Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of minutes: Mrs. Robledo called the meeting to order at 8:17 a.m. The minutes from Sept. 2, 2009, were reviewed and approved.

Principal’s message: Mrs. Gonzalez introduced Mrs. Sylvia Diaz, an administrator from the district office; she is working on a project at Carver to gain school site experience. She is the parent of two former Carver students. She said she is grateful for the chance to work with Carver. Today we are celebrating the German Unification luncheon, and Mrs. Moghani and the German teachers always do a great job. Picture days are October 7 and 8. Friday is the annual club fair. Mrs. Gonzalez said she feels fortunate to be able to fund all of the sports, most of which are coached by Mrs. Daniels and Mr. Guitian with Ms. Mongillo coaching girls’ soccer and Mr. Jones coaching boys’ soccer and tennis. The Hispanic Heritage luncheon is Friday, and it will be catered to allow more kids to participate. On October 11, the German International Parent Association (GIPA) is holding its annual Oktoberfest. On October 12 and 13, failure notices go home. The FBI SOS challenge teaches Internet safety, and since the inception of the program, we have been the top school (as rated by participation) under Mr. Sejeck’s direction; on October 15 a representative from the FBI will present Carver with an award. October 16 is the French International Parent Association (FIPA) Bake Sale, October 19 is a teacher workday, and on October 21, Maria Llorca from Merrick Park will serve as Principal for a Day. On October 22 and 23, we will conduct social studies quarterly exams. October 23 begins Red Ribbon Week, including the “Just Say No” circle. Twins Day is October 26. On October 27 and 28, Ms. Gramling’s students will conduct storytelling for the elementary students. On October 27 during homeroom, the PTSA will hold a breakfast with a DJ for children who have sold items for the fundraiser. The first marking period ends on October 29 when we will hold our Harvest Social. Mrs. Gonzalez explained that she wants the students to get dressed up for all socials so that we can use these opportunities to teach manners, civility, and behaviors they need to be successful in the future. October 30 is a teacher planning day, and November 2 begins the next grading period. Interim assessments are scheduled for November 2 and 3 in language arts and science. The next EESAC meeting and picture makeup day are set for November 3. Mrs. Basso is conducting tours for prospective sixth-grade parents on October 8, 15, 22, and 29 this month. We also hold information sessions for eighth-graders by inviting many magnet programs to make presentations. The schedule is as follows: MAST on October 7, New World on October 14, Coral Gables on October 21, Coral Reef on October 28, and DASH on November 4. Mrs. Gonzalez said she was disappointed with the low turnout of parents for the three sixth-grade study skills workshops led by Mrs. Green and Ms. Castillo. She added that the Science Fair Workshops have always been successful with attendance. The FCAT reading workshop for all grades is on October 8 and the eighth-grade FCAT writing workshop is on October 15 and will feature a guest speaker. The FCAT mathematics workshop for grades 6-8 is on October 21. All workshops are being held at 6 p.m. to facilitate parent attendance.

Mrs. Stroleny continued the message by discussing data from recent FCAT district baseline assessments. In sixth-grade reading, 51 percent of students scored at or above mastery (average 68 percent); comparison and cause/effect was the top benchmark at 74 percent, and research and reference was the lowest at 57 percent. In sixth-grade mathematics, 36 percent were at or above mastery (average 63); data analysis and probability was strongest at 77 percent, and number sense was the lowest at 46 percent. In seventh-grade reading, 77 percent scored at or above mastery (average 77); main idea was the highest at 80 percent, and research and reference was lowest at 71 percent. In seventh-grade mathematics, 19 percent scored at or above mastery (average 57); geometry was the highest at 83 percent, and data analysis and probability was the lowest at 36 percent. In eighth-grade reading, 48 percent scored at or above mastery (average 69); words and phrases was the highest at 78 percent, and research and reference was the lowest at 64 percent. In eighth-grade mathematics, 39 percent scored at or above mastery (average 66); number sense was the highest at 71 percent, and algebraic thinking was the lowest at 55 percent. In eighth-grade science, 39 percent scored at or above mastery (average 64); scientific thinking was the highest at 69 percent, and earth and space science was the lowest at 59 percent. In eighth-grade writing, 99.3 percent scored at least 3.0, 86.2 percent scored at least 4.0, and the average score was 4.3. Mrs. Stroleny also mentioned Mrs. Gloria Plaza, our new part-time reading coach, is a veteran coach and teacher and that we have never had this resource before. She is facilitating the literacy team meetings and is conducting the FCAT reading workshop for parents on October 8. Mrs. Plaza has invited a “guru” to do writing workshop.

Official Business: We have $4,590 for EESAC funds this year, down from last year because the state has reduced EESAC funding. Mrs. Gonzalez explained that we have a tremendous expense for ink and toner and that she would like to use EESAC funds for technology needs. Mr. Valerio informs her about specific technology needs. Mr. Sarkar asked for clarification about the percentage of funds to be used on technology. Mrs. Gonzalez said it would be all of the funds. She explained that 120 new computers already have been funded for this year to replace old computers because of a critical need and that we are down to one mobile lab (from two) because many of the older laptops have broken down. The funding proposal was then approved to allocate all EESAC funds for technology. Mrs. Robledo advised that the A+ Florida Recognition Program money needed to be approved for distribution. A plan has been approved at a faculty meeting already and includes funds for faculty, administration, and school support personnel. The dollar amount has been reduced from past years due to state budget shortages. The committee voted to approve the distribution plan.

Open Forum: Mrs. Gramling informed that judging of Carver entries for Option 1 of the Fairchild Challenge is on October 12 during third period. These are two-minute performances based on the theme of Everglades River of Grass. The performances for all middle schools are on October 29; Carver took first place in this option last year, and we hope to win it again. Channel 10 acknowledged Carver’s top ranking in a recent article posted on AOL. Mrs. Robledo informed that a union contract for teachers has reached agreement and includes step increases and a 1.8 percent raise.

Adjournment: Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 8:56 a.m.