West Cook News

Berkeley School District 87 Parent Teacher Advisory Committee met April 30

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

In Attendance:

Members in attendance included: Mrs. Cosette Espinoza, Board of Education Member; Michele Adams, (Parent); Sylvia Ramirez, (Parent); Eugenio Mazzula, (Parent); Jasmyne McDonald, (Parent); Justyna Boeger, Teacher (WP); Patricia Salzman, Instructional Coach, (RI); Effie Safakas, Teacher (NMS); Pam Skeel, Teacher (SI); Carolyn Zielinski, Teacher (MMS); Maria Nieves, Teacher (JP); Nancy Tortora, Principal (SI); Dr. Mody, Principal (NMS); Paris Branton-May, Principal (JP); Dr. Nicole Spatafore, Director of Special Services; Kevin Grochowski, Principal (MMS); Laura Heneghan, Director of English Language Learning; Kelly Zimmerman, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction; Maria Hendricks, Principal (RI); Dr. Tracy Bodenstab, Principal (WP); Dan Sullivan, Superintendent.

Welcome and Introductions:

Superintendent Dan Sullivan explained the purpose of the Parent Teacher Advisory Committee. Pledge of Allegiance. Each member introduced themselves.

Discussion:

Brief discussion of the new D87 video, and an explanation of the Berkeley 87 Culture Rubric and the District Strategic Plan and how the PTAC is directly related to Goal 4 Connected Community.

Superintendent Sullivan led the PTAC through the current Parent-Student Handbook.

Members had copies to review as well as a link to view the online handbook. There was a brief discussion of anticipated updates which may include the changing of the Department of English Learning to the Department of Multilingual Learners. a name change to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction to the Department of Teaching and Learning. Both of these changes are before the Board of Education for consideration. Mrs. Zimmerman and Mrs. Heneghan explained the reasons for the changes to more accurately reflect the work of both departments.

Parent suggestions / concerns included that parents would like to see more frequent parent meetings at the schools to address important parenting topics such as social media. There is a need to support parents with partnering with the schools to promote more responsible use of technology among the student scholars. It was discussed that this is an issue nationwide, but we will continue to explore ways to help students and parents and teachers to use technology to help learning and not allow technology / social media, phones, Apple Watches, etc. to impact learning in a negative way.

Parents expressed the desire to continue to allow students to have access to technology. All agreed we have policies and expectations in place, but social media, group texting, etc. can lead to disruptions to the learning environment when students are not using technology in a responsible manner. These concerns often generate outside of the school, but a conflict outside can manifest itself inside and disturb the learning environment.

There was a discussion about vaping at the middle schools. Again, this is a nationwide concern. Both middle schools have worked to be proactive and predictable with expectations of health and safety for students. The discussion included how cannabis dispensaries are now marketing “gummy bear” shaped products which are very attractive to middle school students. Both middle schools have had parent outreach events and are continuing to treat these issues as health and safety concerns. This topic may also need to be a continual outreach / meetings with parents about the temptations not only of social media and technology but vaping and edible cannabis products being targeted toward young people.

Parents discussed the topic of play–the parents were very thankful for the playgrounds at or near the primary and intermediate schools and the importance of recess / play for the younger student-scholars. Superintendent asked the PTAC members about the topic of recess at the middle school level. PTAC members shared that recess is appropriate for primary and intermediate largely because the student-scholars do not have PE everyday. In the middle schools PE is required for all student-scholars each day. Also, many schools have health and fitness types of clubs after the regular school day.

There was a brief discussion of Student Based Grading. It was explained that 5 of our 6 schools are in status due to the performance of the special education student group. It was discussed that as evidenced by multiple measures, student-scholars in D87 are learning and growing in reading and math and all subject areas. However, the goal is for our student-scholars to not just be growing but to be at grade level. The grade level standard is the goal, the target that we are aiming for with student learning. We are working on developing a more standards aligned report card to be more truly representative of grade level work and expectations.

Mrs. Heneghan discussed the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee. We discussed the growing number of English Learner students in D87. Mrs. Heneghan is exploring having adult ESL on both sides of the district for the 2024-2025 school year. There were a few suggestions made for the handbook regarding Assessments for EL students.

Superintendent Sullivan explained how policies are updated with Press Plus. Many of the policies which we have in effect are based on statute and therefore cannot readily be changed. However, there are several policies which are unique to D87 and can be reviewed. There was a discussion on student dress expectations Policy 727.00. Some schools report concerns about student dress at school. The PTAC did not have any agreed upon solutions for language at this time. However, the PTAC recommended that if there are concerns about student dress that this needs to be approached in a fair manner between what both girls and boys are wearing. Not singling out either boys or girls. Additionally, the PTAC believes that parent communication is critical with any concerns with what students are wearing while at school. The PTAC believes that parents should help the schools with having the students dress in a modest / responsible manner to the greatest extent possible. The administration will continue to monitor student dress. Superintendent Sullivan explained the history of the Student Dress expectations and why the district no longer has a “school uniform.” Also parents need help with helping their children be responsible with social media.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

https://cdnsm5-ss16.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_389410/File/05.c.PTAC%20Minutes.pdf