<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div>Good Evening,</div><div><br></div><div>Attached and paste below please find the minutes from our most recent parents' division meeting held last Friday, Nov. 15th. Our next meeting will be Thursday, Dec. 12th at 6PM via zoom.</div><div><br></div><div>Warmly,</div><div>Liz</div><div><br></div><div>*******************************</div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">The MAPBC met on Friday, Nov. 15th. The meeting began at
6:03PM.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Those in attendance included<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Youme Nguyen Ly<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Hai Nguyen Ly<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Stephanie Valdes<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Liz Lesperance<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Jenn Bose<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Liz recited the NFB pledge.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">We did not meet in October. Liz put forth a motion to
approve the September meeting minutes. Youme seconded. The minutes were
approved unanimously.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Stephanie had the link prepared for the 21-minute November
presidential release. <span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">The state convention is approaching in a few months. Shara
advised Stephanie that she booked a suite for childcare. Hai suggested this be
a multi-purpose space. Hai and Youme are preparing to bring supplies for this
room. We would like to have the question of whether childcare is needed
included on the state convention registration form. Stephanie shared that one
child from Maine who participated in the BELL academy this past summer is
interested in attending the state convention. Stephanie will reach out to the
other BELL academy parents to see if there is interest in attending as well.
Stephanie will create a document in our shared folder with the contact info for
the BELL academy participants. Stephanie suggested reaching out to volunteers
who have experience in childcare. Youme also suggested utilizing some of the
individuals who were vetted as part of the BELL academy to supervise as well.
Hai advised that the convention committee should reach out to the MAPBC if
there is a need to utilize this space for a different purpose. Stephanie is
requesting space in the agenda for elections as is stated in our constitution.
We discussed meeting as a division on Friday prior to dinner. Stephanie will
run this by Shara.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">The BELL academy committee is actively planning the 2025
BELL academy which will be Aug. 4th - Aug. 15th. The location is still being
determined but may be in Waltham. We will use contracts this time to ensure
vendors and other resources follow through. We are actively searching for a
lead teacher. Stephanie spoke to the national office to find out what the
requirements are for the lead teacher. The individual must have a strong
knowledge of braille and a background or significant experience in education.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">There is currently a pampered chef fundraiser for the BELL
academy. Stephanie will share these details with Cullen who can add the details
on the affiliate Facebook page.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Stephanie will be attending a seminar in February pertaining
to funding for the BELL academy.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Bertucci’s is willing to do a fundraiser for BELL where all
23 of their locations will participate. There is a flyer with a code and if
customers use this 15% of their order will go to the BELL fundraiser. We will
attempt to secure the required documentation to prove that we are a nonprofit
organization in order to get this fundraiser in motion.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Youme also suggested having a platform or location where
people can donate online.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Our next meeting will be Thursday, Dec. 12th at 6:00PM where
we will focus on our fundraising efforts.<span></span></p>
</div></div></div>