SPLC EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

March 12, 2009

Dr. Green opened the meeting by updating the committee on the GCA status.  She said there was a compromise between various agencies and a decision was made not to implement the assessments until 2015.  Jane Orie is not backing off her position with the legislation she has proposed.  She proposed to negate them completely.  A copy of the e-mail from Jane Orie is also attached to this summary.

Communication

Middle School Communication

• To improve home to school communications a solution would be for parents to go to the website.  All morning announcements are there.
• Check back packs for important information sent home
• Use of e-mail to school or teachers is also suggested

School to Parent Communication

• Methods of communication going directly to parents are district publications, calendar, parent orientation, key communicators
• Great means of direct communication relating to grades is to use E-sembler.  This provides grades, attendance, and homework.  NA still does send interims.

Make-Up Assignments

• It is the student responsibility to see the teacher upon return to school.
• It is a good idea for parent to communicate with teacher if student out for extended period of time-1-week.
• Use or check teacher website for communication

Feedback

• Scan Tron of test is reviewed in class with a hard copy of the test.  Only the scan tron is sent home.  You can or your child can check with teacher regarding performance on test.
• Parents and student can make an appointment with the teacher to go over the test

Phone Master

• NA has not yet purchased software for the “phone blast” type of notification.  We are looking into it and possibly will have in place next fall.  An instance where this would be used is in the event of two hour delays.

New Web Site

• Will vastly improve communication at all levels
• New website start date-an agreement was reached on January 9, 2009.  Training with company on March 4, 2009 and onsite training in April 2009.  Presently we are gathering information from all schools.  No definite date to turn the site on has been set.  It is projected to take a year or so.
• Schoolwires.com is the company we are using.  It has over 1500 schools across the country.  They will also host the site.  The new site will have a search function and phishing controls.

Missed Communication

• Parents always have access to our school guidance counselors as a means to improve on missed communication of information not coming home with children.

School Calendar

• The district will continue to publish a school calendar along with having a much more updated version on the new website.
• “Good News Brochure” is a new brochure put out by NA and is available from Joy Ed’s office.  This brochure highlights the accomplishments in our district over the past year.

Electronic Communications

• E-mail blast-we don’t have a district data base because of the difficulty in maintaining it.
• Thursday envelopes will not go electronic.  They will continue to be sent and information provided in them is reviewed by Joy Ed and individual school principals.

Miscellaneous

• Parent involvement is welcome through our PTA, PFA, KC, SPLC, SAC etc.
• Volunteering is also another means of parental involvement.  Each school has a volunteer coordinator.

Transition

Middle School Transition

• 5^th grade-late spring process begins/move up day is in May-students visit new schools/copy of Montage Magazine is sent out during the summer/letter from principals during the summer/first day of school students get schedules, locker, and tour building again/teams/students given handbook/counselors play important roll.
• Teams are made up in each school.  Focus is given to keeping teams in geographic area for all core classes.  Mixture of students at all ability levels.  They are mixed.  NA aims to balance the teams
• There are morning & evening orientations this year for parents/students going from 5^th – 6^th grade.  April 29 @ 9:30 AM Ingomar Middle and April 30 @ 7:00 PM
• Volunteer-each middle school has a volunteer coordinator. 
• Kick Off Breakfast is held at each middle school in September
• There is no fundraising at the middle school level.  Parents are encouraged to use Key Communicators, SAC, SPLC, Unified Boosters, NA Foundation as opportunities to volunteer and become involved.
• Girls Only Leadership Development (GOLD)-Program for 8^th grade girls.  Overnight program at middle school for girls to talk about issues/concerns.  Available on 1^st come 1^st serve basis.  Fills up quickly.  Usually held in fall.  In 2008 over 280 girls attended event.

