Reminders and Such

Team,

Happy Thursday!  Couple of quick things for your reading pleasure.  First, all signs point toward a successful transition to Google.  If you're stuck in a bad place, please see or email Brian Goolsby.  One related request, please be sure to check your  BPS mail regularly.  A couple of parents and outside partners have shared that they sent emails via the BHS website (which has your BPS email) and received no response.  Thanks for your help there.

Some good news, thus far, nearly 50 seniors have already taken the Accuplacer and we're expecting another 30 or so this afternoon.  Even better, there appears to be some excitement around taking courses via Bunker Hill.  More on that soon.

A special kudos to Ms. Snyder, Nurses Bishop, DuJour, and Nowicki and the HOSA (Health Occupations Student Association) team for an awesome Health Fair.  If you missed this year, make it a plan to visit next year.  You'll learn plenty, validate the the efforts of your colleagues, and, potentially, see Ms. Parham lead a Zumba session like no other. 

Lastly, two reminders:

1. Dec. 19th is the deadline for submitting progress report grades.  Those who cannot access Aspen should see John Splaine.
2. Those who are on one-year plans evaluation plans or less, your formative evaluation must be complete by January 13th.  Accordingly, please be sure upload artifacts on or before January 3rd to allow the advisor time to review.

Michele Lavorgna sent along this really inspirational talk from Ted Talks.  It's entertaining on one level, but extremely substantive.  When you have time, take a gander.

Best,

Pat

************

Celeste Gutierrez sent along this interesting event.  She is planning to attend.  Interested?   See the RSVP info below. 

Dear colleague, 

I'd like to extend to you a personal invite to the Student Immigrant Movement's (SIM) 1st Annual Dare to Dream Conference on December 14. 

SIM, the largest youth-led immigrant rights organization in Massachusetts, is fighting for education equity, access and excellence for undocumented and immigrant youth through its Dare to Dream campaign. Through its local and regional organizing chapters and teams, SIM is changing schools from the inside out, creating institutional change in high schools, school districts, colleges and universities, with the ultimate goal of establishing a network of DREAM schools, schools that are committed to and actively working toward inclusive and supportive spaces for immigrant youth. 

Building on the on-the-ground work that SIM organizers and leaders have laid out throughout November, Immigrant youth and schools will come together on December 14 to figure out what DREAM schools can look like in Massachusetts and how we can build a sustainable roadmap together to get us there. What does college access look like? What wraparound supports and community engagement strategies do immigrant youth most benefit from? How can schools provide specialized financial aid and admissions assistance to immigrant youth applicants facing status-based barriers? How do we retain immigrant youth once they enroll? 

The conference will take place on Saturday, December 14 from 8AM (registration and breakfast 8AM- conference starts at 9AM) to 6PM, in the Ryan Lounge at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. 

Here is the registration link: Please RSVP so you can be guaranteed space and food! 

Going Google FAQ's

Team,

Out friends at OIIT sent along this this helpful FAQ list in preparation for the switch to Google on Monday.  Take a gander.  Please make sure you have changed your password in the Hub today.  As is noted below, some 3000 folks have yet to do so.  You will not be able to access your BPS Gmail account if you have not done so. 

Also, by way of reminder, Brian Goolsby, our resident tech specialist, is offering email help sessions in the College and Career Center on the dates and times below.  These sessions are for folks who need help getting going in Gmail.  Feel free to email Brian with specific questions prior to a meeting session. 

• Dec 9th and 10th - 2, 3, 4 blocks
• Dec 12th and 13th - 5 & 6 blocks

Best,
Pat

FAQ's

When is the official cutover to Google?

Friday night, around 6 PM, we'll be cutting off Exchange (the old email system) and officially switching over to Gmail. It is critical that you and your staff have reset your BPS password and have tested your login to your Gmail account BEFORE you leave for the weekend to ensure that you can access your email through Gmail this weekend.

How do I test my Google account? 

Go to www.gmail.com and login with your full email address (jdoe@bostonpublicschools.org) and your new BPS password. If you can login successfully, you're ready for the switch. Please test your login before you leave for the weekend!

What should I do to get ready?

We've prepared a checklist of things to do during your first few days in Google, including instructions for setting up your iPhone and training materials and videos. You can access the checklist here: https://sites.google.com/a/boston.gov/going-google/your-first-days

Do I have to change anything on my phone?

Yes, your old email settings will not work and you'll need to follow these directions to setup Gmail on your phone. https://sites.google.com/a/boston.gov/going-google/webinar-training/resources/mobile-setup/ms-iphone

Will my old email already be in Gmail?

