Dunwoody High School School Council Minutes October 28, 2003

Members Present:

Tom Fischgrund, Parent Kathy Koenigsberg, Parent Judy Port, Parent
Jim Redovian, Business Partner Jerry Petrus, Teacher
Stacey Stepney, Principal

Absent: Rachael Lawson, Teacher; Judy Womack, Business Partner

Guest: Steve Fortenberry, Teacher

The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted as they were prepared. Additional agenda items included:

	911 procedures.

	Communication between parents and the school in the event of an emergency.

Mr. Fortenberry started the meeting with an overview of the Wildcats Fund, a 509‐A, tax‐deductible project geared towards raising money to target three areas:

1. Academic 2. Athletic
3. Scholarship

Currently, a plan of action has been taken in the area of athletics to provide for two tennis courts, a new track, a more workable football field, modifications for soccer/Lacrosse, and an additional gym with a field house, coaches offices, etc. The scholarship component is in place to provide financial assistance for college bound students. The estimated cost for this endeavor is one million dollars. This endeavor was established to:

	 Bridge the gap between the school and the community (also via website and Alumni Association).

	 Keep parents of former students informed as to the projects/activities being engaged at the school.

	Elicit involvement/support from neighboring businesses.

	Provide more facilities for community use.

	Free the gym to more simultaneous activities.

	Gain more independence from other governing bodies (tax‐deductible).

Too many trailers are popping up everywhere, so the time to act is now! There is $50,000.00 in the fund and while members of the athletics department are involved in the decision, a special committee is in the planning stages to determine how funds should be allocated. Individuals who wish to contribute to the fund can specify where they would like their donations to go (academic, athletic, or scholarship). The band is currently in line with athletics since it does not have adequate facilities to practice.

Support from the district office has been positive. Charlie Henderson and Ron Seabree are very open to change; yet, they recognize the shortfalls. Schools such as MLK have set precedent, so there is openness for generating funds for athletics.

	 Mrs. Talmadge presented some information on the Dunwoody Task Force. At the present time, the project is in the research mode. There has been some concern that since the middle schools are ending at 4:10 and it is getting darker earlier, perhaps the middle schools need to end earlier. The force meets as information is gathered. If there are inquiries, the other liaison is Mary Broadwell.

	 For the benefit of the council, Miss Stepney provided a summary of the events that led up to the fire and a report of events leading up to the evacuation and media coverage. Overall, considering the nature of the occurrence, the students performed well and no medical emergencies were reported. There is a $10,000.00 reward provided by the State Department, but as of the meeting date, there were no leads. Although the damage was exorbitant, some good did come out of the fire in the form of a new sink, new caps on the shower stalls, new paint and carpet on both the boys and girls’ side, and removal of the old ice machines.

	 Miss Stepney also shared information surrounding the re‐assignment of Miss Bobo. An investigation is still currently underway, and the case has been turned over to the Professional Standards Commission. Miss Bobo is currently assistant principal of discipline at Open Campus High School.

	 Friday, October 31, five candidates will interview for the new AP position. Of the 76 résumés submitted, 5 candidates were selected to be interviewed; 3 men and 2 women. The group is racially, gender, and age balanced. Mr. Petrus would not be a part of the interviewing process.

	 The after school tutorial program is scheduled to begin on November 10 and continue for 6 weeks.

	 Forty‐one kids are at level #1 (Peachtree). Coaches will work with students around IBAT. Students are tracked with grades, i.e. teachers are abreast of who is passing/failing. Contact forms are used to show that efforts are being made to keep students. Focus not just on 9th grade, but money was gathered with 9th grade academy in mind, so these guidelines are being followed. A question was asked as to whether “skills” classes (AP Writing or GHSWT as Saturday seminar.) could be offered. Other ideas included:

1. Studying for college level tests. 2. GHSWT overview, etc.
3. Note‐taking. 4. How to study.

*It is critical to track the program to determine success or failure of the program and what modifications would be needed for future support. Posting will begin immediately.

	 Dr. Boring sent out benchmarks to all schools from grades 2nd on up for their review. This report is very important when dealing with promotion. End of course test (possibly 20%). Would this replace GHSGT? Final Exam? These suggestions are still up in the air. A suggestion was made to have an “AP” day. This would center on some session where Chamblee and Dunwoody teachers, for instance, can come together and share ideas to better assist students and teachers.

	 Currently there is no breakdown available. Two AP classes were cut from the master; there are currently 18 AP classes. AP students can still take IB test since the workload and challenge are compatible. AP students tend to perform very well on IB exams.

	 The TAV team recommended the following suggestions: 1. Engage the general students more.
2. Utilize more instructional strategies.

3. There needs to be a better breakdown by demographics to see exactly where some of the problems are.
4. Develop other means to keep students in the classroom, i.e. work detail vs. ISS.

5. Increase technology use in the classroom. Only one teacher was recorded using technology in the classroom.
6. The students appear to be very truthful and forthright; we need to listen more closely.

	 Dr. Mullens is aware of our current situation; we are not in line with HB 1187. A timeline for elections need to be developed (nominate and post). There needs to be 1 additional parent. Nominations need to be returned by Nov. 13. Miss Stepney recommended that Dr. Fischgrund and Mrs. Port remain. There was a suggestion to have internet voting, and voting should be held on the next major event (Feb. 26, parent/teacher conference). In addition, two teacher representatives are needed.

	 Mrs. Port suggested that in the event of another emergency, a more expeditious method of feedback is needed to calm parents prior to incorrect information being relayed by the media. Also, we need to brainstorm ideas to present DHS in a positive light given recent incidents.