Site Council Minutes, October 19, 2009
Palo Alto High School Site Council
Monday, October 19, 2009
ITEM 1 - CALL TO ORDER
Lorraine Brown called the meeting to order at 3:30 P.M. in the ERC. Members present were Lorraine Brown, Ning Xu, Faith Brigel, Kathie Laurence, Kathy Himmelberger, Kevin Sharp, Margo Wixsom, Jenny Stone, Gail Roby-Frazier, Emily Kenyon, Nabeel Sami, Jared Swezey-Gleason, Josh Madej, Cathy Fitzgerald (PTSA), Principal Jacquie McEvoy and Coordinator Edie Miller. Not present were Kelli Hagan, Cherie Sopkin, and Ashley Swendseid.
ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of Sept. 14, 2009 were approved with some corrections:
- Item 4; should be presented by
- Item 5: should be Camp Everytown
- Item 6; line 3- please delete x after 2010. Paragraph 2- line 3- Council decided to table to issue of what to do with the carryover until …
ITEM 3 - OPEN FORUM
Margo said she is still looking for funding for the Photo Journalism Workshop. Lorraine explained that Site Council usually only funds in the spring and only after letting the whole school apply for funds.
ITEM 4 - CAMP EVERYTOWN
Emily reported on the planning for Camp Everytown, spring 2010. She described the program and told about her valuable experience. Leadership’s goal is to make the experience “touch” at least half the school so it qualifies for student body fund support. Jacquie suggested that all participants be required to give 5 talks/video presentations to classes, clubs, community organizations, religious groups etc. This would make it easier for Site Council to grant funds too. Emily told about fundraising ideas- Stanford parking, a jar bar (jars for donations during spirit week), efforts by Unity Club and a walk-a-thon. Kathy H. questioned whether enough students know about Camp Everytown so there will be more publicity.
ITEM 5 - PALY MASTER PLAN
Jacquie handed out maps of the campus when all the building is complete and the options for where to put portables in the meantime. Choices of where to put the potable are limited by the costs of putting in new infrastructure so the area in the center of campus remains the most economical plan. This would require moving the memorial seating area that was donated a few years ago. After lots of discussion, Kathie L. moved and it was seconded that Site Council support the plan to do all building in 2 years and place 16 portables in the areas shown on option 2. This was unanimously accepted. Nabeel will bring this plan up at ASB general meeting on Oct. 20.
Jacquie then explained that replacing the bleachers on the football field has gotten very complicated because of the trees and the visitor bleachers. There was considerable discussion. Margo W. moved and it was seconded that the planners slow down and develop a master plan for the football field area and implement it with a year, money permitting. This passed unanimously. Josh recommended better lighting. Jacquie asked anyone with suggestions to send them along before the Facilities meeting next week.
ITEM 6 - WASC
Jacquie reminded everyone that there is a section of the WASC report entitled School wide Action Plans. At the Oct. 5 meeting, the Council members each identified items which each thought Site Council could address. Kathy H. made a helpful chart of the “voting” results. The two areas receiving the most votes were Goal 2a #2- (College and career readiness) and Goal 2b#5(Informed academic choices/ life balance etc.) Jacquie made the following suggestions:
- help poll alumni about their college experience.
- improve communications
Nabeel asked if Site Council could get all teachers to use the same online program and coordinate testing schedules. This opened a very lively discussion, revealing lots of frustration with InClass and suggestions of other options. Kevin mentioned a program called School Loop. KathyH. said math uses eclassinfo.com. Kathie L. said we need a program with mobile connections such as Studywhiz. Cathy would like a program that is more parent-friendly. Jenny stressed the need for students to learn and practice self-advocacy. The Council decided to ask a district person to explain options to the Council at the next meeting.
ITEM 7 - REPORTS
- PTSA- Cathy Fitzgerald reported that PTSA reviewed its budget and grant procedures. The direct appeal donations are ahead of budget. When she encouraged the teachers to apply for Viking grants before Oct. 30, she learned that there had been no publicity about this so she will correct this. Margo asked that the deadline be extended and that a link to application and list of previous awards be included.
- STUDENT COUNCIL- Jared said the students were pleased to hear that PTSA is working to fund smart boards. The ASB also prefers the 2-year remodeling plan. Emily and Nabeel reported that the homecoming floats are now being built on campus with authorized supervision. Spirit Week will begin with a dance on Oct. 24 and end with the rally and game on Oct. 30. LinkCrew is hosting a freshman tailgate this Friday. Seniors will be honored at the football game on Oct. 23.
ITEM 10 - PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Jacquie said the new El Camino field is draining very well in the rainstorms. There is a chance it will be ready for some use during Spirit Week.
She commended the Leadership class for their good solution to the problem of where to build floats. By doing it on campus, lots of other students with building experience are getting involved.
Jacquie said the College Awareness Day was a success and they are getting feedback from students.
Jacquie will attend a budget meeting at the district on Oct. 20. If the district decides it must make cutbacks. Site Council will be asked to give input.
ITEM 11 - FUTURE MEETING AGENDA and ADJOURNMENT
- Budget
- Camp Everytown
- Location of portables
Jared moved for adjournment. Nabeel seconded the motion and it passed. Meeting adjourned at 5:25 PM.