ACCOUNTABILITY AND PTSO - AURORA HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL Minutes of Combined Meeting on August 12, 2008 Meeting called to order at 6:20 p.m. by Jinger Haberer, AHMS Principal Jinger welcomed everyone to this evening’s combined meeting and then asked to have everyone introduce themselves. Jinger also took the time to explain the purpose of the PTSO and the Accountability Committees. Accountability Notes: 1. AHMS was the top middle school in the Cash 4 Class Program and received a check for $2,500. It was suggested that this windfall be used for the PBS program and for the teacher’s independent classroom libraries. 2. Jinger spoke briefly about the SAR (School Accountability Report) this revealed a 4.7% increase in proficiency. She also announced that the CSAP results showed that the math grades for the 7th grade dipped slightly. AHMS students rated 28% as proficient and/or advanced vs the state percentage of 27%. The goal is to have 80% of our students to be at the proficient and/or advanced level and we currently have attained 48%.  AHMS did not meet the AYP (adequate yearly progress) but no other middle school did either. The CDE (Colorado Department of Education) is measuring individual growth and AHills is close to 50% using CSAP vs MAP. 3. With Summit Academy moving out of AHills, some overcrowding issues have been eliminated by having half of our 8th grade students in the two mobiles; all electives are now on the first floor; all foreign languages classrooms are together; and all academic teams are clustered together on the second floor. 4. The staff is working closely together to let our students know that failure is not an option. If a student is missing an assignment, a notice sent home or a phone call initiated to have the student remain after school, the next day, to complete the assignment. For repeat offenders, they will receive, with the parent’s permission, a same day conscience. 5. Homework requirements will be to have students read a minimum of 30 minutes per night. A homework brochure made available for Back to School Night scheduled for August 14th. 6. CSAP testing dates are March 2nd thru 20th, 2009. 7. Currently, our student population stands at 1,040. It is imperative that all students attend school during the October count. If we lose any more students, we will loss teachers and class sizes will increased. 8. The administrators and staff are currently working on the SIP (School Improvement Program) and the parents in attendance this evening were asked to stay a few minutes after tonight’s meeting and provide their input. 9. Jake Emerson is the new IB Coordinator at AHills. Students recommended to continue in the IB program, at Hinkley HS, must have good grades and a good attendance record along with teacher’s input. Concerns over this year’s student schedules were expressed because some students will not be having PE due to having yearlong classes in band, orchestra and a foreign language. Some felt that all the aspects of the IB learner were not be fully addressed. The administrators are aware of the problem and currently are working on a solution. PTSO Notes: 1. The fundraiser kick-off is scheduled for Friday, August 15th. We will be in need of volunteers to count money the first week in September. The fund raising packages are due to be returned during the week of September 2nd thru 5th. The cut-off date for submitting orders will be determined by AJ Hayes the fund raising representative. 2. The Fun Run is scheduled for Saturday, September 20th. Edward Samaniego suggested having breakfast burritos, water and bananas. Edward will need help for the food committee. Scheduled set up for the Fun Run is to begin at 7:30 a.m. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. NEXT PTSO Meeting: September 2nd NEXT ACCOUNTABILITY Meeting: September 9th. ____________________________________________________________