O’Rourke Middle School Building Council
Monday, September 29, 2008
2:45PM
 Library Classroom

Shared Decision Making Guidelines:  The SDM Guidelines were reviewed in detail at the June Council Retreat.  A refresher was again given at this meeting.

Standing Committees:

1. Character Education:  The committee continues its broad work on global initiatives that will enhance the climate of the building and the character of our students.  Staff members are being trained in the Capturing Kids’ Hearts methodologies and applying them effectively in their classrooms.  School Spirit Days and other similar events are being planned to promote a positive relationship with our students.  Rewards and incentive programs are being refined.  Embedded classroom initiatives and modeling are encouraged.  Character traits are infused into our curriculum to enhance its effectiveness and provide interdisciplinary connectivity to learning.  Dialog with Sage College on evaluating and developing a broader scope of character initiatives has taken place.
2. Pyramid of Interventions:  Work of the District Committee on Pyramid of Interventions was highlighted.  Feedback on the PAT/CSE organizational documents was given to the representatives.
3. SASI:  The SASI committee will have to evaluate the SASI system as an administrative technology tool for our district in the near future. 
4. Committee for Academic Excellence:  This committee will meet next week to discuss and make a recommendation on summer school grading policies, considering aligning them with current high school practices.
5. Health and Safety:  Safety Protocols, drills, safety flip charts, locker security and zip ties, and other related matters were reviewed.
6. Transition: A historical document of transition activities, programs, and practices is being developed to help frame the future initiatives to be considered by this committee.
7. Technology:  The cafeteria TV/messaging system installation is being completed to improve the delivery of information to students and staff during the day, while upgrading our capabilities to deliver multi-media.  The committee will consider ideas for broadening our use of technology, while harnessing the potential educational capabilities of everyday, student related devices.
8. American Education Week:  Work has been started on disseminating information for American Education Week visitations to our school. 

Communication Council:  Don Germain, Val Wadsworth and Patty Rakvica will represent the middle school at the October 7 District Communication Council meeting.  Progress on goals will be shared and updates on BOE initiatives and the CTD processes will be shared.

Construction:  The District is considering a construction project for the near future.  Initial planning is currently taking place by the BOE.  Building Principals and Head Custodians have been asked to evaluate infrastructure needs at this time.

Gymnasium:  An update on the current status of the gymnasium work was given.  Middle school gyms are currently sealed and secured for sanding, relining, and resealing.  Anticipated completion of the work is mid to late October.

Student Sign-Out Procedures:  Upon a parent request, the Council reviewed in detail the sign out procedures for middle level students.  After considerable deliberation, it was unanimously decided by the members that the current procedures that are in place are in the best interest of the general health and safety needs of the student population. 

Open Agenda:  No items were presented under the open portion of the meeting agenda.