MINUTES FROM THE FRIENDS OF HANCOCK PARK MEETING

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Welcome: Reyna welcomed everyone to the meeting and discussed the goals for Friends of Hancock. She said that she hoped that more parents would get involved. Reyna reminded the attendees that Andres is hosting our first Family Diner Night next Thursday, September 17^th from 4-8:30 p.m. Parents were reminded that they must bring their flier in order for Andres to donate 20% of the proceeds to Friends of Hancock Park. Parents were also reminded that the restaurant only accepts cash.

Got Game: Coach K introduced himself and explained that Got Game provides PE, Camps, after school enrichment, and other supportive programs to the students of Hancock Park. He discussed the fact that the programs have grown over the past six years and that their goal is to cater to all student interests. To that end, he explained that Got Game has had the USC La Crosse Team visit.

Mrs. Parker briefly welcomed the parents and thanked everyone for their support. She said that the mission of the Friends of Hancock Park is to support the instructional programs and priorities of the school which include: learning, physical education, arts, safety, etc.

Room Parent Coordinator: Angela introduced herself. Angela said that ideally each class would have two room parents, but that one was ok. There are 32 classes at Hancock Park and only 2 classes still need room parents. Angela said that she would be emailing the room parents a manual and that it is the room parents’ role to facilitate communication between the parents and the school. The manual is intended to assist the room parents in explaining the different volunteer programs, including teacher appreciation day and school beautification day. Angela asked that the room parents present pick up the white student envelopes and update the Google sheet sent by Lora with the parents’ contact information.

Annual Giving Campaign: Jessie and Lora introduced themselves and explained that the Annual Giving Campaign is ongoing and will end mid October at the latest. The goal is for each family to donate $750 per student because that is what is spent on each student. Thus far, $170,000 has been raised, and that does not include the matching from Park La Brea. Roughly half of the families at Hancock Park have thus far donated. The hope is to raise $250,000 and once that goal is reached, we can conclude the Campaign. The Disneyland tickets will be drawn on September 25, 2015. If the Campaign is concluded early, the prizes will be drawn earlier as well.

Spencer briefly spoke and reminded us that is important to explain to families why it is important to donate. Reyna stated that Friends of Hancock Park has reduced the number of fundraisers this year.  Jessie also explained that this is her last year at the school and if a parent is interested in assisting Lora next year, they could learn the process now by assisting them.

Teacher/Staff Holiday Breakfast: Shula introduced herself and explained how much the staff at Hancock Park appreciate the breakfast. She said that it is our opportunity to thank the teachers and staff. This is Shula’s first year doing this and she said that she needs volunteers to assist her.

Walk a Thon – Reyna spoke about the Walk a Thon which is held on the 100^th day of school. It is a fund raiser for the kids to raise money for physical education. The kids love it! The kids are given an envelope to use to collect money. The goal is that each student will raise $100 and if they do, they get a t-shirt. On the 100^th day, the kids walk laps based on their grade level. A schedule is sent out. Volunteers are needed for this year to help. Hopefully, another parent will take over for next year.

Carnival: Victoria introduced herself and explained that this is her first year coordinating the Carnival. She needs a lot of help and intends to call on the people who helped last year. She is also hoping for new volunteers. She needs a co-chair and captains. The Carnival is at the end of the school year.

Morning Drop Off: Jenna introduced herself and discussed the importance of the morning drop off. It is a safety issue. Each family is asked to donate 1 day for each student of Hancock Park. Each class will be assigned roughly a week of drop off. It is important that there be at least two people present during drop off, but ideally four. Parents are asked that if they see that there are not sufficient volunteers at drop off to think about helping out.

Vacant Positions: Reyna informed the parents that there are four vacant positions:

• Ralphs/Amazon Rep. – Cards should be registered in September. It is an easy way for the school to make money. Parents should make sure that when shopping on Amazon that they use the link on the Friends of Hancock Park website or bookmark it.
• Yearbook Staff – Tara volunteered to do the Yearbook.
• Banner Sales – Someone is needed to sell banners.
• Korean PTA Chair. – Someone is needed for this position.

The meeting ended at approximately 7:40 p.m.

Friends of Hancock Park (FOHP)

Meeting Agenda and Notes

April 15, 2015

School Site Council Meeting – Regular Meeting 2014-2015

Thursday, February 12, 2015

2:45 p.m. – Room 36

1) Call to Order: Cherie McDermott, Chairperson, called the regular meeting to order at 2:55 p.m.

2) Attendance:

• Present. School Site Council (“SSC“) members constituting a quorum were present: Cherie McDermott, Chair; Ashley Parker, Principal/Vice-Chair; Michael Do, Parliamentarian; Sue Zabloudil, Secretary (tardy); Beverly Glass, Member; Mark Harelik, Member; Bill Hochhaus, Member; David Rodriguez, Member (tardy); Larry Tynan, Member; Kathy Wien, Member; and Victoria Yoon, Member.
• Not-Present. The following Members were absent: Catherine Baek, Member; Gary Blond, Member; and Mary Melendez, Member.

