Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of minutes: Mrs. Robledo called the meeting to order at 8:22 a.m. The minutes from January 4, 2011 were reviewed and approved.

SIP Review: The EESAC is the sole body responsible for the approval and implementation of the School Improvement Plan, (SIP). Mrs. Stroleny said we have information on the district winter interims for math and science; students are currently taking the reading interims, which will be discussed at the next meeting. We also administered the eighth-grade writing interim and have 99 percent of our students at mastery; the state exam is March 1. A team of students will visit eighth-grade homerooms to publicize the Perfect 6 Club. We had 60 students score 6 (out of 6) last year. Mrs. Stroleny said our message is that an average student can get a 6 on the FCAT Writing examination by honing those skills emphasized in their language arts class.

Mr. Rivers gave an update on math and science winter interim scores: In math, grade 6 remained at 63 percent average performance from the fall to winter interims; in grade 7, the average performance improved from 70 percent to 75 percent; in grade 8, the average performance improved from 69 percent to 79 percent. Mrs. Robledo and Mrs. Junghahn asked about the differences in the tests from last year; Mrs. Fernandez explained that the tests are different this year and we will be able to compare more accurately next year. Grade 8 science scores improved from 69 percent to 74 percent.

New Business: Mrs. Noa took the committee’s group picture for the yearbook. Mrs. Stroleny presented the district’s briefing regarding school dress code declaration. It does not require a vote, but EESAC must be consulted. Mrs. Gonzalez said the uniform policy will remain the same, but clarified specific points to facilitate compliance: polo shirts in either red, yellow (gold), light blue, dark blue or white with Carver logo and pants must be khaki and blue uniform pants (Chino style). No cargo style pants will be allowed. This information will be in the student handbook and will be communicated to the parents. Mrs. Stroleny informed the EESAC about district lottery funds: Each school receives $5 per student; at this time, year-to-date expenditures for the district are $439,339. This amount is the same as in recent years and is spent on technology at Carver.

Principal’s message: Mrs. Gonzalez presented the calendar: Mrs. Wilson is conducting the Spelling Bee on February 2. Early release is February 3. Report cards go home on February 9. The NAEP test for randomly selected eighth-graders is on February 7. Incoming sixth-graders take the IS test on February 9. The Valentine’s Social is on February 11. On February 15, we will have a Cyber Net Safety Presentation. The PTSA Walkathon is on February 16. February 17 marks the Principal Honor Roll Luncheon. Ninety students will be honored; this is the most we have ever had. Subject selection will be February 14-18. Incoming grade 6 students will get their subject selection forms at the same time they receive their acceptance letters. February 18 is the teacher professional development day. February 21 is a holiday. Interim progress reports for the third marking periods will be distributed on February 22. The Black History Month luncheon is on February 24, and the Alumni Day celebration is on February 25.

There is no EESAC meeting in March. March 1 is the FCAT Writing examination. March 3 is early release. We will have a pilot German AP test during class on March 7. Seventh-graders will participate in the Mock Supreme Court on March 7-10. The state science competition is March 23-25. March 23 in the IS orientation for Sunset parents. On March 28, some German students will take an internationally normed assessment measuring German language proficiency to provide additional data. The Social Studies quarterly tests are March 29-30. April 4 is a teacher planning day. Our next EESAC meeting is April 5. The FCAT reading test is April 11 and 12, the FCAT mathematics test is April 13, and grade 8 FCAT science test is April 19.

Open Forum: Mrs. Robledo said that on February 19-21 students will have an opportunity for community service at the Coconut Grove Art Festival. Mrs. Robledo, Mrs. Vinat, and Mrs. Llewellyn are supervising the service. Mrs. Planell asked why it does not count for high school community service hours, and Mr. Sejeck explained that the service must take place after the eighth-grade school year to count for high school graduation requirements. Mrs. Robledo and Mrs. Gonzalez said they were glad for the clarification. The Mini-Concurso for the Spanish and French programs takes place on April 2 at Coral Way K-8 Center; 15 students from each language participate against high school students. Mrs. Fernandez said that on February 12 ten students will compete in the math counts competition at Miami-Dade South; there will be 33 schools in the competition, which is the qualifier for state. The Math Counts Club meets Wednesdays after school and Friday mornings and this is a commitment, Mrs. Fernandez explained. Mr. Sands is bringing in a guest speaker to address the issue of cyber safety. Mrs. Daniels said the boys’ volleyball team won the county championship and the junior varsity was runner-up. Track season has begun and we are doing well. Mrs. Gonzalez said that on Jan. 24 eighth-graders took a field trip to the Renaissance Fair as part of the cultural passport, which is funded by a grant.

Adjournment: Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 9:02 a.m.