School Council Meeting Minutes

Academic Year: 2007-08

School Council Minutes
March 25, 2008

Attendance: Donna Aragon, Amy Ashbridge, John Boback, Sharon Cohen, Kathy Dopkin, Beau Feeny, Sheri Gifford, Myron Goldman, Carolyn Gray, Barbara Horowitz, Suzette Hunt, Susan Laverty, Rita Marano, Cullen McNamee, David Meketon, Brian Murray, Marjorie Neff, Nabeehah Parker, Vicki Petroski, Patsy Richardson, Paul Ricker, Bob Wlodarczyk

1. The minutes of previous meeting were approved
2. Principal’s Report
1. Budget 
1. Masterman received the same amount of funding in the budget as last year
2. A special education position will be paid for by the district instead of coming out of the Masterman budget
3. Kiln has been given to the art department and is being installed today
4. A scoreboard has been placed in the gym today as a result of a generous gift
5. The School District of Philadelphia will advertise for math and science teachers
1. They must be willing to help with the writing curriculum that is infused with nanotechnology
3. High School Issues – Student Representative Report
1. Health Fair
1. Students felt the sessions were excellent and well worth attendance
2. “Fiddler on the Roof”
1. The performance was terrific
3. Mock Trial Team
1. Will compete at the state level
4. Middle School Issues
1. There is no middle school representative at the meetings.  Mrs. Neff will speak with Ms. Tait to determine if a representative can attend, alone or with parent.
2. The Chess Team has won the state competition and will go on to compete in Texas in April
3. The 5th and 6th grade Green and White Dance was fun.
4. 5th and 6th graders participated in the Carver Science Fair and the Center City Science Fair.  There were Honorable Mentions.
5. Development of Funding Sources
1. Auction
1. $35,000 in donated items (close to 300 items)
2. St. Stephens Green is offering free finger food and special drink
6. Overcrowding Committee Update
1. Committees are meeting to determine what relationships exist with high performing schools
1. Architects are looking at data
7. Academic Issues
1. High School Courses
1. New offerings next year are General Psychology and Environmental Science
2. Mrs. Neff will limit the number of AP courses that students take.  The limit is 3.  Her hope is that students will learn deeply.
8. New Business
1. School Council election will occur in April as will the Building Committee
2. Open House for new teachers will be held on April 17, 2008 at 4:30 pm.  There is a need for math, English, grade, science, French, and chemistry teachers
3. The link for 250 great “Fiddler” photos is http://www.flicker.com/photos/jmcarpenter

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 4:45 pm in the IMC. 
(NOTE: Next Meeting changed to Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 4:45 pm in the IMC).

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn E. Gray

February 19, 2008

In Attendance: D.Aragon; A. Ashbridge; B. Feeny; S. Gifford; M. Goldman; C. Gray; B. Horowitz; S. Hunt; D. Meketon; M. Neff; P. Ricker; B. Wlodarczyk; P. Ricker; V. Petroski;

Minutes:   Approved

Principal’s Report: (M. Neff)
Teacher recruitment: Is ongoing, but the number of applicants could be greater.  Last year, most
applicants came from suggestions from the Masterman community. Applicants may apply by
writing to teachMasterman @gmail.com.  There are expected to be a number of openings in many departments next September.  Candidates will be tested on a rolling basis throughout this year. 

The Masterman School budget will be given next Monday.  It is expected that cuts will be minimal.
However, M. Neff  pointed out that sometimes cuts are made indirectly by keeping the dollars constant while increasing the cost of positions.  The amount of mentally gifted money is currently $675,000 and buys 7 teachers.  This funding is less certain than funding for regular teachers.
It was pointed out that Masterman receives minimal dollars for de-segregation and Title I.  These
funds are expected to remain relatively unchanged in the new budget.

A report on the Nashville Meeting was given.  One of the speakers, William Dagget, spoke about
the skills employers now seek from potential employees and the changes schools might make to
prepare the students to succeed in the job market in the 21st Century.  A power point presentation
of the speech has been requested. 

