Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

School Performance Excellence Plan (SPEP) Update: The SPEP Update was given by Shelley Stroleny. The Math Department has been concentrating on mid-term examinations. A faculty Writing Evaluation Workshop will be given by the Language Arts Department on Thursday January 15th during Early Release. Teachers will be taught how to grade the FCAT prompt writings given in the different subject areas. This delay was due to the Trade Fair meetings in November. The Spanish Department is working on current events and global knowledge. Students are reading articles, discussing them and writing about them. (Objective 2 Strategy 6) IE students are using tape recorders and taping language production (Mrs. Gomez). A.P. classes are preparing for the A.P. examination. (Mrs. Robledo). Mrs. Pereira’s classes are working on a wonderful poetry project. All seventh grade students participated in a science career reading assignment accessing the Internet for resources. The goal for the activity was to familiarize the students with the variety and depth that science careers offer. Reading about the various careers offered glimpses for the students of possible careers available in science. 7th grade science classes have completed an Internet research project on science careers before winter break. In the French Department, 7th grade oral language proficiency examinations have been completed, graded, and entered. Mrs. Kavanaugh and Mrs. Dudouet are working closely together with 8th grade IS students regarding the A.P. exam. Mrs. Dudouet will take over Mrs. Winston’s classes at the beginning of the third grading period. In the German Department the A.P. preparations are in full swing. In the Social Studies Department, 7th grade persuasive writing will be implemented through career choices in the 3rd quarter.

Principal’s Report: Mrs. Gonzalez encouraged parents to attend the 6th Annual Parent Involvement Conference on January 31st to find out information about how the district supports the children within the school system. High-ranking district officials and department personnel will be present to answer questions. Midterms are not being given on Tuesday, January 13, due to the district scheduled 7th grade Scoliosis screening. The screening will be throughout the morning on January 13th and would be disruptive to midterms. Reading during homeroom is suspended through the week of midterms. Students have been given the option of studying during homeroom. The 2004-2005 SPEP will start to be drafted in March. Mrs. Gonzalez asked for input and suggestions from anyone. Adjustments will be made after data is available from the spring FCAT testing. Mrs. Gonzalez proposed that 8th graders should take a business etiquette course that would teach interview and business interaction skills. The course would also offer a social etiquette component that would emphasize table manners, etc. Ms. Prahl suggested that the language arts classes could teach resume writing. The curriculum for the etiquette course will be determined by Mrs.Gonzalez, a hired business consultant, and Mrs. Salman. It would take place during the homeroom classes. Mr. Dubey stated that he thought the course would be valuable. Mr. Stringfellow supported the idea and even suggested a follow up in the foreign language classes. When asked, the 8th grade students stated that they supported the idea. They thought that resume writing might be extra important.

Elections: Flyers were distributed in homeroom last week for the upcoming EESAC elections. The EESAC elections to replace the two vacant positions will be held at the PTSA general meeting in January. Mrs. Cooper has filled the position of EESAC community liaison.

Announcements: Holly Troup will now be taking the minutes at the meetings due to Mrs. Martinez’s involvement in an internship. Carver’s new lead teacher, Christy Basso, has started her duties – visiting schools, recruiting, etc. She is not in attendance today due to a death in her family. Mrs. Cooper was instrumental in the street naming ceremony. Mrs. Cooper complemented Mrs. Salman’s ability to organize a large, well-attended event. She thinks that more Miami-Dade County streets should be named after students. Mrs. Cooper commended the Carver Band and noted that the Carver Debate students were impressive and articulate. She felt that the street naming ceremony reinforced the bus safety issue. Mr. Sands announced that on February 3rd and 4th Carver will hold its presidential elections. The 7th grade civics students then analyze the demographics of the election results. Mr. Stringfellow questioned the Carver teachers’ assumption that students have Internet connection, computers, and printers at home. He said that assignments that require students to have these things at home discriminate against the students who do not. Mrs. Gonzalez said that teachers are very conscious that some students might not have the equipment. There are computer labs open prior to school. Mrs. Robledo said that teachers usually take classes to the computer labs. Teachers make arrangements to facilitate the completion of the assignment with students who don’t have access to computers at home. Mrs. Robledo announced that she was appointed by ETS to serve as a National AP Reader at the College Board's 2004 AP SPANISH Reading. She commented that she was excited and could share the knowledge she gains with the entire faculty, especially with the Spanish, French, and German departments.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by Mrs. Robledo, Chairwoman, at 8:50 a.m.