Minutes of October 13 SMART Meeting
Submitted by Yvonne Lopez-Morton
Participants: Pam Austin, Joe Dressler, Toni Lodge, Denise McKinnon, Yvonne Lopez-Morton, Denise Osei, and Cynthia Vigil
Denise Osei welcomed group and introduced Toni Lodge, who hosted and moderated the meeting at The Native Project.
Group participated in roundtable introductions
Presentation by Denise McKinnon, Community Colleges of Spokane, about Career Transitions Program. Six-week program Monday through Friday and begins October 31 and additional 2012 sessions are scheduled in January, February, April and May. Classes will be conducted in the Institute for Extended Learning’s Magnuson Building at 2917 W. Ft. George Wright Drive. Cost of the program is $300, however some funding will be available for qualified individuals. For more information, contact Denise at 279-6065 or dmckinnon@iel.spokane.edu
Group discussed meeting dates, locations and guest speakers/programs for rest of 2011 and 2012. Schedule is tentative based on availability and confirmations:
2011
November 10: Location: Institute for Extended Learning Lodge
Speaker: Doug Wordell, Spokane Public Schools
Topic: Biometric program at elementary schools
December 8: Location: Perkins Restaurant Downtown
Speaker: Marjorie Davis, SFCC (Confirmed)
Topic: Fellowship breakfast and financial aid
2012
January 12: Location: District 81 Administration Building
Speaker: Fred Schrump/Joan Poirier
Topic: Academic/graduation outcomes
February 9: Location: Emmanuel Family Life Center
Speaker: TBD
GED/Early College
March TBD Location: Washington State University Spokane
Speakers: TBD
Topic: Community Forum
April 12: Location: SFCC
Speakers: Denise Osei and Cynthia Vigil
Topic: Students of Color Community Graduations
May 10: Location: Emmanuel Family Life Center
Speakers: Native Project, Communities in Schools, YWCA, YMCA, Emmanuel Center and others
Topic: Summer youth programs & job opportunities
Group discussed upcoming “Get Connected” Student of Color Day which will be held December 6 at SFCC and possible involvement by SMART or individual members. Denise will connect with Bernice Buchanan to get more details before November meeting
Denise mentioned Early College High School Gathering on October 21 at SFCC at 5 p.m. in the SUB Café at the Falls featuring keynote by Kelly Dotson (Holy Family Hospital) and presentation by Eastern Washington University Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Nu Xi Chapter. Please RSVP ASAP to 533-3768.
Yvonne mentioned that Yvonne Montoya Zamora is receiving the Carl Maxey Racial Justice Award at the November 2 YWCA Women of Achievement Luncheon. Yvonne LM is hosting a table with Yvonne MZ’s family and still has 4 seats open at her table. Toni Lodge announced that Native Project is also hosting a table.
Joe mentioned that the Native Project Wellness Program at Havermale is in progress every Wednesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Havermale High School and the community dinner/education event for students and families is scheduled every third Wednesday. Yvonne said she would like to connect with media to alert them to this wonderful longtime and successful program that engages both students and families and is open to all.
Pam announced she has been transferred from Havermale to Spokane Public School’s administration building.
Cynthia mentioned that the Latinas Unidas group at SFCC is hosting Antonio Gomez on October 27 from 11:30 to 1 in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Yvonne mentioned that in response to legislation passed in Washington regarding enforcement of discrimination in schools, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is finishing their rule making process.
Meeting adjourned