Present – Emile Quinn

Teachers – Deb Flamion for Anne Feely, Robbie Thomas, Barbara Henschell, Mel Buckalter for Susan Ionescu, Gabrielle O’Berry

Classified – Kim Tubbesing

Community Members – Dot Moore, Terri Ramey, Jack Shultz

Parents – Karen Blackburn, Gary Gray, Mollee McFarlane, Anita Weber

Absent – Sandra Ryan

1) Welcome – Gabrielle O’Berry welcomed SAC members and opened the meeting at 3:01 PM.

2) Budget – Gabrielle O’Berry presented the budget with a final balance of $7856.82. Monies spent this month included $99.34 for Kathy Rule’s salary for the four hours during Garden Family Night, $1,185.30 for the FCAT incentive packs, and $66 for three more teacher websites. The amount for Anne Feely’s reading kit was $544.10 rather than the budgeted $588.42. Gabrielle asked for discussion/questions. A motion was accepted from Jack Shultz to accept the budget as presented. It was seconded by Gary Gray.

3) Regional Discussion Group with Dr. Norris Update – Thank you to Terri Ramey and Mollee McFarlane for attending the meeting with Emile Quinn and Gabrielle O’Berry. The four representatives reported to the SAC members that the dialogue among principals, teachers, business partners, and parents was productive. They pointed out that sharing among schools is necessary so problems and solutions can be discussed.

4) Reading Workshop – Emile Quinn talked with SAC members about a reading program that targets reluctant readers by focusing on students’ learning styles (i.e.…kinesthetic, visual, auditory). The program has been developed by Marie Carbo.

Mr. Quinn explained that Anne feely would be attending a Marie Carbo workshop in Orlando this week. Ms. Feely will be asked to report to the Council on December 15 concerning the contents of the workshop. Mr. Quinn then explained that he believes the strategies Marie Carbo uses would engage our struggling and reluctant readers. He would like to be able to send 5 or 6 teachers to the 5 day national Marie Carbo conference in the summer of 2005. It would cost approximately $1200 per participant. At this time, there has been $4,000 set aside in the SAC budget for staff to attend workshops. Mr. Quinn would also like to see us use the money from the last year of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Grant to bring Marie Carbo to Garden Elementary. Mr. Quinn suggested an internet search on Marie Carbo to find out more information before the next meeting.

5) SAC Project – Garden Family Night – January 13, 2005 – Kathy Rule will have the media center open from 3:30 – 7:30 PM. Emile Quinn suggested we have a storyteller for the next Family Night. Dot Moore will call Sheila Kaufer at the Jacaranda Public Library. Emile, Melanie Buckalter, Gary Gray, and Gabrielle O’Berry are willing to read to groups on that evening. Any other staff members who are willing to read, let Gabrielle O’Berry know. Mr. Quinn will teach Robbie Thomas to work the popcorn cart. Jack Shultz will provide the funds for the sodas as well as work the popcorn cart from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Gabrielle O’Berry will pick up the sodas from Kash-N-Karry. Mr. Quinn will supply the popcorn. Mr. Quinn also mentioned that we want the families to feel comfortable coming to the school, so if any books do get damaged, he will replace them. Gabrielle O’Berry reported that the staff was very helpful and many volunteered at the last Family Night. We hope to receive the same support on Jan. 13.

6) Other – Mollee inquired as to how the Science Fair/Book Fair went. Staff members reported seeing many families. Anita Weber reported that the Book Fair proceeds were up from last year. Thanks to all who worked so hard to make that evening a success.

Karen Blackburn was asked to inquire about Garden’s Five Star School Banner.

The meeting adjourned at 3:45 PM.

Next Meeting: December 15, 2004, 3:00 PM

Garden Conference Room