On the September "Start a Post" Ammo wrote:
I hope to have an abbreviated version of the Schenley PSCC minutes on the blog no later than Monday. The meeting was over 2 hours long and my "official" minutes were 3 pages; much of it not really related to reform issues.
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Safety Issues at Schenley/Reiz.--Several incidents have been reported involving Schenley students after school and at Peabody. Mrs. Facaros said that the incidents that were reported to her involved carry-over events from summer and were not problems with Peabody. Students are being told to be aware of safety in the neighborhood. Parents suggested having safety program presented to the students with basic concepts of safety being taught. All safety concerns should be brought to the attention of the school. Parents stressed to Mrs. Facaros the importance of being given accurate information when events occur so that rumors do not get out of hand. Additional safety issues involving transportation and crossing guards were discussed.
PSCC part 2--PSSA results. Schenley is in corrective action 1 due to unacceptable scores in overall reading and 2 subgroups of reading--black and econ. disadvantaged. Last year, the school focused and succeeded in bringing up the math scores. For 2008-09, they will focus on reading but continue to try to maintain the math improvement. Ninety seniors will be required to retake either the math and/or reading.
EAP tutoring will begin the week of Oct. 1, Mon thru Thurs, and during February, Sat. Students who attend regularly will be elibible for .5 credit.
Subgroups are an interesting topic. Does everyone realize that a single student can be a member of multiple subgroups? If I am black AND economically disadvantaged I count in both groups?
Should we talk about reauthorization of NCLB?
How much of the "racial achievement gap" is really an economic gap since, at least in this city, the groups do overlap? Can that be determined the way that the scores are reported?
I wonder if that is something A+ schools would look at- because why make it racial if it doesn't have to be. Either way, getting parents on board is probably key to solving the problem.
I have attended an A+ forum where the subgroups and the overlap were discussed. Lots of people are aware of the theory just floated that the achievement gap is a socio-economic gap.
I forgot to mention that I heard at our PSCC meeting years ago when another superintendent was still here that the overlap was an issue that was known but everyone pretty much shrugged their shoulders and accepted. It was always thought that NCLB would be tweaked. Still waiting.
PSCC part 3--Transportation. There have been no major issues reported regarding transportation. All students living more than 2 miles should have received a bus pass. IF the student is under 2 miles, can apply for a bus pass if route is considered hazardous. Highland Park students are being provided with a yellow school bus because the walking route and the bus route would be hazardous due to road construction. A shuttle is being provided from the bus way. Students are NOT allowed to park on school grounds during regular school hours and will risk towing if parking in shopping center lots. Bike racks have been installed.
PSCC part 4--Extracurricular activities--Frick, Peabody, UPrep and Schenley. Because Schenley has no usable auditorium for plays and the musical, these will be performed at Peabody. Plans are already being made to include all 4 schools with security being provided for all rehearsals and performances. We will be using Peabody's facilities and in return, Peabody students will have the opportunity to participate in Schenley's already successful program.
Several parents questioned the participation of freshman, particularly Frick students, in after school activities. Although the 9th graders have been included in sports with Schenley, more effort will be made to include them in non-sport ECs. Many of the clubs do meet at least partially during the final period of the day.
What about the question on the Schenley Incidents post about Schenley gear- is there really a rule, no Schenley gear at Peabody and if so does this apply to practices at Peabody for plays and the musical?
At the PSCC meeting, Mrs. Facaros handed a plan of action for relationship building between Schenley and Peabody. For the month of September, the first item listed is "Jerseys will not be worn on game days to opposing schools". I did not hear any additional discussion on this topic but I might have missed it while I was concentrating on my notes. Maybe someone else can chime in here.
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