SPPS Capitol Hill -- Capitol Hill Site Council Meeting Minutes

January 14 agenda – Motion for a change in order of agenda to put Katie Kipka, Doug Lewer and District guests at the top of the meeting. Motion approved

District Science Initiative and Curriculum Planning for New MN Grad Standards

Guests: John Olson, Marti Davis District Initiative on Science

Doug Lewer, Katie Kipka Capitol Hill Science

Current set up is a semester of life science and a semester of earth science in 7th grade with 8th grade focused on physical science. In other junior high schools, for accelerated learners, life science was a full year with an accelerated program in 8th grade to include physical science (called Challenge Earth Science). This allowed students more options for accelerated study of science in grades 9-12.

A handout on the District Curriculum planning that outlined a new path for students in science was passed out and discussed. The advantage to this new structure would allow accelerated students to complete biology, chemistry and physics through the course of study in grades 9-12. At Capitol Hill, students will all take Challenge Science in both 7th and 8th grade. Capitol Hill students will not be required to take Physical Science in 9th grade and can choose to start study of biology or chemistry in the 9th grade.

With a change in the Minnesota Graduation Standards for Science, this new plan allows students to meet the graduation standards and still have opportunities for AP/IB in high school by bringing some of the 9-12 physical and earth science standards into the junior high school Challenge Science courses.

This transition in the curriculum will be phased in for students taking courses in the current format. Courses at Capitol Hill will be adjusted so that current 7th and 8th graders will be prepared to enter 9th grade Chemistry and Biology AP/IB Prep courses without having to take physical science.

Doug Lewer emphasized that this new curriculum plan can be implemented regardless of whether the academic year is split into semesters or trimesters.

The District Initiative has provided syllabi for courses and units of science that would be appropriate and could be used for the new middle school courses. Flexibility will be maintained to allow teachers to adjust and adapt coverage. In particular, teachers at Capitol Hill will have the flexibility to use curriculum units that they have designed for life, earth and physical science.

Administration Report

Principal’s Report:

High Schools will be going to a quarter system next year. Next year Capitol Hill will be keeping the semester system. Most middle schools are or would move to trimesters, but are not enthusiastic of moving to quarters. Moving to quarters would impact elective choices for students.
Anderson Windows, Bayport, requested that Capitol Hill submit a proposal to purchase $3000 in supplemental materials for the change in the science curriculum. This also included $8000 for upgrading lab space to address needs. The proposal was accepted and the funding has been allocated. Anderson requested a further proposal to be submitted for further upgrades.
Video usage in the classroom was brought as a concern by a parent. The suggestion is to work with the leadership team to develop a guideline for video usage for instructional and recreational purpose. A list of recreational videos could be sent home to parents to allow parental choice. Site Council response to this was positive towards clarifying what videos would be shown and the guidelines by which they would be shown. Ali offered language that libraries use to assist parents in appropriate media choices.

Old Business

Cougar Awards – Statement to Climate Task Force was tabled for discussion until the March meeting.

MLK Parking – Nancy Randall talked with the Recreational Director at MLK to discuss parking lot/parking issues. There were several issues that were brought forth and MLK is not satisfied with the use of the parking area by Capitol Hill parents. The issue is that the current use goes beyond the original agreement between MLK and Capitol Hill.

The Site Council members brought up the information that is currently communicated to parents. It was brought up that the current student handbook suggests it is okay for morning drop off. The assumption being made, however, is that this is also true for afternoon although it is not stated this way in the parking information given to parents. It was also suggested that the Capitol Hill community police some of the abuses of the traffic flow. John Mayock volunteered to help with this effort. The first step, however, should be to hand out to all parents clear and accurate information with regard to parking around the building. Nancy, David and Ali volunteered to work with Louis about wording for the letter as a follow up to discussions at PTO.

Bus Transportation requests – The form will be developed and presented in March.

Announcements/New Business

John Mayock suggests that at the next Site Council we discuss opportunities for all building activities to build community among all students in the Rondo Education Center.