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 January E.E.S.A.C. minutes were reviewed. The necessary corrections were made and the minutes were approved.

Principal’s Message: Libby Gonzalez and Shelley Stroleny reviewed the mid-year progress of the School Improvement Plan (S.I.P.). The mid-year progress report provides the results and the percent of students achieving 70 % mastery on the district reading and mathematics quarterly exams. Mrs. Gonzalez pointed out that since the reading and mathematics quarterly exams are provided by the district, they are not completely reliable for Carver’s student population. Therefore, the data is not consistent for our student population and the student learning gains of Carver’s students were not adequately shown. The district exam’s disaggregated data show that all of our populations do well. The in-house created writing, science, and social studies quarterly exams that were modeled after the FCAT showed that Carver’s students were making learning gains. The mid-year progress report also showed that the parental involvement workshops were extremely beneficial and generated very enthusiastic feedback. Mrs. Gonzalez expressed mild disappointment that more parents did not attend. Mr. Stringfellow suggested better publicity because students cannot be relied upon to bring the information home. There is one last workshop scheduled this spring for the 7th grade parents to learn about the 8th grade science fair. This year’s S.I.P. also targeted Carver’s E.S.O.L. population for growth. The quarterly exams results provided in the mid-year progress report show that Carver’s E.S.O.L. population made adequate learning gains. Strengths and weaknesses generated from the pertinent data results are very insightful. Carver’s primary challenge is that since our students do so well, improvement is difficult. The curriculum has been strengthened to the maximum point. The math department is meeting the goals of France, Spain, and Germany as well as the requirements of the State of Florida. In addition, class size restrictions limit the number of qualified students into our program. Our best practice is the curriculum integration meetings. Language arts skills are being reinforced through the social studies classes. Math skills are being reinforced through the science classes. The calendarization of the Sunshine State Standards in language arts and mathematics is also a best practice that ensures that all of the standards are being taught prior to the FCAT. The common midterm and final exams by subject and grade level ensure that all students are being taught the same skills. The quarterly exams have also been a success. The identification of our challenges and best practices were shared with the other schools in the Coral Gables feeder pattern by Mrs. Robledo, Mr. Stringfellow, and Mrs. Stroleny at a meeting at Coral Gables High School.

Open Forum: Mrs. Robledo reminded the committee that there is no E.E.S.A.C. meeting in March due to the FCAT testing. Mrs. Gonzalez shared her concern about not finding a language arts teacher to replace Mrs. Izquierdo when she leaves for maternity leave after spring break. Mrs. Gonzalez has been investigating teachers from other schools and talking with other administrators about potential candidates. Mrs. Stroleny will call the universities to inquire about new graduates. Mrs. Gonzalez asked the E.E.S.A.C. committee to help with the search. Mr. Sands announced that Carver won 2nd place in the District for the United Way competition. Carver’s student body raised 187% of its goal. He also mentioned February 1st is last day for students to submit their entries for the Black History Month essay contest. The top five essays will be submitted to the Division of Social Sciences for judging. The Mock Oral Arguments for the Mock Supreme Court will be held February 14th through February 17th in the auditorium. Mrs. Fernandez commended Mrs. Robledo for helping Mrs. Sabourin get the District to recognize her years of teaching in her home country and add them to her total years of teaching in Florida. Mrs. Robledo was elected Vice-president At Large for United Teachers of Dade.
She is also a member of the executive board of Florida Education Association
She hopes to encourage a united voice for excellence in public education in Florida. Mrs. Daniels became a full-time teacher. Mrs. Behar announced that the Friends of Carver party is going to be held on February 25th at the Coral Gables Congregational Church. Mrs. Cooper informed the committee about the Bahamian Village that is being constructed across the street from Carver Elementary School. It will have stores, restaurants, and a community center. It is of special importance to Carver’s faculty and students as Carver was the first public school in the city of Coral Gables and it was built for the Bahamians that helped George Merrick build Coral Gables. Mrs. Cooper also suggested that the science teachers publicize Camp Wakiva 2005, which focuses on the environment and will held this summer in Pensacola.

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