recess may not count toward the physical education requirement.  (www.emsc.nysed.gov). Our Dean of Students, Phil Marrella, is addressing this issue according to Margarete.

Margarete would like to see a curriculum night at the beginning of the school year inviting parents to learn about what is expected of their children.

After much discussion and a final vote, “Healthy Snacks” won over the other topics, which were Physical Activity, Curriculum Night and Nutrition Curriculum.  A teacher survey will be circulated on healthy snacks, and the results of the survey will be discussed at the next meeting.  It is important to get teachers on board first and then parents.  We would like a commitment from teachers on educating parents and their children.  Margarete reminded us of the school mandate below.

“Topics have to relate to helping improve student achievement”

Agenda for March 10, 2008

1. Review minutes from 2/11/08 meeting (5 minutes)

2. Discuss information from teacher survey and state guidelines (30 minutes)

3. Group discussion and plan of action (25 minutes)

Facilitator – Viana

Note Taker – Diane

Refreshments – Marijke

Timekeeper – Deb Chase-Wegner