Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Principal’s message: Mrs. Gonzalez began by saying that she hopes all members had a great spring break. She was pleased that teachers supported the concept of not giving homework over the break, adding, “I know it is a welcome rest for everybody because all work very hard.” Today starts the last nine weeks of the year. The FCAT assessment went smoothly, and Mrs. Gonzalez commended Ms. Castillo for a great job as test chairperson. We took great care to avoid mistakes that could have resulted in invalidations, and we followed all regulations; students concentrated and behaved. Interim assessments will take place this week. Seventh-graders have been selected for tutoring for intervention for the final nine weeks, as we are already working toward next year. We are planning for the 2010-2011 school year and developing the School Improvement Plan (SIP). All departments are meeting and analyzing applicable data from multiple sources in addition to reviewing existing strategies to provide input for the new plan. Teachers are also using the data from Interim assessments to maximize instructional effectiveness for the last marking period. The Mini Concourso in Spanish, French, and German took place march 13, 2010 and all three Carver groups earned first place competing against high schools. Spanish also took first place in drama. The Renaissance Faire was a great success; Mrs. Basso organized it and did a great job, as students and teachers enjoyed it.

Official Business: The committee voted to maintain the waiver that allows our block schedule. The teachers had already voted to approve it. Mrs. Robledo said she endorses the block schedule because it works well. Mrs. Szmulewicz voted against the waiver and explained that she did so because she believes a normal schedule works best for teaching math; she added that she would like a mixed schedule with some days on full schedule and others on block. The committee also voted to modify the bylaws as it relates to needing three community representatives. We approved to maintain our existing waiver by a unanimous vote. The committee also voted to move the date of the next meeting from May 4 to May 18 to coincide with the timing of the first draft of the SIP. Mr. Sands asked if the SIP would be final at that point, and Mrs. Gonzalez explained that the SIP is a working document and can be adjusted as needed. Mrs. Stroleny added that all departments have completed their SIP reviews using the most current data and a worksheet to evaluate the data and strategies.
Open Forum: Mrs. Fernandez was congratulated on the success of the Math Counts team. On February 28, Carver placed second in the district competition to qualify for the state competition, and seventh-grader Orko Sarkar was third as an individual, also to qualify for state. On March 26 at the state completion, Orko placed 71st. Mrs. Fernandez called it a great learning experience. Mr. Sarkar said he was impressed with the speed of students who had answers to difficult questions often before they were even finished hearing the equations. The team will compete next on April 24 at the Math Bowl Competition. Mrs. Gramling reported on the Fairchild Challenge. With results from the two most recent options in, Carver has earned 1,130 points (800 were needed to meet the challenge). On option 6, a poster about invasive species, one of our students received special recognition and another received honorable mention (both earned 49 of 50 possible points). Mr. Sands reported on the oral conference for Project Citizen where Carver will compete against other schools. The problem our students are investigating is Misconduct of Public Officials. Mrs. Robledo reported that she has been invited to do a workshop for AP students at Coral Gables Senior High for Spanish and French IS students. She also attended a conference in Washington to represent Florida and talk about educational issues. She said the conference was held to obtain input of teachers and about issues including Race to the Top and No Child Left Behind. Mr. Sands said the annual trip to Washington will take place April 29 to May 1. Activities will include visits to the Supreme Court, the House of Representives, and the Senate and perhaps the White House.

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