SY 2024-25

5/8/25 Council Meeting Minutes
Horizons K-8 School
Meeting Agenda:  Copy of Council Meeting Agenda (Detailed)-May 8, 2025.docx - Google Docs

Call to Order: 5:36 PM

• Quorum established

Facilitators: Jasmine GBC, Kristin Hauger, Travis Lockhart
Notetaker: Michelle Bargo
Timekeeper:  Sarah Wise

5:36  Mindfulness - Kristin Hauger

5:39  Introductions - Travis Lockhart5:52  Board Elections

Present:  Travis Lockhart, Sarah Wise, Lucas Mile, Kristin Hauger, Allyson Desart, Julie Layne, Lauren Yedell, Suzanne Tadros, Michelle Bargo, Jessica Slatus, Josh Raufman, Joel Gratz, Julie Cohen, Pat Smalley, Jim Freund, Carol Schwendener, Teran Sittner, Elizabeth Parady, Jasmine Graves Black Clemmons, Shoshana Kressler, Gina Lee De Freitas, Jordan Logan, Tina Edwards, Madeline Altman, Michael Joseph, Becky Vincelette, Dave Biagioni, Hilary Merina, Oliver Glosband, Lisa Ton Godrick, Jennifer Koenigsberger, Barb Anderson, John Bogosian, Quinn Graves Black Clemmons, Teresa Joseph, Kelly Wade, Emmy Kurtz, Kevin Crouse

Present online:  Erica Harrington, Christina Harvey

THANK YOU, ELIZABETH!!  You will be so missed.  

5:55  Parent Board Member Candidates and Elections

Discussion about the balance of parent and faculty board members and length of terms.  Congratulations to our new Parent Board Members!!

• Michael Joseph
• Jessica Slatus
• Jordan Logan
• Travis Lockhart
• Joel Gratz

6:22   Council Budget presentation and vote - Jasmine GBC

• In 2025 we spent about $15,000 to host the gala and had a very successful fundraising effort at the event.

• We are saving $50,000 in Council funds for possible tech refresh.  In 24/25 we earned $30,000-40,000K in interest on this account, which has been a huge boost!  

• The total cost for #BigKidsPlayToo is $185,487.  The 2024 and 2025 paddle raises earned $54, 577.  We have an additional $2200 in direct donations for the project.  In spring of 2024, Council pledged $100,000 for the project.  

  • Tonight we are asking the Council for $28,712 to complete the project.  There is not another monetary request from Council tonight, in part because the administration has been very mindful about using Fund 11 to cover as much as possible.  When community members have requests to fund materials, those requests should go through FRC.  Additionally, we would like to make more of the funding requests through our Fund 11 account because these expenses are operating expenses.  

    • Motion: To allocate $28,712 in Council funds to the #BigKidsPlayToo playground upgrade.  Jasmine GBC
      • Seconded:  Elizabeth Parady
      • Concorded

6:55   Hawks Happenings - Teran Sittner and Pat Smalley 

• The 7th and 8th graders have been working hard on their passion projects.  Eighth graders present their projects at Aperture night, which is next Thursday 5/15.  We hope to see you there!

7:03   Committee Reports

• Development Committee - Kristin Hauger
  • The gala was a huge success!  The net profit was $51,821.50.  
  • There have been many other successes this year and we want to offer gratitude to everyone who helped make this happen.  Other projects include spiritwear, Dine and Donate nights, and social media committee.
• EDB - Allyson Desart
  • EDB had a great year!  We hosted a couple of Coffee Connections, Banned Book Clubs, Taste of Horizons, brought books to the classrooms, hosted speakers, Be the Change, created the Care Closet, and so much more!  A new addition to EDB is Helping Hands to aid community members who need extra support.
• HCG - Barb Anderson
  • HCG hosts the liaison program.  There is an End-of-Year picnic, mentors for incoming families, Pancake Breakfast, hosted workshops, pairings with Council meetings, Pizza Friday, Back-to-School Pool Party, Plant Sale, Clothing Swaps, and more!

7:15   Items for Discussion

• The Horizons contract renewal with BVSD is next school year.

  • Peak to Peak is struggling to complete their contract renewal with BVSD this year.  BVSD is not creating favorable conditions for district charter schools.

  • We are anticipating increased costs for special education and other services that are contracted through BVSD.  Currently, it is required for us to purchase special education services through the district but they refuse to provide adequate FTE for the amount of special education that we need to provide based on our student population who have IEP’s.

  • How can we organize ourselves to get a fair price for purchased services through BVSD? 

    • Let’s let the district know how much our Charter School means to us!  Community members can contact the BVSD board and our state representatives to ask for support for charter schools!

    • How can Horizons advocate for getting the services that we are already paying BVSD for?
    • Due to time constraints, let’s discuss this further at the next Council meeting.

Motion to Adjourn

Adjourned: 7:40PM

The bylaws state that a special board meeting is to immediately follow this Annual Meeting for the purpose of selecting the officers for next school year.  Quorum was not established.  Board members are working to schedule a new meeting time.

 

4/17/2025 Council Meeting Minutes
Horizons K-8 School
Meeting Agenda:  Copy of Council Meeting Agenda (Detailed)-April 17, 2025.docx

5:25 PM - Seed Exchange!

Call to Order: 5:39 PM

• Quorum established

Facilitators: Jasmine GBC, Travis Lockhart
Notetaker: Michelle Bargo
Timekeeper:  Sarah Wise

Present: Travis Lockhart, Marybeth Patrick, Sarah Wise, Teresa Joseph, Michael Joseph, Shoshana Kressler, Allyson Desart, Barb Anderson, Julie Cohen, Jim Freund, Lauren Yedell, Lynn Pence, Elizabeth Parady

Present Online: Jasmine GBC, Suzanne Tadros, Gina Lee De Freitas, Lauren Owen, Sarah Jane

5:40 - Mindfulness Meditation - GBC

5:44 - Introductions & Icebreaker - Travis Lockhart

5:59 - Principal’s Report/ SAC - Jasmine GBC

• Colorado Budget Cuts and Possible Effects
  • We discussed federal budget cuts to education including withholding of federal funds due to Title IX and Title VI violations.  CDE, ACLU, NAACP, and other states are suing the federal government regarding these executive orders, which do not have legal binding.
  • Education in CO gets $800,000,000 from the federal government.  The biggest concern at this time is students with disabilities and massive delays resolving issues that arise. Another concern is that the Department of Education has so few remaining staff members that federal payments to the states could become exceedingly slow.
• Budget
  • For 25/26, inflation is at 2.3% and benefit costs will increase 4.6%.  Real numbers from the state of CO and BVSD are delayed due to the current uncertainties.  As a result, the 25/26 Horizons budget cannot yet be prepared.
• Finance Review Committee (FRC) Recommendations
  • We should fine-tune the budget so that Fund 11 covers all operating costs and the Council budget aligns with all of the extras that Horizons offers.
  • Horizons should plan for a very conservative budget for 25/26 to account for the current situation and also possible increased costs that might come from our contract renewal, especially special education services contracted through BVSD.
• CMAS participation
  • Unfortunately our CMAS participation was under 95% so we will not get all of the points for our School Performance Score (SPS).  (Our participation was approximately 93/94%.)  DAC has a “Take the Test” initiative to promote all families opting into the testing.  

