PEP Advisory Council – March 4, 2014
The meeting was called to order at 3:30 by Larry Weigel. Minutes from the last meeting (12/10/13) were approved.
Members
Present: Cheryl Pickens, Mike Mims, Larry Weigel, Katie Straub, Janet
Smith, Andy Hollifield, Amy Churchell(Roberson District Rep), Cynthia
Broaddrick
PEP teachers Pam Moser and Colleen Robertson were also present.
Reminder
to do online or paper copy of the BCS survey and of upcoming important
dates for the PEP family. Survey open until 3/15
Spring break 3/31-4/4
Prom at Biltmore Baptist 4/25…for any High School PEP students
Senior trip to Gatlinburg 5/6
PEP Graduation 6/6
Pam
Moser and Colleen Robertson presenting information about Unique
learning and News-2-you curriculum PEP have been provided with this
year. The whole program started with paper copies of the news-2-you
newspapers and has grown to include everything it does now. News-2-you
still provides current event information and unique learning systems is a
comprehensive curriculum. Unique learning systems provides a
systematic curriculum from K-12 (and includes information for those
working on their transition to post-high school) as opposed to what has
been done in the past where teachers have created their own curriculum
entirely. Unique provides a new curricular unit each month with a 3
year span of activities. Data can be taken right within the system
after information has been entered in regarding each student. It can
also give an overview of the student based on what’s been entered as
well as ideas of how information can be adapted for that individual
student. This allows all of PEP to be using the same system so that the
information being presented to students follows through the curriculum
as they move across teachers and sites. Testing is now also very
similar to how teachers are being told the state tests will be
presented. It allows pre and post test data to be taken on the units
being taught. Also facing question of how to best store the information
each month, especially what’s been printed. Looking for this program
to be funded at least 2 more years for at least a full 3 year cycle if
not more. Data taken by teachers and staff will help show
effectiveness. Full cost for a year is about $5000 (11 licenses) and
comes from special services. Unique learning has also been a focus on
teacher PLC’s. Saves teacher’s time because cut down on planning
needed.
Best Buy grant has come in since the last meeting. About
30 iPads and teachers and staff will be trained later in March. Mr.
Weigel shared a number of apps are listed to be purchased including
Dociary which will allow students to control the information on the
board with the tablet.
PEP now has a Safe Schools Plan that is an
addendum to the schools’ plans that they are located in. Nurse
Smarjesse was able to follow up on information provided by Mr.
Hollifield and get medical supplies for PEP’s emergency “Grab and Go”
bags. Other safe school items include capital outlay items recommended
by Dr. Adell including a secure entrance for TCR PEP and additional
radios. Radios link with others within the buildings so that others can
help respond as needed.
Staff changes since the last meeting.
One of the assistants, Angela Smith, took at teaching position at
VSMS-PEP. Two new assistants hired, Melissa and Kelsey, and both are
working out well.
Open discussion for items not included on the agenda:
Mr.
Hollifield brought up contacting Jerry Vehan (sp?) – director of
Buncombe County Emergency Services (and Woodfin mayor) about radios not
being used that might be able to be donated for use.
Mr.
Hollifield also brought up concerns over student issues with two and
three hour delays. He has found that using different types of schedules
(i.e. Schedule A=2 hr delay, Schedule B= no school, etc) with his son
and explaining the difference depending on what’s been called works
best. Ms. Straub and Mr. Weigel shared that they are in fact very
difficult for the students, especially for those with Autism. Saturday
school is also a challenge. Ms. Smith asked if there would be any more
Saturday school and when the last day of school is. The understanding
is that if there is more inclement weather where school is missed, the
Saturday of that week will be a make-up day. June 12th is the last student school day as of right now. Graduation ceremonies start that Friday evening.
Ms.
Broaddrick asked whether the jewelry that was being sold is still for
sale. Ms. Pickens shared that it is and will be as an ongoing thing.
She also asked if there were more sweatshirts for sale and Ms. Pickens
said she will check on that in the morning when she is here for the PTO
meeting. She will check into selling t-shirts as well.
Mr. Weigel
also shared that tonight is the second TC Roberson home baseball game.
The baseball team has been big supporters of the PEP program and has a
PEP student throw out the first pitch at each home game. Ms. Smith
shared that the Asheville Parks and Recs adaptive sports teams are very
nice and great programs.
PEP program being a part of the other
schools has really led students to be included by all, not just peer
tutors. This often lead these people/kids to keep involved in the field
throughout their lives.
It was noted that the next advisory
council meeting is for the whole Roberson District on Monday, April
21, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Valley Springs Middle School.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:35 PM.