Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

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

E.E.S.A.C. MEETING November 1, 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
Aya Hamza
Carson Middlesworth
Maria Alvarado
Rafael Lopez
Council members absent:
Brigette Hirson-Troubady
Vilma Gonzalez
Shirelle Jackson
Sinclair Cerber
Ana Arguello
Margie Aragon
Julian Castro
J. Hiram Williams
Tom Kernan
Melissa Nobles

Guests:
Maria de los Angeles-Fernandez, Michael Murphy, Jenny Murphy, Jessica Coronado

Approval of minutes: Mrs. Stroleny called the meeting to order at 8:20 a.m. The minutes from October 4, 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 that teachers are already implementing SIP strategies, and that administrators are seeing gradual release implemented in classrooms. Mrs. Stroleny said teachers’ DPGT forms emphasized gradual release, differentiated instruction, and growth mindset.

Principal’s Message: Mrs. Stroleny began by discussing Hurricane Mathew, which forced the District to close schools on Oct. 6 and 7. Even though it was a non-event for us, it still required a lot of preparation. We suffered no real damage, but she and Mr. Springer spent four hours cleaning up the campus on Oct. 8. Students collected more than more than $500 in contributions to aid Haiti’s hurricane relief. The Variety Show, Hispanic Heritage luncheon, and Cyber-safety presentations had to be rescheduled due to the storm. The Variety Show and Hispanic Heritage luncheon, along with the German /American Heritage Day did take place this past month and all were big successes with strong student participation. Mr. Hudson was voted Carver's Teacher of the Year on Oct. 11. The Civics workshop for the seventh-grade EOC was well attended with more than 150 parents. It was conducted by Mrs. Garcia and Mr. Sands. The early-release professional development has been a big success with content developed by teachers. The Fall Social on Oct. 28 was a big success and enabled us to exceed our student goal for United Way. The faculty is working toward its United Way goal. Mrs. Stroleny thanked the PTSA for its work with this event. On Oct. 31, we had a visit from a Spanish author. This event was supported by SIPA. Mrs. Fernandez said that the event included a play that was enjoyed by students.

On Nov. 1, Mrs. Winston is taking a group of French students on a field trip to visit a French Navy ship. The French consulate and FIPA are working to bring authentic cultural support to our students. A French intern sponsored by FIPA is being processed. Numerous magnet high schools will be present at the high school articulation event for eighth-grade parents 6 p.m. on Nov. 2; Ms. Castillo organized this event. Mock elections take place on Nov. 3 and 4. Italian Parent Night is set for 6 p.m. on Nov. 4. The Cyber-safety presentations for students will take place on Nov. 7; the parent Cyber-safety workshop did not have a good turnout. On Nov. 7, the French Consul and senator will visit Carver for Label designation. Professional Development Day, a German workshop, and Election Day take place on Nov. 8. An Orchid Stem lab through science classes is scheduled for Nov. 9. The Language Arts parent workshop for FSA reading and writing will take place on Nov. 9. Nov. 10 is Spike-it-Up for sixth-graders. There will be no school on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. Science Fair week is Nov. 14. Dr. Garcia urged parents to support the event as helpers and judges. Information will be disseminated through science classes. He said that great projects show who is destined to go into the sciences. Many organizations give special awards to top projects. Former Carver student Linus Freyer was one of the top 30 students in the nation for his project. The FCAT Science workshop for parents is at 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. exhibit Nov. 17. On Nov. 15, the PTSA will hold the Sports Grill Family Night fundraiser. There will be a school tour on Nov. 16 for magnet recruitment. We receive approximately 1,400 applications for about 350 seats for incoming sixth-graders. French author Gilese Pineau will visit on Nov. 17. On Nov. 17, district personnel will present “Typical or Troubled” at a faculty meeting; this presentation is being done at all senior and middle schools. Nov. 18 is club day. Nov. 21 is picture day makeup. On Nov. 22, eighth-graders will take a field trip to Coral Gables Senior High. On Nov. 23, the School Board will recognize Carver for STEM silver designation. The initiative has been led by Dr. Garcia. He said that he would like to improve community outreach and is looking for businesses who are STEM-related to add to our portfolio. Richard Kern will make science presentations to all students on Dec. 1. The seventh-grade field trip is on Dec. 2. Mrs. Stroleny concluded by wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving and saying that this is a time to give thanks.

Open Forum: Mrs. Daniels reported on athletics. Cross-country season concluded with the boys’ junior varsity finishing first in the county, boys’ varsity in third place, girls’ varsity in fourth, and girls’ junior varsity in sixth. The girls’ soccer team plays the county championship today, and the boys’ season has ended. The girls’ volleyball team is undefeated so far. Mrs. Robledo reported that she and Mrs. Winston are making presentations to teachers and students from across the county at the Advanced Placement review on Nov. 19.

Adjournment: Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 8:56 a.m.