Newark Public Schools Fourteenth Avenue School 186 Fourteenth Avenue Newark, New Jersey 07103 Dr. Clifford B. Janey Mrs. Alyson Barillari Superintendent Principal ________________________________________________________________________ January 14,2010 MINUTES FROM THE SLC MEETING OF 12/18/09 All members are welcomed to the meeting by Mrs. Barillari and Ms. Baker. Ms. Baker opens the meeting and greets all members as we embark on our visions for the New Year 2010. All present members sign and verify attendance and participation in the session. The minutes are reviewed and accepted at this time. The Revised Professional Development Plan is being constructed presently. The team is currently revising the plan to reflect the particular needs of our school. The school plan should reflect on previous opportunities that have yielded a positive aspect and connection to student learning. It should also identify challenges faced by the student population. The school plan must define student achievement while identifying assessments that are used to develop school-wide focus. In addition the plan will include evidence of support for the collaborative process and a list of evaluative tools and procedures. The School Based Budget 2010-2011 under way. This essential document is being developed with the assistance of the budget committee and Mrs. Kadus. The community of Fourteenth Avenue School will be invited to attend an open meeting to discuss the 2010-2011 budget. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Mrs. Barillari has planned the session for January 11, 2010. Subcommittees: Attendance: Mrs. Dolinac continues to compile the names of students achieving Perfect Attendance and will distribute their awards on a cycle basis. Attendance for our children has remained consistent even during the severe cold our area has experienced. Facilities: Mr. Williams has used his expertise to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the building as we experience the extreme cold of January. In addition the floors in the building have been maintained due to the efforts of all the custodial staff. Mr. Williams maintains a detailed facilities log submitted on line to monitor specific requests made for our building. Budget/ Finance The 2010-2011 Budget is in progress as stated as an agenda item. Mrs. Kadus, Mrs. Tankoos-Wiener with Mrs. Barilliari’s guidance. Programs: The children in grade one are preparing for our holiday assembly program with a delightful Christmas story. This enactment will include splendid decorations creating a festive and uplifting atmosphere for the holiday. Our benefactors are expected to share in the joy with the students as Santa delivers their desired gifts, continuing the adopt-a child tradition at our school. The Chorus and Dance Ensemble traveled to Wakefern on December 17, 2009 to dazzle the employees with their holiday spirit. The audience is always captivated with the maturity and enthusiasm of the young performers. Mrs. Clarizio and Mrs. Montiero visited a local nursing home to spread the joy of the holidays to those unable to circulate throughout the community. The chorus brought music to them to remind the elderly that they are not forgotten. Curriculum: Mrs. Barillari attended a Principal’s Meeting where Fourteenth Avenue School was certified for making AYP in the region. We are proud of this accomplishment as a school community. School-wide Data Wall information has been a key element for the individual, differentiated instruction necessary to solidify the continuum of academic progress. Bulletin boards celebrating the students who earned Honor Roll status and Student of the Month are completed in the designated areas of the building. Parents/Community A community meeting was held on December 15,2009 inviting the parents to participate in Newark Public Schools Student/ Parent Guide for The Student Discipline Policy. The meeting was well attended, and signatures were required for the Discipline Handbook distributed at the meeting. Mrs. Triano presided over the session and Mrs. Echvarria remained to support the parents. Security Mr. Lewis is assisting Mrs. Echevarria in the morning to direct students and parents to the proper area, especially in the cold and inclement weather. Staff Development Ms. Baker, Mrs. Scibilia have been manipulating the revised plan as mentioned in the agenda items. Technology Mrs. Kadus participated in the Computer Fair with some of our fourth grade students. Everyone did an outstanding job. The project goal and thematic thrust was a lesson plan extreme make over. The students were able to demonstrate and articulate the purpose of the project. In addition Mrs. Kadus explains that the district is proposing over thirty initiatives for the future including on-line attendance and report card grading. Discipline As stated, a discipline meeting was held to inform parents of The Newark Public Schools Student Discipline Policy on Tuesday, December 15,2009. It is essential that parents and students understand their role in the school community and become aware of any offenses and related consequences. The discipline policy contains protocols and procedures that are clear and standardized. Fair and consistent implementation of the policy in district schools fosters a sense of accountability and a positive climate for behavior in our schools. Creating and maintaining a safe and orderly school environment enables students to achieve their fullest potential. This meeting is concluded. A motion to close the meeting is made by Mr. Williams and seconded by Mrs. Dolinac. The next scheduled meeting is February 25, 2010. Changing Hearts and Minds to Value Education