Sarasota

Middle

A Community of
Caring School

School

Sarasota County School Board Link

On the prowl in search of excellence . . .

Mrs. Karen Rose, Principal

4826 Ashton Road, Sarasota, FL 34233

Phone: 941-361-6464   Fax: 941-361-6798

School Hours are from 9:15a.m. (first bell) to 4:15p.m.

School Supervision from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m.

Academic Year 2005-2006

School Advisory Council   January 17, 2006

Sarasota Middle School SAC meeting was called to order by chair, Charles Brown.

Minutes for December 13, 2005 were presented and approved by Gina DaMaia with Linda Allen as second.

Dr. Dettmann requested the use of A+ supplemental dollars for FCAT Boot Camp. SMS Guidance counselors and four classroom teachers will be working with students as they begin countdown preparations for FCAT testing. SMS has also provided three afternoon/night sessions for students and parents. Shelly Smith moved for approval for the dollars requested with Gina DaMaia as second.

FCAT testing dates were presented to SAC members. There was a short discussion regarding “homework” and FCAT testing. Members were told to expect no projects due and to look for a uniform action as SMS staff addresses the issue of homework.

An update on the Gifted Program at SMS was presented. Open House for incoming students was held January 12. Program tours were January 9 & 17.

SMS continues to seek adult mentors for our students. Robyn Faucey has worked with Dr. Dettmann to visit various groups that have indicated an interest. This program continues to be fostered through BIGS.

School tours have been scheduled for 2006-2007 incoming grade six parents. They are beginning this week and will be available during the month of February. Anyone interested in a tour must call SMS and schedule for a tour day and time.

Referendum campaigning by staff and parent group(s) was addressed. Guidelines for Principals and Cost Center Heads & Campaign Guidelines for School Parents Organizations were distributed. All SAC members were encouraged to be certain that they were registered to vote. It was also suggested that members may want to investigate absentee voting if their schedules might make it difficult for them to vote.

Marti Watson moved and Art Chiodo seconded that the meeting adjourn.

Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

C. Danyne Robins

School Advisory Council December 13, 2005
Meeting was called to order by Charles Brown.

The outstanding records of the SMS Girls Basketball and SMS Boys Basketball teams were recognized. Teams were wished baskets full of luck as they go to the district games tomorrow night.

Our music department will be in concert tonight and it is hoped that all would be able to attend.

Dr. Dettmann requested additional flexible dollar supplements for an intramural program designed to provide music programs for the Read 180 classes. Motion to approve was made and seconded by Gina DaMaia for approval.

FCAT dates were presented.

Information on the referendum was presented and discussed. Guidelines for schools and parent organizations were discussed.

The Pioneer Gifted Program continues to visit with schools, parents, and teachers. Staff has been explaining the program to encourage students in our attendance area to choose the gifted program at their home school, Sarasota Middle School.\

Presentations will soon be made to area senior citizen groups to encourage these folks to volunteer to work with SMS students. 

Questions and concerns presented by the group were addressed. SAC student members were asked about Renaissance T-shirts.

Respectfully submitted,

Danyne Robins

School Advisory Council November 14, 2005
Meeting was called to order by Charles Brown. Last months SAC minutes were approved by Gina DaMaia and second by Linda Allen.

Dr. Dettmann introduced Rachel Sanders a representative from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program (BIGGS). Ms. Sanders shared information about the mentoring program offered to our students and explained how parents could become involved with the BIGGS program. Marti Watson shared the need for SMS students and how we are utilizing the mentors at SMS. Shelley Burke is the SMS Mentor Coordinator. Gina DaMaia requested a speedy return between registering to be a mentor and being given a student assignment to eliminate frustration of lapsing time. Ms. Sanders is hopeful the new list of students needing mentors will be matched quickly with mentors who can donate 2 or more hours a week.

Judi Robson explained to the committee PLC and Writing strategies that are introduced and shared with teachers during the staff PLC meetings. The meetings incorporate information on:

• Language Art ideas for all subject areas
• Scoring writing best practices
• FCAT bench marks
• Sunshine State Standards

Dr. Dettmann talked about the Princeton Review and the vast selection of teaching techniques/ technology and data that can be gathered from this review. Information that can be gathered from this excellent tool include: class, team, and grade level. Dr. Dettmann explained that the Language arts teachers are concerned with SMS declining FCAT scores. The FCAT writing scores have declined during the last three years going from 4.3in 2002, 4.2 in 2003, and 4.1 in 2004. Every effort to assure our students will be ready and successful on the FCAT Writing test on Feb. 8^th is being made.

Judi Robson shared information about grammar testing which sparked much discussion form the group. All students in grades 4-8-10 will have their achievement measured on FCAT test.

The process of using the Sarasota Middle School Committee of Seven for distribution of A+ Dollars was approved by SAC September 28, 2005. The Committee of Seven presented a plan of distribution for A+ Dollars. SAC unanimously approved the Committee of Seven allocation of A+ Dollars.

