2009 - 2010 HMS Site Countil Minutes
Reported by Mrs. Beth Blackwell
Herington Middle School
Site Council Minutes
September 2, 2009
Chairperson - Tammie Roe Vice Chairperson - Mr. Mies Secretary - Beth Blackwell
Dawn Melcher, Leo Schlesener, Ashlynn Biehler and Cuyler Cowert
The meeting was held in the HMS Library. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Mies. Those in attendance were Steve Mies, Beth Blackwell, Dawn Melcher, Tammie Roe, Leo Schlesener, Ashlynn Biehle, and Cuyler Cowart.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes from the April 1st meeting were approved. (Dawn/Tammie)
Old Business
New Business
- Tammie Roe was elected as the Chairperson.
- In the facilities up-date, Mr. Mies stated that after reviewing information gathered last spring, goals for new construction are to keep the cost under $15,000,000 and to keep the elementary students separated from the middle and high school students. The Board of Education is committed to keeping the public informed about the “facility needs” in a clear, concise manner with the ultimate goal being that the public understand something must be done. The bottom line is that something needs to be done whether it is fixing up the old, which costs 70 cents on the dollar, or new construction. A bond election will be held November3, 2009.
- Based on comments and feed-back, the Back to School Night was successful even though numbers were a little lower than expected.
- Mr. Mies commented that the sixth grade orientation half-day was a great start for the students. By having just sixth graders, they were able to have a more relaxing first day. Overall, HMS students have had a positive start to the school year.
- Mrs. Blackwell reported that the eighth grade trip to World’s of Fun will take place on May 24 rather than the May 15 date that is listed on the school calendar. Notes were sent home with all 8th graders communicating the date change to parents. The note also informed parents that the football concessions can be used as fund-raising to off-set the cost of the trip.
- Mr. Mies told the group that copies of the constitution are available in his office for viewing.
- The group instructed Mr. Mies to make some calls to fill the site council vacancy.
- The Boys Town behavioral model is still being used in the district. Mr. Thissen has asked that we incorporate is as a part of our curriculum since it is an effective model. The behavioral model appears in the handbooks as the “Railer Code of Conduct”. Students were re-trained on the aspects of it during seminar the first full week of school.
- Picture Day is September 9.
- It was reported that Mr. Emig is in charge of the middle school portion of the district web site. He has already placed a slide show from the Back-to-School Night on the site.
Added Items
- It was questioned why the 4th Nine Weeks honor roll was not printed in the newspaper. Mr. Mies offered to check on this.
- A follow-up discussion on the school lunch quantity and available menu items was held. Mr. Mies had previously checked on this. He encouraged individuals to offer suggestions or concerns.
- The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
- The next meeting will be October 7, 2009.
Respectfully Submitted,
Beth Blackwell
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Herington Middle School
Site Council Minutes
October 7, 2009
Chairperson - Tammie Roe Vice Chairperson - Mr. Mies Secretary - Beth Blackwell
Dawn Melcher, Leo Schlesener, Shannon Granzow, Ashlynn Biehler, and Cuyler Cowart
The meeting was held in the HMS Library. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Mies. Those in attendance were Steve Mies, Beth Blackwell, Shannon Granzow, Tammie Roe, Ashlynn Biehle, Cuyler Cowart, Connie Beavers, and John Thissen.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes from the September 2nd meeting were approved. (Shannon/Steve)
Old Business
- Mr. Mies shared Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) information from the 2009 State Assessments. HMS scores exceeded the state targets for 2009 in both math and reading. The group was reminded that by 2014, the requirement is that 100% of students will meet the standard of excellence.
- Mr. Thissen shared information on the upcoming bond election. He stressed that a 15 mill levy increase would allow for a brand new elementary school. An 8 mill increase could be applied without a bond election, but it would only be enough for renovations which would not even be noticeable.
- Mr. Mies visited with food services and the serving sizes are in line with the required sizes. It was also mentioned that the “home-cooked” type of menu items are not a favorite among the students.
New Business
- The high school will host Sub-State Volleyball on October 24 with 9 teams playing beginning at 1:00. Mr. Mies applauded Mr. Cook for bringing the school and community together with the various recognition nights at HHS sporting events.
