School Site Council Minutes

School Site Council

12/4

1.    Check-in

a.     Meeting with Hayden foundation on Tuesday, the Hayden foundation is offering money for BHS

b.    One potential use for the money is AP summer bridge program, another use is 9^th grade transition program

2.    Follow up on action items from November meeting

a.     Transcript review – the headmaster at the O’Bryant has a process that we will learn more about over the next few months

b.    Credit Recovery – Guidance will add this to the agenda –the plan is to craft something that will be presented at ILT in February

3.    Review teacher survey data on cell phones in the cafeteria

a.     Data packets were handed out summarizing data from teacher surveys (cell phones, backpacks, tardy buy back)

b.    Tardy Policy

                                              i.     Motion made to revise buy back policy from 10 to 5 days

                                            ii.     Motion passed unanimously

c.     Backpack       

                                              i.     similar concerns expressed to those from staff on data sheet

                                            ii.     Concerns over safety

                                          iii.     The point was made that other large high schools do not have backpack policy

                                           iv.      A motion was made to have “no backpack rule” 4^th term.  After Jan 1 a voluntary meeting will be held for those who want to discuss and weigh in on discussion

                                             v.     This was unanimously voted on

d.    Cell Phones

                                              i.     A motion was made to amend the cellphone policy to allow students to use their phones during lunch

                                            ii.     The point was made that we will need to change the password

4.    FY 16 budget process and outlook

a.     Enrollment projections (budget) for next year are less drastic than last year – this will be discussed at the next SSC meeting due to time

In attendance:

Siobhan Dooling

Sara Bouvier

Vasnny Torres

Ivan Quinones

Kathy Mahoney

Sadiya Gurhan

Ashot Gheridian

Jason Diaz

Dr. Patrick Tutwiler

Norberto Mendez

Arthuer Jeffries

Michele Lavorgna

School Site Council Minutes

11/13/2014

1.     Check-in

·      Ms. Rosenfield is organizing alumni panel to talk about paths to college – Dec 19^th from 12:30-2:00 (details are being worked out)

·      January 12^th there will be a Community Service day – (there will be a hundreds of people painting)

·      February 14^th – Harvard University – National Debate Tournament at Brighton High School

2.     SSC Meeting Calendar Review

·      January 8^th meeting is scheduled to go

·      We may need additional meeting on January – January 29^th  for budget purposes

·      Wednesday, June 3^rd will be final SSC Meeting

3.     Credit Recovery

·      There are questions around who can take credit recovery courses

·      Credit Recovery exists for students who have failed courses, who are overage for the grade, it serves as a means for students to get caught up

·      Students who need French 2 credit are taking it online

·       Electives and AP offerings are available through credit recovery

·      Concern was expressed – one student fails a class with a 10, another fails with a 55 (the student with the 55 repeats 11^th grade but the student with the 10 gets credit recovery)

·      There are concerns around which students are assigned to repeat and which students are assigned to credit recovery

·      Teachers are requesting that there are guidelines around who is assigned credit recovery

·      Is it possible to create a flow chart, an “if – then” protocol, or teacher recommendation requirement in order for students to get into credit recovery?

·      Next Steps: Dr. Tutwiler will talk to John Travers and Katie Linso about how this will look for the spring

o   Overarching criteria should be established around teacher recommendation

o   Attendance should be considered

·      English High School Program – Diploma Plus (An internal program that deals with 9^th grade students who have been retained

·      There needs to be a more efficient transcript review process –

4.     Revisit/Review Tardy Policy

·      Data will be shared on Wednesday

·      Weather concerns and lines around metal detectors

o   Case by case (students discuss with teachers and the teachers make the judgment re: tardy)

o   Student concern: slow process through metal detectors

o   Clarification: Tardy on day of event, ineligible for extracurricular event (game/meeting etc.)

o   Move metal detectors deeper into the hallway and move scanner

·      A motion was made that the Buyback policy be amended so that

o   5 on times = 1 tardy

5.     Backpack Policy

·      9^th grade team is working on executive functioning skills – some teachers feel that students would be more prepared for classes if they were able to carry backpacks

·      Question was raised – purses are allowed, backpacks are not

·      If students were allowed to bring backpacks, more students may arrive to class on time

·      Students feel it would be easier to get to class on time

·      It is important that the whole staff have the opportunity to express their concerns and opinions about a change in policy

·      Staff members are concerned about safety issue (particularly with swapping backpacks from side doors)

·      Will back be allowed during lunch –

Next Steps:

·      Bring this to faculty for input

·      Dr. Tutwiler will send out survey from staff collecting feedback on the possibility of revising backpack policy and cellphones in the cafeteria

  

6.     Public Comments

·      City Year – our kids look for community service –

·      Could we invite City Year to do a presentation for our students looking for volunteer opportunitites

