Resignation

To NCA families and faculty,

When I volunteered to start the PFA in January of 2009 I had high hopes and big plans. As this year has passed, so many wonderful things have happened, and already many of those plans have been carried out. Even though spearheading this project has been far more than I anticipated, I don't regret any of it. What a wonderful school we have, and what a wonderful PFA we have. It was all worth it.

But, along with all those wonderful things, I have been going top speed for almost a year and running out of gas. With working full time at the school (adjusting to being a working mom), and all the other million things I have on my plate, my time devoted to PFA has been drastically reduced. As much as I would like to continue juggling it all, I don't want to sacrifice family time anymore, or cheat the families of NCA by not being at my best.

So, regrettably, I must step down as PFA President. I want to thank all of you that have sent along so many wonderful notes of encouragement and kind words. You are a wonderful group of people, and I appreciate all you do to make this school a wonderful environment.

I also assure you, you are in good hands with the ladies in the PFA. Plus, we have so many more coming out of the woodwork to help. The PFA will thrive, especially if we continue to pitch in and support one another.

Bylaws

The bylaws have been updated according to the voting and discussion by PFA members from our last meeting. Please review them on our website prior to our meeting next week, and be prepared to vote or submit ideas for revisions. www.ncapfa.org

Also, we have our order form for t-shirts and sweatshirts now up (in our forms section). Christine will have more information on sweatshirts coming soon. Website orders are still available as well.

Thanks everyone!

Show Support

Since our job as a PFA is to support our Academy, that includes our board. We encourage everyone to do what they can to support board in their work in our behalf, our teachers & support staff, and our administration.

Lots of ideas have been shared on the google group on how to be supportive. You can also find more information in the blog.

We also appreciate everyone's words of support on the google group.

Parent (PFA) Rep Position Open

Holle McRae has stepped down from this position, so it is now time to open up the nominations.

We have one nomination so far, but would like to open it up to anyone interested. We will announce this person and others at our November 19th meeting.

This position is also in the process of being "defined" as we work with the board. We would like the PFA members to give input on this position. This position is the PFA's direct link to the board and affords our organization more input how we'd like the board to serve the stakeholders.

Please email your ideas and input for this important position to ncapfa@gmail.com.

Google Group Change

We as a PFA presidency have made some mistakes. Part of those mistakes includes not having a firm position on how to handle the Google group. When I originally set it up, I had high hopes for it. I saw it as a great opportunity to network with other NCA parents. It has done that, but without firm “ground rules” regarding it, things have been a bit rocky at times.

I put the poll out to see what people were thinking in regards to moderation. Out of the almost 100 votes, 60% want moderation. Although, that creates some headaches for us in the presidency, we feel that in order to be associated with the Google group as a PFA, we need to take that active role. If we don’t, we need to completely disassociate our organization from it. That poll is the message we needed to step in as a PFA Presidency and be the moderators of the group.

In moderating the group, we are faced with a good number of people not liking what we may moderate. Since more people are in favor of moderation we feel it is in the best interest of the group to take this chance. In doing so, some may leave the group. If this does happen we hope everyone realizes that taking this role is something we do not take lightly. We will do our best to be fair, and we ask that everyone also pulls together with us with a spirit of togetherness in the best interest of our academy.

At this time, the PFA Presidency has decided to set up some firm ground rules for posting to the Google group.

1. Our PFA Mission Statement and Vision will be strictly upheld. See here for a description. All messages must comply with our core values in order to be posted. The main focus we will use in allowing posts to go through will be, “do they encourage positive collaboration among parents, faculty, and the NCA board?” and do they adhere to the Greater Things in Life?

2. No negative posts, or posts that take a negative slant, will be allowed.

3. Comments that may stir confusion, heated debate, or spread gossip will not be allowed.

4. Posts naming children, or reference children in a personal way will not be allowed. This is for internet safety. Speaking generally about one’s own child/ren is fine.

5. No rude, obscene, inappropriate, or slanderous comments will be allowed (and subject to removal of the author).

6. Posts that do not meet our criterion will be deleted. No notification will be sent to the author. If your post does not post to the group within 48 hours, you will know it was not allowed. You are free to re-write the post, and resend it. Since all of us in the Presidency work full-time, we do not have time to email every individual who posts with specific changes that need to be made. It is each member of the Google group’s responsibility when using this avenue of communication to comply with the posting rules of the group. Feel free to email us for clarification, or re-write the post after re-reading our PFA mission statement.

