Grundy Reporter

Morris Elementary District 54 Board of Education met Oct. 23.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Cap Mrs. Dzuryak Ms. Johnston Mr. Hitchcock Mrs. Marsmaker Mr. Stevens

MEMBERS ABSENT; Mr. White

Roll call was answered as indicated, with all members present, with the exception of Mr. White who was absent. Others present: Shannon Dudek and Lisa Beeler.Others present were: Shannon Dudek, Dave Raffel, Marie Stover, Kevin Mikuce, and Tammy Dransfeldt.

I. Call to Order

Vice President, Pat Stevens, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call was answered as indicated, with all members present, with the exception of Mr. White who was absent. Others present: Shannon Dudek, Dave Raffel, Marie Stover, Kevin Mikuce, Tammy Dransfeldt and Lisa Beeler.

II. Approval of the Agenda – No change

III. Public Recognition

A. Board Participation Program – The school board recognized Mrs. Larsen’s 5th grade class for their service project. Members from the class presented a presentation on their service project. Their class adopted a class in Texas affected by a hurricane. The class donated approximately 900 school supplies and shipped them in 10 boxes, the donation brought tears of joy to the eyes of the Texas teacher. The school board also recognized 5th grade student, Dakota Goff for his pop tab collection. Dakota was born with one hand and this made him want to help other kids who had to go through things like him and stay in the hospital. He collected the pop tabs for Ronald McDonald hospital to help make it possible for families to stay with their children while they are in the hospital. Dakota has collected 6 million tabs with the help of the school and community and has started a thanks a million tree. 

B. Reception of Visitors – None 

C. Presentation from Audience on Agenda Items – None

IV. Consent Agenda

a. Approval of Minutes (September 18, 2017)

b. Approval of List of Bills (October 2017)

c. Approval of Treasurer’s Report (September 2017)

d. Approval of Financial Report (September 2017)

e. Approval of Payroll Report (September 2017)

f. Approval of Minutes and Financials of the BBC (August and September 2017)

g. Approval of Minutes and Financials of PTO (September 2017)

h. Approval of Financials of the Student Activity Fund Accounts (September 2017)

Motioned by Mr. Hitchcock, seconded by Ms. Johnston to approve the consent agenda items. 

Aye: Mrs. Cap, Mrs. Dzuryak, Mr. Hitchcock, Ms. Johnston, Mrs. Marsmaker, Mr. Stevens 

Absent: Mr. White Motion Carried

V. Committee Reports

A. Finance - None

B. Policy – The meeting was held on September 12, 2017 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Hitchcock Dr. Dudek

PRESS Policy Updates Dr. Dudek and Mr. Hitchcock went through each policy update and made changes as needed. Mrs. Beeler is working on the policy revisions and will have them completed for review at the November board meeting.

C. Curriculum - None

D. Parent - Teacher Advisory – The meeting was held on September 18, 2017

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Cap, Mrs. Marsmaker, Mrs. Pogliano, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Davis, Mr. Raffel, Mrs. Dransfeldt, Mrs. S. Lines, Miss Pichon, Mrs. Mateski, Mrs. Boe, Mrs. Farmer, Mrs. Beeler, Dr. Dudek, Mrs. Morrissy, Mrs. Stover

Introductions - Everyone present (listed above) introduced themselves to the committee group. 

Vision of the Advisory Committee - Dr. Dudek and Mr. Raffel discussed their visions for the committee and went over some areas they are continuing to work on. Dr. Dudek said he is proud of the administrative teams follow through and consistency. Mrs. Morrissy added that she feels comfortable approaching the new admin team and her son has not had any issues this year like he has had the past several years. 

Review of 2016-17 Advisory Committee’s Work 

The areas that need to continue to work on from last year are Z.A.P., Discipline/Behavior, and Bullying. Dr. Dudek said that Mr. Raffel is being very proactive in dealing with these areas and on making other improvements. In continuing to improve from last year, Dr. Dudek added that we have added Mr. Mikuce and Mrs. Vogen’s office upstairs and Ms. Noll spends a lot of her time monitoring the halls upstairs. Ms. Noll and an administrator are also present in the lunchroom every day. Mr. Raffel sent a survey out to staff in August asking for feedback on their likes, dislikes, and needs of the district. The biggest area of concern was behavior and discipline. Mr. Raffel wants to be proactive and support teachers. It is a priority of his to have admin present in the halls, at arrival/dismissal, at lunch to help prevent behavior issues. Mr. Raffel and Mrs. Boe are meeting with each grade level to discuss their expectations. He also asked teachers to share their classroom expectations with admin to make their discussions with students more effective for discipline. Staff created “Norms” to be displayed in classrooms and meeting areas to display the expectations. Some of Mr. Raffel and the admin teams goals are to support, address, balance education, and be consistent with consequences for students and staff. They have created a new form for documenting discipline and hope it will be an effective tool for admin to utilize. Mr. Raffel also has hung bully boxes which gives kids ownership to report on issues they are feeling bullied by. These are for students in middle school to use. Mrs. Mateski asked that parents be notified if their student is involved and Mr. Raffel indicated that it would depend on the situation. None of the instances thus far has been concerning, serious, or actual bullying cases, but he would be fine with giving the courtesy call when needed. Specific Items for Discussion -The committee created a list of items to address for the 17-18 school year:

● Homework Policy/Z.A.P

● Study Hall for I Block for Band and/or Choir Students

● Social Studies and Science Curriculum* (books or digital) *the district is working with Saratoga to develop K-8 curriculum to be consistent for all students entering the High School.

● Articulation (Mrs. Pogliano in 8th grade has been working with Saratoga ELA teachers and they have created curriculum together. This is needed in all grade levels)

● Smoother Transition to High School (technology disconnect) Other - Mrs. Stover and Mr. Raffel are working on solutions for the ZAP program and would like to move it to take place during the school day. There were questions regarding the I Block time and what it is used for. Mrs. Stover explained its purpose is for intervention and that a variety of programs would be starting soon, as they have not been fully implemented yet. I Block time is also part of the strategic management plan. Programs such as social- emotional, 10 marks (math) and sustained reading will be split up and take place during the week during the I Block time period. Mrs. Lawrence added that PTO has seen improvements already this year and is looking forward to it. They started a new 3 for me volunteer program and have had 200 parents sign up. They have received community donations to pay for DJ’s and already have donations coming in for Fun Day. Teachers are excited and volunteering too. Dr. Dudek asked everyone to go out and get ideas and suggestions for areas that need improvement and bring them back to the committee. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 20, 2017 at 4 p.m. in Dr. Dudek’s office.

E. Shared Services – None

VI. Action Items

A. Working Cash Bond Resolution of Intent

Motioned by Mr. Hitchcock, seconded by Mrs. Marsmaker to approve the Resolution declaring the intention to issue $2,005,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds for the purpose of increasing the District’s Working Cash Fund, and directing that notice of such intention be published in the manner provided by law. Mr. Hitchcock asked how much was it last year, Dudek responded it was 1, 970,000 last year. 

Aye: Mrs. Cap, Mrs. Dzuryak, Mr. Hitchcock, Ms. Johnston, Mrs. Marsmaker, Mr. Stevens 

Absent: Mr. White 

Motion Carried

B. Shabbona Asbestos Removal Expenditure

Motioned by Mrs. Cap, seconded by Mr. Hitchcock to approve the payment of $7,600 to Cove Remediation for asbestos removal at Shabbona School. Morris Hospital led an asbestos removal in the former Shabbona School, and per Illinois School Code, Morris #54 must pay for the removal. Due to this law, Morris Hospital reimbursed the cost of the removal, $7,600, to Morris #54. The hospital has provided us with the check to cover the costs, but the school board must approve the expenditure to be paid. Aye: Mrs. Cap, Mrs. Dzuryak, Mr. Hitchcock, Ms. Johnston, Mrs. Marsmaker, Mr. Stevens Absent: Mr. White Motion Carried

C. Personnel

Motioned by Ms. Johnston, seconded by Mr. Hitchcock to approve the following recommendations for employment at Morris #54 School District. Non-Certified Staff – Kim Foehringer, Interventionist, Domejai (Jackie) Jermjerdpol, paraprofessional and Kelly Hougas, Library Aide. 