We have been migrating email over to Gmail behind the scenes for the last few weeks and most staff members will login to their Gmail account with their email already there. The migration process will continue through the weekend and most people will have their email fully migrated over by Monday morning but there may be some users who still see emails trickling in through next week.

What about my archive in Outlook or Entourage?

Recent email that is on the server will be migrated automatically but local archives will need to be manually uploaded. OIIT staff will be assisting any user with a local archive to migrate those into Gmail. We'll have instructions to help you and you can also call the help desk. It may take a few days or weeks to get everybody's archive migrated but we'll get everything into Gmail for you!

What will be the top issues that I hear on Monday morning?

1. Password resets. We still have over 3000 people that need to reset their passwords so this will be an issue on Monday. Please direct staff to reset their password as soon as possible.

2. Login issues. Remind staff to login to www.gmail.com with your full address (jdoe@bostonpublicschools.org) instead of your BPS ID number after Friday; many staff members will try to login to the old system and not realize the switch to Gmail.

3. Missing emails. The email servers will be migrating emails 24/7 to get all emails into Gmail so some people may experience an empty mailbox when they first login. We have already migrating 2.9 million emails but we still have a lot more to go so some staff members may see emails migrating over through the week.

On the Good News Front...

Team,

A couple pieces of good news for you reading pleasure... As it happens, both are on the athletics front.  As I am sure you all know by now, the mighty Bengals prevailed on Thanksgiving Day, making them the true Boston city champions this year.  Kudos to the team!  Relatedly, one member, Jalen Applewhite, has been named to the 2013 Boston Herald ALL-SCHOLASTIC FOOTBALL TEAM. This marks the 3rd Brighton QB selected to this exclusive team in the past six seasons. Jalen threw for over 2000 yards and 26 Touchdowns this season and his career touchdown record stands at 39 total touchdowns.  This is all good, but can he beat me in a foot race?  (Probably).  Congrats to Jalen.

We need your help!  Caroline Correa and Juliet Parry are actively trying to launch the Brighton High variety of Tech Goes Home (follow this link for a description).  Bottom line, we're trying to get technology in the hands of deserving students.  Tech Goes Home requires that schools attempting this the way we are to have a minimum of 15 families signed up to participate. We currently have 13.  We really need to be around 20+.  Your help in informing students whom you believe will engage is greatly appreciated.  Copies of the flier are in the main office.  The deadline is December 18th.  Contact Caroline with questions.  

Lastly, Caroline and Dewitt will hold the PULSE information session for BIO on Monday, December 9th during 6th period. The prep program will be held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and will begin Tuesday December 10. Bio information session passes will be in HR teachers' mailbox on Friday for distribution on Monday.  Just an fyi.

Be well.

-Pat

Notices:

The next new teacher orientation is on Tuesday, December 10th at 2:15pm (room 121).  This one has a holiday celebratory theme to it.

Cheers!

Team,

If you're looking for a cause to celebrate, here's one:

Robin Mankel and Kristen Leathers just learned that they earned Nation Board Certification. This is an incredible accomplishment!  Kudos to these wonderful and now Board Certified educators.  For the record, this process is no walk in the park.  A prospect needs to submit a hefty number of artifacts (including videotaped lessons) for the reviewers and the process spans one year.  The pass rate is less than 50%.  Robin and Kristen now join Danielle Murray, Siobhan Dooling, Carline Kelly, Laura Rosenfield, Pat Dervan, and Karen Coyle in this incredible distinction.  With eight Nation Board Certified educators on staff, Brighton High is really in class by itself.  In short, we're special!

Two more quick, but important things. See the note below from Pat Dervan.  This looks to be a really impactful presentation from which any student would benefit.  Last, but certainly not least, a huge "Thank You" to all who submitted names for Student of the Term.  As we declared at our last faculty meeting, public recognition of student contributions and triumphs impacts culture in a big way.  Special thanks to organizers, Matt Clark, Kathy Mahoney, Linda Edwards.  Nice work, team!

Be well.  

Best,

Pat 

Pat Dervan and Katie Kelly will discuss "Goal setting and overcoming obstacles" on December .5th during 3rd period (students will need a late pass for 4th period) in the library. All interested classes should contact Ms. Dervan in order to for us set up the library. Any staff members who are free during that period are invited to attend also. It would be helpful for us to know how many staff members and students plan to attend. Thank you, Pat Dervan.