7. All 5 presidency members will moderate. If you feel your post was denied unjustly, you may take your concern to the Parent Representative. Please address your concern to ncapfa@gmail.com Attn: Parent Rep. The Parent Rep will work with you to resolve the issue.

The PFA Presidency’s hope for this group is to bring parents, faculty, and the NCA board together.

Remember these two simple rules;

1. The difference between gossip and problem solving is, with problem solving you go to someone who can actually help you solve the problem. Otherwise it’s just gossip. Headmaster Bush has reminded us of this valuable lesson.

2. Don’t come to others with a problem unless you come with a possible solution and a willingness to help solve the problem.

Moderation Poll

Please go to the blog ncapfa.blogspot.com and vote in the poll about the moderation of the google group. Thank you.

Recent Comments & Concerns

Dear Parents,

I have received multiple concerned emails about our Chairman's recent comments about the PFA (in his newsletter). I wanted to let you all know a few things.

I have had a conversation with our Chairman about the PFA in general. He, like all our faculty and board members, are very supportive. He applauds and appreciates our efforts.

As parents, we talk and share openly on the google group and at different events. Since the PFA, and the things we do as a parent group are a separate entity from the Academy, it's important for each of these organizations to have clear boundaries. He has a responsibility, like we do as a PFA, to operate inside those boundaries.

Anything we say and do as parents is not necessarily a reflection of the views of the Board and Academy. We are not bound by the same requirements a school is. Our google group is even further a reflection of the parents alone. I do not post official PFA statements or stances on the google group. Those are for the blog and our website. They are copied to the google group for everyone's convenience, but the blog is for the official statements made by our own non-profit organization.

The Board, Faculty, and PFA all decided earlier on this year it was important to define the parameters for each of us. We cannot speak in one another's behalf. That line may have seemed blurry at one point, but now that we have clearly defined our roles, we can easily work independently of one another, but with one common goal.

All of us want our Academy to be a success, that is why it's important to educate those involved on what our parameters are.

We, as a PFA, decided early on that none of our leadership could also serve on the NCA Board. It is important that our non-profit organization be a true reflection of our views as we present our ideas or desires to our school board. This is an important element for the future students of NCA. The parents and faculty need to have a "voice" when leadership changes in the future. It is our job as stakeholders to hold our leadership accountable to following the NCA charter.

From my perspective everything is humming along as it should. We have incredible faculty and curriculum, with lots of devoted families. And, we have lots of gratitude from the Board and faculty for all we do to support them. We also want to publicly thank THEM for all they do. Often times they work just as many hours in our behalf as they do for their own families. I'm sure they are exhausted. Let's keep them energized by showing lots of gratitude and pitching as much as we can. It's all so worth it!

Thank you all for continued patience and willingness to help!

Amber Gunnell

President, NCA Parent Faculty Association

Update & Clarification

After quite a few questions, let me make some clarifications.

Our meeting starts at 7pm tonight (sorry for not including that), at a new location

United Methodist Church 5420 Southside Blvd. Nampa, ID 1-208-467-1087

I have not yet heard anything on the school supply lists. I will forward those as soon as I do. Hang tight everyone!

We are collecting dues tonight for all those wanting to be a PFA member. As a member you have voting rights. You will be the deciding factor for PFA leadership, budget, and so much more. We need all of you! It's so important that our PFA reflects a true reflection of our parents and faculty.

Our music teacher, Mr. Marvosh, will be addressing us tonight! Don't miss this!

We'll be talking about our Minute Men t-shirts and soon be taking orders! Don't miss out on this information tonight!

We'll be talking about our ideas for fundraisers, and all the events we have planned for the year. We'll report on our latest meeting and ideas we are hoping to put into our PFA calendar!

We'll be taking nominations for PFA leadership tonight. If you are interested in serving, please let us know where. We would love to have you!

See you tonight everyone!

Meeting Last Night

We had an amazing planning meeting last night! Thank you for all those who attended! (it was a great turn out)

We have a wonderful plan for the year, and will be unveiling it all at our next meeting Thursday June 30th at 7pm. Come and hear all about the amazing ideas we came up with!

