Garden Elementary

SAC Minutes

August 28, 2003

Present: Emile Quinn, Principal Amy Baker, Curriculum Coordinator, Gabrielle O’Berry, Teacher, Susan Ionescu, Teacher, Kim Tubbesing, Classified

Community Members: Dot Moore, Terri Ramey, Jack Shultz, Karen Blackburn

Mr. Quinn introduced Ms. Baker as our new curriculum coordinator replacing Stella Pettit. She will be the coordinator for SAC during this coming year. The committee nominated and selected Amy Baker as the Chairperson of the Committee.

Equity Update:

All families received the State Equity brochure and teachers received copies at a Faculty Meeting on 8/27/03.

Mr. Quinn presented the Strategic Plan for Excellence. The plan runs from now until 2008. Garden’s staff and SAC members will be asked to suggest changes and approve those changes. Mr. Quinn suggested we look at our subgroup categories (i.e.….ESE) to determine how to improve performance (see EQUIP Data.) Input from members will be shared during the Sept. meeting.

PALS Training: Sept. 25 at Laurel Nokomis from 6-9 P.M.

Review/Readopt Bi-Laws:

The Bi-Laws were revisited. Members currently serve 2-year terms. Discussion included whether they can be considered for consecutive memberships. Motion was made by Dot Moore to approve consecutive membership, as needed; seconded by Jack Shultz and passed.

SAC Project:

Amy Baker reviewed scores for FCAT reading and math from the Educational Quality Improvement Profile. The County goal for reading was 88%; Garden students obtained reading gains of 73%. Learning gains in math were 71%. On FCAT writing, Garden met or exceeded the County goal of 90% of students obtaining 3.0 and above. Ms. Baker suggested several projects to help lower the achievement gap. Mr. Quinn suggested opening the CCC lab for parents and students to access in the morning before school. Students could access the CCC lab each morning from 8:00 – 8:25. Volunteers and teachers could run this project. Students who have been retained or are currently on AIPs and IEPs would be the first to be offered this program. The focus would be on math skills. Motion was made by Kim Tubbesing to institute the CCC lab program. It was seconded and passed. Further discussion recommended contacting service organizations for volunteers, if needed. Mr. Quinn will report back to SAC on the number of students who will participate in this program and an approximate start date.

Venice Foundation Update:

Ms. Baker mentioned that teachers have started Apple training and upon completion will become mentors to other teachers. The focus is on using technology for instructional purposes in the classroom.

Science lab training is also being provided on site. Mr. Quinn invited SAC members to attend this training.

Teacher Web Pages:

Last year SAC provided funding for teachers to have web pages. This year 25 teachers are interested in web pages at a cost of $25 per teacher. Ann Skow’s web page was shown as a stellar example. Jack Shultz moved that SAC provide these funds. The motion passed.

Next Meeting:

September 17, 2003, 3:00 PM,

in the new Science Lab.

Mr. Quinn will share the new equipment and technology and new weather station equipment.