Those in attendance:
Michelle Scott
Toni Mazer
Jonathan Mazer
Roxanne Donnelly
Mr. Hennes
Sarah Donnelly
Tom Donnelly
Joe Galindo
Susan Whitesell
Julie Kelly
Collette DaCruz
Christina Parks
Bill Mortimore
Hale Conklin
Paul Heaney
Hans Kogler
A. The WASC Focus group meeting for Wednesday 12/10/08 was cancelled. It was reported that the WASC process is ahead of schedule. Contributions for this process were handed in to the appropriate person(s).
The issue of students being part of this process was discussed. Mr. Galindo, the interim RVHS principal, reported that the students working on this process will work on it during classtime and not after school as first thought.
B. The subject of communication was discussed. For example, not everyone was notified of the above mentioned meeting that was cancelled on 12/10/08 and people showed up not knowing. It is very important that legal guardians are notified when meetings are cancelled and emergencies occur.
It was also discussed that there are issues with the district's e-mailing system and the telephone system which causes communication break down. Guardians that e-mail teachers and call them as well, do not always receive a quick response. This is believed to be largely due to glitches in the district's e-mailing system and telephone system.
Mr. Hennes, RDUSD superintendent, discussed a communication system he would like the school district to use called Connect Ed. Connect Ed is a mass messaging system that communicates with telephones. This system would be very beneficial and could be used for numerous reasons.
C. Safety:
The subject of supervision in the cafeteria and other areas of RVHS during lunchtime was discussed. While there seems to be limited supervision during this time, Mr Galindo did say that walkie talkies are used by staff to provide a fast response for issues that arise.
A good suggestion was to have two lunch groups so there would be less students to monitor at a given time. This would lessen issues occurring dramatically.
Mr. Galindo discusssed that incoming students are interviewed so the school may learn about the incoming student. Education about students can help with putting services in place if the student needs help in some way. Mr. Galindo also said that it's important to follow up if services have been put in place. This process helps with the safety of our school because the students are assisted right away and it helps alleviate surprises. Mr. Galindo feels it's important to be a successful student as well as citizen.
Mr. Galindo stated that he has identified safety funds that are available to RVHS.
It was also stated that prevention before a safety issue occurs is very important.
Pertaining to safety protocol, Connect Ed (mentioned in above subject B) would also be beneficial for this reason. This would get information out to guardians fast. Radio Rio has an emergency broadcast system in place. Maps and emergency procedures are posted by every classroom door.
D. Textbook Coordinator for the school district:
This will be a classified position that will be posted in January 2009.
The textbook coordinator's postion will include but may not be limited to:
Inventory and barcoding of textbooks
Keeping abreast on new textbook adoptions
Ensuring all students have textbooks needed
Guardians would like there to be two textbooks for each subject available to each student. A classroom set and one that could go home with the student for the school year. The students' backpacks are very heavy.
E. Technology:
It was reported that staff members have access to the School Plan test scores. This is very beneficial information for the staff members because they can assist students on a more individual basis. However, the hardware needed to assist lower ranking students is not available to the staff members due to lack of money.
The computers at RVHS are in dire straits. The computers desperately need to be updated. Teachers and students must have "current" tools to be successful. RVHS does not have a functioning computer system. The RVHS staff would be beyond grateful to receive 30 upgraded laptop computers to make their job more efficient and easier and ultimately help our kids.
It should be noted that while the computer program ARIES is in place to be utilized, the hardware is not availble to run this beneficial program.
A full time technology employee is desperately needed. This employee could perhaps work on grant writing too.
F. Hale Conklin/Rio Vista Advocates:
The facility for this community based volunteer locater organization has been leased. Their website, riovistaadvocates.com, will be online by 1/1/09.
Hale stated that is very important that work that is done by volunteers through his organization be maintained.
Mr. Conklin stated that he had not been contacted by the River Delta Unified School District to utilize and benefit from his organization. Mr. Hennes, the district's superintendent, said he would be willing to talk with Mr. Conklin at a later time.
** IMPORTANT-PLEASE NOTE :
The next FOR Schools meeting will be held at RIVERVIEW SCHOOL
Wednesday 1/14/09 @ 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Scott
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2 comments:
I would like everyone to know that following the meeting, the order was given to clean up the weeds in the front of the HS. Work began the next day. I am grateful that the administration is showing signs to restore the pride we have lost. Employees of the district doing what they're paid to do will enhance the efforts of volunteers. Thank you!
Would also like people to know that the gardener trimmed the shrubs in the front of the High School as well. The trimmings were not hauled off and remain in a pile, hopefully he can finish the job in the next few days. It seems as though we are making progress in cleaning up the campus, I hope it continues.
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