McIntosh Middle School School Advisory Council Minutes January 17, 2006

The following Agenda Items were discussed:

1. Q & A Time – facilitated by Dan Cronin

Questions and discussion on the following topics:

• Expected referendum vote outcome – Administration noted that there had been some positive discussions.
• Impact on attendance of the extended school day – Administration noted that the hours of the school day had not been determined, but agreed that extending morning and afternoon left parents and staff little time for doctor appointments, etc.
• Mandate from the district on how the extended day is to be used – Reading will continue to be a focal point, but no directive had been received at this point
• Preparations for FCAT – All are continuing to work hard, more emphasis every year. This year, over 100 students have registered for FCAT camp, which is quite an increase from last year.

2. Program Presentation:

Encore – Shelly Shaughnessy

• Ms. Shaughnessy conducted a tour of the Encore facilities, noting that there are ten choices for students.
• Physical Education facilities also include a fitness room with equipment designed for adolescents.
• The Agriscience area includes a large classroom, as well as, the gardens and greenhouse.
• The Band facilities include several smaller practice rooms.
• The large space designated to Family Consumer Science includes classroom space, demonstration kitchen, and several student kitchen areas.
• Some outside funding sources have been used, including Coca Cola, which donated pedometers to all sixth grade research classes. In addition, Encore classes have held fundraisers.

3. Funding Request Form

• Alligators – Artists in Schools - $234.00. Approved.
• Conference reimbursements – B. LaCamera, H. DeMao, K. McArthur. Approved.

4. Other discussion

• There is resistance to the morning YMCA run program. However, this program was put in place to provide for the safety of children who are dropped off prior to the start of school. It is felt that resistance will dwindle as the program becomes an established part of our safe and orderly school plan.
• The PALS after school program will have to be relocated because of the new facilities zone being placed on campus by the district. The PALS program will have to relocate to the portable currently housing the World at War Museum. There was discussion regarding the possible community funding of a new home for the museum, however, codes would have to be met and this would be a large project to undertake.
• Mr. Hagemann noted that with class size reduction we would be adding approximately seven teachers next year. Some teachers will have to be mobile since there are not enough classrooms.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:05 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jan Gilpin