Dr. Tutwiler

Bridget Driscoll

Michele Lavorgna

Lorena Lapz

Julianna Maximo

Eden Gebeyehu

Doug Lowe

Ashot Gheridian

Camile Diaz

Kiana Baez

Eddie Pagan

Arthur Jeffries

Iris Abreu

Ivan Quinones

Jason Diaz

Sara Bouvier

Siobhan Doling

School Site Council

10/2/14

1.    Introductions

2.    School Site Council Roles and Responsibilities

a.     Budget: Quality School Plan (QSP), recommendation from ILT, develop and improve plans for increasing parent involvement, students handbook)

b.    By-laws review

                                              i.     Sara Bouvier made a motion to keep meeting time 4:30 first Thursday of each month  - motion passed

3.    Role Assignments

a.     Secretary – Siobhan Dooling

b.     Hiring Subcommittee – Dooling & Gheridian & Ms. Asari, Lorena Lapaz, Eden, Norberto, Jason Diaz

c.      Co-Chairs – Dr. Tutwiler & Ashot Gheridian

4.    Opening Month Check-In

a.     Jason – feels Brighton High is better than last year –

b.    Lorena- feels additional courses (full load for seniors) is too much.  Also, students need the College and Career Center computers

c.     There were not enough computers for credit recovery, there are now

d.    Iris Abreau is running Technology Goes home starting in November – this allows parents and students to take a course and then receive a laptop

e.     Kiana – having a good year, happy with SLT

f.      Mercier family – son is happy with Brighton High – struggles with getting homework done (PULSE was suggested)

g.     Asare – concern is that student does not bring home homework

h.     Scheduling was an issue at the start of the year, this needs to be addressed earlier next year (this was particularly true for SEI and Special Ed students)

i.       Eden – Is it possible to give seniors one free period to work on college applications? Response:  we don’t have the room to do that. Eden suggested teachers bringing students to College and Career. 

j.       Could Ms. Pierre-Louis go into classrooms to do presentations?  Perhaps co-present with Ms. Noonan from Access

k.     2^nd floor is extremely disruptive between 7:20-7:50 (towards Faculty room side)

l.       Deans should be able to monitor that floor at that time (Dr. Tutwiler will ask them to check the area)

m.   Lorena – Has concerns about the non-refundable part of the Prom tardiness consequence, Dr. Tutwiler explained that the non-refundable part is extra incentive for students to arrive on time

n.     Ivan – wanted to know about if students can help set up prom, Melissa expressed interest in having a 9^th grade dance

o.     Eden – students who arrive to the school early are being marked as tardy because they cannot get through metal detectors quickly enough

p.     Lorena  & Kiana describe difficulties of getting through metal detectors and tapping in in a timely manner

q.     Dr. Tutwiler’s response – Students need to arrive earlier,  school is buying a second tapper

r.      Saadia – even if students arrived earlier – there would be a bottleneck

s.      From data standpoint, student punctuality has significantly improved since last year

5.    Public Comment

a.     Saadia – We did not receive Restorative Justice Grant, is there something else we can be doing to improve School Climate and discipline issues

b.    We did receive Comprehensive Behavior Health Model Grant

c.     Can SSC consider the creation of additional math courses for seniors

d.    Norberto explained the issue he had with science class options (Why were kids given either Credit Recovery Physics or AP Bio)

e.     Can we add additional science courses?

f.      Careful planning of class offerings so that students will be able to meet distribution/graduation requirements

g.     How can we avoid oversubscription in required class so that we don’t’ have to have students in credit recovery?

h.    We need to look at function of Credit Recovery 

6.    SSC Issues to consider 2014-2015

a.     Credit Recovery

b.     Scheduling (Oversubscription of courses)

c.      Course Offerings (especially Math and Science and History)

d.     Comprehensive Behavior Health

7.    In Attendance:

a.     Dr. Patrick Tutwiler

b.     Siobhan Dooling

c.      Ashot Gherdian

d.     Sara Bouvier

e.     Michele Lavorgna

f.      Eden Gebeyehu

g.     Bridget Driscoll

h.      Camille Diaz

i.       Kiana Baez

j.       Iris Abreau

k.     Jose Fuentes

l.       Sandra Hernandez

m.   Denise Mercier

n.     Melissa Mercier

o.     Cleidy Perez

p.     Norberto Mendez

q.     Jason Diaz

r.      Vanessa Valentin

s.      Grace Asare

t.      Andrew Asare

u.     Ivan A

School Site Council

Minutes

June 12, 2014

1. Check-ins

·      Cordeiro is taking a group of students to New York tomorrow

·      Allana Hall did an amazing job with Talent Show

·      Dr. Tutwiler is collaborating with Urbanity for some type of dance program (during school or after school next year)

·      Would it be possible to have a field day after final exams next year?

