Category: Meeting Minutes

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting

 

8/7/15

 I.  Introductions

 

Michael opened the meeting with a welcome to all. The members introduced themselves, and gave their backgrounds.

II.  Community Agreements

“Respect one another – Begin and end on time

Find ways to celebrate success

Be hard on the issue, not on the person

Keep and open mind and try to understand the views of others

Help keep discussion on track – be concise

Maintain a growth mindset

Step up – step back”

 

Michael asked the members to read the Community Agreements. He asked for feedback. Everyone was supportive of the Community Agreements.

 

Stephen Jackson asked Michael to explain, “Maintain a growth mindset. “ Michael explained his perspective on this with encouragement, re-framing and realizing we are all active learners.

 

III.       Website and Electronic Communications

 

Michael mentioned that he followed some of the communication over the summer. Hank Machtay is working on the new website which had just launched. We still have work to do, but it is evolving. He thanked Lisa and Hank for their work on the website.

 

Michael mentioned that we need to make a shift this year. There is a new suite of tools across the district. SFUSD is planning to launch Google Suite as tools across the district. He mentioned that Galileo is already there. SFUSD is looking at what we can do with Google Suite and the various tools.

 

Michael asked everyone to email him at sfusd email, not the galweb. This is connected to a shift that we will make together for protection. ReimerM@sfusd.edu.

He mentioned some problems with the Galileo web email—we are not approved by the district for this email and we are not protected.

 

Doug mentioned that Galileo Google Suite is the same as what the district is moving to. He mentioned the large number of educational institutions that use the Google Suite. He also mentioned shared educational information on our system. He suggested having Google merge our system into what the district will eventually adopt.

 

Michael said the Google accounts have not been approved by the school board. He wants to make sure we are protected. He mentioned that laptops must be Domain Registry—which means using sfusd email and log on with the district user name and password. Hippa, Ferpa and Records Request are important for security and that is why we must use district email accounts. In the fall SFUSD will shift to Google.

 

Stephen Jackson asked about how we can share documents for some tasks such as planning the master schedule. Michael discussed the transition period and now we can work in those operations, but we must now shift into the sfusd email.

 

Michelle asked if the Galileo web will still be active during the transition. She mentioned the community aspect of the Galileo email. Michael mentioned personal emails and work related emails and the importance of not exposing confidential information.

 

Doug asked when the transition would occur. Michael mentioned his push to the district and the number of other schools who have their own email systems. Michael mentioned the district just hired a new head of technology and said she is very good. She realizes the district is behind in technology.

 

Michael mentioned our website and how good it is. With communication we will need to shift. He wants everyone to use the district email accounts until the transition occurs.

 

Bai asked about the shared groups and how they will transition. Members can still share documents but should communicate with sfusd email. Eventually the district will move these when the transition occurs.

 

Joseph mentioned that we have been using Galileo email for 8 years. He suggested we wait to move until the district transition occurs. He felt we are taking a step backwards. Michael said it is important to protect people. More information will come next week. If Galileo email is hacked and district confidential information gets out there could be legal troubles.

IV.  Department Chair Meeting Materials

 

Michael walked the group through the packet. The UBR representative is the nurse. Lisa asked why she is on the list and not the other administrators. They will be added. ELD replaces English Language Learners. Ethan Winterling is also Athletic Director. Title should be Leadership Team—the district uses Instructional Leadership Team. We will be Leadership Team.

 

The next item is the Administration Team and their responsibilities. This may still be in a state of flux.

 

Lisa said the CAHSEE has been suspended and we will no longer administer the test. The bill has not passed yet. More information will be coming.

 

RTI—A is academic response to intervention. RTI-B is behavioral response to intervention.

 

Michael mentioned the Balanced Scorecard and Lisa gave the connection to the RTIs.

 

Next he presented Department Meeting Notes Protocol to use in the different departments for meetings. Michael put it in a shared document.

 

Goal Setting Protocol is the next item. He wants each department to come up with 3 goals for the year. Use the data and input from team members for the Balanced Scorecard. Lisa mentioned this is an easier form to use than in past years.

AAA—Achievement, Access, Accountability. This is a template to use to develop the 3 goals. This needs to be completed by the end of October.

 

Joseph asked for some help as with his department it might be challenging to set goals that apply across the board for all his members.

 

Illuminate—the new data system for the district—there will be some training during PD days next week.

Michael asked for a reasonable date to come up with the 3 goals. Lisa will provide some information. Michelle asked for time to meet with departments next week—the answer is yes. Michael said Thursday will have meeting times for those not going to district meetings. He said there will be some time at the end of Wednesday.

CPT will be essentially the same as last year.

Michelle and Joseph both suggested September 15^th and Michael suggested September 18^th.

