Family Council, School Site Council & FOTM

Family Council Purpose:

The Family Council supports the principal and teachers to provide a dynamic, nurturing, and challenging academic environment for all Mendell students. ALL parents/guardians of Mendell students are automatically part of the Family Council. Yes – that includes YOU!

What does the Family Council do?

• Community Building – work to assure that ALL Mendell families feel welcome and find meaningful ways to participate in our school community through the welcome picnic, our year-end barbeque, parent connections through parent council meetings, communicating volunteer opportunities, empowering families to run with new ideas, and more!

• Fundraising – raise money to support and enrich our school through the December Fundraising Drive, the Mendell Mile, and more!

• Teacher/School Support – help teachers get the things they need and offer enrichment opportunities by:

  • volunteering support for school events and activities (like the art show, outdoor classroom clean up, Mendell Field Day, and more!)

  • showing appreciation for teachers and staff

  • spreading the word about the Mendell to prospective families and throughout the community through open houses, tours, and more!

Who are the Family Council leaders?

In June, parents elect Family Council officers for a one-year term. Any parent/guardian may run for office.

Family Council Officers for the 2021-2022 school year are:

• Amy Light, Fundraising Chair

• Norah Boyle-Rainsford, Communications chair

• Kat Cooney, Events Co-Chair

• Bridget Colvin, Events Co-Chair

BPS Citywide Parent Council representative SY21-22: Sasha Vanderzee, sashaabbyvanderzee@gmail.com

SSC Purpose:

The purpose of the SSC shall be to serve as the central governing body of the school under the school-based management/shared decision-making model. The scope of the Council’s work includes:

• Maintaining the school vision;

• Annually reviewing the school’s progress on indicators of student engagement and achievement;

• Ensuring a plan is in place to address gaps in student achievement;

• Developing school policies;

• Approving the annual school budget

• Hiring personnel

As well, the Council will develop a long term strategic plan focused on outcomes to guide the overall work of the school as a whole. The Council is charged with securing resources and partnerships into the school to support the vision and strategic planning.

Who are the SSC Parent representatives?

SSC representatives for SY 2021-2022

• Lizz Matos

• Jim Mitchell

• Kadiatou Keita

• Ruthann Thomas

• Jeremy Redburn

• Mark Seide - Alternate

Launched in 2009, Parent University was created as the primary strategy to build the capacity of parents to be actively engaged in their child's education. The goal of the program is to "educate and empower parents as partners, advocates, and lifelong teachers in their child's education through educational courses and leadership opportunities."

Learn more about upcoming Parent University workshops and events: https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/parentuniversity

School Dress Code: The School Site Council has established a mandatory school dress code policy for the Mendell. We implemented the policy because it aligns with our school vision of building an inclusive community, in which all students are welcomed and accepted regardless of financial barriers. It also helps display school pride and increases safety when students are off school grounds. Finally, it reinforces our core values because it demonstrates responsibility and respect for our learning community.

The school dress code includes:

• Dark blue bottoms (including pants, capris, skirts, jumpers and knee-length shorts)

• White or light blue tops (t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and blouses with or without our school logo. Aside from our school logo, there should be no other text or images on tops).

• Navy blue, white or light blue sweaters or sweatshirts with or without the school logo only.

• If a student wears a skirt/jumper/dress student should wear white or navy blue tights, socks, knee highs or leggings.

• All students should wear closed-toe flat shoes or sneakers.

The dress code DOES NOT include:

• blue jeans

• short-shorts

• leggings or jeggings worn as pants, or sweatpants.

• open-toed shoes (such as flip-flops) or high-heeled shoes.

• ANY top or bottom with print on it, other than the school logo.

Special considerations:

• If your child has wardrobe limitations due to sensory-sensitivity, disability or age please notify your child’s teacher. As an inclusive community we are committed to working with all families to ensure students are set up for success.

Where can I purchase my child’s uniform?

There is not a specific vendor that we recommend at this time. Families may also choose to purchase uniform clothing at local stores such as Target or Old Navy. This is fine so long as tops and bottoms meet the dress code requirements.

Families in need of uniform support can fill out UNIFORM SUPPORT FORM and our family liaison, Mrs. Jackson, will be in touch with you.

How will we enforce the Mendell policy?

All students are expected to follow the dress code. Additionally, we have loaner shirts available for students who do not come to school wearing their uniform shirt. Please make sure to supervise your child each morning to ensure he/she/they are following the dress code. If you have any specific questions/concerns regarding the uniform policy and your child, please contact your child’s classroom teacher in the fall.