·      Spirit Week – maybe Homecoming week? – each day with a theme –

o   Kiana will head the Spirit Week Committee

o   The week will be built into the calendar for next year

·      Could seniors wear “Ask Me” t-shirts next year?

·      Could we have Volunteer Day next year? – Day of Service  - Begin with 9^th and 10^th grade next year on PSAT/College Tour Day

2. Portfolio Proposal

·      Ms. Valentin/Ms. Kelly/Ms. Driscoll have proposed having students create portfolios

·      Have students begin putting together a portfolio when they arrive to Brighton High School

·      For each course, they work on a year-long project (Math= GPA project goal setting, ELA=Resume, begin college essay, History = synthesis essay, Science=Science fair, Advisory = career exploration) that they work on throughout year/for all 4 years

·      At end of year, students present portfolio to a committee

·      Would this be a graduation requirement?

·      This project requires students to be reflective and to present about how they’ve grown

·      For presentations, we could draw in school partners

·       The proposal was made to begin in 9^th grade next year –

·      Students supported the portfolio proposal

·      Peggy Kemp at Fenway, Cambridge is holding “round tables” next week

·      Next Step = Dr. Tutwiler will collect materials from other schools who already have the portfolio requirement

·      9^th Grade Team meeting – Week of the 23^rd

·      Best Buddies – Expand Best Buddies program so that more students spend time with Ms. Dervan’s class (during lunch)

·      Is there a way to educate the whole school population about Ms. Dervan’s classes (particularly with the addition of a new class next year)

·      Could this be done during Advisory

·      Next Steps for Best Buddies  - Create an Advisory session around the population of Brighton

·      Build out Best Buddies model through Ms. Snyder’s class

·      Address this with Ms. Coyle

3. Professional Development Calendar

·      Our duty is to decide whether this can be moved forward for a vote with the faculty

·      Mr. G made a motion to allow options to go forward to a vote

·      Unanimous vote of support in favor of having faculty vote on the PD schedule

4. Handbook Change Approval

·      Four areas – Electronics, Tardiness, Attendance, Climate in Hallway

·      Mr. Tolbert summarized the proposal from Student Handbook committee

·      Tardiness to School –

o   The goal is to put in place procedures that will help students get to class on time

o   Assembly the first Monday we get back so teachers and students understand consequences

o   If consequences are all tied to 8:00 am, then students just begin arriving at 8:00

o   The time requirement should change to 7:30

o   There are concerns about the automatic failure for 9 tardies = F in class

o   The proposal was made that rather than an F a student’s grade can be lowered an entire grade (B to C)

o   Dr. Tutwiler –the tardiness is out of control – we need to set standard and expectation

o   When students are tardy, Automatic call will go out to all tardy students

o   There will be an Attendance Intervention Team that will be responsible for meeting with students

o   Who is monitoring all of this – This will need to be tracked extremely well

o   Why are students entering the building with Dunkin’ Donuts

o    The suggestion is – 9 unexcused tardies you drop 1 letter grade

o   The agreement was made that the consequence would be to reduce the grade by 1 letter grade if a students has 9 or more unexcused tardies

o   Accountability will be a challenge, consistency will be critical

o   Buyback –

o   Language – All students with perfect attendance can eat lunch outside

o   Absences – students cannot make up the work for unexcused absences – this policy will be made clear to all teachers and all students in September

·      Cell Phones

o   Next year students will be allowed to use phone during their lunch

o    Language Changed for 13 C.  there will be an automatic hearing…

o   Ms. Dooling made a motion to gather feedback from teachers on the cellphone in the cafeteria rule change, Ms. Ruby seconded the motion

*14 – Students cannot be “swept” or automatically suspended

Mr. Tolbert made a motion to approve all of the Student Handbook changes, Kiana Baez seconded that motion.  The Vote was unanimous.  

  

In attendance

Siobhan Dooling

Ashot Gheridian

Chloe Ford

Sara Bouvier

Arthur Jeffries

Ruby Francis 

Iris Abreu

Dr. Tutwiler

Lorena Lapaz

Kiana Baez

Allana Hall

DeWitt Tolbert

School Site Council

5/1

·      Birth Control is available

·      Plan B is now on-site in health center

·      We now have Depo birth control shot –

·      Condoms are also available

·      Implenon – small rod in arm – 3 years

·      MA – a young person (13 & Up) can request BC, pregnancy test, referral for abortion

·      A lot more Chlamydia testing – 1/10 (young girls with older boyfriend)

·      BHS has had low pregnancy  for years

1.     Check-in Updates

Anne Bishop:

·      Gave a brief update of School Based Health Center

·      Keep in mind for next year – ways to recruit more students to return Health Center forms

·      Send home School Health Center Forms along with Nurse’s form in September

·      Presentation will be made at orientation

Parent Shadow Day

·      Around 30 parents

·      Feedback was positive

·      Perhaps consider having larger names tags to distinguish parents from students

·      Could we do a half/day shadow & half day open house

·      We will be doing this again next year - perhaps multiple times a year

·      Shadow day could be held on a short day with after school time for conferencing

Potluck & Talent Show

·      11 Acts for Talent Show & 3 Full fridges of food!