6:22 - Hawks Happenings - Lynn Pence

• Lynn’s 5/6 Suitcase Project
  • This project began in January.  It is multidisciplinary across subject areas.  Lynn shared the book Some Places More Than Others and one student’s suitcase.  Each student creates a suitcase that showcases who they are that includes writing samples, artifacts from home, and other samples.

6:34 - Committee Reports

• Development - Teresa Joseph
  • Please buy your prom tickets!  The silent auction has already opened to ticket holders and $1700 has already been raised.  To date, 130 tickets have been sold.  The paddle raise event will go towards the playground update.  Dig Design will design the project.
  • The Dine and Donate program has raised more than $500 for Horizons! 
  • A small subcommittee is developing an Annual Report to detail how funds are spent for the community.
  • We are looking for people to create a robust social media presence online.
  • On 4/25, from 8:30 - 10:30, we are gathering to make corsages and boutonnieres to sell at the prom.  Please come participate!  Check HelpAtSchools to sign up.
• HCG - Barb Anderson
  • Spirit Week is next week.
  • Teacher Appreciation Week is also coming up during the first week of May.  You can sign up on HelpAtSchools.
  • The liaisons were really successful this year and had plenty of new ideas.
  • We have successfully recruited mentors to support incoming families who will be new to Horizons for 25/26.
  • Monday 4/28 from 6:30-8 there will be a talk on staying balanced in the age of screens.  This is open to everyone.  Please RSVP.
  • We are planning an End of the Year picnic for the final day of school.  Check HelpAtSchools to sign up.
  • Plant Sale - May 9 from 11:30 - 2:00 - Come and get all your garden starts.
• EDB - Allyson Desart
  • “How to Grow a Conversation Garden” This event is Monday 4/21 from 6:30-8 PM.  
  • Banned Book Club: The Best At It
  • Be the Change: Let’s Celebrate Diversity!

6:50 - Items for Discussion

• Hiring Committees - We still need help after school with hiring committees for specials (PE, STEAM, and art).  The retention of specials teachers has been difficult because this is not a full time position.  The faculty has been discussing this issue to determine whether some changes to the positions might be necessary.
• Parent Board Openings - We need 4 parent board members.  Please apply by submitting a letter of intent and resume to GBC by 4/29.
• Skylines - Elizabeth Parady asked for feedback about Skylines, and community members felt positive about the format.  Skylines is not currently being posted on the website but hopefully this will happen soon.
• Vacuum Cleaners Revisited - Elizabeth Parady, Shoshana Kressler
  • BVSD facilities misquoted the price for 12 vacuums that Council had previously approved funds for.  Waxy has quoted $5707 for 12 vacuums.  Broomfield Vacuum Center quoted $399 per RICCAR vacuum cleaner (bulk price), which would be a total of $2513 for 6 vacuums.  
  • Motion: To allocate up to $4200 for the purchase of 10 RICCAR vacuums through Broomfield Vacuum Center.  - Barb Anderson
    • Seconded: Teresa Joseph
    • Concorded
• Annual Meeting - The May Council meeting is the Annual Meeting and we need 20 in attendance to make quorum.  

Adjourned: 7:35 PM

3/13/2025 Council Meeting Minutes
Horizons K-8 School
Meeting Agenda:  Facilitator and Skylines Copy Council Meeting Agenda (Detailed)-March 13, 2025.docx - Google Docs

Call to Order: 5:30 PM

• Quorum established

Facilitators: Jasmine GBC, Kristin Hauger, Travis Lockhart
Notetaker: Michelle Bargo
Timekeeper:  Travis Lockhart, Sarah Wise

Present:  Jasmine GBC, Tess Amer, Kim Welch, Gina Lee De Freitas, Julie Cohen, Jim Freund, Marybeth Lockhart, Allyson DeSart, Rebecca Vincelette, Barb Anderson, Travis Lockhart, Sarah Wise, Julie Layne, Elizabeth Parady, Michelle Bargo, Adam Brink, Lauren Yedell

Online: Emmy Kurtz

5:30 - Meditation - Kristin Hauger

5:39 - Open Comments

• Rearranged seating into a circle
• Allyson DeSart really appreciated the screening of This Is Not Who We Are at Centaurus last night.
• Julie Layne encourages everyone to buy their auction tickets early.  This year there’s a childcare partnership with Kinesis Studio.  See you on April 26th!
• Kristin Hauger would love it if everyone would introduce themselves by name.

5:43 - HOS Updates - Jasmine GBC

• We have 4 open seats for parent board members.  Please spread the word!
  • To qualify as a parent board member you need to have been a parent at Horizons for 2 years.  You send a resume and a blurb about yourself to GBC.  You must be able to attend the meeting on 5/8/2025.
  • The board is a governing body for the Horizons budget.  The board also oversees the annual HOS evaluation.  Next year is Horizons’ charter renewal.  
• Hiring Committees for open faculty/staff positions
  • Horizons’ job postings have now been posted through BVSD.  The interview process will begin around May 17.  
  • We would like to have the same hiring committee members interview all candidates for the position.  The time commitment is expected to be less than 15 hours per interview team.
  • Interviews are typically scheduled around 3:30-4:30 on weekdays.  
• Impact Award Honoree - Congratulations Lauren Yedell!!

6:06 - Hawks Happenings

• Our Mental Health Team discussed the book No Drama Discipline which emphasizes the importance of the connection between parent and child.
• Everyone in attendance received handouts about the brain and a copy of the book!
• We participated in a Hand to Heart exercise together.
• Link to resources:
  • Presentation link
  •  "Hand Model of the Brain"
  •  The No Drama Discipline: The Whole Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by: Dr. Dan Siegel, M.D. and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.

