Connecting Waters Charter School

12420 Bentley Street

Waterford, CA 95386

     

Parent Council Meeting

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

 

ADOPTED MINUTES

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm, at the Moon School Cafeteria, 319 N. Reinway Ave., Waterford, CA. by Ron Mayo, Council President.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Approval of Agenda

Ron Mayo, Council President asked to moved Item 9A to 6A. Rhonda Melendez motioned to approve the December 5, 2007 minutes. It was seconded by Mary Ayala. There was a unanimous vote to approve the agenda.

4. Roll Call

The parent council members present were Julie Angeles, Mary Ayala, Jonelle Bateman, Kathy Bowman, Sharyle Bloudoff, Yolanda Broudy, April Cavanaugh, Brenda Clark, Nathan Fletcher, Elizabeth Hamamoto, Laura Harker, Kathy Jaworski, Karen Loughman, Ron Mayo, Ronda Melendez, Pat Nesbitt, Joannie Netzler, Linda Paradiso, Leah Ramirez, Holly Sink, Eva Stice, Angela Yee, and John Young.

Absent parent council members were Ursula Castellanos, Caroline Elness, Kathryn Larsson, Melanie Myatt, Rebecca Plaud, and Donna Wright.

5. Consent Calendar

Approval of Minutes

1. Unapproved Minutes of the December 5, 2006 meeting were reviewed and approved. John Young motioned to approve the December 5, 2006 minutes. It was seconded by Sharyle Bloudoff. There was a unanimous vote to approve the December 5, 2006 minutes.

6. Hearing of the Public

Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that we just had the first annual Literary Conference, sponsored by the Waterford Middle School and several of CWCS students were participants in and six of our student won awards for their writings.

Sharyn Bloudoff, a seventh grade CWCS student, brought her award that she received for 1st Place in Humor. Sharyn read her story and shared her experience with the parent council. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, expressed how she was truly impressed with the whole experience. Amber Nesbitt, an eighth grade CWCS student, brought her award for Best of Show. Amber also read her poem and shared her experience with the parent council.

6A.

Ron Mayo, Council President asked to moved Item 9A to 6A. Rhonda Melendez motioned to approve the December 5, 2007 minutes. It was seconded by Mary Ayala. There was a unanimous vote to approve the agenda.

Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, welcomed all new members and thanked them for their time and willingness to serve CWCS. Ron Mayo, Council President requested that all new members give a quick overview of themselves and their schooling experience. Motion to approve Ursula Castallanos, Kathy Jaworski, Melanie Myatt, Linda Paradiso, Holly Sink, Eva Stice and Angela Yee as new parent council members.

Sharyle Bloudoff motioned to approve all of the new parent council members. It was seconded by Pat Nesbitt. There was a unanimous vote to approve of all of the new parent council members.

7. Information Items

A. Annual Cash Flow Report

Annual Cash Flow Report was reviewed. Nathan Fletcher requested to know why we give 3% to the Waterford Unified School District. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that they are our sponsoring school district and provide us with cost free facility use of their facility for our graduation, open house, our main office and many other items. 

B. Assessment Report

The Assessment Report was reviewed. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that we had 78% attendance for our CASHEE testing this year.

Nathan Fletcher requested to know what scantron testing is. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that pre & post testing is done to make an assessment of  the student and to prepare them for the STAR testing and fulfill the WASC requirement to show student growth. Laura Harker requested to know why we had to do the 4th and 7th Writing Test on the dates without additional make up dates. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that those dates are state guidelines that we are following.

Yolanda Broudy noted concerns that her student did not have enough time during testing and felt rushed. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that also is a state guideline. She said she will check into it to make sure guidelines were being followed.

Angela Yee inquired to know if they get results for the STAR writing test, Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that, yes they would be getting the results. Angela Yee inquired to know what style of writing is needed and how would she go about getting information. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that she could ask to get a Writing Prompt Booklet and/or writing curriculum from her ES. Lori Porter, Parent Support, explained that information is not in place yet and would try to get it out as soon as possible and the information has been received from various vendors and teachers. Sharlye Bloudoff stated that Andrew Pudewa classes of “Institute for Excellence in Writing” will be starting Sept 18th- 21st and favorly expressed her experience. Jonelle Bateman spoke briefly regarding the positive impact of  Daily Prompts. 

C. Attendance Report

The Attendance Report was reviewed.

D. Audit Report

The Audit Report was reviewed by Kurt Fedderson, CPA of Fedderson & Company, LLP, the auditor for CWCS. Kurt reviewed page by page what the purpose of each report was. He also gave out his email address (kurtcpa@sbcglobal.net) for those who had any future questions.