From the Community Builders...

Greetings to All!

1.  LET'S CELEBRATE STUDENT EXCELLENCE !!!  
 Nomination forms have been placed in ALL mailboxes. Any staff member can nominateONE student to receive an AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE-TERM1.

The categories are listed on the nomination form. Please submit your nomination no later than Wednesday, November 20th at 2PM to MATT CLARK. All of the students who are nominated will be recognized at the Academic Award Ceremony which is scheduled forNovember 25th by grade. Dr. Tutwiler will host a reception for these students in the Library from 2:15-3:15. All staff are invited. Refreshments will be provided.

2.   BRIGHTON HIGH SWEATSHIRTS GO ON SALE MONDAY, NOV. 18TH.

Order forms are in all mailboxes. The deadline is Friday, Nov. 22nd for a Christmas delivery. Questions, see Kathy Mahoney, Room 121. 

3.  The next New Teacher Meeting is Tuesday, December 10th from 2:15-3:15. This is our annual Holiday Celebration for new teachers. Invitation to follow.

4.  CONGRATULATIONS to Katie Shaller and Nick Ganiatsos who were the winners for the Term 2 Prime Parking Spot Raffle. They're entitled to these spots until theJan. 31st. (the Chinese New Year).

Yours in education and "fun" raising!

Linda, Lou and Kathy

"Student of the Term" Time!

Team,

Happy Friday!  I have an important notice on the "student of the term" below.  My best to all you all for a restful weekend (with grading and the hubbub of quarter one behind you).

Best,
Pat

The Community Builders are working with Matt Clark to bring back an old tradition here at Brighton and a way to celebrate our most outstanding kids--Student of the Term!

Each term every staff member will have the opportunity to select ONE student for an "Award for Excellence" for that term.  This does not have to be a top honor roll student, but it should be someone who you feel deserves schoolwide recognition for their accomplishments or their character.  You can nominate someone for any combination of the following categories:

  

1.  Excellent Attendance

2.  Excellent Classwork

3.  Excellent Homework

4.  Peer Leader

5.  School Spirit

6.  Most Improved

7.  Demonstration of Leadership

8.  Excellent Class Participation

Every selected student will receive a certificate at the Honors Assembly on Monday, 11/25 and will be invited to the Student of the Term Celebration after school on 11/25 from 2:15-3:15 in the Library.  All faculty members are welcome to celebrate with us then too!

To celebrate these students and their accomplishments, we will post students' pictures and which teachers nominated students for what categories as well.  

You will receive a nomination form in your mailboxes on Friday, 11/15. Nomination forms must be returned to Matt Clark's mailbox by 4pm on Wednesday, 11/20.  This is a very firm deadline since there is such a short window to turn around certificates and invitations.    

Thank you for your support!

Reminder...Grades Due.

Team,

Happy Tuesday!  I hope this message finds you somewhat rested after holiday weekend.  I am writing with few quick tidbits.  One, grades must be entered in Aspen before midnight tomorrow.  For those who do not have access to Aspen, please see John Splaine to input your grades.  A question has been raised about entering numerical or letter grades.  OIIT has assured us that numerical grades will be automatically converted to letter.  We're good to go there.    I appreciate you're efforts.

Also, we would like to celebrate the first quarter accomplishments of our young scholars on Monday, November 25th with grade level assemblies.  The schedule is as follows:
12th - 2nd Period
11th - 3rd Period
10th - 5th Period
9th   - 6th Period
An announcement will be made when it's time for the students to head down.  Kindly escort your class the auditorium.

Lastly, the BHS library is on the move.  Check out the goodies below.

Best,
Pat

P.S.  If you haven't signed up for the bowling event scheduled for this Friday ( 3-5 at Flatbreads in Somerville), it's not too late.  Sign up sheets are in the main office. The cost is only $30 per person. Special thanks to the "Go Go's" for keeping us connected.



Library Updates....

