School Advisory Council
August 31, 2004
Minutes
The August meeting was held on August 31, 2004 in the administration conference room. In attendance were: Kelly O’Brien, Marcy Kennelly, Garen Schaefer, Georgann Nugent, Michele Ralich, Jody Woodford, Lisa Styers, Theresa Wysocki, Liz Zieminski, Jerrilynn Palmer, Tammi Barber, Sandy Kleer, Alan Osborne, Andy Grill and Tom Buchanan.
Nominations and elections were held. Kelly O’Brien was nominated and elected chairperson. Garen Schaefer was nominated and elected vice-chairperson. Michele Ralich was elected recording secretary.
Mr. Buchanan welcomed everyone and gave some background information regarding his experience with working with SAC groups. He stated that school recognition funds for schools are a real blessing. In regard to some budget issues and after 10 day count figures, Tuttle will be receiving additional funding. Because of high numbers in 4th and 5th grades, Mr. Buckley will move from combination teacher to a home room teacher for 5th grade reducing the home room numbers to approximately 19 each. A posting for a 4th grade teacher will be advertised, and those classrooms should be approximately 19 each also.
Tuttle’s main problem is space. Due to that problem, Mr. Buchanan informed the group that Tuttle may not be available for school choice. Also reassignments will be scrutinized by Ken Marsh and be restricted to students already at Tuttle. However, in the future, parents will be notified that siblings of students on reassignment at Tuttle will not be able to attend Tuttle. Therefore, those students more than likely will move to their districted schools. Tuttle is experiencing an increase in the number of students attending Tuttle that actually live in our district.
Because of the school’s location, no buildings can be built or portables added. So growth at this time will be capped by the absence of choice and reassignments.
Mr. Buchanan spoke about the Professional Learning Community and it’s importance to the superintendent and how important it is for continuous improvement to meet the needs of the students. We will be working with focus groups to help find the best strategies for our teachers to teach. Our School Improvement Plan will be updated to coincide with the Professional Development Plan to revise the strategic plan to assess whether we are meeting the criteria in the federal AYP and No Child Left Behind.
Mrs. Kleer asked about the students already enrolled on reassignment. Mr. Buchanan informed her that they would be allowed to stay.
Mr. Buchanan asked the business partners how they benefited from Tuttle as SAC members. Both stated that they weren’t here to benefit, but mostly for goodwill for the community. Mr. Osborne did state that Tuttle was always available to help with their March of Dimes program. Mr. Osborne presented Mrs. Kennelly with 1200 Campbell’s labels certificates to add to our Campbell’s labels program.
Mrs. Zieminski reviewed the membership guidelines for SAC. Each team should have a rep at the meetings, although the rep won’t be a voting member. Mr. Buchanan would like to increase parent and business membership. Teachers are requested to ask a parent from their classroom they feel would be interested and able to attend the meetings on a regular basis. Student reps need to be elected. Mrs. Zieminski will check with the 5th grade team to see if there would be any interested students for nominations.
Meetings will continue to be at 3:00 p.m. at this time. Mr. Buchanan made a commitment to have the meetings run on time and start and end promptly. Meetings will be held on the following dates: 9/21, 10/19, 11/16 and 1/18.
Mr. Buchanan would like everyone to review the Operational Guidelines and to bring any suggestions for changes to the next meeting. A SAC icon will be placed on the BBS for the staff for information to be available to all.
Mrs. Ralich presented information regarding the Pro Kids Show to be held September 28, 2004. Three assemblies will be held – two during the day, and one during the evening for parents. This program has been at Tuttle for the past two years and has been well-received and enjoyed by all. The program endorses our character education curriculum. The total fee is a reduced fee of $925.00. Kelly O’Brien motioned that funds be made available to pay for this assembly; Mrs. Schaefer seconded, and the motion was carried.
Mrs. Welsh presented her recorder proposal and asked for $500 to help with the purchase of new recorders for the 3rd thru 5th grade students. Ms. O’Brien motioned that SAC fund the purchase of new recorders; Mr. Osborne seconded, and the motion was carried.
Georgann Nugent requested $300 for the Artist in Resident program. Nanette Hopkins, a local artist and environmentalist will be working with the students in lst and 2nd grades to make clay turtles while informing them of the hazards for and need for protection of our Florida turtles. She will be here January 10th, 24th and February 7th. Mrs. Kennelly made a motion to fund this great program; Mrs. Woodford seconded, and the motion was carried.
Mrs. Kleer had a concern regarding the Pet Therapy program formerly at Tuttle. Mrs. Zieminski said that Mary Beth Davis our home/school liaison is looking into getting some new participation. Mrs. O’Brien raised a concern regarding the parking lot and parents parking along the grass. In the past, parking lot concerns have been addressed to facilities with no solution in mind. Additional parking is not available according to the unstable ground areas. Mr. Buchanan will be working with Mr. Burton to work on the parking situation.
Mr. Buchanan would like a SAC subcommittee to possibly work with the Parks & Recreation Dept. to build a joint basketball/soccer/softball field in the area near the old media center for after hours use. The basketball courts now are fenced in and not available for community use. Mr. Buchanan would like to see a more community friendly campus.
Mrs. Kleer was concerned about the moving of children during the 5th grade class changes. However, she wanted to thank the school for thinking of the children and using the least disruptive criteria for the move.
Mrs. Zieminski brought up the PALS training to be at Laurel Nokomis School on September 23rd from 6:30 – 8:30. There will be training for SAC members and anyone interested in attending should let her know.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.