Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of Previous Minutes: Ingrid Robledo, Chairwoman, called the EESAC meeting to order at 8:15 a.m. The January EESAC minutes were reviewed. The necessary corrections were made and the minutes were approved.

School Performance Excellence Plan (SPEP) Update: The SPEP update was given by Mrs. Gonzalez. G.W. Carver Middle School is currently in the midst of the SPEP mid-year review, in which the school’s administrators and district personnel are examining the school’s strengths and weaknesses. Mrs. Gonzalez stated that G.W. Carver is successfully approaching the fulfillment of the SPEP goals. She mentioned that next year the SPEP should include more measurable checks and balances that would facilitate making quarterly reviews, rather than just a mid-year review. Mrs. Gonzalez said that more hard evidence showing whether the SPEP strategies are working would be helpful to see the school’s progress and to measure the school’s growth.

Principal’s Report:
Mrs. Gonzalez informed the Council that due to the tragedy at Southwood Middle School, the administrators at G.W. Carver had met with the faculty and security staff to address school security and make the necessary security adjustments. Certain gates are going to remain locked until 8:45 a.m. Security guards will be monitoring the gates during the school day while they are open. Mrs. Gonzalez pointed out that the security guards couldn’t prevent a crime if it is going to happen within our student body, but they can make efforts to prevent an outsider from entering the school to commit a crime. Certain bathrooms are also going to be locked until the school day officially starts and then again after it ends. A letter sent home during homeroom requested that parents not drop off their children so early nor pick them up so late. G.W. Carver provides security around the school from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Before and after those times the school is unmonitored and it is the parent’s responsibility to pick their child up in a timely manner. All coaches are being asked to wait with students after after-school events. Student athletes who are repeatedly not picked up on time will be asked to leave the team. Tight security is difficult because there are many conflicting demands like the fire requirements. Mrs. Gonzalez stated that she pays two additional security guards out of the school budget in addition to the security guards allocated by the district. Carver is also targeting bullies. The administration wants students to report any bullying to an adult in the school. Mrs. Gonzalez restated that although precautions can be taken, 100% safety cannot be guaranteed and that she is open to any suggestions. Mrs. Gonzalez thanked the PSTA for giving treats to the students and teachers during FCAT week.

Announcements:
The entire school is taking the FCAT Writing exam. The 8th grade scores will count for the overall school grade. The 6th and 7th graders will be taking a practice FCAT Writing exam that will count as a grade in their language arts classes. Mrs. Gonzalez announced that both the Carver Boys and Girls Basketball Teams are undefeated. Mrs. Gramling suggested investigating a gate system in which the doors can be opened from the inside, but are locked from the outside. Mrs. Cooper is absent because she is attending a celebration in honor of the oldest Africa-American woman in Coconut Grove. Congratulations to Mrs. Enfante and Mrs. Behar for being elected to EESAC. Mrs. Gramling informed the Council that the Cornicopia of the Arts was a success and that the Strawberry Festival will be held in two weeks. All are invited to attend.

Adjournment:
Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 8:40 a.m.