Old Business

The Pre-Arranged Absence Form was approved by School Council. It was suggested that the steps be typed in bold-faced.

New Business

Ron Thiele presented the new activity schedule. He had concerns about the number of evening dances. In the last two years that number has become excessive, especially for middle school philosophy: 1) too much focus on socialization, 2) age appropriateness, 3) we are part of the system, but we’re “out of whack” and this puts pressure on other schools. The new schedule is an effort to bring IMS back in line with three years ago. Corrine DeRosa indicated that the “all school” dance could be scheduled earlier where the numbers attending are larger. Ron would like feedback. Parents brought up the possibility of replacing dances with other activities. All dances will be sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Assemblies were reduced by two to honor requests by teachers to have fewer interruptions. The assembly on the last day of school was not listed but will take place. It was agreed that communication is essential. Megan C. suggested that an administrator come to the ASB class. Parents would also like to be kept in the loop. Neva Luke stated that teachers are supportive of Ron and Corrine in this decision. It was suggested that Ron send home a letter to students and parents.

Corrine sent out an e-mail to staff asking who was interested in doing after school clubs. IMS has 300 hours for Co-Curricular activities and if there is more interest than the 300 hours, a committee would be formed to decide who would get the funds.

“Wacky Wear Wednesday” was discussed for October 31 (Halloween). Students expressed interest. ASB will put together costume guidelines and ideas.

ASB Report

The magazine drive is doing well, but will probably not reach the goal. On Monday the top class will receive donuts. Extreme Games is tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of October 11 (early release day for students). Parent chaperones are needed. Transportation will either need to be pre-arranged or buses will need to be ordered.

Team Reports

6^th Grade

The sixth grade team feels that the practice of not accepting homework brought in by parents is too hard to enforce for sixth graders.

7^th Grade

The seventh grade team would like the incentives for the magazine drive worked out in the spring in order for things to run smoother. The team would also like the morning announcements to start earlier. They also felt the announcements should be shorter, maybe not repeated as often.

8^th Grade

The eighth grade team would like to keep Shadow Day for this year as SLC classes have been told to start planning. It is scheduled for November 14. They will look at whether or not it should be scheduled for next year. The team is also looking at the future of the Skip Rowland program. Teachers are divided on the issue of taking kids out of class. Margie Rehn noted that taking 30 kids out on a field trip has a different impact than having an entire grade level out. The eighth grade has a field trip planned on December 5. This is the last week of the trimester so information needs to be put out to the staff. The team is still looking at asking parents not to bring in homework. It was suggested that homework be held in the office until the end of the day and then considered late. The eighth grade team will continue to discuss.

Special Needs

None

Parent Comments

The PTSA is finalizing classroom volunteer forms to be available on Curriculum Night. The Walk-About program has been successful. The next training is October 10. Staff is encouraged to join PTSA. The student directory will not be distributed during Curriculum Night. It can not go home with kids because of the ads, so they are looking into how to get it distributed. Forms for PTSA grant requests are being finalized. The PTSA brought up parent concerns regarding lockers, providing a second set of books, wheeled back packs, etc. A copy of the PTSA Handbook will be posted in the Staff Lounge.

FYI – Ron Thiele

Curriculum Night is Thursday, October 4. Staff is asked to park on the grass in back. October 11 is an early dismissal day for students and October 12 is no school for students – these are state inservice days and no plans for staff have been made. Picture retakes are scheduled for October 16. Staff who did not get their pictures taken yet – need to do so on this day. Ron is looking into how to structure our School Council so it meets the district guidelines. Ideas will be brought back to School Council. The district is still looking at the Learning Improvement Calendar for next year and they are also looking at late arrival days for secondary schools.

Other

None

Next meeting will be Thursday, October 11, 2001at 2:45 p.m.

Chairperson: Margie Rehn Gatekeeper: Leah Van Eenwyk

Present at Meeting: Parents: Nancy Campi, Mary Lou Pauly Staff: Ron Thiele, Neva Luke, Lucy Lynch, Leah Van Eenwyk, Pat Decker, Corrine DeRosa, Sandy Grace, Cindy Streck, Margie Rehn, Margaret Brown, Dave Kappler, Ann Perkins, Pat Randall Students: Megan C., Kristen Elliott, Chris Tinsley, Kayla Renz, David Campi, Jordan Jackson Guests: None