Board Briefs—May 5 , 2009 In This Issue... Public Comments Special Reports and Recognitions Board Reports Highlights from Superintendent's Report       Panel Interview of Board Candidates International Baccalaureate Update   Consensus

Interview of Candidate
The Board held a panel discussion/interview of five candidates for the vacant board seat, created when Ms. Thompson moved out of the Englewood School District and had to resign her position on the Board of Education. Ms. Hunt, President of the Board, along with the other Board Members decided in the interest of fairness and to find the most qualified person, to have candidates complete an application and participate in a panel type interview rather than just appointing someone to fill out Ms. Thompson's term. The candidates introduced themselves and then answered two questions from the Board Members. The Board will meet Saturday, May 9 at 8:00 a.m. in the RDAB Board Room to make their selection. The new member will take the Oath of Office at the May 19th Board Meeting.

Public Comments
A family, with two students at EHS, addressed the Board about what a positive impact their math teacher had made and how he helped them learn.
A teacher from EHS asked the Board to make careful investigations and considerations before making decisions.
A Cherrelyn parent expressed concern over changing a teacher to a different grade level and presented a petition signed by several parents objecting to the change.

Special Reports and Recognitions
Two Englewood High School Students, Kyle Jones and Sarah Kafader,won Daniels Scholarships and were recognized by the Board for their achievements. The Daniels Scholarships are provided to students who have financial need and possess strength of character, academic promise, leadership potential, potential to contribute to one's community and well-rounded personality. Candidates must be permanent residents of the United States who plan on completing a bachelor's degree. Sarah said she will attend Colorado State University majoring in English. Kyle said he will attend the University of Northern Colorado. Both students expressed their gratitude for the scholarships because without this financial support they would not have been able to attend college. Ms. Hunt expressed how proud the district is of these remarkable students and wished them continued success.

Board Reports
Mr. Gorsky stated that he had the opportunity to participate in the "Hotcakes and Hoops" fund raising event this past weekend. Paul Evans was one of the organizers of this fun event to raise money for a police officer's family to help pay for medical care for their daughter who is receiving cancer treatments. Mr. Gorsky said the game was close and fun for all. Tee shirts from the event are still available.

Ms. Howard attended the "Hotcakes and Hoops" events and said the pancakes were good with many being sold and the spectators enjoyed the basketball game. The Farmers Market kicked-off the season and will continue to be at the City Center location throughout the summer on Saturdays.
Ms. Howard enjoyed the Art Show at the Englewood Library mentioning the "human race" display by kindergarten students as her favorite.
Ms. Howard attended the Volunteer Teas held at EMS and Maddox. She also went to Charles Hay Elementary, at the invitation of the students, to tour their school. Sam, a student at Charles Hay proudly showed her every part of his school during the tour. At the fifth grade open house at EMS Ms. Howard learned a great deal about what was going on at EMS. She talked with some students and gained insight as to what concerned the incoming 5th grade kids.
The Colorado High School Press Association (CHSPA) selected Ms. Sheila Jones to receive the Medal of Merit Award for her work with Journalism students and for her contribution to the excellence of Englewood High School's newspaper, The Pirateer. Ms. Howard attended the CHSPA gala celebration to honor Ms. Jones and stated that Englewood is lucky to have Ms. Jones.
Ms. Howard mentioned that the spring play was Trials of the Big Bad Wolf and the kids, under the direction of Mr. Ambron, did an excellent job.

Ms. Miller attended the Parks and Recreation meeting where she learned the City is taking over the train and petting zoo at Belleview Park because the Lions Club is not longer able to provide this service. Ms. Miller also reported that there would not be a community garden this year but this project should begin next spring. Work on the garden is continuing with the help of CSU Extension Services and their Master Gardeners. There will be a Farmer's Market at the City Center every Saturday throughout the summer. The middle school students have been asked to write an essay on being mayor for a day and then the winner of the essay contest will spend a day being Mayor.
Ms. Miller also enjoyed the Art Show and commented on the amazing work the art teachers have their students produce. Ms. Miller pointed out, as an example, the high quality of artwork that is currently on display in the RDAB Board Room from CFAHS.
Ms. Miller stated Creativity Grant Proposals are due May 30.
Approximately half as many Major Saver Cards were sold this year compared to last year. Cards are still available please contact Ms. Miller.

Ms. Hunt thanked the Technology Team for the amazing workshop they presented to the Board on April 22. Ms. Hunt congratulated the Future Business Leaders of America for their excellent work and achievements during a recent competition.
Ms. Hunt mentioned that four students from each 5th grade class went to Legislative day at the State Capitol.

Highlights from the Superintendent's Report
* Mr. McDaniel provided the first card in a series that will be mailed throughout the district and surrounding community to promote the great things happening in Englewood Schools. The creative work and production of these cards is being done in district. On subsequent weeks cards will go out highlighting different aspects of the District. Letters will also go out to in-district kids who attend schools elsewhere. The web site is being restructured to link to items featured on the cards.
*Mr. McDaniel stated that district-wide 98% of the teachers have been retained. The changes in assignments have been positively received with everyone taking on additional work and doing what is necessary to improve learning. Mr. McDaniel affirmed that Englewood students' success would improve.
*Mr. McDaniel formally introduced Ms. Nicole (Nikki) Westfall as the new Principal of Clayton Elementary. Mr. Fore will be moving to EHS and Ms. Westfall will assume the role of Principal at Clayton at the start of the 2009-2010 school year. Mr. McDaniel said there were two very strong in-district candidates in the final interviews and Ms. Westfall was selected because she was the best possible leader for Clayton. Mr. McDaniel recommended that the Board approve this appointment. Ms. Westfall said she was honored and grateful to be selected.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Update
Ms. Vedra introduced Ms. Chris Laney-Barnes, Principal of Charles Hay Elementary who introduced Ms. Nancy Weiss, IB Coordinator. Ms. Weiss reminded the Board that the IB journey at Hay Elementary began in December of 2006 and on April 16 & 17 this year the IB authorization visit took place. The authorizing team visited every class; each teacher was interviewed along with the principal and superintendent. This fall the school will learn the results of the visit. The IB team made several positive comments about Charles Hay including that the depth of the IB plan and the respect demonstrated by the students impressed them. Several students related activities they were doing and how the IB program affects them to be better thinkers, problem solvers, communicators, and people.

Consensus
The Board approved the following consensus items:
a. Personnel Recommendations and addendum
b. Board Meeting Schedule 2009-10 (1st Reading)
c. Increase the Contribution to the City to $800 for Englewood students attending the National League of Cities Conference in Washington D.C.
d. Acknowledgement that at the April 7, 2009 meeting, the Board accepted the resignation of Shelley Thompson effective March 31, 2009 and officially declared the vacancy and established procedures for filling the vacant seat.

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