·      Let’s Get Ready will Combine with Talent Show

2.     Year End Actionable

a.     Next week will need a quorum for handbook changes and PD calendar

b.     Advisory Exploratory Group – Currently collecting input from current students (possibility of having speakers?)

c.      IDs

d.     Before the end of the year – we will need to discuss our change process

3.     SSC Meeting Feedback

a.     We need to spend some time thinking about SSC and how it went this year and how it went

4.     Brainstorm on focus projects for SY 12-15

a.     Parent Council – Needs to be formalized for next year with more parent involvement

b.     At next meeting we need to think about our focus for next year

c.      Should we have a parent/open house night in Dorchester area next year?

d.     Can we have parents choose specific ways that they can participate/assist with BHS activities

5.     Public Comment

a.      

School Site Council Minutes

4/3

1.    Check-in/Updates

·      Concern about seniors (attendance, Seniors in hallways, grades, etc….)

·      Would it be possible for senior teachers to meet together to brainstorm?

·      Mr. G will give access to Ms. Ford

·      Students who stay after school but there is no access to cafeteria for snacks

·      Is it possible to give access to vending machines?

·      Jack from Sports Zone is in charge of snacks –

·      Anyone who wants to fill in paper work can apply for snacks – See Ms. Bouvier –she has contact information

2.    SY2014-14 Elective Courses

·      Building the master schedule for next year has started

·      Senior Suggestions for Elective Courses next year

o   Economics

o   Dance class, Theater class, Keyboarding – Computer Skills, Creative Writing, Cultural History class, Dominican History, Haitian History, Year Long Class (Half Shakespeare, Half African-American Lit), Can teachers divide up a year long class?, Additional gym class, College Exploration Class, College and Career  Exploration,  College 101, Internships, Business, Driver’s Education, regular Calculus class

o   Is it possible to get an outside group to contract with us for after school group to come (Urbanity)

3.    Handbook Update Process - Brainstorm

·      By law, any changes to the student handbook need to be approved by SSC

·      Process:  Start by talking freely about things that should change at Brighton in relation to rules, Then take that list to Prieto to work with students and teachers, That group will present a plan to SSC

·      If you read the handbook now, it’s not very accurate. 

·      Where are things breaking down at Brighton High

o   There are places where we can “tighten up” and places where we can “loosen up”

o   Tardiness issue came up (can we have a limit to # of tardies)  -

o   Tardiness needs to be addressed as a whole school issue – currently there is a lot of disagreement as to how to approach this issue, it is something that should definitely be a part of our discussion for next year

a.     Tardiness – Maybe consider restricting extra curricular activities when students are late

b.    Electronics – Re-think policy, there are helpful aps, (google translate, etc…),

a.     Leaving phones in locker is not a good option because of thefts

b.     District Policy is “no cell phones” but SSC can come up with something different

c.      The message at the start of the year was “no cell phones” and consistency was emphasized

d.     What we have in place does not work. This is an issue that needs to be addressed

c.     IDs- New ID holders have been purchased for next year

d.    Students in the hallway – students avoiding cafeterias, seniors with no passes, students with passes,

a.     Is it possible to send students to College and Career Center during lunch – could it be a duty?

e.     Consequences – Is it possible to have clear consequences? 

f.      Dress Codes – Can expectations be clearer?  The rule is not enforced consistently.  There needs to be clarity in the dress code.

g.     Lunch  - Can seniors leave for lunch?

In Attendance:

Siobhan Dooling

Ashot Gheridian

Sara Bouvier

Madelyne Valdez

Manuela Diaz

Hilary Pena

Iris Abreau

Arthur Jeffries

Norberto Mendez

Pat Tutwiler

Michele Lavorgna

Ashley Balbian

Richard Davis

Chloe Ford

Kristen Leathers

School Site Council

3/6

Principal and Headmaster Screening Process for

1.     Shared Decision Making

a.     Principals, Families, Students, Community, Teachers,

b.     SSC is the central decision-making body at each BPS school

c.      SSC members should bring information back to teachers, families, students, etc..

d.     SSC is umbrella organization for all standing and ad hoc school-based committees

2.     Role of the school-based screening committee is to

a.     Interview headmaster candidates and evaluate them based on a range of criteria

b.     Assess candidates for fit with school

c.      Make a hiring recommendation to superintendent

3.     Membership of Screening committee

a.     Chairperson, 1 member of BASAS, 3 teachers, 3 parents, 1 students, 1 person from partner

b.     Headmaster screening (3 parents, 3 teachers, 1 student) teacher (2 teachers, 1 parent, 1 student)

4.     Hiring Process Overview (steps a, b, c done by school-based screening committees)

a.     Position Posting

b.     Pre-screening

c.      Performative Assessment

d.     Interviews

e.     Recommendations

f.      Final interviews and hiring decision by Supt.