- Mrs. Beavers shared information on the “Too Good for Drugs” program. The program is funded by a Dickinson County grant from the Quality of Life Coalition. It replaces the DARE program and targets students in grades 5, 7, and 9 or 10. HMS seventh graders will participate in ten consecutive weeks of the program. There is a sixth grade program called “Too Good for Violence” which will be used to help put a stop to bullying.
- Site Council members were reminded about the upcoming Parent/Teacher Conferences and asked to bring cookies to offer to the parents and students during conferences on Thursday night.
- HMS will host the FHJL Vocal Music conference at Emporia on November 2.
- HMS Varsity volleyball girls will participate in the FHJL Volleyball Tournament at Lyndon on October 28.
- The 1st Quarter Awards Assembly will be held Wednesday, October 8, at 12:25. Parents are encouraged to attend.
- HMS Stuco members will put on a Pep Rally/Spirit Day on Thursday October 8.
The trash bag sales have begun and are due October 9.
- Mr. Emig was applauded on the HMS web site he is continually updating. Site Council members are encouraged to visit it throughout the year.
- The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
- The next meeting will be November 4, 2009.
Respectfully Submitted,
Beth Blackwell
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Herington Middle School
Site Council Minutes
November 11, 2009
Chairperson - Tammie Roe Vice Chairperson - Mr. Mies Secretary - Beth Blackwell
Dawn Melcher, Leo Schlesener, Shannon Granzow, Ashlynn Biehler and Cuyler Cowart
The meeting was held in the HMS Library. The meeting was called to order by Tammie Roe. Those in attendance were Steve Mies, Beth Blackwell, Shannon Granzow, Dawn Melcher, Tammie Roe, Leo Schlesener, Ashlynn Biehler, and Cuyler Cowart.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes from the October 7th meeting were approved. (Dawn/Leo)
Old Business
- The Bond Election passed and the school district celebrated with a BBQ for staff, students, and community members. The district will move quickly with the building plans now that the Bond Election passed. Mr Mies shared information on the distribution of State Aid Funds and USD 487 was among the top schools in receiving 48%.
- Site Council members were thanked for the cookies donated during conferences. The students and parents seem to enjoy them. Attendance percentages were shared shortly after conferences in an e-mail to site council members.
- Stuco members, Ashlynn and Cuyler, shared that HMS students raised $1,837 with their trash bag sales. They sold 85 blue bags, 282 yellow bags, and 259 white bags. Top sellers were:
1st – Trent Granzow,
2nd – Mackenzie Schlesener,
3rd – Shayna Kremeier.
New Business
- Red Ribbon Week went well with much student participation. Cuyler and Ashlynn shared the special daily activities.
Monday: Crazy Sock Day – “Stomp Out Drugs”
Wednesday: Team Day – “Throw Out Drugs”
Friday – Nerd Day – “Think About School – Not Drugs”
Mr. Mies contributed to the spirit of Nerd Day by selecting an All-American Nerd Team.
- The first nine weeks Awards Assembly was enjoyed by all. HMS students liked being recognized and almost all the students were recognized for at least one award.
- Mrs. Blackwell shared information about Explore which is an enrichment program offered to students as an additional challenge to their academics at HMS. The program came about from a recommendation by the NCA/QPA Quality Assurance Review. Multiple test scores were reviewed as a basis of selecting the group of twenty-two 6 through 8 graders that are involved with the Explore program.
- Mr. Mies shared a letter from the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force. In the letter HMS was informed they had been awarded a Certificate of Merit on the 7 Grade Reading Assessment as part of the 7 Annual Challenge Aswards. The award recognizes schools for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishment based on the State Assessment results. Mr. Mies, Ms. McGuyer, Mr. DeMont, Anna Gustafson and a 3 grade teacher (HES 3 Grade Reading also received the award) will be attending a recognition dinner in Salina on Thursday, November 12. HMS students also received the Standard of Excellence in Reading and Math.
- HMS Stuco is sponsoring a dance on November 20 with the theme being “Winter Wonderland – It’s Going to be HOT!!” Students are encouraged to wear beach clothes to the dance. Light Brothers will D.J. the dance.
