Site Council Minutes, May 5, 2008
Palo Alto High School Site Council
Monday, May 5, 2008
ITEM 1 - CALL TO ORDER
Kenyon Scott called the meeting to order at 3:35 P.M. in Portable 3. Members present were Katy Hall, Lorraine Brown Ning Xu, Elspeth Farmer, Jaclyn Edwards, Hilary McDaniel, Carla Guerard, David Cohen, Kenyon Scott Malati Murthy, Mary Ellen Bena, Abbie Havern, Olivia Diamond, Jenna Lose, Scott Zhug , Mary Dimit- PTSA, Principal Jacquie McEvoy and Coordinator Edie Miller. Kenyon introduced newly elected staff members, David Rapaport, Kathie Laurence, Arlene Leslie and Julia Sing (absent). Also present were potential members: Cherie Sopkin, Lucas Matze, and Jack Moses.
ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of April 14, 2008 were approved with the following corrections offered later in the meeting: Open Forum: Mary refers that her request be proactive- suggesting that activities be more affordably priced. Mary also added that Viking grants will total $20,000.
ITEM 3 - OPEN FORUM
Hilary reported that Paly Spirit Squad is alive and well. There will be 28 cheerleaders. She is looking for funds for a Viking costume.
ITEM 4 - 08-09 PROPOSALS
Edie handed out a summary of guidelines for selecting proposals to fund. Jacquie then explained that some of the proposals had already been taken care of. The Council then discussed each proposal. Votes will be taken at the next meeting. Some comments follow:
- Library funding-These are ongoing costs. Edie will ask the district why Library allowance is $1200.
- Camp Everytown- there was a lively discussion.
- Interior Design Course- Jacquie said that school is responsible for textbooks and tables so the amount needed is $1150.
- College and Career Center telephones- Jacquie said this is a school expense and a work order has already been placed.
- Site Council Coordinator
- Site Council Expenses
- Science Aide- Kenyon will get more details.
- Skill for Living- Jacquie said PTSA may concentrate its’ funding on LCDs.
- Poet in Residence
- Playwright in Residence
- Staff Development- request based on one release day per teacher, to be used as departments decide.
ITEM 5 - REPORTS
- PTSA-Mary offered the preceding corrections to the minutes. May 2 is the Staff Appreciation Luncheon and May 9 is Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. PTSA hosted a program on April 17 about how to throw a safe, legal and fun party.
- STUDENT COUNCIL- Elections are coming up next week. Candidates will air videos on InFocus. May 30 is Field Day and the Last Chance Dance.
- DISTRICT SITE COUNCIL MEETING- Katy reported that she and Edie attended. Superintendent Skelly reviewed the District Strategic Plan.
ITEM 6 - PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
- WASC- Jacquie has hosted 6 coffees for parents by grade level and topic levels. Teachers are doing curriculum mapping now. Parent reps will be trained on May 7 and will join staff in May focus groups. Ed Council had a full day retreat and made good progress.
- BELL SCHEDULE – Jacquie announced the daily 08-09 schedule will be the same as 07-08. The whole issue of starting times, blocks etc. will be considered next year as part of WASC.
- LAST CHANCE DANCE- Jacquie announced that a breathalyzer will be used on all students to avoid the problems of Prom. Many schools do it this way.
- FOOTBALL FIELD- Groundbreaking was held or the new turf on the football field.
ITEM 7 - NEXT MEETING- MAY 19
Council will vote on funding requests. Jacquie will explain how the school safety drill went.
ITEM 8 - ADJOURNMENT
Olivia moved for adjournment and it was seconded. All agreed. Meeting was adjourned at 5:20pm.