October 3, 2005

Dear Parents/Guardians,

There are two committees that meet monthly to discuss issues that relate to Muirlands; Governance and School Site Council. Parents, teachers, administration, and auxiliary staff are represented on these committees. In the past, Governance and School Site Council (SSC) met at the same time and some members served on both committees. When Governance met on September 25, it was decided to have Governance and SSC meet as two separate committees. Governance will continue to meet monthly on the last Monday of the month and SSC will meet every six weeks with the meeting date and time to be determined. The purpose of this letter is to answer questions about SSC and to seek volunteers to serve on this committee.

What is the School Site Council?

The School Site Council is a requirement of the federal government. The School Site Council responsibilities:

1. Establish the council and Bylaws.

2. Review assessment data.

3. Seek input from advisory groups.

4. Develop/Recommend the site plan.

5. Review/Modify the site plan annually.

6. Establish budgets associated with the plan.

7. Monitor progress of plan implementation.

8. Evaluate implementation of plan and resulting student achievement.

9. Review/Establish ELAC tasks if necessary.

Who is on the SSC?

1. 50% staff members-principal, a minimum of 3 teachers, and 1 other staff member (minimum of 5)

2. 50% parents/community members (minimum of 5)

How are members selected?

o Teachers select teachers.

o Parents select parents/community members.

o Other school staff selects other school staff.

Timeline

1. October 6- informational letter sent home and via email with nomination form

2. October 14-completed nomination forms due back to Muirlands in the main office or sent via email

3. October 18- ballots will be distributed to students and via email

4. October 25-ballots due back to Muirlands or sent via email

The first SSC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 27, at 2:30 p.m. in the library. The agenda for that meeting will be distributed to elected members. Other meeting dates will be scheduled during the first meeting. .

Best regards,

Chris Hargrave