- HMS students attended a Verteran’s Day Assembly in the high school gym. World War II Veterans shared their experiences by answering questions fielded from the students ahead of time by the social studies teachers. Leo commended the middle and high school students on their outstanding respect shown during the assembly.
Added Items
- Dawn shared her appreciation of the parent involvement for the football team meals prior to each home football game. The boys enjoyed the food provided.
- Mrs. Blackwell encouraged attendance at the HHS musical, Wizard of Oz. Performances are November 12 and 13 at 7:00 in the Hilltop auditorium.
- The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
- The next meeting will be January 13, 2010.
Respectfully Submitted,
Beth Blackwell
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Herington Middle School
Site Council Minutes
January 13, 2010
Chairperson - Tammie Roe Vice Chairperson - Mr. Mies Secretary - Beth Blackwell
Dawn Melcher, Leo Schlesener, Shannon Granzow, Ashlynn Biehler and Cuyler Cowart
The meeting was held in the HMS Library. The meeting was called to order by Tammie Roe. Those in attendance were Steve Mies, Beth Blackwell, Shannon Granzow, Dawn Melcher, Tammie Roe, Leo Schlesener, and Cuyler Cowart.
Approval of Minutes
- The minutes from the November 11, 2009 meeting were approved. (Tammie/Dawn)
Old Business
- The newest elementary design was shared with the site council. Plans call for some inclusion of “green school” aspects following the Leid School Design. In addition to savings, this will also set USD 487 apart from other schools. The goal is to have the track ready for the spring of 2011 and school to be ready by the 2011-2012 school year.
- Mrs. Blackwell shared the topics for the spring Explore activities. Those topics were as follows: Light, Sounds, Flight, and Propaganda. In addition to the Explore challenge activities, classroom teachers are offering some enrichment or challenge opportunities for students to take part in.
New Business
- A “Mash-up” Technology In-service is scheduled for January 18. Teachers will attend sessions on incorporating multiple technologies into their lessons. Administration and counselors will gain information on Distance Learning.
- The second nine weeks Awards Assembly will be held January 21 at 12:25. The date was changed due to missing school for snow days. The date change will be announced on through Alert Now on Thursday, January 14.
- Mr. Mies shared school finance information. With the cuts in school funding at the state level, all schools are looking at ways to save money. He announced that 74 schools have joined to open the Montoy School Finance Case regarding funding cuts being unconstitutional.
- The middle school boys and girls varsity basketball teams will be in tournament play at Mission Valley January 11, 14, and 16. A tournament bracket was included with site council materials.
Added Items
- The date for spring pictures was questioned since picture packets had not yet been sent home. Mr. Mies will check on the dates and packets.
- The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. (Tammie/Beth) The next meeting will be February 3, 2010.
Respectfully Submitted,
Beth Blackwell
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Herington Middle School
Site Council Minutes
February 3, 2010
Chairperson - Tammie Roe Vice Chairperson - Mr. Mies Secretary - Beth Blackwell
Dawn Melcher, Leo Schlesener, Shannon Granzow, Ashlynn Biehler and Cuyler Cowart
The meeting was held in the HMS Library. The meeting was called to order by Tammie Roe. Those in attendance were Steve Mies, Beth Blackwell, Shannon Granzow, Tammie Roe, Leo Schlesener, Ashlynn Biehler and Cuyler Cowart.
Approval of Minutes
- The minutes from the January 13, 2010 meeting were approved. (Leo/Ashlynn)
Old Business
- Mr. Mies shared school financial information about the 3 tiers of cuts that were published in the paper. Tier 1 cuts are items that may happen now. Tier 2 items are cuts that could take place during the 2010-2011 school year. Tier 3 items are bigger cuts that may occur if the revenue doesn’t come in as needed.
New Business
- Mr. Mies gave praise to those working on the “Pink Night” for creating a successful evening for the school and community as money was raised during the Breast Cancer Awareness Event. It was a positive night with students and community from Herington and Chapman coming together for the “cause”.
- HMS Spelling Bee results were shared by Mrs. Blackwell. Ten students per grade were in the local bee. Maria Traskowsky (8th grade) took first place and Falon Kickhaefer (6th grade) took second place. The County Spelling Bee is February 17, at Abilene.
