SIT Meeting –Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Meeting called to order at 3:33 pm

Meeting opened by Mrs. Venessa Betancourt, Principal. She welcomed all present.

Present:

  1. Venessa Betancourt - Principal
  2. Patricia Pedroza – ELAR & SS. SCEI
  3. David Herrera – Math & Science SCEI
  4. Amanda Bechtel – 8th Grade Exploring Careers – CTE Department Rep.
  5. Daisy Newport – 7th Grade Texas History, Campus EPAC Rep.
  6. Raul Gamez – 8th Grade US History – SS Department Rep.
  7. Mandy Porras- 8th Grade ELAR – ELAR Department Rep., SIT Secretary
  8. Sara Castillo – Counselor
  9. Seiglinde Fleenor- Assistant Principal
  10. Cathy Dixon – Band Director – Fine Arts Department Rep.
  11. Jaclyn Anaya- 8th Grade Science – Science Department Rep.
  12. Eddie Lopez – Coach – Physical Education Department Rep, Campus Athletic Coordinator
  13. Blanca Chan – 6th Grade ELAR, ESL Lab 6-8,7th grade AVID, Campus AVID Coordinator
  14. Sonia Baez-Morales – Librarian, AYPYN, UIL, SMART, NJHS Coordinator
  15. Eduardo Flores – 7th Grade Math, Math Department Rep.
  16. Lydia Sandoval – Parent Liaison
  17. Jorge Portillo – SPED
  18. Danielle Paez- Theater Arts

First order or business – Mrs. Newport review what was discussed at EPAC:

  • Pushing the use of social media to continue to showcase excellence in the district.
  • District wants to focus on staff development to bring back learning that will further enhancestudent learning.
  • Data Analysis
  • Leadership is being trained for new evaluator tool – TTESS
  • Discussed importance of collaborative learning in classroom and that it be done properly not just group work.
  • Websites need to updated
  • Safety continues to be paramount
  • SITs should be targeting discussion toward improving campus-wide attendance.
  • Discussed concerns such as outdated technology, infrastructure, printers, etc. There is a long list of items that are being addressed in order of greatest importance.

Next the Title 1 Part A Components Goal 2, Objective 2.5-2.8, of the CIP were reviewed.

All SIT members should familiarize themselves with the Campus Improvement Plan (CIP). It outlines Hernando’s plan for campus improvement and strategic direction.

We broke up into teams of 4 each targeting a specific content; ELAR, Math, Science, S. Studies

After reviewing the objective set from the previous academic year we discussed if 1. The growth projection was reasonable, and 2. If the strategies/activities in place were going to help with achieving the growth, and if they were actually in place.

All areas agreed that the percentage was manageable, although it should be that the students are not just passing to meet the 3% gain, but that there also be significant growth beyond the Stage 2 increase.

Concerns of strategies listed: Not enough PLC, more staff development options needed. Move back to blocks? Wants best practices to be in place that have shown results in the past.

Agenda items were next brought to order.

Agenda Item – Direction 1 – Safe and Supportive Schools

Safety, Olweus, Attendance: PRIDE

Mrs. Fleenor spoke on:

  1. Drills will continue as scheduled.
  2. Olweus – Lessons for after intersession will be emailed.
  3. PRIDE being managed by Mrs. Sandoval

Agenda Item – Direction 2 – College and Career Readiness

Mrs. Chan spoke on:

AVID

AVID fieldtrip to the Copper Refinery was awesome. The students were exceptional in behavior.

Friday will be the fundraising game. There will be a modified schedule

AVID has hired one more tutor. Still awaiting clearances to have them start officially.

Mrs. Betancourt spoke on:

Excellence in Urban Education

Takes the place of Broad. The recognitions are earned by individual campuses. Hernando will submit their intent to apply by 10/23, and will submit the complete application by November 12.

Agenda Item – Direction 3 – Highly Qualified Teachers

SCEIs spoke on:

Staff Development

  1. Will continue to look at areas where development is needed and will be relevant to the classroom. Teachers who attend SD must be willing to comeback and provide SD to teachers.
  2. New evaluation program

Agenda Item – Direction 4 – Parent and Community/Business Relationships

Mrs. Betancourt spoke on

Parental Involvement

  1. PTA sign-up – teachers encouraged to join.
  2. Working on raising funds for umbrellas for the courtyard.

Calendar

  1. Discussed up-coming events
  2. Student of the Month 10/15
  3. Pep Rally for Fall Sports 10/28
  4. Science Family Night / Haunted House 10/29
  5. Theatre Production 10/30
  6. Veterans Day Recognition/NJHS Induction 11/10
  7. Faculty Thanksgiving 11/20
  8. Career Day / Winter Festival 12/11

Agenda Item – Direction 5 – Accountability for ALL

Mrs. Betancourt spoke on:

Gradebooks

  1. Grades due 10/12 by noon – don’t delay in scanning – due by 9/25

At-Risk

  1. Follow calendar for documentation.

Mrs. Betancourt spoke on:

Teacher of the Month

  1. Will be decided by leadership team
  2. Based on observation, documentation, dedication to students in and out of the classroom

Floor opened to new business or questions.

No new topics for discussion.

Meeting adjourned by Mrs. Betancourt at 4:35pm