and I'm gonna share my screen. >> Good evening everyone. This is Veronica Peter Leon. Today is um December 15, 2025. We're going to start our President's Council meeting. We're not
holding an election, are we, Jenny? >> Oh, where's that word coming from? >> No, it's okay. Today we're going to start um just wanted to welcome everyone to our president's council meeting. Um I am one of your co-presidents. I'm joined
by our co-president Rachel, our treasurer, Mirna, and our recording secretary, Charlotte. We're going to go ahead and move to the approval of the November meeting minutes. I'll pass it on to Charlotte. >> Hi everybody. So I'm just going to go
over the general highlights from the last meeting. Um pretty uh Dr. Dantona talked about community engagement and he emphasized uh connection before content activities. Um went over October highlights as the Halloween pumpkin patches that happened throughout the
district as well as November's focus for um Native American Heritage Month. So upcoming events that have already occurred with Thanksgiving walk, talked about enrollment reminders for all the different levels of on and different grades um and any data updates about I
Ready and a Cadence. um talked about seclment about the survey 70% of parents requested support in parenting and other initiatives that were talked about were premediation math focus civics safer college program uh community based
projects as well as the promote wellness and uh kindness through those school activities uh there's approval of the October minutes and the bylaws were looked over but there were no changes uh done from the previous version for CS BSC update that occurred on December
3rd. There was a a meeting that occurred about capital planning and school nutrition. Also, there's a District 25 Madison Square Garden night that happened September um December 6th. Uh guest presentations by Mike Hope about the game show experience, an interactive mobile game show for the schools. And
then reminders in general about financial reports that are due January 31st. The interim report is due. check requirements just to go over the basics that two signatures are required. Bylaws to review them annually and to update them every 3 years. Fundraising rules,
the candy sodas that were supposed to be um no sales, no bake sales within the cafeteria and max of 14 for the year. Digital payments to zel and PayPal are allowed but veno and cash app are prohibited. Uh carnival planning inflatables are restricted in the New
York City parks. There's a vendor recommendation made about uh um by Holly Rock Entertainment for Holly Rock Entertainment. Uh any banking issues were also discussed about TD Bank and Chase uh and about zel in general. And
the meeting adjourned uh at 8:10 p.m. And if anyone if people would like to approve those minutes. >> Oh, I see a hand up. Saw it for approve the minutes. >> Thank you. Thank you, MNA. And those minutes are approved for
November. And now, Veronica, back to you. Thank you so much. So, one of the highlights of tonight is that we are going to have two wonderful students give us um
present their soapbox speeches. And as we were talking earlier, as a board, there's nothing greater than the see the highlights of the work that the children put into not only their speeches, but the day-to-day work that they do in
their schools. They are the life and the center of the work that we do. And it is an honor to have Jake and Amna here um joining us. So Jake, would you like to start with sharing your speech with us? >> Ah, hi. You can hear me, right? Oh, no.
Oops. You can hear me, right? >> Yes. >> Hi, Jake. We can hear you. >> And see you. >> Welcome. Welcome. Welcome. You're ready? >> Uh, absolutely. I am very ready. >> Congratulations. Thank you for joining
us today. This is the president council for district 25. We're so proud of many of the children like you who gave their speeches who stood in front of the auditorium or their front in front of their peers and was passionate to share
some of their thoughts around issues impacting their community. So we're so thankful to have you here. The space is yours. Go ahead. >> All right. Thank you. So well hello everyone. So my name is Jay. I am a student at IS-25 and I'm here to talk
about data security. So, have you ever been hacked? Well, I have. But before I get to that, let me tell you a little bit about what data security is and how it all leads to me getting hacked. So, what is data security? Well, according to ibm.com,
data security is the practice of protecting digital information from unauthorized access, including onremise devices, mobile devices, cloud platform, and third-party application. This is probably something you've heard about many times before, but for your
information, you probably don't take this seriously enough, which is why good old me will have to explain this to you. Data security is really important because it helps protect the information you put online. Some examples of what
data security protects against are fishing, malware, Trojan horse, and exploits. For the sake of today's speech, I'll just be narrowing down to one of the examples I just list fishing. As proofpoint.com says, someone's email
address could be spoofed with a message instructing the recipient to send money, click a malicious link, or reply with sensitive data. So essentially, fishing means that they gaslight you into sending them money and private information. For example, if someone
pretends to be your mom and text you to sell them $1,000 urgently or you have to go to jail, would you action immediately? If you fall into the trap and send the money, will all the data security measures in your bank detect
the scam before your money gets sent? Or in another situation, if you're a CEO, everyone wants to be a CEO, and you received an email from your IT department saying your com companies's network is under attack by a virus and you'll need to install this software to
protect your computer files against it. Would you question whether this email is real? If you click on the link to download, will your company's data security be strong enough to not allow you to download any suspicious softwares? Now, these types of attacks
are quite common. So, in an ideal world, the data security measures will make these types of suspicious attempts less likely to reach their audience or prevent their scans from being successful. So, how common is data death like fishing? And how many people fall
for it? Well, according to us at FBI.gov, the real FBI, 860,000 complaints of suspected internet crime and details reported losses exceeding 16 billion. That is more than
$18,000 per complaint. We can buy a lot of pizzas with one successful scam. So, what does this show? It shows that such precious data is all being breached because people are too ignorant or too trusted. You can decide on that one.
Now, going back to my hacking story, I was watching a YouTube video where it was teaching me how to download an add-on to my computer to help me progress in the game. I was like, the video was real and the YouTuber was legit. But as I was trying to follow his instructions, I might have accidentally
clicked on a link that looked exactly like the real website. My computer was trying to warn me that the installation might not be so safe. Gave me at least three pop-up warnings, but I just didn't read properly and turn off all the security in order to proceed and
download. Click, click, click. Uh-oh. After the installation, my computer was ripped. I knew something was wrong. Let's not get into how my parents reacted, but I now know not to ignore data security warnings. And let's talk
about another popular fishing scam. Everyone here, I would think, knows Roblox. My c my cousin was watching a YouTube video again on how to get free items. She clicked on the link under the video and her it sent her to a Roblox
website where she had to enter her username and password. That was it. The scammers now used her login information and went into her account and took everything that was precious to her. A 13-year-old girl who got her whole
Roblox inventory stolen. That's equivalent to stealing a million dollars from a working adult. She was devastated for the whole summer and she also quit the game. Of course, we should not be so comfortable knowing hackers are taking over and making so much money from doing
these illegal activities. So, how do we stay alert when we are online to prevent the hackers from shutiling our information and devices? The first thing I would suggest is to educate. Educate kids on how to protect their private
information. Don't go around flashing mom's credit card information. Don't give out your username and passwords. Don't click on unverified links. Don't be like my cousin. Don't download software from fake website. And don't turn off your security settings. Don't be like me. Also, based on the website
proofpoint.com, it is a good idea to use ad blockers, the real ones. And avoid clicking ads, especially on popups. Most problems are probably malware that instruct users to download software to view content. It is
such a shame that such a common issue like suspicious popups, fake websites continue to cause millions of people to be scammed and billions in damages every single year.
Data security is really important because it protects your data, including your credit card information that is linked to your Amazon account, your Tik Tok account, and or search history that can be used to imitate and pose as you
to scam the people around you. But thankfully, if data security works as it should, there's a good chance your information will not be leaked or compromised. Even if you accidentally clicked on a bad link, being protected with multiple layers of security will
likely prevent you from falling into the scam resist trap. Also, I hope that we can keep spreading the awareness. All right, then these reported losses could diminish into thousands, which could be a big win for us all and probably put
those scammers out of business. So, let's educate youngsters on this issue and keep your own safe. Be cautious and use your sharp eagle eyes when on the internet. Make sure you have proper data security all around you. Thank you very
much. All right. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Jake. You were so engaging. You're very passionate about the work. The topic that you chose is wonderful. Thank you
for being one of the shining examples of what this district can do. And you I I cannot thank you enough because you remind me a lot of my son and my children and you remind me of every child that I have
seen in this district um since the very beginning of the school year. So thank you, thank you, thank you for coming and joining us tonight. Our next presenter is Amna. Amna, please join. Way to go, Jake.
