Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the May 22 School Council Meeting were approved as submitted.

Parent/Community Comments

Parents had concerns about the process of students handing in books at the end of last year. There were feelings that students were handing in books that were not being recorded and then they were being fined. Ron thought it might be a good idea to go over this process with teachers at the beginning of the year.

There was a concern from parents about the apparent slow start up of the academic process. Parents would like to know what is going on with students and classes the first few days of school. Ron Thiele shared that there are a lot of school procedures and rules that are gone over with students during this time such as emergency procedures, student handbook, expectations and rules. He felt this would be a good subject for the August Panther Press in the future.

A parent shared her concern for the recent IEA vote not to extend their contract. There is a feeling of anxiety among parents over last year’s strike.

Old Business

None

New Business

Pat Randall handed out the current School Council Membership list and noted that there is still a vacant parent rep position. A request for a volunteer from IVE or Clark would be published in the next Panther Press. She also noted that one more staff team rep and two student reps are still needed.

The new School Council Bylaws were handed out to all members.

Ron addressed the parking lot and traffic problems at IMS especially during arrival and dismissal times. Parents who drop off or pick up students are asked not to stop in front of the school, but to continue around and through the lot and drop or pick up students at the pool-end near the benches. He also asked that a 5 MPH speed limit be observed and is looking at purchasing speed limit signs for the lot.

A new Activity Line will be added to the main phone number. Parents will push “8” to hear the recording. An ASB Officer will record the activities going on at IMS each week. This will only be recorded once per week and it will be noted on the recording that times and dates may change without notice. A monthly events calendar is already available on the IMS website.

Team Reports

6^th Grade

Lorna Furtado reported that the sixth grade teachers were hosting a “Meet and Greet” for parents today in the Commons from 4 to 6:00 p.m.

7^th Grade

None

8^th Grade

None

Special Needs

None

Classified Staff

None

ASB Report

The magazine drive is underway. We are about $15,000 away from meeting our goal of $90,000. IMS keeps 40% of the sales. The many parent volunteers are greatly appreciated.

PTSA Report

The Walk About program has started at IMS.

The parking fundraiser for Salmon Days, October 4 and 5 is being organized.

PTSA will be providing cookies and beverages for the 6^th grade “Meet and Greet” and for Curriculum Night.

They are working with the I.H.S. PTSA to publish a booklet “Parents, Teens and the Law” which will be sent to all families. A draft copy will be sent to Ron before it is mailed to homes. It is the PTSA’s hope that this booklet will be adopted by the District for all students.

Wednesday, October 1 is Bus Ridership Day. Ron will do an announcement to students reminding them of the importance of riding their assigned bus on that day.

Lorna asked PTSA for ideas for speakers, etc. on anti-bullying. If needed, PTSA may be able to provide funds.

Meet the School Board Candidates is Tuesday, September 30 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Community Center

The Community Center will host their first District-Wide Middle School Dance on Friday, September 26 from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is $5 per student and ID is required.

FYI – Ron Thiele

September 30 Staff Meeting 2:15

October 4 and 5 Salmon Days – PTSA Fundraiser Parking

October 7 Curriculum Night 7:00 p.m.

October 9 Team Leader Meeting 2:15

October 10 No School – State Inservice Day

October 14 7^th Grade Vision and Hearing Testing

October 15 Mid Tri I

October 16 Picture Re-Takes

October 21 PTSA Meeting 7:00 p.m.

October 23 Chorus Concert 7:00 p.m.

Other

Lorna asked parents what they thought about the timing for Curriculum Night and if we should look at holding it earlier in the year. Feelings were split – some felt it was fine as it is and some felt earlier may be better. There was a concern that holding it earlier may mean that some parents would be attending several Curriculum Nights during the same week.

Gatekeeper for next meeting will be Lorna Furtado.

Next meeting will be October 23, 2003 at 2:15 p.m.