A lot of great ideas have been tossed around on the google group. We are doing our best to incorporate those things into our activities.

Trouble with Google Group

If you are still having trouble recieving emails through the google group, please email me at ncapfa@gmail.com or call me at 461-5002 and I'll be happy to look into it. Most often it is a spam issue, and you need to add friendsofnca@googlegroups.com to your safe sender list.

Amber

PFA Meeting Last Night

We had another GREAT meeting last night. Our committee leaders talked with us about the Rummage Sale, fun summer activities, and SPORTS!  We had some great info about sports, and definitely need people to let us know what they are willing to help with so we can get our sports program started. (minutes will be posted next week)

The highlight was definitely the Q&A session with Headmaster Bush and Chairman Borger. Headmaster Bush took some time to introduce himself and the different things that are going on with the Academy. We got updates on busing, uniforms, teachers, the uniform scholarship, and more. Chairman Borger updated us on portables, and the building. It's all very exciting! He reminded us about the importance of keeping positive and being supportive of all that is going on. So much work is being done, and the best thing we can do as parents is support the process in making it happen. There is a bigger purpose for all the little details happening right now. Keeping our focus on our charter, and supporting what is in place will help our Academy be successful. (Susan's presentation also reflected these sentiments.)

As a PFA we have tried very hard to make these oppurtunities to visit with, and ask questions of our faculty and board members. Our attendance last night was lower than the previous 2 months. Although it was still fantastic, all the wonderful things that were shared with us only fell on a small portion of parent's ears. We aren't able to provide word for word recounts of what was said, and we do our best with minutes and reports, but it's important that people attend if they are really needing questions answered. If you are ever unable to attend please ask for your question to be put on the agenda so it can be "officially" addressed and included in our minutes. We are happy to help, so please keep in touch.

This meeting was also dedicated to those needing or wanting answers to uniform questions. There were very few questions asked about uniforms compared to all we talked about. That gives us the impression people are now satisfied, and feel comfortable with the policy. We are now going to focus on all the other things we have going on, and leave uniform questions to the board. Please direct any other questions to Kym Slater kslater@ncacharter.org. We also have included helpful links on our website.

We have SO much on the horizon. Summer will be slower regarding PFA (don't miss the Rummage Sale and those fun get-togethers), but as soon as August hits there will be a flurry of activitiy. September will be the big PFA kick off when we vote on our budget and a whole host of things. So, keep your eye out for more emails as we move along!

Meeting Tomorrow

Yep, it's that time again! Our May PFA meeting is tomorrow at Pioneer Title near the library. The Council will meet at 6pm and the general membership will meet at 7pm. We hope to see you there! Please see the blog for ncapfa.blogspot.com for an outline of the meeting.

May 28th Meeting Info

Andrea posted our agenda for our May 28th meeting.  Let me also add some information.

Our Q&A session is for all those who still have questions or concerns about the uniform policy.  As a PFA we are continually dedicated to helping parents get their questions answered.  We are offering this Q&A session so people can address their questions directly to the people who can answer them.  We are also hoping this puts this topic to rest, and we can focus on raising money for the uniform fund, and all the other fun things we have planned this coming school year. 

If you would like to address the Headmaster or Chairman directly (have specific questions) you need to email Andrea at ncapfa@gmail.com to be put on the agenda.  If you choose not to put yourself on the agenda, there may not be time for your questions.  We will be working from our agenda first, and then if there are extra questions we'll open it up to everyone in attendance. 

We hope this format will give all those who have specific questions will get those answered.  Let us know if you have questions.

Amber Gunnell
President, Parent Faculty Association
Nampa Classical Academy
www.ncapfa.org
ncapfa@gmail.com

Update

I haven't had much time to report on the latest happenings due to the placement assessments. After two 12 hour days, I'm spent. 

But, I wanted to tell you all what a joy it is to work with your children so far. I think all the proctors would agree that despite the long hours, we sure love these kids, and love to see how well they are doing. Most all come in a bit nervous, but once they see that it's really pretty basic stuff, they relax. Many have commented to me (the little ones), "I'm smart, aren't I?" I just love that.