Student Representative Report:
High School (B. Feeny)
Reduction Committee intends to show “Inconvenient Truth” during guidance/lunch in the near future.
BWB will host a teacher luncheon on 2/29 with a $5 admission charge
Spring sports will start 3/3. This week there is open gym for basketball and softball.
SADD life saver campaign will be week of 4/4 and the Grim Reaper Event will be the week of 4/11.
Hoop It Up Foul Shooting Event will be held 5/16.
Peer Counseling Health Fair will be 3/14
SGA is working on their constitution and future events
There was discussion about the graduation practice of naming the college each graduate will be attending in the fall.  No decision was made, however D. Meketon and M. Neff will meet with students who have strong feelings on the issue and, when possible, an attempt will be made to accommodate these students.

Middle School (No student representative was present)
The science fair projects of the 5th and 6th graders are on display and judging will be this week.
The 5th graders will be going for lunch in Chinatown this Thursday.

Development of Funding Sources:
Auction- (A. Ashbridge)
 Hours of time have been donated to prepare for the auction to raise money for Masterman.  There will be more than 150 items valued in excess of $20,000 ready for bidding. A long list of super items was given.  These included vacations, valuable memberships, time with celebrities and many other valuable items.  The auction will be held on Friday 3/28 6:30-10 ish  in the IMC.  Teachers are encouraged to support the efforts of the parents.  As an incentive, St Stephens will have a special price and offerings for Masterman teachers on 3/28.  There will also be food at the auction; Specific information will be given as the time draws near.

Technology Grants: (M. Neff) Technology Committee met with Dr. Wilhite to develop a needs statement for future grant requests and for presentation, when appropriate, to the district. A survey of the Masterman students to determine their access to computers and the internet was suggested since there are grants with a focus on bridging the digital gap. 

It was pointed out that the resources at Masterman are insufficient to give the language AP Exams and these exams will be given off site, possibly at 440 Broad Street. 

It was noted that application for large grants must come from the school district. However, Masterman may be able to apply for smaller grants for specific needs; for example, digital equity as described above.

There was some discussion of the impact that insufficient state and federal funding for schools has on Masterman technology.

Overcrowding Committee Update: (D. Meketon and M. Neff)
Report: Subcommittees will be formed at the next meeting, which is tentatively set for 3/5.

Academic Issues;

Math Placement:  The math placement will be unchanged, however, changes are being made.  The math teachers in grades 5-7 are reviewing the scope of the math curriculum to include topics that might be missed due to acceleration. Summer workshops for incoming 5th graders are being considered.  The focus would be on testing incoming 5th graders to ascertain their strengths and weaknesses and to encourage the practicing of  mental and calculation skills, both at school and at home. 

AP Offerings: Environmental Science will be offered to seniors in September, 2008.   Seniors will be
limited to taking 3 AP courses.  This will result in a more manageable load and will allow more students to take AP courses.  AP courses will probably be offered by the district in the summer for students who wish to take an AP course they cannot take at Masterman. 

There is a possibility that Penn through Angela Duckworth will provide funding for a summer program
for incoming 5th graders to study if grit and persistence can be taught and learned.
           
The timing of summer programs was brought up. There was some discussion concerning the merits of offering summer workshops for kids in the beginning vs the end of the summer vacation.

New Business
It was pointed out that giving parents of incoming 5th graders time during orientation to gather by zip code has benefits.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30.  The next meeting will not be on 3/18 as scheduled. It will probably be held on 3/25 at 4:45 in the IMC. 

Respectfully submitted,
Myron Goldman

January 15, 2008

In Attendance: D.Aragon; A. Ashbridge; J. Boback; K. Dopkin; B. Feeny; S. Gifford; M. Goldman; C. Gray; B. Horowitz; S. Hunt; E. Jenson; S. Laverty; R. Marazzo; D. Meketon; C. McNamee; B. Murray; M. Neff; P. Ricker; B. Wlodarczyk 

Principal’s Report:

-       The Central Administration’s mid-year walk-through went well; reviewers were checking fidelity to core curriculum and student engagement; high level of instruction, active student engagement and student support were acknowledged

-       Meeting with Fran Newborg, Executive Director of Technology for the School District who recognizes Masterman’s technology needs and will help push the cause; At present, no money is being allocated form State for Classrooms of the future although we remain a candidate for that grant

-       Mid Term Examinations- Wednesday through Friday, January 16^TH- 18^TH

Student Representative Report:

High School

-       SGA is working on the constitution and examining honor code; Senior Feast, 01/23; Ski Trip, 02/01; the Athletic and Music Departments are conducting their own fundraisers; Soph Hop Committee to plan this year’s event; Peer Counseling plans Health Fair; Heads Up Program for Parents, 04/23

Middle School

-       None presented at this time (no student representative present)

Development of Funding Sources:

-       Ms. Nicholson will meet with Dr. Wilhite, 02/08, to determine specific needs for grant funding sources; there are sources available within the school district for mini-grants

Overcrowding Committee Update:

01/09 meeting; 24 attendees; focused on impact of overcrowding and brainstormed short- and long-term solutions; next meeting, 01/30 at 4:30pm to break into spin-off groups (e.g. fundraising, etc.)

