Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of minutes: Mr. Sands called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m. The minutes from August 31, 2021, 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 SIP is a living, breathing document that can change as the year progresses. We use iReady data and apply it to the SIP to affect delivery and instruction. Math iReady testing was done last week; reading testing is happening this week. We have plenty of time to get it done. We will share results at our next meeting. On Oct 11-13, hearing and scoliosis screening will take place for all sixth graders. Parents can opt out in writing.
Official business: The EESAC voted to approve $100 toward the Social Studies contests proposed by Mrs. Vinat. Mrs. Artime said she will bring full information on EESAC funds to the next meeting.
Principal’s Message: Mrs. Artime shared a grant opportunity from the Coral Gables Community Association for anyone interested in writing a proposal. The grant can be for various amounts. Mr. Rivers said some teachers have experience writing grant proposals. Our magnet tours will start in October; four will be in person and four virtual. The first in-person tour is Oct. 6; the first virtual tour is Oct. 20. A group of parents met to come up with solutions for our lunches and cafeterias. We are sharing a tent with the elementary and using the piazza to create outdoor seating for students who want it. Mr. Alvarez is involving students in creating the announcements. Our office aids are working to create digital announcements.
Open Forum: Mrs. Vinat said the EESAC can provide opportunities for funds for the entire school. She said she is working with FEA to increase student engagement and student-teacher rapport. One way to get students excited is through monthly contests. This will begin with a Hispanic Heritage Month photo contest, followed by a digital scavenger hunt for Black History Month, a poster contest for Women’s History Month, a Holocaust writing contest, and a financial literacy math trivia contest. Mrs. Vinat said she would like $100 per contest for prizes for 10 winners per month for a total of $500. Mrs. Artime said these are district social studies initiatives. Mrs. Vinat said this is a chance for teachers and students to promote learning together.
Dr. Garcia said the outdoor classroom needs repairs, including cleaning, painting, and replacing rotting wood, especially in the area that holds the pump. The classroom needs to be repainted, stained, and pressure cleaned. We also need two barrels. The sluice needs to be tested for waterproofing. The pump needs to be replaced. Posts with lights are needed. We need a team of parents to purchase tiles. He also said we need a plaque to honor the parent who gave a $15,000 donation for the original facility. This is the only classroom of its kind in the southeast, possibly anywhere. It was built fifteen years ago with parent donations for $20,000. The facility can be used by other teachers when science is not using it. He said we need to hold a service day to do this work. Mr. Sands asked what needs to be done, and Dr. Garcia said he first needs a committee. Mrs. Artime suggested it be proposed at the upcoming PTA meeting to form a committee of parents, teachers, and students.
Mateo Delgado displayed and explained the QR Code he created. It is on fliers posted around the school and when people scan the code, they can see a summary of major topics reviewed in EESAC meetings. Mrs. Artime said more than 600 parents attended the virtual back-to-school night. Mrs. Daniels said sports are underway. More than 70 students tried out for cross country. Those who are cut can practice with the team. Dr. Garcia said he was pleased at the talent for volleyball, which had about 85 girls try out for 12 positions. Mrs. Noa organized tryouts for cheerleading. Mr. Sands said the United Way Campaign is October 1-31. Last year students raised $5,000. Mrs. Vinat said it is tough to motivate the faculty for the campaign, especially with the nature of our current times.
Mrs. Artime explained what is happening with Mr. Gonzalez’s math classes since he left to become an assistant principal at South Miami High School. He left two weeks of lesson plans. It was a huge loss for us and the 190 students he was teaching. We have made some schedule changes. Three of his periods are to be picked up by teachers already at the school. A new teacher will be placed with Mrs. Selem in a co-teaching situation. Mr. Gonzalez helped with the interview process, but we must wait until the budget conference on Sept. 27 to fill the position. Many adjustments are taking place in the math department, and we are prioritizing instructional continuity.
Adjournment: Mr. Sands adjourned the meeting at 8:45 a.m.