Whatcom Site Council Minutes for September 16, 2002

Present:
Ted Swinburne, Chuck Boyle, Wendy Albrecht, Doug Robertson, Linda Rabener-Justice, Jeff Coulter and Ann Buswell

Minutes:
No previous minutes.

Old Business
Introductions – As this was the transitional Site Council meeting, old and new members introduced themselves. Incoming parent representatives are Wendy Albrecht and Doug Robertson.

Transfer/Request Policy – Ted Swinburne asked how the start of the school year was compared to previous years in terms of parent requests for transfers. He was interested if the new Policy had made a difference. Discussed was that the Policy did make a difference. There were a great number of parents who responded with input about their child’s learning style and any specific needs. In addition, informing parents of the process for requesting change of placement helped make for a smoother start.

Strategic Plan – The WMS Strategic Plan was reviewed at the last meeting to fine tune wording and vote on approval of the plan. The finalized form is currently posted on the Web site. The school’s committee structure supports the goal areas of the strategic plan. The three main areas of work are improving literacy, examining the school’s discipline system, and developing a master schedule that supports teaming. To support staff development, particularly in literacy, the staff is learning more about The Learning Network and Critical Friends Groups.
The literacy committee will be providing professional development opportunities as well. For example, they have begun Book Club discussion groups using the resource book, I Read It But I Don’t Get It. The literacy committee will develop a framework of support for below grade level readers/writers, giving particular assistance to eighth graders who might be subject to mandatory summer school or retention. For example, the after school program will be available again this year, supporting student learning. One way the school is helping parents to learn how they can support their child’s reading is through a publication called Reading Connection, which is part of the WMS Web site and will be published with the monthly newsletter.
Linda Rabener asked about instituting a common SSR time, similar to the one at BHS. Discussion about this topic included that core teachers at WMS already provide SSR time. Also, SSR does not provide an opportunity to target specific reading skill development. Instead, WMS has established a rotating opportunity for 6th grade students to receive support in literacy or math. In addition, 7th and 8th grade teachers can access assistance with a reading diagnostic assessment called Qualitative Reading Inventory (QRI).
Wendy Albrecht asked about students who meet the standards. Discussion stated that students have investigations and open-ended learning opportunities that allow for differentiation of curriculum to meet all students’ needs.

By-Laws – Last school year the Site Council voted to amend the By-Laws. These previously approved changes were presented and shared with the Site Council.

New Business
Meetings – Members decided to continue to meet on the 2nd Monday of each month.

Purpose – Doug Robertson asked what the mission, purpose, and goals of the Site Council are. The new Site Council members will have training on October 29th and discussion will continue at the next meeting when all members are present.

Next meeting will be October14th @ 6:30 PM.

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Whatcom Middle School: 810 Halleck Street Bellingham, WA 98225. Principal: Jeff Coulter
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