PAC Minutes 2014-15

OURPURPOSEThePACshalladvisetheprincipalinplanningfortheeffectiveandefficientoperationoftheschoolandassistin
findingsolutionstomanagementchallenges.Thecommitteewillfocusonsuccessfulschooloperationwhichleadstohighstudent
achievementandhighemployeemorale.CommitteeMembersshallcommunicatetotheprincipalemployeeissuesthathaveimpact
ontheeffectiveandefficientoperationoftheschool.Theywillcommunicatetotheprincipalsiteconditionsthatnegativelyimpacton
highstudentachievementandhighemployeemorale.PACmemberswillactaskeycommunicatorstostaffmembers.

4-16-15
In attendance: Debbie E, Paul K, Angie W, Nate M, Paul S, Noel C, Matt A, Kent N
Clarification for MAP testing into the classroom instead of presentation room. Chris
K, Steve S, Jodi E move class to class. Kids that dont finish now have to stay in a
classroom with the next class.
o I will speak to Steve about this more in depth. I have feedback from other
teachers that they prefer this set-up as the system works pretty smoothly
and the kids can then get support from their content teacher when they are
done testing.
Tech changes for next year. Could we have some time in May PL to cover some of
this? Or a screen cast of how to convert google accounts?
o Craig Barnum is working on the screencast. Having time in the May PL would
not help as the new google accounts will not be available then to transfer
ownership of the google docs.
Could we have some signage for RR, major use rooms, etc.
o Great idea. We are working on the RR signage now. The hallways are
hopefully being re-painted this summer but if not we will try again to have
the painted hallway labels painted over at least.
During conferences, could we start at 4 and then schedule a dinner break for 30
min?
o Another great idea. I am open to it but I think we would probably need to
rotate the supper shifts in some organized fashion. I am sure some bright
soul out there with one of those elephant-like memories could (please?!?)
remind me of this in the fall.
Tier I expectations, hoods, etc.
o I have addressed this multiple times. If someone has an individual question
or concern, come see me. Anonymous questions and my answers are
apparently not addressing it.
MAP testing for those that do not have computers. Could we have newer
computers in SC for these types of situations?
o I think this is something handled individually and not a policy change. I will
work with Bill Schwarz and Steve Stumpff on next steps here.
Para use of computers in SC? Could use of computers be more consistent for all
paras?
o At this time, a computer is offered in each special education teachers room.
Building paraprofessionals have access to computers already. Let the office
know if the computer in the special education classroom does not work.
There are no plans currently to increase the number of available computers.
Paras/secretaries for each dept
o I do not believe that in this current budget crunch we will be allowed those
hires. I am not against the idea. I would need more justification and job
descriptions before I would move on that request to Jamie Coquyt.

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HR schedule to complete artifact checks

o Angela Amunson works very hard to keep up with the ever-changing
expectations of HR. I think she has done an excellent job of juggling the
time crunch I created by ER taking half of the HR times. If someone has a
suggestion of how to improve the time usage of HR or would like to be a part
of the HR planning committee, I am sure Angela would very much appreciate
the help and support.

2-17-15

In attendance: Me, Myself, and I. Kidding, with half of PAC gone for wrestling, we decide
to have them just send in questions for me to answer and send out to all of you.
Since the office is now generating tardy letters can they also generate and send
home unexcused or excessive absence letters? And if so what will be the process
for letting a teacher know a letter has been sent?
o Dan is trying out having the office generate a tardy list every day. We feel as
though this allows for more consistency of reporting and follow-through. The
absences will continue to be generated by the teacher at this point.
Continue to send the office names of students that are of concern to you. As
I have brought up before, we are the only school in the conference that talks
to students about absences specifically. Other schools have said they do not
have the resources or time necessary to possibly follow up on absences. We
feel it is an important part of learning and growth for Our Kids so we follow
up with as many as possible. A letter home is part of the process. Continue
to let Kindee know if students are accumulating unexcused absences. When
a letter is sent, the teacher will have a copy placed in their mailbox. If there
are multiple absences, I would suggest that a phone call from the teacher
would go a long way with relationships with the parents and student.
o We are always looking for more effective ways to support Our Kids in
punctuality. Our demerit system is an efficient means to handle single
period absences but the multiple absences do not fit there. Unfortunately, it
is not as easy as delivering consequences. Relationships with kids and
parents are important. If you would have any ideas or thoughts, I would
welcome a conversation with you to share your ideas.
Suggestion that we just have designated staff parking areas and not specific
spots. Faculty, guest and sub spots are all we really need. I would park in the front
row, but I dont want to take anybody's spot. It would make it easier for Jim/Ron to
enforce. Faculty pass, faculty spot. No faculty pass, no faculty spot.
o Thank you for sharing a suggested solution. Before making a change like
this, I think we would need some more input from staff. Ryan, Jim, and Ron
have some thoughts on this as well I am sure. I will check with Ryan about
next steps to review our current practices and decide if a change is
warranted.
There is still some serious anxiety about losing individual classrooms--suggestion:
have one room with the necessary number of desks reserved for teachers who
don't have a traditional class of 20 or 30. Teachers would rotate through that room
each period.