E. Calendar (07/08 Draft)

The Calendar (07/08 Draft) was reviewed. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that this is only a draft for now and that there will be a change for the spring recess dates and asked for a show of hands of when they wanted the recess to be before or after Easter. It was decided that we would have it after Easter.

F. Curriculum Director’s Report

The Curriculum Director’s Report was reviewed.

G. ES Support Report

The ES Support Report was reviewed.

H. Graduation Report

The Graduation Report was reviewed. Mary Vinnedge, CWCS Secretary, stated that there are still 22 Seniors that have not ordered their cap & gowns yet out of 108 participates and that there are 53 Eighth grade participates to date.

I. Guidance Department Report

The Guidance Department Report was reviewed. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, noted that there is an upcoming CSF get together at Boomers in Modesto.

J. Learning Center Report

The Learning Center Report was reviewed. Pat Nesbitt expressed concern why the student computer labs computers are blocked from varies sites. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained it was because of the unfavorable websites that students had viewed. Lori Porter, Parent Support, explained that we only want the computers used for educational purposes such as research and homework, etc.

Sharyle Bloudoff expressed the desire to have back to back classes at the Modesto Learning Centers, so parents can drop off their student for many classes in a row. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that classes are set up as the teachers are available. Ronda Melendez inquired as to what classes will be coming up that we have in place so far. Lori Porter, Parent Support, explained that are in the process of planning classes for next year.

Ron Mayo requested to know if there was enough room at the Modesto Learning Center to have a designated music room. Lori Porter, Parent Support, explained that at this time there is not.

K. Literacy Specialist Report

The Literacy Specialist Report was reviewed. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, stated that Terry Souza, our Language Arts Specialist is available for assessment of students of all ages.

L. Math Specialist Report

The Math Specialist Report was reviewed. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, stated that Debbie Kutz, our Math Specialist is available for assessment of students of all ages.

M. Parent Involvement Policy

The Parent Involvement Policy was reviewed. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that Kurt Fedderen, CPA requested a parent involvement policy in the past.

 this is what we have implemented at this time. make a change on page two where is states “individual learning plans” be changed to “Personalized Learning Plans”. She requested any additional changes from the council. The policy will be voted on at the May meeting.

N. Parent Support

The Parent Support was reviewed.

Lori Porter, Parent Support, announced that she is looking into some type of parent to parent communication and would like anyone with any ideas to call or email her.

Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, thanked Lori Porter, Lori Freeman and all involved for all of their hard work and effort that went into this years Parent workshop in February and that is was so well organized.  Lori Porter, Parent Support, stated concern that she hasn’t received many survey responses from the listserve. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, reviewed the few Parent Surveys received for the Parent workshop and all seemed pleased.

O. Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Nathan Fletcher, Treasurer, read the report.

Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, mentioned that the money we have in the fund raising to give out two $500 dollar scholarships for this year’s graduates if possible and that we will confirm at our next meeting. Sharyle Bloudoff inquired as to where the funds in the account came from. Sherri explained that we have had it from previous years fund raising events and also late fees for the yearbooks. We were informed that we would be receiving a check for approximately $60.00 from Washington Mutual for a reward program they have going on from some of their customers. Sharyle mentioned that Sharyle and Sharon Bloudoff had received advertising ads for this year’s yearbook. Mary Vinnedge, CWCS Secretary, mentioned that the approximate cost for this year’s yearbook would be $2,500, that has not been paid.

P.  Vendor Report

The Vendor Report was reviewed. 

8. Director’s Report

The Director’s Report was reviewed. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, briefly reviewed and stated that the STAR testing incentives with the help of parents would be a pizza party. Maybe we could do some rewards when the results are received, MP3 player, digital camera, or an IPOD would be given to the student who was most improved. Rewards would be for most improved, etc. Sherri Nelson stated that the Career Expo that the Guidance Department had excellent attendance with many careers represented and thanked Ron Mayo for his wonderful suggestion.

9. Action Items

B. Vote to approve participation in the APLUS research project. Sherri reviewed the proposal that was presented at the December PC meeting by Jeff Rice. Jonelle Bateman expressed her concern that our students may not show favorable results. Mary Ayala motioned to approve participation in the APLUS research project. It was seconded by John Young. There was a vote of hands to approve participation in the APLUS research project. There were 12 in favor and 7 not in favor, and the motion was passed.

10. Discussion Items

A. Parent Workshop/Training (see previous notes)

B. Career Expo 2007 (see previous notes)

C. 2007 Parent Council Nomination Form. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, stated that they are included in this packet and to turn them in as soon as possible.

11. Council Comments

None.

12. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 8:54pm. A motion to adjourn was from Ronda Melendez and seconded by April Cavanaugh.

 

The next Parent Council Meeting: Our regularly scheduled meeting is May 8, 2007.

 

Minutes, March 13, 2007/ PC March 13, 2007 MCV 3/13/07