Month: October 2012

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting

 

10/25/12

 

 

Marcus called the meeting to order at 10:10am.

Go Giants!!

 

Leadership Team

 

I.          Wellness/UCSF School Wide Agenda

–Jessica and Susan presented information about the Substance Abuse Assembly last year.  They said this was the best assembly on this topic they have ever seen.  They would like to bring this one back and the presenter is loyal to Galileo.

–Jessica said that if a student is caught using drugs illegal substances on campus, they are assigned to 3 substance abuse sessions.  We have 35 cases so far this year.

–They explained the physiology of what illegal substances do to the body.  The students were really engaged.  They way he presents the subject is memorizing to the students and the adults.

–Jessica said this is the last year he can present to Galileo as he is finishing his residency.  He can bring 40 residents with him this year from UCSF.  They can come for a morning on a block day.  The date is March 21^st.  We need to let them know as soon as possible.  We have never had a double assembly schedule on a block day.

There would be debriefings by the 40 residents.

–Jessica asked the group what they think of this.  Wellness had never done a school-wide assembly.

–Stan suggested that we not have block schedule that week.

–Joseph suggested flip flopping Tuesday and Thursday that week.

–Ms. Maroun has a theater presentation that week.

–Discussion followed about various possible schedules.

–Joseph suggested running 4 assemblies so they are smaller.  Smaller audiences usually mean the kids are more focused.

–David said he is concerned about moving the kids in smaller groups.

–Jessica will bring back several schedule options in the next few weeks.

–Susan said the presenter touches on all disciplines—math, science, English, etc.

–Stan suggested 3 assemblies on a block day with prep materials, but the presenters are only able to be here in the morning.

–The presenter’s perspective is from the ER and what happens with substance abuse and what they see in the ER.

–Susan said she has never seen this great a program in all the 40 years she has been working with youth and families.

–Kathleen would like to get prep materials so they can have them translated.

–Marcus thanked Jessica and Susan for their work on this.

–The presenter will do a presentation for the staff ahead of the student presentation.

 

II.         Assembly Bell Schedule

–Marcus asked for feedback from the group.

–ELD liked #5, Social Studies #5, Math #1and #5, English and VPA did not discuss.

David said anything would be fine.  World Language said that as well.

–Decision made, Schedule #5.

 

III.       CPT/PD Committee

–Marcus asked everyone to think about how we develop the CPT/PD calendar for the future.  We need to look at needs and priorities for the school.  Please discuss with your department.  We will discuss at next meeting.

 

IV.        Food Fest Parameters

–Kathleen asked about homemade food.  Mr. Wing said that is not allowed. The student nutrition policy says homemade food is OK.  She also asked about sugar, etc.

 

–Susan brought the nutrition guidelines.  She also emailed everyone the guidelines.  She talked about the terrible food our students eat and the huge obesity problem in our youth today.

 

–Entrees from homemade food and restaurants are OK, but anything else must meet the student nutrition guidelines.

–Susan talked about events in the past where students ate healthy food.  She mentioned some foods that she felt students would buy.

–David asked if the system now is on the “honor system?”  Marcus said they sell the junk on those 4 days at other schools.  He has been talking to students in the hallways about selling candy by clubs and classes.

–Susan said public law is involved.

–Jessica said we were in the newspaper several years ago for not following the nutrition guidelines.

–Michelle thought the sponsors of clubs should have these guidelines sent to them again.

–Doug felt that the meetings prior to food fests address what is acceptable to sell and what is not.  Many teachers and sponsors do not know what was allowed and what is not allowed.

–David felt it would be good to have a list of ingredients at sales or nutritional information.

–Marcus said we would put out a concise email about this topic.

 

Department Head Agenda

 

I.          Budget Check-In (Google doc)

–Katie asked everyone if they got the document.  She asked if anyone has questions.

She said that most of the money went into supplies.  Please let her know by the end of the day tomorrow what you need.  She needs to lump all the departments together this time.  She will do budget transfers and these will then be reflected on the Google doc.

–Stan asked about Bio Tech and how much money they need.  He mentioned a number of pieces of equipment that he needs repaired.

–Marcus said Science always needs more money than other departments.  At other schools, many departments always chip in to Science.

 

II.         Department Budget Allocations

–David said Science has to spend all their money on supplies.  They do not have the option of field trips, sending teachers to PD, etc., because of the consumables they use every year.  He feels it is an equity issue and doing the allocations based on just the number of students does not meet the needs of the Science Department.  He is asking for a “bump” above the other departments.

–Doug agreed with David.  He also mentioned that we used to have a “tech” budget but we no longer have this.  He must replace computers with his budget.

