DHS Site Counsel

Minutes 12/11/08

Present:  Tom McHale, Susan Hulsizer, Vicki Rich, Robin Cole, Saatyaki Amin, Nicolette Gmoser-Daskalakis, Mike Cawley, Robert Lawson, Gail Cooluris, Christina Bernadac, Linda Preciado, Sheila Smith

Meeting called to order @ 3:05

Guests – Courtenay Tessler

1.)  Minutes from 10/22 

#2  Susan suggested to revise Dr Hammond’s description to reflect from 10-12 to 9-12 grade level configuration

#4 Susan also suggested that in Mr. Cawley’s section Class size reduction results – could we add Mike’s chart to the minutes add a comment reflecting a slight improvement in the progress in grades

            #6  Gail – minutes should reflect that the goals were voted on unanimously.

            Mike Cawley will give Tom the chart to add to the minutes

Motion to approve as amended – Robin Cole – Second Robert Lawson

• Minutes from 11/18/08 with C&I

Could add – C & I continued to meet after site council members were allowed to leave.

Motion to approve as amended – Robert – Gail second

2.)    Additional agenda items

ACES – Courtenay

Update on Tardy policy –

Mike spoke to this

Administration is still making changes based upon feedback from staff and community.  Next draft will go out to staff. 

Concern regarding a perception that there is a policy in place was mentioned.  Sheila clarified that there was a misunderstanding that there was already a policy in place – but no other tardy policy is in place except we expect students to be in class on time.

3.)    ACES – Courtenay Tessler explained the new basic skills English class which was created this fall - Academic Coaching Empowering Success.  We have 35 students in the pilot 11 & 12.  In 09-10 we will have two classes, one 10^th and one 11^th and if there are seniors who need help – they will be included.  We want to have this in place to improve study habits, research skills and writing.  Spencer Elliot teaches the class.  The class supports the student’s success in their English

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12 & 11 classes and 10^th and 11^th grade social studies classes.  The students are enrolled in this support class by choice.  At first, Spencer had thee students writing fun topics and now they are writing their papers for English and social studies with support from this class.  It is helping students gain confidence, and skills.  I have learned a lot from the kids – they want to be there and they don’t want to fail.  Students may transition after one year, or need support for longer.  There are a couple of special education students and a couple of English Language learners in the class.  It is a very culturally diverse class. 

Gail asked - What does ACES need from Site Counsel?  Courtenay answered – books on tape, tutoring (district support).  They are getting English credit for HS graduation – not A-G.   Courtenay went into the class and she showed the students their transcripts, attendance print outs and reviewed their progress.  If every one improves – the students want to go to Yosemite – she gave them the baseline – and if everyone improves by the end of the semester they get to go.

4.)    First draft of the Single Plan for Student Achievement

Tom introduced the input to the plan.  Mike noted the total amount of money to work with is about $65,000. 

A general consensus of the committee is that full approval for the EL center development is important for DSHS.  To have the Woodland coordinator consult this summer and share the curriculum resources, data collection system and she has gathered/developed over the years will put us ahead of the game and able to start services on day one next fall.

The process for developing the final draft for the budget was explained by Tom.  Last year during winter break we sent out a draft – so when we meet in Jan. 8, 2009 – like last year - we had it ready to discuss and then discussed how to present to the staff. 

It was suggested that the technology be placed on hold since maintenance and repair are issues. 

Tom – This year PTA is also funding staff proposals.

Is there a way to recommend requests to other funding sources?  We could refer them to PTA in fall 09.  Tom suggested that a better coordination effort be made this next year.

Did we have a special request for Friendship Days?  PTA is funding this.

Previously they had submitted a request last year – no request was made this year.

One thing that comes in through site counsel each year – “Turn it in” – Can Stacey do this from the money already allotted to her?    That is a pretty expensive program.
Susan suggests that:    Staff proposals to be reduced to $9,000

                                    Staff development reduced to $2,500

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Each line of the budget was discussed and reviewed

Goal to figure out more closely how much the EL center training and coordination will be needed for this summer – as the agreements are written a closer number could be reached.

• Priorities for the dollars available were discussed and agreed upon:

Anything above the $65,000 - bring staff proposal up to 12,000

Next 3,000 would go to link/RSVP crew

this is a new program that takes older students and trains them to work and have silly games with younger students – meet with 10^th graders a couple of times a year – it helps older students to care for and have ownership for the well being of younger students.  Mostly money needed for training.

Next 3,000 – LCDs.

Next 3,000 – tutors for Algebra and Geometry.

Maybe we need to go to the board meetings to advocate for more resources to come from the district.

Tom pointed out that there isn’t any money being spent on the Alg & Geometry goal – as we are putting together the written goal – but nothing is supporting it.

Discussion suggested that the goal is being funded from other sources.  Can that be addressed in the write up?  Perhaps site other funding sources supporting this goal or list how the resources from the EL curriculum will/could be used to support Alg and Geometry student success.

Motion budget Robert – second Saatyaki – passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned: @ 4:55 PM.