Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of minutes: Mrs. Robledo called the meeting to order at 8:20 a.m. The minutes from January 9, 2007, were reviewed and approved.

Principal’s message: Mrs. Gonzalez began the message by discussing the EESAC Community Meeting on January 25, attended by Mrs. Stroleny, Mr. Rivers, and Mrs. Robledo. The meeting reviewed EESAC guidelines and procedures and we are operating correctly. Another meeting is scheduled for February 22 at Silver Bluff Elementary and members were encouraged to attend. The sixth-graders participated in a fieldtrip on January 30 to see Christopher Paul Curtis, author of The Watsons Go to Birmingham, which the classes are currently reading. The event was sponsored by Books & Books. It was a great opportunity to see the curriculum come alive for the students. On February 1, the German Drama Club gave a presentation. Mrs. Copeland congratulated the students on a job well done. On February 6, the eighth-graders participated in a successful FCAT Writing+ test. Mrs. Gonzalez thanked the PTSA for snacks and Ms. Castillo and Mrs. Stroleny for their work. A mock test was administered to sixth- and seventh-graders. On February 7, a Town Hall Meeting was held at Miami Edison Middle. The superintendent focused on attendance, dress code, and student conduct. Four Spanish students (Natalia Pascual, Nuria Frances, Erling Maradiaga, and Catherine Anderson) received $778.53 scholarships from the Spanish Consulate at a ceremony on February 8. Carver continues to emphasize attendance, and on February 9 the homerooms with the best attendance received a breakfast. February is Black History Month, and four students represented Carver at the Coral Gables Commission Meeting on February 13. The Valentine’s Social is set for February 14. Student Council presented a plan for FCAT pep rallies during homeroom from February 20-22. Clubs and cheerleaders will be involved. Mrs. Gonzalez thanked Mr. Sands and Mrs. Vinat for fostering school spirit on a regular basis. On February 22, there will be a French Drama performance. Black History Month culminates with a luncheon on February 23; Mr. Scippio has organized participation through clubs. Students will take the FCAT Reading and Mathmatics on February 26 and 27. Failure notices go home on February 28 and 29. The annual Friends of Carver event is set for March 2; Mrs. Gonzalez commended the committee for its hard work and beautiful invitations, adding that the event benefits our kids and the school. On March 5, eighth-graders take the FCAT science test and for the first time, it counts toward the school grade. Sixth- and seventh-graders will take a mock test. Testing concludes with the FCAT NRT on March 7. Mrs. Gonzalez gave an EESAC budget update: $8,385 has been spent and $277 remains. Materials from Test Tools Inc. have been purchased for the Math Department. Funds also will pay for three microscope computers for science rooms. Other microscope computers will be purchased with school funds. “This is an incredible academic tool using technology,” said Mrs. Gonzalez. The Renaissance Faire is scheduled for March 15, and Mrs. Gonzalez stressed that it is extremely important to get cooperation from all parties, adding that the PTSA is helping greatly. The school is working to enforce good behavior and eliminate bullying; eighth-graders who don’t behave will not be able to attend extra curricular activities, including the banquet, because those activities are a privilege and need to be earned, explained Mrs. Gonzalez.

Open Forum: Mrs. Robledo spoke about the STAR incentive program, which UTD opposes and urged support from the Council members. She explained that FCAT scores would be used to determine bonuses, which would go to 25 percent of teachers. “This is a very offensive plan. We are fighting it,” said Mrs. Robledo. She added that not everything is bad news: Senator Villalobos, a hero of public education, has fought to save the class-size amendment; UTD met with him and discussed the multiplier that determines how pensions are calculated. Mrs. Gramling has done an outstanding job with the Fairchild Challenge and is getting ready to turn in the third entry; “It’s just been a great combination of students and faculty. The more people involved, the better,” said Mrs. Gramling. Mrs. Daniels said the boys’ and girls’ track and field teams are currently competing every Saturday. Mrs. Greif explained that a PTSA delegation from Miami is going to Tallahassee and is working toward an increase in FTE by $300 per student. Mrs. Robledo and Mrs. Greif commented on the negative impact of the FCAT and cited a recent article in The Miami Herald about the current emphasis of the test in Florida’s public schools.

Adjournment: Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 8:55 a.m.