SAC Minutes

March 16, 2007

Present: Mary Gorman, Bob Rosenbaum, Amy Durfee, Jan Gilpin, Mrs. Mullinix, Patty Largo, Donna Maguire, Lauren Orr, Darby Larkin, Tracy Wilson, Sally Good

The following Agenda items were discussed:

1. Staff changes:

· Choral music – Heather DeMao has had to be returned to math class because of district requirements. A long-term substitute is in choral music.

· With the move of Dr. Hal Nelson to the position of Associate superintendent of Next Generation Learning. The new executive director of middle schools is Dr. Page Dettman.

2. STAR plan:

· Defeated soundly

· A new plan is being worked on

3. Feedback on Chap Clark’s HURT presentation:

· Most staff found it helpful and appreciate SAC providing funding

· Staff would have liked more time spent on the practical aspects of how to deal with student behaviors

· Definitely has opened a dialogue amongst staff about student behaviors and how to deal with students on an individual basis

4. AGENDA book Committee highlights:

· The committee meets weekly, clarifying policies, redefining some topics

· Backpacks will be allowed next year

· The committee is currently working on the dress code issue and has asked SDMT to provide input. Other sources, including policies at other middle schools, have been accessed.

· Discussion of the need for having all staff go over the staff handbook and agenda. Although the presentation needs to be more interactive.

5. Kagan Funding Request:

· Ms. Durfee requested $487.50 for a one-day training on April 21.

· After McRel, 12 staff have requested a Kagan training

· 15 staff were trained in the fall, 6-10 staff are participating in Structure of the Month club

· Approved with the stipulation that a minimum of 10 staff must participate

6. Embracing Our Differences

· Meredith Jacks submitted 39 student quotes to the Embracing Our Differences contest.

· Of 270 quotes submitted, 5 from McIntosh were selected.

· These students will be honored on March 22 at Ringling School of Art and Design

7. Hawks Field Trip to John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park

• Amy Durfee reports that Ecology objectives will be met. The trip includes hiking, snorkeling, glass bottom boat, kayaking through the mangroves. Students will present their findings on a several assignments during the trip,
• Also important, is the team building aspect of the trip. Along with outdoor and environmental experiences.
• Funded by the students and families

8. Spring Orientation

· April 25 – Student tours

· April 30 – Spring parent night for incoming 6^th graders

· Jeffi Westberry is in charge

· This is opportunity to recruit new SAC members

9. Master Schedule

· A++ course retrieval impacts our current 6^th graders. Students that fail a course will have to retrieve that course, either summer school or the following year

· If a student does not achieve success in 7^th grade, promotion to 8^th grade may be withheld

· Summer school is scheduled to use the PLATO program

· The district is still working on the details of course retrieval as stipulated by the state

· Other aspects of the A++ plan were discussed. These have far reaching effects on our school and district. Again, the district is directing how schools will address these plans so there is consistency among schools.

10. Other – Amy Durfee noted that McIntosh had the Overall Winner of the Middle School Science Fair. In addition, McIntosh has 6 First Place winners and 2 Second Place winners

The SAC meeting for April will occur in conjunction with the staff meeting on April 22.

Respectfully submitted,

Jan Gilpin