O’Rourke Middle School Building Council
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
2:45PM
 Library Classroom

Attendance:  John Loux, Kirk Buell, Amy Clark, Patty Rakvica, Don Germain, Suzanne Rayome, Judy, Brinkman, Kevin Ahern, Nancy Pearse, Robin Gawrys, Sharon Salmon, Penny McDonnell, Janet Bianchi, Valerie Wadsworth

1. Review of the Minutes:  The minutes from the March 23, 2009 meeting were accepted as written.
2. Class Night Venue:  John Loux and Kirk Buell presented the findings of their research on the logistics of moving the Class Night Ceremony from the High School Auditorium to the High School Gym.  They offered a list of concerns including procuring and moving a floor mat, lack of staffing to set up the venue, finding and setting up chairs to accommodate the students, functions in other buildings influencing the event and a variety of other issues that could impact the evening.  Ideas were offered to rectify the concerns and provide for an informed decision on the matter.  It was agreed that if the capacity of the bleachers would handle the students and parents, without having to make other accommodations, we would go ahead with the gymnasium as the venue for the event using a simpler format for the evening.  Research would be completed on bleacher capacity before a final decision was rendered.
3. Standing Committee Reports:
   1. Capturing Kids Hearts:  The District is pursuing a potential collaborative effort with Gloversville to turnkey the program here.  Permission has been given to have some O’Rourke representatives meet with the Gloversville staff to discuss the process of implementing this staff development initiative.
   2. Philosophy and Vision Statement:  During the summer retreat, the proposed changes to the philosophy and vision statements will be addressed as potential goals for 2009-2010.  A discussion regarding philosophy vs. practice took place, as well as the potential for improving our Core Values statements.
   3. Class Night:  The Class Night committee will be meeting on May 14^th to begin to bring preparations to a close for the evening’s events. 
4. Handbook Language:  Some minor revisions were made to the student handbook to clean up the language, make it more user friendly, and provide clearer expectations.  Specific language regarding the use and abuse of electronic devices was added to clarify our stance on the matter.  A new handbook company will be utilized this year that provides for a better product at a lesser cost.
5. Summer Curriculum Projects:  Summer curriculum project proposals will be prioritized at the May meeting.  Project will be limited this year due to financial constraints.  Project submissions should focus on department priorities.  Programs that are being reorganized due to budget cuts will be given first priority for acceptance.
6. Scheduling:  The scheduling process was discussed in detail, highlighting the proposed changes to accommodate department level staffing and program cuts.  The block scheduling survey information and the principle behind doing a survey at this time were elaborated upon.  Information regarding scheduling for next year will be shared with the staff at the May 11^th meeting.
7. June Council Retreat:  June 26, 2009 was set as the date for the annual Building Council retreat.  Membership charts were reviewed in anticipation of filling Council openings prior to the June retreat.  An agenda for the day will be set in the near future.
8. Open Agenda:  No items were brought to the table under the open agenda category.