Listening in on the board meeting, I can tell you one thing so far. School will begin on the 25th of August.  They are so close to finalizing everything (most teacher positions are filled), and all the other little details are just inches away from being approved and set in motion. It's such a neat process to watch. Hang tight, there is so much more just around the bend!

As a PFA we received the go ahead and funds for processing our official paperwork. We are very excited that is finally in motion. It has taken awhile since we are starting a non-profit corporation. We have to make sure we follow all the rules in filing with the state and national government, and setting things up properly. We didn't want to make any mistakes.

Another wonderful thing happened, too! The Board is now showing the voting records of each board member whenever there is a vote that is not unanimous. Andrea (our PFA secretary) will also be keeping a copy of past board meeting minutes in a binder for anyone to view at our PFA meetings. This will give us all a record to view how the Board votes, along with the decisions made. As stakeholders in this Academy, it is our job to keep an eye on our Board to see if they are also following the Academy's vision and "The Greater Things in Life". Although we have complete confidence they will do so, this is an important step for the future of the Academy. We need to be caretakers of this Academy in a way, and do our part in upholding that original vision and mission.

And, thank you all for your patience during the assessments. It's a tough job with so many children. Those of us proctoring can't always be there every day either. We have kids to care for, and other obligations. None of us (including Mr. Moffett) quite new how big an undertaking this would be, so we appreciate your patience.

One last thing. Our social committee is planning some fun get-togethers this summer for the kids. Be on the look out for news regarding that.

Also, we have sign ups for the rummage sale on the sign in table at the assessments. Please look that over and let Sarah know if you plan to have a booth there. It's coming up fast! It will be so fun, and we'll be earning money for our kids uniforms!  She also has the Idaho Press Tribune sign ups for those wanting their subscription to benefit our Academy. 

Thanks everyone and have a wonderful weekend!

Concerns

I wanted to reiterate one more thing. Your questions and concerns are important for us to hear. We want to hear them. We just want to make sure we are going about it the right way.  

It's not a "normal" thing to have a discussion group for a school (that I know of).  Most things should be addressed in meetings if there are concerns. That way we can have a good group discussion with the right people present. Email is so easily misinterpreted, and reason why meetings are often more productive.

We ultimately want to make sure the google group is used for benefit of all, and serves it's purpose. Since we have lost so many people because of it, we felt something needed to be done. We need to make sure we have good lines of communication open, but we also don't want losing people because people get offended.

We just want things to go smoothly, and for people to enjoy our discussions, coordinate great events, and help people stay connected.

Please continue to ask questions, and let us know of your concerns. We'd like to address them in a way that benefits everyone.

Google Group Change

Dear Friends,

Today has been quite a day for email.  Many views have been expressed, and I've thoughtfully considered everything that has been shared.  I have also received numerous personal emails directly to me.

It seems we have a few parents very concerned over uniforms, some very concerned about emails that seem to have a negative slant, and some are concerned we are spending too much time debating board policy instead of PFA related subjects.  We are losing people from our PFA email list (this google group) who have strong feelings about all of these things.  This concerns me a great deal.  Losing parents from the PFA due to the google group, is the exact opposite of it's purpose.

The original intention of this email group was to connect parents for a common goal.  It was for all of us to grow closer together, stay connected to what is going on with the PFA, support the Academy as it grew, and become friends.  I feel that we have deviated from that to a certain degree.  I take the blame for this.  I didn't set the tone well enough I guess.  I also neglected to institute the proper channels to take care of problems, but still allow the positive flow of information.

I have taken my questions and concerns to the PFA Council and Presidency. I have also consulted with the Academy Board for counsel, and other friends within the PFA.  I have received excellent advice from all these sources.

For some time, as the Board, Faculty, and the PFA have navigated these new waters together, we have not known exactly how to handle every situation.  We are learning and changing (for the better I think), but realized we needed to more clearly define our purposes as a whole, and how we are inter-related.  After speaking with multiple people from the Board and Faculty of the Academy, we all feel we should each be handling issues related to our own expertise.  Board will handle policy issues, Faculty will handle Academy and Faculty issues, and the PFA will handle PFA issues.  We feel that it's not wise to be speaking in behalf of one another, because it leads to misinformation when there are many speakers and not one unified presentation.

 

We will be instituting a new procedure for how the google group will be utilized.  We will not be removing your ability to post freely.  This forum will always be in place for parents to connect with one another.  It's also helpful for all our committee leaders to communicate with the general membership.  We will, however, be turning on the moderation feature.  The PFA Presidency will be moderating posts.

We will follow this procedure for handling messages;

1.  All posts relating to issues other than what the PFA can directly address will be directed to the proper channel.

2.  Posts that may seem to have a negative slant, or may be perceived as inflammatory will be denied.  Anyone wanting to re-write the email will happily be accepted.

3.  Any person that has followed the proper channels in which to voice a grievance, and does not get the help they need, is free to email the PFA.  We will evaluate those, and do our best to help rectify the problem.  We will always do our best to listen objectively and assist in addressing concerns.  If the concern warrants PFA membership involvement, we will then take it to the PFA membership to discuss.  

Grievances also need to follow this procedure;

1.  All problems or concerns need to be addressed by the proper channels (Board - Board, Faculty - through the Faculty and Academy, and PFA - PFA).  

2.  Any person feeling they did not have their concern addressed through those channels is free to contact the PFA letting us know the situation and where they feel their concerns were not addressed.  Please remember to give Board and Faculty time gather the correct information when responding.  A day or two, in some cases, may not be sufficient.  A week or two is often helpful.

3.  We will then try address the concern as a Presidency, The PFA Council, and if necessary, as the PFA membership as a whole.  We will poll the members, schedule a private meeting, workshop, or informational session where needed.  If we cannot rectify the problem, and all the proper channels have been notified, and we feel the issue warrants an official PFA stance we will discuss it.  Before making any official stance as a PFA, we will require a majority vote.  We will follow our voting procedures for this situation.

Our purpose as a PFA is three-fold.  To support the Faculty and Board, to provide financial assistance where needed, and to give the parents and faculty a unified voice.  Until this time we have not been unified.  It has been random comments from parents.  The feedback I have received directly has been primarily positive.  The comments on the google group have often been grievances.  The majority of our parents are only hearing grievances, and aren't hearing all the wonderful comments people are making.  When we meet, and see each other at the different functions so far, it's been overwhelmingly positive.  We have a WONDERFUL parent  group!  I want you all to know that.

Since not everything is perfect and people still have questions or concerns, we don't want those going unanswered or unaddressed.  We will always be dedicated to helping.  

We do remind everyone of some important things, though;

• It's helpful when you have a concern to bring to anyone in leadership that you also come with a helpful solution and a willingness to help solve it.
  
• Come to leadership with an open mind, and leave emotion out of it where possible.
  
• Allow time for the response.  Most any sort of official response requires correlation with many people before it can be addressed.  (I consult with the Presidency before making major changes or instituting policy - like this email).
  
• Educate yourself.  Come to board meetings, executive committee meetings, PFA meetings, read the PFA blog, join the Chairman's email group, etc.  Most all grievances include misinformation.  If you do a little research, you can often clear up any fears or worries you may have.
• Be kind.  Since we are all human, we get our feelings hurt.  Just because someone is in leadership, doesn't mean they don't get stressed, hurt feelings, or overwhelmed.  The old saying goes, "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar."  This rings true. We are always more quick to respond to those who are kind and helpful.  It's human nature.
• Avoid gossip.  There is a difference between helpful discussion and gossip.  When a lot of hearsay, personal interpretation, or misinformation is shared it can easily turn into gossip.  This helps no one get questions answered.  If you direct your concerns to the right people, you can then make a decision for yourself based on truth.
• Be patient.  Remember, we are parents, too.  We don't get paid (except faculty), and we are human.  We make mistakes, and we have the same concerns and feelings as you do.
• Remember we do care, and want to do our best.  We all have the best of intentions, and need your support to do this big job.  Your words of encouragement help so much.

I know this was quite long, but felt it was time to share what we've been formulating and discussing the past couple weeks.  We hope this is helpful.  We also hope that we can continue the great work started by Mr. Moffett.  We are all in this together, and feel it's time we rally together, rather than become divided.  Let's not forget this great mission! Go Minute Men!

