I. Welcome…Cristy Grube, SAC Chairperson

All members introduced themselves. Thanks to everyone for coming!

Members reviewed last meeting's minutes, and accepted them as recorded.

II. Everyday Math Overview…Lisa Rowan

Lisa is the intermediate math specialist for NorthLake Park. Everyday Math is a nationwide program and is being used throughout the district. It is called a “spiral” program; it returns to and reinforces concepts throughout the curriculum. There is a Student Reference Book that parents may use at home when helping their children with assignments. Children are taught different methods of solving mathematical problems; they are allowed to use whichever method works for them.

Members received printed information outlining various parts of the daily lesson. Lessons include an introduction of the concept, independent practice in the workbook, hands-on practice, and math boxes allowing demonstration of beginning, developing, and secure goal attainment. The math games are introduced each week to reinforce concepts as a group activity.

Enrichment parts of lessons exist for students who need extra practice, and those who quickly master the concepts and need more challenge. There are also on-line Everyday Math games that students can access at home. See https://www.emgames.com/kids/kids_login_orange.html . A student I.D. number will be provided for each student. The purpose of this I.D. is to ensure that information follows students throughout the county if they change schools.

Everyday Math prepares students for the FCAT by providing intensive work in problem solving. This presentation was given to provide more information to the SAC about our progress toward the various goals stated in our School Improvement Plan.

III. Simulation and Benchmark Testing Data…Matt Phillips

Testing is a major function of the school this year. We use it to examine trends, and to diagnose weak academic areas. 4th grade just finished a narrative writing simulation; preliminary analysis indicates that our students are more proficient writers this year than last year. We also provide benchmark testing in math, reading, and science (Matt Phillips created the science benchmark test). These tests provide diagnostic information concerning specific academic areas that students have mastered and not mastered. We also do pre- and post-tests. The pre-test shows us the areas that have already been mastered so that teachers can focus on specific needs. We want to identify the needs of all students and target the specifics.

These assessments are district-mandated to ensure that we are using data to inform our instruction. We will be using mini-assessments that are focused on specific benchmarks. For example, the mini-assessment coming next will help us target the skill of finding the main idea in a reading passage. Benchmark testing is for grades 3-5, as are most simulations. K-2 uses Dynamic Indicators of Basic Emerging Literacy Skills (DIBELS) and the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) to determine levels of student mastery of pre-literacy and literacy skills.

Question: Can parents look at the results of the benchmark tests to see what their children’s strengths and weaknesses are?

Answer: Yes, we can provide this information.

IV. Multicultural Night…Anna Fernandez

The Parent Leadership Council (Parents of Language Enriched Pupils) will sponsor a Multicultural Festival on Friday December 8, 6-9 p.m. The countries and continents from which many of our families come will be represented during the festival. There are about 20 parents on the committee so far, but we need more volunteers to help and donate materials. For the celebration, all children will receive a passport; they will visit each country’s station and learn something about the country, and have their passports stamped. Then the children and families will go into the cafeteria for entertainment, food, more fun activities.

V. Update on Rezoning…Allyn Maycumber

The district is revamping the rezoning process to do away with rezoning committees. District will work directly with the community. Their preliminary plan starts us next school year with 860 children; however, with growth, we would have more than 1100 students. The new school at Northshore would start with 950 children. The plan envisions that all students living between SR528 to SR417 would go to NorthLake Park. We need to communicate closely with the district to let them know how these policies will overcrowd the school. Communicate with Sandi Simpson, head of Pupil Assignment. It is important for her to hear from community members.

Question: Does the class size amendment have more of an influence next year?

Answer: We are unaware how we will be impacted by the class size amendment next year.

VI. Update on PTA Activities…Alicia Colón

The next PTA general meeting will be on November 14. Nov 16 will be math night; PTA will be providing prizes; teachers will be working with K-5.

Fundraisers will be Sally Foster October 27, and the cookie dough sale October 26.

PTA will be paying for the Mad Science Program to make science presentations at our school. There will be two separate presentations focused on different grade levels. The location and date for these presentations has yet to be determined. We are also looking at having Mad Science provide an after-school science series.

VII. SAC Membership/day and time - Wayne Shear

We need at least 80% attendance at the SAC in order to earn the prestigious 5-star award for NorthLake Park Community School.

We will be discussing different needs assessments with the SAC over the coming months. These needs assessments will eventually become part of the School Improvement Plan for next year.

The SAC members unanimously agreed that we should meet at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays? The next meeting will be November 29.

VIII. Open Agenda

The district has not provided funding to support staff development for teachers to attend conferences. SAC can help fund these opportunities. Wendy Wagner presented to SAC a written request from Deanna Jump (our Teacher of the Year) to attend the statewide Kindergarten conference. The cost would be $229 for 2 days. The conference will provide research-based best practices to meet Sunshine State Standards for Kindergarten. Deanna will share the ideas with the faculty upon her return. Wendy informed the SAC that there is a $9591 balance in our budget. The SAC voted unanimously in favor of paying for Deanna Jump to attend the conference.

IX. Adjourn

The SAC adjourned at 10:00 a.m.

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 29, at 9:00 a.m. in the Office Conference Room. Topic for the meeting: Writing Progress .