Monroe Middle School

1) Rick welcomed and introduced Joel Iboa, a new parent site council member. At the October 23 Latino Parent Night, he volunteered and was accepted to be a site council representative.

2) Minutes from 10/4/06: approved.

3) Two items came up while reviewing the minutes from our last meeting.
a. There was consensus to support an enrichment class for kids who were struggling in core math skills and facts. Since this would be a new class, members believed it would be wise to discuss the process for adding and dropping classes at the next site council meeting.
b. A group agreement amendment: the convener is responsible for making copies of the previous meeting's minutes and bring them to the meeting.

4) Updates.
a. Climate Committee--Margot reported.
1. More incentive ideas would be appreciated. Ideas mentioned that students seem to have enjoyed: free movies, Monroe clothes, DQ certificates, one large and one smaller prize for each grade level.
2. Question: Have students been asked for input? Star Staff may be the group to ask for input on incentives.
3. Over 1/2 the budget has been spent already this school year. There have been some free donations, like skating passes. 4. Rick reported that the parent group has already committed to providing money for incentives. Rick will check on the exact amount. 5. Question: Is there a parent that could solicit businesses for incentives? Rick will take this to the next parent meeting.
6. Extending the Quiet Zone during lunch is being discussed.
a. Move the blue line on the southwest side of the courtyard farther east, closer to the gyms.
b. Between the C area and the gyms, paint diagonal lines and the words “Quiet Zone” as additional visual reminders.
7. Two factors in improved climate that have been noticed are classes with smaller numbers of students and the students themselves (clientele).
8. Rick passed out a flyer regarding a PBS (Positive Behavior Support) workshop (Tues., 2/27, Wed., 2/28, and Th. 3/1/07). He would like to have the climate committee members and one parent attend. Rick would be willing to help cover classes to defray costs. He will bring the actual dollar amount needed and a possible plan to the next site council meeting.
9. Gold Card Incentive Program.
a. Jesse Whiteaker, Dorothy’s practicum student from NCC, shared information he received in his school law class. The principal from Harrisburg Middle School was a guest speaker and presented some climate activities. One idea was a Gold Card incentive program. Students with a 3.5 or above GPA AND no behavior issues received a gold card. (During the three years of this program, the number of students receiving a card have increased.) Some of the following are rewards to gold card holders:
1. 1st in line at the cafeteria
2. one free assign per semester (Each year, only two of the students used their free assignment.)
3. special events each month; ex: roller skating, movies, etc.
4. go to to the bathroom without a hall pass
b. A concern discussed was the possibility of encouraging an attitude of elitism and classism. Monroe’s population is different than Harrisburg’s. This program would need to be customized to fit Monroe.
c. Margot will take gold card idea to Climate Committee for possible exploration.
10.Pam and Barb mentioned an incentive program used at Jefferson-- 100% homework club. Students with 100% of homework turned in would be rewarded with special activities.
11.Rick brought up the idea of having a portable school store in the cafeteria, since current location is inconvenient.
b. Literacy Work Group.
1. We no longer have a site council member as a point person of the literacy group.
2. Since the literacy plan has been developed, maybe the focus this year should be Language Arts adoption.
3. A LA Sheldon region articulation team has been formed, including 5th grade and high school teachers.
4. The Literacy Partners from Oregon Community Credit Union were trained on Oct. 25. Most will begin with teachers during the week of November 13.
5. It is the plan of the district to have more LA uniformity across schools. Since students in the “achievement gap” often move schools within the district, this could help ensure fewer repeats/gaps when changing schools.
c. Data Group--did not meet. A discussion followed regarding teacher meeting times and times for collaboration.
1. Question: What does the data show?
2. Question: Could this become a work group?
3. Question: How much time outside the school day do we now spend in meetings? How does this compare to other schools?
4. Pam and Barb are going to do some preliminary research.

5) Latino Parent Night (October 23, 2006) report.
a. Carmen Urbina was the presenter at Latino Parent Night.
b. Joel Iboa reported to site council that
1. he was shocked at the data--6% of Latinos graduate from high school
2. he wants to see a small committee within the Latino community to provide advice for the staff
3. some parents are concerned that their children have the perception there is discrimination when it comes to grading and being called on during class
4. teachers need to be aware that for many Latino parents it is a big ordeal for them to talk with teachers
a. they are concerned about their personal low level of education
b. they are concerned about their low economic level
c. due to long work hours, time is a big factor
d. because of language barriers, the child often takes on an adult role as an interpreter
e. the kids are feeling burned out because of the adult responsibilities at a very young age
c. Barb and Pam shared their knowledge of and experience with the GANAS Program at Jefferson.
1. motto: “Yes, you can!”
2. run and led by Latino college students--to instill hope
3. support and homework help for Latino students after school
4. give presentations to staff
5. evening support for parents
6. Question: Could high school Latino students be involved in this program to earn community hours?
7. Question: Can we find a staff person or community member to “anchor” for continuity?
8. Question: What are some possible resources to finance?
9. it is critical to provide support for parents, beginning at the elementary and middle school level
d. Rick has ordered the following Spanish resources, they are available for families to check out
1. five sets of math resources (English-Spanish) at each grade level
2. five sets of science resources (English-Spanish) at each grade level
3. Question: Is it possible to have Korean resources?

6) Site Council Members--one certified staff member is still needed.

7) Professional Development Funds Requests
a. three requests were reviewed
b. the current policy is to fund sub costs, not registration fees (we would like to remind staff members that registration fees are tax deductible)
c. a request to plan for the Ellis Island simulation was approved (the two 8th grade teachers listed on the request refrained from voting)
d. Shirley Madathil’s request was partially funded; approval to cover the cost of one sub day
e. more details were needed before voting on Shirley Betournay’s request

8) Upcoming staff development days
a. Jan. 2, 2007
1. Sheldon Region Articulation at Holt in the morning (Elementary, middle and high school teachers will meet to align and discuss flow of curriculum.)
2. possible TESA (Technology Enhanced Student Assessment-- computerized state testing) training in the afternoon
b. April 2, 2007--District structured activity (to be announced)

9) Next Meeting--December 6, 2006
a. process for adding/dropping new classes
b. Positive Behavior Support (PBS) cost
c. staff development/collaboration work group discussion
d. GANAS
e. staff development funds requests/follow-ups

10)Debrief.

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