5.     Hiring Process Step 4: School Based Interviews

a.     School based screening committee members receive candidate resumes and information packets

b.     Committee chairperson will coordinate with committee members to schedule the interviews

c.      Interviews conducted using a standard set of questions across schools

6.     Hiring Step 5: Recommendations to Superintendent

a.     Once all interviews have been completed, school based screening committee will rank candidates

7.     Discussion Question – Reading Agreement

a.     If there is significant disagreement on your screening committee regarding how to rank the candidates what are some strategies that you could use to reach agreement and/or conclude the process in a way that everyone feels is fair

8.     Hiring Process Step 6: Final Interviews and Decisions

a.     Superintendent receives school based screening committee recommendations

b.     Superintendent does a final interview with recommended candidates and make a final hiring decisions

c.      Decision communicated to schools and announced publicly

9. Next Steps
1. School based team received candidate resumes and info packets
2. Committee Chairpersons will coordinate interview logistics with school based teams
3. School based teams convene to conduct screening interviews
4. OFSE staff available to provide follow up coaching and school-based screening teams.

**Screening committee should take careful notes, which will be documentation that the superintendent will see**

Screening Committee Can be School Site Council Members or SSC members can select the teachers, students, and parents on the committee

BHS should get our committee together ASAP

Select 3 Parents –parents must attend interviews

Select 3 teachers – teachers must attend the interviews

Select 1 teacher – teach must attend the interviews

Committee should reflect diversity of school

SSC should make public who is on the screening committee

What is the role for alternates?

Alternates can act as observers (if someone drops off they can then step in)

Alternates must ask question of the person they are stepping in for

Given the need for everyone to be there we need to pay particular attention to scheduling process.  Some schools have blocked off Saturdays, some have done this in the evening. 

Parent nominees	Student nominees	Teacher Nominees

In attendance:

Kristen Leathers

Chloe Ford

Dewitt Tolbert

Sara Bouvier

Siobhan Dooling

Ashot Gheredien

Bridget Driscoll

Carline Kelly

Tom Rose

Katie Schaller

Col. Lee Fife

Jeanine Constantine

Kathleen Young

Kathy Mahoney

Linda Edwards

Iris Abreu

Karen Coyle Aylward

Michele Pellam

Mike Mckittrick

Luis Bautista

Jason Diaz

Norberto Mendez

Sadiya Gurham

Ruth McLeod

Richard Davis

Kelly Salazar

Lornex Rono

Ali Ali

Iliana Mendez

Mr. Pierre-Antoine

Michele Brooks

Monica Roberts

School Site Council

2/6

Minutes

1. Introductions

2. Update – Brighton will have 4 Laptop carts next year

3. Restorative Justice Grant

·      We need to consider a new approach to discipline at Brighton High

·      Restorative justice is a system of criminal justice that focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large

·      Restorative Justice involved finding a way for students to repair the harm that they have done to the environment or person that they have harmed

·      Example – after a fight, students would meet with teachers, staff, and other student involved and work to create a plan that would restore the harm that had been done

·      Sadiya described the experience she had in the restorative justice introduction on Monday

·      Lucy – circle had a good intention but felt that it was repetitive and that it was problem centered rather than solution centered

·      Students raised the concern that bringing parents, teachers, and staff in may escalate situations, but liked the idea of students owning their mistakes

·      Dr. Tutwiler would like to see suspension rates go down and the school community be more positive

·      Lydia handed out copies that people can sign and send in

·    4. Schedule Change Proposal Discussion

One of responsibilities of School Site Council is that if there’s a proposal that’s a departure from district policies then SSC has to approve it

·      Dr. Tutwiler proposed a break from teacher contract in terms of number of minutes teachers teach in a day

·      4x4 schedule for 9^th graders next year

·      6 period day for grades 10, 11, 12

·      This creates a situation for a full schedule with electives for seniors

·      This also would diminish the disruptions of seniors leaving

·      Faculty must vote on any change in schedule

·      A vote to approve an additional 15 minutes of teaching time a day

·      9^th graders would have semesterized History and PhysEd

·      If we do 6 blocks with 9^th graders then seniors will NOT have full schedules

