RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL-(SAC)

MINUTES

DECEMBER 6, 2007

 

Noted:  The SAC meeting was called to order by Harriet Moore, at 2:30.  The reading of the previous minutes was waived; as Linda Allen, approved the minutes, as written, and the motioned was carried.

 

Noted:  Mrs. Nook, our principal, spoke about The Community of Caring.  This website is; www.BecauseItMatters.net  this is owned by the community and supported by Gulf Coast Foundations of Venice.  Dr. Moore had hand- outs for the members of SAC; explaining that this teaches ethical living.  The ten keys to civility are:

1.         Respect Others

2.         Think Positively

3.         Pay Attention

4.         Make A Difference

5.         Speak Kindly

6.         Say Thank-You

7.         Accept Others

8.         Rediscover Silence

9.         Listen

10.     Keep Your Cool

 

Noted:  Eighteen schools will be funded this year to participate in this program of caring.  Mrs. Nook would like to see Riverview, become one of the first schools to be selected.

We will be submitting a grant to the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, to be a part of the selection process.

 

 

Noted:  Mrs. Nook discussed Critical Thinking/Research-Curriculum Semester 2.  All ninth graders will have this class and an advisory class too.  They will meet with an adult staff member to discuss issues of interest to the students. Such as: Career Day, Planning for College, etc.  All 10th-12th, graders will also have an advisory class, with discussion pertaining to each grade level.

 

Noted:  Mrs. Nook discussed Student Enrollment/ Budget.   Our student enrollment has continued to drop from October to November.  We were down 59 students on October 15th, and 88 students, on November 13th; Averaging 30 students a month.  The drop out rate is up; we have 275 students that have dropped from our rolls.  Discussion ensued as to why these numbers are high.  The poor cannot get much poorer; it is the middle class that is hurting.  The comment was made that eight to nine thousands have been lost.  This number was heard at a business meeting, but could not actually be proven.  The jobless rate is up we know, the housing market is hurting, and wages are down.  It is expensive to live in Sarasota; but North Port is also feeling the crunch.  “If it is too expensive to live in North Port, then we really have issues.”  This was said by Principal George Kenney.  Everyone is hurting these days.  Sarasota High School has taken the biggest drop in student enrollment.  The main issue with decrease in enrollment is that it affects the budget that we receive; this in turn affects staffing. The question arose; “Is there a way not to have the cuts come down to the wire?”  Mrs. Nook responded that she will start in January, addressing this issue.  There are certain pet projects of Dr. Gary Norris, which will be mandated.  It appears to be all economics. SAC members wanted to know if anyone would listen to them at the school board. It was suggested that they try to attend the school board workshops.  Many members have attended and find them to be very informational.  You can also speak with the members after the workshop.

 

Noted:  It was also discussed if anyone was concerned as to how the students are doing with the block scheduling?  Also, it was discussed that economically it is the preferred method. The SAC members main concern was; how are the students doing, and does anyone care? Some of the teachers and parents felt that block scheduling is not working; and students are not doing their best.  Is it more expensive to staff for block scheduling?  Mrs. Nook said that our consultants (GMS) are perhaps going to do a survey to see; how the students are affected, are the teachers happy? Which method is working better?  GMS is our voice to the district.

 

Noted:  Mrs. Nook was concerned at this time if the SAC members had any questions or comments about the critical incident which occurred on our campus.  The consensus appeared to be that it was handled very well.  Parents within the group seemed pleased and had some very positive comments to make.  Concerns appeared to be regarding; bathroom privileges, the use of telephones, (causing alarm), and parents coming to the school to retrieve their students.  All in all, the comments were extremely positive!  There is always room for improvement, but everyone felt we did a great job!

 

Noted:  The meeting was adjourned at 3:36, by Dr. Harriet Moore.  Our next meeting is tentative and will be announced.

 

Whatever, your holiday preference: Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, please enjoy your holiday season!

 

                                                                             Respectfully submitted,

                                                                              Linda Stoecklin

 

http://www.sarasota.k12.fl.us/sacmeeting/

This is the address to the SAC Minutes for all of the schools in Sarasota County. There is a list of High Schools, click on Riverview High School.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Board Meetings and Workshops

2008 Board meetings - January 8 & 22, February 5 & 19, March 4 & 18, April 1 & 15, May 6 & 20, June 3 & 17, July 22 (one meeting), August 5 & 19, September 2 & 16, October 7 & 21, November 4 & 18, December 9 (one meeting). Regular Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Third Tuesday of each month, 3:00 p.m., - (July 22 & December 9, 2008 are at 3:00 p.m.), 1980 Landings Blvd.
Broadcasting Times: Channel 20 -Wed. 8:00 p.m., Thurs. 12:00 p.m., Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. & 5 p.m., & Sun. 4 p.m. Highlight indicates changes - time(s)/date(s)/place(s).

Contact: Nina_Lane@sarasota.k12.fl.us, 927-9000, Ext. 31147
http://www.sarasota.k12.fl.us/schoolboard/ (School Board)

 

 

REVISED - 12/10/07

 

DATE

LOCATION

TIME

01/03/08

Board Equipment/Computer Training - Board Room
1980 Landings Blvd.

5:30 p.m.

01/04/08

Board Equipment/Computer Training - Board Room
1980 Landings Blvd.

10:00 a.m.

01/08/08

Tracking Dollars Workshop 
1980 Landings Blvd.

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

01/08/08

Regular Board Meeting
1980 Landings Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

01/15/08

Monthly Work Session
1960/1980 Landings Blvd.

10:00 - 3:00 p.m.

01/18/08

Convocation of Governments
BOB Building (Interim Government Operations)
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd.

8:00 - 12:00 p.m.

01/22/08

Budget Workshop
1980 Landings Blvd.

12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

01/22/08

Regular Board Meeting
1980 Landings Blvd.

3:00 p.m.

01/22/08

School Improvement Plans - Alternative Schools
1960 Landings Blvd.

4:00 p.m.