18 November 2020- PTC Meeting Minutes

Susan Neckes, Eliot’s School Committee Representative
  • The Superintendent sent out a survey to collect data from the district to best assess how to move forward. 
  • The School Committee reaches out to every school for frequent updates.
  • Next major thing on the committee’s agenda is updating facilities: Mitchell, Pollard, High Rock. 
  • Committee continues to work on Portrait of a Needham Graduate and racial equity.
  • Please see the the district website for lots of useful information: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/district_info/school_committee
  • Susan Neckes received a tour of the school and observed how happy the kids were to be there, how easily they followed the rules and how engaged the teachers were.
  • Questions asked: How does school respond to concerns presented at school committee meetings? Answer: They look to see if it fits under their jurisdiction and proceed from there, but often those concerns are passed onto the Superintendent and Principals. 
Question: Will there be any virus testing or forced quarantine surrounding the holidays? Answer: No, we are asking families to do their part in limiting travel and gatherings.
  • Karen Bourn, Eliot Principal, added that the district survey was sent to families, teachers and students in grades 6-12 for a comprehensive look at what is working and what is not.

Karen Bourn, Principal
  • Positive cases at Eliot have so far only occurred during a student’s remote week and so the school has not had to activate protocols surrounding quarantining cohorts.
  • If/when quarantine protocols need to be implemented, you will be contacted directly to know that you are impacted.
  • Question asked: What are the guidelines needed for the school to go fully remote? Answer: It would have to be a tipping point on not enough staff available to run the school. 

Besty Maxwell, Teacher and PTC Rep
  • Thank you to the PTC for pumpkins, notes and donuts. She read some teacher emails expressing their gratitude.
  • Thank you for the Amazon gift cards at the beginning of the year. The nurse bought books to read to the younger grades, one teacher bought a portable easel for teaching outdoors.
  • Thank you for the playground bags of equipment- kids are happy to play wherever they are assigned.
  • PE says thank you for coordinating the Jumpin’ Pumpkin Fitness Challenge in lieu of the Pumpkin Run.
  • Remote Academy teachers send thanks for helping to get them Eliot room parents.


Nathalie Blitz, SEPAC Rep.
  • They are working on sending gratitude cards to therapists and specialists within the school system.
  • Recently had a virtual coffee that had a good turnout.
  • There is an upcoming Basic Rights presentation that is free and open to everyone, but please register ahead of time.

Jenn Scheck-Kahn, Eliot Cultural Festival
  • Have a lot of great ideas and they’ll soon be sending an email soliciting volunteers.
  • Hoping to make a cookbook this year instead of the potluck.

PTC Announcements
  • Fall Hike Saturday 11/21, meet at Caryl Park Playground in Dover.
  • Annual Fund still going on, please donate.
  • Looking for volunteers to run virtual events this winter.
  • Running a holiday gift card raffle for all teachers and staff from Nov 30 - Dec 18
  • Next PTC meeting 1/27 at 7pm. 

Holly Charbonnier
  • Please tag students in your pictures when uploading them for the yearbook. 

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