PRESENT: Roger Wells, Carol Heller, Karen Pound, Colin Gordon, Linda Kissane, Nikki McGrath, Dave Eagle, Nick Round, Patricia Dow, Sue Mellon

Colin Gordon reported for Student Council. Student Council is presenting hypnotist, Ronny Romm next Thursday, January 18^th. This fundraiser is for the benefit of homeless youth.

A teacher reported that at her previous school, evening classes were offered for students at risk to help them succeed and earn their diploma or GED. Is there any possibility that we could offer alternative evening classes for our at risk students? This could help some students get through state assessments and tests, offer work-study programs, offer Vo-Tech classes and/or keep some from totally dropping out of school.

Concerns about Blackboard: One felt it should be up to the teacher who uses it to set their own rules and thought school rules might be too stringent for some classes. Another was a concern about the length of time to get to the site for homework.

Concerned faculty member wanted the first Staff Development Day (day before school starts) to be a day for teachers to get their rooms ready, etc. State Ed law states that Staff Development days must be used for professional development and not for this type of use.

Concern about weighting AP and accelerated subjects. It was suggested that a discussion be planned for a faculty meeting so that all could understand the background. Perhaps weighted classes should be re-named to "honors" classes. Dave explained that AP classes are not weighted by the guidance office but each supervising teacher adds in the weight factor for the grade, thus it is "teacher controlled." Next year we are planning on adding an AP Global Studies and possibly others in the near future like AP Music Theory. Changes in these subject areas must be made immediately in order to be published in the 2007-2008 Program of Studies, which is currently being updated.

Mandarin Chinese – there are still some concerns about the effect on scheduling. Dave, Bruce Levin and Susan Frost have met with a BOCES representative to discuss plans for adding Mandarin Chinese into our curriculum. We are tentatively planning to share a BOCES teacher with Queensbury. The teacher would teach morning class(es) at Queensbury and afternoon class(es) here. Peggy Sharkey, who taught here a few years ago, is thinking about doing an evening seminar for interested students and their parents. At this time we are not sure if there would be more than one class – depending on interest. (Possible two sections – one for seniors and one for underclassmen who want to continue for Regents credit.)

Community that Cares Report – Patricia Dow reported that the annual Chilly Willy Day will be held on February 11^th. It is a full day of fun for students of all ages. Chilly Willy buttons will be sold again at lunchtime at the school by the Varsity Club. The buttons are for discounts and/or free food or services at area businesses. She asked for extra publicity at the school. Student Council will announce it at the Ronny Romm Show and it will be put on the daily bulletin.

E-mail Tree – Patricia Dow reported that she had very few responses to the article in the Principal’s Newsletter about an e-mail tree being set up to get more information out to parents and community members. She requested once again for parents to e-mail her at

info@lakegeorgesteamboat.com and she will gladly add them on to a tree for information.

Middle States – Dave reported that he had been in contact with the Middle States Commission and had received outline of their newest forms, now called "Reflections." He and Tammy Darby, chairperson for Middle States will be meeting with one of their representatives the 23^rd of January. He asked that we talk to constituents to raise interest for the steering committee. The Middle States team will visit here the fall of 2008.

Rigor Summary – A new analysis of the Rigor Survey was distributed and discussed. This report should be discussed further with constituents.