Meeting Date: January 28, 2008
Time: 7:00 PM ~ Teacher’s Lounge
Agenda Items:
Welcome
Approval of Minutes
November 2007 minutes approved
Community News
A female student at Goddard Middle School was recently approached by a stranger. The district Family First call out system was used to alert the Goddard parents, and Dr. Amy Oaks sent a letter home with the students. When and how is Wilder Elementary School made aware of incidents in the area which may pose a threat to our students? The LPS District Security Office sends a newsflash to all schools in the area of suspicious activity. Wilder Administration, in turn, alerts their Staff. Bus Drivers are alerted by the district transportation department. LPS Security dispatches additional support to the area. Parents of students at the unaffected, but adjacent, schools are notified at the Principal’s discretion. On a related topic, LPS Security also alerts schools when a sexual predator moves into the district.
Has the pine tree infested with beetles been removed? Yes, it has been removed, and Kathleen will request a replacement tree from the District.
What is the status of Bus Radio? LPS has asked the Bus Drivers not to play Bus Radio pending further investigation.
Would WAC or PTO be interesting in hearing our District Representative, Joe Rice, speak about Education and Iraq? Let Gina Ferrari or Steve Mudd know if you are interested. If there is enough interest, then Emily Fuchs with try to schedule an event with Mr. Rice or find out if there is an event that we may attend.
2007-2008 WAC Projects
- School Survey
The School Survey is ready to go. An announcement will be included in the Wilder Newsletter that will be sent home on 31 January. Surveys must be completed by 22 February. The survey contains grade-level specific questions. Students whose parents complete the survey will be given a “treasure”.
- Update WAC By-laws
Steve Mudd completed the draft update of the by-laws. The committee reviewed the draft, and was asked to send feedback or suggested edits to Gina Ferrari or Steve Mudd. The committee will vote to approve at the February meeting.
Principal’s Report
- Enrollment Update
The District is experiencing declining enrollment at the Middle School and High School levels (approx 200 students of 15,000). This decline in enrollment results in a decline in the budget. LPS predicted this decline based on a demographic study they did several years ago. We might expect to see LPS issue a mill or propose a bond at the next opportunity. Historically, LPS mills and bonds have passed without much opposition.
- Kindergarten Round-Up
Enrollment at Wilder is stable. Kindergarten Round-Up is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday next week. There are over 60 students on the Kindergarten wait list. As a result, we expect to have Weighted Staffing numbers for next school year similar to what we had this year.
- Facilities Use Task Force
LPS is forming a task force to assess how to use existing facilities in the face of declining enrollment. Other districts have done similar assessments resulting in re-purposing or closing facilities, establishing magnet schools or facilities to partner with home schoolers, or establishing special needs facilities (for blind or hearing impaired). The task force will have recommendations late this school year or early next.
- Technology Update
Pending outcome of the Wilder Silent Auction, a 2nd computer lab will be built. It is planned to be located in the 5th grade pod. As a result next school year, two of the 4th Grade Classes will be in the Covered Wagon, GT will be in the main building, and K will be in the Church.
- Representatives for Weighted Staffing (Michelle Kastner and ?)
Susan Hall Rogers volunteered to support Weighted Staffing distribution for next school year. Three brief meeting will be held in mid-March.
- Crisis Situation Training for LPS Staff
On Wednesday, 6 February, Jefferson County Sheriffs (in conjunction with Arapahoe County Sheriffs) will conduct Crisis Situation Training for the Wilder Staff. Kathleen Ambron will ask Joann Levesque to let the SACC children know that training is being conducted so they are not alarmed. LPS and Wilder are doing everything possible to be prepared in the event of an incident.
Committee Reports
- DAC
A pretty lengthy document describing 50 potential education-related bills was handed out at the DAC Meeting. Gina will distribute the web link to the document. There was a panel of 4-5 Principals answering pre-selected questions. No new info there. DAC offered training on developing a school survey, but Wilder’s survey is complete.
- PTO
Dr. Amy Oaks spoke at the last PTO Meeting. She was very informative. Goddard has more after school activities than any other LPS Middle School.
PTO is working very hard on the Silent Auction. We need donations! We are behind where we usually are at this time. The pre-party is scheduled for 5:30pm. Reservations for 10-top tables are on sale for $200 each. Open seating will be available too. We are really trying to get all the teacher tickets paid for now. Donations are accepted in ANY amount.
- Preschool
The Preschool is working on the Silent Auction too. 100% of what the Preschool raises goes back to them. Enrollment for next year looks good.
- Teachers
The Parent Portal to Infinite Campus goes live on 19 February for 4th and 5th Grades. It is user friendly.
Kindergarten – Cowboy Day
4th Grade – Rendevous
3rd - 5th Grades – CSAP on 14 February
K - 2nd Grade – CBLA (Colorado Basic Literacy Assessment)
Report cards, conferences.
Science fair; 175 participants (record turn out!)
Teacher projects for Silent Auction; decorated hearts.
Future WAC Meeting Dates
2/25/08 4/21/08
3/31/08 5/19/08
Barb Herman and the Parent Liaison for GT will be present at the WAC Meeting on 25 February.