Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

The EESAC meeting was called to order at 8:10am by Ingrid Robledo, chairman. The previous minutes were reviewed, Mr. Dubey made some grammatical corrections, and minutes were approved by consensus.

Ms. Gonzalez welcomed EESAC members and wished each a good year. She continued by going over the objectives of SPEP. The Reading Objective uses vertical teaming in Language Arts and Social Studies. Meetings have taken place and curriculum is becoming cohesive. The strategies have been very successful. In addition, $20,000 worth of books have been ordered for Independent Reading. Homeroom time is used completely for independent reading now and students only read grade-appropriate novels. Reading abilities are improving. All homeroom activities have been curtailed, except for Fridays, which are club days. Also, Spring Book Fair is coming up. In Science, curriculum will be realigned based on information from FCAT test results. The German program has realigned its curriculum, tutoring is being offered after school, and Ms. Stroleny is visiting classrooms continually to ensure that the scope and sequence is being followed to improve performance on AP exams. Math FCAT after school tutoring has also been added. Ms. Gonzalez stated that we are trying to provide as much support as possible to our students.

Ms. Gonzalez took a moment to welcome Ms. Szmulewicz back after her unfortunate accident over the winter recess. She expressed her gratitude at having her back and Ms. Robledo commented on al the people who were concerned for her welfare. Ms. Gonzalez also mentioned that PTSA donated something in order to aid in her recuperation. Ms. Szmulewicz thanked everyone for their concern and expressed her happiness at being back.

Teachers and each grade level have prepared midterms. Subject areas will be using the same tests since all teachers are covering the same objectives. The midterms have been prepared with a variety of different types of questions. Curriculum unification ensures that all students are exposed equally to the same content and skills.

Ms. Gonzalez announced that the electronic grade book is now online and that parents have responded very positively. This, in turn, has impacted grades because parents now understand and are involved. In addition, parent call volume has significantly decreased.

Mrs. Robledo stated that Ms. Gonzalez attended a meeting for principals and chairpersons of EESAC and invited Ms. Gonzalez to share any information with the Board. Ms. Gonzalez explained that the meeting was essentially a review of how EESAC should function, and announced that G.W. Carver is in compliance with all EESAC requirements. The only thing pending was the online posting of Minutes which has already been remedied. The bylaws and procedures were reviewed and all guidelines are being followed and the committee is serving the purpose it is supposed to be serving. She suggested that for the following EESAC elections the notice must stipulate that EESAC members do not have to be PTSA members.

Mrs. Robledo discussed the possibility of the school year starting earlier next year and informed members that the school board will be discussing this at a meeting being held tomorrow. Ms. Gonzalez expressed that she felt it would be beneficial for school to start earlier if approached from a global perspective. G.W. Carver is different from other schools. Our students have an advantage over the other schools. FCAT is an important issue and starting to prepare students earlier is necessary. Ms. Shockett suggested that tests be administered later in the year. Ms. Gonzalez responded that later testing would not be good because we need results early in the year in order to develop curriculum for the following year.

Mr. Cabrera stated that one advantage of starting the school year earlier was that students would be finished with midterms before the winter recess and that the new grading period would begin right after the holidays.

Mr. Dubey expressed his concern that State mandates might have little to do with academic learning and that getting rid of needed teacher workdays should be seriously considered. His concern, as a parent, is how these decisions are being made. He feels that there is a lack of consideration and participation of parents and teachers in the making of these decisions. Ms. Robledo agreed and encouraged parents to become involved and attend school board meetings.

Mr. Cabrera stated that there would be no meeting next month (February). Next meeting will be in March and elections will be in May. He suggested that in March we set up a committee to suggest strategies for next year’s SPEP. Mrs. Robledo suggested that we try to set up this committee right away. Many members volunteered and expressed interest in becoming members of this committee: Susan Szmulewicz, Odalys Horta, Jill Shockett, Robert Hans, Pete Cabrera, Ingrid Robledo, Thomas Sands and Louis Gramling.

Mrs. Robledo, as usual, opened the floor to all EESAC members for any announcements or comments. No one responded and the meeting was adjourned at 9:00am, thanking all members for their support and enthusiasm.