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La Jolla High School Governance Committee In Attendance: Guests Present: Patti Nussbaum and Maureen Lochtefeld. Minutes of the September 26 meeting will be emailed to all members
for approval. Principal’s Evaluation: Report from Carole LeCren was read.
Mrs. Ginsberg will meet with Mr. Shelburne to discuss PTA concerns noted
on last spring’s Principal Evaluation survey. Formation of Principal’s Evaluation Committee: Discussed
addition of classified staff person to committee. Currently, the committee
consists of Jamie Ginsberg, Susanna Flaster, Claire Summer, Kerry Dill
and a classified representative. Anyone with issues to contribute or suggestions
for the committee should contact a committee member. Classified Member of Governance: The classified staff decided
that they wanted the Governance representative position to be a rotating
job but it was discussed that the lack of continuity in that situation
is undesirable and hence prohibited by the Governance document. Class Rank: Discussion was held regarding whether students would
benefit from reduced stress if class rank was recorded as a percentage
(e.g. top 10% of the class) versus a numeric rank. There is no downside
as far as colleges are concerned, according to Mrs. Behnke. The upside
would be reduced stressed and reduced machinations performed by students
in order to increase their class rank. Discussion ensued, with the student
representative noting that if a student was in the numeric position of
being pushed into the next percentage, it would be preferable to be “number
21” in a class of 400 than be pushed to the next percentage rank
(if number 21 would be top 10%, instead of top 5%). Questions were raised
what other local high schools do, with no current information available.
It was asked whether Ms. Behnke could research any official preference,
and Mr. Shelburne will follow up with Ms. Behnke and report back next
month. Registrar/College Information: It was noted that there are still
questions coming from students and parents about proper procedures for
submitting requests for transcripts to the registrar. It was suggested
that a subcommittee be formed to look at creating a simple checklist of
information. Jackie Helm, Joan Hiser, Linda Dowley and Dana Shelburne
will meet with the registrar to see about generating a simple, clear checklist
for students and parents to use when interfacing with the registrar. Minimum Day Shared Staff Development: Concerns were brought up
by parents, about continuing matriculation issues in certain subjects
– particularly math. Students coming from Muirlands who have taken
Algebra 1-2 and presumably have taken a geometry readiness test, are often
not successful in regular level geometry. To that end, Mr. Shelburne will
speak to Mrs. Hargrave, principal at Muirlands, about having a shared
staff development day where all departments from each school could meet
to discuss curriculum and matriculation. This was done two years ago and
was worthwhile. It was further mentioned that mandating algebra in grade
8 is not part of the state standards and concerns continue that many students
are not ready for algebra in 8th grade. Mrs. Zink is meeting with the
new superintendent, and can forward these concerns. Six Week Drop Period Policy Clarification: Mr. Shelburne said
that the master schedule does not give much leeway for students to transfer
courses – for example from an advanced course to a regular level
course – or to move to a more advanced one. For the most part, all
courses are full and cannot accommodate students moving. With the new
policy of parents signing students’ proposed schedules in the spring,
hopefully both parents and students will be well informed about which
course represents an appropriate placement for each student. Of course,
we still need a safety net for emergencies where a student is misplaced
– not for students who wish to change in order to be with friends
or because they don’t like a certain teacher. We also want to encourage
students to try challenging courses. Policy on Teaching Sex Ed: With various life skills curriculum
seeming to focus on drug, tobacco and alcohol awareness, the question
was raised whether STD’s are covered. The biology curriculum does
cover information on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, as do the physiology
and psychology classes. Additionally, our Life Skills teacher, Diane Nicols,
uses the district’s established curriculum to teach sexual education. Announcements/Roundtable: Jamie Ginsberg noted that the PTA has over 1,000 members this year. She
also asked about the various computers that were stolen, wondering if
they were insured. Mr. Shelburne noted that the district is self indemnified,
and reimbursement can take quite a long time – and we are reimbursed
based on a depreciated value. Proceeds from insurance for 12 stolen computers
reimbursed us with enough funds to purchase 9 new ones. The foundation
purchased three more. Mr. Friberg noted that Homecoming is this weekend. Mr. Shelburne thanked the Howarth family for their assistance with the Museum of Tolerance field trip. That field trip was discussed, and it was noted that there will be a debriefing meeting in early November to discuss concerns and evaluate for the future. Mr. Shelburne further noted that the AP Workshop last weekend was a success. Finally, Mr. Shelburne wanted to recognize current senior Phuong Tran, a student in need, who, through the QuestBridge organization will receive a full four-year college scholarship. The school is very proud of her and wishes her much success. |