High School Transition

• Elective Transition Fair is to be held at NAI on March 18 for last names A-L and March 19 for last names M-Z.
• Guidance office is open all summer for inquiries.
• New Student Orientation is usually held after schedules are sent out in August.
• There is an activity fair held at the beginning of the school year in addition to a grade level assembly being held.
• Counselors meet with the students in October
• NAI is presently going through the Middle States Re-Accreditation process and is focusing on building student connections.
• Classrooms of the Future-NAI did not get grant for grades 9 and 10 because they are not housed in the same building as 11 and 12.  NA will fund CFF at NAI over the next two years.  This summer, NAI”s Social Studies and Science classrooms (26 rooms) with boards, projectors, cameras, speakers and 12 computers on wheels.  The second year an additional 23 classrooms for Math and English will be equipped.  A wiring upgrade is being done to support new equipment and a new “Coach Position” is open and will be filled to support the technology and train on the new equipment.  A five year plan is being developed for the rest of the schools within the district for technology improvements.
• Check calendar for upcoming dates/times on AP Honors nights,
• Counselors meet with students about scheduling on April 21, 22, and 23.

College Transition

• NA provides academic foundation for our students to move onto college
• 10^th graders are given booklet entitled “Beyond NA”—it has test taking strategies, college dorm check list etc.
• College Information Nights—March 19, 2009, 7:00 PM @ NASH.  This year Indiana University, Notre Dame, Allegheny College, University of Pittsburgh will be represented.
• Counselors work with students
• There will be a Post High School Process Scheduling Program at NASH on March 23 and 24 at 6:00 PM
• Choices/Planner (software) introduced in 2008-2009 in grades 9-11.  For example:  11^th graders will now complete resume which is necessary for college application process.
• Good course choice would be Family Consumer Science course offering of “Beyond High School”.  Details in program of studies.
• NASH counselors offer small group sessions about going onto college

General Parent Transition

·         Colleges host transitions workshops.

·         Parents can make appointment to meet with counselors.

Miscellaneous

• Community Connections-program held twice a year.  Next one is April 15 @ Marshall Middle School 7:00 – 9:00 PM.
• Programs also available for special needs children. 
• NA’s “Compass” publication for grades 6 – 12 talks about transition.

NEXT MEETING APRIL 16, 2009 – TOPIC: HEALTH AND WELLNESS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Superintendent/Parents Liaison Committee (SPLC)
February, 2009

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dr. Green was asked to give an explanation of Governor Rendell’s budget proposal. This budget proposes reducing the number of school districts in the state from the current 500 to 100. A commission would be established to study the consolidation and to create two proposals upon which the legislature will be required to act. If the legislature were to reject both proposals, the decision would be passed on to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
 
PUPIL SERVICES Presented by Ms. Gwynn Maximo
 
Special Education
           Students with disabilities are included in general education classes as well as special area classes. The continuum begins with regular education classes, includes special education classes and can go on to classes outside the district. The IEP Team may determine a program outside the district is necessary but the first step is to see if general education classes will meet the student’s needs.
 
GOAL
          Changes to Chapter 16 legislation were approved on 11/01/08 and include a maximum caseload of 75 students and a maximum class size of 20 students. In July 2010 the caseload will go down to 65 with class size remaining the same.
           Changes in the definition of mentally gifted states an IQ of 130 or multiple criteria indicating gifted ability.
           Schools are required to have Evaluation Request Forms available for parents who verbally request an evaluation and the form must be given to the parent within 10 days of the  verbal request.
           After the school receives written parent consent for testing an evaluation of the student must be down within 45 school days or 60 calendar days.
           Multiple criteria must be used—not a single test. North Allegheny uses a matrix.
           GIEP team meets to develop a Gifted Individualized Education Plan. The team includes a district representative, gifted teacher, parent and one or more regular education teachers. A significant change in this area is the requirement of a regular education teacher to be at the meeting.
           Gifted services include opportunities to participate in acceleration or enrichment or both.
           While special education gets funding from the state, gifted education does not—local districts must absorb the costs of the changes in legislation.
           
