Central High School Parent Advisory Council

  •  

    What is Central’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC)?

    PAC is a group of parents, guardians, community members, and others with a connection to Central High School who meet once a month (7:00-8:30 PM). All are welcome at these meetings - the schedule is below. PAC’s mission is “(t)o support and enhance the education of students and the experience of staff and the school community”. We do this by raising and distributing funds, supporting special projects and initiatives, fostering communication between families and the school, organizing parent volunteers, and finding ways to show our appreciation for Central teachers and staff members. Note that the Central High School PAC is also a registered non-profit group, or 501(c)(3) Organization. 

    What is HUEmyns of Central? 

    Organized by the Central High School PAC officers over the summer of 2020, HUEmyns of Central is a “Special Committee” of the PAC. The mission of HUEmyns of Central is, “(t)o use a racial equity lens to support and enhance the education of all students, with a focus on eliminating barriers and providing equitable opportunities for students of color and building a strong community of all stakeholders at Central High School. HUEmyns of Central Committee meetings are open to all parents, students, community members and others with a connection to Central High School. Meetings are held in collaboration with the PAC meetings.

    If you are interested in joining HUEmyns of Central’s mission/meetings—or finding out more about what this committee is up to, please email us here: HUEmynsofCentral@gmail.com

    Also, please follow us @huemynsofcentral on Instagram! 

     

    How does PAC raise money?

    Once a year, we send a letter to all Central families asking for donations. We coordinate this with a fundraising drive on Give to the Max Day in mid-November. You can donate through our GiveMN website page at any time of the year; please check it out at https://givemn.org/organization/Central-High-School-Parent-Advisory-Council. If your bank uses popmoney, you can also email money directly to PAC at centralpacdonations@gmail.com. Thanks again to all past and future donors! Your money is well spent.

     

    How are PAC funds distributed? 

    Central High School faculty, staff, and student groups make requests of PAC through a common funding form.

    Each individual or group can request up to $250 for educational expenses to be automatically reimbursed when they submit a description and receipt for the expense. 

    Larger educational expense requests can be brought to the PAC executive Board and those will be brought to the PAC meetings for discussion and approval. 

    In the past, the Parent Advisory Council has funded teacher requests (which supports many essential classroom materials such as: foreign language material subscriptions, art supplies, document cameras, and science equipment). Funds have also paid for meals and treats for Central High School staff during conferences, special event transportation, emergency relief supplies, and grade level events (e.g., orientation events, grad party expenses, etc.).

    Why should I go to a PAC meeting? 

    • find out about volunteer opportunities at Central High School for parents/families
    • share ideas & provide input on how Central High School PAC money is spent
    • meet other parents and members of the Central High School community
    • ask questions and find out about resources for families and students

     

    PAC Meeting Dates (2022-2023)

    Note that Central High School PAC meetings will be conducted via Zoom (video conference calls) during the COVID-19 era—and otherwise in the conference room in the office area at Central High School.

    Join us via Zoom

    PAC Executive Officers:

    Co-Chairs: Sunny Kase (term ends June 2024) & Anika Carter Ward (term ends June 2024)

    Secretary: Kate McCready (term ends June 2023)

    Treasurer: Heidi Van Schooten (term ends June 2024)

    Communications: Jessica Ostrov (not a formal board position)

    Questions about PAC: Please contact us with any questions and concerns about the Central High School PAC by emailing us here: centralhspac@gmail.com

Funding Request Form

  • PAC provides small grants to teachers, staff, and student groups for educational materials that are not covered by the school's budget or departmental fundraising. We are particularly interested in funding requests that eliminate barriers and provide equitable opportunities for students of color. This year we will reimburse all requests up to $250 per teacher for items to be used in the classroom or in the student group.  

    Each teacher can make 𝟭 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 for up-to $250. The request must include a copy of the receipt(s) of the item(s) purchased.  (Save receipts and make only one request during the 2022/23 school year.)

    Please have a copy/image/scan of your receipt saved on your device/computer or Google drive before you begin the reimbursement request. 

    PAC does not fund requests for professional development. PAC also does not directly fund requests for bus transportation, but has provided a grant to the school that could be used for field trip busing. To request use of those funds, please contact Principal Vang.