Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Ms. Ingrid Robledo, chairperson, called the EESAC meeting to order at 8:16 a.m. The previous minutes were reviewed and revised. Minutes were approved by consensus.
Mrs. Robledo informed members that Mrs. Gonzalez could not attend the meeting; however, Mr. Bentley was present to bring everyone up to date on the SPEP status as of October 29, 2003.
Mr. Bentley provided the following information regarding the objectives and what was being done to implement them school-wide. For instance, he mentioned that the Math Department tutoring classes have been established for the second quarter. These classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays. Rosters are forthcoming. For Language Arts, the Writing Training Classes have been scheduled for November 6th, 13th, and 20th. Homeroom reading is already established and being monitored. Reading materials for ESOL students were ordered October 23. The Social Studies classes have completed the Water Conservation project. (Objective 4, Strategy 7) In the Electives Department, the gifted classes have begun with the writing process, data collection and persuasive writing. The Spanish, French, and German departments have developed the oral proficiency examinations. The Spanish Department has a CD developed by Mrs. Robledo that was the model for the other departments. Oral language pre-tests will be given on the week of November 3rd. This examination consists in two parts, the Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview and the Picture Sequence Description and Narration. The answers are to be recorded individually by students. In the Science Department, the teachers have taught sixth grade students how to create a spreadsheet on Excel. They have also implemented persuasive writing for eighth grade students on alternative energy sources.
Ms. Fernandez added that the tutoring program had successfully started on November 3rd. She presently has a total of 34 sixth grade students. Ms. Bullard has the seventh and eighth grade students. The students are selected and referred for tutoring by their teachers, based on a grade of “D” or “F” in the report card.
Ms. Troup reported that the sixth grade data collection went very smoothly as part of the incorporation of technology in our classes.
Ms. Robledo informed members that the oral proficiency interviews were done two weeks ago. Students had to answer twelve pre-recorded questions within a specific timeframe. Lizzeth Alarcon commented on how great this had been to help her prepare for the AP exams. Patricia Alejandro indicated that she thought this project had been beneficial because it helped her think fast. Additionally, in preparation for the AP exams, the German and Spanish departments listed simulated interviews, listening comprehension activities, and picture sequence. These oral activities followed the same model that will be used for the actual AP exam.
Katrina Avila, Patricia Alejandro, and David Douriez talked about their science experiments. They are working on higher order thinking skills as “does temperature affect the amount of C02 being released during the yeast fermentation of grapes?” and “does the temperature affect the amounts of viscosity in motor oil?” etc.
Ms. Daniels announced that Ms. Gramling had been selected as one of the five finalists Teacher of the Year for ACCESS Center 4. A team of judges would be visiting her during the day to observe her as she teaches her classes.
Ms. Troup stated that her sixth grade students would be going on a fieldtrip to Kennedy Space Center. This fieldtrip is geared toward helping the students actively experience some of what they have been learning in class. Ms. Robledo will be taking the eighth grade students on a fieldtrip to Sea World, and Mr. Sands will be taking the seventh graders to the Imax Theater. Ms. Robledo mentioned that Carver teachers demand much from their students, but teachers also reward students’ outstanding academic achievement accordingly.
Mr. Dubey announced that he had spoken to Mr. Bentley in regards to the major concert series performed by the Miami Symphony Orchestra. He informed members that our school would continue to receive the same allotment of tickets as before, for any students interested in attending the concerts. The next event would be on the 13th, “Trista”, and the flyers will be distributed as soon as they come out.
Mr. Dubey spoke about how ESSAC is the only organized formal body where parents can participate in the outcome of the school. He is always glad to see parents and community members getting involved. He compared our school’s community participation to Southwest High School, where there is practically no participation from the community. He stated how important it is to get involved and attend the meetings; however, realistically all members and community representatives do not come to all of the meetings and this is a great loss. He personally knows of parents that would be eager to be part of ESSAC. He asked if there is any mention in the bylaws that penalize members for not attending the meetings. Ms. Robledo informed him that after two unexcused absences members are dismissed. She also mentioned that in the case of Ms. Dee Orgaz, she had excused herself for not coming to the meetings and Ms. Gonzalez was in the process of replacing her. Ms. Robledo pointed out that she would get together with Ms. A. Martinez to go over the sign-in sheets for the previous meetings and review the attendance record for all of the members. Mr. Stringfellow added that according to Mr. Cabrera, Carver’s former Assistant Principal, in order to be dismissed from ESSAC, members had to have two consecutive unexcused absences. To clarify this matter, Ms. Robledo would bring a copy of the ESSAC bylaws to the next meeting. Ms. Robledo went over this meeting’s sign-in sheet and informed members that Ms. Gonzalez, Mr. Scippio, Ms. Stroleny, and Ms. Gramling had provided acceptable excuses for not attending this meeting. Mr. Stringfellow suggested that if members were going to be penalized for not attending the meetings, then they should be notified of upcoming meetings in advance. Ms. Robledo indicated that members were given one-week notice prior to the meetings.
Ms. Link informed members that the Science Fair in Dade County does not have any funding. She asked whether ESSAC and PTSA could allocate funds for this purpose. She added that if ESSAC and PTSA earmark all funds available for just one purpose, in this case software, then they are not supporting other activities in the school. She suggested for next year’s budget allocation meeting to keep this in mind and consider leaving funds in reserve for occasions such as this. Ms. Robledo told her to speak to Ms. Gonzalez regarding her concerns and asked all members to please to contact her prior to the meetings if any items needed to be added to the agenda.
Ms. Link also mentioned that her daughter, a former Carver student, was attending the New World School of the Arts. She spoke of the wonderful productions, art shows, etc. that the students there put together. She mentioned that she would be posting information on these events to provide our students with information and new avenues to pursue when choosing their high school. Mr. Dubey agreed with Ms. Link in that New World’s concerts were very good.
Mr. Dubey mentioned that he had been very critical, as the minutes would show, on spending money on just one issue. He said that he had been a supporter of leaving funds for other activities. He felt that it was very shortsighted to use all of the money for just one thing. Ms. Robledo reminded him that we had unanimously voted on this issue. Mr. Dubey assured her that it had not been unanimously because he had strongly opposed it. Mrs. Robledo clarified that the primary and only method of decision-making has been by consensus and that in every occasion the floor has been open to provide an opportunity to discuss issues under consideration before voting, therefore the approval of the use of the money this year maybe was not unanimously but by consensus.
Ms. Martinez commented on the incredible job all of the departments were doing to incorporate technology into their curriculum. She specifically praised Ms. Miyares, the new technology teacher, for working so diligently with many of the teachers and students, teaching them how to use the Microsoft Office 2000 software. Ms. Martinez was very impressed on how the students were producing spreadsheets, charts, presentations, and other documents. She also mentioned that the labs were being used daily and that they were already booked until the beginning of next year. She also mentioned that Ms. Miyares was in the process of evaluating the old software to identify the ones that had become obsolete. So far, mostly everything had to be discarded because it was not compatible with our current operating system (Windows 2000).
Patricia Alejandro announced that she had won first place for the Spanish Department essay contest, and Katrina Avila had won first place for the Hispanic Heritage poster contest. Ms. Robledo also commented on the success of the cooking contest.
Mr. Sands commended the student council representatives for a job well done carrying out the United Way campaign. They raised an excess of $1,500, surpassing by far their original goal.
Ms. Robledo stated how proud we all are of our students and school. She adjourned the meeting at 8:40 a.m.