OLD BUSINESS

Linda Barker discussed the background of the Proposed Learning Improvement Calendar and the need for staff to have collaborative time during the school day. A committee was formed to research the calendar and make a recommendation. It became apparent very early on that late arrival at the secondary level was preferred and early dismissal was preferred at the elementary level. Transportation looked into how to do both and in the end decided it was not possible. Research indicates students perform better in the morning than in the afternoon. It was agreed that there must be a common, consistent K-12 calendar. The committee recommended the 2 hour early release on Wednesdays. Professional teams at each building site will decide how the time is used. The consistent, common calendar will be implemented over the next 2 to 3 years. Modifications may be made, but any changes made would be made for the entire district. Each building is taking a leaning vote to determine how teachers feel about implementing this calendar for next year.

An IEA vote will then be taken by May 4. Prior to this vote, teachers need to re-enforce their building Decision-Making Model and decide who will vote, such as staff on leave, staff not returning next year, part-time staff, etc. It is very important the teachers who support the calendar be involved in communicating with the community.

Early in June site councils (representing all staff-certificated, classified and parents) will make a recommendation to the School Board. Transportation will then look at the actual implementation for next year.

Linda asked for questions.

Leanne G. (student) asked if the school year would be longer. No, state requirements would be met by adding minutes to the other four days in the week.

Megan C. (student) asked how our sports programs would be affected. Co-curricular activities at the secondary level still have many issues needing to be worked out. A group, including John Macartney, are working on this.

Kim Amrine (parent) asked whether Wednesday was “written in stone” and what the basis was for going with Wednesday instead of Friday. Yes, Wednesday is “written in stone” for next year. The model will not change. It may be open for changes in the future. Research shows that students are less likely to be focused on their studies at the beginning and the end of the week. The level of engagement in learning activity is not as strong as in the middle of the week. Another concern was considered that parents were more prone to taking students out of school to extend the weekend on a Friday early release. Also, energy levels of teaC. staff was not as high at the end of the week.

Andrea Feist (parent of an incoming 6^th grade student) felt that although she endorsed the committee’s goals and agreed that teachers need collaborative planning time, she feels that the proposed calendar was turning into a child safety issue. Releasing children mid-week and leaving them unsupervised is extremely hard on working parents. The current calendar, although not ideal, has 8 – to 10 random days for parents to deal with and this calendar turns them into about 30 regular “problem days.” What provisions, if any, will be made at IMS for supervision on Wednesday afternoons? What attempt has been made to get parent input and feedback? Linda stated that major involvement for parents will happen after buildings have taken their leaning vote. Before any change is made, the building site council – representing the entire IMS community – parents and staff – must say that they have full support and have worked out the issues and concerns.

Becky Wilder (parent) asked what happened to the proposal of one day per month. The Wednesday afternoon early release is “in stone” for next year. Modifications are possible if experience next year shows it would work better. Whatever we do – it will be consistent across the district. Research shows that collaborative time needs to be on a more frequent basis than once a month. Staff feels one day a month wouldn’t meet their needs.

Becky Wilder also asked why parent input which showed parents wanted Friday, was not considered. There was a lot of discussion in the committee on this issue and they feel that they did not present enough information to parents at the time and if they had, parents would have understood why Wednesday was the better choice.

Megan C. stated that she felt that each day builds on each subject and feels that the Wednesday early release will be very hard and will take away from some subject such as math. Linda stated that perhaps the way we teach will have to change to accommodate this.

Leanne G. asked how this would affect the periods in our student day. Each building would need to work this out.

Andrea Feist asked again what provisions will be provided at IMS to supervise children. That is something that would need to be worked out. The district will not necessarily be involved in this. Issaquah Parks and Rec has indicated an interest in providing some kinds of activities. IMS staff would not be running programs or supervising students during this time.

Andrea Feist expressed her concern for the increase in the number of “latch key” kids in the community and that she did feel very re-assured about this. As a parent she understands the need for planning time but feels we must find a proposal that meets parent needs also – this one does not. Children’s learning is important, but children’s safety must come first.

Becky Wilder asked if the library at IMS would be open on Wednesday afternoons. John Macartney stated that there is no plan at this time to do this as staff would be involved in planning unless some other adult supervision could be arranged.

NEW BUSINESS

None

ASB Report

There is an evening dance scheduled for April 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. ASB is working to get chaperones lined up. ASB is looking at having a Spirit Week May 14 – 18. There is a recognition assembly scheduled that week on Wednesday, May 16 and Activity Day is Friday, May 18. It was suggested that due to math testing being done that week the assembly be changed to Thursday, May 17. ASB will check into this. Teacher Appreciation Week is the week of May 7 – ASB will be handing out “goodies” for staff that week. Information on elections will be going out the first week of May.

Team Reports

6^th Grade

None

7^th Grade

Pat Decker reported that during “Giraffe Day” on April 6 students performed some great community service. The feedback received both from the students and the community has been mostly positive.

8^th Grade

Doug Bruketta reported that plans for the 8^th grade cruise are underway and going smoothly. Parents are looking for another activity on the boat for those who may not want to dance.

Special Needs

Cindy Streck reported that they are looking at some changes for next year in the Lab classes. There is a need to be sure Labs are offering individualized teaC..

Facilities Update – John Macartney

None

Additional Parent Comments

None

FYI – Marilyn Luckman

None

Other

It was agreed to change the next School Council Meeting from April 26 to May 3 as 5^th Grade Curriculum Night is scheduled for April 26.

Next meeting will be Thursday, May 3, 2001at 2:45 p.m.

Chairperson: Pat Decker Gatekeeper: Cindy Streck

Present at Meeting: Parents: Becky Wilder, Andrea Feist, Kim Amrine, Jerine Richardson Staff: Brian DeBroux, Sandie Pike, Pat Decker, Neva Luke, Doug Bruketta, John Macartney, Cindy Streck, Sandy Grace Students: Leanne G., Lauren G., Megan C. Guests: Linda Barker