Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of Previous Minutes: Ingrid Robledo, chairwoman, called the EESAC meeting to order at 8:15 a.m. The previous minutes were reviewed and revised. The in depth detail of the minutes was questioned as to whether it was necessary. Mrs. Robledo explained that the minutes must reflect whatever happens during the meeting. Minutes were approved by consensus.

School Performance Excellence Plan (SPEP) Update: Mr. Bentley gave the SPEP update for Mrs. Stroleny. Mr. Bentley spoke about the success of the weekly horizontal curriculum planning meetings between teachers. In the Math Department, Ms. Bullard, Ms. Fernandez, and Mr. Scippio have finished or are finishing projects that asked the students to collect and critically analyze data. The Math Department has also submitted math-writing prompts to the Language Arts Department for approval. In the Language Arts Department, two writing training classes have taken place. The last class is scheduled for the January 15, 2004 Early Release workshop. The delay was due to the F.T.A.A. disruptions. In these classes, teachers from all departments are being trained by the language arts teachers how to write FCAT style prompts for the different disciplines. The Spanish Department had a Spanish Writing workshop on November 20th and is currently doing persuasive writing assignments and oral proficiency exams, which are now being graded. The Spanish Department has been incorporating “global citizenship knowledge” through current events in the humanities curriculum. The Spanish, French, and German departments have been doing persuasive writing assignments in each grade. They are also doing oral proficiency exams. 7th grade science students are finishing Internet research on science careers. The Social Studies Department is currently doing the language arts guided writing prompts in all the classes. 6th grade social studies students have completed the water survey project that asked them to compile data and graph it in various charts or graphs. The Social Studies Department is also doing oral presentations that are graded on a cross curriculum rubric. Mr. Bentley reaffirmed that he was very pleased with all of the horizontal planning. He feels that the successful results are obvious. The student EESAC representatives were asked if they could see the results of the horizontal teacher planning. Each student said that the results have been wonderful and described a few different projects that they had completed in different classes. All of the students reported positive class experiences.

Review of Bylaws / Elections / January PTSA Meeting. The attendance of various EESAC members was discussed. The attendance question was brought up at the November EESAC meeting by Mr. Dubey. Mrs. Cooper, a representative from the community designated by Mrs. Gonzalez, has joined EESAC to replace Ms. Dee Orgaz. Mrs. Robledo welcomed her. Mrs. de Varona, the alternate parent representative to EESAC, is no longer part of EESAC because she sent a letter of resignation. Mr. Robert Hans, a parent representative, is being dismissed due to his lack of attendance. EESAC, therefore, needs to find two new parent representative members. The EESAC needs to replace Mrs. de Varona and Mr. Robert Hans. Mrs. Robledo described the search for a candidate process and the election process according to the EESAC bylaws. Information about the open EESAC positions is circulated at the PTSA meetings. Those who are interested in the positions can call Mrs. Robledo or the school to place their names on the ballot. Presently, there are two possible candidates: Mrs. Gloria Infante and Mrs. Annie Behar. Elections will then take place at the January PTSA meeting.

Announcements: Mrs. Cooper invited everyone on EESAC to the street dedication on Friday, December 12, 2004. Mr. Bentley said that the Carver band, speech and debate students, and the Carver Student Council students would be present at the dedication.

Mr. Dubey spoke about the Greater Miami Youth Symphony’s Annual Christmas Concert this upcoming weekend. The admission is one wrapped stuffed animal. Flyers will be distributed to the students through the homerooms.

The student representatives spoke about Ms. Robledo’s and Ms. Moghani’s field trip on Friday to Islands of Adventure. It was fun and successful.

8th science projects are being judged today.

The drama students are doing a Christmas performance for the Carver Elementary students.

The Club de Arte Dramatico is doing a brief performance during the Spanish International Parents Association (S.I.P.A.) meeting.

Mr. Dubey complimented Carver’s success using the electronic grade book. He was critical of various teachers, though, who were not downloading the grades to the server on a regular basis. Mrs. Robleo mentioned that Mrs. Stroleny had already sent an electronic memo to the faculty regarding this issue. Mrs. Szmulewicz countered that most teachers are already doing the downloads on a regular basis. Mrs. Robleo complimented Mr. Omar Valerio about his constant attention and work on the electronic grade book.

Adjournment: Mrs. Robledo adjourned the EESAC meeting at 8:45 a.m.