A.W. Beattie Career Center Presented by Ms. Mindy Floro
 
Overview
          Located in our district on  Babcock Boulevard.
           760 students currently enrolled.
           Nine districts participate: Avonworth, North Hills, North Allegheny, Deer Lakes, Pine Richland, Northgate, Shaler, Fox Chapel, and Hampton
           Students receive career and Technical skills to enter the workforce upon graduation or to go on to continuing education.
           Five major programs: Careers in the Technology Field, Health Careers, Careers in Consumer Services, Mechanical Careers, Academic Program
           In 2007, 42% of the graduates went on to 2 year, 4 year or proprietary schools (technical institutes).
           Courses are two hours in length and explore a vocation or technical education program.
           Some programs lead to specific certifications such as EMT.
           There may be some similarities to NA programs in a few areas such as childcare or computer classes, however NA’s are specific courses while Beattie’s are a part of a bigger program leading to certification.
           NA students at Beattie can participate in all extra-curricular activities.
           Beattie’s clubs include BAMP, Skills USA, FCCLA and their own NHS
           Students in most Beattie areas will graduate with a certification or license leading to entry into higher paying jobs.
           Students can participate in shadow studies, internships, apprenticeships, etc.
           Certifications are offered in eleven programs including dental careers, culinary arts, EMT, etc.
           Beattie has various partnerships with businesses and schools including CCAC, California University of PA, CMU robotics, LaRoche College, Baierl Automotive, salons, restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.
           Beattie has an advisory board comprised of industry people who can recommend changes to programs in order to keep programs current.
           All teachers are PDE certified and also have work experience in their field
           Many Beattie students have part-time jobs. Seniors may be in a cooperative arrangement.
           Some programs have actual clinics on site—culinary arts (restaurant), cosmetology (salon), and early childhood education (child care). All are open to the general public. See the web site for details.  www.beattietech.com <http://www.beattietech.com>
 
Admissions

           Admission is open to any NA student grades 10 and up.
           Counselors present the Beattie program to students during the scheduling process.
           Every year 9th and 10th graders have an opportunity to visit Beattie during the 2nd semester and select three areas to see.
           Seniors can enter a program if space allows however they may not be able to complete certification in a program.
           A.W. Beattie conducts several open houses throughout the year that are open to anyone in the community.
           Beattie representatives attend Open Houses at NAI and NASH, the NAI Elective Transition Fair, and scheduling presentations.
           Beattie/NA graduate success stories include business ownership, advanced standing in college, and opportunities for advanced certifications.
           Information about Beattie is disseminated through the NA Program of Studies, direct mail and newsletters, classroom presentations to 9th graders, NAI and NASH announcements, evening scheduling presentations, and in NA district publications.
           Students can enter in 10th grade and must be on track to graduate. They receive their core instruction at NA and are then bused to Beattie for their elective classes.
           Currently NA has 70 students enrolled at Beattie.
 
Budget and Finance

           In 2008/09 NA’s contribution was about $580,000 or about 12% of the Beattie budget.
           NA’s contribution to renovation at Beattie will begin in 2009/10 and will be $310,000 annually.
 
Renovation
 
          The building is 40 years old.
           A team of project managers is developing timelines for the construction process.
           Some work will begin this spring with main construction occurring over the summer. The project is primarily renovation and reconfiguration of existing spaces. There will be an auto shop addition, and construction of a storage building in the back.
           The project will also include asbestos abatement, upgrades in lighting, doors, security, and the roof.
           HVAC equipment will be rehabilitated as it is only 15 years old.
 
Curriculum Integration
          
           North Allegheny recently conducted a curriculum integration day that explored the natural areas of connection between Beattie programs and PSSA standards and alignment.
 
           North Allegheny has also included Beattie staff in some staff development as well as explaining what is involved for our students regarding PSSA testing.
 
The next SPLC meeting is Thursday, March 12th at 9:00 in the Board Room at the CAO.
 
If you have any questions or comments for the committee please contact Molly Oestreich moestreich6@verizon.net, Bobbie Reed bobbiereed16@aol.com or Libby Blackburn bburn12@verizon.net

SPLC MINUTES

NOVEMBER 13, 2008

TECHNOLOGY

Announcements:

·        There will not be a SPLC December meeting.  The next meeting is January 8, 2008 and will address Curriculum.  The Report on Student Achievement will be presented.

