Bard School

PTA Standing Committees: 2011-2012

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

This group of parents works with school administrators to secure and protect state funding for BHSEC. The committee meets a few times a year to organize outreach campaigns to the Governor and key state legislators, including letter-writing, invitations to visit the school and visits to legislative offices. No special skills or knowledge is needed just a strong commitment to the goals. Please contact Elise Siegel at bhsecac@elisesiegel.com or Abe Suleiman at abe.suleiman@gmail.com

ARCHITECTURE

This is a group of volunteer professionals who advise the Principal on current and future capital projects at the BHSEC campus. Based on the master plan framework, the committee assists in planning physical improvements to the school as funds become available. Current studies include efforts to integrate smaller scale improvements on each floor of the building. Parents who have expertise in architecture, planning or construction are encouraged to consider joining the committee and providing insights. Please contact Michael Duddy at mduddy@mda-designgroup.com

EVENTS

Members of this group are responsible for making sure BHSEC events run smoothly. This committee’s signature events are the Faculty & Staff Appreciation Dinners at the semi annual Parent Teacher Conferences - a fun event for everyone and a winning way to say “thank you!” to our faculty and staff. Please contact Judy Cohen at butelinc@gmail.com

GARDEN

The Watering Report of the Bard Garden at BHSEC

The garden in the schoolyard has been developed and maintained by this committee. There is a Garden Wish List here: garden-wish-list.  If you have access to plants or want to assist with the existing garden, please contact Sonia Laudi at soniyard@aol.com

GRANT WRITING

Super important in this economy, this committee needs researchers and connected people to help support the existing programs at BHSEC and develop new sources of financial and in-kind support. Previous grants have funded specific health & fitness programs, science equipment, auditorium renovation  and exchange programs with Turkey and China.  If you don’t have time to help but have information or contacts to share - please contact Becky Plattus at jamealp@aol.com

HEALTH & SAFETY

This committee is comprised of school staff and 2 parent representatives.  The committee works to ensure the safety of BHSEC students and staff in the vicinity of the school.  Please contact Amy Metroka at amy.metroka@bhsec1pta.org

KNOWLEDGE COLLEGE

Organizing and implementing the Knowledge College needs a large group of people with a variety of skill sets. KC is a one day event on Saturday February 5th where seminars and workshops on a variety of subjects are given by both BHSEC faculty and parents. The event is open to the public and we charge admission.  We launched KC last year and it was very well received by local media and participants. Please contact Michael Duddy at MDuddy@mda-designgroup.com

MUSIC & ARTS COMMITTEE

This year the PTA is funding the entire BHSEC Manhattan Music Program! This committee works to assist the faculty and also to distribute information about and maximize participation in music and arts at our school.  The committee is forming now - it’s a great time to get involved ! Please contact Angela Kramer Murphy at murphmer@gmail.com or Michael Duddy at MDuddy@mda-designgroup.com

SPORTS

GO BHSEC-! This committee works with BHSEC Athletic Director Maryah Nardone to develop extra-curricular athletic opportunities for our children. They help provide transportation, team uniforms and also organize the annual Sports Awards Banquet in June to recognize BHSEC athletes’ accomplishments. Please contact Carol Shuchman at Carol.Shuchman@gmail.com or Andi Wirz at wizmor4@nyc.rr.com

TRANSLATION COMMITTEE

It is critical that all parents understand what is happening at school and this committee ensures that there are parents who can help translate for other parents who may not speak English. We encourage anyone who is bi-lingual in English and Spanish / Mandarin / Cantonese / Korean / Russian or other languages to assist the committee. Please contact  Annie Leung at annielg@gmail.com or Fabiana Carbo-Chavez at fabicarbo@msn.com