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Hillsdale High School Site Council October 9, 2006 Minutes

Attending:  J. Gilbert, Y. Shiu, C. Lawton, T. Williams, G. Lance, S. Radotic, P. Rianda, M. Kongsle, C. Crockett

House Reports:
Kyoto:  Kite Festival this Saturday – crafts, kite-making and other booths.  Noted that feeder/elementary schools need two weeks’ notice if you want to advertise/promote your events there.
Marrakech:  Noted concerns about supplies budget, particularly the high cost of Scantrons.  Also noted some concerns about the direction of the Junior American Exhibition projects.
Florence:   Shifts in the 11th grade advisory will have Brad Zucker holding advisory down in the gym.  Cheryl announced the imminent launch of the Peer Mentor program; she is in need of more male volunteers from the senior class.
Seville:  Pam announced the initiation of  Parent Support  Group meetings on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.

Staffing Update:

Please refer to Jeff Gilbert’s email of 10/10/06 for the handouts detailing how we will acquire 1.8 FTEs in savings.  The following questions and concerns were raised at the SLC Council Meeting:

  • The most problematic switches have to do with the ELD Transitional classes.  It was agreed that this was a priority for which we would “spend” any periods we gain from CSM.
  • If we can “find” 3500 dollars, we may be able to maintain that extra section.
  • How will we support CAHSEE Prep students who do not pass in November?
  • Who will pick up the Newspaper if Tony can’t continue?

House Autonomy/Passporting:

  • Special Ed/RSP Students:
    • Discussed the issues surrounding RSP students who request  changes in their courses:
      • Where is the crossover between Special Ed caseload and the core teacher/advisor?  Who should be consulted concerning any changes to a student’s schedule?  What should the protocol/procedure be?
      • SLC Council members unanimously supported the policy prohibiting “passporting” except in rare cases.
      • As a representative of the Special Ed Department, Pam suggested that movement from one general ed class to another should be considered/decided by the collaborative team, while movement into SDC is the prerogative of the RSP teacher.
      • Several members stated that a “culture of collaboration” would seem to support the notion that core teams should work on solutions and modifications to meet the student’s needs.
      • It was suggested that we consult with Katie Schwarz before making a decision on this matter.
      • House Leaders have been asked to take the matter up in House meetings this week.
      • A preliminary outline of a procedure follows:
        • RSP teacher brings concerns/problem to the attention of the collaborative team.
        • Collaborative Team and RSP teacher work to address the needs of the student.
        • Advisor contacts parents and the House counselor.
        • Passporting is undesirable and used only as the option of last resort.
      • A special session of the SLC Council has been called for Monday, October 16th, from 3:30 to 4:30.  Intent is to open the discussion to any interested staff members so that the Council can write a policy for the consideration of the Site Council.
    • American Exhibition:
      • Schedule conflicts, teacher workload and passported students have exacerbated the fragmentation of the Junior project.  Houses appear to be approaching the project in different ways with different deadlines, which makes it very difficult for teachers and students across the houses.
      • It was suggested that this issue goes to the heart of the “Synergy vs. Autonomy” debate., especially as it concerns passporting students who may have history and English teachers from two different houses.
      • Junior humanities teachers need to meet soon to hammer out some details concerning the length and criteria for the assignment(s).
      • Students need to feel that the project is assigned and evaluated in a “fair” (equitable) manner.
      • The shape of the American Exhibition will also be discussed during the SLC Council special session set for Monday, October 16th.

Meeting closed at 5:10 pm

Future Agenda Items:
            Monday, 10/16: American Exhibition and Passporting (Special Ed students included)
            Monday, 10/23: Site Council meeting with parent and student representation:

      • Hillsdale Foundation and Fundraising
      • Begin refining the vision for what SLCs should look like and the resources we need to make the vision happen

Monday, 11/13: The role of the advisor: How do we define the role and how other positions support/augment the advisor? What are the expected protocols and procedures for discipline/scheduling/academic support that involve advisors and other people on campus?