Amber Gunnell

President, Parent Faculty Association

Nampa Classical Academy

Meeting Canceled

Due to testing being all day & evening on the 30th of April, we will be canceling the PFA meeting for that night. We will have our normally scheduled meeting on May 28th at 7pm. We will however schedule any meetings necessary for PFA Council members as needed. Let me know if you have any questions.

Amber Gunnell

PFA President

ncapfa@gmail.com

Testing Explanation

Mr. Moffett and I put together this explanation of the testing, after those who were asking questions.  We wanted everyone to feel comfortable, and take very seriously all your questions and concerns.

In regard to questions many of you have concerning placement testing, please be assured there is nothing secretive about the testing. We do want the testing to be non-rehearsed so the selections the students read are cold reads or not practiced. Each student will be asked to read a grade level selection. The selection will be timed and errors will be counted. Testing up or testing down will be determined based upon the objective data.  

The math test is oral for the first sections asking students to count orally and then a written test with the problems becoming increasingly more difficult. The language test is oral for the first three levels and then becomes a written test. 

Each placement test will give the academy a beginning point for student placement rather than students who are old enough for first grade being placed in that grade without their personal level taken into consideration. Our objective with the placement test is two-fold;

1. We would like to order the appropriate texts for the school, and 

2. A beginning point for instruction is required for planning on both the part of the staff and students. 

The series has built in assessment every five lessons which will quickly allow teachers to reassess any student that has been misplaced in the initial placement testing.   

In regards to parents being present during assessment, Direct Instruction trainers have informed us that based on 4 decades of research, parents being present during assessments creates more stress (and time) for the tester and for the child.  Pressure to perform is HUGE when parents are present.  Therefore, parents will not be allowed to sit with or be in the same room as their child during their assessment.  For the early grades, this time is very brief.  For those children who are not ready for this separation, if they are not able to complete the assessments, he or she will be placed in the lowest level for their grade and reassessed two weeks after school begins.  (All students are reassessed two weeks after school begins.)  Please understand, this is the way Direct Instruction works, and NCA is not going to deviate from their proven program.  In fact our charter prevents this.  

With that said we would like to add a few more comments. For those children who may be nervous about the testing, we can offer a little tidbit to help ease their (and parents) minds. 

1.  Accuracy is the most important thing in all the tests.  We will be timing some things, but remind your children not to worry about their timing.  They need to just relax, listen carefully to the directions and do their best.  I know a lot of public schooled kids will be used to rushing through things because of timers.  This is not the case here.  Timers are just a reference point for the Direct Instruction evaluators and the teachers to place the children correctly. 

2.  Remind them to think before they answer questions.  Again, accuracy is the most important.  They don't need to worry about saying anything "wrong,"  just remind them that we are only testing to see what they know. 

3.  They may be tested with other children in different grades.  Remind them to only worry about themselves, and not what is going on around them.  This is not a race.   

We hope this calms some of your concerns.  Proctors are trained to follow a proven script.  They are not allowed to deviate from it.  As the academy year begins you'll be able to see the logic in the way things are done.  You'll be grateful your children were given tests and curriculum tailored to their abilities and weaknesses.  The focus is mastery (85% not 60% like some districts), and being able to learn at the child's pace.  We think we'll all have a much clearer picture on what our children know and need work on through all of this.

Testing & Proctors

All those who volunteered to proctor placement exams need to send a quick email to Carolina McArthur mac_pcm@hotmail.com (our Volunteer Coordinator).  She will be organizing the schedule for volunteers and needs everyone's names and contact information. 

Anyone wanting to help, please do so. Mr Moffett does hope for a year committment, but this is not a "full time committment." Everyone will take turns and help according to their schedules, but the need to retrain people is the problem with people not being committed. Most shifts should be quick if we get enough help.

Also, we hope all parents are patient during these exams.  With just a few helpers, and hundreds of children, the likelihood of the exams being quick and painless is slim. Please be patient and work with all of us we get through this huge task.  Thank you!!!!!!

Chairman's News

I'm posting this one last time so everyone knows it is available.  Our Chairman has set up an announcement only google group to ensure everyone receives communication from him. Since many people are still saying they are not receiving emails (including his newsletters), he wanted to make sure everyone got the information they needed.  You can also view his past emails through the archives of that google group.  Here is the link, and I'll be posting this on our website and blog. Hope this helps!

http://groups.google.com/group/nampa-classical-academy-information