Agenda

Minutes from August 16, 2005 Meeting

Recognition Letter for Outstanding Academic Performance

90-Minute Reading Block

Competency List for Teachers

2005-2006 Operational Guidelines & SAC Roster

Draft Copy of School Improvement Plan for 2005-2006

Attendance (as per sign-in sheet): Jay Berman, Melanie Brigham, Missy Cleary, Kelly Dancer, Amanda Daughtry, JoAnn Doane, John Gammaro, Karan Manchester, Ileana Manzano, Sharon Marks, Jeanne Medawar, Sue Mondello, Laura Rees, Geoffrey Shea, Dorothy Tuccinardi, Pam Wetherill

The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Jeanne Medawar,

Chairperson.

Review of August 16, 2005 Minutes

ü Motion was made to accept the minutes as published. Seconded, and approved.

Review of State Equity Complaint Process

ü The School Board seeks to provide a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.

ü The Policy Against Discrimination For Students Booklets were distributed to students on August 30, 2005.

PALS Volunteer Program

ü Volunteers in the Classroom – A Teacher’s Guide booklet was shared.

ü This was distributed and reviewed at the September 13, 2005 staff meeting.

Recognition Funds for Outstanding Academic Performance

ü Southside was awarded $ 73,242 for receiving a school grade of “A”.

ü The Leadership Team met on 9-12-05. It was decided that last year’s distribution of 80% of the award to go to staff and 20% to go to the school should be brought to the grade level teams for consideration.

ü The majority of staff agreed to the 80/20 split at the 9-19-05 Leadership Team Meeting.

ü SAC members discussed distribution of the Recognition Funds.

ü Motion was made to approve the distribution of funds as 80% to staff and 20% to school. Seconded and approved.

ü The 80% designated to staff will be distributed as a full share to instructional & classified employees with one-half share going to custodial and food service employees. This bonus will be awarded to staff that worked at least half of the school year at Southside.

ü It was noted that the School Improvement funds from 2004-2005 were not yet spent due to changes in district technology. Mrs. Marks will bring a proposal to SAC concerning the expenditure of these funds for upgraded technology for the school.

ü It was suggested that the 20% designated to the school for 2005 should focus on needs in conjunction with our School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Marks will develop a spending plan to be reviewed and voted on by SAC.

Presentation & Review of 2005-2006 Needs Assessment & School Improvement Plan Goals

ü Members reviewed the draft copy of the Needs Assessment data.

ü It was noted that we must work toward closing the achievement gap in student sub-groups.

ü We will continue to use best practices, collaborative planning, lesson design through team learning logs, curriculum mapping and student assessments to meet our goals as stated in the School Improvement Plan.

ü Dorothy Tuccinardi provided additional information about the technology currently being used at Southside. Technology tools such as TestTrakker, SRI, online resources, etc. are used by teachers to help improve classroom instruction. Dorothy will bring a sample of TestTrakker data to the next SAC meeting to illustrate the student information available to all teachers.

ü Motion was made to approve the 2005-2006 School Improvement Plan as presented. Seconded and approved.

90-Minute Reading Block

ü Teachers have incorporated a 90-minute reading block in their school day (see handout).

ü Effective instructional strategies for reading such as read aloud, shared reading and centers will be used during this time to actively engage students in reading.

Facilities Update

ü The PTA General Meeting was held on Friday, Sept. 16^th at 9:15 a.m. in the Media Center. Larry Leon, Director of Security was the guest speaker. Parent turnout for this meeting was very high. Student safety is a priority during this construction year.

ü The color board and classroom plans for the new building were shared with the PTA.

The next SAC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 18, 2005 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Main Office.

Jeanne Medawar adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m.

Submitted by: Pamela Wetherill, Recording Secretary

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