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Ephraim Middle School
School Community Council
February 7, 2024 @ 3:00 pm
EMS Library

Attendance:
John Gillett - Principal
Lydia Stevens - Secretary (non voting)
Steve Weller - Teacher
Rose Carlile - Parent Member
Spencer Dyches - Parent Member - Chair

Minutes:

  1. Welcome and meeting called to order @ 3:12 pm by Spencer Dyches.
  2. Motion to approve the minutes from November 29th, 2023 was made by Rose Carlile, seconded by Spencer Dyches. All in favor by all voting members.
    Minutes SCC 11/29/23
  3. Wellness Policy - Cell Phone Policy: John Gillett shared the Letter from Governor Spencer Cox about no cell phones in schools during school hours. He informed the council about what faculty members would like to do and see in our school. From the hours of 8:00 am to 2:40 pm there will be no cell phones permitted to be used by students. If a parent must reach their child we ask that they call the school. Spencer Dyches mentioned that there might be some parental concerns and push back. John Gillett talked about some of those concerns and what the positives would be. Less cyber bullying at school and cutting down on issues during school. School is about education and kids getting the best education possible without the distractions of cell phones.
  4. Parent Teacher Conferences will be held Thursday, February 15th from Noon-7 pm, no school on Feb 16th & Feb 19th (President’s Day). Parents will use SchoolBookings to schedule PTC with teachers.
  5. Review 2023-24 (Current Plan) - John went over the current plan and mentioned that it needs to be revised for the 2024-2025 school year. There is roughly $102,471.00 for the year, and $4,000 left over from this year. A total of $106,000 that can be allocated. Spencer Dyches asked how much roll over can you have, John replied with no more than 10% ($10,000). With any of the carryovers we, as a school, can help out the School District with purchasing iPads and the technology fund. This last year $24,000 went to the district to pay for keypads on the iPads.
  6. School/Teacher Ideas for 2024-25 Plan-John
    1. ELL (2-Preps) - 2 preps bought for ELL classes, to help ELL students with their learning and growth.
    2. Science Olympiad - There was no interest this year from students, so there were no teams to compete. May need to reallocate where these funds are going.
    3. STEM supplies - asking about a $5,000 reduction and allocating those funds elsewhere.
    4. Scholastic/Aleks/IXL Apps/Band/Programs - Will be getting apps and programs for students again this year.
    5. Para-Professionals (Aides) - Need to increasing funds for more Para help in specific classes.
    6. Science Teacher Supplies - Money needed for materials used throughout the year.
    7. Professional Development for teachers
  7. Questions/Concerns- Rose Carlile asked if there was a 6th grade math honors class. Mr. Gillett explained that we do not have that and if we did, it would lock that class down and make it like an elective, which makes no flexibility in the school schedule. He also mentioned that we have never had it because 6th grade is still considered elementary school. The more we move towards a competency based learning, the students would be getting the same math, just more in depth.
  8. Next meeting is March 27, 2024 @ 3:00 pm in the EMS Library.
  9. Motion to adjourn @ 3:57pm by Rose Carlile, seconded by Spencer Dyches.