Whatcom Site Council Minutes for November 18, 20002

· Present: Sonja Moon, Ashley Zopolas, Halee Hyatt, Tad Lewis, Ann Buswell, Ted Swinburne, Jeff Coulter, Linda Rabener, Doug Robertson, Wendy Albrecht

Minutes: Minutes for October 14th, 2002 read, amended, and approved.

Old Business:
Introductions- Introductions were made. Site Council was introduced to the 2 Whatcom 8th grade representatives, Halee Hyatt and Ashley Zopolas.
Gym- Doug drafted a letter to be sent to Dale Kinsley expressing concern about the unfinished state of the gym. Received feedback and will amend the letter to include Jim Stephens and Manuel Babayan’s names and the number of hoops we are requesting. He will wait two weeks for a response, and follow up with a phone call.

New Business:
Newly Revised Site Council Handbook- Members received new handbooks. Jeff discussed new member training session that was held on Oct. 29th. Both Jeff and Wendy felt it was worthwhile. Jeff purposed that Site Council come up with an “aspect of the Strategic Plan” that we would like to focus on.
National Middle School Conference- 10 staff members from Whatcom participated in the conference held Oct 31, Nov 1, and Nov 2 in Portland, OR. There were over 1,100 sessions to choose from. The group was allowed to exercise their free will in choosing, with the emphasis on teaming and a schedule to support teaming. Jeff described “teaming” as 2-5 teachers working together to integrate topics with subjects taught at school. It is currently practiced at the 6th grades level at Whatcom. Ann pointed out that we do have teaming within the subjects. Sonja voiced concern that district will not grant “teaming time” and there is not enough planning time for this. She also was worried that the Unified Arts would be compromised. Jeff said he would be having somebody come in and talk about scheduling. Doug questioned why it would take more planning time to teach the same curriculum. Jeff stated that teaming integrates the same goals, but allows staff to be more creative. It also helps students to be identified with a group. Ann said that having a group of students with all the same teachers allows flexibility, the day is defined in terms of what we would like to accomplish, and thus the teachers need more team planning time.
Ann stated that the challenge in scheduling teaming comes from Elective choices and availability of. Ann said that the School District anticipates Whatcom having teaming up and running next year. Halee expressed concern that already teacher’s energy go toward helping students who are not at grade level, leaving others with little one on one time with teachers. Ted agreed that attention does often go that way. Doug questioned if scheduling of teaming was something Site Council should incorporate into our agenda and wondered if we were qualified to do so. Jeff said that perhaps after the staff comes up with a plan, Site Council could review it. Ann suggested we keep it a line under Old Business. Ted inquired if a Teaming Committee was already formed. Jeff said the 10 staff that went to the conference plus the Renewal Committee have expressed interested in being on the committee.
Early Release- Nov 21st is the next early release. Small groups will be formed to discuss teaming; these groups will each include a staff member who participated in National Middle School Conference. Oct 30 early release round robin format elicited positive response from the staff.
After School Program Update-Ann said that Susan Zoller has approved the proposed programs. Ann is now looking for a teacher and instructional assistant to staff the programs. Due to the fact that there are no “normal” weeks between now and Jan., the program will begin in Jan.
The Learning Network Update- Ann passed on handouts about “The Learning Network in Action”. Whatcom is in year 1 of this plan. The key to the Learning Network is time for teacher reflection on his or her own instructional practice. With the assistance of the Learning Network Coordinator, Chris Hoyos, Whatcom’s teacher leaders, Penny Sherwood and James Walsh, are involved in a process of observations, instructional dialogues, focus meetings, and leadership meetings to become coaches. Year 2, in their role as Teacher Leaders they will each coach 8 teachers. Through the coaching, teachers tailor the program to address their own particular areas for professional growth.
Athletic Program- Ann said that the Bellingham Middle School Athletic Council is looking for sports that will be of interest to students. One question that has arisen due to lack of participation is whether students would be more involved in a sport other that gymnastics. The middle schools are looking for input from Site Councils. Ann mentioned that possible alternatives would are cross-country and a dance team similar to the High Schools. Ashley said dance team would be a good idea. Halee mentioned swimming as an alternative. Ann thought swimming was a good idea, however logistically it probably wouldn’t work out with pool time. Doug stated that he thought that we should be teaching a lifetime sport.
Upcoming Events- Veteran’s Day assembly on November 20th, Nov 27th marks the end of the 1st trimester, and no school December 2nd. Also added to the events Turkey Trot and Extreme Games on November 22nd. Early Release for conferences begins the week of Dec 9th as follows: week 1, 12:35 release for 7th and 8th graders in PM core. Week 2, 12:35 release for 7th and 8th graders in AM core. December 13th –20th 12:35 release for all 6th graders. Awards Assembly will be December 19th and 20th.

Last minute item- Linda noted that we needed to change the minutes of October 14th to read, “ Jeff consulted with Jim Stephens and Manuel Babyan.” It was approved.

Next meeting scheduled for December 9th @ 6:30PM.

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