Hillsdale High School Site Council Minutes
October 24, 2005

In attendance: Jeff Gilbert, Marty Kongsle, Greg Lance, Cheryl Lawton, Claire Mittler, Zach Osofsky, Allie Pitts, Marty Roberts, James Buatti (parent), Bernadette Murphy (parent), and Yvonne Shiu.

Site Council began promptly at 3:35.  Since this was the first Site Council meeting, it began with introductions.  There was some discussion on who should be invited to the next meeting to ensure that we would be meetings the criteria according to Ed. Code.  Jeff received some information from Pat Kurtz and shared it with the Council.  The Council was asked to review the handout.  Further investigation will happen by looking at other schools’ Site Council make up and voting procedures for parity.  It was agreed that at the next meeting we would like a Special Education representative, a Classified Staff representative, a student representative- perhaps one from each house, and parent representatives from Florence and Kyoto Houses.  Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Buatti have students in Marrakech House. A primary responsibility of the Site Council would be to review Hillsdale’s Single Plan for Student Achievement and update it yearly.

House Reports:

Florence- Zach reported that sophomores in Florence were encouraged to attend the College Faire that evening.  Sophomores took a field trip to Santa Clara University.  At the University the spokesperson indicated that honors classes are highly recommended and Zach reported upon their return, more students were interested in taking honors classes.  On November 1st the sophomores will be holding a Career Day event.

At the 12 week grading period, they will be conducting student-led conferences.

Marrakech-Allie reported that all 9th graders and some 10th graders had parent/teacher/student conferences at the 6 week grading period.  In advisory students are working on a choices project.  9th graders are working a nutrition and exercise unit, the 10th graders were asked to choose any health related topic.  Students will present to their classes.  On Tuesday, October 11th Marrakech 9th graders had their gallery night-exhibiting their poetry (English) and art (history).

Kyoto-Greg reported that 11th graders were encouraged to attend the College Faire.  Greg shared with the group a personnel issue in Kyoto.  Members of the team were “stepping up to the plate” by writing lesson plans for the sub, dividing up advisories, etc. to make this a smooth transition.  Beyond Books Night was held the week before, all honors freshmen were invited.  Many parents actively participated and were well prepared for the Socratic circles.

Schedule changes

Cheryl asked for permission to allow Marrakech to rework the master board for the spring semester with guidelines.  Discussion revolved around common prep periods, sacrificing current schedule to allow others to change their schedule, hard to ask for permission since the concept is so abstract, negatives outweighing the positives, etc.  The need to be careful around this issue arose, as a vote would need to happen and there would be no need to alienate anyone for any reason.  Data entry is a concern, as it is a tedious and time consuming task. Representatives were asked to present idea at the next house meeting and ask for individual and house constraints and will report back at the November 7th SLC Council meeting.

Bell schedule

Yvonne shared the information received from staff regarding the extended day (7 period day) schedule.  Staff was asked to share their feelings on the 7 period day.  From the information received there were different issues between the 7 period/extended school day vs the bell schedule.  Many felt a 7:40 start was too early, brunch and lunch too late.  Yvonne reviewed with the group the bell schedules and the consistency issue-advisory starting at the same time everyday, brunch and lunch times.  She shared with the group the pros and cons.  Parents felt strongly about treating the students as adults and they have gotten used to the schedule.  Students should be making time in the morning to eat breakfast.  The nutritious quality of foods being sold in the cafeteria was brought up.  Yvonne will talk to the cafeteria manager about offering more healthy choices, providing meals “on the go”, perhaps getting a cart up in the admin court and publicizing food sales during the early morning hours.

YRE

It was agreed by members that the exploration and implementation of a year round calendar at Hillsdale would be a year long process.  A decision should be made by this time next year.  More information is needed.  Articles will be posted on the website to keep parents informed and educated.  Examples of calendars and schedules were requested, visitations to school on year round calendar or inviting teachers from YRE schools was recommended.  Mrs. Murphy shared many issues with YRE that need to be investigated- transfer process of both teachers and students, athletics, busing, summer activities, summer school, etc.  Teachers shared possible union issues, pay roll, timing of the vote, teachers who teach summer school.

Meeting adjourned at 5:08pm.