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o Thank you for the suggested solution. I understand the anxiety about rooms.
This will definitely be a change for everyone. We will work through the
changes together. With the added space allocated by the move and the
increased opportunities for collaboration, this still looks to me to be the best
option. I know we can work through any concerns together.
o This was brought up in the PL feedback as well about concerns with what is
on the walls being used as a teaching tool. I agree with that need. Our
intention is to have course-alike teachers sharing a room when possible.
Having posters, etc. that are teaching and learning focused will still be an
option.
o Ryan and I will be working with Clay once we get registration completed. We
will do a best guess based on what we believe to be our staffing for the next
year. As soon as we have that completed, we will be sharing it with you.
Great questions, ideas, and concerns being brought up. Please continue to
share them with me.
The student council activity with the necklaces/compliments really left a negative
impression on several teachers. There were concerns that those participating
might have a negative experience if no one complimented them, then they were
left with evidence of this in the form of a necklace the rest of the day. Another
concern was the offensiveness of hearing a boy say to a girl, "You're pretty, now
give me your necklace." I know that was NOT the intent of this activity, and the
activity itself had positive intent. Another example of an unintended consequence
is the message that if a boy compliments a female she is "required" to "give him"
something in return. I know-- that's a completely different take on what this
activity was supposed to do, but overall, the teachers that talked to me expressed
that the activity was not well-thought out or approved by an adult.
o Before any activity happens in the school, an administrator gives it the green
light. This activity was brought to me by Anna Matheny and Austin Schrader.
Austin shared with me how it would be presented and it was acceptable to
me. I am confident that the student council thought this would be a positive
experience for our student body. They got the idea at a leadership
conference from other schools that have used this same activity successfully.
I am always supportive of students or teachers trying something new. I am
not sure this activity was successful in its implementation, but I am sure that
the planning and thought behind it was successful. Our student council has
been extremely active this year with Austin as the student lead.
I am confident that the Student Council and its leadership have learned from
this activity
and they will continue to grow and lead our student body.
Could we carry Kleenexes in the school store again?
o We can order more to be in the school store. The Kleenexes would be
charges to the department budget. I would want to hear from the
department chairs that they are ok with that format.

1-22-15
In attendance: Debbie E, Paul K, Angie W, Nate M, Paul S, Noel C, Matt A, Kent N
Hoods and hats, perceptions that exceptions are being made