>> Yes. >> Um, now you may start. Okay. Emma, can you can you hear us? Okay, you may start. Yeah, your microphone is still muted. I think she's having an issue with her microphone.
Okay. Anna, do you see where it says audio at the bottom? I think Amna, you might want to restart. We can wait that, you know, restart and join back. I think she she's having an issue with her internet connection.
>> I just saw her joining. Oh. >> Oh, sorry about that. Um, I >> now >> I hadn't I hadn't turned it on in settings. My bad. >> It's okay. No, no need to apologize. Thank you so much for joining us
tonight. I want to give you the opportunity to share your speech with everyone here. You're welcome. Please start. >> Thank you. So, I'm Amna Jodri and I'm going to be talking about home economics and how it should be brought back.
Roses are red, violets are blue. If chores were a contest, most of us would lose. Cooking and cleaning are in like before, so let's bring back a class that teaches us more. Raise your hand if all you know how to cook is toast. Many children don't know how to cook or do
necessary life skills because schools don't teach any. Yet, they know Skippy toilet and odd memes like the back of their hand. It's a problem that far too many children don't know how to do housework. In fact, according to Prenda Micros, an organization that creates
small learning groups, states that about 95% of children in the US can expertly navigate a cell phone, while 47% of those people lack the basic ability to tie their shoelaces. This is an embarrassment that so many children in
school don't understand how to do necessary skills. Sure, these skills may not be taught at home, but if the schools teach them, they'll be required to learn these things. My kitchen curtain almost caught on fire while I was cooking instant noodles.
Schools don't have the best solution to this problem, but long ago, once upon a time in most schools, there was a class called home economics. This class taught household skills such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and more. These days, it's rare to find home economics still
in action at schools in the city. In fact, this very school, IS-25, taught home economics in two rooms on the first floor around the 1960s and 70s. According to the positive action program, a school program for social
emotional learning says that if schools do end up teaching children life skills, these kids will end up making great decisions in the future involving creative thinking, problem solving, and skills similar that have to do with their mental health. In an article called Why Should We Be Teaching Life
Skills in 2025, they state learning life skills helps young people understand who they are and what they want out of life. Schools focus on so social emotional learning, which is learning about the importance of making the right decisions. It's up to the school to make
sure that this generation of children know how to cook simple things and clean up for themselves. And the schools cannot do that unless they bring back home economics. Take a look at the children nowadays. Fascinating, right? 27% of people in the
US from ages 18 to 28 can't make a simple soup, according to the New York Post. Guess what? These are the same people who have not had home economics. What if this generation's children end up being 18 to 28 years old, not knowing
how to make soup? It's unacceptable that ordinary kids in the future could experience issues even while doing the simplest of tasks because of their lack of knowledge on it. It's very frustrating that schools don't teach children how important it is to know how skills, especially when there's such a
large percentage of children who struggle with knowing how to do them. You're probably sitting there thinking that you can't do anything about this. Therefore, you couldn't care less. But there is something you can do. Shove it in everyone's faces. You've seen all of those student government posters. So,
just do the same. Plaster the need to bring back home economic all over the walls. Create as many appropriate posters or handout papers as you like. These posters can have slogans or jokes about how children lack abilities to do basic chores or how it should just
simply be brought back. Mind you, posters will not be enough. Use your voice. Talk about this problem with fellow classmates and watch your words spread. Talk about how the two rooms on the first floor should be restored to home economics. Talk to everyone it
would make about the talk to everyone about it would make in the fun factor. Getting to bake cookies in school. If you got a stain on your favorite shirt, home economics would give you the tricks to take it out. Tell your teachers about your opinion and see if they agree. I asked a few of my
teachers about home economics, and it turns out for many of them, it used to be their favorite class. These are the same adults who actually know how to cook. By the way, the more you spread your word, the bigger the chance that the school will hear you and make a change once and for all. If you have any
questions or ideas, feel free to email home economics forall@gmail.com. After all I've said, I wish that now you agree with my opinion and start to bring more attention to this topic. Hopefully, my words have made this issue stick around in your mind. Who knows, maybe
you'll be the one to convince the school to bring back home economics. Thank you. >> Claps around. Oh my god. Yes. Yes. And I I know I hate to take away from anything, but you and Jake speaks
everything what I want my kids to do. I am paying out of pockets for my kids to learn these skills. and you are speaking these words. So, it's not just me, it's our students. So, I love that. I want
you to continue pushing back. Voice your opinions, guys. You are our future and do not stop. Do not take no and continue to pursue your goal. Like, you made me so happy. >> Both of you. I can't wait for the next
person. Like, you got If I can give you a million votes, you got it. I I want to say this and I want to give everyone an opportunity to to share some of your feedback with Jake and Amna, but you know, for me as a community
organizer, like I you brought me back to my 13-year-old self and hearing you speak resonated with me. It it made me it made my heart melt, but it made me also aware that we have to think a
little bit more deeper when we're in these spaces in parent leadership, in our SLTs, in our other spaces where we are to listen to you, to listen to what our students want to see in their schools and figure out a way where we
can make you be a part of those decisions because your voice, as you said, matters. your thinking and strategies. You're seeing the world in a very different way and we need you to get engaged and
plugged into the spaces. So students, you know, Jake, Amna, you're a reflection of what can be done in other spaces and like we need you to continue to keep on participating, lift your voice, organize because that's how
change is made. So, I just want to say you made a big impression on me. I would love to have you be part of a peer mentoring program for elementary school students because you are definitely the type of role models that we want to see in our schools, mentoring the next
generation that is coming up, sharing what you have said tonight. It's very impactful and I can't wait to hear what a prek, a kindergarten, a first grader, a second grader will say when they hear you. So congratulations. Thank you for being in this space. And anyone else who
would like to share some of your congratulatory remarks for Jake and and Amna is welcome to do so. >> Again, I I'm I'm speaking out. Absolutely. I have cousins from different uh states and they do the things that you are saying and for you
to bring that to NYC DOE and you're voicing your opinion and I'm saying yes. Tell us what you need for us to do to back you up because we need you in our school. We need the embodiment of who you are in our school because
>> you're not the only student that said something but because you are here. I am so proud of you as a parent. I am so proud of you as a students and keep pushing forward. You know, you are on the right track. You are on our future
and I you just made me so proud. Like the the smile I have on my face, girl. Guys, if I can give you the world right now, I would. I can't wait for our next candidates because this is the right start. Like, I am so souped up right
now. Like, I am excited for this year. >> I'll go make the posters. So, just let me know when when and I'll go make the posters. I'll definitely help out. >> And the pom poms. Like, I'm there. Uh I'm not Is it possible for you to share that link that you had just said at the
end of your speech? >> Yes. >> If you can just put into the chat. I think there's something that you had said. There's like a petition. >> Mhm. >> Sorry. You're unmute. Sorry. Hold on. Let's Can we unmute you? >> Oh, my bad. I didn't even unmute it. Um
so you want me to link the email? >> Was it Was it an email? Is that what the petition is? >> Yeah. like if you have like any like suggestions or anything. >> Is that something that you started? >> Not yet, but I'm I'm planning. >> Okay. >> Cuz I haven't found the time to do. >> Of course. I'm I'm sure. Yeah. You're
But you you definitely have a really good head on your shoulders. Um very inspiring speech. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much to both Amna and Jake. Again, we are all inspired and ready to
support you in any way that you can. So, um, let us know how can we can be very supportive. But yes, we're very proud of you. Thank you. Thank you for being here tonight and I'll pass it to Dr. Mike. >> Yeah, thank you guys. So, this is uh actually a part of my of my presentation
this evening was two of our students to come and share a little bit about uh about their soapbox speeches and Melinda will say will say a couple of words just about the civics for all work that we are doing here in the district. And it's so important for you as parent leaders to see and hear because the goal of this
is to create opportunities for our kids. Um so just after Jake and Amna spoke uh at the CEC meeting um I did reach out to their principal to see what else we can do to support some of their next steps uh including organizing a public service
announcement that Jake and I will be able to do around digital security measures. um as well as um you know connecting with uh 25 to see what kind of additional elective programs they can create to support some some things like
um the home economics type of coursework for some of the children that are interested in it. So the the goal of these things is is not only to create opportunities for our kids to research um to engage in public speaking uh but
it's to convey information like an expert. Ultimately that is a huge part of this work is to make sure that they can stand in front of an organization in this particular case the president's council and share their perspective with
evidence. You know, it's not about just being passionate about something and being a able to express your opinion. It's a lot a lot more significant when our kids can back up those same opinions with real clear evidence as to why it's important um and what it could mean for
not only them but others around them. So, um, you know, for our schools, this is something that we're asking that they do, that we're connecting with our kids to make these speeches, um, to really think deeply about what they're what they're passionate about. Um, and get
