HMSA Advisory Board meeting

March 27, 2012

The meeting was called to order by Katina Dudley at 5:30 p.m.

In Attendance:

Katina Dudley, Director HMSA

Jesse Turner, Associate Principal MHS

Lauren Williamson, Biology Teacher MHS

Alison Neil, Career & College Counselor MHS

Rebekah Hanson, English Teacher MHS

Emily Dooley, Government Teacher MHS

John Donnelly, VP for Instruction & Student Services, PVCC

Jeff Prillaman, Director MESA

Mike Irani, Assistant PrincipalCale Elementary

Ann Craddock, VA Assoc. Health Occupations Students of America

Nikki Hastings, VP for laboratory operations at HemoShear biotech firm; VABIO

Fred Diehl, Biology Professor, University of Virginia

JC Wolfe, Dentist, Charlottesville Sedation

Philips Roberts, Chief, Field Support Activity, Rivanna Station; Defense Intelligence Agency

Updates:

34 students applied from 4 middles schools (no apps from Jouett)

Interviews will take place between now and mid-April

  • How well they work with their peers?
  • Why they are interested in health and medical sciences?

Applicants

Most students selected MD pathway, a couple bio/med, and a couple allied health. Desired career didn’t always match selected pathway.

  • Math Background:
  • 1/3 from Geometry
  • 1/3 from Algebra
  • 1/3 from Math 8.

Committee does have access to transcripts and test scores and will consider this information in the selection process.

  • Have students meet with the Advisory Board in May.
  • Additional Advisory Board/Student meeting during pre-school week todiscuss expectations.
  • School board said that they will provide part – time director and one to one technology in support of the Academy.

Suggestions discussed from initial update reports:

  • Work with elementary and middle schools to expand career exploration and conversations as early as 5th grade.
  • Math placement should be evaluated closely even as early as decisions made from 5th grade teachers as students enter Middle School.
  • Fred Diehl is concerned that we need to really focus on the kids who are NOT in the top tier. He is very skeptical that we will not be able to cover all three of these groups adequately and that the top tier will ultimately win out because of their vocal parents. He really feels like focusing on these other two groups will be more beneficial for the students and the community and that we should make this the focus.
  • Others agree that they are concerned that the majority of our applicants seem to be from the top tier.
  • Application committee feels like the group is more diverse than they appear based on the rest of their educational background and interest.
  • The goal of all three pathways is to make students more competitive for the workforce, PVCC or 4 year school.
  • Important to remain flexible and continually modify the curriculum to meet the needs of our students.
  • May be helpful to let people know this up front.
  • Feedback from Site Visits: Anatomy and physiology should be a focus.
  • Partner with Martha Jefferson and others in the medical community to use technology during off hours so that kids and have exposure to technology that we are unable to provide at MHS.

Questions Discussed:

How can the Advisory Board partner to implement clinical and internship opportunities?

  • Professional development prior to internships will help maintain partnerships with internship sites.
  • Alison Neil can provide workshops
  • Working with the board to identify not only soft skills but also professional skills.
  • LAB SKILLS (balance, microscope . . .) are almost more important than the anatomy and physiology.
  • Critical thinking skills and confidence to ask questions.
  • Intense computing skills will be helpful with the biotech group (coding, Excel, IT 119…)
  • Talk to Mike Craddock
  • Analysis of data and probability and statistics.
  • SCIENTIFIC METHOD – how to share the information with the public

Committees:

Speakers/Events (John Mitchem), Outreach (Nickel Lepchitz), Curriculum Development (Amy Hale, John Donnelly?, Nikki Hastings, Richard Lindsay?, Fred Diehl), Assessment (Emily Dooley, Fred Diehl), Counseling (Adam Southall, Alison Neil), Space Design (Jeff Prillaman, Fred Diehl), Publicity (Rebekah Hanson), Admissions (Fred Diehl)

Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 24th next meeting at 5:30; Meetings will be held monthly; fourth Tuesday of every month.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:30 p.m.