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Wed, Feb 22
Tue, Mar 6 8:00 - 9:00
Wed, Mar 21 - Thu, Mar 22
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Thu, Mar 22 5:00 - 8:00
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- Cesar E. Chavez Day - School Closed
Mon, Apr 2 - Fri, Apr 6
- Spring Recess - School Closed
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SSC Meeting Minutes
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School Site Council Jan. 12, 2012 Meeting |
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CALL TO ORDER
The fifth meeting of the 2011-2012 School Site Council for Hancock Park School was called to order at 2:50 p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2012 in room 36 of Hancock Park School, 408 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
In attendance:
Bernard Grinberg – Chairman
Ashley Parker – Principal, Vice-Chairperson
Suzy Cook – Secretary
Cherie McDermott - Parliamentarian
Debbie Glass – teacher member
David Rodriguez – parent member
William Crain – parent member
Larry Tynan – teacher/UTLA member
Susan Brin – alternate parent member
William Hochhaus – parent member
Elaine Waldman – guest parent
Those not present included Pamela Kennard – parent member, Nile El Wardani- alternate parent member; Jillian Wolfe – teacher member; Ruth Wheelwright – classified member; Sharon Codd – alternate staff member; Mora Nichols – alternate staff member; Gary Blond – alternate staff member; Laurie Assael – alternate staff member.
OPENING REMARKS
Chairman Bernard Grinberg welcomed members and guests of the SSC Board to the fifth SSC meeting for the 2011-2012 school year.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
A motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes was made. It was seconded and the motion passed. A motioned was then made to approve the already reviewed minutes and it was seconded and passed by the membership.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Teacher Professional Development. Hancock Park funded thirteen teachers to attend the Los Angeles City GATE Conference, some this past August and some during winter break. Those who attended will share their findings at the 1/24/12 staff development.
Project Based Learning Instruction is a goal of local district 4. It is hoped to have 50% of classrooms involved this school year and 100% by the 2012-2013 school year. The project utilizes technology to enhance 21st century learning skills. Deborah Glass is currently using project based learning for a research project being done by her students about California Native Americans. This type of instructions differs from theme-based instruction, as student interests drive projects and this allows them to delve more deeply into the subject matter. Cherie McDermott inquired how the 50% goal was being implemented at Hancock Park this year. Mrs. Parker said funding was an issue, but that teachers, especially those who attended the Buck Institute training, would be training their peers and all of this would be aligned with the Problem of Practice, our instruction of critical thinking through inquiry.
Mid Year Budget Cuts. Budget cuts are still pending, as all are waiting to see what will happen with the State of California budget, and what will happen between now and November. Furlough days are projected, at a minimum, to be four, with Wed., June 20, 2012 being the first, pushing the last day of instruction to Mon., June 18, 2012. There is still a possibility that there could be six furlough days. Minimum days are effected by the furloughs, as Feb. 8, 2012 has been tentatively rescheduled to Wed., May 16, depending on CST schedules. The end of the year days are still pending.
Library Update. Samuel Nunez, the library aide, had a motorcycle accident and is out, indefinitely, to recover. Anjie Klimeck is volunteering and is doing her best to keep some sort of regular schedule in the library.
Afterschool Programs. Mrs. Parker will conduct an annual review survey, as usual.
Traffic Report. There have been some close calls at the Colgate/Fairfax intersection and OEHS will do a study of the intersection and see what is going on. Mrs. Parker asked them for an “all red” cycle, which they rejected. She is now asking for “Don’t Block the Intersection” signage. Los Angeles Police Department will come and do traffic safety assembly for all classes.
Math Competition Participation. Mrs. Parker informed the members of an additional competition, Math Matters, happening at the end of January. She wanted to see if there was interest in sending a team and Bill Hochhaus volunteered to be the point person to coordinate the effort. A motion was put forward to fund a team, seconded and approved.
GATE Program. The GATE has already begun based on grade level proposal submitted in the fall. It will be in grades 2-5. All students in these grades will go to the courthouse as part of the proposed projects, and participate in mock trials, in the classroom.
