September 10, 2003
 
Minutes of the September 10, 2003 Steering Committee Meeting
Attendees:  Karen Schneider, Betsy Cope, Paulette DeVries, Lori Johnson, LouAnn Gregory, Pam Forbes, Joyce Harmsen, Shannon Lindquist, Amy Peasley, Diana Bongard, Mike Winkelmann, Rebecca Fath, Cindy Maans, Sherry Franklin, Brenda Kailing, Michelle Gabalis, Elizabeth Kruger, Cindy Bay Barron, Darcy Lokers and Connie Schultz
 
Welcome: from Karen Schneider
 
Executive Board, 2003/2004: (Board will also serve as Evaluation Committee)
    Chair:    Becky Johnson
    Finance:    Denise Robinson
    Community Representatives:  Pam Forbes, Lori Johnson, Shannon Lindquist, Linda Myers
    Staff Representatives: Amy Peasley
    Parent Representatives: Rebecca Fath, Michelle Gabalis, Beth Kruger, Connie Schultz 
Program Update:
Current staff is presently working on reassigning families and increasing caseloads of those home visitors still on staff.  There has been some shifting around of personnel to fill vacant positions.
b.    We are working on attaining funds through the Great Parents, Great Start program.  These funds are made available only to ISDs and are limited to an amount not to exceed 3.5 percent of the applying ISDs fiscal year 2003 Section 81 Allocation.  Applications are due by October 1, 2003 and programs must begin operating no later than January 5, 2004.  The purpose of this grant is to improve school readiness and to foster the maintenance of stable families.  All families with children ages 0 to 5 within the school district and families whose young children would benefit from more intensive services are the main target for these funds. Early Success - Right from the Start fits within this criteria.  The MOISD could receive as much as $35,995 if our grant request is approved.
One of our staff members created a new database program that will allow us to maintain our records in a manner more suitable to our needs.  All data will be gathered and entered from the Administrative office.
Training opportunities have been organized through the efforts of the Creative Thinking Group via the Better Kid Care Series and the Professional Development Opportunities.  Flyers for these are located on our website at
www.moisd.org/ASAP-PIE
 
e. Other Items:
The MOISD's website address has been changed to
www.moisd.org
. You can contact MOISD staff by using the first initial of the first name with the entire last name, followed by the above; i.e.
kshcneider@moisd.org
 
Agency Sharing:
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Pam DeVries, DeVries Daycare Center: Program is going strong.
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Joyce Harmsen, Kent Regional 4Cs: Shared licensing information.
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Sherry Franklin, Social Worker: Updated group on status of school social work at the Big Rapids Public Schools
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Brenda Kailing, District 10 Health Department: Reported flu shots will be available mid October. Call 231-592-0130 for more information.
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Pam Forbes, WISE: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Take Back the Night is scheduled the 21st with a march and rally beginning at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact WISE at 800-374-WISE.
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Rebecca Fath, CHADD: Group meets third Sunday of month at 2:00 pm at the United Church in Big Rapids. Website for CHADD is www.chaddmi.org
3. Meeting Schedule for 2003/2004, amended:
December 3, Executive Board - December 10, Steering Committee
March 3, Executive Board - March 10, Steering Committee
June 2, Executive Board - June 9, Steering Committee
September 8, Executive Board - September 15, Steering Committee
 
Adjournment:  9:45 a.m.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Original signed, Karen Schneider
Director, Early Success – Right from the Start
Distribution via e-mail
Copies of handouts available on request