 

Doug asked if the goals are strictly to be measuring student results. Can a goal center on something the teachers are to do? Michael said yes, but the intention of goal setting is to focus on the end person, i.e., students, but some would be OK as long as it centers on what happens in the classroom.

 

V.  Budget Updates

 

Michael distributed information on the budget. Overall, if our attendance holds at the start of school, we should be OK. $9.7 million is the amount for the entire site. He gave a brief overview of how we spend the money. $9.2 is spent on personnel. The rest is spent on what we need to do our work. He presented an overview of the categories.

 

He mentioned that the department allocations are preliminary until the 10-day count.

 

Joseph said in the past VAPA and PE got a part of the school allocation and also the Prop H funds as well. This is not reflected in t budget sheet for this meeting. Michael will review this.

 

Doug mentioned several years ago both VAPA and PE gave their allocations back to the rest of the departments.

 

Lisa asked what is considered school wide for supplies and how do we order without a budget secretary? Michael shared an order form. Fill it out and submit it with info from Office Depot. All orders will go through the budget secretary. We are hoping to hire someone soon. This secretary will work with Mark Heringer.   Mark talked about the ordering process and it will stay pretty much the same as last year. Mark will handle this process and is talking to Office Depot at this point.

 

Michael mentioned the importance of the paper request for supplies, as we will need the information for the future. Down the road we will move to electronic form.

 

VI.      Garbage Can Model article

 

Michael asked for a quick share on the article and why it is important. He mentioned sometimes our meetings will be about nuts and bolts, sometimes about instruction and sometimes professional development about our work.

 

This article comes out of Stanford. He mentioned the background on problem solving. He explained the focus of the article.

 

Discussion followed.

 

Informal Classroom Observations and Enrollment Fair Preparations agenda items will be tabled until the next meeting.

Class lists are available now in “Teacher View.” Homeroom is back. Department Heads will have homerooms.

 

Meeting adjourned at 12:15pm.

 

 

 

 

GALILEO ACADEMY

College Bulletin

June 1 – July 31, 2015, 2015

STUDENTS

For 9th, 10th, & 11th:

6/5 & 7/10 @1pm-3pm @ Notre Dame de Namur University   Meet current students, faculty and staff to discover what makes us special. We will be offering campus tours and an overview of the admissions and financial aid process.  To RSVP: https://info.ndnu.edu/undergraduate-event-open-house

7/27 @ 7pm-8:30pm @ Santa Clara Convention Center         Colleges that Change Lives Fair  There are about 40 small private colleges in this group.  They offer this free college fair.  They provide student centered education.  Check them out: CTCL.org

Chinese speaking students: Thrivent Financial is will provide FREE professional mentorship to 12 high school students with 6 mentors from different professions.  To apply: www.Lcholyspirit.org or call 415-661-1120 for questions.

 

PAGE for Teens is a non-profit dedicated to helping high school students plan for their careers and futures. They coordinate shadow sessions where teens go to a professional’s workplace and get Professional Advice, Guidance, and Exposure (PAGE) about different careers, and also have the great experience of seeing what it is like to be in a cool work environment.  For details or to sign up: https://www.pageforteens.org/

If you’re interested in getting a part time job or volunteering or internship, check School Loop, or the posting on the College & Career website or on the bulletin board in the Counseling Center.

Summer programs are highly valued by college.  If you’re interested in applying for fun and educational summer programs, please check out the list posted on the wall outside of room 255, or on School Loop, or the list on the College & Career website or see Ms. K. in room 458A on Tues. & Fri. afternoon.

 

For 11th:

5/20 @ 11:25am @ Auditorium     All juniors must report to the auditorium for an important assembly.

For 12th:

Congratulations on graduating from high school.  You’ve accomplished another milestone.  Please complete the Senior Exit Survey by 5/20 and ask either Vicki or Ms. S. Chan to sign you out.  Here is the survey link: https://goo.gl/nqIy66

If you want to know how to check your Cal. Grant account, please check School Loop for instructions.

Please be sure to check the Scholarship List for more scholarships and apply to as many scholarships as you can.  Check out the list on the College & Career website or on School Loop, or the Scholarship bulletin board in the Counseling Center.

Thanks,

Ms. S. Chan

College & Career Counselor

Room 258F

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting

 

3/10/15

 

Nancy called the meeting to order at 11:25am.

 

I.  “For Profit” Nominations

–Lauren distributed information on an organization that she felt was not represented correctly.  These letters go home and she is concerned that students go through the process.  The organization puts one of our teacher’s names on the letter.  Please let your teachers know about these unauthorized letters.  This program costs the student $2,000 – $3,000.

 

II.  Teacher/Department Budget Priorities

–Kathleen said her department programs were cut $4,000.  Priorities are tutoring program and class sizes.  She also mentioned a possible 7^th period study hall.  Parents were in favor of that.

