Dunwoody High School Principal Advisory Council Meeting
DRAFT Minutes November 12, 2019

Attendance: Ms. Cole, Bob Fiscella, Ebony Greene, Kevin Travis, Dave Levy, Michelle Fincher, Fran Hughes, Yolanda Parker Smith, Davina Profit

Guests: Eric Johnson, Andrew Ziffer, Julia LeDoyen, Lisa Beiger, Ms. Wiles

Bob calls the meeting to order at 5:00 pm

Agenda unanimously approved

Minutes from October 15, 2019 meeting unanimously approved

Teacher’s Report - Ms. Greene and Mr. Travis

● Ms. Greene met with Ms. Cole after getting feedback from teachers regarding lesson plans. Teachers have decided to stick with the present lesson plan template because they do not want another change. The administration supports this.
● Mr. Travis reported that several teachers have independently inquired about transitioning to a traditional schedule instead of a 4 x 4 block. They are concerned about whether the block is the best instructional model for students.
● Ms. Cole offered some considerations:

○ Breaks and inclement weather days can be challenging with a block schedule. ○ Block affords extra credit hours and some feel this offers a better chance for
college admission.

○ Consideration of full year to thoroughly grasp the material.

○ There are hybrid options, combining aspects of block and traditional. ○ Teachers will do research.
○ Mr. Jameson begins building the schedule in December. ● Discussion:
○ Michelle asked about the experience of students transferring in or out of DHS with different schedules. Ms.Cole explained when a student transfers in mid-year they utilize the online flex academy, as well as try to gauge knowledge based on previous grades.
○ Ms. Cole explained that DCSD requires more credits for graduation than other systems. AP classes present challenges with a block schedule. Fall AP classes have to wait until spring to take AP exam. Spring AP classes miss about 3 weeks of instruction because of AP test schedule.
○ Randi: Colleges look at individual schools and their course offerings when considering admission.
○ Davina: Block was a relief for her student.

● Ms. Green is working with Ms.Cole to provide support to teachers with discipline problems. They are assisting teachers with classroom management and identifying teacher mentors to support colleagues. They are also working on the cause of behavior problems of students with repeated referrals.

Principal’s Report - Ms. Cole

Attendance/Enrollment - Remains 2247.

School Safety and Security

● School-wide Resiliency lessons presented to each grade on November 4th.

● The First Day was shown to all students thanks to PTSO. It addresses substance abuse prevention. Many students have come to the counseling office to discuss it and the school is working on gaining access for parents. Looking into something similar for the Spring.

Scholastic/Instructional Needs

● About to enter scheduling season, building next year’s schedule. ● Ms. Cole gave a power point presentation on CCRPI results.
○ Overall scores increased, with the exception of Progress.

○ Closing the Gaps made progress but fell short of district and state rates.

○ Pathway completion has dropped (career tech, foreign language, finance, mass comm).
○ College and career readiness dropped. Literacy, attendance and dual enrollment are factored.
○ Graduation rate - GA allows special education students to remain in school until age 22, affecting the graduation rate. DHS has 10% special ed population.
○ Under School Climate, the parent survey score dropped, but the survey does not affect CCRPI scores. We do need more parents to take the survey.
○ Discussion: Bob asked the area of biggest concern. Ms. Cole answered Math. They are going to institute a Math lab, similar to the current writing lab. DCSD utilizes integrated rather than traditional math, it is part of the challenge. Would like to have Beta Club/Honor Society students volunteer in Math lab, in addition to teachers.
○ Learned that there are changes to AP classes with an EOC. These AP’s will no longer take the EOC, students will get credit based on their AP exams.

Teachers and Staff Issues and Needs

● There is a good candidate for a Math teacher opening.

● There is a need for another English teacher to reduce class sizes. ● There is still a need for a few interrelated paraprofessionals.
● New custodians start in about 2 weeks. Marquee Sign

● The Class of 2019 SGA gift is a $35,000 LED, electronic sign.

● The location is still unknown until City of Dunwoody approves it being placed in the Right of Way.

