Call to Order

Jenny Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

  Members Present:   Diana Armstrong, Wes Bailey, Carrie Basher, Lisa Bruce, Andrea Conley, Jerry Davis, Mixie Deeter, Kristy Ewell, Pedro Gonzales, Diane Kirchner-Scott, Anita Kulper, Wendy McClure, Kimberly Meno, Ruth Milner, Danielle Osting, Kari Pendray, Mike Ray, Christine Serica, Jenny Taylor and Voni Walker.

 Members Absent: Heather Brown, Melinda Gallo, Sue Krause, Dr. McDuffy, Jeanna Rard, and Tanyia Stehl.

Approval of Minutes

Anita Kulper moved to approve the January 2, 2012 minutes.  Lisa Bruce seconded the motion, and the minutes were unanimously approved by voice vote.

  School Improvement Planning - AHS

Brian Beckley, Principal

Voni Walker, Assistant Principal

Marilee Hermann, English Teacher

Haifa Iverson, Science Teacher

Jennifer Case, Algebra 1 Teacher

 Brian introduced the AHS SIP Team members.  Voni Walker explained the ASB Theme is "Serving."  Students are nominated for exhibiting positive traits.  She also talked about the AHS statistics. Advisory is held every Thursday for 25 minutes. 

 PLC - Professional Learning Communities

It is a foundation of how the high school does business and works together. 

 Theme for staff is "Teaching Like a Champion."  He explained the four critical questions. The SIP process is a year-long cycle and it is not a destination, but a working document.  Adjustments are made throughout the year based on how student achievement is going.  The focus is always on how to get better with their teaching, celebrating success throughout the year.  They have celebrated being awarded the 2011 School of Distinction as a result of the work the elementary, middle and high schools have done.  Brian shared the EoC math and science HSPE percentages.

 Marilee explained the reading/writing goals.  They have been using SMART goals since HSPE results come in too late in the year and can't provide needed feedback. SMART Goals are more specific goals for each content area in order to help prepare our students. She loops with students for two years.  They are integrating and doing common assessments to compare data. Students need a 90% pass rate in writing for the scholarly paper.  Special education is focusing on keeping in step with the regular grade level students.  Challenges:  Time to work with the Guaranteed Viable Curriculum, compile data, attendance for assessments, individual student needs (homeless students), special education teachers don't have the opportunity to meet with regular teachers.

 Brian covered the SIP cycle and explained the mid-year check.

 Marilee addressed the question about online learning.  She is developing the curriculum to align with the other essential learning goals.  She is working on how to teach online students.  Honor Society provides tutoring for students who need it. 

 Kari Pendray inquired about whether we are using the graduation success program and whether there is an assigned staff member who supports students and families.

 Haifa presented science goals.  She feels they have a lot of work to do in the area of science for students to be prepared for EoC exams.  They have been working hard to align the Biology standards to the state standards.  They give students "I can…" statements so students understand what they need to learn during the unit.  Earth/Space science, Biology and Chemistry are all using the same format in their courses.  Challenges: Biology is a lab class and they don't want the total focus on testing.  They are providing fun labs and field trips to biotechnology companies, exposing students to real world applications.  Haifa has helped with the recycling program at AHS and teaches about good stewardship.  One of the difficulties is the volume of standards and which ones will be assessed. 

 Jennifer presented math goals and how the Algebra and Geometry tests have been divided and are taken in the last three weeks of school.  We went from 40% to 85% on the EoC exams.  They had students who did not pass their class, but did pass the exams.  They have set SMART goals for Algebra 1 - a class where most students are freshmen.  They are comparing the scores of freshmen from this year to the freshmen from last year.

 Students are now required to pass both math exams this year.  Last year AHS Algebra 1 students were at 84% - the goal is to raise scores to 87%.  They are working to raise special education scores by 10% on assessments.  The high school added another class for students who are the lowest performing allowing students to re-learn Algebra 1 by taking the first semester again.  Students won't take the EoC until next January when they finish the full Algebra 1 course. 

 Celebrations:  Special Ed is aligned with state standards, but at a slower pace.  They are being successful. Students have been taking a pre-class if they struggle.  Advanced classes are also being offered.  Challenges:  High class sizes make it difficult to meet the needs of each student. Students can participate in tutoring - teachers are always available after school.  Transportation is difficult for freshmen so National Honor Society tutors are also an option.  LAP provides funding for support classes this year.

District Updates

Diane Kirchner-Scott talked about what a privilege it is to be able to show what we are doing in our district for students. She talked about Principals Academy and the details of the SIP cycle. 

 There being no further business, Wendy McClure moved to adjourn. Danielle Osting seconded the motion, which passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted by,

Andrea Conley

 Next Meeting: March 6, 2012