6:35 - Committee Reports

• Development Committee: Kristin Hauger and Lauren Yedell
  • Prom ticket sales have already hit 30!  There have been over $1000 in sponsorships and we are still looking for more.  The auction items are amazing this year, and the auction will hopefully be live by April 1.  The dessert is Pony Cakes, and Horizons families have donated both wine and tequila.  Thank you to our donors!!
  • Next week a small team will begin work on the Horizons Annual Impact Report.
  • Sweet Cow (Table Mesa) fundraiser on 3/18!  Tell them you’re there for Horizons.
• EDB - Allyson DeSart
  • Taste of Horizons was a huge (and delicious) success!
  • Banned Book Club: They Call Us Enemy by George Takei
  • Be the Change: Let’s talk about power, privilege, and social justice.
  • The anti-bias exhibit really made an impression.
• HCG - Barb Anderson
  • We are looking for mentors to guide new families coming into the community, especially middle school parents.  
  • There is a dedicated HCG website.
  • Horizons now has a neurodiversity support group.
  • Coffee Connections: The next topic is bodywork.
  • During conferences next week, we’re looking for families to contribute food for Feed the Teachers.
  • PEN: Centaurus will host a book talk.  As a charter, Horizons is not eligible to receive resources for this event.  Book:  The Balancing Act: Screen Time, Mental Health, and Academic Performance.
  • There will be a seed exchange at the April Council meeting.
  • Through the month of March  HCG is still collecting for the non-perishable food drive.
  • Spirit Week is coming up in April.

6:45 -  Items for Discussion (1 minute proposal, 3 minute discussion, 1 minute vote)

• Adam Brink: The Winter Sports trip was cancelled due to extreme cold, and families were refunded their Winter Sports Fees.  The fee for the charter bus could not be refunded but will apply towards next year’s trip.  Because approximately $5400 has already been paid from the 24/25 budget, the team is looking to receive a 1-year transfer of this amount from the Council budget.  The amount will be paid back to Council during the 25/26 school year after Winter Sports fees are collected.  
  • Barb Anderson: Motion to request a one-year transfer from the Council Budget to Fund 11 of just under $5400 to cover the cost of transportation to 3/4 Winter Sports in the 24/25 school year to be repaid in the 25/26 school year.
    • Seconded:  Allyson DeSart
    • Concorded
• Travis Lockhart: 
  • Let’s upgrade the video equipment for virtual meeting participants.  The cost for this would run approximately $1500.  
  • Travis: Motion to allocate up to $1500 of the Council budget to purchase virtual meeting technology that supports high-quality audio and video streaming for Council and Board meetings.  
    • Seconded: Jasmine GBC
    • Concorded

7:15 PM - Other Items for Discussion

• The Mental Health Team is working on No Place for Hate T-shirts.
• Community Support Network for Families Affected by Government Layoffs
  • Community members have been asking for how to support others at our school who have lost their jobs due to government layoffs.  These layoffs affect at least 6 families at our school.
  • Discussion:  How do we already support Horizons families experiencing hardships?  The Care Closet for gear, scholarships for school fees and event tickets, support with purchasing a second helping of food at lunch, etc.
  • Ideas: “Giving Page” on the HCG website which could support families experiencing this hardship and also support other families who aren’t a part of this situation.  People could offer resume help, meals, child care, etc. to community members who would like assistance.
  • We could use forms to gather ideas for needs and for what our community is able to offer.
  • We will post in Skylines and create a small group to move this idea forward.

For the Agenda at the Next Council Meeting: Update Horizons Enrollment Preferences

7:34 PM - Notecards for meeting feedback - Please fill out to let us know what went well at tonight’s meeting.

Adjourned: 7:38 PM

 

2/20/2025 Council Meeting Minutes
Horizons K-8 School
Meeting Agenda:  Copy of Council Meeting Agenda (Detailed)-February 20, 2025.docx - Google Docs

Call to Order: 5:35 PM

Facilitators: Jasmine GBC, Kristin Hauger, Travis Lockhart, Sarah Wise

Notetaker: Michelle Bargo

Present: Jasmine GBC, Adam Brink, Julie Cohen, Lindsey (incoming K parent), Marybeth Lockhart, Travis Lockhart, Karen Dimetrosky, Allyson Desart, Kristin Hauger, Sarah Wise, Suzanne Tadros, Barb Anderson, Elizabeth Parady, Teresa Joseph, Michael Joseph, John Bogosian, Jim Freund, Christina Edwards, Rachel Mentz, Matthew Arnold, Becky Bincelette, Audra DeGraff, Paul DeGraff 

Present online: Gina Gravina, Kevin Course, Lauren Yedell

• Quorum established

5:35  Mindfulness Meditation - Kristin Hauger

5:40  Community Open Comments - Sarah Wise

• For the first time in Horizons’ history it was necessary to cancel the 3/4 Winter Sports trip due to extreme cold.  The bus cost (about $5K) became a credit but it came out of the 24/25 budget.  The credit will apply to the 25/26 budget.  Adam inquired if the Council Budget could loan the 3/4 team the money with the expectation that they would pay it back next school year. 
• Suggestion to circulate the Council Notes in Skylines.
• Vacuum update: The vacuums were ordered through BVSD but BVSD doubled the cost.  This has gone back to BVSD to negotiate for the originally quoted price.
• If there are changes at the federal level that impact BVSD and Horizons, this will be communicated by the administration.

5:48  SAC/ Principal’s Report - Jasmine GBC

• The budget for 25/26 is in development.
• FRC recommended adoption of the new salary schedule for the Director of Operations position.
• FRC agreed that Fund 11 should have a reserve of 10-20% because the Council Budget is more at the discretion of parents who spend it at Council meetings.
• CMAS participation: It is helpful to have your students participate in CMAS because if schoolwide participation drops below ,94% rate then our school’s score drops.  
• DAC: BVSD did not pass the new Bel Swan charter.  BVSD recommended that Bel Swan reapply after correcting some issues in special education and finances.
• Peak to Peak: Still involved in lengthy negotiations with BVSD to renew their charter.
• Horizons is the next BVSD charter up for charter renewal in 26/27 but that process begins over the summer of 2025.  We need to bring our special education costs down.  New BVSD rule:  BVSD will not allocate more special education FTE even if a charter’s special education needs increase.  And, BVSD controls our special education dollars.  It is not clear that this policy is legal.  
• Our last SAC meeting of the year is 4/17/2025.

6:02   Hawks Happenings

• Karen Dimetrosky - Karen presented about the “Science of Reading” which is evidence-based reading instruction.  The Learning Lab uses the Orton-Gillingham program which is important for children with dyslexia and valuable for all children.  Karen shared some OG cards and sand trays.
• Kelly Wade - Middle school special education teacher - In math Kelly has been using “Three Act Tasks” which are short sound-free videos:  1. Kids make estimates.  2. Kids revise their estimates.  3. Kids attempt to solve the problems based on the videos.  She has also been working on executive function and task management with 7/8 students..