·        Colder weather is here.  Be sure to dress students warmer.  As in past years, thermostats have been turned back in buildings in an effort to conserve energy.

·        Dr. Green indicated the district budget is being finalized.  It is going to be difficult due to the economy.  Revenues are questionable and all districts face tax limitations.

·        Dr. Green announced the passing of Marie Bartolomucci’s father.  His death was due to a sudden heart attack.  Marie was a member of SPLC last year and her father was a former McCandless Commissioner.  He was very active in the NA Community and a strong supporter of our district.  Cards of sympathy can be directed to Marie Bartolomucci, 174 Ridgeview Drive, Wexford, PA 15090 or email her at mbartolo@connecttime.net.

Technology presentation given by Rodger Botti, Director of Assets, Technology, Transportation

NATV

·        Can be found on the following cable television channels:

Comcast                98

Armstrong             50

Verizon                  33

Consolidated         406

E-Mail Addresses

·        E-mail listings on the website are being considered

·        The district is reviewing the policy to use legal names

eSembler

·        Results have been very positive.  Issues and questions have been addressed in the areas of logging into eSembler.  Shawn Flaherty is the contact for eSembler.

CFF

·        2007-2008- 32 classrooms and 462 laptops purchased and installed at NASH.  For the 2008-2009 school year an additional 26 English and Math classrooms will be equipped with boards, speakers, printers, and projectors.  We will have a total of about 500 laptops at NASH.  Due to the restrictions of the grant, we are unable to apply for additional monies to equip NAI.

·        The district is looking for other sources to fund and equip classrooms in other buildings.  PFA’s at Franklin Elementary and Ingomar Elementary have purchased equipment for one room in their buildings.  The NA Foundation is working on a grant with Westinghouse to fund some equipment for classrooms at NAI. 

·        Each board, projector, and installation costs about $3600

·        There are smart boards in each of our district libraries.  These were purchased by the district.  They are not portable due to the projectors having to be calibrated.

Distance Learning

·        Presently we have 38 students in the Mandarin Chinese Language program.  The administration is evaluating the course for next year.

·        With the present program, we are able to hold virtual field trips.  For example:  Our students were able to see an operation as it was performed at the Cleveland Clinic

Phone Master

·        At this time, a Text Message Flash is not available to the district.  Phone blast is now available and in emergency situation can be used.  The district is looking into e-mail and texting.

Website

·        Parents should consider using cell phone to access the internet if their home internet service is unavailable to view the district site for delays and emergency announcements.

·        Upgrade of the district website is coming.  At that time a volunteer form may be incorporated onto the site.  The change of the district site will not be this year.  It is a slow process.  At this time vendors are being considered.

·        All teachers will have a website on the new district website.  We have a strong relationship with our teachers, but this is a collective bargaining issue.  The new district site will be template based and easier for teachers to use.

·        The Thursday Envelope will not be online this year.  Goes back to the redesign of the website.

·        There will not be a Community Information Area on the new website.  The only exception to this is Athletics.  NATV is a contractual arrangement and completely different system from the NA website, which is why community information is there.

 POS

·        District is looking into pay fee to pay online with a credit card.  Parents will be able to view their children’s account food choices without paying a fee.  District will notify parents when this is available.  To contact the district regarding POS services email them at diningservice@northallegheny.org or telephone at 724-934-7236.  Parents can obtain a print out of their student’s food choices.  A limit of one request per month per student

·        The district is currently reviewing student POS accounts for outstanding balances due.

·        When a credit balance is left on a student POS account, it carries over to the next school year.  If a student graduates and there is a credit balance, it is up to the student to request the monies be refunded.  No automatic reimbursement.

·        It is not known at this time when parents will be able to access their student’s POS information online.  More research must be done.

·        No software available at this time to handle a “Family Account” POS system for families with more than one student at NA.

