November 10, 2011 FOSB Meeting Minutes
11/10/11 7pm
Present: Suzanne Waller, Karine Dammer, Beth Armitage, Susan Motte, Caitlin Racey, Kelly Bryant, Andy Grow, Lance Adams, Jen Miller, Amy Stackhouse, Dorothy Jacobsen, Monica Porter, Barb Smith, Keith Mc Laren, Melanie Shelton, Karen Fossum, Lisa Dunn, Linda Clemon-Karp, Sophia Clemen-Karp, Andrea Robinson, A.J. Silva, Linda Kjarstad, Michelle Pearson, Bridget Goglia, Jane Davies, Katherine Ropp, Jodi Russell, Sarah Kopf
Introductions were given.
Election of new Directors: Linda Kjarstad, Michelle Pearson, and Bridget Goglia were unanimously voted in as new directors.
Treasurer’s Report
· Katherine Ropp, elementary treasurer, reported on the all school mini grant process. The finance committee brought forth a list of grants to be recommended for funding. The committee reviewed the grants in two groups, elementary and middle school. The group collectively decided on the all school grant. Decision was reached by consensus within each group.
· A question was asked regarding applications that were not funded. There were some grants which were not recommended for funding. The committee did receive more requests than available funds, so not all applications could be funded. Examples were given. If individuals would like additional details or have questions, they can contact Katherine Ropp.
· A motion was made to fund mini-grants as selected by the finance committee. Motion passed.
(Note: A list of funded mini-grants are attached below)
· Direct Giving Update (Report from Kate Banta Green)
· $7235 in pledges to date, 40 donors, and median gift is $100.
Secretary’s Report: minutes were not posted due to technical difficulties. Please accept our apologies. We do place a high priority on getting the minute notes posted but it was not possible in the transition between outgoing and incoming secretaries.
Principal’s Report:
· District Capacity committee: Jodee is member of this committee. The district is currently discussing which projections to use regarding enrollment. The district is growing.
· Jodee has communicated to the district that we will already be increasing capacity next year (as part of our planned expansion) without the use of portables. The early capacity management draft did show 3 portable classrooms to be placed at Salmon bay. Jodee has worked to update our correct capacity information with the district and shared that portables would be problematic at our site because of the already planned playground project.
· Math: a parent asked about testing (map, msp) and commented that she was surprised that there was testing at Salmon Bay. Given that it was an “Alternative School”, she was surprised to hear this. She would like to know about “opting out”, how does one do that? And does it hurt the school, or the child in any way to opt out? Jodee answered that anyone can opt out at any time. It needs to be done in writing to Jodee and the child’s’ teacher.
· Teachers are working to track math curriculum. They turn in calendars each month tracking math instruction, what was taught and which specific curriculum used.
· Math committee: Received seed money from the mini-grant process ($250) to have family math nights and help to develop a math culture in the student body and in families.
· Concern has been expressed regarding intermediate grade level math scores. The Building Leadership Team has developed Literacy and Math goals in Elementary School and Middle School. Copies of goals and strategies planned to achieve these goals are on the district website (Continuous School Improvement Plans).
· Jodee requested that Beth put links to OSPI grade standards and SB’s CSIP on the Salmon Bay website (note: CSIP is at http://www.salmonbayschool.org/content/demographics and OSPI at http://www.salmonbayschool.org/FAQ)
8th grade project discussion
Jodee shared that after much discussion, staff has decided to not make the 8th grade project mandatory this school year. Letters were sent to the middle school families discussing the decision. The plan is to revise the 8th grade project and bring it back next year in a more manageable format. The project will still continue, but will be voluntary.
Many parents spoke of their disappointment and frustration regarding this curriculum change. A teacher also spoke about the fact that this project was not successful for all students and negatively impacted some individuals. General comments and thoughts shared include:
· Parents spoke of being very upset, saddened and disappointed by the news of this change. Parents also spoke of being caught off guard by this news. Several individuals expressed that the communication should have been handled differently.
