Whatcom Middle School

Whatcom Site Council Minutes for December 9th, 2002

Present: Halee Hyatt, Linda Rabener, Jeff Coulter, John Thibault, Ann Buswell, Ashley Zopolos, Sonja Moon, Tad Lewis, Doug Robertson, Wendy Albrecht

Minutes: Minutes for November 18th, 2002 read, amended, and approved.

Old Business:
Gym- Jeff said that he had a response from Doug’s letter. He was instructed informally that perhaps we should have invited Jim Stephens and Manuel Babayan to attend a Site Council meeting and hear our concerns. A motion was put on the floor that Site Council invite Jim Stephens and Manuel Babayan to attend the January 13th, 2003 meeting. Doug stated that Site Council should say that the letter was from Site Council and not the administration. Halee asked why the gym was unfinished. Jeff said due to unanticipated costs, the gym had already gone over budget. Doug asked if it would be appropriate for a Site Council member to invite them to a meeting instead of Jeff. Doug volunteered to do this. The motion was amended to state that Doug Robertson, speaking for the Site Council, would invite Jim Stephens and Manuel Babayan to attend the Site Council meeting on January 13th, 2003. The motion was carried. Sonja mentioned that while the school board was visiting Whatcom Middle School, she had taken the opportunity to point out the concerns of the Site Council.

New Business:
HOTS- Ann said that the school district supports a January 7th, 2003 start up for this program. The after school program was initially called HOT = ‘Homework OverTime”. The focus for the last couple of years has been on homework assistance.
This year Ann would like the focus to be twofold. One aspect will continue to be homework assistance and an additional component will be strategic tutoring, which will provide students with learning skills as they relate to their school work. Consequently, the acronym HOT will change meaning to “Helping Others To Succeed.” The HOT Program will provide homework assistance to a maximum of 20 students per afternoon, beginning at 3:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday. The strategic tutoring component, also available for a maximum of 20 students per afternoon, will be a means of supporting students who are at risk of failing and have been specifically referred by a teacher and/or parent. Those students may be assigned to attend Tuesdays, Wednesday, and/or Thursdays, starting at 3:00. Mrs. Hovde will offer tutoring while Mrs. Rabener-Justice will offer additional support. Referring teachers will track student success in the classroom. The program ends at 4:30 and students are expected to provide transportation home as well as permission to attend.
Teaming Update- Jeff reported that the November 21st Early Release was dedicated to a Teaming discussion. Jeff presented information from the conference and communicated that teaming is not an IF but a WHEN. A staff vote to determine if WMS will begin teaming in the fall of 2003 or 2004 resulted in a 27-4 vote in favor of instituting teaming in 2003. The next step is how it will look. Elliot Merimbloom will be at Whatcom Middle School on January 21st, 22nd, and 23rd to facilitate on site training. The 21st will be dedicated to working with a small group, the 22nd will be with all teachers, and the 23rd with the small group again. Mr. Meribloom’s fee will be covered by the Gates Grant. Mr. Meribloom will work to identify what type of teaming structure will work for Whatcom, without compromising Whatcom Middle School values. Teaming integrates learning for higher success. Tad stated that teaming gives the staff more support. Linda explained the success of her son’s teaming experience. Doug suggested talking to other area middle schools to see what worked for them. Ann said that all 3 middle schools are different and we should, also, base our format on what is valued at our school. Jeff said that the changes that are made, need to improve student learning. Wendy asked about the students who take Pre-Algebra in 6th grade and how that would fit into a teaming structure. Ann said there might be curriculum changes, but students would be appropriately challenged. Wendy asked how the students would be challenged. Jeff said studies indicate that middle school students need to identify with a small group of students which teaming creates. Halee asked if students would be allowed to socialize outside their tribe, Jeff assured her they would.
Building Based-Inservice- January 22, 2003-Jeff said that the next step in the process was the Site Council must vote to approve the Building Based Inservice day. Jeff motioned that the staff be given 3 hours and 45 minutes applied to January 22nd, 2003 as a building based inservice day to have Elliot Merimbloom facilitate the teaming process as Whatcom Middle School. Doug asked what other options are available for that time. Ann said that traditionally the time is used before school starts, this year only a ½ day was used. Sonja asked about staff that was unable to attend. Ann said they could make arrangements to collaborate with somebody at another time. Motion voted and approved.
School Board Presentation-The School Board visited Whatcom Middle School on December 6th, 2002. Ann and Jeff began the tour with a tag team power point presentation. Jeff shared his professional goals, creating a positive school climate and improving communication. The number of students suspended during first trimester has dropped 45% from last year. The school board gave positive feedback on the tour and said that Whatcom had set a high standard for others to follow.
Opening Minds/Opening Doors- Ann presented a pamphlet about the WASL and was looking for feedback on how/if it should be presented to the parents. Halee thought parents would be interested. Doug asked what was the school board’s opinion on the pamphlet and wondered if it could offend some people. It was decided to have copies in the office available to interested parties. Ann offered the book “This We Believe” to Site Council Members, a book describing middle school philosophy.
Goals- Doug asked if at the next meeting we could come up with a goal or two that we, as a Site Council, wish to accomplish this year. It will be put on the January agenda.
Meeting adjourned at 8:16 PM.
Next meeting scheduled for January 13, 2003.

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