SUMMIT MEETING NOTES

September 14, 2006
Location: College Hill Presbyterian Church

 ACTION ITEMS

The key action items as agreed to in this meeting are as follows:

ATTENDEES: (See Abbreviation Key)

ABSENT:

AGENDA

• Welcome and Introductions
• Agenda Review & Modification
• Review of Minutes from Last Month’s Meeting
• Opening Prayer
• Review of Action Items from Last Month’s Meeting

• Special Announcements

• CHCURC

• College Hill Housing

• CPOP

• Special Discussion Topic – all College Hill Schools

• Community Events & Announcements

DISCUSSION

1.   Special Announcements

(a)  Sheena handed out a flyer for a Mental Health seminar on Sept 21 for the mental well-being of older adults.  She indicated that Llanfair plans to have this seminar two times per year.  She also handed out a flyer for an art exhibit for Oct 6 – 12, also at Llanfair.

(b)  CHBA has developed a folder of information to help recruit new businesses to the avenue.   This was passed around during the meeting. 

(c)  The Pumpkin Patch will be Oct 7, from 10 am to 4 pm, at Town Hall.   They need more volunteers for activities, even if for one hour. 

2.   Review of August 2006 Minutes
Marty handed out notes from the August meeting.   These will be added to and reformatted by Valerie, then issued. 

3.   Review of Action Items from Previous Meetings

None identified 

4.   CHCURC – by Marty Weldishofer

·        There was a Linden Park Design Mtg on August 24.  Neyer has hired an interior designer and is putting together packages for prospective buyers.

·        Marty is now working on the marketing of the College Hill community.  He passed around a copy of Connections magazine from West Chester/Liberty Township, which he is using as one example of the kinds of things that can be done.  He is looking for volunteers to take on collecting information on individual topics to help.  Topics include Attractions, Shopping & Dining, Education, Government, Worship, Health Care, and Business.   His goal is to have this done by mid-October.

·        Property appraisals for the Gateway project have been obtained, and the result is $15/sq ft.   On this basis, the city is going to make an offer to the property owners.

·        The Façade program continues to make progress.   A city architect, Angie Strunc, is on board and working with the Façade Review Committee.   Applications are being reviewed, and a letter will be sent as needed to the applicants to obtain more details and information.   Then Angie and Marty will meet with the applicants individually.

·        CHCURC will have an open meeting on Wed, Oct 4, at 7:30 pm.   They are looking for input. 

5.   College Hill Housing Team – by Housing Team

The selected Housing Developer (WIN) is currently looking for properties to purchase and rehab or tear down for rebuilding.  The team is waiting for the purchases to initiate publicity to the community, in order to avoid price increases on the properties in the neighborhood. 

6.   CPOP/COP/Court Watchers – by Tom Strothers

CPOP met with the Board of Elisha Hall about the parties that have been held there.  More followup to come. 

7.   School Discussion – by School Principals

Eric Thomas gave a presentation on the work and progress at Aiken College & Career.  This is summarized briefly below:

2005/2006 Goals were defined as:

(1)   Positively Impact Climate & Culture

(2)   Increase Academic Achievement & Attendance

(3)   Marketing & Recruiting 

In order to achieve these goals, the following changes were achieved:

Climate & Culture

Decrease in Disciplinary Violations by 48%

Decrease in  Physical Violence by 50%

Zero Incidence of Weapons on School Property

Implemented Uniform Policy (98% Compliance)

New Cell Phone Policy

New Clubs: “Ladies of Aiken” and “Men of Aiken”

12% of Seniors at Cincinnati State (summer) 

Achievement & Attendance

Met state attendance goal of 96%

Improvement on 4 of 5 OGT areas

Improved Performance Index by 5%

18 Students became GE Scholars 

Marketing

Students selecting Aiken College & Career increased by 300%

9^th Graders in Special Ed at 28% (40% for entire school in 2005/06)

Developed formal marketing strategy, hired marketing consultant

Reinstated summer orientation, thirty 9^th Graders attended. 

This year, 2006/2007, the following are focus areas:

Academy Structure

9^th Graders (key drop-out point)

Special Needs Students

Literacy

Males

Staff Development

College Bound Culture 

Ginger Rhodes spoke briefly regarding Aiken University High School.  Ginger has only been in the position a few weeks, but is already working closely with Eric Thomas.   She handed out copies of a recent Cincinnati Enquirer article which described a new buddy system that has been implemented to help ensure students graduate.  She also handed out copies of the Ohio Report Card for Aiken University High School, which indicates that the school is on Academic Watch. 

Tia Yisrael spoke about the recent improvements at Pleasant Hill School.   She shared that thus far in the school year, hallways are quiet.   There is more structure and discipline.   They have added recess, and a Leadership Development program for girls.   Other new initiatives include a penpal program with Llanfair, small financial incentives for good grades, and a new after school program. 

Fr. George Jacquemin shared that the consolidation of St. Clare’s school with St. Bart’s is going well.   The combined school has a total enrollment of about 650. 

Barbara Gordon of College Hill Academy said that the school has improved by 5% on the performance index, and that enrollment has increased, with most students coming from charter schools.   They are currently working on a vision for the school. 

Cheryl Sucher of McAuley High School indicated that McAuley has an enrollment of about 780 young women, with about 35% on financial aid.  The Auditorium is being renovated, and is expected to be completed by Nov 1.   They now have full time Math and Reading tutors on campus.  41 different elementaries are represented in 9^th grade.   

Following the presentations and information sharing, there was a brief discussion.  A few highlights from this are:

·        Scott Engle told us that The Rock is starting a Lego Robotics League, a nationally based competitive program, for kids age 9-14.  Xavier University has provided $1000 from the Physics & Science department to help get this going.  He indicated that The Rock also is trying to develop an after school homework program, and already has 8 full computer stations set up.   They are seeking mature older students to help.

·        Carol Lyon suggested that the schools send Ken Lyon information and materials from the schools so that he can include all this in the e-newsletter.

·        Kevin Ward said that CCCH seems to be evolving into more focus on finding work for youth, and the fostering of relationships.

·        Eric Thomas shared that one of the most powerful impressions on the kids is that they are seeing community people caring about the schools and getting involved.   

10. Announcements & Community Events– by All

¨      Business District – the front of the old D&J jewelry store will be painted as an ice cream shop.   There will be a fund raiser Friday night at the College Hill Coffee Company.

¨      Pumpkin Patch – They need help for set up from 3 pm to dark on Friday night.   

¨      Rhythm Race – Elizabeth gave a big “thank you” to Pleasant Hill for hosting the Rhythm Race.

¨      Aiken – Sept 27 is the Fall Open House and Awards dinner.  Starts at 7 pm

¨      McAuley – There will be a festival on Sept 23, from 7 pm to midnight. 

¨      St. Clare will have an Evening of Excellence in October.  Dinner will be catered by Sturkey’s.

¨      PresbyMade Day – the Presbytery of Cincinnati has selected Cedar Ave in College Hill for a Presbytery-wide volunteer work day.   Barry Stare, a member of CHPC, is coordinator.

Next Summit Meeting: October 12, 2006 @ 8:00 am at Llanfair. 

                                                                                                Summarized by:

                                                                                                Valerie Hershberger

                                                                                                October 11, 2006

Abbreviation Key: