Garden Elementary School Advisory Council Minutes

October 18, 2005

 

Present: Emile Quinn, Principal

Teachers – Bruce Anderson, Anne Feely, Rachel Hallman, Gabrielle O’Berry

Classified – Karen Blackburn

Parents – Mollee McFarlane, Sandra Ryan, Shannon Via

Community Members –Terri Ramey, Jack Shultz

Absent: Gary Gray, Dot Moore

 

1) Welcome: Gabrielle O’Berry welcomed SAC members and opened the meeting at 3:00 PM.

 

2) Budget  - The SAC Budget was distributed. The balance was increased by $222.80. Bookkeeper, Joan Koson, explained to Gabrielle O’Berry that “the dollar amount encumbered for Marie Carbo ended up being less.” The balance is now at $8,548.31. All approved the budget as presented.

 

3) FCAT Packs – Gabrielle O’Berry asked the SAC to approve the $1200 needed to purchase 350 FCAT packs. These packs will be distributed by third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers to their students as an incentive to “Take a Bite Out of FCAT!” The total for 350 packs @ $3.19 each plus $42 for shipping and handling is $1,158.50. All agreed to budget $1200 to purchase the FCAT packs.

 

4) A+ Monies – Mr. Quinn explained how the monies were being distributed. The staff could not come to a consensus, so it went to a vote. The majority of Garden’s staff voted to divide the $60,000 among all staff members. After discussion, SAC approved the distribution of the monies as described by Mr. Quinn.

 

5) Five Star Recognition Dinner – Mrs. Blackburn explained that Garden will once again proudly accept the Five Star School certificate at the annual dinner being held on October 27. Mr. Quinn, Mrs. Jennings, Mrs. Hilliard, and Ms. Davis will attend.

 

 

 

6) School Improvement Plan – Mr. Quinn stated that Garden’s SIP has been approved by the School Board. Mr. Quinn explained that the review committee was impressed with the plan. Garden staff members are already in the process of implementing many of the strategies.

 

7) SAC Project Update: Anne Feely stated that the partnership with the YMCA After School Remedial Reading Program is going well. Ms. Feely will track participating students’ reading progress. The YMCA has given students a pretest and will administer a posttest. Karen Blackburn will ask for data in February for the Five Star School Portfolio. Mr. Quinn will look into the SAC Snack situation. Shannon Via suggested giving prizes/certificates to tell students who are participating that their effort is noticed and appreciated. Ms. Feely will check with the YMCA to see what type of incentive program is being implemented, if any.

 

8) Speak Up About Education Forums – Mrs. O’Berry reminded SAC members about the last two “Speak Up” forums. Please attend the October 25 Forum at Venice Elementary School (Cafeteria) from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. (The other Forum is on October 24 at Heron Creek.) Dr. Norris will discuss Next Generation Learning, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the referendum, the budget, instructional programs, safety issues, and more.

 

The meeting adjourned at 3:30 PM.

 

Next Meeting: November 15, 2005, 3:00 PM,

Garden Conference Room