Attendees: Kassondra Chappell (Chair, parent), Emily Wack (parent), Michelle Cohn (parent), Chris
Cebrzynski (principal), Christina Esche (teacher rep), Bridget Mullan (parent), Bridget Lilley (teacher rep),
Devario Hawkins (vice-principal), Marcy Hairston (teacher rep), Astri Van Dyke (parent), Victoria Lynch
(parent)

Not Present: Samuel Fisk (teacher rep), Eugene Branch (union rep)

• Ms. Chappell called the meeting to order at 6:20. She explained that Mr. Fisk would not be in attendance and explained that meetings would alternate between Mondays and Tuesdays to try to accommodate LSAT members’ schedules.
• Ms. Wack volunteered to be secretary. There were no other volunteers and no objections.
• Ms. Hairston volunteered to act as the teacher representative chair. There were no other volunteers and no objections.
• Ms. Chappell explained that the LSAT would use Basecamp to share documents and project work and confirmed she would invite new members to Basecamp.
• Mr. Cebrzynski provided an update on the Comprehensive School Plan (CSP) and Goals/Visions for the year.
  • Three traits will be the focus this year: Safety, Respect, and Belonging,
  • There is a draft CSP. School-wide assessments will conclude this Friday, September 19, at which point the draft will be re-assessed according to available data. CSP will be shared with LSAT around October 3.
  • Results of panorama student survey suggested some students concerned about violence, so there will be a focus on empathy discussions (having lunch with kids), on providing additional context about the panorama survey through teacher videos before the surveys, and on having school-specific surveys in addition to what is mandated by the
    district to get at what students need.
  • There will be additional focus on writing as a content area as part of 3-year plan. Intention to use 6+1 writing traits framework to supplement instruction and allow a differentiation approach with individualized learning plans to help students become successful writers. Plan to host literacy nights to showcase this approach.
  • The four new teacher leaders of innovation (TLI) positions are working well, and the TLI will speak to LSAT next meeting about their role and successes so far.
• Ms. Chappell asked for reflections on LSAT representation and what perspectives may be missing from the conversation
  • Mr. Hawkins shared that there are plans for parent engagement nights, and that they have been partnering with Hillcrest, a community resource group, to assess the needs of our families. Prior survey responses were minimal, so they are working to figure out how to better engage families who haven’t been engaged. These families may benefit from individual connections. The goal is to get more information about obstacles, and how to support our families where they are.
  • Ms. Lynch noted that calling families directly seemed like a great outreach option, and suggested that more free opportunities, at various times to accommodate schedules, may help supplement community building like the Fall Fair and the Auction.
  • Ms. Cohn noted that the Fall Fair was a good opportunity for outreach.
• Ms. Hairston recommended adding a sensory friendly tent to the Fall Fair to be inclusive of families with sensory sensitivities.
• Ms. Van Dyke asked whether Murch or DCPS has or is considering an AI policy.
  • Mr. Cebrzynski shared that Murch has not purchased AI or plagiarism detection and that there isn’t currently any plan to do so.
  • Mr. Hawkins shared that there is no current DCPS policy regarding AI
• Ms. Wack asked about staffing levels, whether there are currently open positions, and the
  expected timeline to fill those positions.
  • Mr. Cebrzynski shared that there had been some challenges filling the Pre-K and Special Ed aid roles, but that the roles are expected to be filled as soon as the district HR process was completed.
• Ms. Lynch asked about enrollment levels and whether there is concern that this will impact the
  budget.
  • Mr. Cebrzynski explained that the enrollment level continues to be in flux in September and they are still enrolling new students. At the moment, enrollment is around 20 students lower than projected, which is likely not significant for budget considerations.

The meeting concluded at 7:15 p.m.