 

–Stephen Jackson talked about improving classrooms—like smart board in Room 362—from the school budget, not spec. Ed. budget.

 

Alan—Library—keep a full time librarian.

 

Mat – Social Studies—would like status quo.

VAPA—Joseph—restore dance, drama, and band.  He wonders about the fact that we have a little more money this year but lots of items on the chopping block.

 

–Mark B.—sees his position at risk.

 

–Alicia—World Languages—full time librarian, elective in World Languages. Community building school spirit or money to have activities that will build community spirit.  Offering sign language.  They would like a functioning language lab.

 

–Math—Doug said they would like to keep the same number of sections, class sizes as they are now.  Math would like to add an additional prep for another teacher to teach AP Stats.

 

–Science—for David—retain staff school-wide; maintain current class size, larger science budget for operating labs, safety issues maintained.

 

English—Michelle–# 1 maintain class size we have and slightly lower class sizes in 10^th grade regular English.  This is where they have the bulk of D’s and F’s.  #2 priority is to retain the Librarian.  #3 Add electives that are humanity based.  Maintain current budget.

–Lauren for AVID.  3 years ago the program took a 40% cut.  Slowly get back to that point.

 

–Lauren said for Counseling the EL position is necessary.

–Susan said Wellness is not part of the Galileo budget.

 

–Ethan for PE is class size.  Maintain what we have now.

 

Michelle asked why we would add a Science teacher if a current teacher could teach Biotech.  This would cost $92,000 and we only have a $70,000 surplus.  Why is this a priority?

–Michelle about AVID.

–Doug asked what was the rational for the cut list to be generated.

–Alicia said she hated to see electives gone.  These make schools attractive to both students and parents.

–Marc talked about district paying for his benefits and fundraising for his salary.  He talked about what goes on behind the scenes with the academies and pathways.  There is a need for his position.

–Joseph agrees with Doug and Michelle as to why some of these cuts are being discussed.  He mentioned Eugene Wing with Leadership, Karin Lau with the budget, Librarian is necessary, Journalism and Yearbook help to build community and we should not cut them.  He advocates the PTSA position for increased use of School Loop.  More CPT should be planned for this.

 

–Mat said we should preserve programs and not add programs.

–Alan echoed what has been said.

–Stephen J. echoed Alicia.  Electives are important to the school culture.  We need to make sure there are very good educational opportunities beyond the basics.

–Kathleen mentioned the EL Coordinator prep.  She mentioned the many ELD cuts with new ELD students coming in.  ELD class sizes are larger this year. The Newcomer Counselor should be in the Counseling Office.  This should be separate from Parent Liaison.

–Susan talked about School Loop and what the PTSA says.  It is not a budgetary issue.  She agrees with the needs of electives. She supports a full time Librarian.

–She talked about the Parent Liaison and what they do in other schools.  Now this is with a counselor.  She talked about the Intervention Specialist.

–Lauren asked about the Leadership Class.  Eugene Wing had an ASB Prep, now he has an ASB class.  To manage the students without the prep or the class, it would be hard to make all the arrangements.

 

–Ethan said we have tough decisions down the line.  We might look at alternatives, rather than eliminating programs.  We can look at these programs that have been around a long time and add to the culture.

–Lisa said she thinks the list comes from the past few years.

–Nancy said these are just possibilities and not all of the items will be cut.  She encouraged everyone to attend tomorrow’s SSC Community meeting.  It will be held in the library after school.

 

–Michelle mentioned that many feel the need to have more electives.  We should look at electives we have and what could appeal to more students.  Maybe some can be clubs or after school classes.

–Susan mentioned the importance of electives.  We need a Library and choices for students.

 

III.  Miscellaneous

–Susan mentioned the trip tomorrow to ”The Princess Project.”  Susan can take up to 70 girls.  Please let her know if you know of students who would like to go along.  Priorities should be seniors but other grades can attend.

 

–Lisa mentioned the change in the yearly calendar.  The talent show is March 27, not March 20^th.  It will be a double 4^th period schedule.

 

Meeting adjourned at 12:05pm.

 

 

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting

 

3/3/15

 

Marcus called the meeting to order at 11:20am.

 

I.          Debrief about today’s Emergency Evacuation Drill

–We had many subs today and they evacuated but did not know the directions.  We need to get a cheat sheet for evacuations for our daily subs.

–We may need an announcement along with the fire alarm.  Marcus said no matter what evacuate.

–Stephen Jackson asked about the evacuation routes.  Nancy said she feels that some classes have changed routes and the bottlenecks seem less for his evacuation route.

–Susan suggested a half sheet for subs to tell them what to do.  She suggested using all staff, like paras, secretaries and even the accountant on Tuesdays.

–David mentioned different class periods will have different amounts of traffic as we cross the street.

