Vista Verde Middle School
School Council Meeting Minutes
Monday, October 15, 2007
3:00 p.m.
Administrative Conference Room
Vista Verde Middle School
The meeting began at 3:00 p.m
Members present:
Elaine Jacobs, principal
Carla Frei, parent
Melissa Taurisano, art teacher
Robin Mahon, English teacher
Renee Kucharski, media technician
Lisa Malloy-parent
Absent:
Linda Woolley, community member
- Introductions were made. New members were introduced.
- Discussion of by-laws and mission statement.
Mission Statement of School Council: The Vista Verde Middle School, School Council will provide input to the principal for the express purpose of school improvement. It shall consider programs and activities, which encourage and enhance the academic, social, emotional and physiological growth and well being of all students.
Meeting dates were set for the remainder of the year:
- Nov. 13, 2007 at 3:00 p.m.
- Dec. 10, 2007 at 3:00 p.m.
- February 4, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.
- March 3, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.
- May 12, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.
- Tax credit donations were discussed. The General Tax Credit account has $6,114.65 as its balance. The money will be used to support and pay for various after school activities, classes, salaries and field trips. Upcoming event-Rachel’s Challenge. This is a presentation for students, teachers and parents.
- Discussion of past School Council initiatives
- 2006-2007-ABC plan consistency-Elaine Jacobs reported that new and returning teachers received training on the ABC plan and students all received information by 1st hr. teachers at the beginning of the school year.
- Safety issues-The school put a gate near the PE area. The issue of campus safety during general election time is still in discussion.
- Discussion of possible 2007-2008 School Council initiatives
- Education of staff for recognizing the warning signs in students before any safety problems occur.
- Elaine Jacobs reported that the staff already received Child Abuse in-service as required by the State of Arizona. VVMS also has a Threat Assessment Team on campus.
- Elaine Jacobs has contacted Tom McSherry for a presentation to staff on December 6, 2007.
- School supplies communication for the start of school.
- Supplies needed for school as communicated by the office is different than the supplies communicated by individual teachers or teams. The supply lists come out late and many parents have difficulties finding supplies.
- Lock down rules and procedures.
- School silent witness
- Do students have the ability to report harassment and other school related issues without fear of retaliation. Discussion about the idea of advisor-advisee groups on campus. This idea is part of a middle school philosophy.
- Elaine Jacobs reported that this idea has been discussed in the past.
- Parent involvement
- How to get more parents actively involved in school activities. Suggestion to have a Peter Piper pizza night, ice cream socials for incoming 7th graders, a parent social at the same time that school dances are being held.
Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
