Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

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

E.E.S.A.C. MEETING May 15, 2018

Council members in attendance:
Ingrid Robledo (chairperson)
Shelley Stroleny
Shelton Rivers
Annette Daniels
Cheli Fernández
Richard Hudson
Maria Toledo
Zoila Gari
Lorena Moglia
Teresa Palma-Gonzalez
Florentine Bullrich
Kenza Iddir

Council members absent:
Guillermo Garcia
Brigette Hirson-Troubody
Vilma Gonzalez
Margie Aragon
Ivette Mora
Iris Reijnen-Steele
Barbara Sans
Ariadna Torras
John A. Garcia
Tom Kernan
Melissa Nobles

Guests
Maria de los Angeles-Fernandez

Approval of minutes: Mrs. Stroleny called the meeting to order at 8:25 a.m. The minutes from April 2, 2018, 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 Educational Excellence School Advisory Councils (EESACs) 2017-2018 End-Of-Year Reflection Process. He explained the process used to solicit faculty input for the completion of the 2017-2018 Continuous Improvement Reflection Worksheet – each department was given a copy of the worksheet and was charged with reflecting on its four components (academic programs/support, school culture, professional development, and school leadership). The leadership team used the information from the departments to develop a comprehensive 2017-2018 Continuous Improvement Reflection Worksheet. Mr. Rivers also reviewed and discussed the 2017-2018 EOY Assurances Checklist, which ensures that the EESAC is in compliance with School Board Bylaws & Policy (SBBP) and State Statutes. We met all 12 requirements from the compliance checklist this year. Mr. Rivers also shared information related to the Clear Backpacks Pilot Program. Mrs. Stroleny questioned the feasibility of the program at Carver Middle. Mrs. Moglia asked about the penalty for students not in compliance. Mr. Rivers said he believes students feel safe at Carver. Mrs. Daniels said that “these are good kids” at Carver and does not believe clear backpacks are necessary here. Mr. Rivers said random metal/weapons detection checks take place often at Carver and police have never found any weapons. Mr. Hudson expressed concern about the durability of clear backpacks.

Official Business: The EESAC voted unanimously not to pursue serving as a pilot school for the clear backpack program.

Principal’s Message: Mrs. Stroleny thanked the PTSA for their work during Teacher Appreciation week, which began May 8. Approximately 100 seventh-grade parents attended Science Fair Night, which was organized by Dr. Garcia. Working with the entire staff, Dr. Garcia is completing our submission for STEAM Designation. We have completed a highly successful state testing process. Mrs. Stroleny recognized Mrs. Castillo and her team, including Mr. Hudson, for their efforts to conduct testing while teaching continued throughout the campus. She also recognized Mrs. Toledo for diligently volunteering to watch students, particularly during first period. Mrs. Coto is putting the final touches on the Five Star Award, which recognizes community involvement, outreach and engagement with volunteerism. Mrs. Basso has completed our application for the Golden Apple award, recognizing parent volunteers. May 15 is the Advanced Placement French exam. May 16 is the IE parent orientation meeting; the IS meeting was last week. May 16 is the Advanced Placement Italian exam. May 18 is the Student Council convention. The Literacy Team meets on May 21. During the week of May 21, a 10-member team of staff members will attend the Restorative Justice Practices (RJP) professional development, which aims to change the way middle schools approach students; during the summer, another team of 10 will attend. The end-of-year concert presented by Mrs. Harmon’s students is at 6 p.m. on May 22. The PTSA general meeting and elections are May 22. On May 23, the university acting troupe Mended Wing led by former Carver student Sean Stack will perform William Shakespeare’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona” in the auditorium. French IE students from Mrs. Timon and Mrs. Isakova’s class will stage an evening French performance. On May 24, free vaccinations will be provided at Carver; the deadline to sign up for the program is May 16. May 28 is the Memorial Day holiday. The Awards Ceremony is on May 29. Mrs. Winston's theater group will make a presentation on May 30. The Teacher Appreciation Luncheon is on May 31. Paulina Almada is the region finalist for the Walter B. Arnold Youth Hall of Fame award, which will be presented on May 31. June 1 is Francophone Day; the High School Reunion, coordinated by Mr. Sands, will take place after school. There will be a Zoo presentation on June 6. On June 7, sixth- and seventh-graders will have a snow cone day. The eighth-grade banquet is on June 7. Mrs. Stroleny concluded by thanking all members for their service on EESAC and wished all a happy summer with quality family time.

Open Forum: Mrs. Daniels reported that District finals in golf and tennis are taking place this week. In tennis, 13 of 16 team members qualified for the finals. She called this a “great year in sports” and Mrs. Stroleny commended our scholar athletes. Mrs. Palma-Gonzalez said she has enjoyed coming to meetings this year and asked about the Remind notification program. Mrs. Stroleny said it will resume soon now that testing is done. She asked about the use of EESAC funds, and Mrs. Stroleny explained that it was spent on technology needs. She also asked about the arrival date for test scores; Mrs. Stroleny said that scores typically have arrived on the last teacher planning day in June.

Adjournment: Mrs. Stroleny adjourned the meeting at 9:03 a.m.