–Marcus saw 2 things—we need to make individual evacuation plans for students in wheel chairs and we need to learn how to use the evacuation chairs.  This should be for every student for every period.

–Lisa mentioned no one would have known where Tammy was and how to evacuate her.  She also suggested bright yellow vests along with the stop signs for those faculty being crossing guards.

–Lauren felt it was very messy on the field.  She said in an actual emergency it would be hard to take attendance.  The students were not getting in lines.  With online attendance it is difficulty to take attendance on the field.

–Stephen Jackson mentioned he and Nurse Kitchell are still in charge of food water and blankets.  They have no idea how much to get.  Marcus asked JROTC to put that plan together.

–Nancy asked who would pay for all these supplies.  How much water?  Portable toilets would be necessary.

–Stephen Emmi mentioned he is part of the field command center but he is not sure what he is supposed to do.  It is important for teachers to go with their students to their assigned line.

–Susan Kitchell said teachers on prep showed up at the command center and helped.  This should be handled at the first PD of the school year.

–Joseph said for attendance on the field—every teacher should have a copy of the class roster and keep it with their emergency supplies then they will have a hard copy.

 

II.         EL Students’ CELDT Scores

–Kathleen handed out all the CELDT scores for each department.  Kathleen explained the components of the form.

 

III.       EWI Students

–Marcus said the EWI stands for Early Warning Indicators—identified in middle school with 2 issues—attendance and grades.  3 principals—Balboa, Washington and Galileo are meeting to figure out what we are doing as a school and what we need to do to improve.

–GW has retained 45% of 9^th graders who have made it to the 11^th grade.  Gal—44% and Balboa statistic was not presented.

–We have gathered these students to talk with them about what is working for them.  They did a videotape and we will see the video at our next meeting.  He distributed a list of the students and this also indicates which students were in the interview.  These students are the success stories and we want to learn from them.  He talked about the questions they put to the students.  Marcus said it was a very good conversation.

–A unifying theme was to be a more serious student in the 9^th grade.  Attendance should have been better.  Family structure is important.  They were asked if they have a positive relationship with one adult in the building and most of them said they did.

–Susan asked what are we doing about the parents and how they value/not value higher education.

–Joseph suggested we pay these students to go to class, via a raffle.  Money talks.

–All the students learned to be resiliency.

 

IV.  Budget/ School Wide Priorities

–Michelle M. asked if we are shifting priorities?  Marcus asked everyone to go back to their departments to ask how the members feel.  He distributed a list of priorities.

–Nancy said we have our SSC Summit on Saturday and we will be discussing this item.

–Marcus said we can improve on CAHSEE.  We should do more next year on this.

–Susan said she would like to do better on Free and Reduced Lunch to capture the students who need to eat.  She also suggested Grab and Go 2 around 10:00am.  She also said we need some incentive to have the students turn in the forms.  She also mentioned that often students come to her for food.

–Kathleen said “Off the Grid” does fundraisers, but this can only be for adults.

–Susan asked about the giant food machine in the hallway by 150.  It is too large for students to pass in an emergency.

 

–Michelle asked about how the forms from the district were processed and distributed this year.  Susan asked if new students could fill out the form when they enroll, but the forms are not ready at that time.

 

–Susan asked what the $80,000 extra in our budget means.  Marcus said we are in the beginning stages of planning.

–David asked about some things we lost from last year.  Marcus mentioned we lost an Attendance Office.   ELAC wanted a study skills class during a 7^th period.  Marcus said we are working on that right now.

 

–Lisa talked about request from the PTSA, on Phone System, Web Site, Communication, etc.  We will have to designate some funds to someone to update our web site.

 

–Marcus asked everyone to check with their departments for their thoughts and ideas.

 

V.         Miscellaneous

–Susan said next week she is taking 70 girls to the Princess Project to shop for Prom dresses.  Each girl will have a personal shopper who helps her.  They get a free dress and one accessory.

–Joseph said next year’s Prom will be at the Intercontinental Hotel on April 23, 2016.  He also asked for chaperones for the Boat Dance on March 14, 2015.

 

Meeting adjourned at 12:20pm.

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting

 

2/24/15

 

Marcus called the meeting to order at 11:20am.

 

I.          Computer Lab

–Michelle M. asked about the hours for the computer lab. Marcus said 7am – 5pm.

 

II.         Wellness Staff Survey

–Michelle F. mentioned this survey is done every other year.  It is all computerized now. The goal is 80% of the staff should complete this.  There is a raffle for a $15 Safeway card.  She is asking for feedback on the best way to do this.  Lisa suggested completing it in department meetings.  It takes 10 minutes and is due sometime in May.

–Lisa said she could organize the paras to complete it on an early release day.

–Michelle will send out the link to the whole faculty.

