OLD BUSINESS

Feedback on the IMS Tech Matrix is still needed from ESL, 6^th Grade Math/Science and Technology. Once this feedback is received, the matrix will be updated using team input and brought back to School Council.

The BLC Procedures were discussed. The 6^th Grade Team thought is was OK as written. The 7^th Grade Team was concerned that clarification is needed as to which behaviors should be sent to the BLC and which to the office. They also wondered how much the BLC was being used. The 8^th Grade Team was OK with the procedures as written, but felt it was not being used much. Sandy Grace reiterated how important it is to follow through when there are subs in the classroom.

It was agreed that the Proposed Field Trip Procedures should be incorporated into our present procedures – still keeping it simple. It was felt that the proposed procedures were too complicated and cumbersome. Sandie will put together these procedures for Marilyn to take back to the District.

NEW BUSINESS

Pat Randall handed out copies of the Budget. She pointed out that printing costs are still a concern and asked staff not to copy things that students could write out, such as lists of assignments. It was suggested that everyone use the back sides of all paper. There is paper in the office that has been donated. Some pages may have lines or smudges, but it is still good for things such as progress reports. We can get more of this paper donated and everyone is encouraged to use it.

John shared that a decision will be made on the district level regarding the calendar for next year in early May. It may be delayed if there are unresolved issues. In this case, our Contract Waivers would serve as a back up if the calendar does not happen in 2001-02. Some staff understood that the due date for a Waiver had changed. According to IEA Contract Section XI.9 Shared Leadership Process, the due date is May 1 for implementation the following September. David Kappler said the 7^th Grade Team wants to be sure there is adequate open discussion for evaluating the pros and cons prior to voting. The 8^th Grade Team feel that regardless of the district, we should look at our own scheduling, i.e. different blocks of times, late starts, etc. There is concern among the staff that the early release on Friday will negatively affect sports. It was also felt that if it is to be on a Wednesday, a late start is preferred over early release. Jerine reported that parents like the Friday early release and not Wednesday early release. She also said that parents preferred late starts – that there would be less problems with kids “hanging out”, less problems for sports and activities and research shows that middle school students need more sleep. Megan C. felt that students would prefer a Friday early release. That they are just “getting into it” on Wednesday and it is hard to stop. Becky Wilder felt Friday early releases were definitely better for families.

There was discussion on the administration of the WASL tests. The 7^th grade team will discuss the scheduling issues and bring this back to School Council.

Becky Wilder expressed her concern that parents need time with their children and this is difficult to schedule with all the activities in addition to homework. She requested teacher look at the due dates for homework and make assignments due on Fridays, not on Mondays. She also asked teachers to consider not having large projects due until at least two weeks after a break. She felt the amount of homework given was not an issue – only when it is due. There was discussion and team leaders will take these suggestions back to their teams for discussion.

Sandy Grace asked about plans for the “old” staff lunch room – where the pop machines are in the cafeteria. Staff felt it should be used for students and not storage. Marilyn is asked to ask ASB for funds to install carpeted benches along the walls for students to sit on and purchase large chess pieces to be used with the chess board that is already on the floor.

Sandy also asked how staff can reach the office in case of an emergency if no one answers the phone. All staff are asked to check to be sure they have a copy of the intercom numbers posted near their intercom phone and be sure they know how to use the intercom phone. Let Sandie Pike know if you need another copy. Team Leaders will pass this information on to teams.

School Council was asked to approve dates for School Council meetings for next year. They will be approximately the same as this year – twice a month – on Thursdays – for one hour. This was approved by School Council.

ASB Report

Megan C. reported that Spirit Week is March 12 – 16. Monday is hat and sunglasses day, Tuesday is Twin Day, Wednesday is Favorite Animal Day, Thursday is Impersonate Someone Famous Day and Friday is Green for St. Patrick’s Day.

Activity Day is Friday, March 16 from 9:10 to 10:50. ASB is asking for new ideas for activities. The movie is not well attended and the pool numbers are low. Are there teachers that would like to offer other activities to the students? Any other ideas?

Classified Employees Week is March 12 –1 6. ASB is working on little goodies each day for the support staff.

Team Reports

6^th Grade

Sarah reported that 6^th graders are feeling threatened and intimated by the 8^th graders. Jerine felt having some parents on campus before and after school and at lunches would help. She will look into getting volunteers. John reminded staff to be out in the hallways during passing times on a consistent basis. Leslie suggested drawing “lane lines”, “talking circles” or “no stopping zones” to alleviate the congestion in the halls. David Kappler felt there is an increasing problem with students “pushing” the passing time. It was agreed that the 6^th Grade Team would get input from the students on what is happening to make them feel scared and intimated, perhaps with a survey during SLC.

7^th Grade

David reported that the 7^th Grade Team is concerned that any tech testing for the high school to be done in the 8^th grade will use up a lot of time, especially library time.

8^th Grade

Leslie reported that the 8^th Grade Team would like deliveries of balloons, flowers, etc. to be stopped as it is very distracting. This will be reviewed at a later date.

The team is concerned that 6^th graders seem to be getting out earlier and earlier and causing a distraction.

The team asked for clarification of the after school policies and procedures. John will write up these procedures for staff, for students and for parents. It was felt that most parents are not aware of the procedures. Staff would like the procedures to be published in the Panther Press and sent home through the auto-dial.

Leslie reported that the team would like to have an espresso machine in the staff lounge.

8^th Grade Shadow Day is 3/21 and Promotion has been moved to 6/20 due to the added snow day.

Staff Development

Neva requested all staff to stop by the Library and take the perception survey before 3/16. Students will be taking the survey in their Science classes before 3/16. The third and final Staff Development Meeting is scheduled for March 28 from 3:00 to 4:00. Neva also reported that they are in the process of putting together our final NWIFTL portfolio and need feedback, data, etc. from staff.

Special Needs

None

Facilities Update – John Macartney

None

FYI – Marilyn Luckman

The School Board is putting together a proposed Civility Policy. A copy of this proposal, along with an article from the Issaquah Press, was handed out for teams to review and discuss.

A summary of our SLC Conferences was reviewed. This is the best “showing” we have had.

New Trimester end dates for 2001-02:

End of Tri 1 – December 7

End of Tri 2 – March 22

End of Tri 3 – June 19

Please note that these are revised dates from what was published previously.

Next meeting will be Thursday, March 22, 2001at 2:45 p.m.

Chairperson: Leslie Nielsen Gatekeeper: Sarah Crist

Present at Meeting: Parents: Becky Wilder, Jerine Richardson Staff: Brian DeBroux, Sandie Pike, David Kappler, Margaret Brown, Leslie Nielsen, Sandy Grace, Pat Decker, Sarah Crist, Neva Luke, Doug Bruketta, John Macartney, Pat Randall Students: Megan C. Guests: None