Murch Development Team

MDT Meeting Minutes for March 27, 2007

Attending:  E. Marcus; N. Stapert; N. Martell-Stevenson; V. Otten; T. Welsh; S. Banta; P. Joos; A. Broun; C. Albert-Garvey; M. Jackson; L. Singer; M. Sacoccio.

School Plan.  The meeting opened at 4:30 with a review of the Draft 2007-2008 school plan.  Principal Albert-Garvey distributed copies of the draft plan and asked that MDT members review the plan, pointing out the most significant differences from the 2006-2007 plan.  Changes include the use of a part-time reading specialist to work with the 15 most needy students; and implementation of the Responsive Classroom and accompanying organizational methods.   Discussion following the review included identification of major initiatives for the 2007-08 school year, including responsive classroom roll-out; revised science curriculum roll-out; incorporation of the DC BAS results in student assessments.  The final plan is due to DCPS in April, and additional revisions will be included.

HSA Funds.
HSA Co-President Martha Saccocio asked for recommendations from the MDT on where HSA funds might be used to best effect in the coming academic year.  In particular, non-recurring expenditures will be considered, as approximately three-quarters of the annual budget is already committed to recurring salaries.  Principal Albert-Garvey reminded MDT members that $10,500 raised at the auction this year would be used to develop a science curriculum.  The question of playground equipment was raised, and given the expected high cost of such an expenditure, Martha suggested that a capital fund might be started to accumulate portions of the surplus each year until the equipment is replaced.  Susan Banta suggested that Relate for Kids, a child-focused software program focusing on behavior and conflict resolution, might be a useful tool as responsive classroom is rolled-out.  Principal Albert-Garvey expressed an interest, and asked that Susan set up a presentation and demonstration for AP Jackson over the spring break for her review.

Awards Ceremony.
Earlier in the school year a parent had expressed concern about the annual spring awards ceremony for 4th-6th graders, and asked that the policy be reviewed.  In particular, the question of whether the policy of competitive achievement awards was appropriate for elementary school children, as well as whether it is compatible with the Responsive Classroom model.  Of particular concern was the fear that hard work is not rewarded by such ceremonies.

Nancy Martell-Stevenson and Vicky Otten both felt that the awards were an important way to recognize the achievements of academic performers; that to remain competitive with other academic students from other schools in the area, Murch children should have an opportunity to earn national awards for their achievements, and that there were other awards for children who excelled in other areas like the arts, writing, spelling and geography bees, etc.  AP Jackson raised the importance of having the criteria by which children are judged for these awards explained to classrooms early in the year; and Linda Singer raised the possibility that achievement be awarded in smaller ceremonies at quarterly or other intervals so that children can track their progress and see the incremental outcomes of their academic work.  Principal Albert-Garvey suggested that the MDT assist in identifying research on the impact of academic awards on elementary-aged students before a final decision is made, but all agreed that at least the current 6th grade would have an awards ceremony this spring, as they are expecting it.

Staffing. 
The MDT had a brief discussion of staffing, noting that any teachers that are leaving Murch should be replaced by June 30th.
 
The meeting adjourned at 6:15.

S. Banta