them through the experience. You know, this was ultimately something that will carry with them from the time they're in elementary school all the way to the time they're in high school and beyond. Um, so, you know, Melinda, you want to say just a couple of words about about the civics work? Melinda is our biggest
advocate for the civics for all work in our district. She leads it. Um and aside from leading it, she loves it. So that when you put those two things together, you wind up getting a lot of effort towards this end. >> Thank you, Dr. Mike. I do love it. And
I I just love it. I'm sitting here with a huge smile because this is the second time I've heard their speeches and we have more to come. Um the civics work in district 25. Um, this is our fifth year and I can tell you now that the topics that you're hearing from our students
have gotten so much more sophisticated over the course of these five years, starting just with littering and bullying and global warming to really things that are micro to the things that are important to our students today. Um, and this is just a small piece of the
civics work that are that are happening across all of our schools. We're what's called the civics for all partner district. Um we were the first we were the pilot five years ago. Um but in addition to this our students are engaging in civics lessons. They are
engaging in from this from these soapbox speeches comes their take action projects that they're like for Jake that his take action project is going to be this public service announcement so that it impacts others. Um and our students are finding their voices. They're
emailing Dr. Daytona on their own with with ideas and how to make our district better. From this came our youth leadership team with a group of middle school students who meet once a month to look at data and help us improve the district. So there's a lot happening
with um with our civics for all work and I'm incredibly proud of it and I'm incredibly thank thankful to Dr. to Daytona for for making the commitment to putting it into the DC so that everyone across our district knows how important
our students voices are. >> Yeah, I love that, Melinda. Um, and what what I encourage you as, you know, as you know, parent leaders in your buildings, you know, when you host your your um your PTA meetings, why not
invite some of our kids to engage in these speeches? And they might not even have to be for their peers, but for you as adults, you know, hearing our kids and their perspectives, what it will do is allow you to say, "Oh my, we can actually support that as parents in our
buildings. We can do some kind of amazing um community drive towards something that is really important to our kids." And I'll give you an example of one that you didn't hear yet, but one that was just shared it. And some of our kids get very vulnerable in this space.
and I talked to you about things that have happened in their families, how the how drug abuse wound up impacting their family. This is coming from a kid that is 10, 11 years old with the awareness of what's happened in their family. So,
how amazing would that be for there to be this huge amazing um you know, community support event around raising awareness to for some of these things, you know, and it it goes a long way and it shows our kids that that their voices can contribute to the greater good. And
for me, yes, talking about reading is important, talking about mathematics is important, but so too is using your voice for something positive. uh which I think our communities need more and more coming from kids, you know, that they're taking the lead in making positive changes for uh for not only for
themselves but for those around them. So that's in a in a nutshell what what the civics for all work uh is bringing us to uh these from these speeches to these action projects uh to hopefully making us better as individuals but more importantly as a community. So, uh, I'm
hoping that you, uh, you, uh, appreciate it and sounding from your your responses and seeing in the chat, um, you you enjoyed what it is that you heard. And Jake and Amna, I thank you for, you know, for taking the leap. It's not easy to do that e in person or or in Zoom,
uh, to convey your thoughts um, you know, with with passion and effectiveness. So, I thank you guys for that. And and if I'm if I may add uh one second, Melinda, I I I think you know something not to miss the point, right?
I think as a as a PATA inviting students is really important, but it's also how do we do the follow through, right? How can we as PAPA support some of the work that is happening on the civics for all? I would love to hear from you some ideas as to
how we can take that back to our respective schools and support the work that the students are doing in our schools. And then as a district, I think that there is a conversation that can be had and I would love for you to come back and share some of the work in the new year. maybe there is a highlight um
of projects or potential ideas of how PAPAs can support the work that is being carried out in the district but also lessons learned on how that can be supported per schools. So I would love to talk a little bit more about it and and see as a board like what can we do
to support the work that the kids are doing and incorporating their voice like Dr. Mike said into some of the work that we're doing on a month-to-month basis as PAPAs. I would love to >> I I just want to add to that like I'm sorry not to interrupt um also the
protocols and procedure to do so so we can present it to our principal in the right manner because again we have these ideas um but we don't want to be shot down because we didn't approach it correctly right um again na and Jake you
have been saying you've said everything that we have been thinking and I want to thank you for your youth for your honest honesty and for the book when it comes to it. >> So when it comes down to it, we want to be able to approach it to our um I guess
admin in the appropriate way so we can continue the work that our students are doing. >> Yes. Thank you so much for lifting that out. >> Yeah. So our a couple things, guys. So one, it's we bring this to every single one of our constituencies for a reason.
um because it's not for it's for a space of raising awareness of what our kids are doing so that those conversations can exist at the school level uh including with our principles. So um you know our principles know that we bring kids forward to our CEC meetings to our
president's council meetings. This isn't the first you you guys are not the first audience of said uh soapbox speeches. This has happened for the past couple of years where we bring our students to these meetings. What I am now challenging you guys on as parents is
when we come and we have our our PTA meetings, can we ask for who are our soapbox speeches that we that we have current that are coming up? Would love for them to present during our PTA meeting. And to me, it's as simple as that entry point to begin having the
conversations for those presentations to happen in your schools. Then when you think about what's next, it becomes bringing it to your SLT, having those conversations that you're going to hear me talk about in just a moment around this idea of wellness, kindness, community, where that fits in to the
overarching space of growing as a community through these types of things, through these efforts of promoting wellness, for promoting kindness, for promoting community. These are important ways to do that that are very much aligned with my vision for for learning across the district. U there's a reason
why we're bringing this forward. Uh it's not so that it sits inside of a meeting, but it's so that you guys can say when you go back to your schools, I would love to have some of the soapbox features present during our meetings. And I I I don't want to use the word
guarantee, but I'm pretty confident that all of our principles would be excited to do that. Um, so just for just as a as an FYI for you guys, that's the reason why we're bringing this forward, so that we raise awareness for you as parents to know that our kids are doing this work.
Um, and bringing it to you to say, "All right, maybe we can have these events in our own schools." Um, and how cool and how proud are we as community members when we can hear kids do that very thing. Okay. So, am I am I on with my uh my regular presentation, too?
>> Yes, Dr. Mike. >> Okay. All right, I will I that was a big chunk of what we were going to talk about. So, I don't have a lot for you guys tonight. Um, other than that presentation, but a few things just to share to make sure
you guys are all up to date on a few things. Um, one, you know that I always have to start with a little connection before content. Um, so here is my my quick little question for you. What is a stuffed animal, toy, game, or other item that you will never throw away no matter
how old you get? What makes this item so special to you? Just take a moment, be in that space of reflection. Do you have an item um that for you that has been so special over the years that you say, I'm just not getting rid of that because
it's so special to you. And I will I will start just so that you have one that comes from my perspective. when and and I didn't realize it was going to be such a special thing for me, but when I was uh a little boy, part of my part of receiving communion, my parents got me
this gold ne this gold uh cross as part of um you know, part of you know, receiving communion and I kept that till the day that I then gave it to my son who was part of him. So now he now wears
his his chain which I I don't know him with the chain but he was like this this big chain that he's got to wear my son and he wound up putting on this gold cross and for me it was just such a cool thing to then share with him. So that was just a a you know a small little
thing that I never thought would mean so much to me to give to him. Uh but it did you know so that is one uh you know for myself. But if anyone has anything that they want to add either into the chat uh we won't spend too much time because I did a lot of talking already. Uh but
anyone have anything that was really special to them that that they've held on to for a really long time and don't plan on letting it go? I could say one thing. I talk a lot. >> So, I went to fashion high school and I used my mom's uh Singer sewing machine
and I wanted to be a fashion designer. Things didn't happen that way. My son found interest in fashion and I bought him a brother's sewing machine. And now recently after a year, it's been wrapped up under the Christmas tree and put to
the side. He's now wanting to when he stole my pattern making and the designs that I had and my portfolio that I had, he's actually thinking outside the box and just wants to like upscale and recycle. And you know, something like that just puts down in the economics,
the home ech. That's why I'm so passionate with certain things. Um, I'm like, "Yes, bring those skills involved because you just never know." And I will never tell him no. Um, and and I I thought it was amazing that he wanted to
learn how to sew. And I bought him a machine. >> Love that. Love that. And I see in the chat, uh, baby sleeping in a war walnut, a traditional ornament made in Germany. The kid look uh, the kids look for it every year. It is up now. Love that, Charlotte. Thank you for sharing that.
