HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-17-LHS-min
Lexington High School
251 Waltham Street Lexington, Massachusetts 02421
Laura Lasa
781- 861-2320, x 1002
Principal
lasa@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us
FAX: 781-861-2440
To: The Lexington High School Council
From: Laura J Lasa
Re: November 17, 2014
LHS School Site Council Meeting met on November 17, 2014, from 6:15-7:45 PM in the Library Media
Center.
Attendees: Laura Lasa, Kim Effron, Suzanne Lau, Polly Kienle, Ann Redmon, Paul Breitenfield, Elise
Santiago, Eileen Jay, Nancy Shepard, Nanying Bian, and Katherine Murphy-Manning. Absent: Jill
Smilow, Kristin Tissera, WalterRichardson, Dave Wininger, Liz Moughty Curtin, and Sue Offner.
I. The October 20 minutes were approved 6:15
II. Announcements from Council members 6:25
Report on the recent Site Council Roundtable meeting
-The next meeting is on Wednesday, November 19 at 8:00 a.m. at the Central Office. The topic
is improving social and emotional program supports for all students (guest speakers are Val
Viscosi, Jennifer Wolfrum, and Jule Fenn). All are invited.
-Eileen Jay will present the ad hoc ÅstressÆ report to School Committee. Info is already online
in the School Committee meeting agenda package.
Update on exploration of a possible honors level for Chemistry and Biology
-PrincipalÈs Leadership Team is working on re-writing the level descriptions for the 2015
course catalog (science and non-science subjects). Our goal is to accurately describe the
expectations for each level to assist students, families, and educators during the course
recommendation process.
-On honors class: Found that it is often hard to differentiate the expectations for AP and honors;
is honors class scaled-down AP or scaled-up CP1? Who would be the targeted student group
for an honors level course? (Especially for biology and chemistry).
-Can teachers teach similar content but not be restricted by AP?
-On AP classes: Several questions and thoughts linger:
1. Should we create a ceiling on how many AP classes one can take?
2. Do AP test results correlate with grades?
3. Should we take projects out of AP? A project in AP classes is often a major source of stress
(Science Fair, National History Day, etc.).
4. AP tests themselves are also source of stress.
5. Overall, most AP students are successful.
6. Alternatives: Can we add other science electives? (Will be a 1-2 yr process.)
III. Continuing Business 6:40
A. Final review of the Aspen use guidelines for the grade book
The guideline is addressed to parents/guardians
Terms of use: login=accept the guidelines
School will move toward copying students on all emails to parents to include students in
the communication process.
Teachers will be required to use the electronic grade book; they will only be required to
update and post grades at the mid-point and close of the quarter.
Some teachers may opt to post information more frequently.
Several comments on wording have been incorporated to the draft guideline.
B. Small group dialogue on the scope of the school-wide dialogue on homework postponed
until the next meeting.
V. Adjournment 7:45
District Improvement Plan 2014-2015
1.Improve Academic Performance for All Students
2.Improve Social and Emotional Program Support for All Students
3.Improve Safety for All Students and Staff
4.Improve the DistrictÈs Capacity to Respond to Enrollment Increases