–Michelle said they have to replace novels and she wants to see what funds are recovered for lost English books.

–Katie said the lost textbook recovery funds are not set by department and Connie keeps the records internally.

–Michelle asked for the process for asking for these funds.  Katie will check on this.

–Michelle said she would like to take charge of collecting funds for lost textbooks and then use these funds to purchase more books.

 

–David thought each department should have a basic operating funds and then the rest should be shared.

 

–Mat said what every his department has left over, they would share with the departments in need.

–Ethan mentioned past practices of larger classes getting more supplies.  The SSC decides if the money goes to teachers or supplies.

–Leah said if we need money for supplies to effectively teach the classes, then we might not have money for conferences, etc.

–Ethan asked what the department budgets are for this year.  Katie referred to the Google doc for the information.

 

–Doug asked how Katie broke the budget down.  She said it was based on the number of students.

 

–Stan said we never see any accounting on the club accounts.  Katie said it is listed on the outside of the accountant’s door.  It is updated weekly.  Joseph suggested it should be put on a Google doc.  Katie said the accountant uses accounting software that we do not have.

–David suggested we find out if she can present this information to us digitally.  Question was asked as to whether we want this information public.

–Class sponsors should know accountability for class funds.

 

–Katie said many of the departments have special needs and could make a pitch as to why they need extra funds.  Katie will rearrange the funds as to how the departments want.

–Doug suggested Science identify the dollar amounts per student for consumables in chemistry, biology, etc.  Discussion followed.

–Stan said Biotech needs $3,000-$5,000 for consumable supplies.  Bio Tech 2 is more expensive than Bio Tech 1.

–Katie reminded everyone that we might be looking at further budget cuts if the election results are not positive on Prop 30 and Prop 38.

–The question was asked—“Should we spend now?”  The answer is yes.  Downtown can freeze the budget any time.

–Marcus asked David to do his bare bones budget and let him see it.

 

III        Master Scheduling

–Nancy said Eleanor MarBeshears is taking on the scheduling of the Academies.  This will begin the first week in January.

–Counselors will visit classrooms the week of January 21^st to register students.

–Michelle asked if the counselors would visit the English classes.  Nancy said that has always been the easiest as everyone takes English.  This is over a 2-3 week span.

–Counselors will email the English teachers and the teachers will say when is the best time.

–Michelle asked about scheduling for AP and Honors classes—how or will we recruit for those classes.

–Students should sign up for Honors and AP classes they want and then schedule changes will only happen the first 3 weeks of school.

–Nancy said she is supposed to be done with the Master Schedule by May.

–David asked about the window for AP teachers getting a prep or a stipend.  Marcus and Nancy will discuss this and let the members know.

–Doug mentioned that some kids sign up for classes they are not capable of taking.  Screening should happen by March.

–Nancy mentioned problems with the district SIS.

–Marcus asked if anyone had a problem with changing the meeting to Wednesdays.  It would involve a change of prep periods for the members.

 

IV.        Course Titles

–Nancy will need to change course titles.  She asked for help in this process.  When she changes titles, grades disappear from School Loop.

–Doug said you can merge the classes before they begin.  Discussion followed on processes and problems.

–Some name changes are necessary so students get the proper credit.

–Doug suggested Nancy work with someone from School Loop and then we have a process to walk teachers through this. These changes must be done before the end of the semester.

 

V.         CFA Analysis CPT

–Next Wednesday we will do CFA Analysis.  You can look at English and Math or whatever you like.  Lisa will get Data for any group that wants it.  Lisa will provide a goal and questions departments of clusters can ask.  Look at the assessments and work with your information.

 

–Marcus would like to know the location of each cluster meeting.

 

VI.        Creative Clustering

–Lisa asked Michelle to talk about how the English Department does clustering—Clusters are set up by grade level.  Some teachers are teaching multiple levels, but each teacher will focus on one grade level.  They will focus on one project.

–In each cluster someone is appointed as the leader to take attendance, take notes, and report back to the whole department.

–Last week they worked with the “Thesis Statement.” Everyone reported back.  Then they talk about what has to be scaffolded.  She tries to focus on everyone doing the same thing, except for grade level.  Now it is transitioning into grade level appropriate.

 

–Ray said clusters happen twice a month.  He asked if once a month was enough for Special Ed.  They may not have time for 2 clusters per month.  He asked the members for their thoughts.

 

VII.      Miscellaneous

–Doug mentioned that Ray has students take the STAR test and this is the honest and direct way to do this.  Other schools do not all do this.  We are looking good.

–Ray mentioned the CMA test and the scores.

