Present: Lydia Woerner, Karen Harrison, Randy Yamabe, Sherry Nagai, Margaret
Masunaga, Norma Matsumoto, Karen Heineche, Shawn Suzuki (Shawn arrived at 5:20
p.m.).
Non-member/Guest: Susan Kim
Meeting was called to order at 4:12 PM by Lydia Woerner.
Minutes were reviewed by the members. Motion to approve the minutes of 3/13/07
was made and seconded. Minutes accepted. It was discussed and agreed that if
there is a correction in the
minutes, Karen Harrison will notify Michelle Obregon immediately so that Michelle
can make the corrections on the KHS website at the time the minutes were corrected,
thereby not having to wait for the receipt and posting of that month’s
minutes at a later time.
Bell Schedule (Shawn)
Shawn was detained due to a conference call but since guest Susan Kim was present,
had signed in to hear about the agenda item “Bell Schedule” and
had to leave at 4:30 PM; there was a brief, informal discussion of this agenda
item first. Susan had heard of a possible schedule change and had concerns of
when a change would be implemented, and also suggested that we have parent meetings.
Lydia & Norma led a general discussion since they had attended a faculty
meeting held on Apr. 4th led by Joyce Crisafi and Noreen Kunitomo on the possible
schedule change. In theory, the 4 by 4 block schedule would allow more freshman
electives, guided study periods, tutoring built in during class time. There
would be 4 classes per semester, with each class being approximately 92-94 minutes
in length. Implementation would not be until the 2008 school year, and there,
of course, would be all the appropriate campaigns to inform parents, students,
staff, as well as the inservicing of teachers through professional development
opportunities. It was agreed that since Shawn was not present, we would table
this agenda item until the next meeting, when he can address the subject.
Update in Attendance Policy (Lydia)
Lydia reported that she conducted a vote at the faculty meeting on March 14,
2007 regarding the Attendance Policy. There was discussion by the faculty and
they voted (secret ballot) that same day. The faculty was supportive of the
proposed Attendance policy, but wanted one change. On the 2nd Draft, under “D
– Tardy” Add: “A student is not considered tardy if tardy
is due to school business.” Results of the vote: Out of 53 ballots, there
were 44 “YES” votes (83%) and 9 “NO” votes (17%). There
was discussion of forming an appeals committee to generate an appeals form with
deadlines, guidelines on how students can be heard, advocates for the students
at appeal etc. Lydia prepared the results from the faculty meeting and turned
everything over to Shawn to file the Waiver before March 31, 2007. There was
discussion of when the Attendance Policy would be approved. It goes to Art Souza
for a look over, and then on to Honolulu. They have 30 business days to let
us know of approval.
Another discussion of the Appeals Form with regards to timing and when we should
get the form out to the public. Margaret M. has agreed to help create the form/process
for appeal. “Sample” form should be available at registration. Discussion
of notifying parents with this year’s 4th quarter grades, in the handbook,
and in the Wild Cat Roar. This new policy may affect how vacations are planned
for the next school year; parents need to be aware of the appeals process and
appeals form.
Update on Contacting Grant Writer (Shawn)
Again, since Shawn was not present to address this agenda item, there was an
informal discussion
of grants. Margaret does have numerous emails through her office concerning
grants and opportunities for students. Discussion of who Margaret can forward
information to concerning grants and/or scholarships. Discussion of the advantage
of having a single coordinator, who can filter out what is appropriate for our
school and area. Given our diversity, and economic situation, we should be eligible
for numerous grants. We need a knowledgeable person to help
with the procurement of those opportunities.
Short discussion of next month’s meeting and the agenda items. Randy would like an update on the Life Skills Program. Is program being accomplished? Discussion of implementation/non-implementation of the program and the need for the personnel to implement. Put on agenda for next meeting.
Shawn arrived at 5:20 PM, and was asked if the Attendance Policy Waiver was sent in before March 31, 2007. Yes, sent in on March 28th with the Trend Report. Shawn will email copy of Waiver and Trend Report to Secretary Karen for distribution to all members.
Re-open discussion of the agenda item, Bell Schedule. Shawn - 4 by 4 Block
Schedule
advantages out way the disadvantages. It’s a change based on student’s
needs and student learning. Basically, the schedule would include the same 4
classes every day for a semester.
The next semester the student would take 4 completely different classes. Council
questions about school hours, recess, lunch, timing. Lunch would be earlier
than the present time, two periods after lunch instead of one, 1 short break
(not really recess), approximately 6 minutes passing time between classes, school
starting at approximately 8:16 AM. Options would be limited, i.e. study hall
required if student needed it. However, also rewards if student didn’t
need study hall,
potential longer lunch with recess.
Reminder from Shawn – there is a joint SCC dinner/training coming up in May. Shawn will get detailed information out to all members
Meeting Adjourned at 5:40 PM
May SCC Meeting – WEDNESDAY MAY 9, 2007 3:30 PM
Please note that the time of the meeting is not at our usual time, but at 3:30
PM
Proposed Agenda Items:
* Update on Contacting Grant Writer (Shawn)
* Update on Attendance Policy Waiver (Shawn)
* Update on Proposed 4 by 4 Block Schedule (Shawn)
* Update on Life Skills Program (Shawn)
* Council members completion of the "Principal's Survey/Recommendation
Form" (at the end of the meeting during an Executive (closed) session).
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Harrison
Karen Harrison, Secretary