Introducing Coffee With the Principal  Who:  All PS 516 Families

What:  Join Interim-Acting Principal, Jessica Knudson for a casual talk over coffee
When:  Tuesday, March 5 @8:30am

Where:  Multipurpose room
Why:  This is an informal time to find out about the latest news and upcoming events at PS 516.  This is also a good opportunity to meet and chat with other parents and share ideas to improve our school.  This month Ms. Knudson will also be sharing information about how report card grades are determined. 

A few weeks ago the School Leadership Team (SLT) discussed the recent PTA vote on implementing a school uniform policy.  The original purpose of the vote was to provide a clear recommendation from the PTA to the SLT.  Since the vote was a tie and not an overwhelming majority one way or the other, the SLT decided not to institute an official school uniform policy. 

Instead the PTA and the school will work together to make school clothes (shirts, hoodies, etc.) more available to families.  The PTA will form a School Clothes Committee that will work on designing a logo, deciding on a vendor, organizing ordering periods and planning more 'Spirit Days' throughout the year.  Families can choose to send their children in school clothes everyday or once in awhile. 

​In order for this to be a success, we need parents to join the committee.  Please reach out to the PTA if you're interested in being part of the committee.

Thanks to everyone who set aside time to come out and vote.  The ballots were counted after the evening PTA meeting on Tuesday, 3/27.  The count was conducted and observed by four PTA members.  The results are:
53 No votes
53 Yes votes

It's a TIE!

The purpose of the PTA vote was to determine the PTA's recommendation to the School Leadership Team (SLT).  Since the vote did not provide a clear recommendation, a decision about a school uniform policy will be decided at the next SLT meeting on April 10.    

According to the SLT bylaws a decision should be made by consensus.  If consensus can't be reached, the SLT can decide to conduct a blind vote to determine an outcome.  It's the goal of the SLT to come up with a solution that will work for the entire school community. The SLT will use the results from the vote, feedback presented at PTA meetings and the school uniform policy forum to come up with next steps.  

Please feel free to email the PTA with any comments, suggestions or questions.

On Tuesday, March 27 the PTA will hold a vote on whether or not to recommend to the SLT that the school implements a uniform policy.  All parents, guardians, and teachers are eligible to vote.  If you haven't had a chance to attend the parent discussion or the school forum please check out the Chancellor's Regulations on uniforms and a list of 'pros and cons' for more information before you vote. 

The voting booth will be open throughout the day on 3/27 during the following times:
8:00-8:30am--School Entrance
8:30-10:00am-AM PTA Meeting
2:20-3:00pm-School Entrance
3:00-3:30pm-School Office
5:00-6:00pm-Wingspan Pickup
6:00pm-7:00pm-PM PTA Meeting