Apollo High School
School Based Council Meeting
June 17, 2003 – noon - Conference Room

The regular meeting of the school-based council was called to order by Tom Purcell, principal, at noon. Members present: Tom Purcell, Buzz Backstrom, Tim Taylor, Melissa Morris and Sue Krampe. Visitors: Shelly Roberts, Layla Rowe, and Rebecca Griffin

Mr. Purcell requested to amend the agenda and to allow our visitors to address the council. Apollo seniors Shelly Roberts, Layla Rowe and Rebecca Griffin addressed the council regarding the importance of the Academic Intern class that will not be offered at Apollo during the 2003-2004 school year. The seniors stated that this class helped with the successful transition to adult life, helped with decision making in regard to choosing a college or university to attend as well as choosing the higher education courses of study. The students stated that the hands on experiences along with the involvement with local area professionals help students to gain experience and knowledge and see first hand the benefits of having a professional career and living in Owensboro.

Mr. Taylor and Mr. Purcell both agreed with the students regarding the positive aspects of the class. But explained that staffing the intern position, electives and the staff developer position full time made it difficult to teach an academic internship class effectively. Apollo received a .5 staff developer position and decided to make it full time in order to afford the individual time to perform the duties of the job. Mr. Taylor also state that he had indeed talked to our ag department and this department was willing to work with any individual who was interested in veteran medicine. Mr. Purcell concurred and assured the students that this decision was not taken lightly. He also reiterated that the concerns of the students were indeed heard by the council and will be discussed. Before the students departed, Mr. Purcell and the council thanked them for their time and genuine concern on this matter.

A motion was made by Buzz Backstrom to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Tim Taylor seconded the motion and there was consensus.

Personnel Update - Mr. Purcell reported the FMD instructor has been filled with the hiring of Jennifer Blake.

The following positions are open:

Budget Update - Mr. Purcell reported that the Professional Development budget was at a - $1,375 and estimated that it might reach -$2,000 as of 6/30/03. There will be a report on the S.E.E.K. budget after 6/30/03.

Back Packs – Mr. Purcell asked the council their opinions on the subject of back packs in the classroom. Concern was expressed over the students’ health. The council asked that Mr. Purcell look into a little further and make a recommendation to them. Mr. Purcell stated that he would confer with Mr. Broughton before the July meeting.

Laptop Pilot Program The group of students who take Ms. L. Young’s, Mr. Mojsejenko’s, Mrs. Ashby’s and Mrs. Conkright’s 9th grade classes together will be the pilot group for the Laptop Pilot Program that will begin this fall at Apollo and Daviess County High Schools as part of the eLearning initiative. Approximately 65 students will be issued laptop computers to use in the classroom. This group will use their computers in these classes and will be studied in order to roll out a more comprehensive Laptop Program beginning with the school year 2004-2005.

No Pass/ No Walk - Mr. Taylor brought to the council’s attention that this Senior class of 2004 will be the first graduating class to feel the effects of the No Pass/ No walk policy. There are 50 students who will possibly not “walk” or participate in graduation ceremonies due to a credit deficiency. These students did not enroll in summer school and are planning on making up any deficiency during the 2003-2004 school year. Failure to do so will place that student in the No Pass/ No Walk category.

Mr. Taylor also recommended that the SBDM councils of Apollo and B.M.S. possibly meet one or two times during the course of the school year to discuss various items, such as curriculum, that affect the transitioning of students from middle school to high school.

Student 10 Minute Break – The afternoon ten minute break will be dissolved beginning with the 2003 - 2004 school year. This will actually result in a decrease of four minutes break time that will be added in to class time.

Security Camera –The school resource officer will review tapes made from the security cameras. And assess and make recommendations for any other security needs.

IB Spanish – All students taking IB Spanish must be working on the same level of Spanish by their junior year. How will this be accomplished when students are starting at various levels their 9th grade year? It was decided that this matter will be one of the tasks of our curriculum committee.

By Laws – Mr. Purcell distributed an updated set of bylaws and requested that the council members read over them and be prepared to discuss them at the July meeting.

Extended Days/ Staff Developer – Mr. Purcell stated that the council has previously approved five extended days for the staff developer. Another five days may need to be approved. The council will discuss this with other budgeting items at the July meeting.

Election of SBDM Secretary and Vice Chair – Mr. Purcell appointed Becki Burton as the SBDM Secretary. Mr. Purcell also asked the council members for recommendations or nominations for Vice Chair of the Council. This person would conduct council meetings in the absence of the Principal who is the Chairman of the council. The council recommended Mr. James Morgan as vice chair as long as he had no major objections.

Role of PTSO - Mr. Purcell would like to see the PTSO be more involved in assisting with staff incentives as well as other programs for the school. Mr. Purcell stated that he would meet with the PTSO president this summer to discuss these recommendations.

Fit for Life Equipment - will be installed this month. The equipment will be placed in room 701. Staff members must be trained on the equipment. No students will be allowed on the equipment unless they are accompanied by a trained staff member.

The next meeting of the SBDM Council is scheduled for noon on July 15, 2003.

There being no further business, a motion was made by Tim Taylor to adjourn at 1:29 p.m. Melissa Morris seconded the motion and there was consensus.

Respectfully submitted,

Becki Burton