Museum School Site Council/Parent Council

January 30, 2007

Parent Survey Review & Discussion – Phil Beaumont
Phil went through power point presentation. He mentioned the Alumni Night and how prepared they felt going to middle school. Students knew how to make presentations, to research, and write. Students knew how to work with others, and be self-directed. He also noted that our alumni were awakened to the reality of "deadlines. Based on their feedback- things that we might focus more on: organization, deadlines, preparing for more homework (in middle school).
There were a lot of questions/discussion regarding questions “F”. Because the Museum School offers a multi-age developmental program, the philosophy is different than the traditional program. Classrooms are managed so that each child has the opportunity to learn to his/her full potential, and growth is usually reflected in the report card and other assessments in that way. Several responses were provided from teachers to support where students do have the opportunity to learn to their full potential. This included Department work, Language Arts – Writing assignments, Computer Lab, as well as the context of all classroom situations.
Question “G” – some parents want a better understanding of their child’s academic progress so, the staff are working on progress reports to send home after each department. Also working on progress reports/assessments/more information home for other subjects.
School Site Council meetings- discussed alternating between Tues. and Wed. – 5:30 seems to be a good time for everyone.
General trends of the survey- positive/supportive, desire for foreign language, desire for more frequent feedback on student progress and behavior, desire to know students are doing throughout the year, and how we are preparing our kids for middle school.

What’s next:
-The staff is preparing new department progress reports, and assessments in Language Arts.
-We will initiate a search for a Spanish teacher or program that can be implemented by current staff.
-New programs in computer lab are being introduced – animation, Sketchup.
-Introduce tools to strengthen student organizational skills.
-Conduct more timely response with discipline issues and request support from parents.

Proposal to establish a Curriculum Committee – Valerie Peisner
Due to length of meeting, Valerie Peisner offered to postpone her proposal until next meeting.
Consolidated Application for Federal Funds - Council Approval
Lois Miller moved that we approve consolidated application for Federal Funds.
Lindy Ivey seconded.
Motion was put to a vote and passed unanimously.
School Safety Plan Annual Review- Phil Beaumont
Phil offered the parents to review. Because the plan has not changed since last year (we are at the same site and the current safety plan is approved by the fire and police departments with no further suggestions or changes), parents felt that the plan could be approved tonight without further review.
Julissa Cabrera motioned to approve annual review.
Seconded by Joy Houston.
Motion was put to a vote and was passed unanimously.
Children’s Museum Update - Phil Beaumont
The construction for the new building, downtown, is due to be completed by August 15^th. We are planning on moving in to prepare the space for the school around that date. In the meantime, the teaching staff is going to tour the site to envision what is needed in the classrooms as far as furniture and infrastructure. After this, a design will be created and local cabinet builders and installers will be approached to help with the construction and installation.
Other Business
Budget: California schools each received two block grants of one-time monies this year from the state. These monies helped to balance the deficit and will allow us to raise funds specifically towards our moving costs and perhaps purchase new furniture and appliances for the new building. Indications are that we will not be working at a deficit if the schools attendance/enrollment level remains at 80.
Adjourn Meeting