PenOhio



MEETING AGENDA/MINUTESPenOhio Advisory CommitteeMarch 31, 2016Crave Restaurant, Akron, OhioATTENDING:Thomas Merrill, Project DirectorCourtney Clarke, Tri-CDon Brighenti, Sponsorship CoordinatorEmily Grannis, Squire Patton BoggsJackie Lovelace, J.A. Garfield SchoolsDr. Francis Broadway, University of AkronMike Fejes, Hudson City SchoolsDr. Harold Foster, Power of the Pen TrusteeCarol Shoop, Revere Local SchoolsBarb Cockroft, Ohio Department of EducationLinda Corman, Revere Local SchoolsKristin Friend, Soles LawABSENT/REGRETS: Bill Nemeth, JumpStartTracy Strobel, CCPLJulia Boxler, CCPLLinda Fergason, The Portage FoundationGarth Holman, Teachers For TomorrowAmy Adams, CAC Portage CountyHenderson Ellis, Kent State University Jean McFarren, Stark County Dist. LibraryCorrine Alldridge, Aurora Library Lynn Kelly, WQMXBrian Matthews, Plain Local SchoolsDave Nedrich, Parma Area ChamberWelcome and Introductions: Tom Merrill thanked volunteers for their involvement and each introduced himself/herself to the group.Meeting Purpose: Tom stated that the meeting purpose was to begin the process of establishing volunteer leadership and governance for the development of PenOhio and PenUSA as a non-profit movement to support better writing instruction in schools.Inspiration for Our Work: The Jake Van De Walle story, Byzantine Dust Motes(Attachment)The Research Basis of PenOhio (Attachment: PPT Slides): Tom Merrill gave a walk-up to the foundation/formation of PenOhio and provided an overview of 3 formative research projects which undergird the project. See Attachment PPT Slides for highlights:2008 Program Evaluation by Ashland University2010 High School Program Modeling Study with The Nord Family Foundation2015 PenUltimate Course Pilot with The Martha Holden Jennings FoundationPenOhio 2016Tournament Overview: Tom Merrill provided an overview of the May 14 event, including “Who, What, Where, When”. A summary of remarks is contained in the Attachments for the petition Procedures: Jackie Lovelace reported on the mechanics underlying the May 14 event. To date, Jackie and her team have written Rules, Gridding, Judging/Scoring instructions, and a schedule of Awards. Don Brighenti is quoting several vendors for required materials and awards. Tom Merrill is posting rules, coaching instructions and other documentation for coaches on PenOhio..Team Practices: Mike Fejes is overseeing weekly team practices (an 8-week pre-tournament series). Mike’s team practice videos are catalogued on the PenOhio. website, and are available to all enrolled schools. Feedback on Mike’s work has been fantastic.Sponsors: Don Brighenti reported on the status of fund raising efforts. He noted that schools are not paying for anything but food and travel to the tournament in this inaugural year. To date, with an ambitious goal of $60k for the 2016 season, Don reported that 50% of funds are in. Don asked all committee members to email him with any fund raising suggestions: don.planetc@.Near-Term GoalsCommitment of Advisors to serve as Founding Trustees: By show of hands, meeting attendees were asked to signify their approval of converting Advisory Committee membership to Trustee-ship. All approved.Formal filing for 501c3 status: An informal vote was taken to establish consensus on the formal filing of PenOhio for 501c3 status with the IRS. A unanimous vote in favor was recorded. Committee member Emily Grannis of Squire Patton & Boggs will begin the process of filing immediately.Request for collaboration with Power of the Pen: Tom Merrill stated that there has been consistent outreach to Power of the Pen requesting organizational endorsement and collaboration. He stated that there has not been a response. Spring fund raising and grants push: Don Brighenti advised that fund raising efforts will continue in earnest until tournament day (May 14). Thereafter, PenOhio will immediately begin to push for grant funding for the 2017 cycle.2017 planning: Don noted that, with a successful May 14 even, 2017 will feature 4 regionals (each quadrant of Ohio). In 2018, the project will seek to seat regionals beyond the State of Ohio.Advisor Input: Comments & SuggestionsThe committee discussed the need to seat meetings for the purposes of (1) Library call for volunteers, (2) Library/host site tech and document imaging plan.Jackie Lovelace suggested that Advisory Committee members review Rules, and other documentation now posted to PenOhio..Concerns were expressed that we look very closely at how judging is administered. The suggestion was made to come up with model writings, coupled with evaluations, as an attempt to help judges understand their roles. Barb Cockroft agreed to serve as the Advisory Committee liaison on judging.A discussion took place involving tab room. Members expressed an interest in assuring that the “bugs” are worked out in how papers move from one location to the next since there are 4 locations competing simultaneously. Carol Shoop agreed to serve as Advisory Committee liaison on tab room. Kristin Friend and Linda Corman noted an interest in working in the tab room environment.A suggestion was made to immediately pursue media coverage. Tom Merrill noted that several news media have expressed interest in doing a feature or story on PenOhio. Tom will formalize a news release the first week of April in order to propel PR forward.Next Steps:How can you help? Committee members were asked to reflect on the meeting, review materials and reach out to those who are working on PenOhio daily with comments/suggestions. Tom Merrill, Don Brighenti, Jackie Lovelace, and Mike Fejes are the main contacts.Next meeting: The Advisory Committee will meet quarterly during 2016. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 30. It will likely take place again at Crave, who proved to be great hosts!Thank you!! ................
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