BAAC Meeting Minutes 4/15/08

Attending:
Jenny Knapp
Kate D'Arcy
Susan Dewey
Nola M. Thomasson
Bob Thomasson
Dana Keys
Esther Mueller
Mike Herr
Georgianne Barnes

Georgianne presented a CD made by the Steele Staff which addressed the following:
- As a school where have you been in the last five years
- What direction are you , as a school, going in
- Where do you hope to be in the future

The superintendendant, Terry Bishop, has been meeting with the principals of the district to address these questions and get more information
on all of the schools.  The Steele staff decided to present the information in a STV format and give a little information on the "data
behind the data" along with the data collected by the school on student performance.  The presentation included information on
reading, writing, and math curriculum with respect to the three questions.

Georgianne has not yet met with Mr. Bishop, but will plan to present both the data on the school as well as the video

As this was the last meeting of the '07-'08 school year, we discussed a few ideas for the next year:
 - Continue with the "town hall" informational meetings to continue discussions on the various assessments and how they are used
    to improve instruction
-  Do a twice yearly special edition of STV much like the one presented to Mr. Bishop to inform the community on the happenings at
    Steele
-  Nola suggested having some students from Palmer High collaborate with the media piece to get the video on the school website
-  We need a BAAC chaiman for next year

Final notes:

Recently an attendance letter was sent out to those who have either missed or been tardy a certain number of days.  The importance of attendance and low tardies has to do with Steele's accreditation as a John Irwin School of Excellence.  In order to be accredited for this honor a school must meet certain criteria, attendance being one of them.

Dogs- the School Board has been looking into the policy of allowing dogs in the schools.  The Health Department has stated that animals may only be allowed in the buildings if they are a proven part of the learning environment.  There is concern in the community of a pet scaring and/or biting a child, and there are also concerns of pet allergies.  Notice of this will follow in the May newsletter.

These issues are appropriate discussions for the BAAC meetings and Georgianne would like issues like these to be directed to her attention and/or brought to the BAAC committee.  If you hear on the playground of issues that come up encourage those to come to Georganne or to BAAC with their concerns so productive dialouge can be held.

Thanks all for attending this year.  You help make this a great place for kids to learn.  Have a wonderful break!

Minutes taken by Jenny K.