Category: Community Council

South Jordan Middle School Community Council

Official minutes- Monday, Jan 22, 2024

Present: Curtis Jenson (CJ), Jennifer Ngatuvai (JN), Stephanie Rich (SR) , Marilyn Richards (MR), Tracy Miller (TM), Sara Nichols (SN), Jessica Tenney (JT)

Absent: Lindy Christensen (LC), Lindsey Branca (LB)

Meeting opened at 4:08 by CJ .

Motion by JN to table the approval of the December minutes. 

CJ shared the Land Trust plan $176,000 and TSSA $255,000 amounts. 

CJ led discussion on USBE report card. He shared PROWL and Panorama data. JT led a discussion on mental health issues. SN shared how hard it is to find the balance for teens.

CJ led discussion of current Land Trust; there are two main goals as outlined in the distributed handout: Academic Improvement and Mental Health Supports. 

SR explained co-taught strategies as some of the funding will be utilized to fund co-taught mathematics classes. CJ answered questions and explained all areas of spending. 

CJ led discussion of current TSSA; there are three main goals as outlined in the distributed handout. Instructional Coaching Component- the coaching process was explained. Professional Development Component- funding was explained for PD. School-Based Initiatives Component- efforts to improve social/emotional resources were explained. 

Final draft of both plans will be available to be voted on at the March 11th meeting. 

JT asked for clarification on SBG and where the district is headed with it. JT feels like SoJo is moving forward but parents are not seeing consistency throughout the district. CJ used the example of retakes and the system being different between teachers. CJ explained the fundamentals of SBG and gave examples. 

Next meeting will be March 11 at 4:00.  

Meeting adjourned at 5:28 with motion by SN; 2^nd by JN.

–Stephanie Rich

South Jordan Middle School

SCC Secretary

Agenda

Review Land Trust and TSSA Plan Drafts.

South Jordan Middle School Community Council

Official minutes- Monday, December 4, 2023

Present: Curtis Jenson (CJ), Jennifer Ngatuvai (JN), Stephanie Rich (SR), Lindy Christensen (LC), Marilyn Richards (MR),  Lindsey Branca (LB), , Kami Taylor (KT), Tracy Miller (TM), Sara Nichols (SN), Jessica Tenney (JT)

Absent: none

Meeting opened at 4:07 by CJ.

Motion by JN to approve the October minutes. 2^nd by SN.

MR led discussion updating the parking lot plan. SN asked a follow up question. JN gave feedback. The council was given a draft of the map. CJ responded to concerns and questions.

CJ led discussion on Digital Citizenship and School Safety. The council was given a copy of the agenda which included data on school violations. CJ answered questions related to the violations report. JN asked what misconduct entails. CJ replied it is student misconduct that does not fit another category. CJ explained the phone light system. 

CJ led a discussion on the current School Prevention Plan and gave copies to the council. He explained all of the preventative measures currently in place. He answered questions related to the plan. 

JN gave feedback about PROWL and asked if it could be implemented at BHS. CJ answered questions. LB asked about the Student Wellness Room. CJ and LC answered questions about the room and its use. 

CJ led discussion of current Land Trust and TSSA plans. Previous areas of spending were:

1. Reductions in Class Size, Specifically in Math & Language Arts
2. Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support
3. Additional Counseling Services
4. Professional Development & Planning Days
5. Instructional Coaching (ideally, 1 coach per period)
6. Chromebook Replacements (~$50,000 / year, if needed)

CJ answered questions and explained all areas of spending. JN asked about the coaching process. CJ explained the process and how we utilize our coaches in our building. 

CJ asked if there were other things the SCC would like to look at funding. JN suggested sending a survey to teachers and asking them how the funds should be spent. SN detailed how a similar survey was utilized at the elementary school. JT said she thought it would be beneficial.  CJ will draft the plans and send them out before the next meeting. LB asked how to get information on the PTA. LC answered questions. CJ explained PTA memberships and memory books have to be removed from Skyward. LB explained some of the new procedures related to PTA. CJ will talk to the PTA and report back. 

JN asked about the bus drop off schedule and the doors unlocking. JT explained the district sent an email addressing this situation last week. 

Next meeting will be January 22 at 4:00.  

Meeting adjourned at 5:15 with motion by SN; 2^nd by JN.

