Muirlands Middle School
Site Governance Team Meeting
April 24, 2006
Approved Minutes

Attendance: 
 Julie Latta (Co-Chair/Science), Jorge Lobo (Electives), Mary Jane Linsky (PTA), Victor Totoris (Math/ASB), Chris Hargrave (Principal/Co-Chair), Paul Abrahamson (History), Terry Schwartz (Counseling), Melanie Gold (GATE), Jennifer Eve (PTA), Margaret Ohara (PTA), Joanna Hurley (SPED).

Meeting was called to order at 2:31 PM.

Old Business:
Open House-Margaret Ohara asked about the format for Open House.  Julie discussed that it would be an evening event from 6:00-7:30 p.m. and the purpose is to show case student work.  Margaret suggested that a flyer be placed in the April newsletter.  The team discussed whether or not it would be appropriate to invite parents of incoming fifth grade students to Open House. All agreed that it may be too crowded if we included incoming and current students.

ASB reports: 
Victor shared that ASB approved a request to fund stationary bicycles for the fitness room ($2,000).  A poster maker was purchased for use by faculty, students, and committees.  A.S.B. will design the posters for anyone who is interested.  A.S.B. will continue to sell snacks during lunch.

Foundation: 
Ms. Gayner was unable to attend the meeting.

GATE: 
Melanie Gold presented information about the district GATE meeting for science.  Elementary students were assessed on the CST in science and the results were disappointing.  Representatives were encouraged to visit Pershing Middle School eighth grade science classes because they felt they had a strong program.  It was also shared that Pershing groups their students for science and math.  District doesn’t expect that the CIPS program would be used exclusively.  Melanie also shared that Pershing teachers work together on the science project by dividing the workload.  For example, English teachers have students write the research section in their classes and math teachers work with students to gather, organize, and display data.  Margaret shared that there has been a concern about the CIPS program in general and that more information needs to be shared with parents.
Ms. Gold also shared that some parents of GATE students felt that students aren’t challenged in their English classes.  Parents who attended the GATE steering committee suggested that there be a super cluster class in addition to seminar classes at each grade level.  Parents felt that they’ve been encouraged to have a “hands off” approach and consequently are reluctant to contact their child’s teacher.   A discussion ensued about GATE, seminar, and the range of reading ability in English classes.  Julie suggested that teachers share how they differentiate curriculum and instruction to challenge GATE students.  All agreed that it was difficult to differentiate with all students but it was something that as a staff we’re working towards.  Ms. Hargrave suggested that parents schedule a conference with their child’s teacher(s) if they felt their student wasn’t being challenged.  Ms. Latta shared that there was much more in depth discussions in seminar classes. 
Ms. Gold shared that a parent of a fifth grade student contacted her about the lack of funding for seminar.  And this parent felt the selection process for seminar was a “closed system and secretive”.  Ms. Hargrave explained that the district is considering funding a part of a position for next year.  
Craig Goldman and Sam Cisneros will attend the vertical alignment workshop at San Marcos this summer.

PTA: 
Ms. Ohara reported that the PTA would be sending out the last newsletter of the year next week.  There was a presentation by a counselor from Scripps who shared information about drug and alcohol use among teenagers.
Mary Jane asked about the possibility of adding/revising comments on the report cards.  Ms. Latta shared that she was taking the leadership role on staff and would invite parents to be a part of these discussions.

DAC: 
Ms. Robledo was unable to attend the meeting. 

Technology: 
No report.

New Business
SSC
Ms. Eve shared that we needed more involvement with students who are socio-economically disadvantaged.  At the last meeting, they discussed the possibility of hiring/identifying mentors and tutors to work with students after school or during advisory.
Ms. Hunt shared how well parents from both communities got together to support the basketball program by driving and providing snacks. 

Roundtable:  None

Meeting adjourned 3:40 PM.

Next Governance meeting scheduled for May 22, 2006.