Community

·        The use of NA technology being extended back into the community is done with the offering of various Microsoft classes for training in the use of software such as MS Word, Excel etc.  We do not offer the use or availability of other technology to the community.  When groups use our buildings, they do have access to the wireless internet services as “Guest”.

Technology Advisory Committee

·        Last meeting was on October 27, 2008.  It is a valuable community based group which contributes knowledge and information in the advancement of technology issues within our district.

Computers

·        Additional computers in elementary schools are being investigated.  Wiring is the issue along with data ports and connectivity.  The district has retained and stored desktop computers previously used in the district with the possibility of use in other areas of the district.

Misc

·        Textbooks online-The district is not considering eliminating textbooks at this time.  We do use resources available online that work in conjunction with textbooks.

·        Student ID# being removed from district mailings?  We are now looking at this and it is under review.

·        Keyboarding-For the 2009-2010 school year, we will have keyboarding instruction in the middle school’s 6^th grade classes.  It will mean converting a 12 week curriculum to be a 9 week curriculum.  The school board approved this last year and will be implemented pending funding for the program.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Superintendent/Parents Liaison Committee (SPLC)

October, 2008

Susan Dougherty and I are the Peebles representatives for SPLC (Superintendent Parent Liaison Committee).  This committee, consisting of the Superintendent, administrators and representatives of all the NA schools, meets to discuss issues that are pertinent to the district.   We would like to pass on what happens at the meetings.    Below is a list of the future meeting dates and topics.  Please contact me if you have any questions dealing with district wide issues that you would like addressed.   Questions must be submitted the month prior to the meeting in order to be placed on the agenda otherwise they will be answered at the meeting as time permits.

                                    October 9                  Athletics & Transportation

                                    November 13           Technology

                                    January 8                 Curriculum

                                    February 12             Beattie Tech & Pupil Services

                                    March 12                   Communication & Transition

                                    April 16                      Health and Wellness

                                    May 14                       Funding, Strategic Plan & Miscellaneous

Lesa Chang  LesaChang@comcast.net   or   412-630-8377

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Superintendent/Parents Liaison Committee (SPLC)

October, 2008

Athletics  presented by Mr. Bob Bozzuto

Middle school  Coaches are interviewed by the head varsity coach and the Athletic Dirctor (Bob Bozzuto). Leads for potential candidates come from a variety or sources. Selected candidate is recommended by the Athletic Director to Central Administration. Final decision is then taken to the School Board.

Sportsmanship  Coaches are in-serviced on a sportsmanship program called “The Only Missing Piece Is You.” They reinforce sportsmanship to assistants and middle school coaches. It is also conveyed to student athletes. The A.D. holds pre-season and weekly meetings with coaches on an individual basis. Meetings are also called when special circumstances arise. Student athletes are expected to demonstrate character—not be characters. PIAL rules state an ejection from a game means a one game suspension. The district can choose to add onto this.

Coaches technique  Coaches are given information from the American Sports Education Programs (ASEP), the leading and most comprehensive coaching program in the country. Mr. Bozutto is an instructor for ASEP. Areas of study include coaching philosophy, sport pedagogy, sports law, communication and more.

NA student/parent athletic orientation  Plans are in process for a 6^th grade orientation program to explain the entire process and expectations involved with becoming a member of the NA Athletic Program. The meeting will be for parents and potential student-athletes Topics will included tryouts, physical forms, sportsmanship, etc. Will not be mandatory. There are over 2900 student-athletes at NA.

Baseball/softball field lights  NA was awarded a grant with a deadline for matching funds of 5/09. Currently in the final fundraising effort to fund the matching portion. Total project cost is approx. $450,000.

CPR  Goal is to have 100% of NA coaches CPR certified. It isn’t mandatory. The district offers courses to get certified. There are four athletic trainers plus interns from Duquesne University and University of Pittsburgh as well as physician support from Tri-State Orthopedics and Dr. Robert Potter. All custodians are CPR certified. There are Automatic Defibrillators in every building.

