About Midlothian ISD
DEIC Minutes Archive
October 26, 2010: Agenda | Notes [PDF]
April 24, 2008 Minutes [PDF]
December 11, 2007 Minutes [PDF]
October 23, 2007 Minutes
Judy Walling welcomed all the members. Introductions were made around the room.
Don Hogg, community member, went over the Bond Election
information.
He spent time discussing growth in Midlothian and the possible opening
of the second high school.
Lisa Knight went over information on Title I School-wide
campus, JA Vitovsky Elementary.
Parent involvement, homeless provision, Stars, Comet, and migrant children
programs were all discussed.
Judy Walling went over the core principles and the mission statement for MISD.
Grand Central Station in the middle schools and high schools was presented. The teachers have received extensive training and the program will be an intervention for failing students that is combined with content mastery.
Communities in School were introduced. It is a program that can ask questions that schools cannot.
TAKS modified schedule waive was presented. The committee
had no objections to the waiver.
A waiver for two new programs was also presented. The programs were Infinity
Class and Radio and Television Broadcast Journalism.
Several classes have been added to the exemptions for “No Pass, No Play”: Pre-AP Pre Calculus, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Pre-AP Physics. Midlothian believes they should not be penalized for taking harder, more challenging classes.
Judy Walling shared with the committee about the Secondary allotment money: $275.00 per head based on Average Daily Attendance. Much thought and preparation went into how to spend the money. The total was close to $366,000.
All campuses made AYP. A report was given to each member.
The Media Specialists in Midlothian will host “A Field of Readers: Reading for the Fun of It” on November 8th @ the MISD Multi-Purpose Stadium. It will be from 6:00- 7:30.
Next Meeting Dates: December 13, February 12, and May
13.
In December, AIES report, construction updates, boundaries, and emergency
operations grant will be discussed.
Judy Walling dismissed the meeting after a few questions were taken.
June 4, 2007 Minutes
The final meeting of the 2006-07 District-Wide Educational Improvement Council took place at 6:30 PM on June 4, 2007 in the boardroom of L.A. Mills Administrative Complex. There were 22 members in attendance. Appointed chair Judy Walling moderated the meeting.
Federal Programs:
Lisa Knight, Special Programs Coordinator, discussed the Federal Programs
for 2006-07 and federal budgets for 2006-07. She discussed how federal
funds were used this year. Several of the federal funds are being cut
for next year. Some adjustments are being made to accommodate the differences.
Title I- Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged-$294,236- Used on the Title I Schoolwide Campus, J. A. Vitovsky. Funds are based on percentage of qualifying students.
Percentage of identified economically disadvantaged students:
J.A. Vitovsky Elementary-
42.4% Mt. Peak Elementary- 14.1%
T. E. Baxter Elementary- 24.7% Frank Seale Middle School- 12.3%
J.R. Irvin Elementary- 22.9% Longbranch Elementary – 9.7%
Walnut Grove Middle School- 15.6% Midlothian High School- 9.68%
Title I, Part C- Education of Migratory Children- $4,719
May be used for dental care, school supplies, clothing, shoes, etc. for
all migrant students and for credit recovery for high school students.
Title II, Part A- Teacher and Principal Recruitment and Training- $101,185- Recruiting, hiring and retention of highly qualified teachers, assistant principals and pupil services personnel, improving the quality of the teacher workforce to meet the requirements of highly qualified, professional development for teachers in and administrators in core content areas, including math and science TEXTEAMS, WOW, etc.
Title II, Part D, Enhancing Education through Technology- $3.871- Staff Development for technology integration
Title III- English Language Acquisition- $$19,866- ESL and Bilingual program supplements, stipends for bilingual program, cooperative with Region 10 for professional development for working with students whose first language is not English, Bilingual/ESL Institutes, parent meetings.
Title IV- Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities- $19,064- Drug, bullying, gang awareness, red ribbon week, Life Skills classes, grant activity for elementary counseling groups, security cameras at high school, REACH Council, Project Success, Safe Schools Survey, Drug Detection Dog, Peer Mediation, PALS, STAND
Title V- Innovative Programs-$5,962-Used to improve programs, math pentathlon, G/T, Summer Gifted week, library and media materials, at-risk credit recovery.
Input from the committee was sought for the application for federal funding for 2007-08, with an explanation of allowable use of funds. The committee was in agreement with next year’s proposed budgets, which are based on the available federal funds and the district’s needs.
