Sarasota Military Academy

School Advisory Council

February 19, 2003

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman, A. Vignocchi at 11:30am.

 

Present: A. Vignocchi, A. Tilston, J. Young, L. Kroll, B. Race, CSM M. Collis, D. Kennedy, J. Reynolds,

B. Watrous, Capt. R. Petrucci and C. Wallace.

 

Excused:  K. Vasiloff

 

Guest:  Robert Lechner

 

A. Tilston moved that the minutes be approved as presented, seconded by L. Kroll, approved

 

Headmaster’s Report: D. Kennedy reported that there are 268 cadets enrolled, 400 will be enrolled next year and settle in at 360 cadets.

 

Four portables will be received from the Diocese for $300.00 a month/a piece for the first year, and then for $1 a year thereafter.  They will be used for the Library, Office space, and 2 additional classrooms.

 

We will have one full-time guidance next year.

 

SABRE is underway with great success.  Hiring Shana Elliot to co-chair with Capt. Petrucci, if able to get the Florida retirement approved by Board of Directors.

 

JROTC has been approved for reimbursement by the Army.

 

Uniforms, computers and new science labs are moving forward for next year.

 

New Sign on the corner of Orange and 10th St. sponsored by Pepsi.

 

Drill Team won 2nd in District.

 

Rifle Team won 3rd in District.

 

Program of studies is done and was distributed to council.

 

Old Business:

 

SABRE and Portables: covered in Headmaster’s report.

 

Brochure:  It is on track, will be taking pictures on March 6th for it.

 

Library:  The Laura Bush Library Grant is being pursued, some discussion was had about how to best secure books.  It was agreed that a big push for books should start in the Fall, when we have the portable for the Library.

 

Web page: Robert Lechner will gather information and ensure that A. Tilston receives it for the Web page.

A. Vignocchi asked about links to other sites, D. Kennedy would look into linking with the Chamber of Commerce site.

 

New Business:

 

Five Star: D. Kennedy met with the chairman, Jann Vasiloff this morning and reviewed what needed to be done.  Five Star was explained so that all the members knew it is a state recognition program for excellent schools.  It stresses five areas of excellence: Student Life, Parent Involvement, Community Support, Business Partners and Volunteers.

 

B. Race asked if we are satisfied with our goals?  D. Kennedy answered that he felt we had exceeded most of our goals for this first year to include: Parent involvement, top-notch faculty, attracting top students, upgrade facilities, technology, and purchase of facility.  Greatest area of concern was academics and is trying to secure the Florida retirement system for next year to help attract more qualified teachers.  Using TPAS, a teacher evaluation system to determine a teacher’s effectiveness.

 

Graduation:  Scheduled for the 28th of May at the Municipal Auditorium.  It will be a dignified affair, a celebration of our 1st year, a historic event.  An invitation to attend was extended to all council members.

 

Saturday, Mar. 22 is the schools first dance, with a Mardi Gras theme.

 

A. Vignocchi is trying to secure an eagle symbol for the school.

 

J. Reynolds will look into the Seniors and their efforts into a class gift.

 

B. Watrous stated that the Veterans Memorial video would be available.  Also, the Fountain Times are interested in doing an article on the school.  D. Kennedy stated to have them contact him.

 

CSM M. Collis stated that two new programs have started at the school, SADD (Student Against Drunk Driving) and NOT (Not On Tobacco).  SADD is a student-sponsored club that promotes good choices away from Drugs and Drinking.  NOT is a smoking cessation program sponsored by the American Lung Assoc.

 

B. Watrous moved to adjourn, A. Tilston seconded, approved.

 

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