6:18  Committee Reports

• HCG - Barb Anderson - HCG works on creating community connections.  Taste of Horizons is on 2/28/25 from 6-8.  (Please plan on attending the entire time.)  There are also Friday Coffee Connections, classroom liaisons, a family mentoring program, and a new HelpAtSchools link to help pair teachers with free items for their classrooms.  There’s a neurodiversity support group and an upcoming BVSD neurodiversity “policy” discussion led by Kate Batchel on 2/28/2025 from 11:30 - 12:30.  Family Board Game night is 3/6/25!  Horizons HCG has its own website now.
• EDB - Allyson Desart - EDB has a Banned Book Club and is reading The Parent-Teen Connection.  Jasmine GBC and Quinn GBC just led an excellent Coffee Connections on the topic of Black History Month.  EDB has been bringing library books about diversity into all of the classrooms K-8.  There’s an EDB Facebook page.
• Development Committee - Kristin Hauger and Theresa Joseph - The spring gala theme is Prom Rewind.  The committee is looking for sponsors and donations for the auction.  Please attend the gala!  It will be the place to be on 4/26/25.  Hawks Bucks is at $87,000, which is amazing!  The goal is to earn $100,000 during this school year.  #BigKidsPlayToo is the push to create updated playground spaces.  At the 2024 Gala, the paddle raiser event raised money for this project.  The committee is currently choosing a designer and hopes to begin (& complete!) Phase 1 this summer.  Phase 2 of the project will be designed by a masters class at CU.  This month, a retired CU professor traveled to a conference in London and did an entire presentation about the nature play area of Horizons’ playground.  

6:44  Other Items for Discussion

• Each item brought to Council tonight will have: 1 minute proposal, 5 minutes for discussion, and 1 minute for concordance.
• Open Enrollment Seat Acceptance Window Change (from 10 calendar days to 5 calendar days) - Jasmine GBC - We would like to change this because when the Open Enrollment process is slower it prevents potential incoming students from getting offers in a timely manner.  This is the biggest problem as we try to fill seats in August and September.
  • Motion to change the Open Enrollment seat acceptance window from 10 days to 5 days.  Barb Anderson
  • Seconded: Theresa Joseph
    • Concorded
• Change Open Enrollment Preferences:  Horizons currently has OE preferences for children of licensed faculty members, siblings, children of unlicensed staff members, and children who qualify for free and reduced lunch.  This discussion is to combine all children of faculty and staff as a single OE preference.  (Long ago in the past there was a problem with parents working 1 hour shifts as paras to try to get spots at the school for their children.  This is no longer happening or even possible based on current hiring practices.)
  • Motion: A motion to combine current OE preferences 1, 3, and 4 so that the first OE preference is given to children of all faculty and staff of who are .4 FTE or higher.
  • Seconded: Michael Joseph
    • Not Concorded
• Additional Discussion
  • Motion: Michelle Bargo
  • Seconded: Elizabeth Parady
    • Not Concorded
• Additional Discussion
  • Motion:  Michelle Bargo
  • Seconded: Travis Lockhart
    • Not Concorded

7:33 Other Items

• Motion to change the May Council meeting from 5/15/25 to 5/8/25.  Michelle Bargo
• Seconded: Teresa Joseph
  • Concorded

Adjourned: 7:34

1/16/2025 Council Meeting Minutes
Horizons K-8 School
Meeting Agenda:  Copy of Council Meeting Agenda (Detailed)-January 16, 2025.docx - Google Docs

Call to Order: 5:35 PM

• Quorum established

Facilitators: Sarah Wise, Jasmine GBC
Notetaker: Michelle Bargo
Timekeeper:  Sarah Wise

Attendance:  Barb Anderson, Suzanne Tadros, Elizabeth Parady, Kristin Hauger, Sarah Wise, Allyson Desart, Dereck Monteiro, Katie Todorof, Katie Schwalb, Lauren Yedell, Jasmine GBC, Julie Cohen, Emmy Kurtz, Erin Hess, Elizabeth Parady, Teresa Joseph, Kate Bachtel, John Bogosian, Diana Stone, Quinn GBC, Erica Harrington

• & neighborhood attendees Ann Z., Marsha M

5:36  Mindfulness practice - Kristin Hauger

5:40  Welcome - Sarah Wise

• Sarah is leading facilitation training at Horizons.  Everyone is welcome to participate in the next training on 1/24/25 at 8:30 AM.
• We will pause as needed to openly discuss the facilitation process.

Communication Agreements/Procedure/Concordance/Minutes

5:44  Head of School Updates:  Jasmine GBC

• Open Enrollment Update:  Horizons had an excellent OE push this year.  We expect kindergarten to be full for 25/26 and hope to be full at the other grade levels as well.
• Approval of Revised Council Budget:  There were some changes related to moving the Spring Gala to Boulder Embassy Suites and spending only half of the original amount for the playground upgrades during this fiscal year (50K of the allotted 100K).
  • Motion: To approve the Revised Council Budget.  Teresa Joseph
    • Seconded: Barb Anderson
      Concorded
• Flexibility in our Agenda:  GBC and Travis Lockhart set the monthly Council agenda and will make an effort to sequence the agenda items into the appropriate order.
• Open Forum (1 minute) - Intro (This open forum procedure is in the Family and Student Handbook.  This time is to introduce topics that might reappear in later agendas.)
  • Derek Monteiro - Derek and Dulce bought 15 hammocks in Brazil for the school and plan to build a hammock reading area for all!
  • Teresa Joseph - Teresa’s daughter will be in kinder next year, and at her preschool (JCC) there is a lot of excitement about Horizons with many of her current classmates planning to attend Horizons next year.
  • Barb Anderson - Let’s work on keeping momentum going for enrollment in the coming years.  She suggests summer meet-ups for incoming families.  Also, if you have a child in preschool please talk to other families about Horizons.
  • Katie Schwalb - Thanks for purchasing Max’s note cards (set up outside the meeting) which are raising funds for the LA Equestrian Center after the LA fires.  This is part of the Changemakers project for 3rd and 4th graders.  
  • Lauren Yedell - Fraiser Meadows’ proposed expansion includes a below-ground parking garage for 300+ vehicles and a 4-story building on their campus.  There are major concerns about the increased traffic and the fact that a large complex is not in alignment with the neighborhood.  You can contact the city planner for this project.
    • Upcoming meeting with the City Planning Board is on 1/21/2025 at City Hall (or virtual) and we need community members to attend to voice their opinions.
  • Ann and Marsha (from the neighborhood) - Their committee is requesting a greater setback from the transportation corridor along Sioux Dr. for safety and accessibility.  They feel like it makes sense to add housing for seniors, but are looking for a safer, more compact design.  Also, the construction is slated to begin in the fall and will involve 1000’s of truckloads of fill dirt coming and going right beside the school just for the below-ground parking garage construction.
    • Frasier Meadows Flyer and Draft Email option
    • Concept review with drawings, Site Plans 1, Site Plans 2
• March Council Meeting Move
  • The March Council meeting is currently scheduled during conferences.  Motion to move the March Council meeting to 3/13/25 and the March Board meeting to 3/6/2025. 
    • Seconded:  Erica Harrington
      • Concorded

