Laurel Nokomis School

School Advisory Committee

Minutes – August 24, 2004

 

Present:  Co-Chairperson Lisa Callaghan, Co-chairperson Carolyn Reichard, Maggie McKay, Paula Cimillo, Tanya Poleschner, Scott Singleton, Jean Thompson, Linda Johnson, Nick Day, Joy Mahler, Peggi Conlin-Paquette, Susan DeSmidt, Kelli Ottman, Terri Ramey, Deanna Lawton, Nancy Dubin, Melodie Deeds, John Jefferson, Richard Holder, Stephen Dembinski, Joe Marisi, Michelle Olivo (guest speaker)

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

Michelle Olivo, a concerned parent, reported that parents were not notified about Sarasota County School District’s new “Lice and Nit” policy.   The “No Nit” policy was changed last year, allowing students with nits to attend school, citing attendance as the reason.   (The previous policy was three days out of school).  A group of parents are sending around a petition to revert to the previous “No Nits” policy.  Mrs. Olivo successfully requested SAC’s support of the parents who are urging the county to change the policy.

 

Co-Chairperson Lisa Callahan discussed the Operational Guidelines regarding SAC’s membership.  Since our school population has decreased in numbers, SAC’s membership numbers should also be reduced.  The numbers will be lowered by one parent and one business partner.  This will be updated in the guidelines.

 

Asst. Principal Melodie Deeds gave an LNS update. 

Ÿ          Literacy Initiatives currently include:  Catch It!, new Literacy Coach Pam Donahue, SRA, Level 2 6th Grade AIPs, Writing Consultant Marcia Freeman, Monthly Mock Writings, Literacy Cards, Monthly Book Lady and Monthly Media Contests.

Ÿ          Data Coach, Linda Meyer, will support data driven instruction that looks at students’ needs.  Consultant Dr. Lavasseuer will assist in looking at short and long term response on the FCAT.  District consultant Pam Walters will also help teachers review data.

Ÿ          Professional Learning Communities Grade Level teams will work together towards a common goal.  The PLCs will be data driven to enhance student achievement.  An intervention team will address students who are NOT learning.

Ÿ          Character Education initiatives include the Second Step program, Good Kid notes, the Buddy Program, Principal’s Breakfast and the Prize Patrol for 7th and 8th graders (related to character trait of the month).  Kay Zahn, our Safe School’s Liaison, will offer training to the LNS staff.

Ÿ          Technology upgrades include wireless mobile labs, retro-fitting, faculty (gradual phasing in) and student lap tops, TAG, new software, and global initiatives (6th grade Odyssey all have laptops).

Ÿ          Community School Development The conference at the Ritz was proudly staffed by our own professionals.  Superintendent Dr. Norris shared his vision with attendees. Other initiatives to increase community spirit include: PLC’s, Renaissance, Family Involvement Committee, Laurel Civic Assoc., Gulf Coast Community Grant, Business partners, and Community Outreach.

 

SAC members were reminded the need to be PAL approved. 

 

New members were notified they are to attend SAC training.

 

SAC meeting dates for the 2004 – 2005 year: August 24, September 28, October 26, November 23, January 25, February 22, March 22, April 26, May 17, 6:00 – 7:000pm in Student Activity Room, Administration Building.

 

LNS was again an “A” school for the 2003-2004 year, so we will receive money.  SBMT and SAC will work together again on funds distribution.  A SAC sub-group will work with an SBMT sub-group. SAC group consists of parent reps Stephen Dembinski and Linda Johnson, Teacher reps Maggie McKay and Peggi Conlin-Paquette, and Community Rep. John Jefferson.

 

Principal Nancy Dubin discussed the Staffing Analysis: 10-Day Adjustment 2004-2005.  (See hand-out - also given out to staff).  Because student attendance is less than projected, we currently have a budget shortfall of ($153,010), even after a Reduction Incentive of not filling some positions over the summer.  Worse case scenario, we could lose (2) Teachers and (1) A2 Aide.  Nancy volunteered a proposal to keep both teachers and surplus (1) A2 Aide.  (see hand-out for specifics).  SAC approved Mrs. Dubin’s proposal.

 

The Sarasota County District requires that Reading and Math be the focus of the School Improvement Plan.  We will be given new templates. The District will take care of other SIP goals such as Safe and Orderly Schools etc.

 

Parents Kathleen Day and Linda Johnson were voted in for new two-year terms as SAC representatives.  Parent Paula Cimillo was newly elected.  Parent/Business Members Stephen Dembinski and Joy Mahler (voted in for new term) were also elected.

 

September 21 added as an additional meeting date to go over the SIP plan.  (Keep Sept. 28th on calendar in case we still need it).

 

Our next meeting will be on September 21, 2004 at 6:00pm.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Paula Cimillo and Tanya Poleschner

Co-Secretaries