School Improvement Team – Lawn Avenue School

Minutes: 12/10/2009

Attendees: Suzanne Sakovits, Nick Alfred, Michaela Onosko, Janet LaMantia, Sue Pratt, Beverly Rudman, Julie Kallfelz, Nora Santamour, Ann Zainyeh, Jenn Kittredge-Clark and Lora DiMuccio

Acknowledgements

Portfolio day was well run and organized. Feedback that the day ran smoothly.
Parent Conference – Principal Almanzor pleased with how conferences ran.

Subcommittees

Island Treasures – in need of a chairperson who is organized and willing to commit at least 2 years to the position. A possible job share with 2 individuals working on the administrative tasks involved with this activity.
Advisory – Jenn Kittredge Clarke reports that the weekly advisory activities are going great. Nick Alfred delivered all gifts from the Gingerbread Express collection that supported 20 students around the state. An advisory/community project is underway. Students will create cards that will be delivered to local nursing home. Commencing in January, students will begin utilizing Individual Learning Plans in order to begin setting goals. Fifth graders will begin the discussion on why goal setting is important.
Technology – Superintendent Lukon met with Technology consultants. They completed a tour of both buildings including technology closets. An audit of the technology system and needs was completed and report will be forthcoming. Technology committee will receive the website report as well. Results from the state 8^th grade technology and literacy test due during week of December 13^th.

Old Business

Standard Based Report Cards/Grading Trends – feedback that continuity and cohesiveness between the grades has improved. Lengthy discussion on extracting data that would identify grading trends by grade and/or class. It was discussed whether this additional information would be worthwhile for school community? This data is available and Principal Almanzor reviews this information in house. Benchmark pieces are the best tool for parents in understanding levels of proficiency. Data gathering is a main priority with Education Commissioner and will track students K-post-secondary.
Conferences/Student Involvement – A discussion on the possibility of the 5^th and 6^th graders becoming participants in student led conferences. SIT will invite 6^th grade teachers to January meeting in order to obtain feedback. Many felt the 7^th & 8^th grade student led conference model was impressive. Some concerns discussed were lack of confidentiality, crowding, classroom flow, parents unsure how to begin and what to expect.
Challenging All Students – Rigor/Relevance & Relationships – Evening being scheduled in conjunction with Melrose SIT. January 7^th meeting to discuss event. Timeframe of February/March.
One School/One Book Summer Reading – Selection of a local author favored by committee. The research on book titles will be completed by librarian, Lisa Casey. Book selection will include feedback from Language Arts teachers. All students will read the same book and all activities will be developed around the chosen selection.
Methods to meet academic needs for al 7^th & 8^th grade students – discussion to take place at an upcoming SIT meeting.
Review Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy – Review of last month’s discussion regarding lunch program and determining the data that was used to draft current policy. Issues discussed were small food portions, price changing, limited food, limited offerings. In addition, parent Janet LaMantia requested to review the information the school committee looked at to make decision on nutrition policy. Her research showed little correlation between what students ate in school and obesity. Health and Wellness meeting scheduled for Janurary 19^th, 2010. SIT representative will attend.

Next SIT meeting scheduled for Janurary 14^th at 3:30.

Submitted by,

Lora DiMuccio

Recording Secretary