Issaquah Middle School Council Minutes

October 28, 2004

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Marianne Kersten at 2:23 p.m. The following members and guests were present: Corrine DeRosa-Principal; Sandie Pike-Council Secretary; Cathy Jones-Issaquah Community Center Liaison; Hester Winn-District Liaison; Shari Koppel-Parent Rep; Lise Place-PTSA Liaison; Liz Director-Parent Rep; Brian DeBroux-Staff Library Media Specialist; Julie Palmer-Staff Special Needs Rep; Deed Chase and Margie Gerrity-Parent Reps; Paula Weiss-Staff Team Leader Rep; Nancy Warnick-Staff Team Leader Rep; Sandy Grace-Staff Team Leader Rep; Lorna Furtado-Staff Team Leader Rep; Mark Dorsett-Staff ASB Advisor; 2 ASB Student Reps; Pat Randall-Classified Staff Rep; Elaine Hollaway-Parent Rep; Nancy Campi-Guest.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the September 23 School Council Meeting were approved as revised.

Parent/Community Comments

None

Old Business

Corrine DeRosa presented the proposed Operating Norms and the existing Code of Conduct. Council formally adopted the Operating Norms as written.

Marianne Kersten presented a summary of the results from the Self-Assessment Survey. She asked if Council wanted to form a committee to meet and go over the results and to bring recommendations back to School Council. There was discussion on the district time lines and the duties of such a committee. It was decided that members take the time to go over the results and decide at the November School Council Meeting if such a committee would be established and who would be on the committee.

New Business

Marianne spoke about articles which were published in the Issaquah Press regarding the skate park and some of the issues around it including graffiti and vandalism. The Issaquah Press reported there were 45 police calls to the park last summer. Ideas about altering the park in some fashion or perhaps moving it to a more visible area will be going to the City Council next month. She asked if School Council members would agree to send a letter to the city stating our concerns mostly because of the close proximity to IMS. Lise Place would like the letter to question what the city plans to do with the space if the park is moved. It was agreed that Corrine would e-mail a draft of the letter to members. If you have any feedback, please let her know. The letter would then be signed by Marianne and Corrine and would include School Council member names.

Lise asked about the possibility of doing a survey to see if there is a need for parent-teacher conferences. It was mentioned by staff that IMS does have conferences but they are only at parent request. There was discussion that some parents may feel uncomfortable asking to take teacher’s time if there really weren’t any specific problems. Marianne offered the suggestion that the survey should focus on communication as a whole – not just conferences. Parents really liked the 6^th Grade “Meet the Teachers” which was done last year and would like 7^th and 8^th Grade teachers to consider doing the same thing. Staff shared that the 6^th grade team voted not to have it this year because of the time it took. It was agreed that a committee would be formed to look into preparing survey questions. Volunteers for this committee were Lise, Margie Gerrity and Corrine. Staff reps will check with staff to ask for teacher volunteers. The committee will report back to School Council at the December meeting.

Sandie Pike asked members to sign giving their permission to have their full name printed in the Council minutes which is published on the web. Signature forms were handed out.

Team Reports

6^th Grade

None

7^th Grade

Paula Weiss reported that a district committee is looking at changing the Social Studies curriculum to align it with state requirements.

8^th Grade

Nancy Warnick reported that the 8^th grade team is looking at two field trips. One to see “Red Badge of Courage” and another to go along with the Junior Achievement Program which culminates in going to the Junior Achievement Finance Park.

Special Needs

None

Subject Area

Lorna reported that the Qwest classes made bags with hygiene products, candy, paper and markers and donated them – 26 went to Friends of Youth and 45 to a shelter in north Seattle. The staff would like to thank all the parents who donated the supplies.

Sandy Grace reported that PE and Health had an Olympic Fencer come in and speak to the students. Also, girls’ basketball and wrestling seasons start November 8. The Panther Philharmonic, Advanced Band and Crystal Voices will be going to the EMP on November 18.

Classified Staff

Pat Randall shared that two new EA’s have been hired in the LRCII program, Kay James and Ann Collin.

ASB Report

The magazine drive is wrapping up and the goal of $95,000 was reached. ASB is looking at selling bracelets with an anti-bullying motto with the money being donated to purchase bicycle helmets. The students carved pumpkins for all the staff as a thank you. There is an after school social and dance on November 5 after school. There will be a blow up “toy” in the small gym. Tickets are $4 or $3 with a can of food. There will be a drawing for Sonics tickets. Spirit days were October 27, 28 and 29. Themes were Wacky Hair Day, Decades Day and Costume Day. There is a PM Assembly on Friday, October 29. The Pawsitive Action Referrals program has started. Referrals are given to students who demonstrate positive actions. These students are called to the office on Fridays and given a copy of the referral and a pin. Their names are announced on the bulletin and put up on the poster in the gallery. ASB is working on posters for the Reflections program.

PTSA Report

The PTSA has just over $42,000 in the bank. Margie Gerrity reported that Deed Chase attended council training and there is a new Parent Ed Chair. There is also a new sub committee looking at the weight of students’ backpacks. The Nominating Committee has been elected. IMS has moved the emergency container to its proper location. The Bell Times Committee continues to work – check the district website for updates. Science and Math are looking at adopting new textbooks. The student directory is in process. Salmon Days parking grossed $2890. Logo wear was distributed last week. The School Beautification Committee has been weeding and will soon be spreading bark and top soil. Walk About Training is November 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commons.

District Liaison Report

Hester Winn reported that the District is going to one business meeting per month and one Community Linkage meeting per month which will be held at various locations. These meetings will include open dialog on the agenda. Dates and locations for the school year are published on the district website.

Community Center

Cathy Jones reported that the Community Center will continue to give out free daily passes to each Student of the Month. Students in the Drop-In program are planning a carnival for 2 to 4 year olds on October 29. They also collected items for soldiers in Iraq for Christmas delivery. There are two dances scheduled, November 12 and December 10.

FYI – Corrine DeRosa

October 29 Costume Day

October 29 PM Assembly

October 29 Periods 1-3 Vision and Hearing Screening – 7^th Grade

October 29 Student of the Month Celebration

October 29 Staff Meeting 2:15 p.m.

October 31 Daylight Savings Time End – Set Your Clocks Back One Hour

November 4 Team Leader Meeting 2:15 p.m.

November 5 After School Social

November 5 Theatre Production – “The Hobbit” – 7:00 p.m.

November 6 Theatre Production – “The Hobbit” – 7:00 p.m.

Other

It was agreed to change the start time from 2:15 to 2:30 p.m.

Next meeting will be November 18, 2004 at 2:30 p.m. in Room 411. The meeting was adjourned at 3:35 p.m.