Hellgate IB Parent Association Minutes
02/13/2013
Attended by : Emily Stone, Debbie Brown, Lanni Jacobson, Lisa Hendrix, Maureen Riley, Beth Ammons,
Jenni Frizzell, Kevin Richland
Approval of 01/09/2013 Minutes (5 min)
Meeting:
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IBPA blog has posted youtube IB alumni interviews, please review and pass on to all other students and parents.
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On Feb 27th, 2013, Dr. Jim McKusick, Dean of UM Honors college, discussed how colleges select incoming students, emphasizing that simple GPA is not the focus, but rather the level of classes taken, GPA, scores on standardized exams, and extracurricular activities. Thus it is important to participate in IB, and/or AP classes whenever possible.
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Concerns of parents discussed including simultaneous heavy assignments in multiple IB classes, difficulty managing extracurricular activities with full IB Diploma, perception of being "guinea pigs" with new program, student concerns about ranking changes with taking difficult classes and getting lower grades, and need for better communications between administration, teachers, and parents.
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J Frizzell summarized results of student survey, noted 25+ sophomores interested in full diploma with 2-3x as many students planning to take selected IB classes. Much work is being put into scheduling of classes to give more opportunities for IB students to participate in non-IB advanced music and language opportunities. Shaun Gant is working with IB
Diplomate students on Capstone projects. Extended Essay topic needs to be chosen by 2nd semester Jr. year. Brief discussion re: value of having "Sr. mentors" for new IB students, and plan to introduce incoming freshman to IB during the first week of classes.
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Teacher requests on IBPA blog, there are some immediate needs for classroom support.
Request made for parents to review this and volunteer.
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Discussed need for parent feedback and development of basic online questionnaire.
Calendar: Next meeting 03/13/2013, rm 326, 6:30pm
Adjourn: 7:40 pm
Submitted by Beth Ammons

Hellgate IB Parent Association Agenda
03/13/2013
Attended by :
Approval of 02/13/2013 Minutes (5 min)
Old Business:
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IBPA blog updates, management of FB page
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Immediate concerns of IB parents.
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J Frizzell incoming student information.
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Teacher requests on IBPA blog, there are some immediate needs for classroom support.
Request made for parents to review this and volunteer.
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Need parent feedback and development of basic online questionnaire.
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Presentations/communications
New Business:
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Optimizing student and parent IB experience: request for administrative support and reports re- allocation of donated funds, monthly administrative updates on program development and projection for changes (ie scheduling, instituting new IB classes, upgrading current classes, etc).
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Review proposed parent questionnaire and finalize for posting and collection of feedback.
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Librarian presentation for extended essay
 review of IBPA goals, assessment of parent engagement

Calendar: Next meeting 04/10/2013, rm 326, 6:30pm Adjourn: