Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of minutes: Mrs. Robledo called the meeting to order at 8:20 a.m. The minutes from September 5, 2017, 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 explained that the SIP is a plan based on data and interventions. Currently, iReady is being administered as a diagnostic tool. In math, 98 percent of sixth-graders have completed the diagnostic with 20 percent scoring below grade level; 80 percent of seventh-graders are complete with 25 percent below grade level; and 89 percent of eighth-graders are complete with 31 percent below grade level. Mr. Rivers said the percentage of students below grade level is expected because they are being tested over new material and we have lost seven instructional days due to the hurricane. In reading, 93 percent for sixth-graders are complete with 21 percent below grade level; 95 percent of seventh-graders are complete with 19 percent below grade level; and 99 percent of eighth-graders are complete with 12 percent below grade level. Teachers have until Oct. 6 to finish iReady testing, and Mr. Rivers said he will give updated statistics at our next meeting. Mr. Garcia asked if we have access to data from other schools. Mr. Rivers said we can only pull data from our school. Mrs. Stroleny explained that we complete against ourselves, not other schools because we have unique circumstances. Mrs. Stroleny commended Mr. Rivers for his work with the SIP involving every department. She explained that he makes the process “user friendly for teachers” so they can dedicate their resources to their classrooms. Mrs. Coto-Gonzalez is on the SIP review team for the region; other schools have been impressed by our plan.

Official business: Mrs. Robledo explained that the state A-plus money has traditionally used as bonuses for the faculty and staff. The faculty has already approved the distribution formula. The EESAC voted unanimously to approve the use of the funding for bonuses.

Principal’s Message: Mrs. Stroleny began by welcoming all members back after Hurricane Irma. She commended the custodial staff for their work to rehabilitate the campus; they worked 12-hour days, including weekends. On Sept. 29, we met with the French Educational Attache regarding a grant application. Mrs. Stroleny discussed the teacher professional development day activities on Oct. 2 at Carver. She commended Mrs. Daniels and Mr. Gonzalez for leading the activities; the feedback about both portions of the PD have been positive. The magnet application period began on Oct. 1 and runs through January 15; there currently is a glitch in online program that can cause a 48-hour lag. Cuban author/playwright Christina Rebull will present to various classes on Oct. 4; Mrs. Noa and SIPA have organized this activity. Mr. Garcia asked how kids are informed about these speakers; Mrs. Stroleny explained that students are kept informed through morning announcements; Mrs. Salman is conducting a trial of live morning announcements. Currently announcements are displayed on the Promethean Boards and parents have access through Remind. Students are notified about foreign language authors through their language classes. Oct. 3 and 4 are picture days. The general PTSA meeting is at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 5. On Oct. 6, we will have the Hispanic Heritage luncheon and the Club Fair for sixth- and seventh-graders. The Scholastic Book Fair runs Oct. 9-13. Open house is Oct. 10. On Oct. 11, Carver will be recognized at the School Board meeting for the Five Star Award and as a Nationally Certified Magnet School. Mrs. Stroleny recognized Mrs. Coto-Gonzalez and Mrs. Basso for their work with these awards. We will conduct a Civics workshop for parents on Oct. 11. Also on Oct. 11, we will hold a faculty meeting for the United Way and the election of the Teacher of the Year. We have four outstanding candidates for Teacher of the Year. Maria Castro will be presented by Ania Noa; Jose Gonzalez will be presented by Cheli Fernandez; Brigitte Troubody will be presented by Lise Winston; and Elia Valdes will be presented by Bertha Vazquez. The committee also nominated Olga Miyares, Cathy Moore, and Deborah Small. They have declined, but we still want to commend them for their dedicated service to Carver and its students. On Oct. 13, seventh-graders will participate in the Kitty Hawk fieldtrip, which is a STEAM, district-organized event; Mrs. Moore has worked with the curriculum for this event.
Mrs. Harmon’s students will present the Variety Show on Oct. 18. Red Ribbon Week begins on Oct. 23. On Oct. 25, Richard Kern will make presentations to all grade levels. Dr. Garcia explained that this year’s presentation is about untouched Cuban nature. A mathematics workshop for parents is on Oct. 25. Oct. 26 is Twin Day and the Fall Social. Oct. 27 is a teacher professional development day. The Language Arts program will present open-mic poetry at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 1, followed by a parent workshop at 5:30 p.m. On Nov. 3, Carver will celebrate 30 Years of International Studies/International Education; a committee has been working on this along with parent organizations from all languages. Mr. Gonzalez has been recognized for being in the top 30 percent in the state for learning gains and we are very proud of him. Our next EESAC meeting is on Nov. 7 but may have to be rescheduled because it is Election Day.

Open Forum: Mrs. Robledo discussed Hispanic luncheon, catered by Havana Harry’s. Mrs. Robledo also said she presented at a workshop training AP teachers at the county level. She also said UTD has negotiated days to makeup time lost to the hurricane and some planning days will be eliminated. She said the goal was to avoid an extension of school year or shortening spring or winter breaks. An official announcement will be made later. Mrs. Stoleny commended Mrs. Daniels for her dedication with our athletic program. Mrs. Daniels reported that we had three first place team finishes and one runner-up at the Rockway Invitational cross-country meet. Boys' and girls’ soccer have begun their seasons. Volleyball tryouts currently are ongoing. Mr. Garcia has helped with equipment and furniture for the television studio for the morning announcements; EESAC funds will be used to purchase cables to facilitate live morning announcements. Mr. Garcia expressed concerns about the need for the cables. He discussed engagement of the students and said he wants to make sure announcements are well done and information is put forth properly. Dr. Garcia said Carver is always growing in ways of disseminating information and communication.

Adjournment: Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 8:57 a.m.