• Check out the BPS Library Webpage http://bpslibraries.org/ or the Brighton High Library Webpagehttp://brightonhigh.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=80193&type=d  for links to online reference, databases,  encyclopedias (English and Spanish language), Boston Globe Full Text & much more! Resources are aimed at Elementary, Middle, High School level & Professional Resources.  Many can be translated intomultiple languages and have speech to text features.
• We receive BPL Deliveries of Books, DVD's and other materials on Tuesdays and Fridays.  Make requests with your library card barcode and pin (see library for help) at http://bpl.bibliocommons.com/
• Other Resources  from the Boston Public Library homepage www.bpl.org include: Museum Pass Reservations, DOWNLOADS of E-books, streaming videos, audio books and music.  Your library barcode and pin are needed for downloads. We can make cards here in just a few minutes.
• Come on down this Thursday during 2nd and/or 3rd Lunch for our first Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Seriesof the year.  Robin Mankel will be giving a lecture with slides on “Architecture in Geometry” Dessert provided.
• Brighton High Library has a membership for The French Cultural Center & Library in Back Bay. http://www.frenchculturalcenter.org/index.cfm/library/ Students, faculty and staff are welcome to use this institutional membership.  The membership includes access to Culturtheque http://www.culturetheque.com/EXPLOITATION/US/ an online French Multimedia Center with access to e-books, magazines, comic books, streamed concerts and more!  For login and downloads: User name: 4564 Password: ADND207
• Poster Maker is up and running!  Come on down to use it.  See Ms. Ross or Ms. Iris for help.
• Going Google:  Check this website to get ready for the change over to google email:https://sites.google.com/a/boston.gov/going-google/
•  Library Schedule and Calendar Signup  is on the circulation desk at the entrance.  Hope to see you soon.  We are always looking to fill it up! 

Norming Attendance Procedures...

Team,

Without question, one of our largest challenges is student attendance. Over the weekend, I will run some reports in Aspen to see where we are as a school relative to student attendance for quarter one. This data is important. Equally important and critical is our efforts to address the issue. As I re-read the faculty handbook, I noticed a glaring omission - there are no clear instructions as it relates to addressing attendance issues.  I know folks are making calls home, sending emails, and completing attendance cards and more. I also know that not everyone knows the protocol and efforts and documentation, while noteworthy and deeply appreciated, aren't common across the school.

At Tuesday's ILT meeitng, an agreement was made to shift from department meetings on November 20th to a faculty meeting. We shall review the protocol and get on the same page with respect to documentation. For your convenience I have pasted the general protocol from the Superintendent's circular below. Also below are the steps involved in creating a journal in Aspen (which is where family contact should be logged). This should give you a rough idea of the steps involved. We'll talk specifics at the meeting on the 20th. On the calendar, the meeting is scheduled from 2-3pm. Unless there is strong disagreement, I propose that we start at 2:10pm and end at 3:10pm. The goal: to allow you a moment or two to catch your breath for the meeting.

Best,
Pat

1.   FIRST ABSENCE

The building administrator has responsibility to ensure that school staff notifies parents by telephone of a student's absence on the first and subsequent failures to attend school. This is best accomplished by the homeroom teacher.  In these conversations, parents should be reminded of (1) the need to submit a note of explanation to document the reason each time a student is absent and (2) that unexcused absences could result in academic failure.

2.   SECOND AND THIRD ABSENCE

Parents must be notified in writing of a student's absence no later than the third failure to attend school (even if the absences were “excused”) and on a regular basis thereafter.  This notification should include the attendance requirement, the number of days missed and the number of school days in the marking period and the consequences of continued absence.  Note: These need not be consecutive absences.  This letter must be in the language of the home.  

3.   THIRD UNEXCUSED ABSENCE

After the third unexcused absence, the student must be referred to the Student Support Team (SST) or the Attendance Review Team by the homeroom teacher.  The team will review the case and meet to develop recommendations to assist the student.  The team may invite the parent/guardian to the meeting and, at the secondary level, the student; however, if the parent/guardian does not attend the meeting, an effort must be made by the Student Service Coordinator/Facilitator to contact and discuss the case with the parent/ guardian.

       

4.   FOURTH UNEXCUSED ABSENCE

After the fourth unexcused absence in any term, a meeting shall be convened to which the parent shall be invited.   If the school is unable to contact the parent, the Department of School Safety Services should be contacted to send a “locator” to the home.  The implications of student absence from school, as well as the current academic status of the student, will be discussed at this meeting.  The plan developed by the SST after the third unexcused absence should be reviewed.

5.   FIFTH THROUGH SEVENTH UNEXCUSED ABSENCE

After the fifth unexcused absence, for a student younger than 16 years of age, the homeroom teacher shall fill out an Attendance Supervisor Information Form.  These forms must be filled out completely and should detail the results of action(s) taken by the school in steps 1-4.  For these guidelines, please see Superintendent’s Circular ACA-18B.

Manage a Student Journal in Aspen

Create and manage journal entries for students. For example, guidance counselors might create a journal entry each time they meet with a student.