Aye: Mrs. Cap, Mrs. Dzuryak, Mr. Hitchcock, Ms. Johnston, Mrs. Marsmaker, Mr. Stevens 

Absent: Mr. White 

Motion Carried

D. FMLA Request

Motioned by Ms. Johnston, seconded by Mrs. Marsmaker to approve the following FMLA requests: Amanda Hitchcock for November 20, 2017 to January 8, 2018 Heather Keelan for February 26, 2018 to May 24, 2018 Aye: Mrs. Cap, Mrs. Dzuryak, Ms. Johnston, Mrs. Marsmaker, Mr. Stevens Abstain: Mr. Hitchcock Absent: Mr. White Motion Carried

VII. Communication

A. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Dudek reported the following:

1. FY17 Annual Audit Review a. This evening our auditors will present their findings on our FY17 School District Audit. The annual audit report has been concluded. Mack and Associates presented their audit and findings for the district. 2. FY18 Current Financial Report Mrs. Jill Mills presented the first quarterly finance report including the status of expenditures, revenue, state distribution, and other pertinent financial information.

B. Principal’s Report – Mr. Raffel reported the following:

Building and Grounds

● We have had some issues with regulating temperatures in parts of the building. Don and his team continue to work on the compressor and get things corrected in a timely manner. Curriculum/Staff/Students

● I have met with each grade level (K-8) over the past few weeks. We have started the process of reviewing and evaluating our current Curriculum Units. The teachers will be creating a Year at a Glance document that outlines the curriculum they cover in their classroom. K-5 teachers will start by just creating these documents for Math and ELA. We are also evaluating/reviewing the K-4 standards-based report cards the district uses.

● I met with the Morris Area Principals on September 20th. We discussed some scheduling of events to avoid overlap as well as ways to build our collaboration. We created talking points for the teachers to use at the Collaboration Meetings that took place on September 27th.

● We have been working on updating our Emergency Procedures and the signs that hang in the classrooms. Doris Noll, Jessica Boe, Kevin Mikuce and Tammy Dransfeldt have been vital in this process. We had two Fire Drills, one practice and one with the Fire Department present, this month. The Fire Department clocked our exit time at 2 minutes and 13 seconds, which they said was really good for a school with the amount of people we have in it.

● The Building Leadership Committee and I met last week. We discussed building maintenance/cleanliness, textbooks and resources, as well as general teacher concerns. It was a positive meeting and a great way to brainstorm solutions to help better our school.

● I attended the Illinois Principals Association Fall Leadership Conference in Springfield, IL on October 16 and 17. I will detail some of the sessions I attended in next month’s report. Miscellaneous

● I was duct taped to the wall as a fund-raiser for the PTO. Students paid $1 to put a strip of tape on me. We raised $700. You can see how it went below! The PTO has raised almost $7,000 in their various events this school year

C. Special Education Report – Mrs. Stover reported:

Special Education

• We are continuing to hold Special Education meetings and Problem-Solving Team meetings for Pre-K to 8th grade.

• We have received a quote for “Second-Step” which is our Social/Emotional curriculum that we would like to implement District Wide. Response to Intervention

• District interventions are in full swing! We are very excited that interventions have been put into place for Math and Reading for 6th – 8th grade, both during Study Hall and I-Block time on a daily basis. English Language Learners

• Our District Bilingual Program Delivery report has been submitted to ISBE.

• We have amended our LIPLEPS budget due to the decrease of funding by ISBE. There was about a $400.00 difference between the initial and current amount. Morris Elementary Preschool

• We have accepted more students into our Preschool for All program, given the Early Childhood Screenings that have taken place thru Grundy County Special Education Cooperative.

• On Wednesday, October 25th, our Preschool Programs will be attending Heaps Pumpkin Farm for their first Family Field Trip.

• I will be attending the “Sharing a Vision” state Early Childhood Conference in Peoria on October 26th & 27th.

