Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the January 22 meeting were approved as submitted.

Parent/Community Comments

It was brought up that some parents would like to re-visit the school policy on students wearing hats on campus. Ron suggested that this issue should be brought to the Annual Discipline Committee which meets in May.

Old Business

Ron Thiele reported that the IMS Continuous Improvement Plan was presented to the School Board on February 25. It is now available on the IMS website.

New Business

Margaret Brown gave on update on the same gender Science classes. She shared some student comments from a survey given by her and Leah Van Eenwyk. She also shared teachers’ perceptions. They both feel that classes are more focused, there is a lot less wasted time, girls are excelling and enjoy the challenge, students are happier working at their own pace, both classes seem more relaxed and comfortable, there is less showing off. Both Margaret and Leah would like to continue the pilot next year. They will be doing a grade comparison with the mixed classes at the end of the year.

Ron reported that Sunset Elementary will be sending more students to IMS next year than in previous years. Counselors will be going to Sunset with registration information and IMS is enthusiastic about having Sunset as an “official” feeder school. Ron also spoke about plans to have a day where all 5^th graders can come to IMS during the school day for an orientation.

Changes will be made to our 6^th grade program next year. All 6^th graders will choose either Band, Orchestra, Chorus or Quest as electives. Quest is a class which will focus on social and emotional health, organization, study skills. These students will have two trimesters of Quest and one trimester of Visual Art. We are looking at the possibility of scheduling all 6^th graders into the same lunch.

Team Reports

6^th Grade

The sixth grade team is planning a field trip to the Pacific Science Center on April 23. They will be asking for parent volunteers to chaperone. In recognition of National Peace Corps Day on Monday, March 1, Lorna Furtado will be doing a presentation on her experiences as a Peace Corps Volunteer to the 6^th grade students.

7^th Grade

The February 10 Field Trip to the Village Theatre was successful. Seventh grade team is gearing up for WASL testing. All Humanities are focusing on writing.

8^th Grade

On February 10, part of the 8^th grade went to the Village Theatre and the others went to the Pacific Science Center. A field trip to the Seattle Rep is being planned for April 8. The team is starting to look at planning for promotion.

Special Needs

None

Classified Staff

Elizabeth Loren, Library EA, will be moving to Sequim and leaving IMS. Her last day is March 5.

ASB Report

There is a recognition assembly on February 27. The assembly will also wrap up Black History Month. March will be anti-bullying Quest for Respect Month. The All School Social on February 6 went pretty well with approximately 150 students attending.

PTSA Report

None

District Liaison Report

None

Community Center

None

FYI – Ron Thiele

February 27 PM Assembly

February 27 Student of the Month Celebration

March 1 – 5 6^th and 8^th Grade ITBS Testing

March 5 I.H.S. Registration – 8^th Grade Science Classes

March 8 – 11 NJHS Candy Sales

March 8 – 11 ITBS Make Ups

March 8 – 12 Classified Employees Week

March 9 AM Assembly

March 9 Band Concert 7:00 p.m.

March 10 Combined Chorus Rehearsal 6^th period

March 11 Combined Chorus Rehearsal 7^th period

March 11 Team Leader Meeting 2:15 p.m.

March 11 Chorus Concert 7:00 p.m.

March 16 PTSA Meeting 9:30 a.m.

March 19 End Tri II – Students Dismissed at 10:26 a.m.

Other

Ron shared that the second phone line on our auto-dial system is now operating. He also encouraged parents to have students in school each day for ITBS testing and be sure they are well rested and have a good breakfast.

Gatekeeper for the next meeting will be Ron Thiele.

Next meeting will be March 25, 2004 at 2:15 p.m.