Safe Schools Survey
Results:
Lisa Knight discussed the Safe Schools Survey that was conducted the last
week in February. Students must have a signed permission form in order
to participate in the voluntary survey, which is completed online through
Region 10 Education Service Center at no cost to the district. The survey
shows that students feel safe on their campuses and know the procedures
to report incidents of concern.
This year 430 students in grades 7, 10, and 12 participated, while 106
teachers and 26 parents also completed the survey. We hope to expand these
numbers for next year.
A couple of responses to questions led the committee to believe that the questions should be modified so that the local districts could better discern the student’s answer. We will discuss this with Region 10 and see if those questions can be clarified.
Staff Development:
Judy Walling, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, discussed staff
development plans for 2007-08. She went over new teacher training and
staff development for all staff.
Teachers new to teaching will have a mentor and those new to the district
will have a buddy. All new staff will have training in WOW foundations,
Working on the Work. Judy would like some of the teachers on the committee
to help with the WOW training with the new teachers as some did last year.
All MISD staff will hear Dr. Eric Cupp speak on August 20 at the opening convocation, Dr. Cupp recently spoke to some elementary staff and it was suggested that everyone should hear him. He really speaks to capturing students’ hearts and reaching the at-risk student. Ron Clark, “Teacher of the Year” will speak at the Waxahachie Civic Center to Ennis, Waxahachie, and Midlothian on August 21.
Other staff development days are as follows:
August 22 will be a Campus Staff Development Day so that principals can have the freedom to do what their staff really can benefit from.
August 23 will be an elementary workday and secondary staff development
August 24 will be for elementary staff development.
August 27 will be the first day of school.
Preliminary TAKS results:
Judy Walling discussed the preliminary district-wide TAKS scores. Official
scores will not be released from the Texas Education Agency until August.
Changes:
There are changes coming due to recent legislation. End of Course Exams
will go into effect when this year’s fifth graders enter 9th grade.
This will replace TAKS at the high school level as a graduation requirement.
There are additional P.E. requirements that will have to be addressed
Judy Walling thanked all who attended.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Knight
March 22 , 2007 Minutes
MEETING MINUTES
I. PROPOSED DRESS
CODE
FOR 2007-08 - Handout included (DR. HEMMLE)
PAGE 1-2 No changes
Changes are noted on the handout including hoodies for security and some
other more appropriate clothing.
Changes were made with the intention of making the code more concise and clear where possible.
II. DISTRICT CRISIS
RESPONSE PLAN (DR. HEMMLE)
A PowerPoint Presentation was given highlighting the plan. The training
emphasizes saving as many kids as possible for a true crisis as provided
in NIMS (National Incident Management System). This could be in contrast
to the idea of saving every kid in certain high-level crisis situations.
NIMS also addresses many other areas and situations which had not been previously seriously addressed by most schools. One serious problem was communications. At Colombine first responders were unable to reach the school campus due to the use of cell phones by the students. Their calls had prompted the arrival of parents and many others before first responders could get there.
School personnel on our campuses are now encouraged to immediately call 911 in event of a crisis rather than to call the Principal first. The principal or other administrators will then be contacted immediately thereafter. The Midlothian Police Department and the Midlothian Fire Department are our local first responders.
Many details of the PLAN were reviewed and appeared to have been meticulously put together.
III. BUDGET UPDATE
– Handout included (DR. HEMMLE)
About $50 Million from $8 to $9 million from 7 years ago or so.
Transportation and Building School and Maintenance have risen a great
deal over time.
IV. BOND EXPENDITURE
REPORT – Handout included (DR. HEMMLE)
As of February in good shape overall. Many aspects of the REPORT were
highlighted.
V. SCHOOL NAMING COMMITTEE
REPRESENTATIVES – Ballot included (DR. HEMMLE)
Rules were reviewed for this process and each Council Member present voted
for two community representatives and two parent representatives from
a slate of four (4) candidates in each category.
VI. ITEMS FOR NEXT
DEIC MEETING
FEDERAL FUNDING UPDATE
VII. Handouts as noted
above
Joe O. Barrentine
January 25, 2007 Minutes
Dr. Al Hemmle welcomed the members, outlined the agenda and introduced Ms. Judy Walling who reported on the following:
I. AEIS (Academic
Excellence Indicator System –
Ms. Walling presented some of the highlights of the report including several
Campus Accountability Ratings and Gold Performances
She also did a comparison of MISD with another school which received a higher rating than MISD to show the differences in performances and to illustrate that Academically Acceptable is not a very good descriptor of the MISD performance although it is accurate according to the State of Texas. MISD outperformed the other district in almost every category.
Some highlights covered were commended Performances, Recommended High School Plan TSI Math with several campuses reporting 50% or more Commended Performances in several areas. The overall picture was a very good one and is outlined in detail for each member in the AEIS Report provided.
II. Campus/District Improvements Plans – This document provides each campus’ analyzing of TAKS performances for the previous year and the strategy to improve those performances. It is a detailed report filled with information that is useful, important and encouraging.
III. School Calendar – The calendar was reviewed and the development of it was discussed. It is not a great deal different than previous years due to the construction which has been underway at MISD. For other districts, the new start date required by the State of Texas will bring them into line with when we have been starting the last couple of years. It is clear that the end of the first semester will no longer be possible to take place prior to Christmas as has been done in the past by most districts. Again this will not impact us much since we have already been following a “late” start date schedule.
Dr. Hemmle also commented on some of the items above and received comments from Council members. All the information was well received.
Dr. Hemmle then discussed
the following:
Demographic / Enrollment Update – based on the Bob Templeton Report
It is a fact based report of the past growth and projected growth of the
area and MISD in particular. The report has historically been very accurate
and an indispensable tool for staff and facility planning. We have never
been turned down by the voters for school facilities which indicates the
communities commitment to education. Several specific subdivisions were
cited in the northwest portion of the district which are expected to contribute
to substantial growth of the district’s population and needs for
more facilities and additional staff. Loop 9 is expected to have a major
impact creating growth at a rapid pace as it nears completion. Currently
is appears that we will be needing a new elementary school about every
two (2) years and other facilities including a second high school will
be needed in the not too distant future. It appears we are blessed with
a healthy economy and many attributes which attract families to the MISD
area.
Our next meeting agenda
will most likely include the following:
Budget Update
Dress Code 2007-2008
District Crisis Response Plan
Staffing Allocations
May 11, 2006 Minutes
The final meeting of the 2005-2006 District-Wide Educational Improvement Council took place at 7:00 PM on May 11, 2006 in the boardroom of L.A.Mills Administrative Complex. There were 17 members in attendance. Appointed chair Dr. Al Hemmle moderated the meeting.
WOW Philosophy:
Dr. Hemmle began by discussing the WOW philosophy of teaching. He wants
this information to infiltrate all levels from top to bottom. His accompanying
handout showed that people remember 90% of what they learn while talking
and interacting. He informed us of the book, The World is Flat, by Thomas
L. Friedman, that is currently used in an administrative book study. It
makes us question how are students will do when compared with other children
worldwide. The Schlechty Center asserts that the core business of schools
is: To produce work that is so compelling that students persist when they
experience difficulties, and that is so challenging that students have
a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction – indeed, of delight
– when they successfully accomplish the tasks assigned. Phillip
Schlechty
Staff Development:
Judy Walling discussed plans for staff development. She told us what had
already been covered in Lesson Design. Although our WOW initiative will
continue during the 2006-2007 school year, the direction of our staff
development will move to the campus level. This will allow each campus
to individualize staff development to their campus. Each campus will survey
staff to determine needs.
2006-2007 Calendar:
Dr. Hemmle presented the 2006-2007 calendar. A few items were questioned,
but Dr. Hemmle and Diane Foster explained the need for certain dates remaining
unchanged, due to coordination with the Waxahachie schedule, construction
schedules, and various testing schedules.
Educational Showcase
Report:
Judy Walling discussed the success of the showcase, held on May 1, 2006
at FSMS. She saw some really neat things going on in all of the classrooms.
Twenty-two colleagues from Hereford ISD, a district similar in make-up
to ours, flew in to attend the symposium and showcase, and they could
not believe the community turnout.
Dress Code:
Dr. Hemmle presented a draft of the dress code policy that will be taken
to the board. There are only a few changes – cotton pants with drawstrings
or elastic waistbands, torn clothing, or clothing with holes, and one
piece jump suits being added to the prohibited list. Untucked shirts may
not extend below the middle of the thigh. Girls may wear no more than
three earrings per ear. And for either sex, visible objects like spacers
in any body piercing are prohibited. There were a few items questioned
by the members, but all other rules will stand as they were.
Federal Program Funds:
Lisa Knight presented Special Population and Title Funds and how funds
were used this year.
Title 1 - $313,797 ?Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged
- Used by JA Vitovsky based on percentage of qualifying students?
Percentage of students on free and reduced lunch:
JA Vitovsky – 47.46% Mt. Peak Elem. – 14%
Baxter Elem. – 27.27% FSMS – 13.4%
Irvin Elem. – 19.2% MHS – 9.98%
WGMS – 16.25% Longbranch Elem. 8.9%Title 1, Part C - Education Of Migratory Children - $3,143?- Dental care, school supplies, clothing, shoes, etc. for all students and credit recovery for high school students
Title 2, Part A Teacher and Principal Recruitment and Training - $99,619- Staff development for teachers and administrators in becoming highly qualified, ?TEXTEAMS for math and science, and WOW for all teachers
Title 2, Part D Enhancing Education through Tech - $6,761?- Staff development for technology integration
Title 3 – LEP - $24,863?- ESL and Bilingual program supplements, stipends for bilingual teachers, coop with Region 10 for Bilingual/ESL Institutes, and parent meetings
Title 4 - $20,107 Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities - Drug, bullying, and gang awareness, red ribbon week, life skills, Ropes for elementary counseling groups, metal detector at DAEP, REACH, Project Success, Safe Schools Survey, Drug Detection Dog, Peer Mediation, PAL, STAND
Title 5 – Innovative Programs - $18,827 - ?Used to improve programs, pentathlon, G/T, Summer Gifted week, library and media materials, at-risk credit recovery
Carl Perkins - $36,920 - ?To be used for vocational programs
Lisa discussed cuts coming up for next year in these programs due to state finance decisions
Dr. Hemmle thanked all for attending, and invited everyone to look at the new DAEP facilities at the Ad. Building. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50.
Respectfully
submitted,
Lynn Redden
May 12, 2005 Minutes
The fourth meeting of the 2004-2005 District-Wide Educational Improvement Council took place at 7:00 PM on May 12, 2005 in the boardroom of L.A.Mills Administrative Complex. There were 22 members in attendance. Appointed chair Dr. Al Hemmle moderated the meeting.
Dr. Hemmle began by sharing the WOW showcase video made by students of Dody Wiggins media class. The Educational Showcase is the first of many to come.
Dr. Hemmle shared TAKS scores hot off the press. He gave a general overview of all the campus scores. 3 students out of 440 tested did not pass 7th grade Writing at FSMS. That is outstanding! Across the board, the scores were good.
Special Populations
and Title Funds
Lisa Knight presented Special Population and Title Funds and how funds
were used this year.
Title 1 - $290,794
Used by Baxter and Irvin based on percentage of qualifying students
STARS - Reading assistance program
COMET – Math assistance program
2 Title 1 teachers, 2 paraprofessionals, supplies and training, computer
lab upgrades
Education Of Migratory
Children - $14,339
Dental care, school supplies, clothing, shoes, etc. for all students and
credit recovery for high school students
Title 2 Teacher
and Principal Recruitment and Training - $99,361
Staff development for teachers and administrators in becoming highly qualified
TEXTEAMS for math and science, and WOW for all teachers
Enhancing Education
through Tech - $9,563
Staff development for technology integration
Title 3 –
LEP - $20,208
ESL and Bilingual program supplements, stipends for bilingual teachers,
coop with Region 10 for Bilingual/ESL Institutes
Title 4 - $18,403
Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities
Drug prevention, red ribbon week, life skills, Ropes for elementary counseling
groups, metal detector at DAEP, REACH, Project Success, Safe Schools Survey,
Drug Detection Dog, Peer Mediation, PAL, STAND
Title 5 –
Innovative Programs - $19,668
Used to improve programs, pentathalon, G/T, Summer Gifted week, library
and media materials, at-risk credit recovery
Carl Perkins -
$36,920
To be used for vocational programs
Lisa discussed cuts coming up for next year in these programs due to state finance decisions
Staff Development
for 2005-06
Judy Walling – Discussion of staff development for the 2005-06 school
year
The district applied for a waiver for 10 staff development days to be
used up front due to construction and moving
Judy gave out a rough draft of in-service:
Aug.16 - 18, for new teachers.
Aug. 19 – 26 – 6 days for returning teachers.
Oct. 17 – Staff Development/Comp Day
Jan. 8 – Campus: Teacher Plannning/Preparation
May 1 – Educational Showcase
June 9 – Campus: Teacher Planning/Preparation
Dr. Hemmle reported on a document being drafted to answer all the questions of moving – like moving files, etc. What needs to be communicated to teachers to answer all the concerns of the big move. This should be out to the teachers and on the web site by Wednesday of next week.
Construction Update
Dr. Hemmle reported on the construction update. He presented a schematic
of the MHS Renovation. He referred to the information on the MISD website,
stating that it is up-to-date. Good weather has enabled the WGMS timeline
to be ahead of schedule. The old DAEP building has already been closed,
and moved to other quarters.