 

III.       Budget

–Marcus said we saw a $700,000 increase in the budget for next year, but due to the raises this increase just covers all of the raises in all of the positions.  The bottom line is an $80,000 increase, not even enough for 1 teaching position.

–Ethan mentioned the cost of district teachers on special assignment totaling about $3 million dollars taking funds away from the students.  These teachers work from the special assignment budget.  Susan indicated these funds are usually taken from grant funds.  She said this is an out of credential teaching funding.  The issue is the way this district spends the money they get from the state.

–Marcus said he is concerned about security aides, Peer Resources and JROTC.

–Nancy said the district is encouraging us to offer an Ethnic Studies class to 9^th graders next year.

–Joseph asked what class 9^th graders would drop to take this class.  It could be Social Studies or VAPA.

 

–1975 students is the allocation for the fall.  This will include a decrease in ELLs.  We should have about 388 ELLs next fall.

–Joseph asked how many of the 45 allocated ELLs have arrived.

–Marcus said the good news is we won’t have to do any cutting.  We may have to do some adjusting.  He said we will present this to the SSC at tomorrow’s meeting.

 

–Susan asked if there has been any talk about closing under enrolled high schools.  Marcus said there is always talk of that, but nothing has happened so far.

 

IV.        Miscellaneous

–Stephen Emmi said the counseling office will be visiting Social Studies classes next week.

–Marcus congratulated Nancy who received a 3-year contract from the district.

–We also got the word that Stephen Emmi will be voted in at the SSC meeting tomorrow.

–Kathleen mentioned those who just passed the National Boards and we have 10-15 on staff who have passed the National Boards.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:42am.

 

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting

 

2/17/15

 

Marcus called the meeting to order at 11:20am.

 

I.          Department Head Budget Priorities

–Marcus said we would get next year’s budget on Monday.  The PTSA meets tonight for budget priorities.  He will meet with ELAC next week.  These will be the two community meetings.  He will give the budget to the SSC next week.

–Marcus said the budget would be based on a class size of 33.  He is not sure what that means.

–Marcus said we have small class sizes in some areas and this could affect the budget.

–Marcus wants feedback on what the departments need.  What are our priorities?

 

–Lisa will run the community meeting tonight with the PTSA.  He put up a sheet detailing the items at the meeting.  He explained the agenda.  He explained the requests of the PTSA, current priorities—class size, Academy pathways, electives, co-teaching, and newcomers.  Central Office areas identified:  CAHSEE, Attendance, A-G grad track, Suspensions, G.P.A.  The district wants us to improve in these areas.

–Marcus said we will have to increase the school-wide budget.

 

–Marcus asked for discussion or other priorities.

–Lauren wanted to add Special Programs to Academies and Pathways—AVID, Chinese Immersion.

–Marcus said he would get some information on how many students are taking more than one class in specific areas.

 

II.         Co-Teaching Placements 2015/16

–Stephen Jackson talked about feedback from this year.  Some teachers felt that had too many students with IEPs.  In Special Ed, Case Managers will look at each student and their schedules.  Perhaps some of these students do not need co-teachers.  They will analyze all of their students.  They will collect the data, and then present this to the general ed teachers.  He asked if there is anything else his department can do.

–Michelle mentioned that some of her classes have large numbers of students with IEPs and this can be overwhelming for the teachers.

–Susan said there is a special committee working with this issue in union bargaining.

–Registration will be during the first 2 weeks of March.

–February 27^th during lunch will be the Academy & Pathway Fair.

–Marcus said if anyone is proposing a course, please let admin know right away.

 

III.       AP Course Registration

–Mat said this is a good time to recruit for AP classes— via G-House TV, lunchtime.  Mat asked if counselors need a checklist for the courses.  Mat will email this information to Stephen Emmi.  Spreadsheets will be available for department heads to edit.

–Stephen Emmi said students know if they are being recommended for an AP class.

–Kathleen said there were no ELL students in AP language courses at this time.  They should be proficient in English before signing up for AP courses.

 

 

IV.        Timely Arrangements for Substitutes

–Please remind your teachers to plan ahead of time for teachers who know they will be absent.  Please contact subs and make arrangements ahead of time.

 

V.         Computer Cart Sign-up

–Alicia mentioned some teachers had signed up for 10 days straight with the computer cart.  She mentioned the protocol and it does not seem to be the same as the labs.

–Lisa said it should be the same and she will edit the information.

–Alicia asked how many days in a row can a teacher sign up for the computer carts?  Lisa will clarify this.  Doug explained a situation with the math department and the new and old carts.  He also said his department shared the sign up of the cart, but one person signed out the carts for the whole department.

–Lisa talked about testing and the use of the carts and prep for testing.

–Lisa reminded teachers not to send substitutes to the computer lab when they are absent.  Lisa needs to approve reoccurring reservations.

–Marcus asked Lisa to send out an email detailing the reservation policies.

