RenewSteller Jan. 31, 2007 meeting

Community Discussion Group

Facilitator: Treva Steele; Recorder: KJ Farley 



There were 5 students, 1 staff, and 4 parents that rotated through.
 
1)  Educational Activism.  NCLB – What are the impacts on Steller?  No one knowledgeable was present to answer questions on how Steller is “graded”.  Are we facing an upward spiral in performance expectations? Staff present didn’t feel that we specifically taught to the standards, the students wondered what the standards are??
 
2)  Togetherness.  Are parents aware that they are able to offer Community taught classes as a supplement to the regular curriculum as part of their volunteer effort?  One parent present has done so over the years. Parental availability during the school day can be a limiting factor.  Some discussion regarding the extension of the school day-night classes, etc. Should we be tracking parental  involvement?  No.  Do not track the # of hours; better, how does the Community engage parents in a more meaningful way..to want to involve parents.      Encourage participation @ parent mtgs, emails, Newsletters, etc.
 
3)  Community Involvement.
   a) paid position? fundraising opportunities available to sustain this position?
b) Counseling Groups 
     revamp CG?  Should there be more consistency? Discussion revealed that the students liked the different flavors of CGs 
     more volunteerism encouraged within the CG?
     run by students w/teacher guidance
     student gov’t class-a Steller gov’t class required, accredited S.S. Steller 101 – 4th Q to prepare students for the following year.
c) Parent sponsor breakfast / lunch one a week?
CG could sponsor w/parents a school wide meal.  Weds breakfast before CG, since some CG emphasis food, some don’t
d) Is community interested in Steller following its own philosophy?
        Student orientation
        Parent orientation
e) Get Steller volunteers out into the community
        Move Volunteer Day to another date? Or have more than one event.
     Volunteer Matching (Networking) enterprise would match student volunteers to community opportunities. Could this actually be a self-sustaining student business?
 
 
4)  Leadership & Divergence.  What is student motivation for involvement in their school:
     Food
     academic credit
     external rewards/intrinsic
     mentor – elder/younger – beyond lunch
student shadowing (before/after lottery application)

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