Issaquah Middle School Council Minutes

March 22, 2001

 

Chairperson:  Leslie Nielsen                        Gatekeeper:  Sarah Crist                Scribe: Sandie Pike

 

OLD BUSINESS

Marilyn clarified that the Contract Waivers have been put out to staff strictly as a back up to the Learning Improvement Calendar.  Staff wants to be sure they have an opportunity to have an all staff review and discussion before a vote is taken.

 

WASL testing is scheduled for April 23 through May 4.  The PTSA will be bringing juice.  The tests will be given in Humanities classes exclusively.  Patty Emsley will be coordinating the testing.  It was suggested that general guidelines be put together for staff regarding homework, activities, etc. prior to the testing.

 

Marilyn reported that the Learning Improvement Calendar was discussed at the last PTSA meeting.  It appears parents still want Friday for early release instead of Wednesday.  The parent community is still not sure that teachers need the time.  There was also concern that a “push” for the calendar may affect the upcoming levy.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Marilyn reminded everyone of the idea of a “Fresh Start” with the new trimester.  Take a moment to reflect on last trimester with students and focus on what to improve on for the new trimester.

 

The final NWIFTL Site Visit is scheduled for May 15 periods 4, 5 and 6.  Team leaders are asked to talk to their teams about presenting, 15 minutes, on what they have done and let Neva or Leslie know who wants to be on the schedule.

 

Marilyn reported that there is a perception among a group of 6th grade parents that there is a safety issue here.  She clarified the facts regarding an emergency expulsion of a student with the PTSA and with School Council.  The school climate is better now than in previous years when suspension paperwork was overwhelming.  John reported that a visitor today remarked on how nice our school was.  It was suggested that 6th grade parents be invited to come visit to get a better sense of what the school climate is really like.

 

ASB Report

None

 

Team Reports

6th Grade

Sarah reported that some 6th graders were surveyed on how they felt about 8th graders.  Most students feel safe. Some feel that a small group of 8th grade boys are making fun, stealing money, tripping, pushing, etc. especially at lunch.

 

The 6th grade team is concerned about students who are here at 7:00 a.m. with no supervision.  Marilyn will put together a letter to specific parents to address this issue and to try to work out a plan for these students.  Staff is asked to give names of students to Marilyn.

 

The team also felt the timing of the last Spirit Week was poor with ITBS testing and the end of the trimester.

 

7th Grade

None

 

 

 

8th Grade

Leslie reported that a drug and alcohol assembly for 8th grade students only was being considered for June 8 and wondered if the 6th and 7th grade teams could also use the assembly schedule.  Some conflicts exist already for that date and will need to look at other options.

 

The 8th grade team is looking at civility issues and at ways to impact the entire 8th grade.

 

There was discussion on a concern that groups of students seem to be at their lockers at inappropriate times.  Staff is reminded that students are not to be released to go to lockers during class times.

 

Staff Development

The last staff development meeting is March 28 from 3:00 to 4:00.  Groups will share what they have done and look at action plans.

 

Leslie reported that the staff perception surveys are complete and Colleen Dixon is working on putting together the results.  These results will be shared with the staff along the results from the parent and student surveys.  Leslie is also working to put together the results of the NWIFTL Data Surveys.

 

April 4 is the final NWIFTL Partner School Meeting.

 

Special Needs

None

 

Facilities Update John Macartney

John reminded everyone to return Summer Work Orders as soon as possible.  They must be into the district prior to April 1.

 

FYI – Marilyn Luckman

*   Golden Acorn Awards – Lorrie Pease, Mary Lou Pauly, Donna Adler

*   Staff Meeting – 2:30 p.m. – Monday, March 26

*   All Team Leaders Meet with Linda Barker – 2:30 p.m. – Tuesday, April 3

 

Other

It was suggested that the School Council Agenda be amended to include Parents Comments just before FYI.  The change will be made to the next meeting agenda.

 

 

Next meeting will be Thursday, April 12, 2001at 2:45 p.m.

 

Chairperson:  Neva Luke                  Gatekeeper:  Pat Decker

 

Present at Meeting: Parents: Becky Wilder, Randy Wood  Staff: Brian DeBroux, Sandie Pike, David Kappler, Margaret Brown, Leslie Nielsen, Pat Decker, Sarah Crist, Neva Luke, Doug Bruketta, John Macartney, Cindy Streck, Marilyn Luckman  Students: None  Guests:  None