School Advisory Council
Meeting
February 21, 2007
In attendance: Dan Kennedy, CSM Charles Thomas, Prof. Robert
Lechner, Ken Cowles, Jann Vasiloff, Col.
Steve Cork, Bill Race, Chuck Turner, Pat Pillot, Jim Young, Vera McClaugherty, Robert
Graham, Hirra Dunn, Cadets Katherine Valdesuso, Kyle Seeger, John Miericke, Ryan
Thompson,
Chairman Ken Cowles called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. The meeting time was changed to allow members to view the Blackhawk helicopter that visited the school. The January minutes were approved as written.
Headmaster’s Report: Mr. Kennedy reported that the FCAT testing begins next Monday, 2/26 and Tuesday 2/27 for 9th and 10th graders; eleventh grade science is given later. All juniors are undergoing a review of materials in JROTC classes given by instructors from the science department since the test is comprised primarily of physical science and most juniors have not had that subject since freshman year. Mr. Kennedy expressed his belief that passing FCAT was as much a mind set as it was preparation and he encouraged all parents and teachers to help the students understand that it was serious and that they must prepare, be rested and concentrate on doing well. A passing score of 3.5 in the different subjects is required for graduation. All students scoring low on the test are mandated to attend remedial classes in the subject.
Enrollment for next year’s freshmen class stands at approximately 160; of that 85% are expected to actually attend. The students are coming from various schools including Pine View and the SHS MAST program; the SMA SABRE program will be enhanced to provide students a greater challenge. The SMA ESE department will only admit those students whose matrix is 251 or 252 (from a range of 251-259-the higher the number the greater the service needed) because we do not have the facilities to accommodate students at the higher range. Any incoming students found to be in the upper levels will be asked to attend their districted school where they will be able to receive the necessary services.
In reality all students at SMA are on “probation” because all are subject to the rules and must adhere to the contracts they signed upon enrolling. Any student in violation can be returned to their districted school.
The process for continuing accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools is underway. The mission, vision and beliefs committee has concluded their work; Prof. Lechner has put together the next three committees-profile, planning and results which are comprised of faculty, staff, students and parents. The visiting team will be at the school in fall 2008.
This Saturday is Cincinnati Reds Day and SMA will again take part.
Commandant’s Report: Col. Cork reported that the board of directors approved expenditures for improvements in the facility including a security camera system, roof repairs, and replacement of pipes while still maintaining a reserve. The annual cadet command inspection, RFI, will take place 3/7/07. Work is underway by cadets and staff to insure continued ranking as an Honor Unit. A new feature of the inspection this year includes aspects of administration-class size and budget to support JROTC. The inspection is conducted by two personnel from cadet command supported by local recruiters.
The district drill meet is this Saturday at Palmetto High School where the teams will qualify to go on to States.
Old Business: Ken Cowles reported that lacrosse, both men’s and women’s teams, continues to flourish with the recent addition of 2 new members to each team. The varsity team recently lost by only 1 goal (9-10) to Fishawk whose goalie up to that game had not allowed any goals; the game moved SMA’s team up in the state rankings from 48 to 22. The next game is against Lakewood Ranch HS and should SMA win it should move our ranking into the top 10. The women’s team plays this Saturday. The team has a fundraiser going for businesses and people who would like to buy signage that lines the field. The prices are $275, $375 and $500. The graphic designer has donated a huge amount of his fee and time to make the signs spectacular, far beyond what we could afford to pay. Ken stressed the need for funding to cover costs such as lighting the field. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
New Business: Vera McClaugherty mentioned that her Spanish IV class is putting together a video of all things SMA. It was originally done as a class project and they are currently dubbing the video in English so that it can be used for Tuesday morning orientation and other SMA functions. She said that the kids did a wonderful job on the project and she would welcome anyone to view and give input.
The committee was asked to give thought to permanently changing the meeting time from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 a.m.; next meeting is March 21st at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jann Vasiloff, Recording Secretary