Demographics and
School Rezoning
Dr. Hemmle reported on Demographics and School Rezoning. He stated that
he had only fielded about a dozen calls regarding this topic. Most refer
to transfer requests between campuses, and a policy is in place on the
campuses. It does not allow for “grandfathering”, and is very
specific.
Enrollment Report/Growth
Projections
Dr. Hemmle also reported on the enrollment report/growth projection. He
gave out copies of a report as stated by the demographer, Bob Templeton,
that show the projections for enrollment of each campus next year. Staffing
is based on 22/1 ratio for PK-4, 25/1 for 5, 28/1 for 6 – 12 grade.
Update on School
Uniforms
Dr. Hemmle reported on school uniforms. The leadership team feels very
strongly that the district needs to look at the uniform policy is some
form next year for the following year. The plan is to start with some
town meetings and discuss rationale and see where the public opinion is.
The hope is to look at possibly having something in place for the 2006-07
school year. Policies for dress code for next year are under discussion
at this time. They hope to present to the board by the May 23 meeting
so students can be informed of any changes before summer.
Brenda Jenkins questioned the hiring of nurse aides or LVN’s intead of RN’s for next year. She feels this is a liability for the district. Dr. Hemmle responded that this is a budget decision. The concern is that the library positions have replaced the nursing positions. This is noted by the district, and will be looked into.
Dr. Hemmle thanked all for attending, and invited everyone to look at the new DAEP facilities at the Ad. Building. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Redden
September 7, 2004 Minutes
The first meeting of the 2004-2005 District-Wide Educational Improvement Council took place at 7:00 p.m. on September 7, 2004 in the boardroom of L.A. Mills Administrative Complex. Appointed Chair Dr. Al Hemmle moderated the meeting.
Minutes and future meeting dates will be posted on the MISD website.
Members of the committee are encouraged to talk with community members and be a voice for the school district.
After a discussion on last year’s evaluation, Paula Doskocil suggested using and integrating The Core Principles into the previous DEIC evaluation to create this year’s evaluation.
Discussion of The Academic Scholars Program has been moved to the November 18, 2004 meeting. Mrs. Dolores McClatchey will present this information.
Rosette Posey reminded the committee that the 2003-2004 DEIC recommended that Midlothian ISD pay for PSAT tests for district juniors and seniors. This recommendation was included in the Campus Improvement Plan. There is concern that students are not signing up for this test because they do not realize its importance. The deadline for registering for the October test is September 10, so it is necessary for students to act now. Locating funds for the district to pay for PSAT testing for the juniors is a concern; however, doing so might allow more students to sign up for this test. It was suggested that MISD emphasize the importance of the Duke Talent Search and National Merit Scholarship programs. There is a link on the website to National Merit Scholarships. Dr. Hemmle assured the committee that counselors will begin to have one-on-one communication with students and parents regarding scholarship information. It was suggested that MISD put any information pertaining to scholarships on the website. Also, many parents are not aware of the area located in the counselor’s office for them to visit to obtain scholarship information.
The committee reviewed DEIC member roles and responsibilities, per state and local policy. Should there be questions, concerns, or comments, members may direct these to Dr. Al Hemmle at admin.
Student Code of Conduct: Members were reminded that the purpose of such was to create an orderly and safe environment so that children can learn. MISD is currently using a district-wide behavior plan. The Boys’ Town principles are used at all levels, PK-12th grade.
Regarding dress code: Dr. Hemmle informed members that the committee does have authority in recommending changes to the dress code. This topic will be discussed at the November 18 meeting.
School safety: Each campus currently has a Crisis Management
Plan in place. It was suggested that each campus crisis team come together
as a district team to work together.
MISD administrators are fully aware that schools are public places, and
are being proactive in providing a safe environment for all students.
Members are encouraged to share their suggestions regarding school safety.
At the secondary level, parents often do not sign-in with the office upon
entering the building. Staff members should respectfully remind parents
without stickers to sign in if they have not done so. Elementary parents
are very good about signing in and wearing stickers.
School naming committee: Rosa Espinoza, representing parents and Tiffany Myers, representing the community, will serve on the committee to name the new school middle school.
The next meeting will be held November 18, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the boardroom of MISD. Items to be discussed include the Academic Scholars Program, TAKS results, District Improvement Plan, school uniforms, and rezoning. It was suggested that a demographer come to the next meeting to discuss rezoning. Members are encouraged to start working on objectives for the District Improvement Plan. Dr. Hemmle is to talk with Mrs. McClatchey about putting the preliminary DIP on the website so members can view it.
Respectfully
submitted,
Robin Mach
Recording secretary