Academic Issues; AP Offerings; Math Placement

-       Math Department will meet with the Principal about the complex issue of math placement and will bring possible solutions to Council when necessary; equity of AP offerings in other subject areas; some barriers to increasing AP offerings are flexibility with staff and scheduling problems; dual enrollment is being explored (Eastern is interested); possibly changing the structure of the MG program; Questions of Concern: At what point do we “fast track” students? What is most beneficial? Are we moving too fast and missing the basics?

New Business

- Reminder: Register now for SAT Prep courses, Saturdays, targeting Juniors and Sophomores; register by the end of March for SAT Prep Summer Camp

Respectfully submitted,

Suzette E. Hunt

December 18, 2007

Present:  Paul Ricker, Barbara Horowitz, K. Dopkins, David Meketon, Suzette Hunt, Sheri Gifford, Bob Wlodarczyk, Nabeehah Parker, Donna Aragon, Carolyn Gray, Amy Ashbridge, Vicki Petroski, Beau Feeney, Susan Laverty, Cullen McNamee

-Minutes from previous meeting were approved.

-MIDDLE SCHOOL ISSUES:

1. No new reports, but several issues from last meeting were reviewed.

• Clean-up committee will meet after break to address sanitation issues. Committee will assign volunteers to check bathrooms on a regular basis and communicate supply/cleaning issues.
• Middle School Identification Card – No update available
• Cleaning Supplies (brooms/dustpans) for classrooms. Suggestion was made that SGA reps prepare a donation request that could go out to the Masterman Community via the H&S mass e mail.
• Ms. Gray raised the issue of the increasing number of morning announcements, particularly those related to fundraising drives sponsored by various school groups/clubs.  Some days it is a challenge just to take attendance during advisory.  Suggestions from the group included having SGA coordinate the efforts of the various groups, using Guidance as a time for some announcements &/or establishing drop-off points through out the building for various donations.

2. Gifted Support for 5th and 6th grade has begun.  Sixth grade trip occurred on 12/03/07.  Fifth grade trip scheduled for 1/23/08.

_HIGH SCHOOL ISSUES:

• Constitution Committee in process of reviewing articles (4 of 12).
• Winter Formal was a success.  Proceeds will go to charity.
• HEADS-UP Program postponed until 1/13/08. Good feedback from Ms. Ilana and Peer Counselors regarding a similar program for parents, perhaps at the April H&S meeting.  They will f/u with program staff and report back to the group.
• Winter Concert on 12/20/07.  Tickets will be sold at the door for $5.00.
• Fiddler on the Roof March 6th, 7th, and 8th.

_PRINCIPAL’S REPORT (given by Mr. Meketon)

• Transportation:  Thanks to Noreen and Gerald Buck, starting in January

Students will be able to trade in SEPTA transpasses for a regional rail pass ($15.65 credit) at Suburban Station.

• High School Curriculum:  Honors Courses are now subject to audit

Through school district. to certify that they differ from regular courses.

• Technology Audit:  High School Labs circa 2002.  Middle School Labs

Circa 2003.  Both Due for upgrades.  Ms. Lehr and Ms. Nicholson are evaluating.
   4.  E mail went out today with suggested dates (1/8 or 1/9) for first
       meeting of Overcrowding Committee.
   5.  Mrs. Tancredi will be working with staff and students around integrity
       issues.  It was suggested that this be expanded to the entire Master-
      man community, including parents/guardians.  A Senior Project will look
     at the possibility of establishing an Honor Code at Masterman.  Currently
     there is a Philosophy Class project in process related to Honor Codes. 
      This is supported by SGA.  Perhaps they could provide forums for dis-
      Cussions among students. Everyone agreed that this culture must be
     Established in the 5th grade.