UTLA UPDATE
Larry Tynan reported that everything regarding negotiations is still in limbo. Members agreed to four furloughs, but there may be six. District is putting out a parcel tax for the November ballot and Governor Brown is looking for higher sales tax and a high wage earner tax, as well.
Negotiations for contract are ongoing since July. Members approved two items; health benefits to remain as is and an end to the district giving away low performing schools to charter and outside organizations. These schools will now be given a choice of four autonomy plans.
BOOSTER CLUB
Cherie McDermott reported that the Holiday Party/Auction earned about $17,000, plus or minus. The fourth budget revision is done and requests are still coming in. General Booster Meeting will be Wed., Jan. 18, 2012 @ 6:30, with pizza outside and the meeting inside. Mr. Rodriguez commented that he would like to see a Science Consultant for a Science Lab. Mrs. Parker said she would support this. Teachers gave comment on the merits of a science program. Bill Hochhaus and Deborah Glass volunteered to spearhead a science program, possibly in the arts patio. Mrs. Parker will ask leadership what ways a science lab could enrich or advance what is already being done in the classroom.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Closing Student Achievement Gap. Elaine Waldman spoke in regard African American’s achievement scores on the CSTs, and that they were lower than English Learners. She stated that education is a determinate of health. She would like the Hancock Park Community to focus on the assets and strengths of the African American community and the experiences, strengths and values of their families. She proposed taking three months to hear from the African American community and then in spring, coming up with some concepts to roll out in fall, 2012.
Mrs. Parker commented that the LIP programs addresses some of this need and that Hancock Park receives low funding from LAUSD because it is a high performing school. Funding isn’t provided for intervention from the district, so Hancock Park provides intervention on its own. Deborah Glass volunteered to form a committee to look at the gap, and stated that she has experience with prior district programs that addressed this need. She recommended starting a reference library for teachers, and adding to it from district programs. Mrs. Parker asked Mrs. Waldman to compose a letter to ask community members to participate in a focus group to address the need, and work toward closing the achievement gap at Hancock Park.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Grinberg adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m.
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School Site Council Dec. 1, 2011 Meeting |
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CALL TO ORDER
This meeting of the 2011-2012 School Site Council for Hancock Park School was called to order at 2:50 p.m., Thursday, December 1, 2011 in room 36 of Hancock Park School, 408 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
In attendance:
Bernard Grinberg – Chairman
Ashley Parker – Principal, Vice-Chairperson
Suzy Cook – Secretary
Cherie McDermott - Parliamentarian
Debbie Glass – teacher member
David Rodriguez – parent member
William Crain – parent member
Larry Tynan – teacher/UTLA member
Susan Brin – alternate parent member
William Hochhaus – parent member
Sharon Codd – alternate staff member
Naoko Watanabe – parent
Iaara Debasc – parent guest
Those not present included Pamela Kennard – parent member, Nile El Wardani- alternate parent member; Jillian Wolfe – teacher member; Mora Nichols – alternate staff member; Gary Blond – alternate staff member; Laurie Assael – alternate staff member.
OPENING REMARKS
Chairman Bernard Grinberg welcomed members and guests of the SSC Board to the last SSC meeting for the 2011-2012 school year.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Susan Brin motioned to dispense with the reading of the minutes. It was seconded and the motion passed. She then motioned to approve the already reviewed minutes and it was seconded by Debbie Glass, and passed by the membership.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
State Budget. Mrs. Parker is waiting to see what is going to happen with the California state budget. Furlough days, as of now, are four days but that could change depending on the budget. This won’t be determined until January, probably. The Hancock Park Booster budget could be used to maintain programs. Uncertainty remains until the budget is announced. We can no longer enroll students in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. All have been capped. Students are being enrolled in Gardner Elementary School, our cap receiver.
Personnel. District has restored an 8-hour office tech position based on enrollment. Myra Diaz was assigned to the 8-hour position and the 4-hour position funded by Boosters/District was returned to the school. It will be used for substitute days and instruction supplies. The district has placed Samuel Nunez in the three hour a day library aide position. He will work alternate mornings and afternoons, every other week; so all classes can keep their library schedule. Classes will have their time slot every other week beginning Dec. 5, 2011.
Literacy Intervention Program. Reading Intervention for third grade started last year and will be continued for this year. The program will run a 7:40 – 8:00 a.m. and 2:40 – 3:00 p.m. program that will run three days a week for three weeks. Mrs. Parker is seeking volunteers for the program until she can get substitute teachers to teach the intervention program.
Winter Holiday Program. The schedule has changed from last year. It will run over three consecutive days. It needs to comply with fire codes as it has outgrown the auditorium. It will be as follows:
Kindergarten – Tuesday, 12/13
2,3,5 & 24 – 8:30 a.m. and 1,4,8, & 35 @ 9:30 a.m.
Both classes will sing the same songs.
1st Grade – Wednesday, 12/14 @ 8:30 a.m.
2nd Grade – Wednesday, 12/14 @ 10:45 a.m.
Chorus, 3, 4, &5 – Wednesday, 12/14 @ 1:00 p.m.
Chorus 3, 4, &5 – Thursday @ 8:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
All Chorus programs will be identical.
Accolades. Hancock Park won the Bronze Award for meeting standards in the Healthier School Challenge. The award comes with $500 and a framed plaque.
Math Olympic Tournament. Five students will be selected to compete in this event, in addition to Math Challenge. The event is held on March 17, 2012, and is open to fourth and fifth graders. A teacher would need to volunteer to screen and form the school team. Mrs. Parker will take the idea to the leadership committee and it will be an agenda item for the January meeting.
UTLA UPDATE
December 15, 2011 is the date for the state budget to be determined and for district to make their decision on furlough days. Teachers have agreed to four, six as the maximum, if need be. Larry thinks it will be six, which would then allow class sizes to remain at present level.
Two contract items have been settled. Health coverage will stay as is with the cost coming from a district reserve fund. This has been agreed upon by the teachers and will be put to a vote. The other item agreed is the end to Public School Choice, with had put up underperforming schools for bid from private enterprises. The district will end this and the underperforming schools will run on their own, without a lot of union regulations needing to be followed. There are still a dozen undecided items. Negotiations have been going since July 2011. Some include the district linking test scores to evaluation, something UTLA is against.
BOOSTER CLUB
Cherie McDermott commented that the online auction is now open. The Holiday party will be Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Park La Brea community center.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Clean Campus Corp. This is not yet up and running. It was begun to keep the campus clean and to motivate students. Those students who clean up during lunch will get a golden ticket. Tickets will be turned into the office for a monthly prize drawing. Mrs. Parker has observed a willingness on the student’s part to want to help.
Naoko Watanabe commented that she had a difficult time in the lunch area one rainy day. The 1st graders went out for lunch and some of the tables and benches were very wet. She was very disappointed that the custodial staff did not wipe the tables before the lunchtime and also that none of the lunch time supervisors were bothered by this. She received no help and feels the lunch pavilion is not a welcoming place for children.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Grinberg adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m.
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School Site Council Nov 3, 2011 Meeting |
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CALL TO ORDER
The second meeting of the 2011-2012 School Site Council for Hancock Park School was called to order at 2:54 p.m., Thursday, November 3, 2011 in room 36 of Hancock Park School, 408 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
In attendance:
Bernard Grinberg – Chairman
Ashley Parker – Principal, Vice-Chairperson
Suzy Cook – Secretary
Cherie McDermott - Parliamentarian
Debbie Glass – teacher member
David Rodriguez – parent member
William Crain – parent member
Larry Tynan – teacher/UTLA member
Sharon Codd – alternate staff member
Jillian Wolfe – alternate staff member
Karen Hollis – guest teacher
Those not present included Pamela Kennard – parent member; Nile El Wardani- alternate parent member; William Hochhaus – teacher member; Mora Nichols – alternate staff member; Gary Blond – alternate staff member; Laurie Assael – alternate staff member; Ruth Wheelwright – classified staff member; Susan Brinn-parent alternate member.