6:10  Hawks Happenings

• Kate Batchell - Learning Lab 
  • Kate shared a new Vagus Nerve card deck and expressed gratitude for a new collection of books and new math curriculum resources.
  • BVSD has a new statement about neurodiversity but there is more work to be done to achieve an effective district policy.  Could this be taken to DAC by Horizons’ DAC Rep?
• Erin Hess 5/6 science class:
  • Students created and presented their own “Bill Nye Science Guy” segments.  Groups picked candy experiments, researched the chemistry, and created engaging video segments.  We watched an entertaining science video created by her students.

6:30  Committee Updates

• Development Committee:  Kristin Hauger
  • Hawks Bucks has raised around $50,000, which is less money than had been raised at this time last year.  The goal is $100,000 and goes directly into the Council budget.
    • How can we communicate to the community about what was purchased with the donations from last year?  Could there be an annual report?
  • #BigKidsPlayToo - The middle school playground project will be a collaborative endeavor with Boulder Parks and Recreation.  The new playground will be a nature-based project including natural materials, native plantings, and earthworks.  Time estimates for the project timeline range from 6 - 12 months.
  • Prom Rewind Gala - Lauren Yedell
    • The committee is working hard to plan the auction on 4/26/2025 at Embassy Suites Boulder.  We are looking for more volunteers and sponsorships/ donations for the event.  Contact: hk8auction@gmail.com
• EDB - Allyson Desart
  • GBC led the previous Coffee Connections and will be leading another on 2/7, on the topic of Black History Month.  Banned Book Club reads a new book monthly.  Be the Change message: Let’s fight mental health stigma.
  • Taste of Horizons (community potluck) is 2/28/25 at 6 PM.  
• HCG - Barb Anderson
  • Pancake Breakfast is on 1/24.  Please volunteer to help with this event.  On 1/30 HCG is showing the movie Join or Die, and before the February Council meeting HCG will be hosting a charcuterie night.  Yearbook sales end 2/7.  The annual Horizons camping trip is at the very beginning of summer break.  Email Joy Piper to reserve your spot.
  • HCG plans to highlight parent volunteers in Skylines each week to show different ways of volunteering at Horizons.
  • New idea: Ask the teachers what they need for their classrooms and post this wish list on a Horizons HelpAtSchools message board.  If someone in the community has any extra items, they can be donated to the classrooms.
• With the extra 5 minutes in this section of the agenda, attendees expressed gratitude for all of the 100’s of hours of effort that goes into running Horizons!

Throughout: Facilitation conversations occurred throughout the meeting.

• When we had gone over-time on a topic, we briefly discussed whether we should add more time or request that people hold questions until the end of the meeting.
• The facilitator can periodically pause a meeting to ask clarifying questions.  This strategy works well when we are within our time limits.
• On the agenda, we can solve some time-keeping dilemmas by allotting specific amounts of time for each individual bullet point, rather than showing a larger chunk of time for entire sections.

Additional Items for Discussion: 

• The vacuums that were approved at the last Council meeting have been purchased, as has a new scrubber machine that Daniel and Don use.
• There is a long open enrollment wait list in all grades except 7/8.  
• Friday 1/24 from 8:30 - 10:00 there will be a facilitation training with Sarah Wise that is open to all!

Adjourned:  7:07 PM

12/19/2024 Council Meeting Minutes
Horizons K-8 School
Meeting Agenda:  Copy of Council Meeting Agenda (Detailed)-December 19, 2024.docx - Google Docs

Annual Cookie Exchange 5:00 - 5:30

Call to Order: 5:37 PM

• Quorum established

Facilitators: Jasmine GBC, Kristin Hauger, Travis Lockhart
Notetaker: Michelle Bargo

In-Person Attendance: Travis Lockhart, Jasmine GBC, Kristin Hauger, Julie, Teresa Joseph, Michael Joseph, Shoshana Kressler, Lauren Yedell, Allyson Desart, Suzanne Tadros, Sarah Wise, Elizabeth Parady, Michelle Bargo, Oliver Eliasson, Tracy Eliasson, Linnea O’Shea-Stone, Stephanie Landrum, Taylor Lockhart, Marybeth Lockhart

Virtual Attendance:  Christian Bartels, Jeff van Goete, Gina Lee De Freitas

5:37  Mindfulness Meditation: Kristin Hauger

Communication Agreements/Procedure/Concordance/Minutes - Please review these agreements.

Quarterly SAC Meeting: GBC

• Horizons’ charter renewal is beginning next year.  We are in communication with other charters who are currently in the renewal process, including Peak to Peak and Boulder Prep.  We want to do our research regarding contracted services such as IT and special education.
• Current enrollment is 363 students with 1 student pending.
• Budget review through 10/24: Our fundraising amount is up to $65K, and we have incurred $9K in expenses for the spring auction.
  • New policy: All requests for Council Funds over $300 will now need to go through FRC before being proposed and voted on in Council.  
• Stock Donations: Christian Bartel:  This is a new option for donations to Horizons!  Horizons now has a Vanguard account for donations of any publicly traded stocks.  This can have significant tax benefits for donors!
  • Matching Donations: Many employers will match both cash donations and stock donations.
• DAC Report: GBC
  • There is a new charter school up for approval in BVSD, Bel Swan, which is in Broomfield.  There has not been a new charter school in the district for quite a long time so it’s encouraging that BVSD appears to be favorable towards Bel Swan.
• Next SAC Meetings: 2/20/25, 4/17/25  

6:05  Hawks Happenings

• Middle School Special Education: Stephanie Landrum
  • Kate Batchel and Stephanie Landrum are interested in facilitating a monthly gifted & talented/ special education support meeting for families.  This is also a funding request because they are seeking reimbursement for their time.
    • Next steps: survey interest among the community, approach FRC with this request for funds, bring the request back to Council