_ACADEMIC ISSUES:

• Issues related to AP Offerings and Math Placement was brought up by the group.  Mrs. Dopkins raised the possibility of eliminating 7th grade Algebra.  Her proposal was that all students take Algebra 1 in 8th grade, Geometry in 9th grade, Algebra 2 in 10th, Calc. 1 in 11th.  Seniors, based upon interest/strengths could choose to take a Calc ab/bc course.  This curriculum is still one year advanced and is more consistent with the developmental readiness for advanced math concepts. 
• For years, at Masterman acceleration has been equated with Advanced Math.  If we eliminate advanced math we level the playing field for all (though Ms. Dopkins pointed out that the real impact on GPA was minimal - .00425).  While this would eliminate one AP class in 11th grade, it could also lead to other AP opportunities.
• By focusing so much energy/attention on accelerating the curriculum we do, in fact, skip over many things.  Ms. Gray pointed out that the current focus on writing has been complicated since most students do not have a strong foundation in grammar.  Some of this is in the core curriculum but gets glossed over in our attempt to accelerate.  Ms. Dopkins also spoke about the benefits of covering the math curriculum in greater depth.
• Lengthy discussion ensued about the pros and cons of tracking. 
• Everyone was in agreement that this matter be placed on the agenda again for further discussion and serious consideration.

_ DEVELOPMENT OF FUNDING SOURCES:

Amy Ashbridge spoke about a parent volunteer who addressed council last year and was willing to help pursue grant money.  It was mentioned that Mrs. Neff had recently sent an e mail to staff asking if anyone was interested in pursuing grant money. Not sure of response. 

It was decided to postpone this discussion until the next meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheri Gifford.

NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, January 15, 2008.  4:45 P.M. in IMC

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2007
Submitted by Kathleen Dopkin

In Attendance: K. Dopkin; P. Ricker; B. Horowitz; D. Meketon; S. Hunt; S. Gifford;
B. Wlodarczyk; N. Parker; C. Gray; A. Ashbridge; V. Petroski; B. Feeny; S. Laverty;
C. McNamee; M. Neff; J. Klein; M. Goldman; K. Tait

1. There was a review/approval of the previous meeting minutes.
2. Middle school updates and issues were presented by Middle School SGA
1. Students will be holding a blanket drive for Christmas.  Blanket donations will go to the Salvation Army.
2. Students request:
1. cleaner and functional bathrooms
2. removal of bugs
3. better removal of trash, including a better recycling plan—Ms. Neff stressed the need to work these items from both the school maintenance side and the student side.  She indicated continuing concerns with trash in hallways and eating in hallways (particularly the fourth floor hall).
4. brooms and trash bins in every room—it was noted that last year’s plan for supplying each room with brooms and dustpans from an SGA fund had been reallocated to other purposes such as Mr. Masterman, volleyball tournament, and six senior projects)
5. paint
6. student identification badges for middle school students—Ms. Neff discussed the need to see if it could be done with the current system.  MS SGA indicated students might be willing to pay for the ID’s.
3. High school updates and issues were presented by High School SGA
1. Halloween Dance was held October 26.  330 Students attended.  Mr. Meketon indicated behavior was “flawless.”
2. There was a recent food drive with donated items going to St. Francis Xavier.  Each high school advisory was paired with a middle school advisory.  Grades 11 & 6 made the greatest number of contributions.
3. SGA Constitution Revision Committee starts December 4.
4. Peer Counseling & SADD will sponsor Heads Up on December 12.  Peer counseling will conduct supporting lessons including the Chain of Life.  Ms. Dopkin questioned whether any action had been taken to see if there was an equivalent program that could be offered to parents.  SGA will research. 
5. Winter athletic teams will be selling pretzels and conducting bake sales to raise funds.
6. GSA/Allies recently conducted a bake sale with proceeds going to the Mazzoni Center.
7. BWB (Building with Books) is selling bricks for fundraising.
8. NHS Winter Formal is December 14.
9. City-wide student government voter registration will be conducted and Masterman will participate.
10. Academic concerns
1. Why are there not advanced courses other than advanced math courses? 
1. Ms. Neff discussed the concept of AP courses being terminal courses, that there was not a significant amount of time in the schedule, and that AP English Lit had been examined last year but that there was no one to teach the course.
2. Mrs. Ashbridge questioned the ability to undertake Environmental Science and questioned our course selection compared to Central.  Ms. Neff compared Central’s offerings to Masterman’s.
3. Questions around the offering of accelerated classes led to a discussion of placement with Mrs. Ashbridge asking for consideration of the emotional toll on students.
4. Mr. Klein asked if the math department was considering a reevaluation of the current math program which includes all seventh grade students taking algebra I.  Ms. Tait discussed the significant amount of time seventh grade students spend of math compared to other subjects. 
5. A move was made to place this on the agenda again to discuss other options.
11. Overcrowding--Ms. Neff recently sent emails requesting participants for a smaller physical plant assessment committee.  She indicated that there was a volunteer skilled in space planning for non-profits willing to provide pro bono services.
12. Information Technology—Paul Ricker addressed potential grant money from the state, indicating those funds were not available yet.