 

VI.        Senior Awards

–Marcus mentioned our last discussion about the Move-Up Assembly.  We will have a Move-Up Celebration this year and the ASB officers will do the “moving.”  This will turn into a carnival and food fest.

–Senior Awards Dinner—kids who are getting an award will be invited.  It will be in the gym with a catered dinner.  This will recognize academics as well as other awards.  She asked the group to brainstorm awards.

Beating the Odds Award.  LATA and TACT Scholarships, SF Achievers.  Most improved award.  Citizenship Award, Community Service Award (in and outside the Galileo community).

–Doug asked if this should be within departments.  Healthy Choice Award, Newcomer of the Year; Student Performance Award;  Teacher Pop Pole for students;

Marc suggested Most Creative Award Outside the Classroom;  Creativity Award;.

 

–Joseph said he would miss the ceremony at Move-up with the band and orchestra.  Marcus said this could still happen at the celebration.

 

VII.      Miscellaneous

–Susan sent an email to students and their parents about immunizations.  The box to put the responses in is in the Counseling Office.  Autodialer will go out today.  Deadline is March 1, 2015.  Susan explained the guidelines.

 

Meeting adjourned at 12:10pm.

 

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting

 

2/10/15

 

Marcus called the meeting to order at 11:20am.

 

I.          Emergency Drills

–Nancy said that we need to get back to practicing the drills.  She said we will have one this month.  She asked the group for feedback on the last drills last semester.

–The group preferred the last week of February.

–Michelle asked about the Healthy Kids Survey and when it will be given—either a Tuesday or Friday of the last week of February.

–Alan said there is a tech event that Friday (27^th).

–Nancy suggested Monday, February 23, 2015.  This will be a fire drill.

 

II.         Drink Tap Assembly

–Friday, March 6, 2015.  It will be an invitational assembly using the filling stations.  Encourage your teachers to attend.

–Marcus said we have one in the cafeteria and we may get one more.  Every student who comes will be given the Hetch-Hetchy water bottle.  Friday, March 6^th 11:45 am – 112:20pm is the time scheduled.

–Discussion followed about how many bottles we have left and how to distribute them.

–Marcus suggested giving students who attend the assembly a ticket and then they can turn in the ticket for a bottle.

–David asked how often the filter will be replaced.

 

III.       AP Test Administration & Sign-Up

–Doug mentioned a plan Stephen Emmi was working on and that would be to have all students taking the tests to sign up at the same time and pay at that time.

–He mentioned Washington uses an AP Coordinator (.2) and he was paid for collecting the funds.  Lowell funds a person to do all AP activities.

–Doug says teachers are walking around with lots of money and what happens if someone steals the money?

–Marcus said the money should be turned in to the AP Coordinator.

–David asked what happens if students don’t qualify for a reduced rate, what happens if they don’t sign up for the test? Nancy said she used to handle those cases.  A statement from the parents should qualify a student for the reduced rate.

–Doug told the group how he handles it.

–Marcus said everyone enrolled in the AP courses should take the tests.

–Information is due March 2^nd.

–Stephen Emmi clarified the $5 fee and the form they must fill out.  He mentioned we are no longer getting information on free and reduced price lunch.

Classes will visit the counseling office as a group on a pre-arranged date to sign-up and pay.

 

IV.        Criteria for Selecting Teachers to Assess IWA (Integrated Writing Assessment)

–This is given to 9^th graders.  The purpose is to calibrate writing.  Last year all 9^th grade English teachers but one went.  This year AP teachers with writing will be the ones to participate in this.  We will go through each department.

–Michelle said this test is the one that looks the most like the Smarter Balance which students take in the 11^th grade.  Topics in the test are science, social science, and not necessarily novels.

 

V.         Feedback from CLRP Presentation

–Marcus asked for feedback from the group.

–Mat asked about a subject like math.

–Doug has not found helpful information from this activity.

–Marcus said one strategy for Math is “Get out of your seat.”  He demonstrated this activity.  We need to address many types of learners.

–Marcus said the next area would be participation points to engage all students.

 

VI.        Miscellaneous

–Stephen Jackson mentioned an email he sent to the group about “At a Glance Documents.”  He mentioned they are all on Google Drive.  You can view a list of students who have IEPs and can see basic information about the students.  He mentioned the documents will be updated after an IEP.

 

–Lauren distributed a calendar with Senior Activities in May.  She discussed the events on the calendar.

–Lauren will ask for volunteers to read names at graduation.

–Forms for department honors will be distributed later this week.  Deadline will most likely be mid-March.

–Students nominated for honors will be checked by the Deans’ Office for cheating referrals.

 

Meeting adjourned at 12:05pm.

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting

 

1/27/15

 

Marcus called the meeting to order at 11:20am.