Modulars

● If DHS receives one modular, trees at the corner of Vermack and Vanderlyn will be cleared for its placement. If DHS receives two modulars, they will not fit so trees will remain and the modulars will be placed in the upper level of faculty parking with the hope that retention pond will be paved over the summer.
● Bob reported that Stan is still working on obtaining updated active boards for the older quads.
● Parent complaint of child getting sick in trailer A1. Facilities conducted a humidity test which came back as 41%. Normal range is 30%-50%. Testing did not detect mold so no further testing is scheduled.
● Eric Johnson (parent of student) present and asked for details on the scope of the test. Scope was unknown other than it included sampling of ceiling tiles. Parent explained symptoms seem isolated to time spent in that trailer. He also asked about the testing of HVAC coils and drainage of HVAC to the ground at the base of the trailer. That was unknown. An Open Records Request was suggested to the parent.

CAC Report - Dave

● Geo testing (soil sampling) was completed at retention pond. Tennis court sampling should be done over Thanksgiving and results from both should be back quickly.
● The architect was given the go-ahead on schematics and including an auxiliary gym in the design.

New Business/Unfinished Business

New Vice-Chairperson, Secretary

● Approval of new PAC members

○ Erin Dixon and Patrick Dodson resigned.

○ Fran Hughes and Davina Profit were next in line from votes of the September election. Both new members were unanimously approved.
○ A second CAC member is required to be on the PAC according to our bylaws. Randi Siegel was unanimously approved.

Wildcat Fund/Game On Campaign

● Flick on the Field had a great turnout on November 4. Proceeds will go to the Game On campaign.
● All Fore One had a record year. $20,000 will be given to the Game On campaign. $15,000 will be given to the school for new computers.

Other Business

● Announcement of cross-cluster PAC meeting at the AIC. Bob and Fran plan to attend. ● Michelle initiated a discussion concerning whether the addition is in the best long-term
interests of our students and community. Comments were solicited.

○ Mr. Travis noted that his normal college prep classes has 32-33 students. His AP classes have 20 and considers it a blessing.
○ Ms. Cole noted that FTE points need to be considered. Fewer students, fewer points. Michelle noted that capacity was about 85 under when her student graduated in 2013, and class sizes were not this large. Lack of teacher points did not seem to be an issue.
○ Dave noted that the cafeteria equipment was beyond its useful life and needed the addition to address. Michelle noted that the latest facilities report states that all major systems of the building are beyond useful life including HVAC, roof, plumbing and sewage. Ms.Cole stated that the community deserved a nicer facility and the addition would bring that.
○ Michelle added to be cautious of what the addition will actually include. The addition built in 2011/2012 also promised a cafeteria expansion/renovation and new administrative offices that we did not receive.
○ Julia LeDoyen reminded that these decisions should be made with a student-centric lens. Is it also a blessing to students to have 20 per class rather than 32-33. The limited facility/land affects student opportunities. In the case of student-athletes, the condition of facilities offsets their experience. The new 7A category is a consideration. She added that facilities affected not only the student-athlete, but the artist, math wizard, and the average kid.
○ Michelle noted that we are sealing the fate of future students to be in the 7A category with the addition.
○ Bob was unsure if this conversation fell outside the bylaws and would confirm with Kina Champion at DCSD. Michelle thought it was fine because the PAC’s job is to provide for the future vision of the school, not just the experience of our current students.
○ Davina asked if we can appeal the 7A athletics classification, because there is no upper limit. We will be one of the smallest 7A teams. Ms. Cole said Coach Nash was looking into it.
● Electricity issues at concession stand were discussed regarding the upcoming Powder Puff game.

Public Comments

● Eric Johnson asked for clarification about the school climate survey. PTSO said they would send something out after the holidays urging parents to complete it.
● Julia asked if the overcrowding would affect the survey results, but Ms. Cole said she did not believe so.

Meeting is adjourned by Bob at 6:07 pm

Next PAC meeting is December 10, 2019 at 5:00 pm, following CAC meeting at 4:00 pm.