And I see Eden, you have your hand up. Yeah, I have. So, when I was um a baby and my brother actually gave me something, it was a stuffed animal. I don't even know what type of animal it is. Um but he put it in my crib as a
baby and to this day I still have it actually sitting there, but it's a lot less colorful than it used to be. Um and alongside that is actually a bear that I had given my grandmother. And when she passed, my parents said, "You take it
back, so you have her with you." So I actually hold on to that to this day. And my kids have actually cuddled with it at night sometimes when they're having a rough time, things like that. So >> Oh, I love that. I love that. So um if just for interest of time, if I didn't already chat so much already, I would uh you keep going through this, but these
little small little things really important just to connect. You get to learn a little bit. You know, if we have more time, I would talk to Charlotte about So talk to me about what that was like when you when you were in Germany. just opens up the door to a lot more discussion and you get to learn a little bit about um you know about the folks
around you. So I encourage you when you're having your PTA meetings, you know, bring these types of things in. They're very very small little connection card activities. Um and you know, I pick and choose from them. I'll make sure that that they get shared with you so that you can see similar ones
that your kids might might see at times in school. Uh but the go the goal again is just to make sure that we open up opportunities for conversations for our young ones. Okay. Thank you for entertaining that just for a few seconds. Uh so I know you mentioned during the um the uh the the minutes uh
the thanks for giving walk. It did take place on the 20th. Um it was a really nice uh really nice event. We had a number of our families from our community join uh and donate uh goods to a local food bank. So really grateful for all of those that were able to
participate um and support this event uh including uh the 109th precinct and our uh range of our team members as well as uh Diana uh in particular Diana Stein who organized all of this for our district community. So the more we can
do these things the better. Uh and there will be more as the year goes on for us as a district community. just uh recent uh and upcoming events. Uh we did hold our special ed math and uh multilingual learner sessions. The uh the videos are archived and they're
there for you in case any of your parents are looking for information around uh any of those things. Uh we do have upcoming ones in January for students with IEPs, our multilingual learners, and a mathematics session. Those are coming up in January. Uh we
also have a math family night that's being hosted by PS129. These are often very well attended and the activities are just a lot of fun for our kids and our families. Uh it's open up to the entire district. I know it gets a little bit difficult because 129
isn't College Point. Um so some of our families might find it difficult to get to. Um but it is a really nice event and I encourage all that are interested to participate. We typically have a bunch of our educators there um that help
support the uh the event by participating in the games with our kids. Um there are a bunch of different little things like raffles. Uh there's an estimation jar typically at the door and that usually gets our kids very excited. Uh just from the entry into the building, uh it's either filled with
jelly beans or other some kind of candy for our kids to make estimations of. So these are really really fun events. I hope to see you guys um there later on in uh January. Uh just a diagnostic window to make sure that everyone's aware. Uh midyear
assessments between January 5th and February 13th. Uh those are upcoming. We typically don't start them, we won't typically start them on that Monday, so you don't have to worry about your kids coming back from break. And here you go. Here's I ready. So we usually have a little bit of time in between that
between that window. But you can expect your kids in grades K through eight uh to begin uh the facilitation of those midyear diagnostic assessments. Um we do have an I Ready YouTube link there for anyone who missed last year's uh I Ready
session and Aadian assessment in K1 through 1 and two. The the content is the same. So that's why we didn't repeat it necessarily again. Uh but all of the information that you would need to know about the Aadian assessment is within those links. They are both recorded for K1 and then grade two for the fall.
There will be another one that we share in this in the next um winter assessment so that families are clear on what to expect for that goound. Uh the enrollment reminders, they are here not for me to continue to recite to you but here for you to reference as you're
going through making sure that you know the the high school admissions timeline uh and so on. Offers will be released in in March. Uh that window has since closed. Uh middle school applications again since closed. Offers will be
released in April. Uh kindergarten is upcoming in terms of closure. The window doesn't close until January and then offers released in March. 3K prek uh those windows open in January and close in February with releases
later in the school year in May. Uh and G&T opens in in April for grades one through four, closes in May and then offers released in June. Um so the civics for work all work is is part of the the conversation. Thank you very
much to our two member uh two students Amna and Jake for doing what they did tonight. Uh really appreciate them and um IS-25 for uh extending the opportunity to them for them to come and speak to us tonight. So, parent survey, we talked
about this last time. Uh, 1100 responses. We did do a secondary survey. Uh, and this is what the secondary survey indicated, just so that you know, and I bring this to you because, um, it may be supportive of some of the decisions you make as uh, PTA parents,
especially for any title one type of funding that you that that you may have for parents. Um, a couple of the things that we're going to be doing, um, and we've already made, uh, connections with, uh, the NYPD who's going to do some supporting, uh, do some supports
for us, uh, around bullying, um, child center of New York, also to do some workshops around SEAL for parents. Um, these are some of the things that wound up coming up and being surfaced. So managing stress and emotions, building positive routines for our children, uh
supporting children's academic, supporting children with making friends. I think that those are all things that for some of our families they do get concerned about. Um but needless to say, these are sessions that um we will wind up offering at the district level. But I share with you too as as parent leaders
in your own school. What are some of the things that some of your own parents are also calling for um that you have that that that closeness to them inside of your own buildings that they might be able to connect with you and say you know it would be great if we did um you know and that coming from you and your
perspective would be really helpful to offer. Um we've also learned that we have to do these in a range of times. Our parents are either some are available in the morning, some are available at night, some want it in person, some want it virtual. So, we're going to do a balance of these things so that our families have access. Uh we
will make you a make you aware of when uh these events will take place. Uh we're hoping just after the break we'll be able to secure some dates for uh for some of these parent events aligned with these areas that were surfaced from our
conversations with families. And lastly, I want to bring you to the um the conversation we've been having with our CEC uh and our CEC district pilot. Um so we took feedback from our CEC members as well as students from
across our district and asking them what does community kindness and wellness mean to you? And we took all of that information and we organized them into these three statements. Uh the latest highlighted areas in yellow came from our district leadership team. Uh and
basically what we're saying is that community is a network of caring rel uh of caring relationships built on respect and shared experiences. It is both a feeling of belonging and this is the important part for me and for what I would say for you as parent leaders intentional actions that connect people
meaningfully. So um what is it that we're doing inside of our schools that are intentional to connect with the needs of our schools? Um, and for for us as a district, this is what I want us to think about as school leadership teams. So, this information will be shared.