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o If someone believes exceptions are being made, please come let me know
who and where. I expect all students to be treated the same and have the
same expectations.
The following questions/concerns were brought up about potential room changes
for next year where teachers will be sharing old C hallway rooms as offices and
traveling to classrooms.
o Anxiety about room travel, make up space for stdts
We have a plan for how this can fit together. I am waiting to share it
until more staff have a chance to share their thoughts/ideas/concerns.
Remember that the reason for this is to maximize our space. If a bond
issue passes, we would have more classroom space in a few years. So
at best, we need to plan for a few years out. I dont want to change
every year but rather be consistent on how we can address the space
concern.
o Safety questions about keys to rooms, etc. with the room switches.
Agreed. Again, we have thoughts on making this work.
o Potential rooms to use as classrooms: Study hall rooms, old theatre, old
wrestling room, presentation room
Agreed. If we get to the point of an addition to the building, I would
guess we may need to use these spaces. If we do not have to use
these rooms as daily classrooms, we wont.
o The sooner this change can be shared with teachers the better
Agreed. That is why I shared my thoughts as early as I did. As I said, I
am open to other ideas. My plan is to continue to gather staff thoughts
through Spring Break. Then we will finalize plans and share in April.
That will give us plenty of time to consider needs.
o Concerns with classrooms being boring because the rooms are not specific to
a teacher.
I would hope that our classrooms are interesting due to the instruction
and engagement not because of what we hang on the walls. If there is
something that can be hung on the walls to help engagement, it should
be able to help no matter what teacher is in the classroom. I
understand the concern. There is no doubt that this change will
require all of us to adjust our thinking about how classrooms are used.
Thanks for the mapping time
o That was the request of the staff early in the year to have larger chunks of
time dedicated to curriculum design. Cadre listened and developed a plan to
give this time.
TLC grant questions
o My understanding is that job descriptions and postings will be coming out
soon.
Thoughts on wearing jeans on late starts?
o As a general rule, no.
Clarify purpose of Tier room consequence or academic support?
o This question continues to be brought up. I would suggest whoever still has
questions come talk to me face-to-face as I am apparently not answering
their questions thoroughly.

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o In response to this question, I do not see it as an or but as an and. We

are here to educate students. When consequences for decisions are void of
support, the consequences will not help the students learn appropriate
behaviors.
Students can choose to go to Tier instead of class?
o No.
Clarity of purpose of Study Halls or Office Hours?
o We are here to support kids. Study halls and office hours are not prep time.
They are a time to support Our Kids in what they need. I would expect
teachers to be assisting students in either setting. Sitting at the teacher
desk or front table should be a rarity, not the norm.
Clarity/use of professionalism grades? Could these be tied to parking?
o I agree professionalism grades need to be revisited. Thanks for bringing a
solution of tying them to parking. We will discuss administratively.
Purpose of posting semester test grade?
o Again, I agree this practice needs to be revisited. We will discuss
administratively.
Seating of staff in the assemblies, could they be spread out or standing in the
aisles?
o We have always expected staff to be spread out. I thought that at the last
assembly in the concert hall the staff were pretty well spread out. We
definitely were a bit sparse in the front third of the concert hall. I would ask
that staff coming in late consider the front of the concert hall first. Admin
will take care of the aisles.
o This brings up another concernhow much longer will the concert hall hold
the students and staff? I would assume we will be ok next year but beyond
that I am not sure.

12-10-14

In attendance: Debbie E, Jodi E, Paul K, Angie W, Nate M, Paul S, Noel C, Matt A

Students not attending Office Hours? What happens during admin ER?
o We watch OH attendance like any other period. We depend on teachers
putting it into Campus.
o As for admin ERour purpose is to work with kids that have WILL
deficiencies, not SKILL deficiencies. Rocky and Ryan gather work to be
completed and follow up with the students in the SH rooms.
Limiting the number of free periods for juniors and seniors?
o Seniors must be in 5 classes and Juniors must be in 6 classes. At the
beginning of the semester, the counselors go thru all the students in their
alphabet section to ensure this is happening. There are rare occasions this
rule is not followed but those go through me.
Seems as though free periods are more 7th and 8th for students.
o Our intention is to balance periods as best as possible. Still, we have many
teachers and students that request to not have classes at the end of the day.
We support where possible and what makes sense. As always, if there is
someone that has a specific concern, see me.
Enjoyed Mondays PL but concerns with 15 min only for collaborative planning for
GVC. Are there ways we can have more of this time?

