School Advisory Council
Meeting
October 18, 2006
In attendance: Dan Kennedy, CSM Charles Thomas, Robert
Lechner, Ken Cowles, Jann Vasiloff, Col.
Steve Cork, Bill Race, Chuck Turner, Hirra Dunn, Cadets Katherine Valdesuso,
Kyle Seeger, John Miericke, Kaitlin Jeffrey, Marshal Rhoades, Ryan Thompson
Chairman Ken Cowles called
the meeting to order at 11:05 a.m. The
September minutes were approved as written.
Ken introduced the SAC’s
newest member, Mr. Chuck Turner, a freshman parent. Ernie Forchetti attended as a guest speaker.
Headmaster’s Report: There have been a couple of
offers to purchase the property, but both were turned down because they were
too low. There are a couple of new sites
being considered for relocation. One is
east of I-75 in the Fruitville Road area.
It is more than 30 acres and would allow for an equestrian trail,
campouts, and the construction of both a high school and a middle school. His vision is that a middle school act as a
feeder to the high school with the curriculum and discipline dovetailing with
that of the high school so that all incoming 9th graders are well
prepared for a high school curriculum.
Each school would have no more than 500 students. The question was raised by two members as to
the proximity of the middle school to the high school; both expressed
reservations. Mr. Kennedy responded that
it was his intention that the schools share some facilities and the
infrastructure. Mr. Kennedy announced
that he has met with Mr. Ed Whitehead, former assistant chief of police, to
begin a criminal justice curriculum for next year. It will be offered as a major for incoming 9th
graders as well as be available to upper classmen. Beginning with next year the state is now
requiring students to select a major and then select courses that will lead to
the completion of that major. Mr.
Kennedy stated that we currently have in place all the classes necessary for
that with the possible exception of having to add another math offering. Beginning next year all students will need 4
math courses for graduation plus all schools will be required to offer a
remedial math class for those student who failed the math portion of FCAT. Our course offerings are driven by demand so
we may have enough math choices now, but we will assess this in the
spring. Be assured we will be in
compliance with the state requirements.
Plus Mr. Kennedy is requiring that beginning with next year’s 9th
grade class an SMA requirement will be World Geography. Lt. Gov. Jennings will visit the SMA campus
on 10/27 at approximately 12:30 p.m. all are welcome to attend. SMA will again participate in McIntosh
Middle’s Veterans Day celebration on 11/10.
Mr. Ciaravella, Dolphin Aviation, continues to provide free flights for
SMA students. Students compete in
academic contests in order to be selected.
Mr. Kennedy reported for Col. Cork that our annual audit went through
with no problems showing that we are in excellent financial shape.
Old Business: Prof. Lechner reported that the SIP was
submitted to the district and accepted with no additions or changes. The Mission and Beliefs committee for the
school’s continuing accreditation process will hold its second meeting to
discuss proposed changes to the school’s mission, vision and beliefs in
preparation for submitting a final document.
Two students, one junior, one senior, were added to the committee for
their input. He stated that once they
have the document finalized he would like to see it posted campus wide so that
it is easily accessible to all and a constant reminder of our goals. Mr. Race stated that in his business
experience to be successful it is imperative that it become a living document
in order to achieve what is stated. Mr.
Forchetti gave an update on the school’s web site. Statistics show that there is increasingly
more activity on the web; 112 parents thus far have submitted their addresses
to be included in an email list that is accessible only to teachers (not
students) for purposes of communication; the ability to join is ever present on
the website; teachers are to continue to give up to date information on
homework and class curriculums on the website and were recently reminded by
Prof. Lechner the importance of doing so.
The ENews is done by Betsy Howard who does our school newsletter and
parents can sign up on the web to receive that.
CSM Thomas reported that there are about 125 students scheduled to go on
the Regimental Campout 10/20-21; there are currently 13 schools, statewide,
participating in the SMA drill meet 11/4; in the near future the Army is
changing the uniform for JROTC, Class B’s will no longer be worn, all uniforms
will either be ACU or dress blues. Mr.
Cowles reported that the SMA Lacrosse team has grown and that this spring a
girls’ team will be fielded. They, too,
will be a member of the West Florida Lacrosse League. Cadet Miericke asked if credits will ever be
earned for lacrosse. Mr. Cowles
responded that there is an official lacrosse curriculum for PE and that is his
intention. He is also hoping to organize
a middle school lacrosse team at some point.
He is actively fund raising for the teams and if anyone has any sources
and would like to help.
New Business: None
The meeting was adjourned at 11:50
a.m.; next meeting is November 15th at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jann Vasiloff, Recording
Secretary