December 9, 2020

In Attendance:

1. Brant Thomsen
2. Greg Leavitt
3. Juan Perez
4. Stacey Kratz
5. Jeremy Wright
6. Jan Hansen
7. Suzanne Riches
8. Nicole Huff
9. Karen Conder
10. Karina Park
11. Jason Dong
12. Julie Cluff
13. J. Graham

Meeting Notes:

• Brant Thomsen opened the meeting.
• Agenda Item: COVID-19 School Closure.
  • Mr. Leavitt reported that the closure went well.
  • The timing was good, since we only had to miss one day and one week because of the Thanksgiving holiday.
  • Mr. Leavitt explained that the case-count goes back to zero after a two week closure. We should be able to stay in school after the winter recess, at least until cases mount. The trends are moving in the right direction.
  • Mr. Leavitt said the transition to online learning was smooth, with parents and teachers holding to the expectation that students show up for online instruction. We saw 80-90% of the students attending online class sessions.
  • Mr. Leavitt asked for feedback from parents.
  • Stacey Kratz reported that the online format is hard for the kids. Her son is behind now, but wasn’t before the closure.
    • Mr. Leavitt responded that students do much better with in-person classes.
  • Grades are down from last year. We are showing more F’s than last year.
  • We are finding that online grades are much lower than in-person class grades.
  • Mr. Leavitt said every family has to decide what their circumstances are, but it is much better in terms of learning for the students to be in class.
  • Brant Thomsen said that his son has found online classes to be more difficult than in-person classes. It would be good for teachers to carefully assess the work- loads in these classes.
  • J. Graham suggested that perhaps a help desk would be a good idea. He finds that helping his son is often difficult, since math methods, etc. have changed.
    • Leavitt suggested that this may be an idea we could look into.
  • Agenda Item: School Data
    • Leavitt reported that things are moving forward as they should.
    • Our primary goal centers around the grad rate at HHS. Last year the grad rate went up to 87% – the highest Hillcrest has ever had.
      • With COVID, we are not sure we can maintain that rate, but we are doing all we can to make sure we stay focused on this goal.
    • Since we have Fridays without students on campus, we are using staff to make calls to parents and work with students who have not been logging in online, or are not meeting class requirements.
    • Our grades are down this semester, largely in response to online learning and our need to respond to COVID, quarantining, etc. In-person students are doing better.
    • Generally, online students are performing below in-person students. Online students are showing lower grades and a greater percentage of F’s.
    • Mr. Leavitt reported on math data growing out of the Math Inventory tests administered three times per year.
      • 80% are at basic or below basic level in math.
        • This is why many of our 9th graders are in double math classes.
        • We hope in three years we can show progress.
      • Problem-solving math or inquiry-based math will pay dividends, but kids without strong skills do struggle with it.
    • We want kids to be career and college-ready.
    • Hansen discussed College-Performance data measures of our students.
      • Hillcrest students have performed well according to this data.
      • Hansen has the data discussed available for anyone who asks.
      • Leavitt pointed out that we need to continue with our goals. This data shows that we are making progress.
    • Leavitt stated that we are continuing to work hard on graduation rates. One of our problems is the huge amount of student movement the school experiences each year. Many students enroll, only to leave soon after. If they don’t enroll somewhere else that we can track, we must consider them dropouts. We are working hard on credit recovery, teaching consistency and support.
    • Hillcrest also has many programs that build student interest and commitment. Our choir program is an example. Julie Cluff mentioned that her daughter has grown through this program.
  • Agenda Item: Construction
    • Moving information and procedures have been distributed to Hillcrest faculty and staff.
    • The building is on schedule or even a little ahead of the plan.
    • School is out on May 28th.
    • The old building may be demolished as early as July 10.
    • Parents continue to give us positive feedback about the new entrance.
    • Question asked about when the athletic fields, tennis courts, etc. will be complete. Mr. Leavitt said that we are looking at the middle of 2022 for completion of landscaping, etc.
  • Agenda Item: Fraud Reminder
    • Brant Thomsen reported that emails have been sent out in his name
    • Emails have also been sent out claiming using the principals name, claiming to need funds.
    • Don’t be fooled by online fraud.
  • Agenda: Other Items
    • Nikki Huff said that arena registration opens Monday, Dec. 14, closing Jan. 4.
    • Hansen reported that Husky Fair will be on Feb. 4, but is virtual now. We will use films submitted by organizations. Flier packets will be mailed as well. If anyone wants to participate, fliers are needed in counseling by Jan. 15th. We need to get these packets to middle schools by Feb. 2nd.
    • Leavitt said that all of this information will be online as well.
  • Brant moved that the meeting adjourn. The motion was seconded and passed. The meeting was adjourned.

Prepared by Suzanne Riches