 

Leadership Team Agenda

 

I.          Bell Schedule 2/16 – 2/18/15

–Joseph asked about the bell schedule for the week of 2/16.  Wednesday will be a regular bell schedule.  We need to check with Transportation see if this will work.

End time will be 3:10pm .  We need to see if we can get the busses to come at 3:10 rather than 2:10pm.

 

II.         Mid-Year School Capacity Activity

–Marcus explained the self-assessment activity.  He distributed it and we will combine what everyone contributes.

This is a rubric and he explained the different sections.  He asked everyone to quickly read the first section.  We skipped to 1.2, 2^nd box.  Marcus asked everyone to read this section.

–Good teaching practice means random checking to see that everyone is participating.

–Discussion followed on the SST, SAP, SART, and participation of teachers with perhaps a floating substitute.

–Susan gave her thoughts on the SST, SAP, SART and IEPs.  These are all difficult to schedule.

–Doug felt it is important to have the whole team present at these meetings.

 

–School Team meetings is the second topic to discuss.  Doug gave his impression on where the school teams are.  Time and training need more development.  Joseph discussed the difference between “always” and “consistently.”  We fall under “consistently.”

–Marcus said we would do several of these discussions at upcoming meetings.

 

III.       Exit Exam

–Nancy will borrow some teachers this Thursday to train them for the Exit Exam.  She will send an email.

 

IV.        CAASP Training

–Lisa explained the computer training for the testing.  She divided the group into smaller teams to attempt the math and English parts of the practice tests.  After the teams had time to work with the exercise there was discussion on content, ease of using the program and everyone was encouraged to contribute to the discussion.

 

V.         Miscellaneous

–Susan told the group that those who announce retirement by Feb. 1^st they will get $1,000.

–Those who resign by Feb. 1st will get 3 months of health insurance over the summer.

 

Meeting adjourned at 12:20pm.

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting

 

1/22/15

 

I.  School Capacities

–Lisa began by telling the group every year we put in a request to EPC on how many students we want to have for the next year.  We take into account returning students, traveling teachers, etc.

 

–We currently have 1908 students and we are funded at about 1976 students.  We will get 40 newcomers.

–We will not be making decisions today, just getting input.  Do we want to be smaller or larger—this will all affect funding and staffing?

 

–David Barrios asked about the budget.  Does our budget go up as the district has more money for next year?  He asked if we get more money can we lower the number of students and still get the funding.  Science feels that the most professional thing to strive for is one teacher per classroom.  He would opt for smaller class sizes, so lower enrollment if we are getting more money per student.

 

–Susan said you lower the number of students, you have fewer faculty and fewer staff.  She said there are changes in different school sites.  She mentioned the new middle school that is being set up differently.  The district is also very fond of administrative costs, so all the funding is not equally distributed.

 

–Stephen Jackson asked how many teachers we would lose with lower enrollment.  Lisa said 150 students for one teacher per department.

 

–Doug said there are way too many variables in this equation.  We need to look at specifics, like how many teachers does this involve.  If we are going to lose teachers, then we could probably have more students.  Lisa said it does involve a lot of factors.  Do we want to stay where we are now, grow a little or go down?

–Doug asked if we stay the same would our class sizes go up.  Stephen Emmi said class sizes will grow.

 

–Joseph said they would like to see VAPA grown by 100 students and bring back band.  He felt there always will be traveling teachers.

 

–Michelle Moffett did not have a chance to have a conversation with her department to answer the questions.

–Michelle also mentioned bringing in new academies and pathways.  She felt that we need to look at how course offerings will look.

 

–Mat for Social Sciences said they feel they are at full strength, like their class sizes and do not want to lose anybody.

–Lisa said if we keep 1908 we will have less funding next year.

–Susan said parents are looking for schools that have lots of choices for their children.  The choice comes down to a difficult decision.  If we do no have electives that make high school more enjoyable, we will lose students to other schools.  Traveling will always happen based on our number of classrooms.

 

–Bai said many parents ask him about class sizes.  More students in the building and higher class sizes are not desirable to prospective parents.  He said some parents would like more VAPA classes.

 

–Lisa said if we have more students, we get more money.  We also run out of classrooms if we have more students.  We have to look the CORE classes that students need.

–Nancy said we do not know right now how much more money we will have, as the district is changing how they do the WSF.  The district has said the WSF will be conservative next year.

 

–David said more students do not necessarily mean more electives.  He mentioned several electives in Science, but it is important to recruit students for the electives.  He felt that no staff should be cut.  He would like to see the numbers remain the same or go down by just a few students if the attrition from our staff can accommodate that.

 

–Doug recalled 3 or 4 years ago that we had 2100 students and everyone seemed to fit.  He mentioned the addition of room 354 as a classroom.  Lisa said some periods have no available classrooms.  He felt giving teachers their own room is a preference question, not a capacity question.

