Swain Association Agenda
February 14, 2017 8:15 AM
Welcome
Heather Reese, Swain Association President
The Swain School Update/Comments
Dr. Shannan Schuster, Head of School, discussed the following:
 State of School Meeting on Wednesday, March 8 at 7 PM. At the
meeting, Dr. Schuster will discuss where we are and where she sees
that the school is heading. There will be childcare provided.
 Food at Swain: Dr. Schuster met with a Food Service Company
(Sage) that specializes in independent schools. Last Friday, a group
of Swain faculty and parents visited two schools that use this
company so they could see it in action. They saw that there was
definitely an upgrade in food, but the challenge is that the company
requires that all students be enrolled in the program. Dr. Schuster
is arranging for the company to come and let parents sample the
food, and will try to arrange it so that the sampling occurs in
conjunction with another Swain event. The earliest that the new
food program would be able to start at Swain is in January 2018 or
the following September.
 Thank you to those who came to the Parent Education Series
presentation by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek. The turnout was good for
February, but the school is looking to draw 200 people for the next
presentation in the Parent Education Series on April 19. The next
presenter is Rachel Simmons, a phenomenal speaker and
relationship expert who will address navigating relationships in
school and life.
 Mrs. Tacaks and Mrs. Haussman are retiring at the end of the
school year. If anyone knows of any candidate, let Dr. Schuster
know. There will be internal musical chairs before announcing job
openings but the school is always looking for good candidates.
 Seventh grade over-night trip to visit 6 secondary schools. Seventh
grade is invited to visit a variety of schools including boarding and
single sex schools. This gives students exposure to different types of
schools. Trip will be at no cost.
Bradley Hirsh, Swain Association Faculty Representative, noted the
following:
 Faculty expressed appreciation of parent’s support.
 7th and 8th grades PJAS regionals on Feb. 25
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2 optional winter outdoor trips coming up: Lake George and
Dogsledding in Maine.
Folami Young asked for donations of non-wire hangers for the Cougar
Closet—place in a bin on the Bistro Stage. She asked that people contact her if
they would like to help sort and hang clothing. Cougar Closet is an easy source of
revenue for the school and is nice to pass down clothing.
Katy Lange, Treasurer, walked through the Swain Association financial
handout. The new Holiday Happenings brought in $500, used uniforms brought
in $3800 so far, and water machine brought in $55. Katy noted that the Swain
Association has made less than it had at the same time last year, due to a shift in
focus on community events.
Karen Fabiano, Director of Enrollment Management, discussed the
following:
 Applications have doubled. There is already a wait list for certain grades.
 Re-enrollment contracts will be sent out in March, to be returned by
March 15. Please return them in a timely manner so that the school can
assess teacher/classroom needs for the upcoming year.
 March 7, 9-11 AM, there is a Beginning School Open House event
 March 11, Swain School actors in the Middle School production of The
Lion King will be at Young at Art expo. Swain’s actors will perform at
11:45.
 April 8 and 22 will be “Maker Saturdays” for current and prospective
Swain students. More info to come.
 In May, Swain will introduce Try-it Fridays for PS, PK, and K students.
More info to come.
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Dina Kovats-Bernat, Director of Advancement, noted that:
Auction ticket prices are discounted in February so buy your ticket now.
Auction has received many sponsors and has a good start.
Auction committee has received many exciting donations and is always
looking for more.
Change this year—sit-down dinner. Feel free to put tables together.
Upcoming Events
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Auction Committee Meeting, every Wednesday, 8:15-9:15 AM in
Community Room
Swain Social—Thursday, Feb. 16, 7:00-9:00 PM at Carmel Restaurant,
$15 for unlimited appetizers and one drink. Please bring a monetary or
gift card donation to Swain Auction
No School—Friday, Feb. 17-Monday, Feb. 20. School resumes Tuesday,
Feb. 21.
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Parent/Teacher Conferences—Friday, Feb. 17
Open House for Beginning School—Tuesday, March 7, 9:00-11:00 AM
State of the School Presentation—Wednesday, March 8, 7:00 PM
Next Swain Association meeting—Tuesday, March 14, 8:15 AM
The Lion King, Middle School Musical—Friday, March 17, 7:30 PM,
Saturday March 18, 11 AM and 7:30 PM
o Sign-up Genius request forthcoming--need volunteers to
help with makeup, costumes, other small but important ways to
help.
Ice Skating at Steel Ice, Bethlehem—A Swain Social Event—March 22,
5:30-7:30 PM, $10/skater for ice and rentals
o Wendy Kontir explained that this is a school-wide event just
for Swain. 8th graders are planning to make a musical list. Paws,
Swain Mascot, will be skating. There is a full bar and restaurant
where adults can watch the kids.
Awesome Activities Reports
Dina mentioned that Swain’s collected Box Tops will be donated to the Ramos
School in Allentown. This will be a community service project for Swain. Swain
already donated a huge shopping bag and the Ramos School was delighted. Swain
will continue to collect Box Tops to donate.
Katie Criscuolo mentioned the 4th grade trip to Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty,
and the Tenement Museum. Children pretended to be immigrants coming into
the US and went through the same procedures to see if they would be accepted.
Sleds: 1st graders worked with Mr. Sauers and their science teacher to design and
build sleds. They are testing their sleds this week, and on Thursday, all grades
will enjoy sledding in the snow.
Ski trip for 5-8 graders: very fun and perfect weather.
Karen Fabiano mentioned that tours are impressed to see the boots in the
hallway. Prospective families love that students are allowed to play outside in the
winter.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 AM