Parent Advisory Committee

January, 2013 - Gulf Shores Elementary Patron Meeting

The GSES Advisory Committee met on January 2, 2013 at 1:45. Julie Pierce, Staci Robinson, Jason Dyken, Paige Griffin, and Andrea Frogue were present.

The first item on the agenda was to review the Digital Renaissance presentation made to the Rotary Club. Several students described their digital projects in the core subjects using Pages, Animoto and other digital resources. Finally, the Technology Coach shared Remote Desktop with the patrons. Remote Desktop is a monitoring program of all Mac Airs in the school. Website additions were reviewed: math homework videos, School Tube features of student digital projects, and interviews with various faculty members.

The second agenda item was to review the 2013 Title I budget. An additional $57,876 funding was used for 2 full time temporary teachers for second semester.

The final item on the agenda was open discussion from patrons about any concerns or questions.

Suggestions for safety were offered. One patron asked if hallway video could be linked to the local police station and what would be the cost. The patrons were assured that lock down procedures had been reviewed, and teachers had watched a Homeland Security video entitled Run, Hide, Fight. Finally, Gulf Shores Police Department had been present on campus since school began after the holidays.

The next Patron meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2013 at 1:45 in the principal's office.November, 2012 - Gulf Shores Elementary Patron Meeting

February, 2013 - Gulf Shores Elementary Parental Involvement Plan Meeting

The GSES PIP Committee met on February 4, 2013 at 8:30. Julie Pierce, Staci Robinson, Eliza Huskey, Paige Griffin, and Nicky Gotschall were present.

The first item on the agenda was to review the First Friday Forum Digital Renaissance presentation and Remote Desktop. Parents were enthusiastic about the student projects and the use of digital technology.

The Title I budget was the second agenda item. An additional $57,876 was sent to GSES. The monies were spent on 2 full time temporary teachers to work with small group instruction during the day. The parents also agreed to spend their Parent Instructional Supply of $3,786.75 on planners, car rider tags, school calendar magnets, and communicators.

Finally, general comments and feedback were offered. First, parents questioned how Gulf Shores Elementary School was addressing school safety. The principal reported that two lock down drills have been held this school year. The Gulf Shores Police Department provided a wonderful surprise of police officer assistance during the school day for a couple of weeks in January. Cameras are present at the front of the school and in the 100 and 400 buildings. Finally, the principal is working with the Superintendent, parents' groups, teachers, and the local police department on adjustments, if necessary, to the Safety Plan that is a detailed written document for dozens of emergencies that outlines safety steps for each emergency. The local police department was asked for suggestions, and the police officers said other than installing prison razor wire, the campus was as secure as it could be. The parents asked that more frequent unannounced drills be conducted especially during the lunch wave. In addition, the parents requested that a School Messenger call be made to parents informing them of the above safety precautions and steps.

The second general comment was that the students were enjoying changing classes for reading and math/science/social studies. This parent felt there was increased rigor in that teachers had more time to plan deeply for fewer subjects. She also applauded Brain Pop as a digital tool that required her daughter to think.

The next meeting scheduled is April 26, 2013 at 8:30.

The GSES Advisory Committee met on November 7, 2012 at 1:45. Julie Pierce, Jason Dyken, Debbi Phillips, Paige Griffin, Andrea Frogue, and Matt Taylor were present.

The first item on the agenda was to introduce Andrea Frogue as the new patron to replace Debbie Files.

The Digital Renaissance review included the following information: enrollment in grades 4-6 is 462 students, unissued Mac Air inventory is 5, all students whose parents want them to have computers have them. A breakfast to thank the Gulf Shores City Council for the laptops is scheduled for November 16, at 8:00 a.m. The school will be open for all visitors to observe the use of technology in instruction at 8:30. The event is called an Open House of Thanksgiving for Our Computers.

Enrollment of Gulf Shores Elementary is at 1040 students, and the free/reduced lunch rate is at 70%.

The fourth agenda item was to review the 2013 Title I budget. First, the reduction of the budget from $276,000 FYE 2012 to $169,000 FYE 2013 was explained. The United States Department of Education was forced to sequester 9% of funds due to the inability of the Joint Select Committee to reach an agreement on a deficit reduction plan. That caused the late release of $36,000. Feedback was requested from the patrons on the spending of the additional Title funds in coordination with a $10,000 gift and the year's fundraisers. The patrons were in agreement with the purchase of Quest Gardens, Icurio, IXL, and Spelling City to support the Digital Renaissance. In addition, they suggested adding a part time technology support person. More information will be gathered from IT and Federal Programs. Fundraiser monies will pay for Icurio, copier, and Missouri eMINTS travel. The gift will be spent on programs of the donors' choice: music instruments, Promethean board, ear buds, long distance field trip, a professional performance, outside seating, multiple disabilities class, archery program, and an after school Lego club.