To manage a student journal:

1. Log on to the School view.
2. Click the Student tab.
3. Select the student.
4. Click the Documents side-tab, and then click Journal.
5. Do one of the following:

• To work with an existing journal entry, click the entry.
• To add a journal entry for a student, on the Options menu, click Add. The New Student Journal page appears. Enter the information, and click Save.

Condom Availability Initiative for High School Students

Team,

A quick heads up - tomorrow when you sign in, you will receive a set of letters from the office of the superintendent to be distributed to students during homeroom before week's end (or when you see them next).  The letter details the condom availability program and opt out procedure.  Families who would like to opt their child out need only to fill out the attached form (in the envelope) and return it to the main office.

Additionally, there is information on preventative measures during the flu season.  We want to keep our cherubs in good health...

That is all.  Short and sweet.  I hope your week is off to a good start!

Best,
Pat

Congratz-o-grams and more!

Team,

An official note on 1st quarter grades.. The window is open today and Nov. 14. By way of information, there is an announcement on the first page of Aspen with complete instructions and the comment codes are also listed. I am requesting that all grades be posted by 11/13 to allow time to address any missing grades or other grading snafus that arise.

Separately, homeroom attendance should be posted at 7:45am.  This is a a one-shot deal.  Any student who arrives thereafter will be marked present through the system at the front door.

Best,
Pat  

Congratz-o-grams to:

Amy Thorne-Allison who had a beautiful baby girl, Eve Abigail Allison (8lbs 8oz), on Wednesday.  All are doing well.

Danielle Murray who spent time this summer researching the lives and works of Southern writers in Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, New York, and Washington DC.  This work is being celebrated along with that by several other summer research endeavors sponsored by the Fund for Teacher with an exhibit at South Station.  If you happen to see it, snap a photo and send it along to me. 

******

Attention all staff and faculty!

The Brown Bag Talks 2013-14

Speakers are all set to start this monthly speaker series held in the Dominic J. Bruno Library 4^th period on the second Thursday of each month.

The great thing is that WE are the speakers!

From Last spring   De Witt Tolbert        United States Presidential Scholar

14 November          Robin Mankel                Architecture in Geometry

12 December          Michele Pellam               The Egyptian Revolution

         in the Arab Spring

9 January                  Pat Tutwiler        “The African American Middle Class”

                highlights from his dissertation

This leaves the following dates open for you to speak:

13 February

13 March

10 April

8 May

12 June

Please contact  Kathleen Ross at  kross@boston.k12.ma.us or Ralph Bledsoe at     rbledsoe8@hotmail.com  with your name and topic. We can discuss potential dates.

Celebrations and more!

Team,

I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits.  My spirits are high (I'm healthy too in case you were wondering).  So many good things are happening this week and it's only Tuesday.  Our JROTC team shined again this past weekend, taking 3rd place at the drill competition at Lawrence High School.  What is more, I'm sure folks have heard that the football team claimed city champs honors after defeating Madison Park last Friday night (thanks to all who gave of their personal time to support the team).  

Thanks to the efforts of City Councillor Mark Ciommo, our playoff game on Friday night (7pm) will be played right here in Allston...at HARVARD STADIUM.  Here comes the favor request: we need your help at this event.  The MIAA requires that we have school personnel on hand to assist with managing student spectators.  We also need two folks who would could help collect the ticket fee at the door. The latter is a paid position.  Interested parties for either role should contact me asap.   

A gentle reminder, please do not change rooms without informing an administrator.  Many thanks on that piece.

Sending best wishes along to Ms. Thorne-Allison who went on maternity leave at dismissal today. Luis Hernandez will take her place during the leave.

Best,

Pat

Other Important Notices:

STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

Please be advised that the Student Leadership Team representatives will be visiting all homerooms this Thursday (31st)  and Friday (Nov 1st). The visits should not last more than 5 minutes.  The purpose is to introduce and explain the Student Leadership team and to encourage students to attend after school meetings on Mondays. They will be visiting 9th and 10th grade homerooms on Thursday and 11th and 12th grade homerooms on Friday.

Thanks,
Siobhan and Vanessa

******************

TECH GOES HOME...

Hello Everyone,

This year I am running the Tech Goes Home program with Ms. Parry. We currently have 10 students signed up and we need at least 15 families to be able to run the program at Brighton High School. Our goal is to have 20 families.

What is awesome about the Tech Goes Home program is that after attending 6 trainings the student is eligible for a laptop. The laptops are ACER laptops and only cost $50 to the student. Trainings will begin January 9^th from 5:30pm – 7pm and the trainings will go over technology and computer skills.  

