Tuttle Elementary School

SAC Meeting Minutes

August 30, 2007

 

Attendees:

Susy Welsch, Melissa Thompson, Garen Schaefer, Cynthia Martin, Courtni Darpino. Kelly O’Brien, Marcy Kennelly, Maria Rodriguez, Jerrilyn Palmer, Adele Doyle, Michele Tegio, Jennifer Kahler, Patty Adams, Jane Courtright, Sandra Cruz, Yaritza Delgado, Eileen Carreau, Maria Chapa, Dr. Tom Buchanan, MaryBeth Slane and Faustina Martinez.

 

Overview of SAC Guidelines/Requirements:

The draft of the SAC guidelines was reviewed.  Dr. Buchanan reminded the group that our membership must represent the population.  MaryBeth Slane made the motion to accept the Operational Guidelines as they appear.  Garen Schaefer seconded the motion.  The motion was passed to accept the Operational Guidelines as is.

 

Old Business:

A concern was expressed last school year that Tuttle Talk was not being sent home on a regular basis during the 2006-07 school year As a result, parents had expressed a desire to receive it more consistently.  Dr. Buchanan stated that the next edition would be out before the next SAC meeting.  It still has not been determined how often the Tuttle Talk will be sent home.

 

The Parent Information Center is up and running in the front office.  The purpose of the Parent Information Board is to provide parents with updates on important school events and easy access to forms.

 

The cafeteria had posed a concern with staff and parents in the past.  In order to cut down on the noise level, sound reduction boards were installed over the summer. In addition, tables have been rearranged and more staff supervision has been added to the cafeteria. This year, Cafeteria School was used to review expectations and an incentive program was instituted to assist in motivating the students to follow the new cafeteria rules.  Classes are working to earn points for the class and individual points with the goal of winning Ice cream Sundays and bicycles. A drastic change in the noise level has already been noted.

 

Treasury Update:

The SAC budget currently stands at 10, 978.69.  There were no requests made for money at this time.

 

 

 

 

Principal’s Update:

Tuttle was designated as an A school based on data collected during the 06-07 school year.  Students made substantial gains.  All but one sub group made AYP. 

 

Dr. Buchanan shared new district policies.  Parents will no longer be able to eat with their child at the lunch tables in the cafeteria.  As a result, parents must sit at a separate table when they choose to eat with their children. 

 

Another change is in how children are dismissed in the afternoon.  Students are dismissed based on their designated ways of going home. Bus riders are walked to the back loop, car riders are escorted out to the front loop where they are seated by grade level and supervised by staff. Students whose parents walk up to pick them up are being escorted to an inside classroom. Parents are required to show their Parent Pick Up Cards prior to students being released to them. This practice was put into place to protect the students and ensure that all students are going home the correct way. Parents expressed some concern about this new process taking too long. Another concern was in response to the heat and sun exposure in the parent waiting line. Dr. Buchanan and Mrs. Kahler shared that they are actively working out options and asked for patience as we iron out the kinks.

 

Dr. Buchanan shared that the school budget has been cut which will result in the loss of teaching positions.

 

Election of Officers: 

New officers were not elected due to the meeting being adjourned.  New officers will be elected at the start of the next meeting.

 

Calendar of Meetings:

SAC meetings will be held on the second Wednesday every month. It was decided to continue the meetings at 7:30 am.  The next meeting is scheduled for September 12th. 

 

The meeting was concluded.  Faustina Martinez motioned to adjourn.  Maria Rodriguez seconded the motion.  The meeting ended at 8:40.