OPENING REMARKS
Chairman Bernard Grinberg welcomed members and guests of the SSC Board to the second SSC meeting for the 2011-2012 school year.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Suzy Cook told members of the changes made to the minutes sent out to members. Changes and minutes were approved. Minutes will be posted on the Hancock Park School Booster Club website. Beth Happel will post minutes once the members have approved them. The goal is to have them posted on line within two weeks of the meeting.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Student Enrollment. The current enrollment has been capped in third, fourth and fifth grade. A growth position has been approved, however, no one on the displaced list was appropriate for the position. Due to this, a long-term substitute, Ms. Rosario Benvides, was hired to teach the 15 kindergarteners currently enrolled in the class. They will be housed in Room 8, a downstairs classroom vacated by second grade.
Personnel. A new instruction aide, Angie Lee, a parent, has been hired and is being processed. A supervision aide position will be opened up to serve as a kindergarten aide. Two paraprofessionals will provide supervision on the play structure starting at 7:30 am. Mrs. Parker is looking for more supervision aides from the Booster Club or Beyond the Bell for an afternoon position. The yard is closed in the morning at the present time until paperwork goes through.
After School. Mrs. Parker works with Grisell Torres weekly to communicate concerns. Got Game, who ran sports in the fall, will be offering a four-day winter camp during Winter Break. Flyers will go out mid-November. Additional programs to be offered after school include Rap Camp, with a parent as facilitator and as a share facility program. Guitar lessons are currently being offered through Champions and also through Mr. Hochaus for 4th and 5th grade classes.
School Safety. Karen Hollis presented the School Safety Plan. She stated that certificated and classified had already completed the survey, and she now needed parents to participate. The plan is a coordinated effort between staff and parents. Karen explained the survey and the categories needing to be addressed. She will compile all the data and enter it into the school plan and write an action plan that will be implemented next school year. Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Crain agreed to take part. The parent survey should be returned in two weeks.
Campus Cleanliness. Mr. Rodriguez commented that he likes the restroom reminder signs, as it makes a difference in the cleanliness of the restrooms. Mrs. Parker added that they are helping the supervisors as well. Suggestions were made to make posters to help keep the yards clean. Cherie McDermott commented that the lunch pavilion aides do not allow the children to throw away trash without raising their hands and being called on. Mrs. Parker commented that children may throw away trash when they are dismissed. Also, district policy is for all food purchased in the cafeteria must be consumed in the cafeteria. Mr. Bernard said that his kids wouldn’t eat the cafeteria food because they don’t want to eat inside, without their friends. Parents commented that children are being told they are not allowed to be dismissed until they have picked up ten pieces of trash. Mrs. Parker said that this was not district policy and that she would make a note to speak to the lunch pavilion aides regarding this. She expressed a desire for more parent volunteers to oversee the lunch pavilion, who could be quickly trained by her. She asked teachers to solicit their classroom parents for volunteers.
Mrs. Glass suggested a “Golden Dustpan” award for clean tables when tables are assigned. Long terms solutions will be looked at; Mrs. Parker will follow up with the leadership team for beautification suggestions to the “ongoing challenge”.
UTLA UPDATE
Mr. Tynan provided the UTLA update. There are still 969 RIF’d teachers. The furlough days won’t be decided until end of December, and members won’t be told until after Winter Break. As for now, the last day of instruction is Monday, June 25. Last Tuesday, the board re-voted and approved the early start for August 14 as a pupil free day, and the first day of instruction as August 15, 2012. The last day of school will probably be June 1 or 5, 2013.
The new contract is still being negotiated. Health benefits will remain the same. SEAC may restore an eight-hour office person at Hancock Park, due to restoration. Myra may go someplace else if the position is not restored, as she is eligible for an eight-hour position.
BOOSTER CLUB
Cherie McDermott reported that the pledge drive had a 76% participation rate, up from 46% last year. $181,000 plus was raised; double what was raised last year. It was attributed to a great team effort between administrators, teachers, parents, and pledge drive volunteers.
This will be the first time Booster Club will not need to extend the pledge, but contributions are still being accepted. Six classes had 100% participation; first grade had 93%.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Rodriguez commented that he would like to see an after school program at Hancock Park School for foreign language.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Grinberg adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m.
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