Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

G. W. CARVER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Educational Excellence School Advisory Council
Ingrid Robledo, Chairperson

E.E.S.A.C. MEETING October 6, 2016

Council members in attendance:
Ingrid Robledo (chairperson)
Shelley Stroleny
Shelton Rivers
Annette Daniels
Cheli Fernández
Guillermo Garcia
Richard Hudson
Maria Toledo
Ivannia Van Arman
Julian Castro
Aya Hamza
Carson Middlesworth
Maria Alvarado
Council members absent:
Vilma Gonzalez
Rafael Lopez
Sinclair Cerber
Ana Arguello
Margie Aragon
J. Hiram Williams
Tom Kernan
Melissa Nobles

Guests
Maria de los Angeles-Fernandez

Approval of minutes: Mrs. Robledo called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m. All in attendance introduced themselves. The minutes from September 6, 2016, were reviewed and approved.

SIP Review: The EESAC is the sole body responsible for the approval and implementation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP). Mr. Rivers reported on the 2016-17 Assurances Checklist. There are 12 requirements on the checklist that the EESAC must ensure are met. They include, but are not limited to, the following: at least four EESAC meetings must be held for the 2016-2017 school year (we have scheduled eight), EESAC will review and approve the 2016-2017 SIP, all meeting minutes will be approved by EESAC, and the EESAC will review the End-of-Year SIP review. For the SIP, we review data, set goals, and create and monitor our action plan. Our 2016-2017 SIP goal is to increase student achievement by improving core instruction in all content areas. Our barrier is limited evidence of gradual release, which empowers students to facilitate their own learning. We have identified resources and strategies to improve the evidence of gradual release in our classes. The 2016-2017 SIP Signature Page, which ensures that the SIP has been reviewed cooperatively by administrators, teachers, parents, students, business/community representatives, and UTD designated stewards was completed. Mr. Rivers reported iReady diagnostic data:

In reading, in grade 6 the average scale score was 622 with 20 students one or more levels below their current grade level; in grade 7 the average scale score was 632 with 27 students one or more levels below their current grade level; in grade 8 the average scale score was 646 with 20 students one or more levels below their current grade level.

In mathematics, in grade 6 the average scale score was 507 with 8 students one or more levels below their current grade level; in grade 7 the average scale score was 516 with 12 students one or more levels below their current grade level; in grade 8 the average scale score was 533 with 17 students one or more levels below their current grade level. Mr. Rivers explained that these statistics are to be expected since it is at the beginning of the year, but that he expects progress throughout the school year. Mrs. Stroleny said we monitor those students not working at grade level and we must pay attention to important details. More than 200 students who were identified through data are receiving support services during homeroom.

Official Business: The EESAC unanimously approved the School Improvement Plan. The EESAC then unanimously approved the use of the 2016-17 EESAC funds of $4,861 for technology expenses.

Principal’s Message: Mrs. Stroleny began by commending Mr. Rivers for doing a phenomenal job working on the school’s SIP in collaboration with the departments. The school received the French Label designation on Sept. 15. We were recognized by the City of Coral Gables on Sept. 28 as School of the Year by the Spanish government. The teacher-led school-wide professional development on Sept. 29 was very successful. On Oct. 4, a PTSA meeting will follow the EESAC meeting. Mrs. Harmon’s Variety Show was scheduled at 4:30 p.m. but was postponed due to the weather. Also postponed was the Hispanic Heritage Luncheon, which was scheduled for Oct. 7. On Oct. 5, the school will be recognized at the School Board Meeting for STEM designation. Mrs. Stoleny recognized Dr. Garcia for his work toward the STEM designation. The Literacy Team meets on Oct. 10. SIPA will hold an event at 7 p.m. on Oct. 11. A Civics workshop for parents will be held on Oct. 13. The German Heritage Luncheon is on Oct. 14. On Oct. 19, Mrs. Basso will conduct the first magnet tour. A Cyber-safety workshop for parents is scheduled for Oct. 19.
Red Ribbon Week begins on Oct. 24 with many exciting activities planned. Picture Day is set for Oct. 25 and 26. The next early release is Oct. 27. Oct. 28 is the Fall Social and Twin Day. The first marking period ends Oct. 28. On Nov. 2, we will host a magnet fair for high school articulation; attendance is recommended for eighth- and seventh-graders. Written morning announcements are being posted on Promethean Boards for students. They also will be sent as text messages to parents who sign up for Remind 101.

Adjournment: Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 8:41 a.m.