Site Council Minutes, November 5, 2007

Palo Alto High School Site Council
Monday, November 5, 2007

ITEM 1 - CALL TO ORDER

Katy Hall called the meeting to order at 3:30 P.M. in the Staff Lounge. Members present were Katy Hall, Lorraine Brown, Elspeth Farmer, Ning Xu, , Carla Guerard, Kenyon Scott, David Cohen, Mary Ellen Bena,  Hilary McDaniel, Abbie Havern,Olivia Diamond, Jenna Lose, Scott Zhuge, Mary Dimit- PTSA, Principal Jacquie McEvoy and Coordinator Edie Miller. Not present: Jaclyn Edwards, Malati Murthy. Also present was guest Linda Frommer.             

ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of October 15, 2007 were approved as written.

ITEM 3 - OPEN FORUM

Mary suggested that the Athletic Handbook should be reviewed to see if it limits how long practices last, how long students must stay at meets etc. She is concerned that students are risking injury. 

David reported on his daylong visit to a charter high school in South Central Los Angeles.  The school is quite new, 100% African American and sent all of its first graduating class to college.  There is a very strong culture of success, very explicit expectations, good behavior, strong support and students seem very connected to the school.  Jacquie said it would be interesting for him to give the report to Ed Council.

ITEM 4 - WASC FUNDING

Jacquie reviewed a request for funds for the WASC process, including stipends for very involved staff and new software to coordinate the effort.  The total would be $6850.  Teacher release-$1350, online software-$2000, focus group leaders stipends-$2500, supplies -$1000.  The motion passed unanimously.

 ITEM 5 - SUBCOMMITTEE WORK

There are two subcommittees. The Achievement Gap group members are Malati, Elspeth, David, Jaclyn, MaryEllen, Carla and Scott. Jacquie served as administrative liaison. Lorraine, Abbie, Olivia, Jenna, Mary, Katie, Ning and Kenyon form the Student Stress committee.  Susan Shultz served as administrative liaison. After meeting in separate rooms for about ½ hour, each reported back. 

Student Stress said they are reviewing all the data from last spring’s survey.  The students sated that most stress comes from college and sports. Students also said it helps to have teachers use In Class.  Jacquie said the school is going to do a telephone survey of all homes in January and one question will determine if students have access to computers at home.

The Achievement Gap committee reviewed the information from last year.  They talked about LINKCREW- - matching 9th graders with upperclassmen.  They discussed some additional special support for VTP students.  It was suggested that Site Council might benefit from hearing from the new Counselor Kerry Smith who works with at-risk students and student Anna Ynez who organized the VTP meeting with the Superintendent

ITEM 6 - REPORTS

ITEM 10 - PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Jacquie reported on the High School Task Force.  The group will focus on how to adapt the two campuses to fit about 2200 each. The questions will center on what new courses to offer.  There is no more capacity at Foothill or Alta Vista. The committee will report to the School Board in December so a bond proposal can be prepared in January for the June election.

Jacquie presented the Site Plan to the School Board, interrupted only by the earthquake.  The Board asked for more information on the delaning in Science. Report cards will be mailed soon.   
           

ITEM 11 - FUTURE MEETING AGENDA and ADJOURNMENT

Jenna moved for adjournment.  It was seconded and passed.  Meeting adjourned at 5:25  PM.

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