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o We have created a video that answers some of the more burning questions
about PLCs. It is in the final formatting stages. I will send it out once we
have it done.
Responsibility of SH teachers. Should we have guidelines for teachers to help
assist students? Same as responsibilities for office hours?
o We have had this in the past. With the focus of Our Kids the last couple of
years, the inherent expectation is that we are in SH working with kids to
improve, not just taking it as another prep. We will work administratively on
some common expectations for SH teachers.
Could guidance create a google doc for students leaving early for semester tests?
o Great idea. We will work on it for next semester. This semester is on me for
the communication. I changed the protocols a bit in an effort to alleviate
some questions as to who had and who had not gotten prior approval. We
will do better next semester and I think a google doc might be just the trick.
Concerns with students in Tier being in the hallways?
o Not sure what is being asked here. All classes have students leave the
classroom for locker or restroom purposes. We want to limit this loss of class
time for all students.
Inequities in teacher responsibilities in preps, office hours, study halls, special
education teachers having 7 classes
o Everyone has a different perspective from his or her position. Study hall
teachers, office hour teachers, and special education teachers all can claim
at some point or another that they get the short end of the stick. Because of
that, this is not the venue to discuss this concern. If anyone wants to discuss
this perceived inequity, come in and we can talk.
Grading conversion from proficiency scales to grades. Is there a plan to have
discussion on the common conversion scale?
o My understanding is that yes, the district wants to have further discussions
on this common conversion. I know Noreen has intentionally put FIRST
DRAFT on this conversion. Still, we needed to start somewhere and this is a
great first step.

11-20-14

In attendance: Debbie E, Jodi E, Paul K, Angie W, Nate M, Paul S, Kent N, Noel C, Matt A
Announcements to kids that are important, wait until class time starts?
o I do not want to interrupt class time unless it is important information. The
casual announcements will be read during passing times.
Noise in the office when we are doing announcements?
o Thanks for the heads up. I will try to make announcements from the phone
to see if that helps.
Day before Christmas Break schedule for paras?
o Paras will be here on the 23rd like any other day. Rocky will let you know
what your day will look like.
Disrespect from students in the hallways? Students saying they are not feeling
safe? Dress code concerns in the hallways? Students in the hallways after class
starts? Unexcused absences to drop? Follow-up from office on letters home?
o These questions/concerns all fall under the same or similar umbrella. We
certainly have some students right now that are testing our expectations.

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The question that seems to keep coming up is how/why can we give

disciplinary actions to these students.
Certainly we must have common expectations for student behavior that has
similar expectations with societal norms. We all must work together to help
Our Kids make better decisions. As always, students reactions will mirror
our reactions. The more we keep the interaction calm and positive, the
better chance the conversation being productive. Do everything you can to
not escalate the situation. Ask questions and guide the students to the office
if necessary. Really freak them out by walking quietly up to them and ask
how you can help
I ask the office personnel to follow three simple expectations: Be Positive, Be
Helpful, Be Humble. These same guidelines transfer to interactions with
students. When a student swears, refuses, ignores, etc. be positive, be
helpful, be humble. Will that work for all kids? No. But assuming positive
intent first will gain respect and possible inroads. When the time comes for
more forceful conversations, the office will be involved. Let us know of
students not willing. Remember, students can have the last word because
we will have the final act.
Stay positive. We will help Our Kids make better decisions but not all in one
day. Any other questions about this, stop in and see me personally.
Refrain from scheduling conferences on the nights of elections?
o We will keep that in mind. Thanks for the heads up.
What is the answer for Hawks Nest timing? Students enjoy the segment.
o Not sure. We are working on the HR schedule to make it fit student needs.
Kleenex issue solution. A hat day on a Wednesday for bringing Kleenexes? Could
Judy carry some in the school store?
o I will talk with Judy about that option. I will get back to you on the hat day
option.
Automated system to contact parents?
o The district has looked into this before. It is my understanding they have
chosen to not purchase a system like that.
Students with body odor?
o First step is to speak with the student if you have a relationship with them. If
not, contact the students counselor and they will speak with the student.
Concerns with bells having an effect either way on attendance?
o Not sure if they help or not. The recent survey data tells us that a little less
than half the school wants us to follow a bell schedule every day. Starting
Dec 1, we will have bells each period all day. Then we will have some
baseline data to compare if tardies improve with bells or not.
HR lesson plans? Staff appreciates if they come out earlier than the day of the
class.
o We are working on plans for HR. The set-up has drastically changed and
continues to with ER on Thursdays. We are collaborating on a new set-up for
HR in the future.
Chairs at conferences. Safety for adults sitting in those chairs and the comfort
level of everyone sitting in them is a concern,
o I agree. We have chairs in the district. I will speak with Mr. Speer and Mr.
Rotter about the possibility of getting different chairs.

