Forum Minutes
April 8, 2008
Present: Pam Barker, Francis Cocozza, Patricia Dow, Carol Heller, Linda Kissane, Greg Kloepfer, Monika LaPlante, Susan Liucci, Sue Mellon, MaryBeth Tenne, Roger Wells
Portfolio
Assessments:
Re Gardner, English chairperson, was invited to give an overview of the English department’s process for keep writing portfolios on all students. This portfolio is started for each 7th-grader by the 7th grade English teacher. His/her name and year of graduation is listed on the front of the folder and two pieces are filed in it at the end of the year and passed along to the 8th grade English teacher who will continue the process of adding two written pieces each year and passing it along with the student to the next grade level. The program was created to serve as a documentation of the student’s achievements each year. It is now more a great tool to help students. The folder is given to students at graduation. Students enjoy looking back at their own progress and may even use some of the pieces later on in college.
The pieces are added as follows:
As assigned writing pieces are done, students are required to turn in two copies – one to be filed and the other to be graded and returned to the student. The filed copies are kept by the teacher for that given year and at the end of the year, the pieces are chosen for the portfolio and the rest are destroyed. Therefore, only “clean” original copies are kept in the portfolio.
Questions remain – could students add other papers, such as labs or math papers, to their English portfolio each year? Or if students created similar portfolios for their favorite pieces, where should they be kept and by whom? These questions should be discussed with constituents.
Feedback:
Discussion about dances was held by Student Council recently and it was the consensus of opinion that each class still wants to sponsor their “own” dance each year. They would like to be able to choose what they want whether it be a dance or other activity. They would like Friday night dances when possible but prefer the 7-10 time rather than earlier (6-9) as – if there is an after school game, it could be hard to arrive at the dance or activity within the allowed “check-in” time.
When asked about the recent March Madness Night, most students enjoyed the open gym and activities but still also want the option of dances to continue. A parent member heard a “down-side” of the night, and said some students had not signed up for games prior to the night and could not participate in some of the games. It was explained that since some had not been able to sign up and/or get a team together, there was extra time allotted at the end of the activity for those present to get a team together and join in. About 225 students came and enjoyed the evening, which is considered more successful than the last dance (only about 100 students attended). Students seemed to enjoy the activities moving from one place to another and were excited about the variety of activities planned. The planning committee, chaired by Mrs. McGrath, was thanked for their hard work to make the evening so successful.
Discussion of other possible activities and fundraisers for classes followed. Members were asked to check with constituents and students who have a connection with other area schools to see what they are doing and to possibly get new ideas for fundraisers and activities for students.
It was also suggested that class meetings should be held more often as having just the class officers making the plans may not build enthusiasm (for a future activity) or encourage attendance at class-sponsored activity.
In the near future, Mr. Cocozza will meet with class advisors to further discuss activities and dances for next year. This meeting will be in addition to the annual meeting of all advisors (both class and clubs) which is normally held during June Regents’ week to pick dates for next year.
Other Feedback:
· Discussion of announcements – some constituents still feel announcements are too long and many guide rooms do not listen. It was reminded that mentors should insist students to listen as it is rude to continue talking during announcements. It was stated that afternoon announcements are more often listened to by students. It was also stated that at that time students were in a classroom setting not a social setting such as guide room. It was suggested that the bulletin could be enlarged to 11” x 17” paper and be posted in the cafeteria hall for students to read at noontime, such as was done many years ago.
· Credit-based promotion was liked by some constituents. However, could 7th and 8th grades be on the same bell schedule?
· Could BOCES students be dropped off in front of school rather than in back since all doors are locked in the back and students must walk around to the front, no matter the weather? Also, there have been some problems between students when walking around the building. Mr. Cocozza will discuss this with Mr. Service at the garage and make arrangements, if possible.
· Dress Code – Brief discussion about following the code. What about girls wearing tight leggings? They are considered pants and as long as skin and underwear are covered, they are allowed, unless a disturbance in class. Any problems should be given to Mr. Monahan.
· Victim Impact Night is being sponsored by the Glens Falls Police Department on May 12 for students at risk. More information may be gotten from Mrs. Jan Loonan. Two $500 scholarships are being offered in conjunction with the night. Fifteen students may attend from our school. Questions: how are students chosen? Is it only for students in need or at risk? Is it for students affected by alcohol-related incident?
Items to be discussed
with constituents for next meeting: