LA CAÑADA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

School Site Council Meeting

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

3:15 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

Bonnie Bair called the meeting to order at 3:20 p.m.

Attendance was as follows:

Staff	Parents	Ex-Officio
Susan Bornhurst	Bonnie Bair	Ivette Ellis
Nancy DeBoer	Emilie Larcher	Kaitzer Puglia
Barb Drange	Linda Reisz
Sue Fuelling	Joy Smith
Laura Johnson	Jacob Tujian
Donna Stassel

OLD BUSINESS

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The October 24, 2006 minutes were brought forth for review. Susan Bornhurst moved for the approval of the October minutes with revisions, and Laura Johnson seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously passed.

NEW BUSINESS

ASSET BUILDING: AN OVERVIEW:

Mrs. Ivette Ellis presented the Asset Approach program which sets forth 40 elements of Healthy Development and provided a handout outlining the 40 Assets. The Asset categories are divided into external and internal assets each encompassing a range of asset categories which focus on external structures, relationships and activities that create a positive environment for young people as well as internal values, skills and beliefs that young people also need to fully engage with and function in the world around them.

During a half day seminar, staff was involved in an interactive workshop to better understand the approach. Mrs. Ellis reported that the workshop was a great experience for faculty and staff. Now that staff has been exposed to the 40 Asset approach, the next step is to get feedback from staff regarding its implementation. Sue Fuelling and Barb Drange stated that many of the 40 Assets outlined, are already used at LCE but that nevertheless, the Asset approach is a good reminder and reinforcement for the use of the targeted assets.

Kaitzer Puglia requested that we explore tying in the Asset approach with parent involvement by way of a monthly article focusing on the Assets in the Lion Times.

REPORTS

The following Monthly Reports were provided:

Principal’s Report

Choir: Mrs. Ellis reported that the LCE chorus will perform at the PTA luncheon as well as at JPL. Further venues are assemblies, parent performance night and possibly a hospital.

LCE Walk Through by Board Members: Mrs. Ellis reported that two La Canada School District Board members, Cindy Wilcox and Virginia Dalbeck visited LCE and commended everyone at what a great job was being done.

Valley Forge Trip: Mrs. Ellis also reported that LCE was preparing for the Valley Forge trip. Barb Drange has done an excellent job organizing the trip. Approximately 120 people will be attending including 107 students plus chaperones. There is a PTA fund available to parents whose children want to attend the trip but need financial help.

B. Curriculum Council

Susan Bornhurst attended the Curriculum Council meeting where the goals and purposes of the Council were discussed. The purpose of the Council is to develop, monitor and evaluate goals and to serve as a think tank for new ideas.

Susan Bornhurst also reported that Enoch Kwok, Director of Technology, gave a technology update at the Curriculum Council meeting as follows:

The high school upgraded their server recently which has helped in entering attendance without any delays or problems,

He discussed the availability of Class -Link as a tool for teachers to make their own web pages. Class-Link will be available to teachers starting in January.

Mr. Kwok also provided an update as to the infrastructure of the schools.

API scores were also discussed at the Curriculum Council meeting. La Cañada placed third in the state behind San Marino and Piedmont (Alameda County).

C. DAC

Bonnie Bair attended the DAC meeting where Superintendent Stratton covered a few topics including different funding sources available to the district and the school. As an example, if a teacher at LCE takes a trip that is "covered" under district guidelines then the district would pay for the trip rather than PTA or Site Council having to pay for it with their own funds. It is always worth asking Robin at the District Office in advance, if a trip qualifies.

Superintendent Stratton also reported that the new approach in scoring the API as it pertains to Special Ed students will have the impact of lowering the schools' overall score.

Mrs. Ellis requested from Bonnie Bair that a copy of the DAC minutes be circulated to Site Council members.

D. PTA Report

Kaitzer Puglia reported as follows:

- The PTA luncheon is set for December 13th at 10:30 am at Taylor's in La Canada. The cost per person is $17.00.

- The PTA has separated the Executive Committee meeting from the general meeting in that the state has required that they be 10- 14 days apart. The Executive Committee meeting will be on the first Wednesday of each month while the general meeting will be on the third Wednesday of the month. Both meetings will sta rt at 8:30 with a social period commencing at 8:15.

- There has been a lot of feedback regarding snacks and possible nut allergies.

Emilie Larcher reported that the Reflections contest had received over 90 entries although she was hoping for over 100 entries. Discussions ensued regarding how to encourage more participation. Emilie reminded the Council that participation cannot be a class assignment but can be considered extra credit.

E. GATE Report

Linda Reisz, GATE Parent Representative mentioned that there was nothing new to report. Linda informed the Council that they are preparing for the after-school programs which will be held at the Palm Crest campus this year.

Technology Update: A discussion was held regarding the technology upgrade at LCE and Mrs. Ellis will get an update. Also, after a quick discussion, a motion was introduced by Barb Drange for the Site Council to buy 20 laptops in January as part of the Mobile Computer Lab project. Emilie Larcher seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously passed.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 4:28 p.m.

Submitted by:

Jacob Tujian

Site Council Secretary, 2006-07