Connecting Waters Charter School

12420 Bentley Street

Waterford, CA 95386

     

Parent Council Meeting

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

 

UNADOPTED MINUTES

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:43 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, motioned to approve the agenda and add the addendum. It was seconded by Sharyle Bloudoff. There was a unanimous vote to approve the agenda and the addendum.

4. Roll Call

The parent council members present were Julie Angeles, Mary Ayala, Jonelle Bateman, Kathy Bowman, Sharyle Bloudoff, Ursula Castellanos, Brenda Clark, Caroline Elness, Elizabeth Hamamoto, Kathy Jaworski, Kathryn Larsson, Karen Loughman, Ron Mayo, Ronda Melendez, Pat Nesbitt, Joannie Netzler, Linda Paradiso, Leah Ramirez, Holly Sink, and Angela Yee.

Absent parent council members were Yolanda Broudy, April Cavanaugh, Nathan Fletcher, Laura Harker, Melanie Myatt, Rebecca Plaud, Eva Stice, Donna Wright, and John Young.

5. Consent Calendar

Approval of Minutes

1. Unapproved Minutes of the March 13, 2007 meeting were reviewed and approved. Joannie Netzler motioned to approve the March 13, 2007 minutes. It was seconded by Mary Ayala. There was a unanimous vote to approve the March 13, 2007 minutes.

6. Hearing of the Public

Olga Kiehl, CWCS parent, stated that the last year with high school has been a wonderful experience & thanked everyone. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that Olga served as Parent Council President for two years. Olga’s daughter Ingrid Kiehl started a Literacy Club and helped with the WASC accreditation. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, mentioned that Ingrid has been accepted a Cornell University.

7. Information Items

A. Annual Cash Flow & Budget Report

The Annual Cash Flow Report was reviewed. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained to the Parent Council what their role in the decision making process of passing the budget is. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, mentioned that each year the budget looks almost the same and discussed what each item is on the CWCS Budget for the 2007-2008 School Year. She also discussed why, where, and for what purpose the money is applied. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that monies granted from the state are based on ADAs (Average Daily Attendance) and that is one of the reasons ESs have to do attendance reports. Olga Kiehl asked if the District Oversight amount that CWCS is charged is a flat amount. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, explained that the Waterford School District charges a rate of 3% for District Oversight. Ron Mayo, PC President, asked what the ADA increase was for next year. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, stated that next years’ budget is based on an ada of approximately 100 more students than last year. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, mentioned that we have a new learning center in Ceres. Joannie Netzler asked where it was and Sherri explained the location.

B. Assessment Report

The Assessment Report was reviewed. Sharyle Bloudoff asked if we will continue with extended testing days next school year (in reference to STAR testing). Sherri Neslon, Executive Director, said yes. Sharyle Bloudoff commented that 99% were tested, but do we keep track of the students who do poorly – does it bring the schools ranking down. Sharyle Bloudoff also asked if we have something in place to help the kids who do poorly. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, stated that this is where our ESs come into place; they can help the students who are having trouble. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, commented that if you (parents, pc members) want to do something about STAR testing in general, it has to be done at the state level. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, also stated that we can make rules as a school and your ES should individualize it for you (if students aren’t doing well). Caroline Elness commented that she loves the makeup STAR testing because the class sizes are smaller and asked if we could do makeups next year in Manteca. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, mentioned that since makeup’s are K-12, we broke it up; also, Caroline could have had her student(s) tested in Modesto. Caroline Elness, PC Member, asked if we could split the kids up, for example 20 kids in one room and 20 in another. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, explained that there are not enough teachers and space for us to split the kids at all testing sites. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, also explained that we have made more testing sites available to try and alleviate crowding. Leah Ramirez mentioned that the Los Banos testing site (STAR) was awesome this year. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, mentioned that we take feedback from parents and try to make changes. Jonelle Bateman mentioned that the Turlock testing site (STAR) was great this year, except for the absence of a pizza party. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, stated that parents have to be in charge of the pizza party (this was also mentioned at our last meeting). Ron Mayo, PC President, mentioned that he has had parents ask why CWCS does not do this, or does not do that, and he explains to parents that they have to take the lead. Jonelle Bateman mentioned that the ESs at the Turlock test site created a very non-threatening environment (for testing). Ron May, PC President, stated that some tests (STAR) were missing the STOP page. His daughter only tested for two of the three required days, because she accidentally worked ahead due to the lack of a STOP page (this was confirmed by the ES overseeing the test).