Dr. Dettmann announced that SMS is now considered a cluster Gifted Program which offers qualifying students bus transportation to our school. Dr. Dettmann shared the tremendous success story of the Pioneer Program at SMS. Eighty five of our Pioneer eighth grade students are graduation. We still have 174 of our districted students attending Pine View. 64 of these students are 6^th graders. In an effort to showcase the value of staying in their districted school we have invited Gulf Gate, Lakeview, and Ashton 5^th grade gifted students to shadow our students on Nov. 29. With the help of Kelly Howard an Open House Parent night on December 5^th at Lakeview Elementary School has been arranged. Many other recruiting ideas were discussed. Any additional ideas can be submitted to Marti Watson. 

On December 6 and 13 the music department at SMS will have concerts to allow Sarasota Middle families and friends to be entertained by our talented band, stage band, orchestra, and chorus students.

Linda Allen requested the importance of having student GPA printed on their report cards. Judi Robson volunteered to contact Hal Nelson to require if the printing of GPA information could be possible.

Kelly Howard shared information about how the Panther Run sponsored by the PTSO proceeds were going right back to our school. All monies raised will be used in the classrooms to promote literacy and enhance curriculum. 

Dr. Dettmann announced that the SMS media center has been named in the honor of Mary Mills Daymond who donated $100,000 to our media center.  A dedication and ribbon Cutting ceremony will be held. SMS gets $5,000 and the school will receive funds yearly ($5,000) to purchase books.

Charlie Brown shared his positive experience participating in the Citizens Academy with the School Board. He recommended the experience to others.

The next SAC meeting is Tuesday December 13 at 4:30. Gina DaMaia made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Her motion was seconded by Kaitlin Morgan.

Respectfully submitted,

Marti Watson

School Advisory Council  October 18, 2005

Meeting was called to order by Charles Brown.

Minutes of August 29, 2005 and September 28, 2005 meetings were presented. Gina DaMaia motioned minutes be accepted as presented with Marti Watson as second. Motion carried.

Pam Walter, district coordinator for Read 180 and SRI testing made an informative presentation on “lexiles” and their connection to the measurement of reading comprehension. Materials were distributed to SAC members that show the connection of lexiles to FCAT reading levels.

State Equity Law booklets were presented to SAC members with an explanation of their presentation to staff and students and parents. Student presentation was through “Community of Caring” classes. These lessons (over a two week period) were designed to help students understand their rights and the procedures to follow should students feel they have been discriminated against by other students or adults on our school campus. Karen DeWitt commended Sarasota Middle School for doing more than just sending the booklet home. Other SAC members agreed.

A pledge for diversity acknowledgment for SMS students and staff is being planned. It is intended to be a follow-up and will also be presented through classes during “Community of Caring.”
Students at Sarasota Middle have been involved in a service project. This project ,initiated by 7^th grade students, was embraced by all student grade levels and our exploratory staff (through the school store). Monies ($1,353.78) were presented to the American Red Cross to be used in helping hurricane Katrina victims (people and pets) by 6^th and 8^th grade students. Seventh grade students presented about $2000.00 to the American Red Cross. It was reported that there were about 600 families in Sarasota County from Katrina.

Future meeting dates were identified, discussed and accepted on a motion by Art Chiodo with Gina DaMaia seconding.

Gina DaMaia motioned that the meeting adjourn with Juanita Lee as second. Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Danyne Robins

School Advisory Council  September 28, 2005

Meeting was called to order by Charles Brown.

New members (8^th grade students) were introduced:    Grant Hart      Juanita Lee    Kaitlin Morgan

Dr. Dettmann presented and explained the 2005-2006 SIP (School Improvement Plan.)  The plan was accepted by SAC on a motion by Gina DaMaia and a second by Marti Watson.

A change from the reporting of reading levels using the DAR to a reporting by lexiles was explained by Dr. Dettmann.

Flexible dollar assignments and A+ dollar assignments were discussed by Dr. Dettmann. Approval for the use of flexible dollars was requested by Dr. Dettmann for a spring musical performance(s). Gina DaMaia motioned with Art Chiodo as second that monies be approved for performances of a spring musical. The motion passed. 

The Committee of Seven was requested to be used again to help with the assignment of A+ dollars. SAC representatives selected to participate in the Committee of Seven were: Kelly Howard, Charles Brown, and Linda Allen. Four staff members will join this group to comprise the Committee of Seven. Approval of these represented was made on a motion by Marti Watson and second by Alice Kunzle.

SMS professional development procedures will be reviewed by the state auditing process. Five staff members, one SAC member, and the principal will be interviewed with regards to site-based staff development.

Meeting days will be Tuesdays and time will be 4:30 p.m. with an updated calendar to be presented at the next meeting, October 18, 2005.

Meeting was adjourned on a motion by Art Chiodo and second by Marti Watson.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles Brown 

August 29, 2005

The meeting was called to order by chair Charles Brown. Members introduced themselves and stated their representative groups.

Minutes of May 23, 2005 were presented and approved on motion by Gina DaMaia and seconded by Shelly Smith.

