RenewSteller Jan. 31, 2007 meeting

Vision Discussion Group

Facilitator: Cooper Galvin; Recorder: Julie Alfred

Not realistic to think core principles to stay the same, things change

Not sure how we aren’t buying into philosophy/principles

Value Steller as small learning community, attractive, but is that enough of a reason to be here? Among lots of reasons

We all signed agreement re: philosophy

Position paper doesn’t really define problems, just talks “fixes”

Position paper was in response to strategic plan

Ideas came from strategic planning process—hope those were kept—energy and excitement

“Mandatory” versus “optional” piece in strategic plan seem contradictory

Revitalize strategic planning process?

Communication a problem, some can’t participate in meetings

Newsletter should be delivered monthly in timely manner; would be a way to keep vision/principles in front of people

What makes Steller Steller?

Core: SDLS, intensives, peer-taught

Counseling groups

Emphasis on student-driven, responsibility

Prep for college life develop work ethic

Parents have to let students do it themselves

Self-motivation

Biggest problem: A disconnect between self-directed learning + follow through -> kids not always on task, understand they can fail

Is this the right environment for them to fail?

Does the philosophy reflect what Steller is?

Yes, it’s what we expect

Staff training issues

Parents have different expectations

Orientation/philosophy meaningless to 7th graders unless they’re familiar w/optional ed – developmental issue

Orientation can be scary, not easily processes til later (student)

Orientation helpful

Seminar program a great idea, diff. students experience differently

Would like to see more seminar classes

Issues in orientation need to be revisited after, when student is ‘living’ experience—ex. thru Counseling Group

Helpful to have info from older students

Intro to Steller could be improved

Peers -> help new students learn what Steller’s about

Leadership, responsibility for older students

Need orientation for each grade level – diff student needs

View of Steller changes as years go by for students

Class vs. counseling group “ongoing orientation”

Orientation Committee – members invited

Student government – Need to educate more students about structure/options, how to get involved

Student gov’t class -> incl. learning about Steller philosophy

Orientation class -> Include parents

Parent orientation at same time as student orientation, have some in evenings

Students have disconnect re: what’s Steller is about

Parents not participating as much as in the past

Measurables in strategic plan

- set goals, evaluate

Ex. 70% of all parents have attended parent orientation

What __% of parents fulfilling 10-hr. volunteer requirement?

Poll students re: orientation

Op Group – get students together for ongoing evaluation, discussion philosophy

All-student, all-school meetings w/out teachers or parents

Mentoring by older students

better oversight/follow-thru w/program

More structured, more formal

mentorship program

“Buddy” program