–Stephanie Rich

South Jordan Middle School

SCC Secretary

School Community Council Meeting, Dec 4, 2023

4 pm, Main Office Conference Room

Agenda

1. Questions & Updates
   1. Parking Lot Update
   2. Questions?
2. Digital Citizenship & School Safety
   1. Violations to Date
   2. Preventative Measures
      1. Prevention Plan
      2. School Culture Committee
      3. Digital Literacy Classes
      4. Digital Citizenship Assembly
      5. Spots – Kindness, Courage, Respect
      6. Cell Phone Lights
      7. Ripple Effects
      8. Future Efforts
         1. Journalism Course
         2. Prowl Classes
         3. Club Messaging & Rush Week
3. Areas of Focus for Land Trust Plan & TSSA Plan
   1. Reductions in Class Size, Specifically in Math & Language Arts
   2. Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support
   3. Additional Counseling Services
   4. Professional Development & Planning Days
   5. Instructional Coaching (ideally, 1 coach per period)
   6. Chromebook Replacements (~$50,000 / year, if needed)

South Jordan Middle School Community Council

Official minutes- Monday, October 16, 2023

Present: Curtis Jenson (CJ), Jennifer Ngatuvai (JN), Stephanie Rich (SR), Lindy Christensen (LC), Marilyn Richards (MR), Jessica Tenney (JT), Lindsey Branca (LB), Kelly Graham (KG), Kami Taylor (KT)

Absent: Sara Nichols (SN), Tracy Miller (TM)

Meeting opened at 4:10 by CJ

Motion by LB to approve JT as chair for the 2023-2024 school year; 2^nd by JN; approved. Motion by SR to approve JN as vice-chair for the 2023-2024 school year; 2^nd by JT; approved. Motion by JN to approve SR as secretary for the 2023-2024 school year; 2^nd by LB; approved. 

CJ led discussion of Rules of Order and Procedure specific to SCC. 

KG led a discussion on the past few weeks of school as related to the counseling offices. The counselor have been or are busy with the following;

7th grade orientation

Career lesson for all 8th graders

Empathy lesson for all 9th graders

Individual meetings for PCCRs (Plan for College and Career meetings) for 8th and 9th graders

Our three year Interim Review will be held on Dec 5

Over two thousand individual student or parent meetings for academic or mental health

Connections Group (a friendship group)

The counseling office employs 4.5 counselors, two part time social workers, and one psychologist. 

Therapy Access will be advertised in several places including the weekly newsletter, the counseling website, and during the PCCRs. PCCR Nov. 8th, Dec. 6-15th, Dec. 5th we have a District visit. Data project is related to Hispanic achievement. Our Hispanic population has a 24% rate of critical academic standing.  We will be working to drop that rate. LB asked how many counselors/staff are on the counseling team. LB asked what PCCR’s are. KG explained. JN asked who was in charge of College Week. KG responded she was.

JN said she has used the district’s mental health resources and talked about how great it was. Up to $800 in therapy and help getting in is available to students. LC explained the program and how the funding works. MR asked how we let parents know about the resources.  KG said it can be included in PCCR information and MR added it can be sent to parents.  CJ said it can be included in weekly Skyalert. CJ asked KG and LC to help him put it out.  KT said to add it to the counseling webpage. 

CJ led discussion of the parking lot remodel. MR said it will be her job to make sure the board knows this should be a priority. JT asked if we have had problems with students being injured.  CJ said thankfully no but it will only be a matter of time. Bids are coming in November. They may be able to begin on the field portion before the summer. 

CJ announced the gym will be repainted next summer to add volleyball and pickleball standards and lines. 

CJ led discussion of current Land Trust plan; CJ reported a lot of money is spent on lowering class sizes and counseling ratio.SN questioned how we measure effectiveness of monies spent on goals.  CJ responded with RTI and PLC data and conversations.

CJ led discussion of the TSSA plan. CJ reported there are five teachers at the PLC conference right now. JN explained the difference between the two plans. CJ said a lot of TSSA is spent on technology. 

CJ led a discussion on the grading scales as a follow up to last year’s discussion. He explained the rationale to switching the school to a 4 point scale. JN said she has always been confused by the end of quarter homework deadlines.  SR stated the new PROWL is really helping kids get help they need. CJ and LC reported on our panorama data showing kid’s need to belong. CJ explained the different PROWL sessions. KG said it helps with doing counseling lessons. CJ explained Kelsi’s role in the school as our new student advocate. CJ explained the new citizenship rubric and said it was a lot of change at once. LC said it has helped kids enjoy their time at school. JT reported it has made a huge difference for her daughter and learning autonomy. 

JT asked what topics should be brought to the table in SCC meetings. JN answered for the room and explained we can’t know what to vote on if we don’t know what is going on in the school. JT asked who is struggling the most in the school.  CJ explained the difference between average students and honors students’ performance.. JT asked if the students are doing better so far.  KT explained we may not be able to tell yet. JN explained we are trying to focus on the average student and their needs. JT asked how students know about their club.  Can we advertise them? JT suggested a tag a friend feature. JN and LB said that might not work well but it might be something we can look at in the future.

JN asked if we could schedule upcoming meetings: Dec. 4 @ 4:00pm; Jan 22 @ 4:00pm; March 11 @ 4:00pm

JN explained the process and procedure for the rest of the year. 

JT asked for clarification on how many students are honors vs. regular. CJ responded there are 314 in honors; 746 not in honors..

LB asked what standardized tests are given in middle school. CJ responded they are RISE and Aspire. JT asked if we will get data on testing scores. CJ showed the scores to JT and LB and said he hopes PROWL will help improve scores.. 

Next meeting will be December 4 at 4:00.  

Meeting adjourned at 5:15 with motion by JN; 2^nd by JT..

–Stephanie Rich

South Jordan Middle School

SCC Secretary

South Jordan Middle School

School Community Council Meeting

10/16/23

• Review Rules of Order, Welcome New Members
• Elect Chair and Vice Chair
  • Chair Responsibilities
    • Set Agenda
    • Conducts Meetings & Takes Notes (unless delegated)
    • Welcomes and Encourages Public Participation
    • Ensures Timeline is Kept
    • Brings Rules of Order & Procedure for Adoption
    • Uses the Council Members (delegates)
  • Council Responsibilities
    • Adopt Rules of Order & Procedure
    • Advise & Make Recommendations on:
      • The School & Its Programs
      • School District Programs
      • School Land Trust Plan
      • Child Access Routing Plan (Formerly Safe Walking Routes)
      • Student Safety, Including Technology Use
        • Acceptable Use Agreement
        • Net Positive Assembly
        • Digital Literacy Course
      • Other Issues Relating to Community Environment for Students
• Review Timelines
  • Electronic Signatures – By Friday, if possible
  • August – October
    • Fall Elections
    • First Meeting
      • Elect Chair & Vice Chair
      • Review Current Land Trust & TSSA Plans
    • October 20
      • Assurances Completed on Land Trust Website
      • Updates to School Website Completed
  • November – December
    • Review School Safety & Digital Citizenship
    • Review Positive Behavior Plans
  • January – February
    • Review Current Budget & Submit Plan Amendment, if needed
    • Review Academic Data for Current Year & Future Plan
    • Make Recommendations for Future Plan
  • March – May
    • Prepare & Approve School Land Trust Plan
    • Sign Plan on Land Trust Website
    • Report on Current Plan
    • Celebrate Student & School Year Successes, Including Plan Implementation
• Review Current Plans (Land Trust & TSSA)
  • Land Trust & TSSA Goals: Success will be measured by a growth of at least 1% on the school USBE report card. We were at 65.5% for the 2021-22 school year, and hope to see at least a score of 66.5%. This includes academic performance, growth, multi-language learner progress, and growth of the lowest 25%. We will also specifically target growth in math specifically through the coaching and mentoring programs, as well as class size reductions. Math achievement scores and growth scores should show at least a 1% growth. For achievement that means growing from 53.3% to 54.3%, and for growth going from 64.7% to 65.7%.
• Review Progress on Parking Lot Changes
• School Updates (Grading & PROWL)
• Counseling Updates

Official minutes- Monday, April 17, 2023

Present: Kristy Ives (KI), Curtis Jenson (CJ), Jennifer Ngatuvai (JN), Stephanie Rich (SR), Lindy Christensen (LC), Marilyn Richards (MR), Liz Bowden (LB)

Meeting opened at by 4:12 by KI

Minutes from February 27th meeting will be sent to members for approval. 

