should tackle (world language instruction; how to meet parent needs and at the same time the requirements of the state). release day for teachers was proposed. A survey was conducted and 38 parents supported, 18 opposed, and 24 were not sure. Dr. Mitchell shared the history of early release day in Florida. Dr. Mitchell indicated that since the school year began with no early release, it may be difficult to change at this point. The teachers have indicated early release would be helpful to allow for joint planning time. A professional development plan will have to be crafted once Ms. Hamby arrives. Dr. Mitchell also indicated that academic teaching minutes would have to be considered if any adjustments to the school day were made. Dr. Gill with Ms. Hamby and she is opposed to changing at this point given that some parents have re-arranged their schedules to accommodate this schedule. The teachers indicated they needed that time for planning. Per Ms. Hamby, the early release (if one was scheduled) would be used for professional development. Parent comments were fielded and responded. There are concerns regarding logistics for parents who have to arrange transportation and changing schedules at this point would be extremely difficult. Concerns were also shared regarding the need for children to have down time and having to give up after school activities because they cannot get there on time due to no early release. It was also questioned whether specials teachers would count towards the teaching minutes. Motion to table this until the SAC and Ms. Hamby have had a chance to review this. Mr. Schenck will forward information on establishing SAC. Personnel: A school director has been hired (Meg Hamby). Erica Coppola has been hired to assist with teachers and is the PE teacher assistant. PTA Update (J. Rivera) The PTA requested that a larger portion of parents are asked to volunteer (not just PTA members). The PTA needs additional volunteers and they are asking for schoolwide requests for volunteers. There is a great need for volunteers and any efforts to communicate this request to all parents is appreciated. Michele will add a link to the homepage. Priority is getting the word out that this is a school need, not just a request of the PTA. If all parents volunteer twice a month for something, needs will be covered. On curriculum night, a potluck will be provided for the teachers.
should tackle (world language instruction; how to meet parent needs and at the same time the requirements of the state). release day for teachers was proposed. A survey was conducted and 38 parents supported, 18 opposed, and 24 were not sure. Dr. Mitchell shared the history of early release day in Florida. Dr. Mitchell indicated that since the school year began with no early release, it may be difficult to change at this point. The teachers have indicated early release would be helpful to allow for joint planning time. A professional development plan will have to be crafted once Ms. Hamby arrives. Dr. Mitchell also indicated that academic teaching minutes would have to be considered if any adjustments to the school day were made. Dr. Gill with Ms. Hamby and she is opposed to changing at this point given that some parents have re-arranged their schedules to accommodate this schedule. The teachers indicated they needed that time for planning. Per Ms. Hamby, the early release (if one was scheduled) would be used for professional development. Parent comments were fielded and responded. There are concerns regarding logistics for parents who have to arrange transportation and changing schedules at this point would be extremely difficult. Concerns were also shared regarding the need for children to have down time and having to give up after school activities because they cannot get there on time due to no early release. It was also questioned whether specials teachers would count towards the teaching minutes. Motion to table this until the SAC and Ms. Hamby have had a chance to review this. Mr. Schenck will forward information on establishing SAC. Personnel: A school director has been hired (Meg Hamby). Erica Coppola has been hired to assist with teachers and is the PE teacher assistant. PTA Update (J. Rivera) The PTA requested that a larger portion of parents are asked to volunteer (not just PTA members). The PTA needs additional volunteers and they are asking for schoolwide requests for volunteers. There is a great need for volunteers and any efforts to communicate this request to all parents is appreciated. Michele will add a link to the homepage. Priority is getting the word out that this is a school need, not just a request of the PTA. If all parents volunteer twice a month for something, needs will be covered. On curriculum night, a potluck will be provided for the teachers.
Minutes_Sept8_2011_APPROVED.docx