Some students have mentioned to me that their parents cannot attend the trainings because they work. With that said, please inform your students that they can bring anyone as long as they are 18+ (i.e. mentor, cousin, uncle, teacher, guidance counselor etc.). Tech Goes Home likes to refer to these adults as an “adult of consequence.”  

If you have any questions please feel free to email me ccorrea2@boston.k12.ma.us.      

Sincerely,

Caroline Correa

Good Afternoon Brighton High,

*********

Biggest Loser

We are starting a Biggest Loser contest starting Friday November 1, 2013 until February 7th 2014.  There is a $50 admission fee due on November 1 2013.  Weigh-in is in the nurses office on Fridays and we will track our progress through percentages.  The individual that loses the largest percentage takes the pot on February 7th, 2014.  This is a fun way to get us through the Holidays!

10.24.13 School Site Council Minutes

SSC Minutes 10/24/13

1.     Introductions

2.     School Site Council Role and Responsibilities

·      A representative decision making body (budget, Quality School Plan, program or school changes, recommendations from ILT, develop and improve plans for increasing parent involvement, out of district policies)

·      Meetings will be 4:30-6:30

·      The first Thursday of every month unless the school is not opened in which case the meeting is postponed

·      Next week Nov 7, Dec 5, Jan 9, Feb

·       

3.     Role Assignments

·      Roles – Secretary = Dooling

·      Hiring – Subcommittee – Dooling, Gheridian (Tolbert, Fife – Ford as alternates)

·      Co-Chair (Tutwiler, Ruby Francis)

4.     Check-in

a.     Senior Dilemma

·      Currently a good number of seniors do not have a full schedule, some have 5 classes, some have 4

·      After lunch block students are leaving (some have jobs, some have dual enrollment)

·      Finding a productive place for students to be is a work in progress

·      The shift in 4 to 6 periods and cuts in staff have created this issue

·      These students would benefit from additional class time,

·      Many students leaving after 4^th period influences the entire school culture in negative ways

·      When students leave they are disruptive

·      A study hall has been created so students have somewhere to go

·      Gretchen Lahey (Dual Enrollment coordinator at Bunker Hill) will be working with Brighton for Spring Semester opportunities

·      Long Term – when budgeting process begins we need to look at staffing to find out how we can accommodate full schedule for all students

·      Students want computers – is there a place that they can go to and use computer?

·      Move study hall to Mr. Z’s room?

·      Col. Fife will accept 12^th graders to his room during 5^th and 6^th period? – it would likely be no more than 12 students – he could start this the week of Nov. 4^th

·      OIT and Brian will meet with Col. Fife

·      Tomorrow’s meeting will address opportunities for the spring as well as for next year

·      Master schedule should be built much earlier – done before the summer.

b.     Teacher course load – maximizing possibilities

·      There are some teachers who have class size max. with a disparity in skills and language

·      Can we find an ESL SPED teacher who has a free period who can teach ESL 3?

·      Needs to be RETELL/ESL certified

·      Some students are getting more English hours than they need with students in the room who are significantly below their level (in terms of English skills)

·      Next Steps – Administration will work with the ESL & SPED Dept. to look into changing schedule

5.     Teacher Evaluation

a.     There has been a shift in who is evaluating which teachers

b.     The vast majority of people have same evaluator as last year, some people have new evaluators

c.      Teachers now have primary and secondary teachers so that at least one teacher has background in subject area

d.     Every administrator now have minimum of 4 visits for experienced teachers (6 for new)

e.     Evaluations are supposed to be growth oriented – small visits over time in order to give multiple opportunities to get a sense of the classroom and to give feedback on it

f.      This is a growth model – Dr. Tutweiler is considering talking to the teachers to explain this to them

6.     Teacher course load

a.     We’re experiencing many issues as a result of master schedule not being done in a timely manner

b.     We have teachers who do not have full teaching loads

c.      We also have extremely unbalanced classes (some very small, some at max)

d.     Short term solution  - it’s being addressed by Guidance and Admin team

7.     School Site Council

a.     Mr. Prieto read a letter regarding concerns about last year’s headmaster decision

b.     Any written document shall have all individual signatures of School Site council Members

8.     SSC focus for the school year –is there a project/task this group would consider?

a.     More Parent and Student Involvement – in School Site Council and throughout the whole school community

b.     More family important

c.      Fundraising to help with burden of graduation costs & senior activities