Topic

Action

Mrs. Berndt called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for their attendance today. It is exciting, informative and important to hear what is happening at the school sites. Mrs. Berndt introduced Suzette Lovely, Assistant Superintendent, Personnel Services, who joined the SCAC meeting today.

Bernardo Yorba Middle School – is very proud of their Marching Band. They recently won the sweepstakes award at the San Dimas Parade, Placentia Heritage Parade and the Riverside Band Review.

Esperanza High School – had three students selected as 2009-2010 National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars or Honorable Mentions. The Esperanza PTSA held the second annual Taste of Esperanza, which raises funds to support clubs on campus. They had an amazing turnout for good food and fun times in addition to bringing in approximately $9,000 for the school clubs.

On September 30, Back-To-School Night was held with approximately 1160 parents in attendance. The first dance of the year, MORP (prom spelled backwards), was enjoyed by over 1,000 students.

Also, fifteen first-year members of the Speech/Debate Team competed at the Orange County Speech League Novice Tournament. Four students received Certificates of Excellence and two others were awarded second place recognition. The team as a whole received a fifth place sweepstakes trophy!

Fairmont Elementary – held a highly successful Jog-A-Thon this past Friday. This was Fairmont’s only fundraiser this year and they were gratified to be able to meet their fundraising goal in spite of the economic times. Also, a thank you was expressed to staff for the addition of a sixth grade teacher to reduce classroom sizes!

Glenknoll Elementary – participated in the National Walk-to-School Day on October 7. Community and parent support included passing out water bottles, greeting students and parents and helping students cross safely at intersections. Two motor cycle officers from the Brea Police Department paroled around the school and greeted students.

Kraemer Middle School – was proud to announce that at the Placentia Heritage Parade their Marching Band received third place while the Color Guard took a first place and the Majorette and Dance Teams took second place.

Mabel Paine Elementary – is happy to report an API score that went up by 47 points from last year. Also the PTA, with the support of the principal, has a new parking lot drop off/pick-up procedure in place which is working out to be extremely efficient. Mabel Paine also enjoyed a “No Homework – Family Night” on September 24 in order to promote school spirit and attend the first Yorba Linda High School Junior Varsity home game at Bradford Stadium.

Rose Drive Elementary - is celebrating Red Ribbon Week this week. Also, a big thank you was expressed to the parents and community for their tremendous support in helping Rose Drive enjoy a very successful Jog-A-Thon.

Sierra Vista Elementary – held their Jog-A-Thon this morning and in spite of the economic times was happy to report they had their largest sponsorship ever. Also they were proud of their students’ API score of 898.

Valadez Middle School Academy – enjoyed the Read For The Record program which teamed up Valazdez students with students at Melrose Elementary for a reading time. It was rewarding to see the middle school students work and interact so well with the elementary children.

Yorba Linda High School – On October 14, YLHS enjoyed its first Back-to-
School Night. There were over 900 parents in attendance with some classes having standing room only! Yorba Linda High School currently has 30 clubs starting up on campus.

Dr. Smith was pleased to report that the district was able to add several teachers across the district to level out the enrollment at several schools.

Valencia High School is being recognized with the Golden Bell Award in recognition of their HOPE program. The Golden Bell Award program promotes excellence in education by recognizing outstanding programs in school districts throughout California. In response to a question regarding how students are chosen for Valencia’s HOPE program, Dr. Smith explained that the high school’s counselors work with the middle schools counselors to identify students that need academic intervention. It was suggested that Mr. Jim Bell, Principal, Valencia High School be invited to a future SCAC meeting to further explain the school’s award and program.

La Entrada High School has received the Exemplary Independent Study High School Award. This award is comparable to a California Distinguished School Award and the school will receive a plaque from Jack O’Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, for display recognizing this accomplishment.

El Dorado High School is having a Tournament of Roses President’s Dinner and a performance by the El Dorado Golden Hawks Marching Band and Color Guard this evening in recognition of their invitation to march in the New Year’s Day parade on January 1, 2010.

The school district held a Denim Day fundraiser earlier this month and was able to raise over $4,000 for breast cancer awareness.

Dr. Smith and Mr. Domene shared a presentation which demonstrated the district’s current budget and the impact of the State’s revenue reductions on PYLUSD. All scenarios are being explored in an attempt to bridge the financial gap. One item of consideration is an Early Retirement Incentive for certificated teaching staff. Also, under consideration are furlough days. Any action relative to furlough days must be negotiated with the District’s two employee labor organizations.

In response to a question regarding the shortening of the school year, Dr. Smith explained that the state does allow school districts to reduce the school year up to 5 days. In response to a question regarding opportunities the district has to produce revenue, Mr. Domene said the district has facilities available for lease both at the ESC and the district’s warehouse. A suggestion was made to communicate to parents and schools the importance of maintaining pupil attendance to reduce the loss of ADA funding. Dr. Smith said he would provide budget update information as it becomes available.

Mr. Jim Moore, Director of Educational Services, provided information on Advanced Placement (AP) scores. This included a comparison of the PYLUSD to the county and state. The data does not show that the number of students taking AP courses has gone up every year over the past three years. Recently prerequisites for taking AP classes were changed resulting in more students enrolling in AP classes. Discussion followed on the merits of the test and the different reasons students may elect to take AP courses.

Mr. Moore also shared PYLUSD scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). As the data indicate, PYLUSD is well above the state and county levels. A question was asked if a global student comparison was available. Mr. Moore said that there is nothing in place that compares global student testing data.

• A question was asked if staff at the district level is involved in teacher classroom management and/or teacher evaluation. Dr. Smith said that the principal observes and provides evaluations for all teachers at their site. In addition, Mrs. Candy Plahy, Director of Elementary Curriculum, and Mr. Jim Moore, Director of Educational Services, work with principals and teachers in the development of teaching skills, techniques and strategies as well as providing staff development time to discuss curriculum and classroom standards. Dr. Smith expressed his appreciation and support of the amazing teachers that are a part of our district and the tremendous job they do every day. Dr. Smith did encourage parents that have a concern regarding a classroom teacher to contact their principal.

• A SCAC member brought to the council’s attention that the Miss Placentia and Miss Yorba Linda programs are back this year and would like council members to spread the word. A $350 college scholarship is available for winners and it is an excellent opportunity for young women to represent their communities.

• In response to a question regarding the possibility as to why middle schools have 7 periods and high schools have 6 of high schools adding a 7th period class similar to the middle school schedule, Dr. Smith explained that at the middle schools the average class periods are 47 minutes to allow an additional period and more opportunities for students to explore electives. At the high school level the average class periods are 53 minutes and the additional class time has proven to be more beneficial then a 7th period class. In addition, the high schools do selectively offer a number of zero period offerings.

• In response to a question regarding the recent bill signed by the Governor establishing May 22 as Harvey Milk Day and if the district would be dedicating school time to this subject matter, Dr. Smith explained that there are no requirements for school districts to devote critical classroom time to the subject, particularly in light of the shortage of time we already have in the school day to teach the essential State content standards.

8. ADJOURNMENT

SCAC members adjourned to the district’s computer lab for a Smart Classroom demonstration by Mr. Bob Blackney. Thank you Mr. Blackney for this fun and informative interactive lesson!

Monday, November 16, 2009
District Board Room
11 a.m.