C. Attendance Report

The Attendance Report was reviewed.

D. Curriculum Report

The Curriculum Report was reviewed.

E. ES Support Report

The ES Support Report was reviewed.

F. Graduation Report

The Graduation Report was reviewed.

Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, asked who on the Parent Council was going to attend graduation. A few of the PC members raised their hands.

G. Group Educational Activities Report

The GEA Report was reviewed.

H. Guidance Department Report

The Guidance Department Report was reviewed

I. Learning Center Report

The Learning Center Report was reviewed.

Pat Nesbit commented that more parents should take advantage of the learning centers’ classes (A-G). She added that her daughter already has credits that will transfer over to the High School she is attending next year.

J. Literacy Specialist Report

The Literacy Specialist Report was reviewed.

K. Math Specialist Report

The Math Specialist Report was reviewed.

Jonelle Bateman, PC Member mentioned that Debbie Kutz, Math Specialist, is not teaching Algebra II next year due to a lack in interest. Sharyle Bloudoff commented that it would be nice if the learning centers’ offered more back to back classes. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, stated that classes are available in our database, and teachers’ can sign their students up for classes. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, added that we have made it so we can put the information in around July – we have classes ready for next year. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, commented that it would be nice if Debbie Kutz could put her class in the database to see if we would have the interest next year. Sharyle Bloudoff stated that she likes Elluminate. She asked if we could do a Saxon Math class (she suggested one at 7:00 am). Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, stated that our ES’s are learning how to use new on-line technology. Ronda Melendez stated that Olivia (her daughter) took a final on-line today. She also added that she has taken classes online before and her professors are always adamant that if the students’ do not understand something, they should get help; it is the student’s responsibility to speak up. Jonelle Bateman, PC Member, mentioned that college is live interaction, not everything is online yet. Jonelle Bateman, PC Member, added that there is something to be said for being in a class and doing things hands on. Justin Bateman, PC Student Representative, commented that when you are talking to a teacher one-on-one, you have more thorough of an understanding. He also mentioned that it is easier to retain things when he is in a classroom setting. Pat Nesbitt inquired as the whether there will be A-G writing offered next year. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, stated that Denetrice Howard will do an A-G English, which will incorporate writing.

L. Parent Involvement Policy

The Parent Involvement Policy was reviewed.

Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, reminded everyone that we had gone over the Parent Involvement Policy at the last meeting and the suggested changes were made. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, reminded everyone that we will be voting on this tonight.

M. Parent Support Report

The Parent Support Report was reviewed.

Lori Porter, Parent Support, commented that she was very busy. She also commented that we have a lot of parents who have expressed an interest in taking our courses and college courses. Lori Porter, Parent Support, mentioned that the two sites she worked at for STAR testing were really great.

N. Treasurers Report

The Treasurers’ Report was reviewed

Olga Kiehl, CWCS Parent, said that at the last parent council meeting we had discussed handing out scholarships, and asked if we are still going to do that. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, answered that we were a little short this year, we may have to do fundraising next year. Ron May, PC President, mentioned that his friend owns La Mornita Restaurant and mentioned that students can bus tables at his restaurant and earn a percentage of the nights sales. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, wanted to thank Sharyle Bloudoff for her hard work on this years’ yearbook. Sharyle Bloudoff suggested that the yearbook be a group school project, possibly using Elluminate. Ronda Melendez asked if we discussed advertising as a fundraiser. She also commented that if people are interested enough to support a yearbook, then maybe they will donate towards a scholarship. Karen Loughman suggested that we get parents to sign permission slips (to have a photo in the yearbook) at activities, or to sign a waiver ahead of time. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, suggested that maybe each person who sends a picture should send a waiver. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, mentioned that we will have graduating student’s names in the Modesto Bee this year. Parents had to sign a waiver to have their students name in the Modesto Bee.

