Site Council Minutes-February 9, 2009

Submitted by Kathy Hunt 

In attendance:

Lisa Pearlstein, Jay Hoover, Constance Plager, Brett Hutwagner, Kathy Hunt, Cynthia MacCloud, and Dick Cherry  

Differentiated Instruction/TAG 

Cynthia shared that plans are being made for the up coming TAG parent meeting on Wednesday, February 18^th.  Irma Murauskas is putting together a survey for the parents.  It is unknown at this time as to what all the survey will cover and if it will be sent out before the meeting or completed at the meeting.  Cynthia also asked for input as to what the meeting might look like and/or cover.  The meeting is still in the planning stages but the following suggestions were made…

•  
  • What do we want to know
  • Communication between school and parents-how and where
  • What is the structure of TAG at Irvington
  • What can parents expect to see for their kids
  • What is the districts responsibility financially, resources, and support for Irvington
  • What is working now/what is not working now
  • What are some ideas for the future

 

Cynthia also shared that TAG has always been an unfunded mandate and it will look different year to year. 

Cynthia defined differentiated instruction as a strategy for teaching instruction not a curriculum.  The Irvington staff is looking at what is working well for our students at this time.  The staff has also begun to look at test data to look for trends.  Dick shared that the data looked somewhat different than last year, but it was also stated that RIT scores had changed and the inclusion of SPED students.  Cynthia also shared that all staff is involved in imbedded professional development where we discuss and work together to share strategies to strengthen the learning of all our students.   

Transition 5^th to 6^th 

Brett shared that the 5^th grade parent information meeting was well attended and drew positive response.  All of the 6-8 teachers were there and met with the parents and then the students were invited to the classrooms where teachers shared and students participated in a brief activity related to their subject area.   

When the transfer window closes Cynthia will be able to see how many students have applied for transfers, but until parents are notified in late April or early May we will not get an accurate count for how many 5^th graders will be returning for 6^th grade.  Letters asking families if they intend to return to Irvington (for all grades) will go out in late April or early May. 

Brett also reminded us that the Science Fair will be February 26^th and this too is a place to celebrate what our upper grade students are doing. 

Transition 8^th to 9^th  

Cynthia shared that all information about high school transfers and visitations have been mailed to families.  Several of the area high schools have visited Irvington.  Grant will be returning to help students forecast for classes.  Most of the 8^th graders have returned their forms so that they will be able to shadow at Grant. 

Pilot of new Lifeskills program 

Irvington has been using the P.A.W.S. school wide expectations for several years.  The staff has begun to look at changing the program to both keep it fresh and to find a program that will meet the needs of a K-8 school.  Kathy shared the program that is being piloted this year in about 5 classrooms.  The program is called Tools for Citizenship and Life.  The program is based on 5 Lifelong Guidelines and a set of Lifeskills.  (See below) The climate committee is continuing to discuss this program and at the end of the school year the staff will be deciding if they want to adopt it school wide. 

Lifelong Guidelines 

Trustworthiness: To act in a manner that makes one worthy of trust and confidence

Truthfulness: To be honest about things and feelings with oneself and others

Active Listening: To listen with the intention of understanding what the speaker intends to communicate

No Put-Downs: To never use words, actions and/or body language that degrade, humiliate, or dishonor others

Personal Best: To do one’s best given the circumstances and available resources 

Life skills 

Caring: To feel and show concern

Common Sense: To use good judgment

Cooperation: To work together toward a common goal or purpose

Courage: To act according to one’s beliefs despite fear of adverse consequences

Curiosity: A desire to investigate and seek understanding of one’s world

Effort: To do your best

Flexibility: To be willing to alter plans when necessary

Friendship: To make and keep a friend through mutual trust and caring

Initiative: To do something, of one’s own free will, because it needs to be done

Integrity: To act according to a sense of what’s right and wrong

Organization: To plan, arrange, and implement in an orderly and ready to use

Patience: To wait calmly for someone or something

Perseverance: To keep at it

Pride: Satisfaction from doing one’s personal best

Problem Solving: To create solutions to difficult situations and everyday problems

Resourcefulness: To respond to challenges and opportunities in innovative and creative ways

Responsibility: To respond when appropriate: to be accountable for one’s actions

Sense of Humor: To laugh and be playful without harming others

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