Garden
Elementary School Advisory Council Minutes
2-19-03
Members Present: Stella Pettit, Gabrielle O’Berry, Susan
Ionescu, Sandy Ryan, Jack Shultz, Kim Tubbesing, Debbie Colivita (for Dot
Moore), Karen Blackburn, Terri Ramey,
JaneAnn Jennings (for Pastor Gray). Absent: Dot Moore, Emile Quinn,
Pastor Gray
Old Business
1.
Climate Surveys: On
behalf of SAC, Stella thanked Kim Tubbesing for coordinating the tallying of
the surveys. JaneAnn Jennings, Karen Blackburn, Lisa vonMarshall, and Sandy
Ryan assisted Kim with the tallying. It was noted that this is a tedius job and
very much appreciated. A chart detailing the tallied results of surveys of
parents, students, teachers, and classified was distributed along with a table
showing a comparison of the number of respondents who rated each item as “Agree
or Somewhat Agree” for the past three years. The group discussed areas of
strengths and possible concerns found in each survey. It was decided that
brainstorming for ways to improve in the areas of concern would be addressed at
an upcoming meeting when Mr. Quinn is present.
Parent Surveys:
Concerns:
#5-6 Teachers providing suggestions on helping the children. Teachers
commented that class size, interest on the part of the parents, and possible
misinterpretation of the item were possible factors. Teachers at all grade
levels have been sending home newsletters informing parents of ways they can
help at home.
#8 Parents being encouraged to share ideas for school improvement.
#10 The school providing workshops for parents. Workshops this year
have been provided to a limited audience (i.e. ADD, Remedial Reading students)
It was noted that in years past when workshops were offered, attendance was
poor. This is an area that needs to be explored.
Strengths:
#12-14 Parents feel welcome at Garden. They feel our school is a safe
place, and they are proud to send their children here.
Student Surveys:
Concerns:
#1 Students feeling safe at school. The decline was from 97% to 94%. It
was mentioned that perhaps students were unfamiliar with the new campus.
#2 The principal informs students about important issues. It was
suggested that we look for additional ways in which Mr. Quinn could communicate
to all students. (i.e. morning news, PA)
#9 There was a decline from 93% to 83.3% in the number of students who
feel comfortable going to their teacher with a problem. It was noted by those
doing the tallying that perhaps this decline was limited to only one class;
however, teachers will be made aware of this concern and perhaps look at ways
in which it can be improved.
Strengths:
#1 Though the item regarding
students feeling safe declined slightly, it was noted that in light of current
world events, having 94% of students responding “agree/somewhat agree” is a
positive indicator.
#4 Students believe their teachers work hard to help them learn.
#14 Students believe the teachers at Garden care about them.
Teacher Surveys:
Concerns:
#2 There was a decline from 86%
to 77.4% in the number of teachers who believe that all students, regardless of
background or present performance level, can achieve mastery. Teachers
commented on ESOL, curriculum demands, class size, and state high-stakes
testing as factors that would influence teachers’ responses.
#8 There was a decline from 78% to 67.7% in the number of teachers who
feel that the character education program is a worthwhile investment of time
and effort. It was noted that there was also a decline when comparing this to
the students’ perception of the program. The staff will address this issue.
Strengths:
#3 Reading comprehension is the highest priority for instruction.
#13 Staff believe they welcome parent involvement and and visits.
#14 Staff believe the school has a safe and orderly atmosphere.
#15 100% of teachers are satisfied overall with their work environment.
Classified Surveys:
Concerns:
#6 60% of the classified staff do not feel that they have enough time
to complete their duties.
Strengths:
All other survey items were at 90%-100% “agree/somewhat agree”.
#7 It was noted that there was an increase from 88% to 100% in the
number of classified who feel comfortable going to school administration with a
problem.
2. Community Forum: Karen Blackburn reported on the School/Community
forum that was held at the Landings on Feb. 11th. Along with Karen,
Jane Ann Jennings, Stella Pettit, and Debbie Beese represented Garden. A guest
speaker who is a legislative lobbist addressed the group. He explained how to
best get involved in issues that are before the state lawmakers. He also
brought the group up-to-date on current education bills that are being
considered. It was suggested that perhaps the school could invite someone from
Citzens for Better Schools to speak to our parent body.
3.) FETC: Laura Bradly, Nichole Leeds, Donna Dunbar, Susan Ionescu, Judy Adam, Stella Pettit, and Emile Quinn attended the annual technology conference in Orlando. Those who attended will be sharing information with staff gathered at this event.
Funding from the Venice Foundation Grant paid most of the conference expenses.
4.) School Visits: Ron Skow, Susan Ionescu, Bruce Anderson, and Stella Pettit visited model math teachers, Sue D’Angelo at Taylor Ranch Elementary, and Aggie Harrison at Toledo Blade Elementary. The group was very motivated by the “hands on” math strategies that were observed in these classrooms. Both of these teachers have been scheduled to present workshops to all math teachers at Garden. The school visits and the contracts for the workshops are also being funded by the Venice Foundation Grant.
5.) Budget Review: The budget was distributed and reviewed. It was noted that the teachers’ websites and the “Read to Succeed” wooden book rack for the media center were the only new expenditures for this month.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:50pm.