Wesley Chapel Elementary School

Committee Report: 21st Century Professionals/Quality Teachers and Administrators (Site-Based Committee)

Date: October 8, 2014

Members Present: Wendy Gravely, Martha McCraw, Linda Reinman, LuAnn Plyler, Deborah Baker, Brenda Knight, Melissa Debbold, Karen Matheson, Elisha Bauss, Parents: Ms. Hall, Mrs. Banks, Mrs. Heintel, Ms. Pickens

Agenda

  • UCPS School Size Recommendations
  • Research information on school sizes (Attached)
  • Discussion and input on recommended school sizes
  • Recommendations to the Board of Education/UCPS proposed numbers
  • Elementary School: 1000 student maximum
  • Middle School: 1600 student maximum
  • High School: 2200 student maximum
  • Add classrooms, core space, and bathrooms
  • Build additions to multiple middle schools to accommodate the numbers

UCPS School Size Recommendations were presented. Team discussed concerns, questions, and positives of the recommendations. Parents on the team raised concern with classroom sizes, building sizes (specifically in high schools), needed repairs on current schools, as well as larger schools. Parent, Mrs. Heintel, explained/shared information that was shared at the board meeting. Other team members shared concerns with having home builders held accountable. The team consensus was this option is a viable option and everyone agrees with this option instead of redistricting again.

  • Classroom Needs Assessment

Each grade level will create a prioritized needs list based on items the team feels they will need before the end of the school year. Teams were requested to email the list to administration before Friday October 17th.

  • PTO – Community Service Projects

Mrs. Heintel shared community service project ideas. Last year- the school made/donated bags for the homeless shelter. This year suggestions include: adopting a UCPS Title 1 school (uniforms, holiday parties, pajamas). The team agreed that WCES wants to help support a local need.

She also shared upcoming PTO events:

  • Boosterthon- October 30th. The theme this year is Rockin Town Live. The Kickoff Pep Rally will be Tuesday October 20th and spirit huddles will be the first 15 minutes of specials each day. Prizes: grade level, individual teachers, and student level. 10% of proceeds from Boosterthon go straight back to the school. Money raised from Boosterthon will be used for the playground and library. This year, each student/staff member will receive a spirit wear shirt to wear for Boosterthon. PTO asked the teachers to come up with a large item they would want for the school and email administration as soon as possible, as part of the Boosterthon funds/money raised. In addition, teachers were asked to vote if they want a grade level bulletin board contest or classroom door decorating contest during Boosterthon to raise spirit throughout the school. Prizes will be given for the winner. Rules regarding the contest will be sent out to teachers soon.
  • Staff Concerns

Staff members raised concerns with the flow of transitions between classrooms in the lunchroom. Also, concerns were raised that food/cafeteria staff are not always ready when the first classroom arrives for lunch daily.

  • Parent Concerns

Playground update still in progress and a draft of the plan will be available in the office soon.

Next meeting date: November 12, 2014