Whatcom Site Council Minutes for February 10th, 2003

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

Minutes:
Minutes for January 13th, 2003 read and approved.

New Business:
Gymnasium Update- Jeff reported that Jim Stephens and Manuel Babayan had met with WMS PE teachers to discuss concerns brought up at the January 13th, 2003 Site Council meeting. The sound baffling will be a 3’x6’ foam core sheets with vinyl backing. It is scheduled to be installed beginning in March. Four, new basketball hoops and backboards will be mounted on the walls in a manner that allows room for volleyball. Nine-foot mats will be installed behind each hoop and also around the columns on the north end for protection. In lieu of doors in the archway between gym 1 and the new gym, curtains were discussed. The plan is that Whatcom Middle School will purchase the curtains and maintenance would install them. Jeff and PE teachers are researching and deciding on the economic feasibility of the curtain.
Teaming Update- Elliot Merrimbloom, consultant, worked with the staff January 21st through the 23rd. An ad hoc teaming committee was put together consisting of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade core teachers, math/science teachers, and a leadership position. The staff nominated and elected the committee. The tentative plan is switching from the current 7 period structure to 8 periods that are 41 or 42 minutes long. Passing time between periods would be shortened. Math and science time would be increased from the current 45 minutes to 62-63 minutes. Ashley asked if teaming could accommodate a change in test scores, if in years to come students test lower in other areas, would more of an emphasis be placed on these subjects. Jeff said it would be nice to be that responsive. Ann noted that it was difficult to schedule around electives as WMS shares these teachers with other schools. Jeff pointed out that if we loose I-728 funding we could loose up to 30 positions district wide, which would mean 2 at WMS. It is necessary to come up with different alternatives until the funding is in place. Ann said that the changes would support time for teams to collaborate. Jeff noted that the current lunch schedule has lunchtime occurring for 1.5 hours. This is very disruptive to the students who are trying to learn. One idea is to shorten lunchtime to 1 hour a day, thus minimizing the disruption. Doug asked how the staff responded and Jeff said he was amazed at how enthusiastic they were. Tad said she thought the staff would be pleasantly pleased. Tad said that Special Ed does not promote all Special Ed students being placed in one team. She envisions having an instructor in class to help the student with the same assignment that the other students were doing. Ann pointed out that placement decisions are made based on the needs of each specific child. Halee asked how the teams are formed. Jeff said they had not gotten to that point yet. Doug inquired that if once funding issues were solved, would this be implemented this fall. Ann said that there were different pieces that must fall into place; funding, retirement, and transfers before the final plan is reached, but it would be in place next school year.
Strategic Plan- Ann informed the Site Council of a District committee called GUARD, “Gathering, Using, and Recording Data.” This committee is analyzing how schools collect and report data. One aspect of the data sharing is each school’s Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan is a living document and subject to review and change. Each year the leadership team will do the review process. A report sheet is done for each of the 5 goals. Site Council will take on this leadership role.
· Site Council Goal-Jeff asked what direction we would like to go in order to support the Strategic Plan. Doug said he would like the goal to be increased parent involvement. Doug passed out a handout on some parent involvement ideas. Doug brought up the thought of having conferences earlier in the year as well as a follow-up conference in the spring. Tad suggested a database consisting of parents and what they would be willing to volunteer for. Wendy brought in a handout from a parent on Parkview Site Council on ways to improve the 5th to 6th grade transition.
From the Floor
Tech Update-Penny Jewett orchestrated the new computers coming into WMS. WMS will be receiving 60-80 new computers throughout the building. She is working with the electrician to place them appropriately.
Agenda for March 10th, 2003 Site Council Meeting- Tad suggested that we come up with an agenda for the next meeting. The following was tentatively agreed upon: 1. Dr Kinsley: Legislative Update
2. Teaming Update
3. Site Council Goals
4. Field Trip to computer lab and gym
5. ASB reports
ASB Report- In conjunction with promoting kindness, a canned food drive will begin. There is also recognition for kindness noticed by the students around school in the W.A.K. (Whatcom Acts of Kindness) program.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25

Next meeting March 10th, 2003 at 6:30

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