January 15, 2020 – Minutes

School Community Council—Hillcrest High School

January 15, 2020

In Attendance:

1. Greg Leavitt
2. Brant Thomsen
3. Jan Hansen
4. Suzanne Riches
5. John Olsen
6. Amir Zaidi
7. Karen Conder
8. Denise White
9. Stacey Timmerman

Meeting Notes:

• Brant Thomsen opened the meeting.
• TSSP and Land Trust Plans
  • Brant reviewed terms: BLT, TSSP, TSSA—Teacher Student Success Act (formerly CSIP).
  • Leavitt distributed the Teacher and Student Success Plan (TSSP) to SCC members.
  • Leavitt read the problem statement to members.
    • Proficiency percentages for Math, Science, ELA, ACT and readiness coursework are lower than achievable capacity for Hillcrest High School.
  • Goals based on the problem statement include:
    • Bring Readiness to 81% (currently at 74.3%)
    • Exceed the district average on ACT.
    • Achieve 88% Graduation rate—we are now at 85%.
  • To accomplish our goals, we will implement the following Academic Performance Goals:
    • Every teacher will administer 3 Common Formative Assessment per quarter.
    • Every teacher will administer 1 Common Summative Assessment per quarter.
    • Assessments will be passed with an 80% rate.
    • Increase school readiness (currently at 74.3%) to meet or exceed State average (currently at 80%)
    • Meet or exceed District average in ACT 18+ Readiness Score (current District is 71%)
  • All CFA’s may be retaken. The CSA is retaken only if the teacher agrees. The quarter end dates make it difficult to allow for retakes on the final assessment.
  • Hillcrest will increase IB, CE, AP and Bridge Classes.
  • ELA assessments may be done at home. Other assessments will be given during classes.
  • Math has been a problem for us. All 9th grade students will take two math classes—one class every day.
  • Kate recommended ACT prep. Mr. Leavitt assured her that we will be doing this. We want to see 18 or higher on the ACT, so we will offer ACT prep.
  • ELL students are receiving Read 180 instruction. We have about 240 ELL students.
  • Karen asked about the grading distributions.
  • Leavitt responded that 70% of the grade will be based on assessments and 30% on assignments.
  • SCC reviewed the Academic Learning Goals on the TSSP.
    • Stacey noted that there is nothing in the Academic Learning Goals about ACT prep.
    • Hansen said that it will be added.
  • The full TSSP will be posted on the Hillcrest Web site.
• Draft of School-Wide Disclosure
  • SCC members reviewed the proposed HHS School-wide Disclosure Document.
  • Leavitt explained that this document will replace all individual teacher disclosures now being used at Hillcrest.
  • The document includes specific information about grading scales, assessments, the retake, and late work policy.
  • It also contains information on support centers for students.
    • SCC members suggested that phone numbers be listed for each support center or group appearing in the disclosure.
    • Administration will look into doing this.
  • The School-Wide Disclosure statement is now in the process of being reviewed by BLT, SCC, etc. The document will be refined and finally voted on.
  • SCC Members approved of having a School-Wide Disclosure statement.
  • Karen suggested that this is a positive step toward teaching students and parents how to conduct school, planning, test-taking, etc.
  • Stacey pointed out that study skills and expectations need to be taught earlier than high school. Middle schools need to be made aware of these requirements to begin training student early.
  • We would like a vote of confidence on this early—February if possible.
  • This will drive some of our Land Trust funds. For example, these funds will be used in many cases as stipends for teachers to conduct ACT training, etc.
  • By next month we hope to be able to have a draft ready for a vote with regard to the TSSP plan.
  • The Land Trust funds plan needs to be ready by April 20th.
  • Brant proposed a motion for the Community Council to vote on the School-Wide Disclosure plan during the February meeting. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
• Construction and Parking
  • Leavitt noted that the parking is going well for the most part. He is going to release a few more spaces for CTEC parking. Some students are having a difficult time finding a place when they come back from classes at CTEC.
  • Construction is on schedule. The field house and gyms should open in March.
  • Interior construction is moving forward daily.
• SCC Roster
  • Brant stated that all members need to check the SCC roster and be sure it is correct, so that when we need to vote on the Land Trust fund plan, things will be in order.
• Other Items
  • Brant announced that the next meeting is scheduled for February 19, 2020.
  • Brant asked if there are other items the group should discuss.
  • Karen said that PTSA is planning a vaping information night. PTSA will be bringing in two speakers who should be able to help parents and students learn about this topic.
  • Leavitt asked if parents are receiving phone messages about early releases and registration. Most parents have received calls.
  • Leavitt stated that the Vaultz bags which will help with the new phone policy have been ordered.
  • Leavitt said that he is happy with the RUFF program. So far this year we have suspended only 3 students. Most years we would have suspended 60 by this point in the year.
• Brant called for the meeting to be adjourned. Members voted to close the meeting.

Prepared by Suzanne Riches