Item five was the announcement of several after school clubs and activities. An archery club will begin in the spring taught by Coach Burleson. Two Lego engineering programs will be offered in January and February called Vehicle Engineering and Collision Cars. Currently there are two technology clubs that meet after school on Tuesdays, and Beginning and Advanced Dolphin Sound meet on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Finally, Ocean Camp for Girls met in October after school to promote girls becoming scientists.

August 31, 2012 - Gulf Shores Elementary Parental Involvement Plan Meeting
The GSES PIP Committee met on August 31, 2012 at 8:15.  Julie Pierce, Debra Phillips,
Eliza Huskey, Paige Griffin, and Nicky Gotschall were present.  
 
The first item on the agenda was to review the Title I Parent Survey from the spring of
2012. The survey indicated a strong sense of satisfaction with Gulf Shores Elementary
School.  The survey also indicated a desire for fewer meetings.  So the parents advised
using webinars on the school's website to communicate information, especially tips about
how to help students with math homework.  Finally, parents were especially
complimentary of the efforts taken by the front office staff to make new families feel
welcome.   
 
The next item was to review the GSES Parental Involvement Plan.  Minor revisions were
made.  The plan will continue to be revised by the School Improvement Lead Team and
presented for approval in late September.
 
The Title I budget was reviewed noting that it had been cut in half by almost $150,000.   
 
The next item on the agenda was for general comments and feedback.  First parents
provided a review of the summer 2012 Registration process.  Parents liked the ability to
pick up the paperwork and prove residency early.  Parents requested an evening time and
a reminder to bring valid proofs of residency ensuring a consistent list of valid proofs.
 
The school testing results were discussed at length.  Parents asked if the principal could
communicate that the ARMT+ was a more rigorous test, and that the common core
course of study is not aligned to the ARMT+ math test rather the 2003 course of study.
 
 
Finally, parents requested an FAQ about the Invest in Progress campaign.  
 
The next meeting scheduled is November 2, 2012 at 8:30.
 

 Julie Pierce - Principal
1600 East 3rd Street ٠  Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542 ٠ 251-968-7375 ٠ Fax 251-968-7217
 
September, 2012 - Gulf Shores Elementary Patron Meeting
The GSES Advisory Committee met on September 6, 2012 at 1:45.  Julie Pierce, Debbie
Files, Jason Dyken, Debbi Phillips, and Paige Griffin were present.   
The first item on the agenda was a review of the deployment of the Mac Airs to the
students in grades 4, 5, and 6.  The plan is to deploy laptops to the sixth graders on
Friday, September 9.  Fourth and fifth graders will receive their computers the following
week.  Enrollment in those grades is 460 students.  Mac Air inventory is 412.  Backpack
inventory is 309.  More computers and backpacks will be ordered if there aren't enough.  
 
The second item on the agenda was to review enrollment, testing data, and the Title I
Parent Survey.  Enrollment stands at 1027 students with a 54% transiency rate.  ARMT+
testing saw an increase in reading and math scores in third and sixth grades and a slight
decline in fifth and sixth grades.  A summary of the data can be found on the September
copy of The Wave.  Overall, Gulf Shores Elementary met the Annual Measurable
Objectives and made Adequate Yearly Progress.  The survey indicated a strong sense of
satisfaction with Gulf Shores Elementary.  Communication about Title I plans, compacts,
meetings and parental involvement activities was rated high.  Teachers were viewed as
easy to reach.  Customer service by the office was addressed and all are hopeful
enrollment will qualify GSES for an additional employee to assist stakeholders.  Patrons
agreed that asking for identification was an essential safety measure.    
 
The patrons reviewed the 2013 Title I budget and asked why the budget was reduced by
50% from the previous year even though the student free/reduced population continues to
increase.
 
Patrons also gave feedback regarding the summer registration process.  The registration
process was reported as well organized and smooth.  The patrons did suggest an evening
opportunity to register.  They felt an evening would be welcomed by many families.  
 
The final item on the agenda was open discussion from committee members about any
concerns or questions.

Dr. Dyken suggested a meeting between the school and local police department to
work together towards a solution to increasing traffic congestion with our
increased enrollment.
 
The next Patron meeting is scheduled for November 6, 20121 at 1:45 in the conference
room.