·      9^TH Grade teachers would have duties reduced to make up for the extra teaching time

·      The ONLY way to get seniors full course loads is to vote to change the 9^th graders to a 4x4 schedule

·      This will allow for more electives

·      Chloe made a motion to approve the schedule change proposal to the faculty

·      Unanimous approval

5. Budget Update

·      Total reduction is now $800,365 (down from 1.1 million)

·      We were able to get back 2 positions from original cut positions

·      Positions:  Administration (1), Teacher (7), Paraprofessionals (2)

·      We can add a chorus position –

·      We will have more flexibility with arts classes next year

·      We need to offer a Spanish course, particularly for native speakers in order to develop literacy skills

6. Title I Funds

·      Some money has been put aside for stipend for open postings

·      This will allow 13 additional improvement position

·      Additional Stipended positions might include (Class advisor for each year, Attendance Team, Club Options, Anime club)

In attendance:

·      Yesica Garcia

·      Lucy Pimentel

·      Manuela Diaz

·      Hilary Pena

·      Lornex Rono

·      Kelly Salazr

·      Sadiya Gurham

·      Jason Diaz

·      Kiana Baez

·      Madelyne Valdez

·      Iris Abreau

·      Lt Fife

·      Norberto Mendez

·      Ms. Balbian

·      Michele Lavorgna

·      Siobhan Dooling

·      Kristen Leathers

·      Chloe Ford

·      Richard Davis

·      Ms. Tolbert

·      Lydia

·      Jeanine Constantine

·      Sara Bouvier

·      Dr. Tutwiler

·      Ms. Ruby

School Site Council

1/9/14

1. Introductions

2. Check-in

·      Art work around school is fantastic

·      Concern that students were not given appropriate details about senior pictures (it was mentioned that there were 3 calls home and signs around the building)

·      Improvement in bathroom conditions (sanitizer, paper towels)

3. Ratify BHS School Site Council by-laws

4. Budget Discussion

a. Parent Involvement - $3,500

·      Parent involvement – no less than 1%

b. Substitutes $92,745

·      75 teachers, 9 days for each at $137.40

·      Dr. Tutwiler plans to discuss this with district

·      Question was asked, what happens when substitute money goes over budget during the school year?   - Last year we were told that the school would be “cut off” from subs and that coverage would have to come within school.

c. Supplies and technology - $113, 451

·      $100,059.20 is allocated to SEI

·      OIIT is offering a laptop initiative so we can have laptop cart and we can pay over 3 years

d. Stipends

·      Open Posting Stipends –

·      Brighton High has some hiring autonomy as innovation schools and “non-traditional” schools

·      If there’s an opening, Admin can looks to fill position as early as February – there’s a $1250 stipend that goes with that position

5. Discretionary funds approval

·      Brighton will be working at a $1,042,461.10 deficit next year

·      The question was asked “will this prevent next year’s seniors from having full schedules? “ – Full schedule for seniors continues to be a priority

o   Comments from students – senior schedules should be filled with relevant courses

o   APEX – Credit Recovery company – is it possible for students to take online courses (Art Appreciation, Language we don’t offer, etc…)

o   Is it possible to include study hall for seniors with  multiple AP courses?

o    

·      Is it possible to take into consideration the number of students we will get Jan- March (we know we grow as the year goes on) – Is it possible to have a cap on the number of students who are allowed to enroll later in the year?

Moving forward…

·      Monday there will be a voluntary after school meeting with faculty to share this information

·      February faculty will start talking about more specifics

·      Dr. Tutwiler will talk to people in enough time for them to pursue open positings

·      Remember that this is worst case and sometimes money is added back to the budget

·      Add a teacher “Paws” Acknowledgement box to help teacher morale over the next few weeks

·      Is it possible to have students/teachers/parents publicly address the deficit? How do we make public aware of the severity of the deficit?

·      How do we get parents to fight for Brighton High?

How do we get more parent involvement?

Next Meeting February 6th

6. Public Comments

In Attendance:

DeWitt Tolbert

Kelly Salazar

Iliana Mendez

Richard Davis

Jason Diaz

Ashley Balbian

Michele Lavorgna

Cladia Gutierrez

Morton Pierre – Antoine

Chloe Ford

Sara Bouvier

Ashot Gheridian

Kristen Leathers

Vanessa Valentin

Karla Rivas

Margaret Judges

Lee Fife

Lorenx Rono

School Site Council Minutes

12/18/13

Jeanine Constantine

Col. Fife

Margaret Judges

DeWitt Tolbert

Ashley Balbian

Michele Lavorgna

Siobhan Dooling

AShot Gheridian

Chloe Ford

Patrick Tutwiler

Ms. Ruby

Introductory Remarks:

