School Improvement Team Meeting

Shiloh Elementary Media Center

May 7, 2009

3:00pm – 4:30pm

In Attendance:

Mike Henderson, Principal

Karyn Cantville, Grade K

Andrea Savill, Grade 1

Melissa Ottaway, Grade 2

Angela Foster, Grade 3

Jody Macek, Grade 4

Tim Burke, Grade 5

Cheryl Tarr, ESL Teacher

Sharon Presson, Teacher Assistant

Susan Rodgers, Curriculum Specialist

Monica McGinniss, Counselor

Michael Roy, PE Teacher

Crystal Basile, Parent

Welcome –Mrs. Savill

Mrs. Savill began the meeting by welcoming everyone.

Parent Concerns- Mrs. Savill

No concerns at this time.

Teacher Concerns - Mrs. Savill

*Mrs. McGinniss brought the concern of the cleanliness of the staff restrooms, particularly the one in near the media center.  Mr. Henderson said he would ask to have the restroom cleaned every two hours.

*Mrs. Ottaway brought up the concern of students wearing flip-flops as a safety concern.  After discussion, the School Improvement Team agreed that flip-flops or other open toed shoes cannot be worn to school for safety reasons.  If students choose to wear open toed shoes, they will be given the alternative activity of walking the track for their PE for the day.  Mr. Henderson asked grade level representatives to inform their teammates of this decision, as well as a connect-ed would be sent out.

*Mrs. Foster inquired about start and leave time for staff.  Mr. Henderson explained it was a school based decision and for Shiloh the start time is 7:10am and the end time is 2:50pm.

Administration Concerns- Mrs. Savill

*Charities to Support- The committee agreed that as a school, Shiloh would support United Way, Jump Rope for Heart, a local Food Drive, Relay for Life, as well as the chocolate fundraiser for the school.

*3-5 Grading- Mr. Henderson explained that grading needs to be consistent.  It was purposed for students who receive percentages of 13%, 24%, etc. have a hard time ever raising their grade.  He proposed that students who received a 60% or below would have their grade written as a 60/their real score. This way students will still receive their same letter grade, however the percentage used to determine their grade would be a 60.  Parents would still be informed that their true grade.  After much debate, it was decided that grade level representatives would discuss with their teammates and it would be decided upon next year.

* K-2 Grading-  Mrs. Foster raised a concern of students in K-2 who have received a 3, consistently meeting all objectives taught, begin 3rd grade having a difficult time meeting beginning of the year objectives, as well as working independently.  Again it was discussed that grading for K-2 needed to be consistent.  Mrs. Ottaway offered her way of grading, giving a point value to each 3,2,or 1.  Mr. Henderson asked for her to email him with this system.

*DRA- It was reminded to all members to remind their teammates that the end of the year DRA is at an independent level.

*Check mark on Report Cards- Mr. Henderson explained the check mark is given on report cards and mid-terms (for 3-5 students) to show students who are not on-grade level. For next year, the check mark will only be used for Exceptional Children or English Language Learners.

*Awards Day- Mr. Henderson explained that when Awards Day was decentralized about three years ago, it was decided upon by our cluster principals for the Sun Valley Cluster schools to have their awards day at their own schools.  The decision may be revisited soon by cluster principals and Mr. Henderson asked the SIT for their input.  The School
Improvement Team feels strongly about continuing with the tradition in place and made a site based decision to continue to host Shiloh's Award Day at the school level.

*Comprehensive Facility Study- Mr. Henderson presented the members with the Comprehensive Facility Study.  The team prioritized each section with the most need to least need.

*Next Year’s Calendar- Mr. Henderson presented the members with next year’s calendar.  The team agreed the extra staff required work day would be Thursday, July 23.

*Questions about Next Year- Some SIT members inquired about staffing for next year.  Mr. Henderson explained that he should receive solid numbers by the end of May.  He explained that class ration numbers will drastically change, as well as teacher assistants. The new schools opening in Union County will be staff through the redistribution of over-staffed schools.  Mr. Henderson informed the members that answers to questions about furlough hours would be addressed through email once he received the official information.

Conclusion-Mrs. Savill

The meeting concluded with Mrs. Savill asking for any other concerns or questions.

The meeting adjourned at 4:30pm.