School Council Agenda
October 16, 2007

Recording Secretary: David Meketon
Attending: P. Ricker, M Neff, S. Cohen, B. Horowitz, J. Boback, K.
Dopkin, M. Natkins, C. Gray, B. Feeny, S. Laverty, S. Hunt, V. Petroski, N. Parker, M. Goldman, B. Wlodarczyk, A. Ashbridge, R. Marazzo

Review / Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Minutes were approved. It was recommended that Council minutes be put on H&S website upon approval.

Middle School Issues; Student Representative Report
5th grade teachers are planning for a return overnight at the Franklin Institute. The new Mentally Gifted program for 5th and 6th grade was discussed. The Renzuli model is being implemented. The focus is on student interest. Study groups are formed from student surveys. An example of one of the workshops is “ Freaky Fabulous Frogs”. This approach is used elsewhere in the School District under the Emerging Scholars initiative. Parents and other members of the Masterman community are encouraged to present workshops of interest. A spring event showcasing student activities is being planned.

High School Issues; Student Representative Report
Students Against Destructive Decisions will be hosting a hayride on October 19 at Linville Orchards. There will also be a Halloween Dance on October 26. Student Government has a new bulletin board on the third floor. Mr. Sackett is the new sponsor. The school musical this year will be Fiddler on the Roof and the performance dates are March 6-8. Senior amnesty week was discussed and will be presented to department chairs at next cabinet meeting 10/25. There was also a discussion regarding the senior essay writing class and expectations. The purpose of the class is more for brain- storming and peer revision rather than providing time to actually write the essay. The last day for the magazine drive was 10/17. There was a discussion on how to increase high school participation. It was suggested that parents should be e-mailed via the H&S and be encouraged to buy magazines directly on-line.

Principal’s Report
There is a new lesson plan review system. Administrators are visiting the classrooms and are viewing the plans while the lessons are in progress. It was felt that this fostered greater awareness of instructional practice. Interim reports have been sent during the week of 10/9. Teacher recruitment efforts have proven very successful. See VI.

Teacher Recruitment
The School District will post demonstration teacher advertisements in November. Ms. Neff would like the faculty to consider becoming a
site selected school. Candidates may be lost due to the lag time between demonstration selection and site selection. This is of particular concern in hard to staff areas such as math and science. Under the demonstration system positions may not be offered until 7/31. It was felt that last year’s demonstration teacher process was very successful but that demonstration testing needed to be year round to avoid too many demonstration tests in May.

Parent Information Meetings & Volunteerism
It was suggested that parent information meetings be held in order to increase participation and to grow the volunteer pool. Concerns were expressed about volunteer burn out and the need to develop new people to fill the positions of graduating parents and those who have “done their time”. A discussion was had concerning new parent intimidation and ways to be welcoming to potential volunteers. Suggestions for helping parents connect to the school were made and we will continue to discuss ways of increasing volunteerism at Masterman. The social committee will look at ways to bring families together at the school.

New Business
The problem of overcrowding was brought up. All agree that crowding impacts on instruction. Various strategies for relieving the situation were discussed. An ad-hoc committee will form to examine the problem and to make suggestions.
Next Council Meeting – Tuesday; November 20, 2007; 4:45 PM in IMC.

NOTE: Due to the early dismissal day and conferences on Tuesday, November 20,
it was suggested that the next meeting by moved back one week to Tuesday, Nov.27.
This will be decided via email before next meeting.