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10-8-14

In attendance: Debbie E, Jodi E, Paul K, Angie W, Nate M, Paul S, Kent N, Noel C, Matt A
Can we change back to bells on all days? Concerns about consistencies in release
times and clocks in the building.
o I will consider putting out a survey to staff. I will include some days with as
well as all days with/without.
Communication of adding/dropping students from rosters?
o I will speak with guidance about the timeliness of this and need to make
adjustment ASAP.
Should we communicate with parents about proficiency scales?
o I have/am depending upon the effectiveness of our email system and
campus.
Senior level RtI? Could we designate every 3rd or 4th week for seniors? Could the 3
teachers that are senior only still meet and have other teachers send names and
concerns.
o I am open to the idea. If it provides more opportunities for students, I am in
favor of it.
Is there a final decision on a drop deadline? What are the structures to the drop
deadline?
o 6 week drop time starting second semester. This is not true for adding
courses. That is still within a 2-week window.
Who can oversee students moving on to courses when they failed previous
courses?
o I will bring this up to student services and get back to you at next PAC
meeting.
Phones in the classroom and hallways. Inconsistent in the classrooms? How can
we move forward as a school with consistency in the hallways? Consider re-visiting.
o As my pal Jimmy Stewart would say, (from Its a Wonderful Life) This is a very
interesting situation! We have wrestled with this policy for years. There are
many of us here that would rather there is a rule that cell phones be banned
while students are on school property. Others of us here would rather not
deal with cell phones and leave them open to student interpretation of
appropriate use. Still others want the administration to be in charge of
student cell phone use. As with all situations with kids, what is our focus? Is
it to punish or is it to teach? That is an important distinction.
Ryan Fritz will be pulling together a small group of teachers and students to
discuss this issue. For now, continue to follow our current policy of cell
phones on the main level only once the school day starts. Upstairs the
phones should not be in use once the school day starts. For me personally, I
just ask students to put the phones away. Only once this year dud a student
give me grief about that and I took the phone then.
Concerns expressed with kids wanting to sit in the Tier room as opposed to class.
What are the rules in the room?

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The Tier I room has expectations just as each teacher has individual
expectations in their classrooms. I appreciate Rogers willingness to create
relationships with some of our toughest to reach students.
Concerns about MAP testing protocols for re-takes. Kids have a tendency to sit in
the Success Center and take all day to take a test so they do not have to go to a
class.
o I will speak with Steve Stumpff about this concern.
ER time use for kids. What would the office like us to do with kids that come in and
refuse to work?
o I would expect teachers to do what they do with any student that is refusing
to work in their classroom. Enrichment time is no different than any other
class time.
Re-testing clarification. When can kids re-test given that we have meetings 3 of
the 5 mornings a week and already using O.H.s?
o I would say to leave the responsibility on the student. Check with Amy
Jabens on a protocol that she has set up with Science that seems to be
working effectively.
How can we communicate better on students that have mental health issues or
questions about them?
o Share any names with guidance. They will move on it from there.
Could we remind students that only water and only clear bottles are allowed in the
classroom (unless teachers allow items purchased at the Novel Cup)?
o Sure.
Can student fines be held against students attending dances, etc.?
o Yes they could. We will speak administratively if that is a direction we want
to go.
Student behaviors at assemblies? The more that we have adults in the bleachers
and spread out, the better. Why cant we station teachers in certain parts of the
bleachers? Can we consider using the concert hall? Consider being more specific
on staff expectations as well as students?
o This is another point that keeps coming up at PAC. Our professional
responsibility is to teach kids appropriate behavior and to be in an area to
support those students that need support. My expectation is that we are all
following through with this. I hope we do not need to get to where we need
to assign adults certain spots in the bleachers. If this is something that does
not change, we will have to consider it administratively.
Foundation allotments PAC will decide distribution. $7.14 per student = $7,708
for the HS. We will set a date in Nov 3 for requests. If all the money is not spent,
we will have another round of requests later in the year.
o Thank you.
Dr. Mohammed was an investment in time that was very worth it.
o Agreed. He was an excellent speaker. The feedback from PL had some
questions for Cadre about what they learned from him in later segments. We
will discuss how to get that out to you.
Kids that no longer have computers. What are the protocols for each kid,
specifically?
o Admin and counselors will be sure to address that better with each student
and each teacher involved.
o

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Thank you for your time and support!