6:10  Committee Reports

• Development Committee: Kristin Hauger, Lauren Yedell, Allyson DeSart
  • The Spring Auction theme is Prom Rewind.  The committee is looking for donations for the auction.  They are also seeking sponsorships.  The Auction Committee is always looking for more volunteers who want to have lots of fun!
  • Artastic was a huge success!  The event earned $6000 for Horizons. 
  • Hawks Bucks and CO Gives: We’ve raised about $48K so far, and aim to raise $100K during the 24/25 school year.
  • The Horizons Choir was a wonderful presence at the Boulder Parade of Lights. Special thanks to Holland and Nikki for their efforts.
  • This has been a very successful open enrollment season!  The open enrollment tours were very well-attended and there was an excellent middle school panel.  The Horizons Marketing Video was also an amazing contribution to the OE push.
    • Discussion of using entrance and exit surveys to help us gather data.  
• EDB:  Allyson Desart
  • EDB has been testing new formats.  This year EDB is hosting many events but meeting less frequently.  Events include: A Banned Book Club, Be the Change, Share-A-Gift, and Taste of Horizons (Friday 2/28/25 from 6-8).
• HCG: Allyson Desart
  • HCG organizes classroom liaisons, Coffee Connections, Knitting Club, Pancake Breakfast (1/24/25), Join Or Die viewing (1/30/25).

6:49  Budget Asks and New Business:

Vacuum Cleaners:  Shoshana Kressler

• Shoshana prepared a spreadsheet to provide more information for this ongoing discussion.  Vacuum Information - Sheet1.pdf - Google Drive
• There is approximately $900 remaining in a GoFundMe account that is available to be donated to this cause.
• Motion: To contribute $1550 of Council funds to purchase 12 new vacuum cleaners as outlined on the above spreadsheet.
  • Second: Allyson Desart
  • Concorded

New Business: Jeff van Goete

• Jeff asked to move the new business and voting issues to the start of Council meetings to facilitate increased community participation.  Discussion about the technology used for virtual participants and the pros and cons of the sequence of topics on the agenda.  Should this proposal be trialed at 1 upcoming Council meeting?  When will the facilitation training process begin?  Will the facilitation training accomplish some of these same goals?  The stated goal of the proposal is to increase attendance.  How would we measure data to know whether the proposed change improves attendance? 
• Motion: To move new council business and known voting issues to the start of Council meetings to right after the HOS Updates for only the 1/2025 and 2/2025 meetings. -Travis Lockhart
  • Seconded: Jasmine GBC
  • Not concorded

Adjourned: 7:30 PM

11/21/2024 Council Meeting Minutes

Horizons K-8 School

Meeting Agenda:  Copy of Council Meeting Agenda (Detailed) – November 21, 2024.docx - Google Docs

Call to Order: 5:36 PM

• Quorum established

Facilitators: Jasmine GBC, Kristin Hauger, Travis Lockhart

Notetaker: Michelle Bargo

Timekeeper:  Michelle Bargo

Present in-person:  Rachel Clionsky, Peter Hegelbach, Emmy Kurtz, Coral Bargo, Michelle Bargo, Elizabeth Parady, Julie Cohen, Jim Freund, Lynn Pence, Teresa Joseph, Michael Joseph, Becky Vincelette, Travis Lockhart, Sarah Wise, Allyson DeSart, Kristen Hauger, Jasmine GBC, Suzanne Tadros, Danielle Turner, Marybeth Lockhart, Taylor Lockhart, Izah Lockhart, Lauren Yedell, Julie Layne, Mike Ashmore, Dulce Monteiro, Quinn Grave Black Clemmons, David Biagioni, Shoshana Kressler, Jennifer Koenigsberger, Erica Harrington, Dave Brown, Derek Fehrer

Present virtually: Jeff van Greete, Karen Lewis Dalton, Dave Brown

5:38  Welcome/ Mindfulness: Kristin Hauger

5:40  HOS Updates:  GBC

• Update on Enrollment: 
  • Pink Sheet: 358 students are officially enrolled; we will be funded at this number for 24/25.
    • Grades 2-8 are now full.  We would still like to fill open K seats.
  • Current: 360 are currently enrolled but 2 enrolled after the 10/1 count date so there is no additional funding for those seats.
• Enrollment Plan for next year & thoughts from faculty:  
  • Outreach!  Marketing!
  • We plan to provide BVSD with different enrollment numbers for K-2 next year because each year several students are given a first round spot and then don’t end up attending Horizons due to their educational needs and Horizons’ ability to meet those needs.  We’ll open 48 spots for K, anticipating that we won’t end up keeping all students who receive an offer.  For 1-2 we will also increase our enrollment numbers slightly, to 92, anticipating that some will not ultimately attend Horizons.
  • As a last resort, we could potentially accept an additional class of 3/4 students in the future. 
• Celebrations: We were named on the list of best elementary schools and best middle schools in U.S. News and World Report!

5:52  Introductions of all in attendance: Names, relationships to Horizons, and gratitude

6:17  Hawks Happenings

• Changemakers - Adam (3/4) - The Changemakers unit covers influential figures in the country and around the world.  Students read biographies and learn about youth change makers who make a difference in their community.
• S.C.O.P.E. - Rachel Clionsky (5/6) - This is an amazing program!  CU brought 8 scientists into the classroom to cover science topics including ph and chemical reactions.  The final project was “elephant’s toothpaste” which creates a very exciting chemical reaction!

6:23  Committee Reports

• Development Committee: Kristin Hauger
  • We are always looking for more volunteers!
  • Artastic is on 12/6 from 11-3.
  • Grant-writing: Horizons won a grant from Ecocycle and we are putting an EV charger in the parking lot!
  • Spring Gala will be at Embassy Suites this year.  The theme is Prom Rewind!
  • The Hawksbucks campaign has launched on CO Gives (now through 12/10).  Thanks Teresa Joseph!  Here’s the link to donate:  Horizons K-8 School | ColoradoGives.org
  • We watched the AMAZING new promotional video produced by Kristin Hauger, Suzanne Tadros, and Lauren Yedell!
  • The Social Media Committee is always working to spread the word through various networks.
  • Thanks to Christian Bartels, we now have a Vanguard account so that stock donations are possible.  There is a tax advantage to this.
  • #BigKidsPlayToo - The new playground addition is in the development phase and will involve collaboration with Boulder Parks and Rec for a more nature-based space.
• HCG: (Horizons Community Group) Allyson Desart
  • Friday 12/13 Coffee Connections - Kerry Lingenfelter is presenting on Raising Mindful Kids.
  • Knitting Club - 12/20
  • Pancake Breakfast - 1/24/25 - Volunteers needed!
• EDB: (Equity, Diversity, & Belonging) Allyson Desart
  • This year, EDB is more integrated into the community than in past years.  For example, EDB planned a cultural coffee connections, hosts a banned book club, and involves an ongoing padlet conversation!
  • The second annual Taste of Horizons is Friday, 2/28/2025.  Hope to see you there!

