Gulf High School

School Advisory Council

Minutes – November 28, 2005

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 September 19^th - motion to approve with correction of Mr. Roza to Mrs. Roza (open discussion), minutes seconded and passed.

Make It Work Committee Report – Mr. Brochu

            Mr. Brochu presented a handout and discussed why the Make It Work Committee was developed here at GHS, and their efforts to brainstorm and investigate areas of concern, and propose possible solutions to over-crowding in the coming school   year.

            Areas of concern that were addressed were enrollment projections, portables requested, classroom assignments,  breaking up of large classrooms, how to determine floating teachers, bell schedules, length of the school day, seven period day, and ISS / TH location.

            Mr. Brochu briefly discussed the Guidance and CRC renovations.  He   recently met with the architect and project manager to discuss suggestions.

Testing Program – Dr. Gallagher

            Dr. Gallagher presented a comparison handout on the FCAT scores from the fall 2005 testing cycle.  The handout expressed passing percentages of 10^th, 11th and 12^th graders in reading and mathematics on a State, District, and school levels.

            Dr. Gallagher also discussed the FCAT and 11^th & 12^th grade FCAT re-takes which will take place the week of February 27, 2006.  She briefly discussed last   years testing environment, the use of the Activity Center as a new testing area and the positive feedback. This year’s testing areas will be set up very similar.

            Also explained is that the on-line FCAT Explorer has changed the signing in procedures and that Pasco Schools should use the number #51 as the district code.  She also discussed other efforts in preparation for the FCAT such as:   FCAT Friday contest, and after-school tutoring.

            She also briefly discussed the Florida Writes testing and efforts to address areas of concern.

Articulation Initiatives – Mrs. Buono

            Mrs. Buono presented and discussed notes taken on the articulation initiative efforts between GHS and feeder schools, Chasco Middle and Gulf Middle.

            On November 3^rd, GHS hosted an articulation meeting in the conference room. Present at this meeting were guidance counselors, assistant principals, ESE department heads, SSAP teachers, etc. from all schools. Academic expectations for incoming 9^th graders were the topics of the meeting.

            The GHS Articulation Committee also met at Chasco Middle On November 14^th. This meeting was for the 8^th grade teachers who teach math, science, and English and their middle school administrator in charge of master schedule.  Concepts and vertical progression of classes were the topics of the meeting.

            The committee will also meet with Gulf Middle tomorrow, November 29^th to also discuss the above topics.

Guidance Program – Mrs. Kelley

            Mrs. Kelley presented a handout and discussed monthly activities provided by the Guidance Department thus far for the first semester and upcoming monthly activities for the second semester. 

            She presented and discussed a Guide to the Developmental Guidance    Program adopted by the School Board, June 2000.  She also briefly discussed the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and FACT.org.

            As of November 10, 2005, there have been 97 Parent / Teacher conferences after school.  Guidance has registered 149 new students since school opened this year.

International Baccalaureate (PIB) Report – Dr. Lepley

            Dr. Lepley presented and discussed a program pamphlet for identifying PIB students.  The pamphlet outlines the application process and student criteria for Grade 9 students entering the PIB programme.  Proposed schedule for PIB students and IB diploma required curriculum.  PIB applications for 2006-2007 school year are due December 22, 2005.

            The Diploma Programme Application will be submitted in May 2006 with the anticipated site visitation to occur Fall Semester 2006.  Authorization by IBO is to follow no later than May 2007. 

            All teachers and support personnel have been trained at IBO sanctioned training sites.  All curriculums including the PIB curriculum, follows IBO guidelines as well as State of Florida and District School Board of Pasco County guidelines.

            Mrs. Browning, consultant for the International Baccalaureate North America program will be returning to GHS on January 19, 2006 for a second evaluation. 

Open

            Exam Days for the first semester are as follows:  December 19, Periods 3/6, December 20, periods 2/5, December 21, periods 1/4, December 22 – regular day.

            The 2006 – 2007 school calendar currently seeking board approval and will be posted to the GHS website.

Next Meeting

            January 23, 2006 – 6:00 PM, GHS Media Center

            (No December meeting)            

Meeting Adjourned

            Meeting was adjourned at 7:46 PM by Lou Ann Morrow, Chairperson.

Handouts: 

                        Agenda

                        Bookmark: FACTS.org

                        Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program pamphlet

                        A Guide to the Developmental Guidance Program

                        GHS Guidance Department 2005 – 2006 Activities

                        Make It Work Committee Agenda

                        Handout: Articulation Initiatives

                        Pamphlet: Program for Identifying Baccalaureate Students (PIB)