November 7, 2011

Parent Advisory Agenda Notes:

Attendance: Lyle Hendrickson, Sherri Endres-Lovell, Heather Hatley, Marnie Harrington, Dawn Karls, Carol Mori, Marlene Sharkey, Kari Raemisch, Jacob Kohl, Ann Lins, and Rachel Breunig

  1. Homework Discussion:

Notes: There was a great discussion on this topic. We discussed the researched guideline of 10 minutes of homework per grade level. The following comments were given by those in attendance:

  • A little bit of homework every day is good. Twenty minutes of reading and 5 to 10 minutes of math Homelinks is pretty consistent with teachers.
  • Homework is a good way to tell where your child is at with understanding the concepts taught.
  • Parents have to set priorities as to what comes first – extra curricular activities or homework?
  • In how many households is homework a priority?
  • At what age is it appropriate for parents to tell their children that it’s their responsibility to do homework on their own?
  • If your child doesn’t get homework for many years, are they going to be ready when homework comes?
  • Just because we are having the discussion and beginning to meet on a Homework Policy, I hope we don’t bring the standards down because of what being done. Students need to have homework.
  1. Right Fit Book

Notes: Sherri Endres-Lovell spoke to the group about the Five Finger Test for finding a “Right Fit” book. Count on your fingers the number of mistakes you have when you read a page and the following rules apply:

Mistakes: 1 – Easy to read. Have fun.

Mistakes: 2 – Just right. Enjoy!

Mistakes: 3 – Challenging. But, try it you will like it.

Mistakes: 4 – Very Challenging. Read with a partner.

Mistakes: 5 – Too hard. Save it for later or have someone read it to you.

The When I Read…. Bookmark was shared. What do you do when are reading and don’t know a word?

  • I can look at the picture.
  • I can think about what makes sense.
  • I can read the sentence again.
  • I can get my mouth ready for the first sound.
  • I can skip the word and read on.
  • I can look for chunks I know. Example: into
  • I can ask for help.

Sherri also stressed that it is important to read to your child every chance you get. Also, ask questions about characters in the story, setting, and talk about the main ideas. Teachers are using the Daily 5 Strategies and the Houghton Mifflin materials 4K – 2.

  1. WKCE Testing

Notes: Lyle reported that students are testing this week. Third and fifth grade will be done on Thursday. Fourth grade will continue and be done on Monday, Nov. 14th.

  1. The Charter School Committee will come to the December Meeting.

Notes: There will be two meetings for parents and community to learn more about our new Charter School. The next PAC meeting will be designated for this discussion on Monday, December 5th at 6:00 in the Little Theater at the Elementary School. There will also be a second meeting on Thursday, December 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the same location. Childcare will be provided.

  1. Infinite Campus Report Cards

Notes: The primary and elementary school will be using Infinite Campus report cards in December. Parents can go to the Parent Portal to view the report cards once they are finished. Parents will have the option for the second trimester of getting a paper copy or printing them on their own from Infinite Campus.

Parents suggested a training session for Infinite Campus at a future meeting. Especially if you have a middle or high school student already.

  1. Paul Gasser – Love and Logic – January 9, 16, 23, & 30

Notes: Parents are invited to attend the Love and Logic sessions in January. There will be a $10 fee per family for the four sessions. An information sheet will be coming home in December. Childcare will be provided.

  1. Other

Notes: Parents liked getting the Newsletter through Infinite Campus email.

Question: Elementary/Middle/High School - At what grade do students learn how to study for a test? When are those strategies taught?

Thank you to everyone that attended. We appreciate your time and feedback.

Upcoming Meetings:

December 5, 2011 – Charter School Information

February 6, 2012

March 5, 2012

April 17, 2012