Schools

Qualters PAC Making an Impact- One Step at a Time

The Qualters Middle School Parent Advisory Council's impact on the school through donations.

The Parent Advisory Counsel (PAC) has been helping to enrich and sustain the academic abilities of the school for some years now.

President Lynn Cavicchi, vice president Lily Krentzman, treasurer Cindy Fernandez and secretary Tracy Friendman head the council.

In 2011, the PAC has helping QMS obtain new technologies, afterschool programs and seminars for both parents and students. The council was essential for raising funds for the school’s Smartboards and Smartboard accessories.

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The PAC raised money in 2011 for the interactive responder accessories for the Smartboards. Also known colloquially as ‘clickers,’ these devices allow students to respond to questions digitally and all at once; allowing for each student to display their knowledge and understanding of a concept quickly and effectively.

“They can answer questions and the teacher can instantaneously see the results,” Cavicchi said.

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It also allows the teacher to see instantly whether or not the majority of the classroom understands a concept or not. This is helpful in determining whether the students are ready for a test or if they need more information on a topic to get it completely. 

“It has a really quick impact,” Krentzman said. “[The teacher] is able to go back and say ‘OK wait we need to go over this again,’ or ‘we’ve mastered that and we can move on.’”

The council also received funding for a document camera from an open source charity Web site called DonorsChoose.org.

“Teachers can put a project up on DonorsChoose and parents can then donate to their project,” Kertzman said. “It eventually funds the programs for the teachers as well.”

The council also gains funding from parents through other campaigns, such as a yearly magazine drive and also corporate grants.

In the 2012-2013 school year, the PAC is focusing on after school enrichment programs. The sponsored clubs this year are Art Club, Chain Links Club, Chorus, Environmental Club, French Club, Knitting Club, School Newspaper, Robotics and Science Club.

"It's gives the students a chance to explore other options not available in the regular school day," Cavicchi said.

This week, the PAC is putting on , a seminar presented by John Halligan, telling parents of the lessons he learned too late for parents on how to deal with bullying and how to recognize the signs of bulling.

In the past, the council has hosting presenters like Joani Geltman, a noted expert on child and adolescent development, and Rachel Simmons, a New York Times best-selling author. The PAC has also presented seminars on disability awareness, co-sponsored with Mansfield’s and Rachel’s Challenge, an anti-bullying program.

For more information on the QMS PAC, click here.


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