1. Brighton High School  - School Site Council By-Laws

·      The Brighton High School By-Laws have been recovered since our last meeting

·      Clarification – two “senior” voting members means two students from 12^th grade

·      SSC shall also include six additional student representatives (two 9^th, two 10^th, two 11^th) who shall attend meetings and contribute to discussions

·       Meetings will now be the first Thursday of every month from 4:30-6:30

2. Budget –

·      Budget is due on Jan. 8^th

·      SSC plays two roles (1^st – review the entire budget, 2^nd – review and approve discretionary elements of the budget)

·      An additional 3^rd role – input –

3.  Next Meeting Date

·      Move meeting from Jan. 9^th to January 6^th – 4:30-6:30

4.  Check-Ins

·      Ashley Balbian reported on her fieldtrip to African American Meeting House

·      Ms. Ruby learned that popcorn machine can be loaned to us for fundraiser for a day

·      Ms. Ruby is still working on microwave – we may get it (a conference call will be necessary between Dr. Tutwiler, Ms. Ruby, and 3^rd party)

5. SSC Input on the budget

·      Teacher leaders were asked to identify 3 priorities for next year in terms of budget

·      All attendees were asked to offer input

o   Additional senior math classes (right now only Senior Math and AP calculus are available) an additional calculus class  (non- AP) would benefit many students

o   Take out 1 “Senior” math and add a regular calculus class

o   Full Schedule -6 periods a day

o   More technology – students lack training outside of school -

o   Business pathway – Entrepreneurship class (authentic learning opportunities)

o   Bring back Honor classes – Honors ELA

o   Mass Insight and MMSI meeting – they received state funds to invest in vertical alignment programs with teachers from middle and high school

o   We should be planning and working with middle school teachers to help transition

o   Late bus so students can stay after (athletics have access to busses)

o   Next year – Green Academy is moving in across the street – they have a lot of flexibility – they get out later – can our students use the Green Academy shuttles

o   Is it possible to have the shuttles leave later?

o   Health and fitness electives  - weight lifting (City Wide mandate – every students must have some type of physical activity)

o   Science supplies (microscopes, frogs, etc…)

o   Purell dispenser – outside of the bathroom

Teacher Leaders were asked to identify 3 priorities

            1. Ensuring College and/or Career Readiness

o   Full schedules for all students

2. Tools to do the Work

o   Frogs, microscopes, books,

o   In the past, each department would be given amount to use as they see fit

            3. Addressing the Culture and Climate

o   Peer Mediation

o   During the day case management

o   Full Schedule for seniors

o   Develop/adopt discipline research-based discipline (restorative justice)

o   For Code of Conduct next year, we need to have clearly defined intervention system and clearly defined restorative justice model

o   How do we get students to own their behavior?

4. Research-based, district initiative

o   Stronger Inclusion models

o   This is unclear, however, district wants 2500 more students in inclusion model

5. Minding the administrative

o   Director of SEI

School Site Council Minutes

11/7/13

1. Introduction

2. Dr. Tutwiler explained that SSC members will speak in order to make it through all agenda items.  People who would like to contribute are invited to speak at the Open Forum.

3.  Invitation for student voice

·      Jason Diaz & Iliana Mendez spoke about Student Leadership Team

·      SLT began because students felt decisions were being made without hearing student voice

·      They would like to speak as the student voice at these meetings

·      Positive Things about Brighton high this year

o   Early Release

o   Locker price

o   ID policy

·      Areas of Improvement

o   School lunch

o   Bathroom policy (sanitation and policy – frequently students can’t find an open bathroom)

o   After School Activity – we have some great ones but we are missing a lot (theater, boxing,  A greater range will allow for greater career exploration) Also, many students cannot afford after school activities that are not offered by the school

o   Metal Detectors – students arrive to school on time but because of metal detector lines, students arrive late to homeroom.

4. Lunch Discussion

• Iris mentioned that many students are going to the library for lunch
• Dr. Tutwiler asked if we can invite outside vendors into the cafeteria, Mr. Townsend said that he would look into it
• Jody – Dietary restriction – lunches do not work for many students who have dietary restrictions
• Ms. Ruby will look into restrictions regarding microwave
• NEXT STEP – Investigate possibility of getting a microwave

5. Metal Detectors

• Is there a way to have 2 lines instead of one for entrance to the school
• Could there be a merit-based system?  So that some students could enter through front doors
• Can we open up another way for kids to come in?  Do we have enough people to do that? 

