Southwest Middle School

School Advisory Council

March 18, 2008 Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 4:25 PM. In attendance were: Anne Carcara, Natalie Bartimac, Elsie Benitez, Kelli Houston, Gwendolyn Johnson, Shelly Kossoff, Rosemary Maladecki, Charlotte Moody, Ileia Mooney, Dolly Ramos, and Denise Probst.

The minutes from the February 19, 2008 meeting were approved as written.

Principal’s Report:

Dr. Carcara and Natalie Bartimac reviewed the mid year progression of the School Improvement Plan.  No funding needs were discussed at this time.

Dolly Ramos reported on the proposed legislation regarding Middle School Physical Education requiring one period of PE for one semester per year for grades 6th to 8th.  In addition, the amendment provides for waiving the requirements in certain circumstances. These circumstances were (1) students enrolled in a remedial course or (2) if a student’s parent requests in writing to the school, a) that their student enroll in another course option offered at the school, or b) indicate the student participates in physical activity outside of school equal or in excess of the requirement.

Old Business:

School Effectiveness Survey

Shelly Kossoff presented the School Effectiveness Parent Survey Comparison Report based on the past three years. The following areas were discussed:  Question #9 Media center use - parents disagree rose to 26% but Dr. Carcara reported that the number of library books checked out this year is the highest of the three years.  Question #14 Child safety at school - Dolly Ramos discussed the addition of a safety question on the student survey inquiring about where they feel the least safe at school.  Along with a question about where the student has access to the Internet.  The Staff and Student Surveys will be open until Friday, March 28, 2008.  Those results will be reviewed at a future meeting.  Question #20 and #21 Parent notification of behavior or illness - large increases in "Don't Know" response.  Natalie Bartimac reported that contact numbers and addresses aren't always correct; attempts are made with no response from parents. 

Student Apathy Discussion

Dr. Carcara reported that she met with each student expected, based on benchmark assessments, to drop a level on the FCAT.  Students replied that if given a grade on the benchmark exams, they may take them more seriously.  Dr. Carcara also reported on the FCAT pep rallies.  The 6th grade results were positive.  Natalie Bartimac and Dr. Carcara continued to report on the large numbers of 7th graders misbehaving during the combined lunch sessions needed for FCAT testing.  Dr. Carcara plans to inform parents of the 7th grade behavior issues and the safety concerns resulting in the FCAT festival cancellation for 7th grade students.  Dolly Ramos suggested encouraging a "good behavior" pep rally to kick off the 2008 - 2009 school year.  Denise Probst suggested a focus group to discuss ways to improve the morale, behavior, and studies of the 7th grade students.  Shelly Kossoff and Denise Probst volunteered to work together to organize the group.  Charlotte Moody recommended a parenting class be offered in order to reduce suspension rates.

Communications

No further discussion on communications.

New Business:

No new business was discussed.

Announcements:

The next SAC meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2008, @ 4:15 p.m.

Dolly Ramos will email Staff and Student Survey Results when received.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.