Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of minutes: Ingrid Robledo, chairperson, called the E.E.S.A.C. meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. The minutes from September 6, 2005, were reviewed and approved.

Principal’s message: Mrs. Gonzalez indicated that the school has completed the School Improvement Plan (SIP). Objectives and strategies were distributed to teachers in every department for feedback. Region IV viewed and approved the plan but also required some minor changes. The number of objectives was dictated by the State as were the type of objectives. Mrs. Gonzalez then highlighted some of the points of the SIP while members read along with their copies. Carver had the highest science scores in the entire district. Ms. Miyares will work with humanities and foreign language classes to meet Sunshine State Standards (SSS) technology skills requirements. There also will be an emphasis to increase student participation in foreign language drama clubs. Mrs. Gonzalez stressed that Carver is not limited to the strategies in the SIP and uses many more strategies than those listed. In reading, teachers review test-taking skills, but language arts classes can focus on advanced literature instruction. In math, intensive homeroom remediation is taking place with Ms. Fernandez, Ms. Rios, and Ms. Miyares providing instruction for those students in need. Last year, 70 percent improved at least one level with this help. In writing, the use of rubrics will be emphasized for both teachers and students to help improve scores. Edusoft is being used in science to measure skills according to SSS to show skills that need more support. As for discipline, bullying and teasing are the biggest problems for this age group. To aid technology, the school would like to purchase an additional mobile lab. LCD projectors are also a need so more teachers can have them in their classrooms. Mrs. Gonzalez said she is hopeful of using some funds from Advanced Placement scores to help meet these needs. The school tries to have as many clubs as possible as long as there is a need, but auditing of clubs is necessary. Sponsors must submit attendance and minutes from each meeting. Hourly teachers are being used to enhance the educational program, with Ms. Cue given as an example.
Mrs. Gonzalez then stated that she was pleased that the faculty moved its professional development day to October 4. There was no point in a professional development day in March as dictated by the original calendar. “It was an incredible day.” The day was extremely structured to facilitate connections between departments. Because the day was a Jewish holiday, the two Jewish teachers on the staff were permitted to take the day off with no penalty. “An incredible day that helped us grow.” As for each teachers’ Professional Development Plans (PDP), Mrs. Gonzalez explained that teachers have chosen where they need to grow. Ms. Corzo is the PDP mentor, and learning communities are being developed. As an example, Mrs. Gonzalez explained the plan of Ms. Galiounghi to cover FCAT math skills within the French curriculum. “I trust my teachers.”

Open Forum: Mrs. Robledo began by stating how much she admires the support that Mrs. Gonzalez has provided for teachers. Mrs. Robledo then said that the bylaws need to be reviewed for next month’s meeting. Mrs. Robledo addressed the FCAT reward money for the school achieving an A grade for the 2004-05 school year. She said that a formula of distribution has been calculated to include all staff from the school year. Mrs. Gonzalez explained that the school’s financial needs are already met and therefore the best use of the FCAT funds is for each teacher to receive “a bonus of appreciation for their hard work.” Ms. Gramling moved to accept the distribution of funding and Mr. Sands seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously.

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