January 2013

Tech Update/Downs:

• 4 new laptop carts in 8th grade science classes
• These are transforming the way our 8th grade science teachers are teaching
• 4 new classroom solutions coming to the same 8th grade science teachers as part of race to the top monies
• classroom solutions include:  sound system, presentation station,  PC, document camera, wireless slate, 60"+ LCD TV, and new lenovo laptop for science teachers
• Some of the equipment being taken out of science rooms will go to the EC classrooms (601/701/801)  as outlined in the tech committee plan from earlier this year
• In addition to the science rooms, the new lease option being offered by the school system is allowing us to upgrade the office computers currently on the brink of failure.
•  Also, the desktop computers in the Media Center will be replaced with a complete set of laptops (30)--this will provide a another complete lab setting for signup, and provide for various flexible learning stations in there.
• Lease deal is incredible--something in the area of $170/machine/year
• The Dell computers in the Media Center will be available for use in the classroom
• SIT members suggested a online survey for those interested in having them in their own classrooms--Downs to setup an electronic survey and distribute

ALC (Alternative Learning Center) :        AR 5117.5 Assignment of Pupils - Alternative Programs & Schools

• There have been questions about teacher's responsibilities for students in ALC (mainly in terms of time) 
• Mr Prince explained the purpose of ALC and how it changed from the past when students were placed at alternative locations
• funding cuts basically put all but the most egregiousness offenses back on the schools
• MS Gentry:  clarified how the responsibility for ALC students works with positions (ISS, classified verses certified, etc.--different schools have handled it in a variety of ways ) 
• Policy still calls for a highly qualified teacher to spend a specific amount of time each day with ALC students.
• We have Mr. Griffin who is classified/splits position with Downs and theme money
• Maxcy:  What about an 8th grade teacher that might have two students in ALC? ( since they are not on teams)
• Do they have to come in two hours a week—no,  they can come in an knock out two birds with one stone.
• Maxcy to address with 8^th grade
• 8^th grade students are the only ones in ALC right now
• Mr Griffin is great about getting teachers to sign out--He says it seems to be  working pretty good so far.

Other miscellaneous items/Dress Code:

• Leggings issue/covering up:
• Do we need an addendum to the handbook?
• As long as they have something covering their hind end (like a shirt or shorts) then there should not be a problem
• What about shirts that are supposed to be covering?  Do we need to clarify?
• One way to handle this:
• 2^nd Semester hit "hot topics" with students, and put in the newsletter.
• We could put a clarification in the newsletter to make it clear about the leggings
• Possibly include in a phone message?
• Newsletter could clarify all the details
• What other items (3/4) need to be clarified with kids?
• Dress codes/cell phones/electronics/champs review/
• Here’s the question: if a staff member addresses them, what’s the difference between Jeggings and leggings?

• Should we follow up with grade level?
• Do we need more information before we make a stand?
• We have to consider all the possible fall-outs if this gets implemented.
• Davis King—suggests we just specify that thin material leggings and tights need to be covered
• Gentry—Really should discuss in smaller groups asap/at next grade levels
• Problem is mainly 8^th grade, but all grade levels are seeing it.

Moment of Silence:  County wide policy:   Policy 6115 School Opening Ceremonies

B. "The moment of silence shall be observed uniformly in every classroom unless an exception is approved by the superintendent or his designee for legitimate educational or administrative reasons"

• Recently, this issue was raised at the district level (that some are not doing the moment of silence)--perhaps the Newtown shootings brought this to light?
• Teachers responsibility to do it--this was specified at the start of the year.
• Just need a reminder to teachers to do the pledge and moment of silence—revisit
• Sometime go around and check?  Might be hard to check since people do at different times because of the flexibility given for locker breaks, etc.

Surveys: 

• Earlier this year, we did a survey on the CHAMPS effectiveness in the hallways
• Do we see a need to do any other surveys on pressing issues?
• If not, (no one responded) Gentry is thinking about doing a survey on some of the "teacher working conditions" type of questions
• This might help address some of those hot button issues
• Gentry to work with Downs on the technical part of that.