School Site Council Meeting Minutes 9/17/13
El Rancho High School
1. FLAG SALUTE
Led by Mia Alvarez
2. CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Jessica Kwek called to order the regular meeting at 5:05pm on 9/17/13 in the school library.
3. ROLL CALL
SSC members in attendance:
Parents--Debbie Goodall, Alicia Villegas, Ruth Villaneda
Students--Mia Castillo, Natalie Woo, Mia Alvarez
Classified Staff--None
Certificated Staff--Desiree Palacios, April Farris, Mary Helen Welch-Ebert
Administration--Ms. Jessica Kwek
Visitors in attendance--Josie Alvarez
Members who sent regrets--Alfredo Martinez
Quorum confirmed.
SPECIAL ITEM--Elections
Vice Chairperson--Debbie Goodall
Secretary--Ruth Villaneda
**Vice Chairperson Debbie Goodall called meeting to order.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May--Motioned: Ms. Jessica Kwek, Second: Mary Helen Welch-Ebert
5. INFORMATION DISCUSSION ITEMS
--Executive Commission had a 2-day retreat which taught them how to be better leaders and how to use each individual’s strengths to their advantage.
--On 8/19/13, Executive Commission organized a breakfast for the staff as a kind gesture welcoming them back to school.
--Students were excited about new principal, however, were disappointed with the new schedule.
--Thanks to Link Crew the freshmen class have felt very welcomed at El Rancho and have enjoyed their first couple of days at school.
--The Night Pep Rally theme is City Lights, Lively Nights and each class has had meetings where they have chosen their subthemes as well as talked about decorations and skit ideas. Night Pep Rally is on 10/17/13.
--Blue Crew, a student section at every home game, needed a few improvements and much school spirit (a work in progress).
--Freshmen, JV and Varsity Football teams all won their games against Marina on 8/30/13.
--Welcome Back Assembly on 8/30/13 was successful. Many teachers and administrators liked that it was quick and to the point.
--DJ lunch promos are a good way to involve freshmen into some fun and hopefully will encourage them to attend school dances.
--Back to School Night was on 9/5/13 and was for incoming freshmen and their parents to become familiar with the school’s curriculum as well as clubs and activities.
--Executive Commission is working on a way to involve administrators in events and activities.
--Fall sports are preparing for their seasons to begin and are hoping for more support from the student body as well as faculty.
--Homecoming Week is just around the corner and we are excited to share it with our community (we invite everyone to share events with us such as NPR, Homecoming Assembly, and the Halftime Show which will held from 10/15/13 to 10/18/13).
6. SEPARATE ACTION ITEMS
--Debbie Goodall had a question regarding instructional methods. Ms. Kwek recommended parents speak directly to teacher to inquire about instructional methods used in the classroom.
--Alicia Villegas discussed possibility of using Donor Choose site to help teachers raise funds for specific supplies. Parents can donate to specific teacher/classroom.
--Josie Alvarez asked about Program Improvement and how it impacts ERHS. Ms. Kwek shared with SSC school is in a transitional period with introduction of Common Core. During Year 1 of Program Improvement, district sends out a letter to families. ERHS has met goal for graduation rate, currently not meeting proficiency rate for CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam). SPSA should address measures school is using to make improvements to scores. Josie Alvarez shared concern about ERHS preparing students for success at the college level. Desiree Palacios talked about the use of the A-G Passport at ERHS. Students use Passport to stay on track with classes and graduation requirements.
--Ms. Kwek will meet with instructional managers to compare ERHS with other schools.
--Debbie Goodall expressed desire to see state take into consideration each school’s population and diverse learning differences.
--Ms. Kwek asked if current meeting location is appropriate.
Next meeting will be held on October 1, 2013
Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA)
Motion: Debbie Goodall Second: Desiree Palacios
Debbie Goodall adjourned the meeting at 5:55pm
Minutes submitted by Ruth Villaneda-SSC Secretary