–Lisa talked about Spec. Ed. students with IEP’s who are in regular classes.  We need to open the lines of communication between regular teachers and Special Ed teachers.  Having Spec. Ed. teachers going to clusters is helping.

–Stan said there should be leveling of Special Ed students between classes.

–Ray said there should be a cap for each class and he mentioned 10%.

–He said some of the Regular Ed teachers are cooperative and others are not, so some classes have more Special Ed students.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:45am.

 

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting

 

10/11/12

 

 

Marcus called the meeting to order at 10:10am.

 

Leadership Team

 

I.          Winter Assembly Date

–Joseph talked about the suggestions of dates for the Winter Assembly.  He sent a survey to the staff and he found 45% wanted it to be Dec. 2st and 40% wanted the last day of “Dead Week”—Dec. 14^th.  He felt there would be more attendance at the Assembly if we did it Dec. 14^th and run 2 assemblies.  If we did it on Dec. 21^st we would probably just have 1 assembly.

–Science does not want to give up teaching time, so David said that his department wants Dec. 21^st.

–Stan said that many students do not want to come on Dec. 21^st.  Even performers may not show up.

 

–Stan asked about the Holiday Door Decorating Contest.  He suggested we reinstate it.  He asked for an opinion from the group.  He suggested each member check with their departments.  The last several times we had the contest there was little participation.

–Ray suggested that anyone could enter, not just homeroom door decorating.

 

II.         Assembly Bell Schedule

–Doug distributed options for a new assembly schedule.  He explained the 5 options by moving time around so that the afternoon classes were not 10 minutes longer than the morning classes.

-Option 1 has all classes at 50 minutes, except 3^rd.  We need to keep lunch from being too late for the cafeteria workers.

–Option 2 has all lunch between the assemblies.  This is problematic for those leading groups.  This option is out.

–Option 3 shortens the 2^nd assembly by 5 minutes.

–Option 4 has all classes 50 minutes and lunch is shortened 5 minutes.

–Option 5 and 6—5 lunch is 40 minutes and 6 lunch is 50 minutes.

–Doug felt Option 1 is the best choice.

–Stan expressed concern if the assemblies go over time.  We cannot reduce lunch to less than 40 minutes.

–Lisa asked why the assembly is 4^th period.  One answer is those in charge have 4^th period prep, and 4^th period is right before lunch.

 

–Marcus asked for the next steps.  David suggested it go to the departments for their input.

 

III.       Electronic Sign-In

–Doug said he would like to bring this up as mornings are rushed and teachers need time to get set up before 8am.  He suggested an electronic sign-in for teachers once they arrive in their rooms.

–Marcus said he would think about it.

–Doug said he could make it so that they say where they are when they sign in.

–Nancy asked if Bettie would be able to see easily which rooms are not covered.

–Ray asked if it is that hard to come in and sign-in in the office.

–Leah said it would be complicated to have Bettie look at the computer and the sign-in book.

–Doug explained that many teachers come in on the other side of the building and it is extra time to come to the Main Office and sign-in.

–Discussion followed.

–Stan talked about when he injured his back and how he did it.

–Joseph would like to see something that was a card swipe several places in the building. David said there were logistical issues with this.  He suggested a spreadsheet where everyone could put their initials in.

–Marcus said the administration would get back to the group.

 

IV.        Parking Enhancements

–Doug suggested a parabolic mirror, which would help see if there are parking places available and we could see students coming.

–He also suggested that the gate have an AA2 key on it so that teachers could go in and out.

–Ethan said it is illegal to have the area locked.

–Doug suggested a push bar to get out.

–Katie said that area is locked during the school day so that outside visitors cannot enter that way.  Rebecca opens it at lunchtime for access to the field.

–Marcus said we would do a little research.  The parabolic mirror is a good idea.

–Ethan said we need 2 of them.

–Katie asked Doug to find online what we need and she will make it work.

 

–Stan addressed the problems that happen with how people park and also on game days people come and block others in.

–Nancy said they would talk to security and have them help.

 

V.         Master Schedule

–Nancy said she was called downtown yesterday to learn about Synergy, which will be the new SIS.  It will begin in the summer, but training will be in the Spring.  Deadlines will be moved up to earlier dates and this will make for a smoother transition in Fall 2014 and schedules would be set by May 30^th.  Teachers going off for summer break would know what they are teaching exactly in the fall.

–Nancy spoke of dates the district would use for enrollment as well as how many of each group of students we would have.

–We would create on the old SIS system and then the district will convert to Synergy.

–Questions followed—concerning IT support, why can’t we build on Synergy, etc.

–Doug asked about the advantages of Synergy.  Nancy said the system will list ideal schedules and Nancy won’t have to figure it out.  It will have online attendance now so there will be no more attendance strips.

–There will be phone applications

–Katie said that SIS is a “stands alone” system used only by SFUSD.

–Katie also said Synergy is also a company that is nation wide.

–David said it is web based and teachers have more access to records.  Teachers would see immediately who was absent, excused, etc.

–Nancy said it is like a college system and students will be able to register for classes on line.  San Diego and Long Beach School Districts use Synergy. Those districts are 3 times as large as SFUSD.

–One concern is that not every classroom has a computer, so attendance could be an issue.  The union is looking into this.

–Nancy is willing to start early.

–Michelle asked how this would affect the counselors when they come into the classrooms to register students.

–Doug said we would be making placement decisions based on just the fall classes.

–Members asked about training and when it would happen.

–Michelle said that there would still be mass changes in the Fall.

–Nancy said this is a huge transition but one that needs to happen.  Nancy said they have been planning this for 2-3 years.

–David went to selection meetings on this and he said the fast transition is the best.

 

VI.        College Counselor

–We are going to get a counselor to help with those students who are in the middle.  This is being paid for with extra money from the district.  His name is Donald Harper.  He will make sure they are focused.  He will focus on Seniors and Juniors and then in the Spring with the lower classmen.

–Stan explained the financing that the SSC authorized.

–Katie said this is a Classified Position and not a counselor.

–This counselor will be working with targeted students.

 

Department Head Agenda

 

I.          CFAs

–October 31^st will be CLA, CFA and Data Analysis for CPT.

–Marcus said he had Social Studies and World Languages.  He is waiting for the others.  Please email or turn in paper assessments to Lisa.

–Every teacher should be giving some form of CFA’s between now and October 31^st—Stan said their CFAs were done as the Final Exam.

–David said they agreed to just give the exam knowing that some of the students will not know all of the information.

–Department discussions will happen on October 31^st.

–Part I was to make the assessments.  Part II will involve Data Director.

–Marcus gave a demonstration of Data Director.

–Leah asked how much time they would get to enter data.  David said last year the administration was going to do it for the teachers.  Marcus said he could do it.

–Joseph asked about VPA and PE where the assessments are not multiple-choice questions.  Lisa will look into it.

–Marcus said he inputted a 30-question test in 13 minutes.

–Marcus explained the scanning process.

 

II.         Back to School Night

–It is tonight and Nancy said she has not heard from too many who can’t come.

–Michelle wanted to know if there would be an announcement at the end of 6^th period for parents to get the report cards.

–Nancy said parents will register, fill out lunch applications, tour the Resource Fair, then go to the Auditorium, then Classroom Visits, then the Report Cards.  There are student helpers.  Report Cards will be given out in the Van Ness Gym.

–Resource Fair Tables will be in the Main Hallway.

–School Loop training will be in 260.

 

III.       College Fair

–October 12^th.  Seniors are expected to go and will be back 5^th period.

–Joseph asked if Seniors are excused tomorrow.  They need a Field Trip Form.

–A list of students who are not going will be given out tomorrow.

 

IV.        PSAT

–October 17^th.  All 10^th graders and 60 11^th graders.

–Michelle said they are giving their CLA’s next week and this is an issue.  They like to do it on a block day.

–Lisa can get an extension on the CLA.

–Stan has a concern about using his room on 10/17 for testing, when he had a lab planned.  Nancy said most of his students would be taking the PSAT.

–Nancy said it was challenging scheduling the rooms.

 

V.         Peer Observations

–The UBC said they would be interested in bringing these back.  She asked everyone to think about who they would like to observe, etc.  Lisa passed around a sign-up sheet. She hoped the newer teachers could observe some of the more experienced teachers.

–Lisa asked them to take this to their department meetings.

–Lisa brought some examples of the tools for Peer Observations and she passed them out.  She wants input from the group.

–David said a mini National Teaching Standards would be helpful.

–Joseph suggested printing it on legal size paper with the tear off on the top.

–Michelle discussed the English Dept. form that the administration uses.

–Stan asked if it was required that everyone use the same form.

–The administration will not see what the teachers write to each other.

–What did you like? What can I do better? and What I didn’t like are 3 areas Joseph mentioned.

–Michelle suggested keeping criticism or dislikes off the form.

–Doug asked if the Math Dept. could devise a form and the answer is Yes as long as there is a tear-off portion at the top.

–Lisa distributed more information for members to check.

 

–District and state all have different definitions for accommodations and modifications.

–CMA is considered a modified exam.  Katie has the clarifications

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:45am.