We're I'm asking you guys just to take a moment to reflect on these three phrases for each of these uh areas. Is there anything else that you that it should say to you? Uh, we're going to take a moment of pause on this. Kindness means helping, caring, and treating others with with respect. The golden and
platinum rules were noted by uh by both students and parents. uh from treating others the way that you want want uh you would want to be treated and treating others the way that they want to be treated. Um it comes from empathy and love and it makes our school safe, welcoming and inclusive. And then
wellness means taking care of both your body and your mind. It's about balance, working hard, resting, playing and making healthy choices that keep you feeling good and positive. So, as you guys reflect on that, we'll just take a moment of pause and then I ask for any
feedback that you would be able to share either in the chat or coming off mute for us to either add or make adjustments to this statement before we share it with our principles and community members for additional feedback. And this will become part of our vision
statements for district 25. and the things that we believe uh believe in in terms of moving forward will be solidified in our overarching strong roots strong schools vision. So, just take a moment of reflection and um I
will come off screen and um and then I'll get some of your perspectives before I bring my portion to a close So, I'm putting into the chat those three phrases again. Um, if there's any comment, I would love uh love to hear.
And some of it might just be affirming that you like what it says. Some of it might be, you know what, I think this would be great if we added this uh statement to it. Um, anything along those lines would be appreciated. or even a virtual thumbs up if you feel good about those those statements works
too. Oh, who did that that that exploding thumb? That was cool. >> Well, that was me. >> Oh, that was awesome. Love the exploding thumb. >> Yeah, there you go.
All right. So, listen, this is what what will be shared. What I would love for you guys to do, and I'm going to share this with our principles as well to bring back to the school leadership team. And what what my question for all of you will be, is um how do we make
this so inside of our buildings? How are we making community inside of our schools? and are there ways to continue to augment that so that our community feels like a space where we are coming together towards and and engaging in intentional actions for our kids and for
our community. And I think it just creates a nice place for uh for us to think about different events and activities. And I was in a school recently and uh Eden will Eden will laugh at this one. I'm sure I mentioned this once before. Um where they the the
kids engage in um oh my goodness I'm going to forget the name of it was like a peanut butter uh peanut butter jam or something like that where the kids came together >> peanut butter brigade where the kids came together and they made peanut butter sandwiches to be donated to a
local pantry. Now, for me, I thought that was an amazing thing this thing that our kids were able to do. And I also said, how awesome would that be to invite our parents in to be working side by side with their kids to do something for an organization that needs
something? Uh, and whatever that something is, to me, it goes a long way to making sure that our kids understand the value that there is in helping someone else. Um, and it's a learning experience that I think, you know, is not necessarily fully measurable in
terms of what it does for the social emotional learning component of our work in schools. Um but also the the the real learning that happens from that you know and just yesterday you know it's been it's taken 14 years but my son for the first time actually
came outside to shovel snow with his dad yesterday which without unprovoked came outside dad I want the shovel. But what he also was able to see was that I went over to my neighbor who was an elderly gentleman who has heart condition and he
saw me go over to him to do that very same thing for him. So I I took care of my neighbor's um my neighbor's uh driveway. And what did he do? He came over with his shovel and began starting to shovel the neighbor's stoop and his
uh and his walkway. And those things to me carry so much weight. um that you know it it really does mean something beyond what school sometimes says is important and I want to make sure that it's as important as we can possibly
make it. So, I encourage, you know, our our SLTs, our um our PTAs to think about what are those ways that we're really pushing this idea of community for our kids, this idea of wellness for our kids and staff and and community members. Uh
and this idea of kindness. Um I do think it's so important especially today. uh we are in um you know today we can say interesting times and maybe years from now we'll say it's even more interesting than it was today but right now I do think that you know valuing that space
of of giving back is important so um I just share that with you um I would love for for you to share feedback with me around ways that we can do that really really well uh some of our schools are already doing amazing things in that regard uh but sometimes they get hidden
in in you know in it takes a backseat. We don't talk about it as much, but I think we should um I think we should talk about all of the nice things that we do. Um beyond, you know, a canned good drive, which they're lovely, but how else could we take that canned good drive and say we're going to make
kindness kits for all of our community members. It goes from me doing my job by just bringing in a canned good to me doing my job by coming together with my parents and parents within the community to do something amazing for others. So, uh, that's the the last thing I wanted
to to say to you. I I also have a slide inside of the the presentation deck, uh, for you guys. And the the slide number 22 are just some general ideas just to spur on some thinking for you as um as
parent leaders that could be brought to our schools. Uh, and I encourage you to think about them and then give me feedback and then we'll make maybe a menu of ways that we can support this across our buildings. Okay? But other than that, I wish all of you, those of you who are celebrating Hanukkah, a
wonderful, wonderful Hanukkah um um celebration over the next uh the next few days. I know it started uh started yesterday. Um so for those of you who are celebrating, I wish you well. For those of you who are celebrating the holidays that are upcoming, please take the time uh to rest, relax, and enjoy
your families. It's so super important that we do uh take that time. even though I know it's hard for us, you know, with all the various things that we do, but I encourage you please take that time to enjoy your families. Okay. Other than that, if anyone has any questions, I'll be happy to to answer
anything that you got. Um, otherwise, I'll be listening in. >> Thank you so much, Dr. Mike. Are there any questions at the moment for Dr. Mike or are we okay to proceed to our ne next guest speaker?
Any questions? Going once, going twice, going three times. Yes. >> Okay. So maybe uh in another meeting we could discuss how is the appropriate way to
ask our leadership in SLT uh these right questions without offending SLT or admin and leadership because I feel that when we ask these questions that our students are asking when we ask
our questions that you know parents are asking sometimes is led with a stone wall and or not being heard. So what's the appropriate way to convey the message that we are saying here today?
And I bring back sometimes to SLT and it's not dismissed but not acknowledged and it's discouraging as a parent leadership because you're not the only staple who's saying it. You know, other parents are saying it as well. Um,
excuse my family in the background. My husband just got home. He's acting a fool with the kids. Um, but it's uh I I want more involvement and more feedback, but it's so hard when uh you're not heard. So, what's like the appropriate
way to ask admin in a respectful way to actually get these things done? So maybe we could like discuss in the next meeting how can we approach our leadership in our SLT meetings. Um that doesn't come off being
combative or personal or passionate because at the end of the day what we do we do for the kids >> you know. So, you know, one thing I'll say, Mirina, and then um you know, so me sharing at these meetings is your pathway for the conversation. So, here
is what Dr. Dantona just talked to us about during uh during a meeting that, you know, he's looking for us to communicate on. So, your your pathway is my presentation that occurs every every month. The reason why why I do it is
because um you know, it's not to keep the conversation here. it's for you to be able to have it back at the school. So, so from from what we're talking about to the school, so what what our schools will typically be asked to do is a reflection of what we're asking for at
the district, you know. So, we have math goals because the district has math goals. We have reading goals because the district has reading goals. We talk about social emotional learning because it's part of our expectations. So much like that with when it comes to SLT are things that we're doing at the DT as well, you know. So district
leadershipship team is working on this. So too is CEC and that's why we bring it to you guys here as well as a bridge into that conversation. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. But I think to take if if I can interject for a second, MNA, I think what MNA is saying is
we're in the space. You're sharing this information and we want to be that venue to share that to our schools, but that sharing of information can be perceived as combative or as is not being
reciprocated or is not being received in a way that is perhaps in the spirit of collaboration. So the question here is how do we make sure like we're here. You're sharing this presentation with us and you're asking us to disseminate this
information to our SLTs and and give you know feedback to our community about what's happening on the district level and things that are working and asking for their feedback. What if we're not getting that from our principal? What if we're not getting that space, you know,
where we're saying, "Hey, this is happening at the district level. Is there any way that you can help me amplify it? Can we work together? And and that's where I think, you know, MN is trying to come and say like, how do we share this information with our principles? How do we share with our
admin? How do we make sure that we're passing along this information, but that the work is getting passed on to our parents and that we're doing the work that you're asking us to do from the PATA standpoint of view. >> Yeah, of course. But and you know the
part part of that is you know when when ideas come out to someone that um is you know one your own versus this is a district initiative it's different from from that standpoint and part of the the
the the context of this is this is also message from me to principles so it won't be a foreign conversation to them um when it comes to wellness kindness and community that's not a foreign concept uh it won't be a foreign concept. Um but if there are things that are not
happening at the SLT um and there can't you can't come to consensus on things that's where the district leadership team is there um you know for layers of support wi when there are stalemates inside of the work of a school leadership team. Um typically speaking
in the the time that I've been here I don't know that we've had too many experiences where we wouldn't be able to come to consensus with a building leader on something. um it's never really had to come to the district in terms of consultation or support. Um but there are other avenues when it comes to that
as well. Uh but we can go over just some tips during our next session for you guys. That's not a problem. >> Thank you so much, Dr. Mike. We appreciate the you know having that type of conversation. just a lot of uh um PATAs has just been very comp complacent
or compliant and um now that we are in 2025 26 we're not speaking back because information is there we're very more knowledgeable than we were you know five or 6 years ago and uh we just want to be
respectfully given the same respect that we're trying to give our students and our parents um but also being knowledgeable too and being very transparent. But yeah, it it's it's all about a community. Like at the end of the day, we want us to grow
as s 25. I am very proud of district 25, especially when I see, you know, um other districts and see some struggles and see some success. Um at the end of the day, I am I am very proud of the work that you've done, Dr. Dentona. Um,
you know, we've been around for a while together. >> We sure have. >> Yeah. And and you know, and when I see my parents on the website doing the math and at the park with you, I I post it and I root them on because I'm like,
"Yes." So, like my my my goal is to uh give out wherever I can. Yeah. >> Yeah. And you should. I love it. Listen, this is how we learn and grow. We learn and grow in that in in this way. So, you know, that's why you have a voice is to use it. Love it.
