Site Council Minutes, January 25, 2010
Palo Alto High School Site Council
Monday, January 25, 2010
ITEM 1 - CALL TO ORDER
Lorraine Brown called the meeting to order at 3:30 P.M. in the SSRC. Members present were Lorraine Brown, Ning Xu, Cherie Sopkin, Faith Brigel, Kelli Hagan, Kathy Himmelberger, Kevin Sharp, Gail Roby-Frazier, Jenny Stone, Emily Kenyon, Nabeel Sami, Jared Swezey-Gleason, Josh Madej, Principal Jacquie McEvoy, and Coordinator Edie Miller. Not present were Cathy Fitzgerald (PTSA), Kathie Laurence, Margo Wixsom and Ashley Swendseid. Guests: Mary Dimit, Kim Diorio, and Liz Brimhall.
Lorraine thanks Kathy H. for the refreshments. With the news of Jacquie’s resignation June 2010, Lorraine then thanked Jacquie personally for her 3 years of leadership. Jacquie then responded that she has loved her time at Paly and is looking forward to new adventures.
ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of November 9, 2009 and December 7,2009 were approved as written.
ITEM 3 - OPEN FORUM
Mary Dimit brought three items from the Junior Parents Network. The first is a concern that parents have about the large projects assignments over winter break. The second is a request from PTSA to consider the advantages of a later start. When changing the bell schedule,. The third point was to ask coaches of winter sports to limit practices during finals. - Jared reported that he has seen and photographed 2 red tail hawks in the trees that may be taken out by the football field. He asked that wildlife be considered as decisions about the sycamore trees are made. - Nabeel asked about when he should submit his money for Camp Everytown. He was referred to MS. Burton or MS. Launer.
Kathy H. asked about better drainage for faculty parking lot near the baseball field. She was referred to J. Berkson.
Lorraine asked about Embarcadero stoplights and everyone seemed to feel they are working better.
ITEM 4 - ELECTRONIC TRANSFERS
Assistant Principal Kim Diorio reported that the Guidance Department has signed a contract with DOCUFIDE to send out electronic transcripts, beginning in fall, 2010. This is necessary because 3000 + colleges prefer this method, Paly’s population is increasing and students are applying to more and more colleges. She gave everyone a handout that explains security protection and all necessary information. The company charges $5.00 per transcript. The Guidance Department currently charges $10 per transcript; this may be raised to $12(including the $5 for the company). Students eligible for fee waivers will receive them. Alumni can also access transcripts this way.
ITEM 5 - SCHOOL PLAN
Jacquie explained that she would be presenting the Final Report for Paly 2008-2009 at the School Board meeting soon. She reviewed the plan for the Council. The three all -school goals are 1) curricular alignment, 2) college readiness- both academic and citizenship/character, 3) support for all students. The frame works used were EQUITY for all students in everything and A LEARNING COMMUNITY for all
Jacquie reported that there has been great progress in the departments towards these goals and she gave examples such as
- Goal#1- restructuring the math curriculum,
- Goal #2- 4 years of English now required, all Science classes now meet college requirements, College Awareness Day (for all classes), math bridge program, two career tech pathways.
- Goal #3- stronger teacher advisory curriculum, PTSA workshops, ARC, Linkcrew,
The report also includes the Site Council budget, updated WASC data.
ITEM 6 - REPORTS
- PTSA- Mary offered that that there is a PTSA presentation in February about reducing stress in the college application process.
- STUDENT COUNCIL- The winter formal was cancelled for scheduling reasons. Said Hawkins dance will be hold in mid February. - Leadership has formed some new committees for publicity, outreach, short and long-term events and the prom. They are setting goals and objectives. The Green Team is starting composting and leading other activities during Earth Week.
ITEM 7 - PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Jacquie asked Liz Brimhall to report on the alternatives for a new bell schedule. Liz said that a group of 30 teachers from all departments have been working on this since the fall. One option is the current schedule. The second option is to block seventh period. The third option is four day blocks. Liz explained the pros and cons and answered questions. They are using an “agreement gradient” to gage people’s responses. A panel of teachers from other schools who use option three will talk at Feb. 11 staff development day. There may be a two -week pilot this year. The deadline for a decision is March 31.
Jacquie then explained that SASI information system would be replaced with Infinite Campus in fall 2010. InClass may be changed after that.
Assorted administrators will review the input to the district budget on Jan. 26.
The portable will be moved over the summer to the area bounded by Auto Shop, Math and Science. The Memorial Garden will be temporarily relocated.
ITEM 8 - FUTURE MEETING AGENDA and ADJOURNMENT
Emily moved for adjournment. Nabeel seconded the motion and it passed. Meeting adjourned at 5:20 PM. Next meeting- February 8, 2010.