HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-02-11-LHS-min`O VS MOP
ti P
3 � � a�
` APPILI9'"
Laura J. Lasa
Principal
Lexington High School
251 Waltham Street . .-. Lexington, Massachusetts 02421
781- 861 -2320, ext. 1002
email: lasa@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us
fax: 781-861-2440
To: The Lexington High School Council
From: Kim Effron
Re: February 11, 2013 Meeting Minutes
LHS School Site Council Meeting scheduled for February 11, 2013 was held 7:00 -8:30
PM in the LHS Guidance Conference Room, 154.
January 14 minutes approved with no changes
II. New business
7:00
A. Space Issues at the high school
• Discussion of LHS room use. LHS is crowded, enrollment is increasing
and new RTI programs (response to intervention) have been created, such
as and Alpha and the Learning Center. The town supports addressing the
problem.
• Two years ago discussions took place with the state organization (MSBA).
The size of most classrooms is under the MSBA recommended standards.
Plan was to provide funding for improvements, but the PCB issue at
Estabrook took priority.
• Laura is presently working with architects to help find more space. At
present there is still a need for 10 -12 more classrooms to relieve
overcrowding and to expand programs.
• Need to address issues of teachers sharing classrooms, storing technology
such as mobile computer carts, how to expand Alpha program (which
encompasses programs such as, post- hospitalization, recovery from
concussions, depression, school avoidance issues, reintegration into the
classroom), and the Learning Center (English Language Arts, math, peer
tutoring). Funding is being secured through town procedures.
• Additional issues that are being addressed:
1. Special Education programs may be expanding.
2. Stairwells in science building are narrow; railings extend out and make
passing difficult.
3. LHS provides office space for the K -12 Department Coordinators.
4. Cafeterias are overcrowded. Possible replacement of the existing tables in
Commons I (less functional).
5. Projections indicate the town may need to build a new high school in 10
years. In the meantime, funding is being secured for 10 -12 modular
classrooms that will be added in the fall of 2015 to address immediate
needs.
B. Curriculum Night
• The communication was unclear. Laura will work with the administration
to improve this in the future
• Curriculum Night is designed to address questions for all parents, but the
majority who attend are grade 9 parents. Students can come to browse
textbooks, listen to presentations, etc.
• If questions are not answered that night, it is recommended that parents
contact the appropriate Department Head by email.
• School Council members suggested that teachers prepare FAQs for
general questions such as, content covered in the class, the level/amount of
work, and what is expected at each level (pace, scope).
• Parents and students can view the current websites of classes they are
considering taking to get an idea of what is covered in the class.
C. English Curriculum
• Return to full year electives. Rationale for change discussed in memo
prepared by the Department Head.
• Consensus approval of the changes
III. Old Business
A. Senior Spring Innovation: What has changed since School Council reviewed
this 2 -3 years ago?
• Changes have not been put into place; differing philosophies on whether
or not a senior project/innovations are the most effective program
• Council members reviewed previous discussions and determined that the
idea of a senior project is a good one, but may not be practical due to the
needed level of planning and connections with the community for service
learning, internships, etc.
• Student representatives expressed a concern that internships or a
culminating project may place more stress on students
• Suggestion: electives could include independent study, preparing for real
world situations, attending Minuteman to participate in practical courses,
and service learning
• Discussion included the idea that the 4' quarter is a time for expanding
content to include public speaking, personal finance, tax preparation, etc.
Kids are more relaxed and take more chances and learning continues.
• Discussed cluster requirements and the possibility that the high school will
review these in the next 1 -2 years.
Maybe more choices could be offered for junior and seniors if we relieve the
pressure of four -year core academic requirements in so many subjects
(students could concentrate on 1 area that they want to study in depth).
What is purpose of AP classes? Needs further discussion.
IV. Announcements 8:15
• Discussion held on changing the meeting time to earlier in the evening
• Laura will poll council members
V. Adjournment 8:30