FOGS December 2024 Meeting Minutes

Attendees

• Jen Morales-Crye, President

• Ashlee Cuza, First Vice President

• Elizabeth Leong, Second Vice President

• Genevra Knight, Treasurer

• Sara McCradden, Secretary - Not present

• Mari Fair, Board Member - Not present

• Stephanie Galioto, Board Member

• Vanessa Gonzales, Board Member

• Kim Kappleman, Board Member - Not present

• Mandalyn Reineker, Board Member - Not present

Discussion

1. Furniture Project: Liz Tillati

   1. Over $500,000 of furniture has been donated to Goethe, satisfying needs of all upper grades and renovating the entire computer lab and lab components. 

   2. No additional FOGS funds required to complete the move of donated furniture.

   3. Donor, Kirkland and Ellis, only requests “Thank you” cards and videos - tax letter not requested (addressed to CFO of Kirkland)

      1. Heath Davis handling video

      2. FOGS to assist with drafting a thank you letter 

   4. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: 

      1. To assist with additional furniture delivery Dec 10 - 12 from 8am to 2pm.

      2. To assist with painting the entire computer lab white (to be done ASAP)

         1. Mr. Ramos just needs advance notice

         2. Cassie Eng to create another sign up sheet and FOGS to disseminate

2. STEAM Lab Funding Request: Nicole Delasandro and Tim Ramos

   1. Requesting funds to purchase hardware, supplies and tech materials to transform a very basic and outdated computer lab into an MSI-standard “fab lab.”

   2. Mr. Ramos trained by MSI on its “grid” project management and learning tool system, which helps learners break down complex projects into smaller, more manageable steps. 

      1. This includes design thinking stages, project milestones, skills development, assessment criteria

   3. Items that need to be purchased to make this happened were presented in an itemized spreadsheet and include upgraded computers (systems cannot run on chromebooks), embroidery, origami, 3D printers, vinyl cutters

   4. This will provide programming to all grade levels, including K-3 who are learning block coding and lego robotics to prepare them for advanced learning materials in upper grades.

   5. With purchase of requested items, Goethe will be able to provide:

      1. Expanded MSI summer camp (high quality curriculum by MSI staff with small ratio of student to teacher) with some opportunities for pro-bono slots, as well as additional programming targeting students in younger grades

      2. After School Programming that can be run by any Goethe staff, like Mr. Ramos, who is trained by MSI on its grid system

      3. Goethe could, with more MSI training, become a registered “Fab Lab,” one of the first in the area.

   6. Massive student interest and enthusiasm with current and extremely limited MSI-style programming. Goethe does not have enough equipment to support student interest.

   7. Principal Elmasri expressed strong support for STEAM Lab funding from FOGS

   8. STEAM Lab PLC understands that:

      1. This is a one-time request and that approval of this request does not promise or ensure funds into the future.

      2. This lab has the ability to sustain itself into the future without reliance on FOGS’ support. 

3. Treasurer’s Report

   1. Big expenses since beginning of year include CPS field check, field trip fund, GiveSmart, moving trucks for donated furniture

   2. Despite big expenditures, FOGS has strong reserves and ample cash to fund upcoming events and anticipated future expenses

4. LSC approved FOGS’ winter fundraiser at last meeting and a table for FOGS at holiday market

   1. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: to man the FOGS holiday table

5. Fundraising Report-Outs:

   1. The Annual Fund has raised just over $9,000 so far.

      1. Upcoming pushes:

         1. Countdown

         2. Messaging explaining STEAM lab impact to younger grades

         3. Consider short video by Elmasri asking donors to “fill the shelves” of the new lab

   2. Family Events

      1. Bowling

         1. 20 tickets out of 190 sold so far.

         2. Wait until annual fund concludes to give another big push

      2. Magician 

      3. Movie Night

6. Communications

   1. Newsletters going great

   2. Excellent feedback on all communications materials

7. Board Voting

   1. $17,000 request for STEAM Lab - approved by unanimous vote. 

      1. Will pull from Academic Enrichment budget allocation

   2. $2,000 Music Concert Musician Fees - approved by unanimous vote

      1. Will cover both winter and spring concerts ($1,000 for each concert)

      2. Will pull from School and Community Building budget allocation

   3. $2,000 Bucket Filling Request - approved by unanimous vote

      1. Will cover a year of all staff appreciation gifts, one lunch and a breakfast

      2. Will pull from School and Community Building budget allocation

8. Meeting Adjourned