Principal’s Advisory Council Minutes

May 17, 2018

Location: Room # 7

In attendance: Sheila George, Chair

Kesha Wood, Secretary

Jocelynn Harrington, Asst. Principal

Tiffany Davis-Peoples, Parent

Ms. Iheme, Counselor

Lori Matthews, Teacher

Claudia Bernal, Parent

Amelida Centeno, Parent

Ms. George called the meeting to order at 9:14.

1) Mrs. George welcomed all in attendance.

2) Ms. George reviewed the agenda.

3) Minutes were read by Ms. Wood.

4) Ms. Davis-Peoples attended the Cross Council Meeting. She stated that all schools within the cluster are getting on the same page as far as curriculum, academics, and the amount of rigor involved. Most elementary schools in the cluster are either STEM or STEAM certified. Gifted students at the middle school are allowed to take STEM classes. Hightower was recognized for their emphasis on reading. She explained the Move Ahead When Ready Program.

Ms. George suggested that interpreters should be on hand at the Cross Council Cluster Meetings so that more Hightower parents can attend.

5) The Outdoor Classroom was dedicated. All parents from the council were in attendance.

6) The fundraiser for the bricks will continue until enough bricks have been purchased to create a path from the ramp to the outdoor classroom. Most of the business partners have purchased a brick. Mr. Davis-Peoples suggested

reaching out the apartment complexes where are families live to purchase bricks.

7) Ms. Iheme talked about the procedure for students with excessive absences. She discussed the steps she takes in supporting the families.

· 4 days of unexcused absences letter is sent home

· 6 days of unexcused absences hold an attendance meeting with parents

· If they do not show up to the meeting, a Social Work/Solicitor General referral is made

Ms. George discussed the attendance rate for each grade level. The overall rate is 96% for the school. Last year it was suggested that we have a family picnic for those families that had exceptional attendance. This idea will be revisited next year.

8) Projected enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year is 702 students. There will be 5 teachers on each grade level. Ms. George will look at the numbers for each grade level to determine if an additional teacher is need through Title I funds.

9) Ms. Bernal and Ms. Centeno are concerned about how a lot of students are not in uniform. Suggestions:

· At the Teacher Meet and Greet in the beginning of the year, uniforms should be on sale.

· Contact Cintas Uniform Company to see if they could sponsor school/families in getting uniforms

· Ms. George wants to see if we can take orders for uniforms like the prepackaged supplies.

· Uniform policy must be enforced at the beginning of the year, and students that do not comply should be sent to the counselor to call home.

Restrooms will be pressure washed over the summer. This can only be done during school breaks.

Baskets with soap need to be implemented again, so teachers will not have to purchase own supplies. Also, parents suggested that a school store be made available for parents to buy supplies for teachers since many parents don’t have transportation. They suggested room parents handle all parties and school related activities.

10. Meeting adjourned at 10:05.