Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

The EESAC meeting was called to order at 8:10am by Ingrid Robledo, chairman. Mrs. Robledo welcomed a new member, representing the community, to the board: Annie Baker. The minutes from last meeting were reviewed and revised minutes were approved by consensus.

Mrs. Robledo introduced a guest speaker, Ms. Terry Pujol, who was invited to speak about the Sterling Award criteria. She explained that these criteria were adapted to the state of Florida from the Malcolm Baldrich Criteria, which is used nationally by major corporations in order to achieve excellence. A copy of the Core Values and Concepts were distributed and Ms. Pujol briefly went over them with the board. These values are essential for success and are based leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, information analysis, human resources, process management and results. Ms. Pujol explained that she went through this process and Sunset Elementary and that it makes you look outside the box to be an even better school. In order to apply, we must contact the Sterling Office through Miami Dade County Public Schools Department of Planning. She stated that once the school applies a panel of six people from the public and private sector come in for a free consultation based on the criteria and give the school a feedback report. Ms. Szmulewicz asked how long the process was and she responded that it takes a full year and should begin at the end of the current school year. She suggested that if G.W. Carver decides to apply they should do so in December or January.

Ms. Shockett stated that she was at Sunset Elementary while this process was taking place and she felt that it was a lot of work for the teachers and she felt that G.W. Carver is already doing a lot of these things. Ms. Pujol responded that in her experience at Sunset Elementary the extra work was well worth the results and rewards. Mrs. Robledo suggested that we call Ms. Rivers office and get more information in order to present it at the next faculty meeting.

The objectives of the of the SPEP were reviewed. Objective 1 strategies are in place, vertical teaming is being implemented including reading and note taking strategies. Classroom libraries are well under way. Mr. Sands and Ms. Byrd have ordered bookcases and books will be rotated in homerooms every 3 – 4 weeks. Books purchased include literature, fiction, non-fiction, science and adolescent magazines. Objective 2 strategies for science are still in the process of being implemented. Ms. Stroleny stated that all Objective 3 strategies are being implemented. Curriculum is being realigned to enhance performance on AP test. Class sizes have been reduced to half and formal grammar is the main focus. Articulation is being emphasized and teachers from Sunset and G. W. Carver have already met twice. In addition, 8th graders will be taking a field trip to Coral Reef.

Mr. Cabrera stated that $13,930 of EESAC Funds have been used to purchase books, magazines and bookcases. G.W. Caver has also put in over $17,000 of school funds to support the classroom libraries for a total investment of over $31,000.

Mrs. Robledo asked board to please review the superintendent’s opening of school address and opened the floor for announcements or concerns. Ms. Gramling announced that 19 G.W. Carver students have prepared stories for the Storytellers Guild and that the finals will be in California. Mr. Dubey announced that he has made contact with major musical institutions in Florida and has acquired complimentary tickets for performances at Florida Grand Opera, Miami Chamber Symphony and others. Fliers will be distributed announcing these ticket availabilities to families. He emphasized the importance of enhancing children’s appreciation of culture and art. Tickets will be given out for one adult for each attending child and parents will be responsible for transportation, etc.

Meeting was adjourned meeting at 8:45am.