SSG Manuel Puentes Middle School

SIT Committee Meeting Minutes

October 22, 2014

Members Present:

Ms. Tidwell – Principal

Mr. Rendon- Asst. Principal

Ms. Luna- Asst. Principal

Laura Reyes – Campus Secretary

Melissa Trejo- District Technology representative

Mrs. Polanco – Parent representative

Ylusion Hernandez – Parent Liaison

Community representative from Spectrum

Alicia Gardea - Counselor

Amy Bermudez

Rose Colleng

Sylvia Garcia

Patricia Giorgi

Joanna Gonzalez

Jeannette Limon

Salina Cobos

Isabella Herrera

Norman Perez

Lorena Martinez – EPAC representative

Meeting began at 3:30 p.m. and ended at 4:15 p.m.

Minutes:

I.  Direction 1: Safe and Supportive Learning Environments – Mr. Rendon

  1. Bus Safety Week- Mr. Rendon introduced Mr. Reza, Director of Transportation
  2. Campus Safety Update- Mr. Rendon provided an update on campus safety

II.  Direction 2: College and Career Readiness

  1. PSAT Testing – Ms. Gardea reported 40 8th graders will be taking the PSAT on October 29, Early Release. All AVID students plus an additional 16 will take the PSAT. Start time is 8:00 a.m. Eighth grade teachers will be testing. Testing is state-wide.

III.  Direction 3: Highly Qualified, Effective Faculty and Staff

  1. Professional Development Request – L. Martinez reported that district is coordinating professional development for next year. Ms. Tidwell feels that math should be a target area for this since the department is working with new TEKS. Sixth grade students are challenged with the amount of algebra that is now in that content area. Ms. Tidwell also reported that this is the first year 8th graders will be using graphing calculators on STAAR and that SPED students will take the regular STAAR unless otherwise indicated. A form from district was distributed for suggestions on professional development. Various SIT members responded:
  2. Ms. Limon-Focus on instructional differentiation for SPED students
  3. Ms. Colleng- Training that would help math teachers to create lessons in light of new TEKS.
  4. Ms. Gonzalez- Meet with other content areas to help science incorporate writing
  5. Ms. Cobos – Training on how to sync Tablets to mimio
  6. EPAC Update – Earl Sanchez is the new EPAC administrator.

IV.  Direction 4: Home, School, Community Partnerships

  1. Make It Count- Ms. Luna reported that the district goal is 97%. We are a little shy of that. Music Café Wednesdays are a big incentive that is tied in to attending school every day.
  2. Data Reports- Ms. Luna reported that we have a low failure rate. Ms. Tidwell reminded SIT members of the direct correlation of students who fail at 9 weeks often fail STAAR. Also, next week failure meetings will be held. The second 9 weeks are most critical; lots of activities, holidays. Keep students focused.

V.  Direction 5: Accountability for All – Ms. Tidwell

  1. RTI- Tiered Students – Tier 3 student list has been distributed by Mr. Rendon.
  2. Benchmark Testing – Starts Nov. 4; classes will not freeze. Math and ELAR are allowed 2 class periods to test. Science and Social Studies, 1 class and 1 day for test make-up. Sylvia Garcia said that more time needed for students taking Science and Social Studies testing will be allowed.
  3. Honor Roll Recognition- A total of 314 students on honor roll! Awards ceremony is being done during Advisory.

VI.  Questions and Answers

  1. Spectrum representative mentioned that training on new equipment would be provided, if needed.
  2. Ms. Tidwell would like a good turnout at the November 4th feeder pattern community meeting at EL Dorado HS. The 8th grade band will be performing.