MISSION STATEMENT:  To improve student success and the school environment through a shared decision-making process involving parents, staff, students, and community.

Site Council Minutes

November 10, 2010

Present:  Ty Becker, Connie Zipp-Seymour, Kelly Halvorsen, Margaret Anderson,  Julie Bollmann, Jennifer Doering, Paula Kuhlmann, Chris Marquardt, Amy Reif, Mari Stein, Robb Stengl, Nancy Tuman, and Deb Woller.

The group had a demonstration on Parent Portal from Kathy Tyskiewicz.  This is the program that replaces Parent Connect.  Letters were sent out to parents today from our Longfellow Administration Building.  The letter will give parents their login information along with instructions for using the program. 

The Parent Portal will give parents access to the school calendar, attendance, students schedule, class assignments, fees paid and reports for their students.

Kelly Halvorsen gave an update on the Student Advocacy Committee.  The committee is sorting through all the issues to prioritize them.  At the same time, the District is looking at behavior and will be incorporating a program called PBIS.  During in-service on Wednesday, November 24, Horace Mann staff will learn about "PBIS"  (Positive Behavioral Intervention Strategies) and how we can potentially use the PBIS framework to create a school environment that teaches, models, and reinforces positive behavior choices here at our school.  In the case of many of our professional development days, it is only our teaching staff included in the learning opportunities.  However, we have received approval to invite ALL staff to participate in the PBIS Overview Session. 

The elementary schools started their training and have begun implementing the program this school year.  The district was planning on starting the secondary schools next year.  Horace Mann would like to get more information on the program.  The “framework” of the program emphasizes collaboration and consistency.

We have again started a suggestion box for students and staff to turn in any suggestions.  The box is located outside of the school store.  We have received 3 suggestions so far in the last week. 

Margaret Anderson asked if the school would be able to do an in-service or training on computer technology used for student assignments.  There are classes that require power point presentations with music and parents may not have the programs or knowledge to help the student with their homework. 

Meeting adjourned.

Next meeting dates are:  January 19, 2011 and March 23, 2011.