>> Thank Thank you so much, Dr. Mike. Thank you so much, Verna. We're going to go to our next guest speaker, Eden from the Community Education Council, please. Um, we're so happy to have you here. She is going to share a little bit of updates.
So, Eden, the floor is yours. >> Hi, thank you. So, um, just a little bit of an update. Like uh Veronica said, we did have our last meeting was a presentation regarding school construction authority and nutrition. One thing that we actually learned about
is that if your schools are interested in learning more about school nutrition stuff and having the kids actually getting a chance to taste some of the foods and have a voice on what's being brought into the school, they actually should be speaking to the food service manager in the school and they can
actually arrange a trip for the students, which is actually something we're looking into now for our school. that I am a part of. But also, school construction had already we we went back and forth for a while. And in the tail end of our meeting, we did learn that for some reason they never seem to have
gotten our stuff from last year, which we have now forward over. And we are going to be voting in January on the projects that we're going to be sending over. We didn't get as many this year as last year from the schools. So, I'm not sure why principles didn't submit as much. Um, so if you know of something that's supposed to be kind of getting
done in your school and you haven't heard about it or you think it's something that needs to be done, I would say reach out to myself and other council members so that we can help you with that. Um, but we will be voting on that. And we did learn that they're more likely to do projects that are going to
focus around electrical, boiler, things like that, big projects. um these bathroom upgrades, things like that, or auditorium upgrades are not as likely to be chosen. Um so I want to make sure people are aware that they could share that back at SLT meetings with
principles. Um so we will be making those decisions. Our next meeting is the January after the new year starts. I believe, let me give you the exact date. It is January 7th and that meeting is when
we're going to be voting on that as well as voting on a resolution that we discussed at our last meeting regarding cannabis dispensaries and how close they are to schools and trying to make sure that we're keeping them further away from the schools. In addition to that, we are working on another resolution
right now in regards to quorum uh for meetings and really specifically for community education councils because a lot of times the councils are not fully filled and we still have one vacancy on our our council specifically and those
seats without them being filled, we have a struggle to get to our quorum and we have to have quorum be in person for those meetings. Unlike here where we're virtual, we are required to be in person and we do have to have in-person forum. So that's our next thing to try to make it be based on the amount of members on
the council at that time. So hopefully that'll be our next vote. And we also have been listening to the soap box speeches. So Jake and Amna who spoke tonight, I have to say they spoke amazingly tonight as well as at our education council meeting. We're looking
forward to having more students come at each of our meetings over the next couple of months. Um, but other than that, next month, Dr. Mike will also be giving us the state of the district. So, if anyone wants to jump on that night, if you can't come in person, feel free to come. And Dr. Mike will be giving a deep dive into that, which I know he'll
do here as well, but you can come hear it a little sooner, get some information. Um, but if not, I just want to say happy holidays to everyone, happy new year, and thank you. So Eden, we might have to make a little adjustment there only because the data probably will not be we won't have data by then.
Uh it'll probably be the February meeting which will the data will be back will be available. >> Okay, I will let you know. >> Yeah, >> perfect. Thank you. >> Thank you. Eden is are there any questions for eating at this time from anyone of our attendees?
>> I do have a question Eden. Um, has the CDC met with all of our schools in the district or like or are you still missing? >> We are still doing visits. Um, that is I have one council member right now. We're not sure what the next step is going to
be right now for that, but um, she has not done any visits. I know that we're working to see where that's going. Um, I know I had some medical emergencies in my family that I had to do with, so I still have some visits to do myself. And I think some of our other council members with some language barriers are still working out their site visits. But
the goal is that if they don't go at the beginning of the year, they do come some point during the year. So as long as they do make those visits at least once each year, that is our goal. >> So okay, if we would like them to do it earlier rather than later, especially usually before sea votes um so that we know what's going on, but some of that
has not happened. So we're trying to just kind of go off of what we have >> and we'll go from there. I know, for instance, for me, I know I need to still get to 209 and 169. So, I I have to reschedule that, but I'm going to just reach out to the principles directly at this point rather than going through the
parent coordinator, which was the original route. Um, and that's what I'm guiding the other council members to do at this point. >> Got it. And if we know as the PA or PTAs, if we know that there is some work that needs to be done, you are okay with
us sending you that information or how should we approach that? Should we let the principal know how you want us to go about it? >> I would say you could have the principal submit still. I mean, the form is still open and we're not voting till January, so they can still submit, but also
you're welcome to email myself. Um, I can put my email in the chat for anybody. Um, email myself just so I'm aware of it and we can see if it's something that was submitted possibly already because it might be something that was sent over to us and you guys don't know that just yet. So, I will put my email in there just in case anyone
does want to reach out. Um, but I definitely know that our responses this year are definitely lower than they have been specifically for these projects in the past. I don't know if that's any specific reason or not, but >> So, does that mean if if they've if the
school has submitted their their wants the the chances of getting funded is much higher this year? >> Unfortunately, no. So what it is is once we get these requests, we have to choose the top five that we feel are like the highest priority of all these
submissions. Once we submit them, we send them over to the school construction authority and then it's kind of in their hands to make a decision. >> So >> that could be that they are going to fund it. They could say they don't have the funding for it. They could say resubmit again in the future. There's multiple different responses that we might get.
>> And so this is five for district 25 only, >> right? Each district is allowed to give five that are their top priority from the CEC. >> And historically, what's the what's the success success rate for these projects? I mean, if if it's like zero, then
what's the point, right? It's like >> um Dr. Mike, do you know of any from I know last year is a different issue, but do you know from prior years by any chance? Yeah, some sometimes um you know there
it's not always wellshared, but we do get projects that are being done on a routine basis. You'll see scaffolding out there in front of our schools for roofing and boiler repairs and things of that nature that don't always get um as
publicized as they need to. So sometimes it's hard to say because they the the the routine sharing of how those projects get selected is not great. So, we do need to do a better job of kind of following up and saying, well, which one was selected so that the CEC knows which
one is or isn't. But typically what they do select um are projects. So, every school um gets evaluated and assessed >> and that's something that they call a BCAST report. It's a basically a building inspection.
>> And any any item that's listed as a five on the BCAST report is far more likely to be selected than projects that are, let's just say, a three. So, anything that's listed as a five is more urgent uh is a more urgent need than other
things that they would qualify as. You know, it would be nice if you had it, but we have schools whose roofs are are basically falling in that we need to take care of. So, um, in terms of success rate, I can't give you a percentage. I do not know that many of
our projects over the years wind up getting done. I just don't know if it's because always that they're identified from this five. But it is important that it gets on the on a list though if it's important to the CEC. >> Yeah. And I know like last year
specifically, just to explain a little bit more, they seem to think we didn't submit last year, which I knew for a fact I had submitted. So, at our last EC meeting while we were there, that list was resubmitted again and they were going to be doing a deep dive into seeing why.
