Corrales International School
5500 Wilshire Blvd NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico
School Advisory Committee Agenda
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
A. Meeting called to order
The meeting was called to order at 5:02 pm
Absent—gordon, , Gonzales,
B. Attendance:
Kinder: Brent Gordon--absent
1st: Marcelle Fiedler--here
2nd: Marc Gonzales--absent
3rd: Monica Carrick--here
4th: Susan Murphy--here
5th: Linda Kehoe--here
6th: Kim Romero/Megan Walsh--both here
7th: Tara Armijo-Prewitt/Naketta Wiley--both here
8th: Robin Yoder--here
9th: Nicole Montague--here
10th: Jennifer Dennison--here (Linda Klas)
11th: April Spaulding--here—looking for a replacement
12th: Stacy Blackwell--here –looking for a replacement
PYP: Ana Perea--here
MYP: Sheley Wimmer absent
Admin: Mark Tolley
Purple House: Maria Pumilia
Blue House: Naketta Wiley
Red House: Megan Walsh
Green House: Jennifer Dennison
Yellow House: April Spaulding
Orange House: Linda Kehoe
GC – Stacy Blackwell
Public/Parents: Maria Pumilia and Megan O’Brien
B. Action Proposed -- Adoption of agenda for September meeting:
Stacy Blackwell moved to adopt the September agenda. Tara Armijo-Prewitt seconded. There was no opposition. Action approved.
C. Action Proposed -- Adoption of meeting minutes for August:
April Spaulding clarified that the minutes should reflect that her grade level is 11th not 10th. Monica Carrick noted that the minutes did not reflect her statement that the SAC should consider term limits and notifying parents that they can replace past-term members. Naketta Wiley moved to approve the August minutes. Nicole Montague seconded. There was no opposition.
D. Public Comment: no public comment was offered.
E. SAC Member Comment:
Stacy Blackwell noted that a parent requested excused absences for college visits be included in the handbook. Mark Tolley noted that college visits with a letter are considered excused and the handbook will reflect that after revision.
April Spaulding reported that a parent was interested in learning more about after school options for MYP students and inquired whether debate would be offered. April Spaulding further inquired whether book reimbursement would be available for dual enrollment.
Linda Klas requested communication to parents regarding the dual enrollment program and book reimbursement.
April Spaulding noted that a parent thanked the school for excused tardies due to traffic.
Linda Klas inquired about the D letter grade for the school and the lack of communication regarding this. Tara Armijo-Prewitt noted that the information and a letter from Mark Tolley was posted on the CIS website and that there was a problem with our newsletter system that should be resolved soon.
Linda Klas noted that the traffic backup seems to be significantly worse this year and wonders how it can be rectified. Mark Tolley noted that the system used now should be easier for traffic buildup but wondered whether the change to restrict students waiting on Wilshire may increase drive through traffic. Jennifer Dennison suggested keeping the parking on the south side of Wilshire clear so that can be an overflow throughway.
Tara Armijo-Prewitt noted that a parent expressed concern about the crossing guard staying until school begins. Mark Tolley noted that this crossing guard is a volunteer and generally stays until 8am.
Linda Kehoe reported that a parent inquired about whether the school is still a nut free zone and whether a change would be considered. Jennifer Dennison suggested greater education about nut allergies in order to secure greater follow-through by families.
Monica Carrick reported that she had some questions from parents regarding our school grade as well as concerns about communication methods from teachers. Monica Carrick noted that she does not use facebook and thinks that inconsistent information dissemination is inappropriate. Monica Carrick reported positive feedback about the lunch service.
Marcelle Fiedler reported parent concern over the early lunch time for the younger students. Nicole Montague and Ana Perea reported that snacks are allowed later in the afternoon and parents are encouraged to send extra snack.
G. Director’s Report
· Head of School
Mark Tolley reported that CIS was assigned a grade of D this year and noted that he has challenged this grade officially. Mark Tolley reported that the D was a result many things:
1. Low growth
Mark Tolley noted that low growth in some categories and that some test results, while greater than the state average, was not sufficient. Mark Tolley noted that when you are performing at a higher level, growth becomes more difficult. Mark Tolley further noted that the bar for testing is increasingly high over time and while our test results are improving, the bar is being raised. Mark Tolley further noted that there is no indication of what the statistical peers for CIS would be to compare against for expected performance.
2. Attendance
Mark Tolley noted the low attendance rate (93%) significantly affected performance assessment and attendance must be increased.
3. Surveys
Mark Tolley further reported that CIS parent/student surveys were listed as not turned in to the state yet they definitely were turned in.
4. Graduation cohort
Mark Tolley noted that CIS did have a cohort of graduates but that CIS has requested that the state list CIS as a K-12 school instead of a K-10 school and this is the first year it was listed as K-12 even though CIS received points for a cohort last year (1) and this may have caused confusion.
5. College and Career Readiness
Mark Tolley noted that our 11th and 12th grade students are required to participate in CNM and UNM and the PLTW program.
I. Other Business:
Nomination of New SAC Representatives
Linda Klas was nominated by Jennifer Dennision to be the new 10th grade representative.
Voting for New SAC Representatives
Naketta Wiley motioned to accept the nomination. Stacy Blackwell seconded. There was no opposition.
Kim Romero was nominated to move to represent 11th and 12th grades and Stacy Blackwell and April Spaulding would be removed as reps.
Naketta Wiley reminded everyone to let parents know about the September 17th clean up day!!!!! Come out and help!
J. Meeting adjourned
The meeting was adjourned at 6:29pm.
The next meeting of the School Advisory Council will be October 5, 2016 at 5pm. It will be held in the library at Corrales International School.