Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Ingrid Robledo, chairman, called the EESAC meeting to order at 8:10 a.m. The previous minutes were reviewed and revised. Minutes were approved by consensus.
Mrs. Robledo passed around the School Advisory Committee signature page to be signed by selected members. During the last EESAC meeting signatures were collected, but the plan was not ready for submission and therefore members had to sign once again. Mrs. Gonzalez took this opportunity to assure members that she would keep everyone up to date on the progress of the plan. She would bring the templates to the next meeting for everyone to review.
Mrs. Robledo informed members that our school would be receiving monies from the Florida Recognition Program in acknowledgment of our school earning an “A” during the 2002-2003 school year. She distributed to all members the proposed plan for the disbursement of funds. Mrs. Robledo indicated that we would vote to approve this proposal during this meeting. Mr. Stringfellow asked how these figures were derived and by whom. Mrs. Gonzalez explained that it is our school’s criteria that all school personnel be included in the award because it takes everyone to educate our students. She went on to say that we are all an integral part of the process; however, some are more involved than others in the educational aspect and it should be reflected percentage wise. The monies from the award would only benefit all those employees who worked last school year (2002-2003). There were two teachers missing from the original list, and the figures had to be recalculated to include them. The proposed plan was reviewed by the members and approved by a consensus.
Mrs. Robledo called an open forum and Ms. Gramling informed all members of the success of the storytelling competition. She said it was enthusiastically received and all participating students gave a fantastic performance. There were 700 to 800 people present. Storytelling is alive and well.
Mrs. Stroleny spoke of the success of the German Unification luncheon organized by Mrs. Moghani. More than 200 people attended this luncheon, which was held in our school’s cafeteria. It consisted of a traditional German meal prepared by the chef of Melody Inn restaurant in Coral Gables. Many dignitaries attended this event.
Mrs. Robledo announced that the Spanish department’s cooking contest was going to be held on Thursday, October 16. Lizzeth Alarcon explained that participating students would be bringing traditional dishes cooked by them. The faculty and staff would be judging this delicious contest.
Katrina Avila brought the members’ attention to the Hispanic Heritage posters being displayed all around the school. These posters were created by IE and IS Spanish department students for a contest organized as part of the Hispanic Heritage activities in our school. Additionally, Patricia Alejandro spoke of an essay contest currently underway based on the influences of the Hispanic culture in South Florida. She said that the winners of these two contests would be announced soon. All of these activities, as mentioned before, were organized by the Spanish department.
Ms. Daniels informed members on the success of the girls’ volleyball team, currently 3-1. Also, the girls’ junior varsity team placed third on the Cross-Country Youth Fair meet.
Mr. Scippio mentioned that the girls’ Double Dutch Jump Rope team would be performing during the Red Ribbon assembly, on October 29.
Mrs. Robledo reminded members that the high schools would be coming to visit our 8th grade students this month, these visitations are organized by Ms. Castillo.
Mrs. Gonzalez announced that Congressman McCollum would be visiting our school today at 3:15 p.m. to speak to Ms. Vargas’, Ms. Sanchez’, and Mr. Sands’ students. She stressed that he would be addressing the students to discuss topics other than his upcoming election. Some newspaper and media personnel might also be visiting our school this afternoon.
Mr. Sands reminded members of the school wide United Way campaign, which is currently underway. There is a $4,025 goal for the faculty, and a $1,022 goal for the students. He urged everyone to participate by giving a donation to this non-profit organization.
Mrs. Gonzalez invited everyone to review the School Public Accountability Report (enclosed in EESAC folder). This report is also available to the public. Mr. Stringfellow mentioned that the strategies in the School Improvement Plan address the School Public Accountability Report. Mrs. Gonzalez reminded members that Carver exceeded every measure required by the State.
Mr. Sands commented that the Student Council members were planning a school wide campaign, “Carver Shine”, that will support cleanliness across our school. Some EESAC members expressed their concern on the condition of the bathrooms in the old building. Mrs. Gonzalez stated that there is not much that can be done according to the maintenance department. It takes everyone to keep the bathrooms clean. Katrina Avila spoke of the traffic in the girls’ bathrooms in the new building; there are only two stalls in each bathroom and this is not nearly enough. Mrs. Gonzalez acknowledged the problem and explained that if everyone did their part, our bathrooms would be much cleaner. She picks paper off the floor in an effort to keep our school clean!
On that note, Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 8:43 a.m.