Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the December 18 meeting were approved as submitted.

Parent/Community Comments

There was a concern brought up about the cancellation of the evening dance on February 6. A parent wondered if there was a chance to rejuvenate interest among students. ASB student reps explained that it was decided by ASB and the administration to move the dance to an all school social because of low attendance at previous dances, loss of money to ASB and the number of students who prefer the dances at the Community Center. Students liked the idea of staying after school for a Social that would be more like our Activity Days. Transportation to and from the evening dances for some has also been an issue. Activity buses will be provided for students who need a ride home.

A parent brought up the issue of students asking their teachers to purchase fundraising items for outside groups such as Girl Scout cookies. It was noted that staff would prefer not to be asked to order.

The issue of parent teacher conferences was addressed. Ron shared that there are no plans for formal conferences at this time. Some parents have expressed an interest in having formal conferences of some sort. They are encouraged to call teachers and set up a conference. It was noted that they could be of a general nature and do not have to address a specific concern.

Old Business

Fred and Mardi Nystrom, Issaquah Schools Foundation representatives, presented a needs survey that will be used to prioritize the needs for funds at IMS. Staff was asked to complete the survey and return it to Mardi as soon as possible. There was discussion on the seven starter questions. Susan Marcolina offered her help in writing grants.

Ron handed out copies of the IMS Continuous Improvement Plan and went over a few of the highlights. Board presentation is scheduled for February 25.

Ron encouraged everyone to contact their state legislators and let their opinions be heard or to learn more about current bills such as binding arbitration as it relates to negotiations, increased requirement of Physical Education at the middle school level, and the supplemental education bill.

New Business

None

Team Reports

6^th Grade

The team is discussing possible field trips to the Children’s Theatre – one in February and one in April during WASL testing.

7^th Grade

Ji li Jiang, author of “Red Scarf Girl” will be here next Tuesday. All 7^th graders and part of the 8^th grade will be going to the Village Theatre on February 10 to see “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

8^th Grade

The 8^th grade is looking at a field trip on April 8 to see “Ain’t Nothing but the Blues.” Those 8^th grade students not going to the Village Theatre on February 10 will be going to the Pacific Science Center on that date.

Special Needs

None

Classified Staff

None

ASB Report

This week’s Spirit Week is going very well. ASB is planning for Black History Month which is February.

PTSA Report

Golden Acorn and Outstanding Educator nominations are now being taken. Nomination forms are in the mailroom.

The PTSA approved funds for sanitary needs kits for classrooms in case of a lockdown.

Membership in PTSA for staff members is very low. Staff are encouraged to join. PTSA asked if staff would be more willing to join if the fee were reduced. Ron will bring this up at the next staff meeting.

District Liaison Report

Susan Marcolina went over highlights of the results from the District Budget Survey. It was noted that 1280 people responded to the survey.

Community Center

There is a middle school dance on January 23 and the next one is March 19. These continue to be popular with between 500 to 800 students attending. The community center is always looking for parent volunteers to help chaperone.

Registration for summer camps begin February 7.

The community center is part of a grant from Washington Recreation for leadership training for the Youth Advisory Board and for students at the Youth Center.

FYI – Ron Thiele

January 27 Staff Meeting 2:15 p.m. (Library)

January 30 Student of the Month Celebration

January 30 Mid-Tri II

February 3 Writing Workshop for Humanities Teachers – PM

February 6 All School Social 2:00 – 3:45

February 10 7/8 Grade Field Trip

February 12 Team Leader Meeting 2:15 p.m.

February 12 Orchestra Concert 7:00 p.m.

February 13 Student of the Month Nominations Due

February 13 Panther Press Articles Due

Ron noted the change in mid-trimester to January 30 and the change for the end of trimester II to March 19.

Other

Gatekeeper for the next meeting will be Ron Thiele.

Next meeting will be February 26, 2004 at 2:15 p.m.