Discussion was held on Safe Walking Route- Two main plans were suggested one involving SJ Parkway/Redwood Road and the other involving our parking lot. CJ showed drone footage and shared the city’s plan to extend the sidewalk north along 27th W. MR requested CJ contact Scott Thomas in Aux Services for the plan.

CJ led discussion on portables and teachers retiring. We are having two portables moved to another school. We also discussed teacher movement within the building.

LB gave a report on the counseling department’s target goal of raising the GPA of 8th/9th grade Hispanic students.  Goal was to increase student GPA’s 10%.  Interventions were put in place by the counseling department. Student GPA’s increased 23%. 

CJ shared 0-4 scale momentum for next year. JN appreciates the drive to get everyone on the same page. 

KI thanked CJ for the smooth checkout process for Freshman sports this year. 

Meeting adjourned at 5:12 with motion by JT; 2^nd by LC .

–Stephanie Rich

South Jordan Middle School

SCC Secretary

Our agenda for the final SCC meeting of the year includes:

• Safe Walking Routes Update
• Parking Lot Review
• Staffing Updates
• Counseling Center Updates

SCC 2-27-23.docx

Official minutes- Monday, February 27, 2023
Present: Kristy Ives (KI), Curtis Jenson (CJ), Jennifer Ngatuvai (JN), Stephanie Rich (SR), Lindy Christensen (LC), Tracy Miller (TM), Marilyn Richards (MR), Jessica Tenney (JT), Sara Nichols (SN), Spencer Young (SY)

Absent: Jessica Tenney
Meeting opened at by 4:06 by KI

Discussion was held on Safe Walking Route- Two main plans were suggested one involving SJ Parkway/Redwood Road and the other involving our parking lot. CJ will look for the amended plan noted by MR on amendment of parking lot to better utilize the space. There is a meeting tomorrow with the city to further discuss Safe Walking Routes.

Minutes from November 14th meeting will be sent to members for approval.

CJ led discussion of Proposed Land Trust Plan.(PLT) CJ explained the growth and achievement percentages. The overall goal is 1% growth but Math will be a specific target for 1% growth over the upcoming year. We will look at restructuring the PROWL program to help us achieve our goals. There is an interest in teachers being more available for help before/after school. An Edficiency style program is being looked into to provide teacher/student support to make PROWL, our advisory period, beneficial for all.

SN suggested we need consistency as an institution from 7th-9th grades. There is a lack of stability for students. LC noted research shows the impact on education was more severe due to Covid than it was for Hurricane Katrina.

PLT focuses on coaching, lead mentor help, an additional part time counselor and lower class sizes in math. We need to get educators sharing and talking to help improve instruction for all. Budget is approximately $176,000. KI and SN both said the plan has the potential to impact all students and is specific to the school. TM added she likes the lower class sizes in math. KI moved to approve the PLT plan, SN seconded. PLT plan was unanimously approved by the committee.

CJ led discussion of TSSA plan. We have used this to help with professional development and school initiatives ie: Chromebooks, computers, staff and student wellness rooms, honor roll/student of the month, school culture items, response to intervention training, additional staffing concerns.

KI led discussion of ParentGuidance.org and the resources they offer. We will look into placing it on the school website and providing training to parents so they are aware. LC asked if we think a parent night on this topic would be beneficial. CJ will

check with the district to see if this can be added to the website for easier parent access.

JN asked a question about school security and how are we keeping track of doors being closed when they should be. CJ will check into this and report back. TM asked what could be done differently? JN suggested there be better alarms to address the safety problems.

CJ presented on the counseling center update, Job Shadow day and the PCCR’s. Next meeting will be Monday, March 20 at 4:00pm.
Meeting adjourned at 5:32 with motion by MR; 2nd by SN .

–Stephanie Rich
South Jordan Middle School SCC Secretary

Monday, February 27, 2023, at 4:00 pm
Agenda

1. Welcome
2. Review/Approve Minutes from Previous Meeting
3. Follow-up on walking routes
4. Lands Trust/TSSA Plan
5. JPAC Update
6. Counseling Center Update
7. SOJO update
8. Next Meeting: Monday, March 20, 2023, @ 4:00 pm
   Adjourn