HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-06-LHS-min)4(:
Laura Lasa
Principal
Lexington High School
251 Waltham Street •:• Lexington, Massachusetts 02421
To: The Lexington High School Council
From: Laura J Lasa
Re: February Meeting
781- 861-2320, x69103
Lasa@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us
FAX: 781-861-2440
LHS School Site Council Meeting met on February 6, 2017 from 6:15-7:45 PM in the Library
Media Center.
Present: Laura Lasa, Suzanne Lau, Shiv Chandra, Sharon Kendall, Katherine Manning, Nancy
Shepard. Leslie Zales, Sheera Knecht, Elise Rowley, Katie Cutler, Alex McLaughlin, Dave
Wininger
Absent: Liz Curtin, Polly Kienle, Elise Santiago,
Guest: Andy Baker (LEA President)
L January 9 minutes approved with no changes.
IL Announcements from Council members
• Community Endowment of Lexington will sponsor a public screening [for the community]
of the movie "Escalation" by One Love Foundation. This movie is about emotional abuse
and relationship violence; guided group discussions typically follow a screening. LHS will
work toward a goal of seniors viewing the film as part of their `exit' from high school.
• Parent survey of I block has been open for a week. Faculty and student surveys are
complete. Faculty I block Committee will review the survey data and present results to the
faculty in March. Any changes will be decided at the end of the school year.
• Principal Lasa plans to offer I block sessions for seniors to talk about life after LHS —
suggestions for topics are welcome.
III. Balance Within Alike Courses
• Concerns center around a perceived lack of parity in grading, structure and required
coursework for different sections of the same course.
• Teachers of the same class get together frequently to discuss the curriculum, commonly
designed units, common assessments, homework and grading (percentages) in professional
learning teams. These teams change each year as course assignments shift.
• Teachers have discretion to emphasize particular aspects of a curriculum in conjunction
with essential standards and skills.
• AP classes have a common College Board curriculum.
• If students feel a sense of unfairness or are struggling, they can consult their School
Counselor or Dean for guidance on how best to express concerns.
IV. Time Commitments for Extracurricular Activities
• The Council explored the idea of recommending a consistent start time for evening
events on a school night.
• Time Requirements for school related events during the week that start in the evening
o Consider the needs of staff, students and parents who are participating in and
attending these events.
• Potential Recommendations
o Generally start school related events by 6:30 pm on a school night (consider 6:00
pm if faculty have been at school all day).
o Start athletic home events as early as possible and allow students to do homework
or leave after their event.
o Start Performing Arts events (especially with mandatory attendance) at 6:00 or
6:30 pm during the week.
o Establish guidelines on prioritizing school related activities (athletics, performing
arts, student club events etc.).
V. Adjournment