So, we're hoping to get some kind of response from them on why they thought that they didn't get anything and if anything is going to be done from those projects. >> And and and I have a question because you said that auditorians and bathrooms most likely are not going to get funded.
Are there any in you know is there any plan to um or do we know how many principles are going to be re uh submitting resa funding um in addition to like submitting their requests to the CC to see whether or not they can get
some work done. We aren't notified of that. Um, we're hoping that principles are trying to use that to their advantage of doing the resa grants and like things like that, reaching out to the city of council members, but we don't get a report of any sort specifically that tells us that
information unfortunately. Got it. >> It is my recommendation though to every school that they take advantage of it because there is absolutely no harm in asking a local elected official, can you
please support us? So, we we do ask we do ask all of our schools to take advantage of it, whether it's from our assembly members or our council members or the burough president um to request resaya funding for things that are important, whether it's auditorium
upgrades or technology upgrades. We I strongly encourage it. So, >> yeah, I will say that bathrooms tend to be something I know for a fact we're dealing with with city council women paladino. So like things like that and auditorium and gyms, things like that, they definitely are willing and open to
funding. >> Yeah. Okay. Again, this is this is part of like the conversation that that MNA brought up, right? How do we make sure like if we know that there is an issue and we're not you know as a PATA we can't submit that request on behalf of
the school is like how do we make sure that we work with our principal to submit this type of request like to make sure that the CEC gets the list of potential projects that we're looking into or that we're seeing that are impacting our school buildings or like get rest a funding or get local elected
involved into this process because we're seeing this and unfortunately there is either a push back or there is no response or like there is no communication being passed down about whe when the CC is reaching out to have a meeting with the school. So the PAIPA
is not getting involved. So there is obviously a disconnect and I don't want to speak for everyone but there is a disconnect about the different bodies that are serving the district and especially seen and felt in the capital projects where we know for sure that our
schools need new auditorians, need bathroom repairs or they need some other work that is listed on the BCAST but that information is not being discussed on the SLT. That is information that is not being brought up at least on my you know on my end you know this is
information is December like we should be discussing about rest a funding and that conversation is not happening. So if we're not seeing that and we're coming to this space and we're finding out that the CC still has not gotten a response, it will be helpful to know
which schools have not gotten a response like which schools have yet to be to be working with the with the CC liaison like who where are we on the request like it it makes sense just in the purpose of having open transparency and
communication across different bodies because I feel like right now we're hearing from Eden that some of our schools have not gotten to the CC information that we know for sure can make a difference in our school buildings. So I I think that there's a conversation that needs to be had about
like what can we do to improve the passing of information or the sharing of information across bodies to ensure that the buildings are up to par to serve the kids. >> So one thing um sorry Joe give me one second. Um, just so you know, Veronica,
I don't know if you are aware of this. I know it's your first year doing the presidency with Rachel. Um, we actually do have to schedule some quarterly meetings. Uh, you, myself, and Rachel, just to connect. >> So during those meetings, I can kind of get the list together of schools that
have not had like visits. And that's where you and I and Rachel could all meet and kind of >> collaborate a little bit more closely. And I know Rachel and I had done that last year. So you and I could definitely do that along with Rachel, but and then we could share that back to the c um to the whole president's council as well.
>> But I know Joe had a question. So >> no, just saying that I don't in our case, we know we you know, we have funding that's supposed to come from Vicki. Um we've had the site visit and um and we've been trying to get our gym
roof or ceiling fixed. I was just surprised that only five gets funded out of the whole year. I thought it was almost like a done deal. Like we have towels coming down on our gym thinking, "Hey, we're going to get this funded no matter what." But now it seems like, oh, unless we need heat or a leak, you're
not going to get anything. It's It's That's what was surprising for me. >> And Joe, not f all five don't get funded. >> Exactly. >> Get five or six and zero can be funded. >> Yeah. No, agree. That's why I was kind of surprised. I was like, "Oh my god,
there's got to be so much like improvement that every school is submitting." Like the principles will submit something and such. And for for me to find that only five get submitted and then the chances of that getting funded is even less seems really really kind of crappy. It
>> it's it's a huge struggle. And um I will say that while we had the SEA on our meeting, we we we gave a lot of push back, but we also had the facilities representative also on to know like where the line is drawn between facilities versus SEA. >> And that's like a whole big thing that's gone back and forth. And this is
something that for the last 3 four years I've been like even like explain to me where does that line get drawn like what is facilities? What's SEA? Like how do we get that? If SEA tells us no, it's facilities and the facilities tells us now it's SEA. We run into a back and forth a lot. So that's something that
we're really trying to like find that line between um because it is really frustrating. I know my school like we don't necessarily hear from the principles the updates but I know like when I come back from a CC meeting because I happen to sit on the CC I give
a report back to my PTA members. So that's something they're getting. That's why I kind of do say to our council members sometimes, go to an SLT meeting or a PTA meeting so that they're giving that information at a meeting, not just going to the school to visit on any just given day that they can come to these meetings and actually have those
meaningful conversations. So, that's something I could actually address with the council members a little bit more so that that transparency is there a little bit more as well from our side because I know that that's how I personally do it. I can't speak for everyone on the council. They happen to be almost all new members this year. So I will
continue to work with them and try to train them in that sense of how we do things. Like I know when I went to 209, my very first time that I had 209, I went to a PTA meeting and then I did a walk around of the school with the principal. So it's things like that that are um very beneficial. Like you see the
things, but you also hear it from the PTA at that point. And these are the parents that are most likely to be the most active in the school. And then they could they're also the voices of the parents. So I I could actually share that back with the council members like hey when you're going try to schedule around this like things like that cuz I know there are some that still have to
happen but I I get the frustration of the fact that like we're submitting five of our top priority from reading everything the principles submit and we don't even know if they're going to be funded because that's why year after year we've been questioning like well we keep submitting and nothing's getting done and like we we have a lot of
frustration around that as well at our end. So >> yeah, >> we're trying. >> If you can give us like exactly what they want to fund, I think we can customize our our proposals that way. >> I wish I knew exactly what >> and that's why that's why I want to know
what the success which which funds which ones get successfully funded so that we can kind of customize it that way because it seems like they should have a pattern right over the years. >> Yeah. So, so, so Joe, uh, so some of these things they things that are
really, um, you know, will impact the day-to-day functioning of a school will get prioritized. So, if there is a heating situation where the school will not be capable of making an environment suitable for kids to be able to actually
learn in, it would get put to the front of the list if there is an issue that's preventing kids from learning in a safe space. So if the the ceiling is is ready to cave, it will the things that get gets prioritized on
a list um for the sea to complete. Now the difference between an SEA project and facilities is if it's something that can be just repaired, facilities typically is going to be the one that winds up picking it up. If it's something that goes well beyond, you
know, their ability to just re repair a certain area, it will be something that SCA would have to take on the project. It has to go out to bidding and all of that fun stuff in between. Um, but it's usually the the really the the the jobs are the ones that get picked up. um with
which is usually the level level five type of building scenarios uh that are listed, you know, um things like an auditorium upgrade. Those are things that we do encourage. It's not to say that it wouldn't get picked up by by SCA um but it's more likely that it would be
something that Reszoa would be able to support. And but just be mindful uh just everyone that just because we want to res away doesn't mean that that's coming your way either to support all of the it things that you would like to improve. You might get some money but likely not
necessarily if you want tech upgrade, if you want an auditorium upgrade, you want bathrooms changed, then you're about half million to a million dollars for one school. And I don't know that they have that kind of discretionary money to go around for everyone. But I do know that we're very fortunate. Our elected
officials really do work hard to get our schools the things that they're looking for. So, which is why we encourage and I have another meeting with our principles this week uh that I will remind them to make sure that if they haven't uh to get those submissions in uh to our local electeds. I know that the burough
president just put something out, you know, requesting for anyone that's looking for resay. He often has a little bit of money, too. Um, so we'll get that word out there and you know and and I'll also ask that they connect with you guys as uh as PTA presidents just to get some
of your perspectives as well. >> Dr. I have I have a question. So we have a water fountain that has been a student leaned on it and disconnected it from the wall and it's been out of service for about three and a half years. And so there's only one water fountain that is
physically working in the lobby. Um I've mentioned that several times and um you know our dome cuz you've been into our school our dome is a popsicle so there is no heat what's going on there we have about three classes who are in their
jackets and it's unfortunate that you know it's the heating system and then our water fountain. Uh, we only have one walking water fountain downstairs that the kids have to come from upstairs downstairs to fill up the water
fountain. Get yelled at by our school safety asking where's the pass while they're just filling up like six of their classmates water fountain because they have permission to do so because we have a water fountain that is down and
broken for the past 3 years. like where where do I go and who do I reach and how do I advocate for that cuz I've been trying to advocate for that having a water a working water fountain between the auditorium and the gym where most kids would in middle school but now we
have a mixture of middle school and middle school and little kids using one water fountain >> so I I mean I' that I'd have to touch base with uh with Bill Leroy from facilities to see what's going on with the water fountain mountain and if there have been requests for repair that I
couldn't tell you off the top of my head. Uh but I can look into that for sure. >> Yeah, cuz I know who was here retired and someone else took over. So Brandon took over because Bob retired and I showed him everything that needed to be done. You know, the tiles that was
lifted up in our gym that was covered with tape and a rug was actually finally fixed over the summer cuz I made a big hoopla about it. um every time like inspectors was coming. But now we have a water fountain that you know kids are technically
taking advantage because they have to walk further, take their times going, you know, like they're being slick about it because we had two fountains working and now we're down to one and you know it's it's just it's unfair.
