Maria Sklodowska Curie Metro High School
4959 South Archer Avenue, Chicago, IL 60632
Phone (773) 535-2100 Fax (773) 535-2049
Allison Tingwall, Principal
Curie Local School Council
Minutes
LSC Special Meeting
6:30 pm
Wednesday January 18, 2017
4959 S. Archer Ave. Chicago Illinois,
Room 192
The meeting was called to order at 6:44 P.M.
A quorum was established.
Approval of minutes for a regular meeting in October 2016 was tabled.
School Updates
Ms. Tingwallsummarized the proposed Capital Improvement Plan. She explained that the work would be completed in stages, beginning in the summer of 2017. The project will require 2 summers for completion. The Curie facility will have to be shut down for work on the roof, as such will affect air conditioning/heating capacity. Students are being notified and this project will have an effect on summer school.
Transfer of Funds
At today’s meeting, there were no transfer of funds. Ms. Tingwall explained that negative values shown on the last page of the report are temporary until CPS makes adjustments---the values do not indicate monies that Curie will lose.
Vote on School Fundraisers
Ms. Brodereported that the track team is would host a fundraiser that would be ongoing until February 3. The track team is in need of funds to support 18 meets during a season that extends from January through the middle of May. Approximately 40 students are on the track team roster. LSC approval is needed for this measure. The company under consideration is Cherrydale, which offers a variety of gift items for sale and provides online facilitation of students’ sales. The vote to use contract with Cherrydale was uninimous.
Principal Evaluation Timeline
The LSC will meet on February 8th and again on March 8th at 6:30 PM to review packets. The meeting will be a closed session. The LSC will provide Ms. Tingwall with feedback on March 22nd in a closed meeting that will also commence at 6:30 PM.
Student Report
Student LSC representative Jeanette Olazar reported that students are experiencing stress regarding alterations to the scheduling of final exams. Ms. Tingwall explained the new scheduling rationale---explaining that testing is now scheduled either before the weekend or after the weekend depending on the subject. This measure was designed purposely so that students would not be overwhelmed by having to study for all of their most difficult exams at the same time.
PAC Report
Mr. Zupkus reported that PAC-sponsored ESL classes and computer classes had begun. Attendance was inpressively high. The PAC is hosting Zumba classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 PM. A counselor from St Anthony’s Hospital delivered a presentation at the last PAC meeting---the presentation was well-received.
PPLC Report
It was not possible to provide the PPLC report as the group will not meet until January 19, 2017 (1 day following this present meeting).
Diverse Learners News and Needs
Ms. Nugent, a union representative, reported that improved provision of physical education for disabled students is needed. Two teachers will need to be trained to teach gym with assistance (MDX PE). Ms. Tingwall is investigating what resources are needed to start this program in the 2017/2018 school year.
Principal’s Report
Improvements to the facility made possible by City Year were highlighted. Approximately 1200 volunteers donated time and energy to beautifying the facility on the Martin Luther King holdiay. Representatives from City Year were present at the LSC meeting and were acknowledged for their contribution. (Following the meeting, LSC members were given an extensive tour of the building to see newly painted classrooms, accent pillars in the hallways, and murals throughout.) PSAT score reports were distributed and ILT Learning Walks (detailed in the January 2017 Principal’s Report) are currently underway. Additional highlights included a report on the percentage of seniors who have completed FAFSA and 3 or more college applications, a visit to the University of Michigan by the Model UN club, and Musicality performing at the State of illinois House of Representatives Inauguration Ceremony.
Public Participation
Ms Lorena Vargas invited all present to attend the upcoming Zumba classes. Ms. Vasquez announced that there is a page in the yearbook for parent volunteers. Mr. Bahena announced that the After School Matters program will begin on February 21 and extend until May 11 or 24 (depending on the program). Curie will offer 9 programs, including digital media, lifeguarding, and more. He further announced the times for the After School Matters sessions, explained the process for registering students for participation, and encouraged parents to register soon because space is limited.
Adjournment
Ms. Vasquez announced that the next regular meeting would commence at 6:30 PM on Wednesday February 15, 2017. Ms. Tingwall presented a motion to bring the meeting to a close at 7:44 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Vasquez. All attendees voted in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Penelton-Campbell