SANDS MONTESSORI PARENT ORGANIZATION (SMPO)

Elections for 2010-2011 school year

It is time again to solicit nominations for parent leadership positions on the Rudder of the SMPO and for parent representatives to the Local School Decision Making Committee (LSDMC) and the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) for the 2010-2011 school year.

The Rudder is the committee of 18 members that oversees all of the activities, events and initiatives of the SMPO.    Fifteen of these positions are up for election.  The Rudder meets on the third Tuesday of each month throughout the school year at 7 pm.  This meeting is open to anyone who wishes to attend.  

The LSDMC is the primary governing body of the school.  Tasks of this group include developing a vision/mission, setting and documenting goals regarding school improvement; and approving the school budget.  It consists of 4 teachers, 4 staff, 4 parents and 4 community members from Quadrant 4 neighborhoods.  Two parent representative positions are up for election; each representative serves a two-year term.  Monthly meetings are typically from 4-6 pm on a Wednesday.

The ILT is a group that focuses specifically on improving instruction at the school, including the curriculum program, staff training and developing the school budget.  The ILT is made up of teachers, non-teaching staff and 2 parent representatives.  The parent reps serve alternating two year terms.  The ILT holds open meetings on the 1st Monday of each month at 4:00 p.m.  The ILT is not a Rudder position.

You may nominate yourself or another member (parent, legal guardian, teacher, or staff) for any position. We encourage you to contact the person currently holding these positions for more information (see back of page). Nominations will be accepted until March 12.  The nominating committee will verify that all nominees are willing and able to serve prior to announcing the nominees. Elections will be held by ballot at the General Parent Meeting/Ice Cream Social in April.  Look for a list of nominees in the April issue of the Reporter.

THE SUCCESS OF SANDS MONTESSORI DEPENDS UPON ALL OF US STEPPING IN TO HELP. 

PLEASE NOMINATE YOURSELF OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW!

DOWNLOAD the Nomination Form »

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER BY Friday, March 12.

ELECTED RUDDER OFFICER DUTIES

Vice President: Acts as an aide to the President, and is considered “President-In-Training.” Becomes President the following year.  David Kitchings

Executive Secretary: Records the minutes of all Rudder meetings and maintains the official documents of the SMPO including the bylaws, correspondence, and minutes. Rachel DesRochers

Corresponding Secretary: Maintains the SMPO Bulletin Board and distributes backpack flyers.  Records the minutes of all general meetings of the SMPO.  Mikey Frank

Business Manager: Receives all monies of the SMPO and serves as primary contact with the bank handling SMPO funds. Keeps records of receipts and expenditures. Alma Bartos

Reporter Publisher: Coordinates and compiles minutes, articles, and calendar information for publication in the Reporter.  Emily Bond

Parent-At-Large: Represents the general membership of the SMPO at Rudder meetings. Acts as hospitality coordinator for SMPO and school functions including teacher luncheons and Grandparents Day. 

Resource Coordinator: Oversees fundraising events for the SMPO including but not limited to the fall carnival, catalog sale, Market Day, and silent auction.  Nancy Pena

3-6 Team Coordinator: Meet with team teachers on a regular basis to discuss needs and concerns. Assists room parents in developing phone trees and class directories. Coordinates with the Vice-President and the other team representatives in developing a school-wide directory. Assists the Parent-At-Large in his/her hospitality duties.  Kate Allwein

6-9 Team Coordinator: Identical to 3-6 Team Coordinator, but for the 6-9 team.  Rosemary Becher

9-12 Team Coordinator: Identical to 3-6 Team Coordinator, but for the 9-12 team Nickole Pope-George

Volunteer Coordinator: Recruits and deploys parents to perform scheduled and nonscheduled volunteer duties at SMPO and school functions. Serves as the main contact person for volunteer requests from the school and SMPO committees.   Mary Beth Manolis

Grant Writing Coordinator: Recruits and directs a committee to identify, research, and apply for educational grants.  Gina Brenner

Technology Coordinator: Monitors maintenance and upgrading of classroom computers and Sands website. Serves as the parent representative to the school’s technology committee.  Phil Roberto

Athletic Coordinator: Coordinates sports programs at the school, including coordinating with Cincinnati Recreation Commission. Recruits volunteer coaches for the after-school programs. Oversees the management of the baseball and soccer programs.  David Canty

NON-ELECTED PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

LSDMC:  The LSDMC is the primary governing body of the school.  Tasks of this group include developing a vision/mission, setting and documenting goals regarding school improvement; and approving the school budget.  Four parents and 4 community members from Quadrant 4 neighborhoods are needed. Wes Munzel

ILT:  The ILT focuses on improving instruction at the school including the curriculum program, staff training and developing the school budget.  Two parent representatives are needed.  The parent representative serves a 2 year term.  

After School Enrichment Coordinator:    Coordinates after school enrichment programs for students at Sands Montessori.  Works closely with coordinators to set up these programs.   Judy Finn