Trips  Teams involved in overnight trips are mandated by the District’s procedural safeguards for overnight trips. Student-athletes must view a video of behavioral expectations. The coach must submit a detailed itinerary. Parents must complete a survey verifying their approval. Some sports traditionally have out of town tournaments. For some sports NA needs to travel to get good competition. Chaperones are usually coaches. Parents with clearances may be added if needed for an adequate number. Trips are funded by parents and/or boosters.

MRSA  Coaching staff reinforces that athletes are to bring clean clothes to each practice, shower immediately after, and wear clean clothes home. Practice clothes are to be taken home every night. Football and wrestling are the sports of particular concern. Trainers must treat any open wounds. Locker rooms, weight room, trainer’s room are cleaned and fogged daily. Wrestling mats are cleaned daily. Fitness room at Baierl is cleaned daily and fogged every other day. No cases of MRSA have been reported at NA so far this year.

Impact testing  This is a testing procedure that helps determine a baseline to be used in the event a student-athlete incurs a head injury in the future. Test is available for all student-athletes at NA including scholastic and club sports teams. Parents can pay for non-athletes to be tested. UPMC pays for all athlete testing. The test can be completed on a computer at home. An injured student must pass the impact test if an injury has occurred even if the parents say the athlete is ok.

UBO   Unified Boosters Organization promotes school pride and spirit. Coordinates activities between all booster organizations. Members included team representatives, PFA’s, and all NA schools.

Altoona game  It was not NA’s first choice to play Altoona but there was difficulty in finding a team that would agree to play NA. The district pays for transportation, the boosters paid for the bus upgrade. Altoona will travel to NA next year.

Considerations when hiring coaches  These factors apply to all sports including club sports and include motivation, availability, philosophy, coaching style, willingness to teach fundamental skills, provide leadership, promote sportsmanship, work well with others and the boosters, be a part of or assemble a quality staff.

Tryouts  Multiple methods are used for communicating tryout results. Face-to-face and letters are the methods most used. Coaches should include what the student needs to improve.

Facilities The Athletic Department works in conjunction with the Facilities Department. A five year Potential Capital Improvement Plan is submitted to Central Administration and then the plan is discussed at Board level. All NA schools are included in the plan.

Summer track program A summer program for grades 2-6 was started last year. Currently reviewing the potential for an elementary after school program but there are problems with coach and facility availability.

Web Site Current web site will be continued and expanded. It’s an outstanding college recruiting tool because it includes all sports.

Facilities  Many organizations use NA fields and facilities including NABA, IFPAA, MCAA, Special Olympics, Tiger Pride, NA Soccer Club, Brad-Mar-Pine, etc. There is no charge other than custodial fees.

Phys. Ed.  Student-athletes must make-up missed P.E. classes because their sports are not part of the state mandated P.E. curriculum.

Transportation  presented by Mr. Roger Botti

District can’t provide transportation from home to daycare. It’s a “chain of custody” issue.

Three per seat on a bus is considered ok. The focus is more on maintaining the 12” aisle way and meeting district standards for load capacities. For elementary plan 75-80% capacity, middle school 60-65%, and high school 90-100%. Pick-up locations for elementary after school are safe—often buses are where they should be but parents in cars aren’t.

District policy is to require written permission for a student to ride home on a different bus.

Enrollment and Facilities Planning Update has determined that the current district facilities will be able to meet needs of students until 2011/2012. Growth continues to be in northern and western sections of the district. Current economic issues are delaying growth.

Travel time guideline is 60 minutes (this includes transportation to private schools). The average for NA students is 30 minutes. District maintains an arrival/departure window of 15 minutes.

Act 372 requires the district provide transportation to students attending private schools within ten miles of the district borders. Transportation is included in the District’s General Fund Budget. Currently the budget is $4.6 million. The state reimburses NA $1.7 million.

Board Policy #3182 drives the placement of bus stops

           ¾ mile limit on walk for students

           stops must be at least ¼ mile apart

           no bus travel into cul-de-sacs/dead-ends

           routes will be developed in the most efficient manner

To add a new bus stop, must first start with the completion of a bus stop request form supplied by the Transportation Department.

