Gulf High School

School Advisory Council

Minutes – January 23, 2006

Meeting called to Order

            Meeting was called to order at 6:03 pm by Lou Ann Morrow, Chairperson.

Acceptance of Minutes

            Review of minutes from November 28^th meeting - motion to approve, seconded  and passed.

FCAT Preparation Efforts

            Mrs. Waide, FCAT Coordinator reviewed and discussed FCAT testing initiatives, testing dates, and testing environment.

IB Programme Update

            Dr. Lepley states that the application process is 92% complete and will be submitted in May 2006.  Schedule of final action is tentative as follows:

            Final submission of revisions                              March 27^th, 2006

            Complete IB application to printer                     March 30, 2006

            Submit to IBNA with check                              May, 2006

            IBNA Site Visit                                                Fall, 2006

            Authorization as IBO School Site                      April, 2007                              

            All teachers are committed to the programme with continued IBNA Training Level 1 scheduled for March and June.  The delivery of the programme is on track and is seeking teachers in French and Psychology. 

            Statistics stand at: 62+ students currently attending PIB courses (second semester), with 75+ students applying for 2006-07 school year.  Registration remains open due to construction in Trinity, Long Leaf, and Oldsmar.                     

            Mrs. Browning, consultant for the International Baccalaureate North America program returned to GHS on January 19, 2006 for a second evaluation.  Mrs. Browning stated that if GHS was to submit application “right now”, it would pass with flying colors.

Make It Work Committee

            Mr. Brochu stated that the renovation plans are on track.  They have met with   architect and preliminary plans have been drawn up for the renovations/expansion of a new Guidance building, Career Resource Center, The Character Zone (cafeteria), and the addition of air-conditioning in the school store.  Renovations are set to start in early summer 2006 with a tentative completion date in the Fall of 2006.

eSembler

            Mrs. Buono presented and reviewed a handout for parental access to the eSembler program.  The step-by-step directions for creating an account can be accessed through the GHS website at www.gulfhigh.org.

GHS Mission Statement

            Mr. Imerson introduced the new up-dated school mission statement.  The committee voted on the acceptance of the new statement, seconded, and passed. Faculty and Staff, as well as, the SAC Committee have agreed by majority for the new mission statement, especially the “understanding and respect”.

            Old

            In the belief that all students should have an opportunity to develop to their fullest potential, our school's mission is to link the school with the resources of the homes and the community so that we may continue to strive for improved student achievement.

            New    

            Gulf High School's mission is to link local, state, national and international resources to create active, lifelong learners who will promote intercultural   understanding and respect.

Open

            In keeping with our Character Education Program, Mr. Imerson introduced a possible new program called Why Try? by Christian Moore. The mission of the program is to help students achieve opportunity, freedom, and self-respect using education and interventions that motivate and create positive change.

            Mr. Imerson has invited Christian Moore to a speaking engagement on March 20^th.  Involvement from other local area schools is anticipated

Next Meeting

            February 27, 2006 – 6:00 pm, GHS Cafeteria

            Gulf Community of Schools SAC Meeting          

Meeting Adjourned

            Meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm by Lou Ann Morrow, Chairperson, with tour of GHS facilities by Mr. Brochu with expansion plans of the proposed new Guidance offices, Career Resource Center, and The Character Zone (cafeteria).       

Handouts: 

                        Agenda

                        Handout – FACT Initiatives and Dates

                        FCAT Workshop for Parents mailer

                        Programme to Identify Baccalaureate Students Status Report

                        Handout  - eSembler Parent/Guardian Directions