· Some parents asked that the decision be reconsidered. Parents offered to help and recruit others to support the project if that would allow it to move forward.
· A student shared that there wasn’t a strong reason to complete the project due to lack of recognition or reward. If a student completes all the work, perhaps some type of credit or recognition should be given.
· A parent expressed concern that the kids that really need the skills are not going to choose it as an option. These students won’t be as prepared for high school.
· A parent addressed this particular class and shared the impression that things have been watered down for this class. This class also missed the 6th grade historical project.
· It was pointed out by that the 8th grade project is difficult for some students. Students are at a disadvantage when they don’t have the skills to conduct a research project, do not have access to the Internet, and do not have parents that can help them. A second parent agreed that the 8th grade project “is a very uneven experience”. Without appropriate resources (support at home, internet access etc.), students cannot be successful.
· Concern was expressed that the project is punitive. If students did not complete the research project last year, they were not allowed to go to 8th grade camp (another important part of the Salmon Bay experience).
· It was pointed out that while there is disappointment that changes were made to the project, a good plan is in place for the optional form of the 8th grade project and students are able to participate.
· A teacher shared that behind the scenes, teachers are talking about how they can help give the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders the skills they need and ensure that skill development in embedded within the curriculum. Research skills can be taught in all three years of middle school.
· Jodee summarized by saying that ideally the skills are built into the curriculum and that the goal is a comprehensive project - based curriculum in all three years. A meeting will be held to give more information to students wishing to complete the 8th grade project this year. Jodee has also responded to all parents who have contacted her with concerns and will continue to talk with parents regarding this change.
Volunteer coordinator's report:
· A Dec. 2nd Salmon Feed is planned. Ocean Beauty is donating the salmon, Starbucks is donating coffee. (Note: this event has since been postponed).
· Starbucks (located in Fred Meyer) is hoping to partner with Salmon Bay. A question was asked about the decision to partner with specific companies. A concern was raised about this being too “commercial.” We do have policies to address these types of donations. Please email Megan or Caitlin if you have opinions or questions.
Alternative Schools Coalition Report
· Following the last meeting, Jodee Reed suggested a “wait and see” approach. There are a lot of questions that remain to be answered.
· Another thought would be to make our own statement about who we are and what we believe.
· One school has applied to the state to be an Innovation School.
· Michelle Pearson, member of our Alt. Ed committee, shared: My understanding is that it would give “Operational Assurances for Hiring, Curriculum, and Assessment.
· Another parent shared thoughts on negotiating waivers from teachers… if they work in Innovation schools, they might have flexibility in what they teach. Talked about Innovation Schools at legislative level.
· It is important to watch the budget: 2 billion is being cut. Calling for 10% cuts across the state. Some of what this means is:
1. Eliminate busing
2. Cut early learning program
3. Cut full day K
· November 28th start of special sessions in Legislature.
· 3 Community meetings: Nov. 14, 15, 16, See the district website for details.
Emergency Preparedness Report
· Our school has an emergency plan. It is very important for both parents and teachers to understand this plan. Parents need to understand that policies regarding pick-up of students will be different following a disaster….parents will not be able to immediately rush to school and pick-up their student(s). Different check out procedures will be in place.
· If you notice the safety shed is open, please let staff know. There is money earmarked in the budget for emergency supplies. The Emergency Preparedness committee is working on a plan to update supplies as quickly as possible. We want to be supplied with everything that is needed to stay in the classroom for 24 hours.
Fundraising reports
· Auction there is an orange poster with jobs listed on wall outside of volunteer Coordinator’s office. Please sign up.
· UW bookstore Saturday, Sunday, and Monday November 18 to 21st. You can buy online. Just choose Salmon Bay School and 25% of all proceeds this weekend go to SB. The teachers will have wish lists. You can buy books your child’s teacher wants for the classroom.
Meeting adjourned. Submitted by Linda Kjarstad 12/12/11
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