- The FHJL Band Concert will be at Emporia State Student Union on February 4.
- Spring pictures are February 10.
- Students will be released February 10, at 1:30 for teacher collaboration.
- There is no school on February 15, due to the elementary school spring conferences on the 16 and 18.
- The middle school musical, Tom Sawyer, is scheduled for March 4.
Added Items
- HMS and HHS Parent/Teacher Conferences are March 9 and 11. The middle school site council will be responsible for cookies on the 11th. Shannon Granzow will make calls for cookie donations.
- The meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m. (Tammie/Beth)
- The next meeting will be April 7, 2010.
Respectfully Submitted,
Beth Blackwell
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Herington Middle School
Site Council Minutes
April 7, 2010
Chairperson - Tammie Roe Vice Chairperson - Mr. Mies Secretary - Beth Blackwell
Dawn Melcher, Leo Schlesener, Shannon Granzow, Ashlynn Biehler and Cuyler Cowart
The meeting was held in the HMS Library. The meeting was called to order by Steve Mies. Those in attendance were Steve Mies, Beth Blackwell, Shannon Granzow, Dawn Melcher, Leo Schlesener, Ashlynn Biehler and Cuyler Cowart.
Approval of Minutes
- The minutes from the February 3, 2010 meeting were approved. (Leo/Shannon)
Old Business
- Mr. Mies shared school financial information as it related to teachers and the RIF process. He also mentioned that the BOE may have to make some adjustments in the 3-tier tool it has developed in order to meet budget needs. He encouraged the group to conact the legislators to stress our concerns about funding for public education.
- Ashlynn and Cuyler shared information about the task force they are involved with for Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol. They had attended a meeting in Abilene today ( April 7) to develop a plan to help reduce underage drinking.
New Business
- Officers were elected for the 2010-2011 school year:
Chairperson – Tammie Roe
Vice Chairperson – Steve Mies
Secretary – Beth Blackwell
- Group members shared appreciation to Dawn and Ashlynn for their time spent on the HMS Site Council.
- Angie Becker accepted the invitation to be a member of the HMS Site Council. Mr. Mies commended the students on their hard work on the Reading and Math Assessments.
- All 6th, 7th and 8th graders met standard on the Reading Assessment and 6th graders met standard on the Math Assessment. A trip to Marion for swimming was offered as an incentive for students to do their best on the tests. Plans are being made for that trip.
- The group was reminded about the following scheduled school dismissals.
April 16 – noon
April 28 - 1:30 for collaboration time
April 19 - No School
- A tentative 2010 School Calendar was handed out.
- Herington has been chosen for an overnight stop with the Biking Across Kansas (BAK) group. The school will be used to “house” the bikers for the night of June 9th. The school grounds will be used by many venues to feed and entertain the bikers.
- Site Council members were invited to the Strategic Planning meeting on Sturday, April 10th from 8:00 to 12:00 at the Hilltop. The purpose of the meeting is to set goals for the future in USD #487.
- Eighth graders will go through a half-day HHS Tour/Orientation on April 7, April 11, and April 28. The students are divided into three groups and then paired with a high school freshman for their morning tour/orientation. Mrs. Svitak felt it would help in the transition from middle to high school.
- Ms. McGuyer and the student council members have supplied candy and containers for a series of guessing contests to help motivate the students to do their best on the assessments. The contests have added a little fun and a bit of a diversion to the stress felt during assessments.
- Mr. Mies informed the group that the Math Curriculum will be reviewed this summer. Each curriculum is up for review every five years.
- Mrs. Blackwell shared that the NCA/QPA Accreditation Progress Report is due in May. The report allows our school to show how we are progressing with the recommendations given at the Quality Assurance Review.
Added Items
-Mr. Mies shared that the 8th graders are scheduled to attend the World’s of Fun Trip on May. He also stressed that positive student behavior is an important part of having the privilege to attend the trip. When considering budget shortages, there are concerns whether their will be funds to take trips like this in the future. The group stressed that it is a nice thing for 8th graders to do and that maybe we could come up with options to still allow for it to take place in the future.
- The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. (Dawn/Leo)
- The next meeting will be next fall.
Respectfully Submitted,
Beth Blackwell