6. AP Chem

• It has been suggested that we add an AP chem. Class to next year’s schedule
• Dr. Tutwiler – is on board with adding an AP chem. Class
• It is a budget isuee
• Mr. Tolbert mentioned that there is an issue with students who may not be prepared based on our science MCAS scores
• Mr. Tolbert mentioned that he feels there is budget in the money – the lab is ready to go
• We would just need to have enough students who were prepared
• Guidance will need to look at scheduling, science grades, MCAS grades, teachers recommendations

7. Discipline Issues

• Teachers have mentioned that they are concerned with how to address discipline issues
• Mr. Pierre Antoine asked about the possibility of in school suspension
• Iliana – Every time someone got suspended in middle school they would be sent to In School suspension rule
• Iliana- most students get suspended because of trouble at home.  One-on-one discussion with adult was very helpful
• Iliana – in school suspension allows students to complete work
• Suspension Data from last year indicates a high level of suspension rates from Brighton High School
• Dr. Tutwiler – suspensions are not a solution to behavior issues
• Dr. Tutwiler – we need to think about coming at behavior issues from a different angle.  There are a lot of behaviors being addressed (take off your hat, go to class, etc…)  We haven’t been celebrating what is being done correctly.  WE do not have a strong enough school wide recognition of what students are doing that’s good.  That positive reinforcement can make a different.
• Dr. Tutwiler’s suggestion –We need to think about how we can celebrate the good things
• We currently do not have enough interventions around student behavior – we only punish
• Richard Davis –Agrees with positive reinforcement – 2-3 weeks ago disciplinarian were saying “good job” to kids wearing their IDs.  Agrees with In School suspension.
• Richard Davis – Sweeps and suspensions do not work effectively
• Jason – principal of his middle school would announce students and reward students at an assembly. 
• NEXT STEPS –

1. Administrators, teachers, and students who are VERY on board should meet to begin to brainstorm

2. Thomas Rose’s suggestion – Have teachers write letters to students (similar to the ones students wrote to teachers for advisory)

• Iris – reward –students can participate in Staff – Students basketball Steps

8. Parent Engagement

• Mr. Key – Parent Council Member
• The extent to which parents are engaged = better attendance, less tardiness, fewer behavior incidents
• Jason – Parents should come in during the school day, give parents an opportunity to see their students during the day “Shadow Student Day”
• Inform parents ahead of time, invite them to the school
• Iliana –it would benefit parents in two ways (Parents could connect with Brighton High and It may inspire parents)
• Dr. Tutwiler – If students organized this and invited parents it may result in high turn out
• Ms. Ruby – this may help to get more parents to Parent Council
• Iliana – Teachers should be making more parent phone calls about students who are in jeopardy of failing
• Dr. Tutwiler- We should consider structuring the protocol for calling parents (i.e. if a student has a grade of ___, a parent should be called)
• Working phone numbers continue to be an issue
• Is there a way we can get correct emails from students (Mr. Rose offers extra credit for students who bring in correct email address)
• When we go google – staff will be able to contact one another
• We can through our school budget to get department specific cell phones
• Is it possible to get classroom phones
• Parent Workshop – Parent Education – Could we have people from different career fields come to hear speakers from different fields  (after school or during school)
• Plays/Recitals/Poetry Slam  - allow opportunities for parents to see their students doing things
• Ms. Ruby – There are no trips – can we provide more opportunities for students to have trips outside of the city
• Are there opportunities to take students to outside places
• Mr. Key  - As students get older, schools lose parent involvement.  Sports events might be a great opportunity to get parents involved
• Is there the space to hold a GED class for students/parents?

Next Steps:

• Get feedback from faculty at next faculty meeting
• Plan a date for after winter break

Open Forum

• There is a School Site Council Team Training on 12/7 –
• Jason – Can Brighton High start reaching out to middle school students
• Jason – could we send students to their former middle school to speak about Brighton (and about summer programs)
• Iliana – Can students invite teachers to eat school lunch?
• We should engage the lunch coordinators in the conversation about changing lunches because they know about restrictions
• Mr. Rose –Research what requirements are and ask students to compare to what students are given for lunch
• Dr. Tutwiler – if the competitive piece is not a problem, can we have outside purveyor do a salad bar?
• Dr. Tutwiler –Code of Conduct Training
• There are new laws around discipline code of conduct that need to be implemented by July 1^st
• There are some strong suggestions around interventions that should be in place

In Attendance

Michele Lavorgna

DeWitt Tolbert

AShot Gheridian

Bridget Driscoll

Sara Bouvier

Siobhan Dooling

Chloe Ford

Thomas Rose

Joey Key

Ruby Francis

Lisa Tuccinardi

Jody-Gay Longmore

Katie Shaller

Vanessa Valentin

Jason Diaz

Iliana Mendez

Dr. Tutwiler

Carline Wright

Iris Abreau

Ashley Balbian

Michele Pellam

Norton Pierre Antoine

Norman Townsend

Richard Davis

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