O. Vendors Report

Ron May, PC President, asked if we can categorize vendors in the online database. Sherri Neslon, CWCS Executive Director, stated that you can do a search on vendors’ information. Leah Ramirez commented that the search does not always work that well, she had searched for a specific vendor and they did not come up. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, said to email her the vendor info and she will have it fixed. Leah Ramirez commented that she would like a better description for vendor searches. Linda Paradiso pointed out that there was a discrepancy on the STAR percentage participation rate. One report stated that we had 98% participation and another report stated that we had a 99% participation rate. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, clarified and stated that the report showing 99% participation was the most recent report. Jonelle Bateman asked if we have someone who updates vendor information. Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, answered not really, but you can email her the vendor information and she will contact IT.

8. Director’s Report

The Directors Report was reviewed.

Sherri Nelson, CWCS Executive Director, stated that she hired five new ESs for the next school year. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, also stated that Melissa Cripe (guidance counsellor) will be added as a permanent fixture. Melissa will be a 40% employee. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, mentioned that the Guidance Department will be doing an education and career class next year, and a study skills class for next semester. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, mentioned that summer school begins on May 20th until July 10th.

9. Action Items

A. Motion to approve the Connecting Waters budget for the 2007-2008 School year. Sherri reviewed the report. Mary Ayala motioned to approve Connecting Waters’ budget the 2007-2008 school year. It was seconded by Kathryn Larsson. There was a unanimous vote to approve the Connecting Waters’ budget for 2007-2008.

B. Motion to approve Parent Involvement Policy.

The Parent Involvement Policy was reviewed at the March 13, 2007 PC meeting and the requested changes were made. Vote to approve the Parent Involvement Policy. Leah Ramirez motioned to approve. It was seconded by Ursula Castellanos. There was a unanimous vote to approve the Parent Involvement Policy.

C. Motion to approve the disposal of obsolete book inventory.

Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, stated that the PC board has to make a motion on getting rid of obsolete books. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, commented that it would be nice to send them overseas, have a sale, or an auction. Julie Angeles asked if there was anything for obsolete computers. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, stated that she could give it to her ES to dispose of. Leah Ramirez asked where the money from the proposed book sale would go. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, stated that it would go into our fundraising. Leah Ramirez suggested that a book bonanza would be a good idea. Carole Elness commented that we should give the books away. Leah Ramirez commented that we could donate to an organization called Valley Protection Ministries. Pat Nesbit asked if we could do more than one activity (with books). Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, stated yes, maybe. Sharyle Bloudoff motioned to approve the disposal of obsolete book inventory; it was seconded by Caroline Elness and Ronda Melendez. There was a unanimous vote to approve the disposal of obsolete book inventory.

10. Discussion Items

A. learning Centers (see previous notes)

Brenda Clark asked when the learning center is open for the next school year, will the library system be up and running. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, responded yes, it should be. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, mentioned that the library system will be automated and you can go online and see if a book is available. Karen Loughman asked if it will be for all books or just curriculum. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, responded that yes, it will be for all books, not just curriculum.

B. Parent Council Recommendations

Caroline Elness is trying to get Lillie Cortez. Mary Ayala recommended Kim Lewis and Norma Carbajal.

Jonelle Bateman asked if you can come back after your term and serve on the PC. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, answered yes.

C. End of Year Picnic

Leah Ramirez mentioned that the Los Banos Home Schoolers Association is having an end of the year picnic with an awards ceremony. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, asked if the Los Banos Home Schoolers’ can invite the CWCS students. Leah Ramirez said yes. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, also stated that if anyone had an interest in doing a picnic they can arrange something. Leah Ramirez stated that the Los Banos Home Schoolers picnic is Satuday June 2nd.  Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, mentioned that there is a ‘field day’ mentioned in this month’s newsletter & that we should try to support it.

 

Council Comments

Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, asked who would be leaving the PC. A few members raised their hands. Angela Yee asked if she started her term in March, would a year be from March to March. Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, answered no, that we go by each school year. Sharyle Bloudoff reminded the PC that there is a writing intensive class on September 18th, if you have a student who is struggling, you will like this class. The class is taught by Andrew Pudewa (Institute for Excellence in Writing) Sherri Nelson, Executive Director, commented that the parent part of the writing class is supported by CWCS and will not cost the parent anything – it is considered parent training.

12. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm. A motion to adjourn was from Sharyle Bloudoff and seconded by Pat Nesbitt.

 

The next Parent Council Meeting: Our regularly scheduled meeting is September 11, 2007.