D. Assistant Principal’s Report – Mrs. Boe reported:

PBIS 

White Oak- K-5 is focusing on Being Respectful as their first goal for the year. We are allowing each grade level to tailor their expectations to make them grade level appropriate. All grade levels have opened their “Cardinal Carts”. The Administration is looking forward to starting to see students for lunch, and ice cream treats! Shabbona- Met their first PBIS goal of the year of “Being Prepared for Class”- they celebrated on 9/27 with a homeroom wars Dodgeball tournament. The second goal of the year is Bathroom cleanliness. If they make their grade level goals, they will enjoy a Movie Day on 10/25. 

Field Trips 

Kindergarten- attended Cornfest Kids Game Show on 9/28. 

Third Grade- went on their annual Cornfest community Field trip on 9/29. 

Fifth Grade- went to the Planetarium at JJC on 10/16. 

Once Upon a Time Book Delivery 

There are currently 107 recipients. 

Upcoming Events 

Red Ribbon Week 10/23-10/27 

8th Grade will be attending the Career Expo at GAVC on 10/24 

Joshua’s Dragon Assembly (K-5)-10/25 

Halloween Parade 10/31-10am-11am -**weather permitted, students will parade in costume to Park Pointe POPS field Trip (6-8)-11/2

Enrollment Summary Total Students = 1183 for September

E. Dean of Students Report – Mrs. Dransfeldt reported:

Discipline Report (September 18 - October 20)

14 In School Suspensions

7 Out of School Suspensions

25 After School Detentions

8 Saturday School Detentions

Proactive Measures/Strategies

• Webinar on September 19th- topic: “Investigations Involving Students”

• “Joshua’s Dragon” assembly will be October 25th. Focus of this assembly will be on character building and anti-bullying.

• Supervision of arrival/dismissal of students, lunch hours and passing periods.

• Work with bus drivers and Tracy Gonzales with any bus concerns related to discipline and safety

F. Activities Director Report – Mr. Mikuce reported the following:

Athletics/ Activities:

• Our Cross Country team finished the year at Sectionals on a very windy day in Minooka. One of the runners a fifth grader, was 1 place from qualifying for state! We had a great season, and hosted twice as many times as we have in the past here at White Oak. The numbers are increasing each season and we look forward to next year’s season.

• Girls Basketball: 6th grade won a back and forth game vs Peru Parkside last week during the A game. We have 20 girls on the team between the A and the B side. 7th grade girls have been working really hard and have a couple of close losses including a 5-point loss to Minooka. The 8th grade girls got a great conference win vs. Coal City Friday!

• Boys’ basketball: we had tryouts for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teams on 16, and 17th splitting time between both Shabina and White Oak. They have their first game on 11/6th vs GSW BBC: The Home Run Derby was rained out on 11/14 but we rescheduled it for 11/21 at 11:00 at Shabbona Discipline: Zap has started and students with late homework or missing assignments have to chance to work in the library

G. Board Communication –

Two tech people have resigned and Mr. Mann is trying out some new GAVC students for the job. Ms. Johnston asked questions regarding ELL and junior high students having completed service hours prior to graduation. She urged the administrators to be sure parents are well aware of the need for service hours for them.

H. Motion to Adjourn to Closed Session

Motioned by Mr. Hitchcock, seconded by Mrs. Marsmaker to go into closed session at 7:01 p.m. 

Aye: Mrs. Cap, Mrs. Dzuryak, Mr. Hitchcock, Ms. Johnston, Mrs. Marsmaker, Mr. Stevens 

Absent: Mr. White 

Motion Carried

Motioned by Ms. Johnston, seconded by Mrs. Dzuryak to come out of closed session at 7:25 p.m.

Aye: Mrs. Cap, Mrs. Dzuryak, Mr. Hitchcock, Ms. Johnston, Mrs. Marsmaker, Mr. Stevens 

Absent: Mr. White 

Motion Carried

I. Action as a Result of Closed Session

Motioned by Ms. Johnston, seconded by Mr. Hitchcock to return to open session. Open board meeting began again at 7:26 p.m. No action needed.

J. Adjourn

Moved by Mrs. Cap, seconded by Mr. Hitchcock to adjourn the board meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Aye: Mrs. Cap, Mrs. Dzuryak, Mr. Hitchcock, Ms. Johnston, Mrs. Marsmaker, Mr. Stevens 

Absent: Mr. White 

Motion Carried

https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?mk=50259013&fn=minutes.pdf