Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of minutes: Mrs. Robledo called the meeting to order at 8:34 a.m. The meeting was held today to vote on the waiver for block scheduling. The minutes from April 4, 2006, were reviewed and approved.

Principal’s message: Mrs. Gonzalez and Mrs. Stroleny explained the block-scheduling waiver. Carver has been using block scheduling successfully in the past. The District is strongly encouraging all secondary schools to use block scheduling. Mrs. Robledo explained that some schools are still resisting block scheduling. On April 20, 2006, the faculty voted to continue using block scheduling, with two members voting against it. The Renaissance Faire was a “wonderful experience,” said Mrs. Gonzalez. The school is planning to hold the fair again next year and we already are discussing how it can be improved and examined from a global perspective. After next year, additional themes will be added so that students will experience three different themes during their years at Carver. This year the fair was an “exciting new experience” but in future years could include research components. Faculty members will become accustomed to the various themes. Mrs. Gonzalez thanked the PTSA, Ms. Senior, Ms. Gramling, and Mrs. Stroleny for making sure that everything ran well. This week is Secretaries Week and Mrs. Gonzalez said she is recognizing the office staff by taking them to lunch today. German students attended the State competition in Daytona Beach, Florida, and competed against high school students. Carver earned the most prizes and was second overall. Sunset Elementary articulation took place with more than 150 fifth-graders who will be attending Carver next fall. Carver Elementary articulation will take place shortly. Advanced Placement testing for eighth-grade IS students is scheduled for French on May 1, Spanish on May 2, and German on May 4. Final exams are set for May 15-18, the eighth-grade banquet for May 19, the eighth-grade field trip for May 23, and the sixth-grade field trip for May 24. The awards ceremony will be on the last day of school, May 26. Mrs. Gonzalez urged parent support and early pick-up of eighth-graders that day. Carver will continue to have no shaving cream fights and students who bring shaving cream to school will be suspended at the beginning of the following year. Disciplinary action also will take place for poor behavior and will keep eighth-grade violators from participating in end-of-year activities. Mrs. Gonzalez said she will “not allow one or two students to spoil things for others.” Mrs. Gonzalez then shared some good news with the members: Tile and new counters are being installed in the office. Security cameras also are being installed. No construction noise will be permitted during reviews and finals weeks. Cameras will focus on the halls, cafeterias, and media center. Security guards will rotate to monitor the camera surveillance station in the bookroom. The parent drop-off area should be ready for next year. Mrs. Gonzalez is trying to replace the chairs in the auditorium will be replaced with wooden chairs of the same type currently in use. There will be a complete replacement of the roof in the old building, gym, and auditorium.

Open Forum: Mrs. Robledo asked about next year’s enrollment and Mrs. Gonzalez said it should be the same as this year’s. A clinic with a nurse practitioner will be place for next year in the small room next to the restrooms in the main office. The teacher’s lounge and workroom will be improved with the help of the PTSA. Mrs. Robledo stressed that no guests from other schools will be permitted at the eighth-grade banquet. She also pointed out that Spanish and French students are not invited to the state competition because too many high schools compete in those languages. Mrs. Gonzalez thanked all EESAC members for their participation this year and thanked Mr. Hudson for his work as secretary. Mrs. Gonzalez pointed out that FCAT Writing scores have arrived and that Carver improved from an average of 4.3 last year (out of 6.0) to 4.8 and that the passing rate (3.5 or above) went from 93 percent to 99 percent. “The growth was unbelievable,” she said. Mrs. Gramling said that on April 26 and 27 the drama students put on two successful performances.

Adjournment: Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 9:00 a.m.