 

–Michelle Moffett mentioned co-teachers and planning time and the benefits of having their own room for preps.  We may have to revisit CPT and using more for planning.

 

–Stephen Jackson asked about the space behind room 105 in the “garage” area where autoshop classes met.  He said we should be more aggressive in finding and refitting spaces.  Susan talked about events at GWHS and funding converting rooms that were the shop areas.

 

–Stephen Emmi and Lisa discussed some building requests from the past that have not happened.

 

–Lisa asked about our preferences for the total number of newcomer students.  We are funded and budgeted at 150.  We have 128 right now.

 

–Michelle asked if we can influence the newcomer students number for next year.  Lisa said we are a newcomer pathway school.  She put out numbers on class sizes.

Michelle said Kathleen wants the class sizes small and the students need them small as well.

 

–Lisa said the information will go to the High School Office today and it will go to the district tomorrow.

 

Meeting adjourned at 10:30am.

GALILEO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Leadership Team/Department Heads Meeting

 

1/20/15

 

Marcus called the meeting to order at 11:20am.

 

Leadership Team Agenda

 

I.          Communication

–Michelle had 2 questions from her department.  Why not communicate with the 15% of teachers who are not posting on School Loop?  Marcus said the current parents have lots of experience with School Loop and want the teachers to post regularly and often.

–David said there should be a window for responding.  He also suggested that the parents still have the middle school mind set and we need to convert them to high school communication.  We should let the parents know what will be different in high school.

–Marcus suggested all students are different and respond at different rates.  He gave an example of his children.

–Susan asked how many parents are on School Loop.  Stan DeBella said 30%.  Susan wanted to know how many parents actually check daily.  Marcus said he checks on his daughter every day.  She asked about all the parents who are not on School Loop.

–Marcus said as a school we need to make sure parents register for School Loop.  Parent involvement is a big thing.

–Michelle asked about the teachers who are not posting—are they being encouraged to post?  Do we let them know we want them to use School Loop to communicate with parents?  Marcus has spoken to some of them.  Student should know their grades at all times.

–Kathleen said 80% of her department uses School Loop.  Why do we have to post more often because some teachers are not doing it?

–Marcus said we have some high-powered parents with high-powered connections.

–Do we have alternative ways of communicating, like Progress Reports?

–Susan feels there should be something in the welcome to Galileo packet about the importance of students advancing in independence, studying, etc.  Marcus asked for the process at her son’s high school and then asked her to write that process up.

–Joseph mentioned there are things we can do with our students here and then there are district activities.  He said the grievance about forcing teaches to use School Loop is still on the table.  If the administration feels it is important for teachers to post, then they should provide CPT time to post.  Marcus said he could hold faculty meetings after school.  Joseph said only two per month.

–Marcus said he is frustrated that the administration does not have extra time to communicate with the teachers.

–Susan clarified that the expectation for posting has not changed—it is every 3 weeks this year. Next year Marcus would like it to be every 2 weeks. He feels that posting every 2 weeks helps teachers keep up with their grades.

 

–Michelle put out a general request for more timely communication in response to teachers’ emails with regard to admin.  Marcus said he is more of a face-to-face person and he gets many emails.  Michelle mentioned that they are being asked to use this technology tool as finding people takes more time.

 

II.         CAHSEE

–Nancy will send out information to all of the teachers this week about logistics, etc.

–Ethan said his teachers requested classrooms for the testing and where we can relocate the athletic activities during the testing. There is a basketball game after the second day of testing.

 

III.       CLRP Faculty Meeting Preview & Assignments

–Validation of culture as a person, gender wise, nationality.  This is about validating people as individuals.

–Marcus presented an exercise that he used to do.  This has to do with journal writing.  He gave the rules.  Name and date at the top of the paper.  Do not worry about punctuation.  Write to the edge of the paper.  It does not matter what you write about.

-–Participation points were very important in this activity he used in the classroom. Sharing what you write is voluntary. He plans to do this exercise at the next faculty meeting and he will not use the same song.

 

–Marcus gave the group 5 minutes to finish their writing to the first hole punch in the paper.

 

–Marcus asked if anyone wanted to share what they wrote.  Joseph went first.  Alicia read.  Stephen Jackson read.  David Barrios read. David Beauvais read. Susan wrote about music and talked about Bob Dylan.

 

–Marcus asked what just happed?  He said we got a chance to talk and relate and this is a good way to create relationships with students.  He gave a few examples.  Relationships are important.  Discussion followed.

 

–Marcus said the topic of the next book club is “The Model Minority.”

–Marcus gave an assignment to talk about what you can do to validate culture in our department and content area.

 

–Marcus would like to have another meeting about School Capacities this week. The meeting will be held this Thursday at the beginning of 4^th period.

 

IV.        School Capacities