Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of minutes: Mr. Rivers called the meeting to order at 8:25 a.m. The minutes from January 8, 2020, 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 said the school climate survey from the District for staff, parents, and students is underway. Students and parents were randomly selected for the survey. He indicated that data from the surveys is used for the SIP. Additionally, the information provides the administrative team with a snapshot of how the many aspects of the school, including its culture, is viewed. The window for secondary schools to start the Mental and Emotional Health course begins Jan. 27, 2020. The course will be facilitated via Language Arts classes and will be comprise of a series of videos and discussion topics on a variety of subjects related to mental and emotional health. Mr. Rivers added that students can talk with teachers, administrators, and counselors about content as needed.

Official business: Mr. Rivers discussed Phase III: Mid-Year Review and Phase IV: School Culture and Academic Programs Q3 and Q4 Implementation of the SIP; a copy was circulated for members to review. A motion was made to approve the SIP in its present form; it was approved unanimously.

Principal’s Message: Mr. Rivers gave the principal’s message as Mrs. Stroleny was attending a District meeting. Mr. Rivers said that we again received the Magnet Schools of America School of Excellence Award, and Mrs. Basso will attend a conference to receive the award in Las Vegas. Mrs. Castro is currently working on the application for the 5 Star Award. The magnet application period has closed, and we received approximately 1,400 applications. The Vocabulary Scavenger Hunt will run for the next 50 days. Mr. Rivers discussed upcoming events. On Jan. 28 a town hall meeting will take place at Jackson Senior High regarding bell schedule times and attendance is encouraged. The Jose Marti Spanish Performance, organized by Mrs. Mustelier, is on Jan. 28. On Jan. 30, the Shakespeare Showcase will be hosted by the Language Arts department. A PTSA service day is scheduled for Feb. 1; students must be accompanied by a parent. The PTSA Dine Out Day fundraiser will be on Feb. 4 at Chipotle in South Miami. On Feb. 6, Mrs. Rojas will hold a town hall meeting at Ponce de Leon Middle School. On Feb. 14, we will hold our Valentine’s Day Social. The Spanish Talent Show, organized by Mrs. Noa, is on Feb. 20. The Black History month celebration for faculty and students on Feb. 27will be chaired by Mrs. Lindo and Mr. Sands. On Feb. 28, Alumni Day for Carver Senior High will take place; alumni will share stories with students and visit the campus. The Scholastic Book Fair is March 2-6. Dr. Garcia was asked to give an update on the work toward the STEAM designation. He said the District STEAM Expo and SECME competition is on Feb. 8. We are still pending for the District STEAM visit. He said he is working closely with applicable departments to prepare for the visit. He said all teachers are prepared and have lessons ready. He also said he is working with the German and French parent organizations to increase our community outreach as it pertains to STEAM. He said the emphasis in now on the District visit instead of the paperwork-dominant approach in past years. He also encouraged parent involvement in the STEAM process.

Open Forum: Basketball tryouts have taken place. Dr. Garcia reported that bowling season is ongoing and that our team will attend two events in February. He also said that our students will participate in three weekend competitions in VEX robotics. He also said he would like to work on the outdoor classroom on the PTSA service day. Mr. Rivers recommended that Dr. Garcia speak with the PTSA leaders to coordinate this.

Adjournment: Mr. Rivers adjourned the meeting at 8:45 a.m.