Halldale Elementary School PTO Meeting Minutes

October 11, 2011

  1. Welcome and Introductions
    1. Aimee Ellis, PTO President, welcomed parents.  She requested that that anyone who has not yet, please sign the green membership book.
  2. Secretary’s Report
    1. The secretary’s report was presented.  Motion to accept was made and seconded; it was approved.
  3. Treasurer’s Report
    1. Treasurer’s report was presented.  Motion to accept was made and seconded; it was approved.
    2. Request of funds for office:
      1. The office has requested funding for $175 to purchase six walkie-talkies.  The walkie-talkies would allow staff on the playground to communicate with staff indoors in case of emergency or need.   Mr. Folsum said the six walkie-talkies do not provide total needed coverage, but would be a first step.  The PTO voted unanimous approval by secret ballow with 29 yes votes.
  4. Special Guest, Superintendent Vergel Hammonds
    1. Mr. Hammonds presented his current views of education as well as the present state of our RSU.  He conveyed his feeling that the education system across the country is “broken” yet there are schools, parents, eduators who are purposeful in their work to change.
    2. He had come from school district that was lacking in meeting educational standards.  There was a high involvement in gang structures; high drop-out rates.  Speaking from his experience at his  previous school system, he saw a dramatic change from 25% proficiency to 70% proficiency in just a few years.  He attributed this change to the partnering with children and teachers to engage in problem solving around how to increase their proficiency.
    3. In relation to RSU #2, we now have a unified curriculum across the RSU.  The teachers are focusing on measurement topics and creating tasks and assessments so all teachers will be working towards meeting those same measurement topics.   The RSU is using a program, Discovery Ed, which gives access to curriculum, lesson plans, videos, power points, etc.
    4. Educate is a software program that provides on-line scoring tracking.  Mr. Hammonds stated that the RSU has encountered some difficulties connecting with Infinte Campus.  He indicated that this is an administrative software problem that the RSU is currently working to solve.
    5. In the next month, trainings will be provided for parents to explain how to access student assessments and progress.
    6. In regards to RISC, Mr. Hammonds indicated that the RSU will not be implementing all of the aspects of the RISC program; rather, the RSU will implement only those that best apply to our specific school community.
    7. The RSU has also adopted a one through four scoring scale, which transforms the learning standards to rubrics and will more clearly define student expectations for learning.
    8. Mr. Hammonds addressed parent concerns about student acceptance into universities or employment by stating that the goal of the RSU is to send students off into world fully capable of success.
    9. In relation to Halldale Elementary, Mr. Hammonds feels the school has done an excellent job implementing measurement topics.
    10. Mr. Hammonds concluded his talk by inviting parents to meet individually with him, as is convenient.
    11. Open to Questions:
      1. Mr. Hammonds was asked to explain how RISC compares to measurement topics.  He replied by stating that in a proficiency based model, students are allowed to progress to next standard.  This type of learning model is the goal.  However, in reality, our RSU is still using a time-based system, which groups students by age/grade.  He explained that measurement topics are listed by grade level, and teachers work to find opportunities to allow kids to move fluidly.  At present, students are not moved on until they have reached proficiency and the teacher rather than student establishes the pace of learning.
      2. Mr. Hammonds was asked to explain the new Progress Reports and the difference between academic progress and behavior.  Mr. Hammonds responded by stating that currently students are assessed only on academic progress but they are working to establish a way to assess behavioral standards as well.  Mr. Folsum reported that initial progress reports will likely provide information on reading and math; however, as year progresses, additional measurement topics will be added to the database.
      3. Mr. Hammonds addressed general confusion around progress reports and their comparison to past progress reports.  He indicated that new progress reports would continue to address the standards; however, the learning standards will now be directly related to Common Core.  He also stated that at middle and high school level, progress reports will address student progress and final grades will be provided at end of the school year.  At present, no final decision has been made on how progress will be reported, either at elementary, middle or high school level.  Mr. Folsum, however, stated that progress will reported at least the same levels as in the past.  Mr. Hammonds also indicated that the change in the format of progress reports is because of the adoption of a different software program.  Mrs. Bell indicated that new report cards will provide more specific tasks that students have mastered or are working towards.
      4. A concern was expressed that students do not know what specifically is needed to reach the level of 4 (exceeding standards).  Mr. Hammonds indicated that the primary difference in the RSU this year is the unification around what the standards are, across all schools within the RSU and across all grade levels. This unification will allow all teachers to collaborate in determining what are items of evidence will demonstrate that a student has exceeded standards.
      5. A concern was expressed that this method of learning feels too prescriptive and does not allow for the role of the individual in their learning.  Mr. Folsum responded by stating that it is a question of, “the what and the how”.  He explained that students are bound by the measurement topics and these are the “what” of their learning; however, the “how” is open to allow multiple ways of demonstrating that knowledge.
      6. A concern was expressed regarding the social ramifications of moving so far ahead academically from age-peers.  Mr. Hammonds explained that at his previous school even advanced students could not advance greater than 2 years beyond age-peers.  Rather, advanced students were encouraged to participate in additional learning topics, delve deeper into mastered topics, pursue college course-work (for credit), participate in extracurricular activities and engage in independent study areas.
  5. Other Items:
    1. Super Raffle is approaching.  Maria Fuentes is looking for help in securing donors.  Raffle tickets will be sent home in the beginning of November, and the raffle will take place in December.  She will need additional help with the logistics of getting the tickets to students later.
    2. IXL math was provided for students at home last year; Mr. Folsum stated that funding for this program is no longer available; however, he is working with the director of curriculum to try to secure funding.  The cost is approximately $1500 to provide license for nearly 250 students.
    3. Mr. Folsum iterated that the changes that are occurring are stressful and a great deal of work, especially the structural changes that are necessary to meet the multiple needs within the school.   Informational meetings will be held in the future, likely after the upcoming progress reports are distributed.  He hopes to engage with parents to vision what a school looks like that meets individual challenges.
Advertisement