The guideline for reviewing a route for possible reversal is 40 minutes. It must also make sense from a routing perspective.

In recent years, NA’s bus fleet won recognition as one of the top 50 fleets in the United States.

Transportation Department can be reached at 412-369-5500. The web site will be undergoing improvement this year.

District hot line is 412-369-5510 for school closing information etc.

The next SPLC meeting is Thursday, November 13th at 9:00 in the Board Room at the CAO.  The topic will be Technology.

If you have any questions or comments for the committee please Molly Oestreich moestreich6@verizon.net, Bobbie Reed bobbiereed16@aol.com or Libby Blackburn bburn12@verizon.net

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SUPERINTENDENT/PARENTS LIAISON COMMITTEE

In attendance:

Bernadette Schwartz              Elizabeth Merrell                   Elena Marriner

Lynn Sosovicka                      Libby Blackburn                    Christy Hagen

Helen Ehling                           Jane Wright                            Karen Pike

Lesa Chang                            Cathie Haberman                   Kathy Puntil

Molly Oestreich                     Maryjo Caruso                       Ami Wessel

Rita Stypula                           Bobbie Reed                          Mary Beth Huber

Patricia Green                        Cynthia Stewart                     Cindy Kainaroi

Craig Slaubaugh                     William Young                        Arleen Wheat

Brian Miller                           Tim Steinhauer                       William Stropkaj

I .      Announcements

 Dr. Green called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.  There was a moment of silence in remembrance of September 11, 2001.

Introductions: Administration, SPLC Planning Committee, and individual school representatives introduced themselves.  A directory of membership and by-laws was distributed for the 2008-2009 school year.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

This year is the 60^th Birthday for North Allegheny School District.  Dr. Green acknowledged Administrators and building staff were provided 60^th Birthday commemorative lapel pins to wear.

The results of the SAT test scores from the last school year are in.  North Allegheny’s results are the highest ever.  Overall test scores increased by 20 points, while the national average on the SAT is at a 10-year low.  Including the writing component, North Allegheny’s average score was 1685.  Without the writing component, the average score was 1137. The performance on the SAT can be attributed to the ongoing SAT Prep Course now offered at NA and a strong curriculum, great teachers, administrators, parents and students.  Last year for the fall SAT Prep Course session, 92 students participated in the program.  This year, 135 students have enrolled in the fall program.

II.      Responsibilities as SPLC Members

Ethics/Guidelines for the SPLC were reviewed.  It should be noted that anyone within the District is welcome to attend the SPLC meetings; however, they are there as observers.  Only SPLC members are permitted to speak and ask questions at the meetings.

III.    Brainstorming

Mrs. Cindy Stewart, Coordinator of Staff Development for NASD, conducted a brainstorming session with the members in order to develop a list of topics to be covered this year at SPLC meetings.  Topics for 2008-2009 have been provided below.  A complete presentation schedule will be given at the October 9^th SPLC meeting.  The topics for the October 9, 2008 SPLC meeting will be Athletics and Transportation.  SPLC members will be provided with a form to submit questions for these topics.  Responses must be made within a five-day period in order to give the presenters ample time to prepare.

•                     Athletics

•                     Transportation

•                     Technology

•                     Curriculum

•                     Beattie

•                     Pupil Services

•                     Communication

•                     Transition

•                     Health and Wellness

•                     Funding

•                     Strategic Plan

•                     Miscellaneous

IV.            Miscellaneous Information

The next SPLC meeting is Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. in the Board Room at the Central Administrative Offices.  Parents are welcome to attend.  As listed above, the presentation topics will be Athletics and Transportation.

If you have any questions or comments for the committee, please contact:

Molly Oestreich            moestreich6@verizon.net

Bobbie Reed                bobbiereed16@aol.com

Libby Blackburn           bburn12@verizon.net

Recorded by:

Bobbie Reed