MINUTES

February 8, 2010 

PRESENT

John DeGraffenried, Cary Hylton,  Angie Meacham, Glenn Bird, Mike Johnson, Lori Cunningham,  Kristie Crandall, Tammy Daybell, Sharon Duncan, Colleen Brown, Stacy Nance, Amy Bond, P. J. Maughan Excused:  Susan Orme

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 11^TH  MEETING

The minutes were approved without change. 

REVIEW OF U-PASS DATA

            Mike Johnson gave each member a copy of the Federal Adequate Yearly Progress Summary Report showing that Springville High made AYP for the 2008-2009 school year.  This report is based on criterion-referenced tests (CRTs) in 10^th grade language arts, algebra 1, and geometry.  It was explained that many of our more advanced math students are taking algebra 1 and geometry at the junior high schools.  Because of that our math scores skew downward.

We also looked at the U-PASS 2009 School Report showing that our whole school proficiency was 81%.  Language arts was 89%, math was 69%, science was 69%, attendance was 81%, and graduation was >95%.  We also made progress as a whole school and in each of the above listed areas.

CURRICULUM REVIEW

            Mr. DeGraffenried explained that we may have to make difficult decisions about which classes we can offer because of lower student enrollment.  He asked parents for suggestions for classes they would like to see offered or continued.  It was explained that French is no longer offered here because of reduced demand, however, Chinese and American Sign Language programs are growing.  Enrollment in Spanish classes is growing district-wide.  There is high demand for guitar classes at our school.  Creative writing was dropped due to the need to reduce class sizes in the other language arts classes. 

REVIEW OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY

            Amber Whatcott, who is a tracker at our school, explained our basic attendance policy and her role in helping students get to class.  Our school policy is in line with district policy.  When a student accrues 5 hours of detention one of our trackers contacts the student, issues an attendance warning, and encourages them to get the hours made up.  If a student reaches 10 hours of detention an administrator contacts the student and draws up a contract to get the hours made up.  A student is then also placed on a “no-participation” list and cannot participate in any voluntary school-related activities.  Further attendance problems may result in a truancy citation. 

            We have recently started a Core Academy, a “school within a school,” for students with chronic attendance problems or other factors that put them into an “at risk” category.  Students are required to be in that Core Academy class all day each day until their performance improves enough for them to rejoin the regular school. 

            Mr. DeGraffenried feels that our use of trackers has been a help to many students and would like to see us continue using Trust Lands money to fund this program.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

            Discussion postponed until next month.

OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS

            Mr. DeGraffenried told us that recently a building needs committee put together a list of requests to improve the physical facilities of the school.  Replacing the boiler will need to wait until next year.  This summer there will be a major renovation of the fine arts wing of the building.  Other requests for building improvement include updating the student lounge and front entrance areas, replacing drinking fountains and putting tile around the fountains, updating and making the cafeteria more inviting including a concession area for use with athletic events, and updating the main gym.
            A motion was made, seconded, and roundly approved to recognize Stacy Nance and her tireless efforts in providing us with nourishing (?) treats every month.  Thanks, Stacy.

 NEXT MEETING DATE 

March 15, 2010, 3:00 p.m.