Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of minutes: Mrs. Stroleny called the meeting to order at 8:25 a.m. The minutes from December 3, 2019, were reviewed and approved.

SIP Review: The EESAC is the sole body responsible for the approval and implementation of the School Improvement Process (SIP). Mr. Rivers gave an update on the i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment (AP 2); data that may impact the SIP. He said i-Ready student scores are categorized by colors: green equals at or above grade level, yellow means one grade below grade level, and red means two or more grades below grade level. The i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment 2 (AP 2) data for Math is as follows: 77 percent of our students scored green (Tier 1) compared to 67 percent at the beginning of the year (AP 1); 21 percent scored yellow (Tier 2) compared to 27 percent at the beginning of the year (AP 1); and 2 percent scored red (Tier 3) compared to 6 percent at the beginning of the year (AP 1). The weakness for grades six and eight was identified as algebra and for grade seven as geometry; the strength in all three grades was measurement and data. Diagnostics 1 and 2 are optional for students enrolled in Algebra or Geometry at the middle grades level. The i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment 2 (AP 2) data for Reading is as follows: 87 percent of students scored green (Tier 1) compared to 81 percent at the beginning of the year (AP 1); 10 percent scored yellow (Tier 2) compared to 14 percent at the beginning of the year (AP 1); and 3 percent scored red (Tier 3) compared to 4 percent at the beginning of the year (AP 1). The weakness was comprehension of informational text; phonological awareness, phonics, and high frequency words were strengths for grades 6, 7, and 8. NOTE: lessons in i-Ready are automatically assigned to students based on their strengths and weaknesses. Mr. Rivers also reported on a Mental and Emotional Health Education course. According to FL rule 6A-1.094121, school districts must annually provide a minimum of five (5) hours of instruction to students in grades 6-12 related to youth mental health awareness and assistance, including suicide prevention and impact of substance abuse. The course will be facilitated through our Language Arts classes between Jan. 27 and Feb. 14 during language arts classes. Mr. Rivers will attend a district SIP meeting on Jan. 14.

Principal’s Message: Mrs. Stroleny began by welcoming all members back to a happy new year. She discussed the mural painted by the PTSA and Carver art students. The PTSA organized a grounds beautification on Dec. 7. The Holiday Show on Dec. 7, organized by Mrs. Valdes, was a big success, involving students from many departments. Field trips are limited here because of our rigorous curriculum. On Jan. 10, the PTSA will hold the first of three in-house field trips to infuse cultural activities. A shark expert will speak with our students. Many of these field trips will be done during homeroom so that students do not miss academic time. Upcoming field trips include a visit by a Haitian dance troupe. The Literacy Team will meet on Jan. 13; strategies presented by colleagues make the workday better. The faculty will have Mawi book studies on Jan. 15 and Feb. 12; all middle schools in the District are doing this book study monthly. Jan. 20 is the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday. Jan. 22 is German/French Day and will take place during foreign language classes. A Spanish show organized by Mrs. Mustelier is on Jan. 28 after school. The District Teacher of the Year event is Jan. 30; Mrs. Castro will attend.  Jan. 30 is the Shakespeare Showcase after school. The St. Augustine field trip, organized by Mrs. Noa, is on Jan. 31. Feb. 5 is the IS test for incoming students. We have received about 1,000 applications for about 350 seats for next year and expect more by the end of the magnet application period. Feb. 1 is a PTSA service day; students must attend with parents. Feb. 22 is the annual Friends of Carver fundraising event. Mrs. Baltimore is our new French teacher, replacing Mrs. Requier, who moved to California with her family.

Open Forum: Mrs. Daniels said girls’ flag football starts Jan. 27 and tryouts were yesterday. The first track meet is Jan. 11. Feb. 9 is the Miami Kids Marathon, where students run the final 1.2 miles of the Miami Marathon to complete a running program. Basketball and tennis tryouts are next week. Golf season also is upcoming. Mrs. Toledo reported that technology students are making a showcase with 3D printing of special buildings from around the world. Mrs. Stroleny said we have a high-quality morning news letter published on Edmodo. She also said there is a heightened police presence in Coral Gables to facilitate traffic flow. We also are preparing for the District STEAM visit for the STEAM designation.

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