Approval of Minutes

Kurt Wieland noted a parent response and the 7^th grade response to the discussion of the 7^th grade community service project were missing from the minutes. With his notes added, the minutes of the March 25 meeting were approved as amended.

Ron Thiele requested “New Business” be moved to the end of the meeting so he could excuse himself from the discussion regarding a new principal. He also requested a discussion at our next meeting on the format for school council meeting minutes.

Parent/Community Comments

None

Old Business

Ron talked with Mike Gallagher regarding IHS Shadow Day policy and they are in agreement with our concerns. Mike and the IHS contact person will set a procedure regarding multiple students shadowing the same teacher and students shadowing at their feeder school.

Ron requested that council members review the By-Laws before the next meeting. (Request a copy from Sandie if you don’t have one.) Elections will take place during the May meeting. Contact and encourage persons willing to serve on this committee.

Team Reports

6^th Grade

The 6^th grade field trip to the Pacific Science Center is April 23. Students will see the film, “Destiny in Space” and visit the Space Exhibit. Response for volunteers chaperones was great.

7^th Grade

The 7^th grade team will still meet to discuss the community service project input from the March 25 meeting.

8^th Grade

Plans are in place for the 8^th grade field trip to the Seattle Rep on May 6. Nancy Warnick will schedule a Promotion/Cruise meeting with PTSA and faculty representatives. Promotion is June 17 (allowing for the Washington DC trip) and the Cruise is June 4. Ron commented that the cruise is early because it must be booked a year in advance. He will arrange an autodial to 8^th grade parents regarding all end-of-the-year 8^th grade activities.

Special Needs

Special Needs has been awarded a Big Idea Grant.

Classified Staff

None

ASB Report

The last after-school dance is this Friday. Activity busses will be available. A parent reported that changes in IMS’ schedule affect other after school activities, i.e. girl scouts. Ron was pleased with ASB’s presentation of Quest for Respect, and the posters both purchased and student produced.

PTSA Report

PTSA held elections and heard from Mike Gallagher as guest speaker at the last meeting. Two positions are yet to be filled.

A website, springforum.org, has been established to register as a volunteer for Spring Forum. Anyone, including parents of 5^th and 8^th grade students is eligible. Janet Barry will encourage more involvement from the administrative staff. The PTSA can contact her for additional volunteers.

The PTSA approved funds for the Quest Training teachers’ breakfast and lunch, lots of biographies for the Library, the Nurse’s funding for breakfasts, storage containers for emergency supplies, SafeNet and teacher grants. Ron commented the approved funds are significant and worthwhile.

IHS’ Site Council is looking for a Middle School liaison and a 9^th grade representative. Apply by May 25.

District Liaison Report

None

Community Center

None

FYI – Ron Thiele

April 22 – May 6 WASL

April 23 Panther Press articles due

April 23 After-school dance

April 27 1^st level Principal interviews

May 4 Incoming 6^th grade students will be bused to IMS, tour the campus and meet in the gym for speakers, fashion show, slide show and orientation. Parents and students will meet that night.

May 7 Mid-Tri

New Business

Janet Barry noted the high level of interest and concern over the leadership change and wants to make sure we are in touch with one another. Her two concerns are: 1. What are the most important needs for IMS right now and 2. What are the treasures we do not want to lose?

The process for selection will be: Candidates for IMS and Beaver Lake principal will occur simultaneously. Kathy Miyauchi will screen applicants. The selection committee will interview about six candidates next Tuesday. Wednesday, Eve will take questions and concerns to the level 2 interview. Janet and Eve will interview those selected by the committee. Site visits will take place for those candidates from outside the district. Candidates chosen for both sites will be given their preference. Kathy will arrange tours of the campuses. IMS needs to express itself.

Input from the council included the following:

The new principal needs the temperament to manage a large student body, lots of teachers, a diverse population and the special needs programs.

Qualities which Ron posses were stressed as important to look for in the new principal:

He’s always out there with the kids, he likes them, he’s visible, accessible and an effective communicator. He has built up a process to work with the high school and the incoming 5^th grade students. He is proactive in relation to the special programs, he is a real human being, his presence makes a home for the kids. He brings a fresh perspective, has been willing to look beyond the status quo, think out of the box. He is innovative, collaborative, willing to listen and finds solutions. He has common sense and clarity. He has a positive outlook. He can relate from his own classroom teaching experience. He handles discipline issues in a fair way without breaking the relationship with students. He has experience with and a love for this age group.

Other

Chairperson for the next meeting will be Tricia Finch.

Gatekeeper for the next meeting will be Margie Garrity.

Next meeting will be May 27, 2004 at 2:15 p.m. in the Staff Lounge