O’Rourke Middle School Building Council Retreat Minutes
Thursday, April 24, 2008
2:45PM
 Library Classroom

Attendance: Don Germain, Penny McDonnell, Patty Munsey, Suzanne Rayome, Amy Clark, Karen Shipston, Robbie Paine, Robin Gawrys, Nancy Pearse

1. Review of the Minutes:  The minutes from the March 31, 2008 meeting were reviewed and accepted as written.  Clarification was given on the information regarding Summer Curriculum Projects, which was in conflict with new information received from the District Office.
2. Standing Committees: 
   1. Capturing Kids Hearts:  Summer training is being planned for staff members interested in learning and applying the Capturing Kids Hearts principles to their teaching.  Staff members interested in participating in this program should contact Robin Gawrys.
   2. UVM Survey:  The second year installment of the University of Vermont study on women in math and science was conducted recently.  Overall, the completion of the study went extremely well with the exception of a conflicting field trip for some of the high school freshman who are a part of the study cohort.  Arrangements are being made to complete their study information at a later date.  The technical aspects of the study were also reviewed.  It was shared with the Council members that the UVM staff was extremely impressed with the positive school climate at O’Rourke which seemed to them very organized, calm, orderly, and child centered. 
   3. Class Night:  A brief update was given on the progress of the development of the Class Night events.  Award nominations are being gathered at this time, speakers are being chosen, and the final details for the dance are being completed.
3. Cabinet Notes:  At its recent meeting, the building Cabinet discussed and acted upon the following items:
   1. Final Exams – Copying, graduation, exam protocols, student requests to take exams at an alternative time…
   2. UVM Study – An update was provided for the members…
   3. Goals – A lengthy, ongoing discussion took place re:  the evaluation of current goals and the development of future goal initiatives…
4. Vending/Nutrition:  This item was tabled for future discussion.  It was recommended that a proposal from the food service department be solicited for consideration as a pilot for next year.  Robin Gawrys would ask as the liaison to gather this information.
5. Council Elections:  Information was distributed to the staff by Kevin Ahern, TA election coordinator, on the 22^nd of April.  Final elections for representatives will be held in early May. 
6. Meeting Schedule:  The schedule for future Council meetings was discussed.  It was requested that Thursday be avoided in the future because it potentially conflicts with TA meetings.  The May meeting date was changed from the 22^nd to the 21^st to accommodate this request and help to facilitate the timely prioritization of summer curriculum project requests.
7. Summer Council Retreat:  It was confirmed that the summer Building Council retreat will be held on Friday, June 27^th.  Details for this meeting will be finalized in the near future.
8. PAT Feedback:  We continue to develop our restructured PAT to better serve students, while streamlining the process for the gathering and dissemination of information.  A new PAT online referral form has been developed to pilot this spring.  Information regarding the use of the form will be shared with the Staff at the April meeting, implementation to occur on May 1.  A staff reference guide to the Pyramid of Interventions is being developed and should be available in the fall for their use.  More comprehensive training for Pyramid strategies is also being considered.
9. PLC’s:  Dialog regarding the ongoing development of PLC models continues for all constituencies.  These discussions include the principles and applications of the model, potential practical methods of applying the model, team dynamics and working relationships, outcomes and goals, assessment, and many other factors that drive the success of an infused PLC learning climate. 
10. 8/9 Articulation Meeting:  It has been agreed upon by the members of the grade 8 team and the high school staff to continue hosting an 8/9 articulation meeting to discuss students and their transition.  Tentatively, this meeting will be held on May 16, 2008 in the high school cafeteria from 11:15-12:30 as a working lunch.  The details will be finalized in the near future.