Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

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

Election of Chairperson: Ingrid Robledo was nominated to be the 2004 – 2005 E.E.S.A.C. Chairperson by Libby Gonzalez. No other nominations were made. Mrs. Robledo’s nomination was seconded and passed unanimously by the E.E.S.A.C.

E.E.S.A.C. Monies: E.E.S.A.C. currently has approximately $9, 875. Mrs. Gonzalez asked the E.E.S.A.C. to consider the purchase of technology equipment. Three mobile computer labs were purchased at the end of the 2003 – 2004 school year in anticipation of losing the two computer labs in the new building to classrooms. Each mobile computer lab cost over $45, 000. This cost included 30 laptops, Internet access, and printer access. Five sets of batteries were also purchased so that the mobile computer labs could move from classroom to classroom without interruption. Each battery set costs approximately $3,240. One mobile computer lab only got one set of batteries. Mrs. Gonzalez would like to purchase an additional set of batteries with the E.E.S.A.C. money so that each mobile computer lab would have two sets of batteries. She would also like to purchase another mobile computer lab complete with two more sets of batteries if the teachers are demanding more technology in the classrooms. In addition, Mrs. Gonzalez is considering the hiring of another technology teacher to help address the needs of individual teachers in the classrooms. Currently, Carver is employing Olga Miyares as a technology teacher to help infuse the Florida Technology Sunshine State Standards through the Foreign Language Humanities classes. Mr. Dubey objected to spending the entire E.E.S.A.C. money on one objective. Mrs. Robledo and Mrs. Gonzalez countered that the school budget has been reviewed and that there is enough money in other areas of the budget to cover all other school needs. In consideration of Mr. Dubey’s concern, Mrs. Gonzalez said that a single battery set will be purchased with the E.E.S.A.C. money and that the additional mobile lab will be considered at a later date. Last year’s E.E.S.A.C. money was spent on software and the E.E.S.A.C. expenditures will be reviewed at the next E.E.S.A.C. meeting.

School Improvement Plan (S.I.P.) Update: The S.I.P. update was given by Shelley Stroleny. By last June, Carver’s S.I.P. objectives had already been addressed by the teachers. Carver was ahead of schedule. Over the summer though, the state came up with additional requirements. First, all schools must use the FCAT exam instead of in-house exams to measure student progress in reading and math. In science Carver will use an interim in-house exam to measure student progress. Second, Carver is not permitted to have our students stay the same achievement level. Carver will be required to achieve an increase in all areas. In reading, the number of students scoring a 3 or higher will increase by two percentage points; from a 91% last year to a 93% this year. In 6th grade, the math mean score will go from a 359 to a 361. In 7th grade, the math mean score will go from a 362 to a 364. In 8th grade, the math mean score will go from a 363 to a 365. For writing, there will be a one percent increase of students scoring a 3.5 of higher. Last year, 98% of students scored a 3.5 or higher. In science, the mean score will increase by two points; from a 348 to a 350. Third, Carver’s S.I.P. objectives must be school wide instead of concentrated in one grade level. The fourth state requirement is a parent involvement objective. To address this requirement, Carver will provide a series of parent workshops on subjects such as CRISS reading strategies, math, organization and study skills for 6th grade parents, and science fair project training. The trainings will be discusses at Open House. The driving force behind Carver’s 2004 – 2005 S.I.P. objectives will be the curriculum integration. The Social Studies and Language Arts departments will work together to reinforce skills. The Science and Math departments will work together to reinforce skills. Not only will technology be reinforcing the skills in all subject areas, the technology standards will be infused into the humanities and communication classes

Principal’s Report: Mrs. Gonzalez reported that Carver’s FCAT results were outstanding. There was substantial growth in all grades even considering our extremely high scores to start with. Substantial growth occurred in every subject except 6th grade reading. The positive aspect is that the longer the students are with us, the more they progress. Ninety-seven percent of Spanish IS students passed the Spanish AP test. Of the 124 students taking the AP exam, 71 earned a 5 and 30 earned a 4. Ninety percent of the French IS students passed the AP Exam. Of the 50 students who took the AP exam, 11 earned a 5 and 21 earned a 4. Ninety-four percent of the German IS students passed the AP Exam. Of the 16 students who took the AP exam, three earned a 5 and three earned a four. Mrs. Gonzalez credited Mrs. Robledo, Mrs. Dudouet, Mrs. Winston, and Mrs. Moghani for the huge AP success for which Carver receives national acclaim. While in middle school, Carver students are earning university level foreign language credits. In addition, students are required to have Earth and Space Science and Algebra I. Mrs. Gonzalez encouraged all interested parents and students to view the Carver website to see an updated list of Carver’s achievements and awards.

Adjournment: Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 8:55 a.m.