Operational guidelines were addressed with the following items discussed:

• Students are currently being sought using a process directed by Vickie Longstreet, an eighth grade counselor. Students should be identified and at the scheduled September, 2005 meeting.
• Approved Sarasota Middle School SAC membership must be submitted to the school board in September, 2005.
• Each member was asked to review the attendance guidelines to determine if this area needed to be revised.

• The quorum guidelines were also reviewed.

The Operational Guidelines were approved with a motion by Linda Allen and second by Luz Garcia.

The School Improvement Plan Calendar was reviewed with Charles Brown scheduled to attend the SAC Orientation meeting on September 8,2005

Lottery Dollars allocation for teacher substitutes & stipends was requested by Dr. Dettmann. Teachers would use the time for workshop attendance (at SMS and Sarasota County designed) and for curriculum work. Motion for approval was made by Karen DeWitt and seconded by Gina DaMaia, with the motion passing.

Dr. Dettmann asked that Flexible Supplement Dollars be used for stipends for curriculum coordinators, additional intramural classes, am tutoring (short term—FCAT Boot Camp), a Web Page Designer, and other areas that Dr. Dettmann might see as needed. Dr. Dettmann reported that there would always be teacher contracts and that both the chair and vice-chair would be asked to signoff on records allocating specific funds. Motion made by Dabney Pelegrin and seconded by Linda Allen passed.

A+ Dollars assigned would continue to be used to fund the am programs that are more long term. An open media center (8:00am – 9:00am) tutoring classes before school, and programs designed especially to provide exploratory programs for the Intensive Reading Program students. This was approved on a motion by Gina DaMaia and a second by Marti Watson.

Staffing for the 2005-2006 school year was reported (as of the 10-day count) to be 117 students down from projection. Dr. Dettmann reported that having held two teacher units has softened the impact that this reduction might have caused. The district was helpful by using a grant to assist in the support of 1 reading teacher. 

The new Dress Code Policy was reviewed. Dr Dettmann reported that through daily checks and reminders by administration and guidance counselors and with teacher support, the dress code appeared to be being accepted. Some eighth grade girls have even initiated a committee to help with shirt selection for girls.

Lisa Landers (SMS assistant principal) reported on the Middle School Reform Act and reported on SMS compliance with the act by use of the Read 180 Program.

Meeting days, dates, and times were discussed with the next meeting scheduled for September 19, 2005.

Motion was made to adjourn by Linda Allen and seconded by Marti Watson.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Danyne Robins

School Advisory Council May 23, 2005

Charles Brown called the meeting to order.

Minutes from February 7,2005 and March 21, 2005 and May 9, 2005 were approved as submitted with Art making the motion for approval and Gina DaMaia seconding.

2005 FCAT school results were presented to the group.

Dress code: 
PTSO conducted an informal survey suggesting a school polo shirt and knee length shorts—PTSO reported there were many parents who expressed concerns about this suggestion.
Dr. Dettmann shared a letter to be sent to all current SMS students with report cards and to new SMS (incoming grade 6) students. SAC endorsed the letter to be sent home.  Dr. Dettmann also suggested that all north county middle schools be surveyed about the possibility that all middle schools share a common dress code.
SAC members suggested some additional actions that could be enacted to help support a dress code:
1.recognized “a well dressed for school” student(s)
2.tie dress in with employability
3.no dress code problems & no referral(s) at all would result in special recognition (ie cookie/coke)
4.once a week have a dress up day

Clear back packs: the suggestion of clear back pack use by SMS students was discussed. 

Motion that the meeting adjourn was made by Art Chiodo, seconded by Lisa Rotola.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,


Danyne Robins
 

School Advisory Council
May 9, 2005

Chair, C. Brown, called the meeting to order. SAC members were reminded that we needed to always have 80% of members attend each meeting.

FLORIDA WRITES results were shared. 

School Climate Survey results were shared. SAC members were asked to review and discuss during our next meeting.

Lockers at SMS will be removed during the summer. Class sets of textbooks will be provided. Team leaders are discussing the use of backpacks: clear backpacks, mesh backpacks, or no backpacks. SAC will be involved in the final decision—probably at the May 23 meeting.

Another area being addressed by the PTSO & Team Leaders is the issue of an enforceable dress code. More information will be presented at the May 23 meeting date.

Dr. Dettmann asked that Lottery Dollars (2005-2006) be allocated for use in the area of school climate. FISH is a nationally recognized program to instill pride and respect among workers. FISH has a specific instructional program that SMS has the opportunity in which to participate during pre-school 2005.
The District has offered to cover some of the costs involved.

Shelly Smith oved to use lottery dollars for the FISH workshop, including as many SMS staff as possible. Motion carried.

Anne Marie Frisina motined with Luz Gracis second that flexible supplement dollars &/or lottery dollars be used to fund the summer planning of the Systems Development Committee. 

The next meeting was scheduled for May 23, 2005 at 4:30 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Danyne Robins