>> So I I I hear you. I can't really answer about, you know, why the water fountain is or is not working, but we can certainly take a look at and see what uh you know, what other information I need for that, but >> yeah. >> Um yeah, uh I I can't really talk to intelligent about that.
>> There's no temperature control in the dome. The kids are wearing their jackets and they're freezing. >> So, I would recommend you MNA to getting hold of Eden and then talk to her about what's going on. listed up together because Eden will be in a better
position to connect you with facilities. She will be in a better position to talk to SCA. So, I think any one of us who knows that there are issues that are not being addressed, Eden has um put her on the >> So, hold on one second. Uh that that's not necessarily an Eden relaying to
facilities. That's not really what her role is in regard to that. That's something that I would certainly be able to share if there is a scenario where there is a water fountain. you know, Eden's not necessarily the direct line to the facilities manager. Um, that's certainly something that I can follow up
with and and connect them on. Uh, that wouldn't really necessarily be, you know, you know, her connector there. She's gathering information around SCA, but I don't want anyone to think that you would just relay any, you know, school related issues that you have and
then go to Eden. I don't know that that would be fair necessarily to her because the amount of things that she might wind up fielding I don't know is is necessarily within her purview to to support. Uh but any of those things that you're concerned about you can certainly relay to Jenny. Uh and then if necessary
then I will follow up with uh Bill from facilities. >> Yeah. No, but if it's SDA related and you want to know if your school was submitted, that's something definitely reach out to me and I can check the list for you. >> All right. >> Great. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. I I know it's 8:01
and we're close to we have a little bit way past our time. There is some helpful reminders. Thank you Eden so much for being here today and answering so many of the questions that we have gotten. The next the next item in our agenda it's a few reminders PTA reminders uh
PAPA reminders about you know upcoming deadlines at CPAC. We spoke about the interim financial report which is due in January 15 and you know we just want to make sure that we relate some information about the type of um you
know information that needs to be conveyed and the form that you need to use. Jenny will you mind putting up the presentation? >> Yep. >> Thank you. >> About to ask you the same thing. >> Thank you so much. >> No problem. It's right here. >> So a couple of reminders. The 2025 2026
interim financial report is due by January 31st, 2026. The report covers the time period from July 1st, 2025 through January 15, 2026. All income and expenses from this time period must be
reported. The starting balance and the ending balance must match the bank statements for that time frame. So essentially once we you know you were elected a new PAPA president you were given on the June transfer of records information related to the ending balance of the account in January 1. You
should have been um listed as the new signer into your account. So you would have access to this information. The complete completed report must be signed by the treasurer and the president and submitted to the principal. Um and the report must be shared and viewed with
the general membership at the next monthly meeting. So that means that in January you will be preparing the report. In February you will be presenting this to the general membership. The forms that you're going to need to use um Jenny next slides is this
particular report which is going to list your expenses the funds as of January 15, 2025. Um I can see the top Jenny. and make make it smaller. Will you are you able
to see it now? >> No. Maybe just to scroll um down a little bit so we can sh we can see >> this one page. The whole page is on a slide. >> Yes. So this is the this is the the report that you will present to the general membership. Thank you so much Eden for joining us. Thank you. This is
where you will list the expenses and in the next page you will also list your income. So you'll have income and expenses and then on the bottom so it doesn't >> miss this one I'm sorry. So first they will have to list all the you know incomes or anything they've been doing.
>> The second page will be for all the expenses. Remember to uh attach your invoices receipts to all these you know flyers or anything that you have regarding the events that you're running so it's organized. Um, make sure it's
stated and signed by the appropriate individuals because sometime we will get something turned in without a signature. >> And please uh make sure it's um um done completed by the due the due
date. There's a due date which is January um 31st and then the PC have about two weeks to submit everything into SBI SCI. Otherwise, we're gonna get, you know, reminders from central and we don't want to get there.
>> Okay? So, don't forget that the document needs to be signed by the president, the treasurer, and it needs to have your signature, and it needs to be dated, and it needs to have the backup information for the expenses that you have acquired, whether it's an invoice or like receipts. And also make sure the balance
matches with the amount from your bank statement. It can't just be a random number. It has to match with the bank statement. Thank you. >> Thank you so much, Jenny. The next item in our agenda is um quick reminders.
>> Oh, okay. I'll give um I have a few quick reminders. So, PAP link, they offer um open uh they offer uh office hours every Thursday from 10 to 11. So, if you have any PAP
questions, uh they are great resources. Um, and Antonio will be on every Thursdays to answer your questions that you might have or any concerns. I'm sorry my my vocal is not that great today. And then upcoming meetings for DACA. So due to the December um busy
months, we had to um move our December meeting to January. So January we will be having two Dpack meetings. The first one we will be talking about NYC kids rise as well. So everyone are welcome to join but it is a meeting for DPAC members to uh PAP I'm sorry title one
pack members to join to get updates but it is open for everyone. Uh next we have CEC meeting. CEC meeting takes place in um in person at here at Lynen Place. So if you would like to observe a CC meeting in person everyone are welcome to join on one of those
states here at Lynen Place at 7 o'clock. and then our president's council meeting u the next one will be January 26. So please mark these um important dates into your calendar. >> Thank you so much. And do we have any up
>> and any upcoming events? You know where to find them. They are listed at d2a.ny on the district website. >> Thank you so much. Uh Jenny, are there any questions that you would like to answer at this time or
>> any other feedback that you would like to share? If not, are we okay to end this meeting? Do we want to make a motion to end this meeting? So going once, are there more questions or any type of inquiry at this time?
Twice. Three. Are we okay to make a motion to end this meeting? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, any second? >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> Yay. Thumbs up. Okay. Thank you so much. Happy holidays to all of you. Thank you for everything that you do for the district, for the children, for the families of District 25. We thank you so much. Happy holidays everyone. Thank you for being part of this meeting tonight.
>> Thank you. >> Take care everyone. >> Bye everybody. Good night. >> Thank you. >> Bye. >> I think you can stop recording. >> Louis, you want me to stop the recording? >> You can stop recording. Yeah.
>> Hold on. or I can. >> Yeah, do it. >> Okay. >> Thank you, President's Council. Thank you, everyone. Thank you, um, Veronica, for presenting tonight. Thank you, Louis, for
supporting us. >> Thank you for all my questions. Yeah, >> I didn't hear you. What did you say? >> I said, "Thanks for listening to all my questions and concerns." >> No worries. You can call me. You know, you know my number and you know my
email. >> It's still recording, just to let you know. >> Okay, Louis. I'm going to stop it.