6:48  New Budget Asks/ New Business

• Replacement vacuums: Shoshana Kressler
  • Many classroom vacuums are in a state of disrepair.  Ten teachers have requested new vacuums at this time.  Shoshana is requesting commercial grade vacuums at a cost of $4000-$5000, and has been in contact with a BVSD representative.
  • 6 minute discussion: What is the cost for maintenance and repairs?  Will BVSD pay for our repairs even though we are a charter school?  Could a child operate this vacuum (since kids will be using them in school)?  Will the vacuums fit in the designated classroom closets?  What is the long-term plan for future vacuum replacement?   Can this entire issue be resolved by switching to BVSD custodial services?  
  • Motion: To allocate $5000 for purchasing new vacuum cleaners for some classrooms most in need.
    • Not concorded.
• Facilitator Training for our community ($1500-$2000): GBC
  • At the 11/14 Board Meeting we passed a motion to incorporate facilitation training into the community with the intention of improving the concordance process at Council meetings.  
  • 3 minute discussion: How many community members would be able to participate? (We could fill the Hub.)  Apprenticeships would be smaller, with 1 or 2 people facilitating a meeting and receiving coaching from Sarah Wise.  Participants should commit to being engaged in Horizons Council meetings and other Horizons events to bring their facilitation knowledge to the community.
  • Motion: To allocate $2000 out of Council budget for facilitator training.
    • Seconded: Mike Ashmore
    • Concorded (Sarah Wise recused herself from this vote.) 
• Policy for revisiting Council decisions:  During the 10/17/2024 Council meeting it was determined that we would return to a historical classroom cleaning model.  Families can volunteer to clean classrooms at least twice per year per student and/or pay a voluntary donation which goes towards vacuum cleaners or cleaning supplies.  No outside cleaners are allowed.
  • Bylaw review: section 3.11, 3.12, 4.1 
  • 3 (+) minute discussion: Are there ways to involve more parents in these conversations, even if they don’t attend meetings?  We re-read the Horizons vision statement.  A parent expressed disappointment that we haven’t made progress on improved classroom cleaning.  The professional cleaners that were coming were not cleaning well.  Reminder of the communication agreements, that everyone here is coming with the best interest of the children in mind.  A parent expressed that there has been a complete disconnect between the conversation about mice in the building this year and cleanliness in the classroom.  (There has been no evidence of mouse infestation in any classrooms this year (i.e., there are no droppings, urine, trapped animals, etc.)  BVSD and the building custodians have inspected the spaces in question and found no concerns.)  We privately contract our custodial services because this provides a better service than BVSD custodial services provides.  Daniel and Don are amazing and they are members of the Horizons community.  In the 23/24 school year, GBC insisted that BVSD provide the same mitigation to our building that they had provided to the kitchen space.
• Compromise proposal: Deep for the Whole School 2x per year, Winter Break/Spring Break (Fundraised by parents) by a bonded commercial company not associated with the school community.  (This compromise proposal will not give everyone everything that they want.  However, parents could feel that they get some things that they want.)
  • 6 (+) minute discussion: A parent expressed confusion about the previous discussions around classroom cleaning.  There is an opportunity cost to continuing this cleaning conversation month after month, as discussing cleaning means that we are not focusing on other issues that come up.   There are concerns about tangential fundraising that are separate from the school-wide fundraising for school programming because it becomes confusing.  There has been a loss of historical knowledge post-covid regarding why classrooms have historically been cleaned the way they are cleaned at Horizons.  A parent suggested that she both cleans and brings in bulk cleaning supplies, and surely there is a way that parents who can’t spare the time to clean could help contribute these cleaning supplies to their classrooms.  There is already a system in place for contributing money to classroom cleaning, so it will be confusing if we add another system.  At the 10/17/24 Council meeting, it was concorded that there would not be outside cleaners, and also that any money that had already been privately raised should be either refunded or put towards vacuums or cleaning supplies, depending on what individual donors wished.  This has not yet happened.
  • Motion:  Deep clean for the Whole School 2x per year, Winter Break/Spring Break (Fundraised by parents) by a bonded commercial company not associated with the school community.   (classrooms and common spaces NOT the kitchen)  Travis Lockhart
    • Not seconded or concorded

Adjourned:  7:57 PM

10/17/2024 Council Meeting Minutes
Horizons K-8 School
Meeting Agenda:  Copy of Council Meeting Agenda (Detailed) – October 17, 2024.docx - Google Docs

Call to Order: 5:34 PM

• Quorum established

Facilitators: Kristin Hauger, Travis Lockhart, Jasmine GBC

Notetaker: Michelle Bargo

5:34 PM - Welcome Meditation - Kristin Hauger

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5:41 PM - Built-In SAC Meeting - GBC

• This is the first of 4 built-in SAC Meetings at Council this school year.  Future SAC Meetings will occur at the following Council meetings: Dec. 19, Feb. 20, Apr. 17
• Principal’s Update
  • Our 24/25 enrollment totals are either 359 or 361, depending on how BVSD calculates the count.
  • Horizons Budget: 
    • Fund 11 is based on our student enrollment numbers and covers operating costs.   No interest is earned on this account.
    • Council Budget is money that we have earned through fundraising.  This account earns interest.
    • BVSD just reimbursed some overcharged funds from 23/24.
    • In 5/24 Council approved approximately $215 K for various purchases.  The transfer may or may not occur this fiscal year.  
  • UIP (Unified Improvement Plan): 
    • Based on CMAS scores, we are in the highest category of school performance.  Horizons is consistently high in performance.
    • Horizons showed relatively less progress in the category of growth last year.  
    • Our UIP is to improve math differentiation with a focus on grades 3/4.  The goal is more leveled math groups.  Last school year in math: 
      • 45% of 3/4 students experienced a year’s worth of growth in math last year
      • 75% of middle school students experienced a year’s worth of growth in math last year
• DAC Report - Becky Goddard
  • Board of Ed report: 
    • There are policy issues related to the upcoming elections:  
      • BVSD is opposed to Amendment 80 (school of choice).  The reason for this opposition is that the amendment is worded in a way that creates a gateway to public vouchers for private schools.
      • BVSD is in support of RTD measure 7A.
    • The district is looking at increasing the math and science hours required for HS graduation from 20 to 30 hours.
    • In the future, Becky will have the opportunity to present perspectives from Horizons to DAC.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6:16 PM - Nine Horizons docents took parents on tours of the pop-up art exhibit on display.  Thank you to Persephone, Corwin, Francesca, Freya, Miller, Louisa, Allen, Elja, and Jaclyn!

