Issaquah Middle School Council Minutes

January 27, 2005

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Marianne Kersten at 2:27 p.m. The following members were present: Marianne Kersten-Council Chairperson; Corrine DeRosa-Principal; Sandie Pike-Council Secretary; Hester Winn-District Liaison; Brian DeBroux-Staff Library Media Specialist; Deed Chase-Parent Rep; Shari Koppel-Parent Rep; Margie Gerrity-Parent Rep; Mark Dorsett-ASB Staff Rep; Liz Director-Parent Rep; Paula Weiss-Staff Team Leader Rep; Nancy Warnick-Staff Team Leader Rep; Sandy Grace-Staff Team Leader Rep; Lorna Furtado-Staff Team Leader Rep;  Pat Randall-Classified Staff Rep; three student reps.

 

Parent/Community Comments

None

 

Announcements

            Marianne Kersten announced that Elaine Hollaway has resigned her position as a Parent Rep due to conflicts with her schedule.  According to the bylaws, there is no provision to allow her to be replaced so the position will remain open until next year.

            She also announced that the March meeting date would be moved to March 24.

 

Approval of Minutes

            Minutes from the December 16 School Council Meeting were approved as submitted.

 

Old Business

Corrine DeRosa reported that the Communications Survey will be up and running on our website February 1.  It will close at 4:00 on February 15.  Results should be available for the next School Council Meeting.  She recorded an all-call today which includes the survey.

Marianne shared the letter that will be sent to Janet Barry regarding our feedback on the draft site council policy.

Corrine reported that the city is looking at the possibility of installing security cameras at the skate park and hooking them to the cameras that will be installed on our campus.  This may mean that the skate park could stay open instead of being moved.

 

New Business

            The staff is looking at the current Student of the Month program – does it meet the needs of the students, should it be changed?  Ideas for changing it were presented from the grade level teams and from ASB.  Corrine asked School Council for their feedback.  After discussion, several ideas were presented:  recognition each month with no theme, change title to something not so singular or academic, have teachers add reasons to their nominations instead of monthly themes, have different themes for each grade level.

            Nancy Warnick reported that the All School Math Event has had an enormous amount of response from parents.  It was hoped that 60 parents would volunteer and so far there have been over 120 volunteers.

            Paula Weiss reported that an All School Writing Event is being looked into.  It would be similar to the math event using parents to score student essays. 

            There was discussion on the three Tech Levy question.  Sandie will send our response to Colleen Dixon.

1.                  What are the most important technology skills your students should have?

  • Research Skills
  • Software Use and Proficiency
  • Formatting and Presentation of Work
  • Communications
  • Keyboarding Skills
  • Managing Data

2.                  What are the most important things teachers should be able to do with technology?

  • Integrating technology into curriculum on a regular basis
  • Using technology as a tool to increase student engagement
  • Communications
  • Websites
  • Voice Mail

3.                  What are your priorities for technology in the Issaquah School District?

  • Tech Support
  • Funding to train teachers to be able to use technology
  • Family Access
  • Equity of equipment amongst schools and students
  • Ratio of students to work stations
  • Improve district communications
  • Support and update equipment
  • Continue ITP
  • Share curriculum district-wide
  • Opt-in e-mail for school and district updates

 

Corrine reported that the district is putting together a Bond Levy Scope Committee.  It will have 37 members representing all schools.  Anyone who is interested in serving on this committee should let her know prior to January 31.

      Marianne shared that Dean Mack will be invited to our February meeting to discuss future growth at IMS and how our school will be affected.  Members are encouraged to ask questions.

 

Team Reports

6th Grade

None

 

7th Grade

            None

 

8th Grade/Math

            None

 

 Subject Area

             None

 

Special Needs

            None

 

Classified Staff

            None

           

ASB Report

            The Martin Luther King assembly went really well.  Ms Wells responded with an e-mail stating, “As the only female African American in the school district I am proud to be a part of this district and this school.  It was fabulous.”

            Tsunami Relief Drive raised $3,501.

            ASB is proposing two activities for Valentine’s Day.  They want to deliver sweetheart candies to all kids in SSR on Valentine’s Day.  On February 10, 11 and 14, they would like to sell cards and possibly something else from the hole in the wall during all lunches.  Students can buy a treat and a card and the ASB will deliver it to their friend in SSR class.  All kids would be recognized and friends would be able to show appreciation.

            ASB will be making valentines to send to the kids at Children’s Hospital.  They are also making locker posters for girl’s basketball and wrestling.  February 14 – 17 a clothing drive to collect toys, clothing and food for our local food bank is being planned.  Spirit week is February 16-18; themes are still to be determined.  A PM Spirit/Recognition assembly is planned for February 18.

 

PTSA Report

            The PTSA still has funds available for classrooms.  Teachers are encouraged to request these funds. 

February 8 is a Drugs and Alcohol in our Community Seminar to be held in the IMS Commons at 7:00 p.m.

The PTSA is re-ordering logo-wear.

Outstanding Educator nominations are still being accepted.  Forms are available in the office.

 

District Liaison Report

            None

 

Community Center

            None

 

FYI – Corrine DeRosa

January 28                             Mid-Tri II

January 28                             Student of the Month Celebration

January 28                             Staff Meeting

January 31                             Boys Basketball and Gymnastics Start

February 1                             Freshman Campus Parent Night

February 8-9                          All School Math Event

February 10                           Team Leader Meeting

February 11                           Student of the Month Nominations Due

February 11                           Panther Press Deadline

February 11                           Staff Meeting

February 15                           PTSA Meeting

February 16                           Spirit Day

February 17                           Spirit Day

February 17                           School Council

February 17                           Orchestra Concert

February 18                           Spirit Day

February 18                           PM Assembly

February 18                           Student of the Month Celebration

 

 Other

            None  

 

Next meeting will be February 17, 2005 at 2:25 p.m. in Room 411.  The meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m.