DEAL LSRT   Minutes - November 6, 2009 meeting

 In attendance:  Melissa Kim, Emanuel Dacoba, Deidre Neal, Clarence  Humes, Elyse Lerum, Patricia Sweeney, Cynthia Mostoller, Mary  Podesta, Karen McAdoo, Dyana Forester, John Katz, Ruth Wattenberg,   Diane Torreson

 Housekeeping

 Minutes from the October meeting were adopted, with the following  correction:  Under the heading of Principal’s Report, New Teacher  Evaluation System, “Katz:  Indicated support for tying evaluations  to test results” is deleted and replaced with Katz:  Stated that  he was extremely dubious about tying evaluations to test results.”

 There was consensus that minute-taking should be shared among the  LSRT members, with the idea that no member should have to take  minutes more than once per year.  There was a suggestion that the minutes should focus on actions taken by, and information shared  with, the LSRT, with less emphasis on attributing statements to  particular members.

 Principal’s Report

  There was an evaluation visit at the end of October,  examining Deal’s progress in implementing an International  
 Baccalaureate Program.  The visitors seemed impressed, particularly  with the level and quality of interaction between students and  teachers, administrators, and other adults.

 The latest, unofficial word on the possibility that Wilson  
students might be placed in Deal space while the high school is  
 being renovated is that space will be found for allWilson students  in University of the District of Columbia facilities.

  The first advisory is over and D.C. BAS tests have been  
taken.

  The first Professional Development Day focused on looking  
at and working with different groups of students.  The Deal faculty  has achieved such a high level of proficiency at using data that  they should share their skills with other schools.

  Deal faculty and administrators were not pleased that DCPS  
 cut out the parent-teacher conferences for the first advisory,  
although Edline is something of a substitute.  It was noted that an  early conference is extremely important in getting the year started  well. It may be helpful to voice concern to DCPS, if necessary, after the draft 2010-11 calendar is published.

 Buddy Days begin this week.  The fifth grade Buddy Days  
will be half-days, since this is most consistent with the  
 developmental level of the visiting fifth graders and the Deal  
sixth graders.  Ms. Neal and Ms. Hernandez are arranging bus  
transportation back to the feeder schools after the half-day  
sessions, and the Deal PTA is providing funding for the buses.

 Community Feedback

Concern has been expressed about whether the new DCPS plan for  observation of teachers in the classroom might be adversely  affecting classes.  LSRT faculty members reported that teachers  have been able to juggle schedules as necessary - for example,  rescheduling tests that would otherwise take place on an  observation day, so that actual classwork can be monitored -  without much difficulty.  There is some concern among teachers as  to how the new process will play out, but not with respect to  impacts on classroom activity.

 Community Outreach

Dyana Forester led a discussion on proposed outreach sessions, in  which Dr. Kim, LSRT and PTA members, and others will attend  meetings to provide information about Deal and interact with  parents, students, and community members.  Zip code data on Deal students was examined to determine where, other than the school   vicinity, Deal families are located.  Based on the data, it was  suggested that there might be meetings in Ward 7/Ward 8, Ward 6  (perhaps Brookland), and Ward 1 (Mount Pleasant).  It was also  suggested that the meeting include discussion of a pre-announced  topic of general interest, as well as a question and answer  session; that the locations be near Metro stations; that the meetings focus on neighborhoods, not individual schools; that Deal  work with parent resource centers on middle school fairs; and that  
the meetings start in November.  It was agreed that the zip code  data would be shared with the Deal administration and that there   would be a short presentation at the next LSRT meeting regarding  the data.

Deal Modernization

 Mr. Dacoba gave an update on the modernization.  Highlights included:
 The final phase of construction is scheduled to be  
 complete by February 2010.  This will include six new “infill”  
 classrooms, two science labs, and a solar roof.

 The renovated school will have 58 classrooms, 10 offices,  
specialty classrooms, new computers and technical support, a  
restored auditorium (scheduled to be completed on November 30,   2009), a new cafeteria, a new gym, and a new library.

There is progress in reaching agreement with the National  
 Park Service on the land exchange that is needed for Deal to have  optimal athletic fields.

   There is also progress in obtaining the Rose School as  
part of the new Deal.

 Perhaps the major lesson of the renovation for Deal staff  
 is the importance of an educator working as project manager, to  ensure that educational interests are protected.

With respect to the Rose School, the ANC has agreed to let  
 renovation proceed before the structure is designated as an  
 historic facility.  A museum dealing with the history of the school   may be included in the final plans.  The ANC agreed to work with  the Tenley Historic Society: it was suggested that a member of the  society be invited to speak on the historic values of theRose School.

Other Business

 The D.C. Urban Debate League is out of funding.  The league is   looking for grant money to cover its expenses --- a total of  
 $30,000 per school year.