6:48 PM - Hawks Happenings

• Kim Paplawski, Megan Siat, & Fran Cohen presented slides from several recent 1/2 field trips: 
  • YMCA of the Rockies: Students experienced low ropes, team building, stream ecology, and more.  There was a magical moment when elk gathered nearby.  
  • Jeff & Paige concert in Burke Park
  • Walden Ponds 
  • Growing Gardens - The kids really enjoyed wearing the bee-keeping suits.
  • Denver Botanic Gardens
  • Sombrero Marsh

7:04 PM - Classroom Cleaning: Discussion Protocol - Kristin Hauger

• There are 2 existing classroom cleaning practices at Horizons:
  • Families have historically volunteered to do the classroom cleaning.
  • Parents who can’t volunteer to clean the classrooms have in the past paid a “cleaning fee” as a way to contribute.
• Community comments
• Breakout groups
• Motion:  Return to a historical classroom cleaning model.  Families can volunteer to clean classrooms at least twice per year per student and/or pay a voluntary donation which goes towards vacuum cleaners or cleaning supplies.  No outside cleaners are allowed.
  • Seconded: Elizabeth Parady
  • Concorded

** Attendees can independently review the final agenda items individually due to the late hour.  Find a link to the agenda at the top of this document.

Adjourned:  7:42 PM

9/19/2024  Council Meeting Minutes
Horizons K-8 School
Meeting Agenda: 9/19/24

5:00 - 5:45  Chili Cook-Off!!  

Call to Order: 5:47 PM

• Quorum established

Facilitators: Jasmine GBC, Kristin Hauger

Notetaker: Michelle Bargo

5:50   Intention-setting, Mindfulness, & Communication Activity - Kristin Hauger

• We all read the Horizons Communication Agreement and the discussed parts that felt most important to us individually and as a community.  Faculty already participated in this exercise and Kristin added our perspectives from the Council to the document that the faculty started.  

6:18  Chili Cook-Off Winners - Theresa Greene

• 3rd Place:  Allyson Desart (chicken chili)
• 2nd Place:  Linnea O’Shea-Stone (cheesy chicken corn chili)
• 1st Place:  Kate Hughes  (white bean chicken chili)
• Best dessert:  Allyson Desart (peach cobbler)

6:20  Hawks Happenings:

• Julie Cohen - 3/4 - Presented the “Economy Project” that all classes participated in.  Third and fourth graders signed employment contracts, earned weekly paychecks, and paid taxes.  They also rented their desk space, purchased their school supplies, and saved up for privileges.   The kids are having their retirement parties tomorrow!  
• Cristina Cozzoli - 3/4 STEAM - Created a Build-a-Bridge-on-a-Budget activity to correspond with the Economy Project.  
• Natalie Bauer - K - Presented on the kinder outdoor ed experience at the pond next door.  It was a joyful, nature-filled field trip and Jeff & Paige also came to perform silly songs.  Kinders followed up by writing a book sharing their opinions on their favorite songs from the day.  

6:34   Overview of the Horizons Financial Structure - Jasmine GBC

• Fund 11 - This fund comes directly from PPR (Per Pupil Revenue) and is based on our student enrollment.  BVSD takes 30% for services they provide us, which are mostly consultative.  This fund is what is used as a checking account to cover our operating costs.
  • Discussed the fact that we had hoped to enroll 375 students but are actually well below this number.  This affects our budget so faculty has been tasked with problem-solving the fact that we have long wait lists at grades 3-6 and low enrollment at K, 7, and 8.
• Council Budget - This is fundraised money and we have a bit more flexibility with this fund.  This money can help us cover operating expenses in an emergency but is also used for the extra things that make Horizons special.   At monthly Council meetings, Horizons community members vote on whether to pay for various resources for the school.  
• For more involvement in the Horizons Budget, please consider coming to monthly FRC meetings scheduled on Thursdays during the school day.

6:58  Committee Updates:  

• Middle School Playground Focus Group - Kristin Hauger
  • #BIGKIDSPLAYTOO
  • The committee shifted to a “back-to-nature” concept in a collaboration with Boulder Parks & Rec.  They can offer $500K to improve one Boulder park per year.  We would like our grounds to be one of their projects!  
• Development Committee - Kristin Hauger & Lauren Yedell - Meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 2:30.
  • Artastic - If you’re interested in selling at the market, the deadline is approaching!
  • Colorado Gives Fundraising Campaign (11/1/24 - 12/10/24)
  • Grant Writing Committee is getting started this year.  No experience required!
  • There’s a new Opportunity to fundraise at CU games is an option if someone is interested in taking this on.  Talk to Lauren Yedell.
• EDB (Equity, Diversity, Belonging) - Allyson Desart
  • EDB is changing the format this year from holding monthly meetings to hosting events at the school.  The Banned Book Club is happening again this year, with monthly asynchronous book “discussions.”
• Small Recruitment Committee - Recruiting kindergarteners for this year and upcoming years by reaching out to preschools!
• HCG (Horizons Community Group) -  Rachel Mentz
  • HCG has set up a new HCG website this  year:   horizonsk8.org
    • Go to the bottom of the webpage, find the calendar tab, and there is a way to add the Horizons calendars to your device.
  • HCG also runs Coffee Connections, All-School Fall Dance, Clothing & Gear Swaps, Plant Sale, Feed the Teachers sign-ups, Community Movie, and so much more!

7:27  On the Horizon

• SAC (School Accountability Committee) - Becky Goddard is our Horizons SAC rep this year!  GBC plans to add a SAC conversation to 4 Council meetings this year.  This would save time for all who attend Horizons meetings.  
• Classroom Cleaning - Historically, families signed up to clean their student’s classroom for a couple weeks per year.  This taught students to take responsibility for their school space, brought parents into the classroom, and allowed Horizons to allocate funds differently from district schools.   There has been some question about whether to continue this tradition and also about clarifying the goals of classroom cleaning.  Once upon a time families could make a payment in lieu of volunteering to clean their students’ classrooms.  Regardless of the decision that’s made regarding requesting that families volunteer, pay, or a combination of the two, the front office cannot be responsible for managing classroom cleaning.
  • Do we want to allow parents to volunteer OR pay for classroom cleaning, whatever makes sense for them?
  • Some community members feel that the amount of time required to clean classrooms in lieu of a payment is difficult for their families to contribute.  Other community members feel that the amount of money requested in lieu of volunteering to clean is difficult for their families to contribute.
  • GBC proposes that we move this discussion to the next Council meeting. 
    • Seconded: John Bogosian
    • Agreed upon

Adjourned:   8:29 PM