School Advisory Council
Meeting
November 17, 2004
In attendance: Madalyn Andrews, Ken Cowles, Robert Lechner, Dan Kennedy, Bridget Jones, Jim Young, Robert Graham, Cadet Whitney Vosick, Cadet Kyle Seeger, Cadet Katie Vasiloff, Cadet Katherine Valdesuso, Col. Cork, CSM Mike Collis, Jann Vasiloff
The meeting was called to order at 11:35 a.m. by Jann Vasiloff in Chairman Cindy Wallace’s absence. Minutes from the October meeting were approved as written.
Headmaster’s Report: Mr. Kennedy reported that we are full for next year (2005-2006) and currently putting students on a waiting list. Veterans’ Day was a huge success in every way. All the feedback from parents, etc., was positive. Tuskegee Airmen presentation went well and quite impressive. The painting by Frank Hopper will be the cover for our yearbook this year and the Tuskegee Airmen have agreed to autograph copies. There are also prints of the painting for sale ($250) if anyone would like to purchase one; they will also be signed.
The loan for the purchase of the building is scheduled to close in January 2005. Mr. Kennedy stated that a huge debt of gratitude goes to Col. Cork for pulling the deal together; it took a tremendous amount of work, planning and scheduling.
Commandant’s Report: The purchase contract was signed today by the Diocese, we are awaiting approval of the bonding issue with the county-all the necessary paperwork was submitted, the bank will sign the letter of credit. There is a lengthy report that must be approved by the County Commission which should happen at their meeting in December. Plans for the Military Ball are complete and everything looks ready. The speaker is General Brooks, Chief of Public Affairs for the US Army. Catering is by Bella Cucino. There will be skits this year by cadets, the Order of Eagles will be presented to some seniors, tickets are still available, dress is formal for girls, tuxes for outside male guests, and uniforms-Class A & B for SMA students. Dress down day netted approximately $600 to help offset the cost of the Military Ball.
Professor Lechner: The School Board requested some changes to the SPE pertaining to the achievement percentages. They were completed. We were also asked to provide an electronic copy of the SPE to the county which Mrs. Daysh did. Mr. Lechner stated that as part of his duties he observes teachers in the classroom using the Florida Performance Measurement System. Each observation is followed by a conference with the teacher. Mrs. Vasiloff asked what happens when a teacher is found deficient. Mr. Lechner stated that it depends on the degree of the deficiency. Minor deficiencies can usually be handled during the conference; more serious; i.e., chemistry not right in the classroom, requires a more immediate revisit to the classroom to see if corrections have been made.
CSM Collis: Our first ever SMA drill meet Nov. 6th was a great success. All the schools that participated were impressed with the meet. We would like to host it again. It cost us about $800.00 due primarily to the cost of the trophies. Next year Pepsi Cola has agreed to sponsor those. CSM acknowledged the tremendous contribution by the parents and staff that made the success possible, and help offset the cost. Cindy Wallace and Simon Kirby provided lunch for the judging staff, the Moreys ran the concession stand with volunteer help from parents, Peg Cork, faculty members and parents took on the huge job of tallying the scores. There many others involved. This meet took the place of the one that is usually held at Port St. Lucie, but was originally cancelled due to the hurricanes. The next drill meet is at Winter Springs, 11/20; all the cadets will be back in time for the Military Ball.
Old Business: Jann Vasiloff mentioned that Mrs. Wallace had asked SAC members to think about goals for an “internal school SPE.” That was tabled until the next meeting.
There have been recent meetings with MCC regarding duel enrollment courses in every department. Colleges do recognize these credits, however, they may not be recognized as satisfying a particular course requirement depending upon how the course fulfills the college’s specific requirements.
The agenda books are at the printer and should be here for second semester.
Ken Cowles thanked everyone for Academy Night (Mr. Kennedy said that the credit belonged to Mrs. Marx). Mr. Cowles said that it really helped his son focus and think about his future and what he needs to start to do now in order to prepare. Katie Vasiloff suggested that the next time area colleges be invited to attend so that students not necessarily interested in the service academies would have those available to them as well.
New Business: CSM Collis clarified that the SADD presentation to the students, “Wise Guys, Smart Girls,” was not teaching sex education, but rather was instructing the students about the value of wise decision making in all areas of their lives. They did discuss that abstinence was the only 100% method to prevent pregnancy. No other contraceptive methods were discussed. CSM Collis mentioned that the 2 instructors were outstanding and really could relate to the students. The feedback from the kids was very positive.
The SADD conference that was postponed due to the hurricanes has been rescheduled for December 11 & 12th. We will be able to have 16 people to attend. SADD president, Katie Vasiloff, has suggested that when they return to the school on December 12th they have a session on how to implement the things that they learn at the conference.
Bridget Jones mentioned that another faculty member will need to be appointed in February or March to complete her term while she is on maternity leave.
A vote was taken to eliminate the December meeting because of the shortened month; the next meeting will be January 19th at 11:30 a.m.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jann Vasiloff, Recording Secretary