3) Substitute Secretary. Mr. Harelik acted as a substitute secretary for taking minutes.

4) Approval of Minutes: The revised SSC meeting minutes from December 12, 2015 were received reviewed in advance by the SSC members. A motion to approve the minutes was made, seconded and unanimously approved.

5) Principal’s Report: Ashley Parker, Principal provided the following report:

• Open House CCSS Science Parent Education Event. As discussed in the Principal’s Report during the December 12, 2014 SSC Meeting, parent education around the new Common Core State Standards (“CCSS“) in Science is taking place by a directive from the LAUSD and will occur during Open House. The new CCSS are very rigorous and challenging to put into effect. Our students are in a transition period with an overlap between the new CCSS and the existing California State Standards from which Hancock Park Elementary School (“HPES“) is transitioning. Our teachers are working vigorously to prepare the students for the CCSS. However, as previously announced, HPES will not move forward with an all school Science Fair, but rather will proceed with the annual Fifth Grade Science Fair. To incorporate the parent education component, dual student projects, Fifth Grade CST science projects will be in their classrooms and CCSS science grade level information will be on display in the school cafeteria during Open House for all parents to view.  Although LAUSD has designated March for the CCSS Open House, Principal Parker has requested LAUSD allow Hancock Park Elementary School to schedule the CCSS Open House for Wednesday, April 22. Should the deferred date be approved, the CCSS Open House will be from 5:00 – 6:30 pm in the classrooms, and the cafeteria will be the site for the CCSS projects, also from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. In the classrooms, the open house timings will be  5:00 – 5:45 for Grades 3, 4, & 5 and Grades K, 1, & 2 will have classroom Open House from 5:45 – 6:30. All teachers will have the option of extending their classroom times to 6:30, since the cafeteria displays will be open to parents until 6:30 pm.
• Classroom Overcrowding. HPES currently has two overflow classes with contingent teachers, who are aware that they are hired for this year only, with no guarantee of a position for the next school year. LAUSD is reviewing options for how to address the HPES’s overcrowded situation. One option is to relocate one entire grade level. A second option would be to redraw the school area’s geographical boundaries. A third option is a review of the special day classes on the campus. In any scenario, no changes would occur for the current 2014/2015 school year, but rather would take effect the 2015/2016 school year. According to Principal Parker, HPES cannot maintain the current population level, and it should be noted for the record that any decision that is made is a LAUSD decision and not one that Principal Parker controls.
• English Learners (“EL“) Master Plan Waiver Application. As mentioned in the SSC meeting on December 12, 2014, HPES has a waiver from the LAUSD requirement to cluster students (i.e., when ELs are grouped by EL level in a classroom rather than being fully integrated). Based on teacher and parent input, Principal Parker recommends that it is in HPES’s interest to continue to have this waiver rather than creating homogenous EL groups. As a school and as a community, it is Principal Parker’s recommendation to support the diversity and the teachers have found that our more diverse non-homogenous classroom population spectrum brings ELs farther along and faster. Principal Parker stressed that the rules for Application for Waiver must be scrupulously adhered to, with every “T” crossed and every “I” dotted. SSC must approve the application, but only after a recommendation has been made by the  EL Advisory Council (“ELAC“). The topic is presently on the EL Advisory Council’s agenda for discussion at their February meeting and SSC will review their recommendation at the March SSC Meeting. Principal Parker further reported that regarding EL Development intervention, CELDT results show that an area that needs improvement is ELD level 3’s progress in grades 3 and 4. However, at HPES’s ELD Intervention planning on the morning of February 12, 2015, a recommendation was made for additional focus and intervention being included for other EL groups. Principal Parker did not know what funding would be allocated until after the beginning of the school year, and next year we will have the same questions about what funding we will be allocated and what will continue. Part of the process of funding is in recommendations from ELAC. Hearing from them is very important. The top funding priority is hiring instructional aides to give primary language support, and as much intervention as possible. Chair McDermott indicated that possibly the LAUSD recommendation is more a result of a need for special education students and not a result of EL development. Ms. Parker indicated that the levels of advancement of our students is very high and only one percent (1%) of students do not reclassify, which is a very good outcome.
• SBAC Testing (Scheduling and Accountability Update). Principal Parker reported that HPES has two working drafts for the testing schedule. According to Draft 1, HPES is scheduled for March 23, 2015 through May 14, 2015, which would have testing begin the Tuesday prior to Spring Break. Draft 2 is pending additional input from teachers, but is receiving positive feedback. In preparing Draft 2, Principal Parker indicated that the following factors need to be considered: (i) students are mentally fresher in the morning; (ii) there are limited technological devices that can be utilized; and (iii) the need for allocating time to giving the students instruction on the actual testing equipment between now and testing. Draft 2 pushes the testing commencement date until Friday, May 17, 2015. The use of tablets has not been completely ruled out, but as of now, testing is going to be on laptops and desktop computers only.  Fifth graders will be taking the CST science test on the old bubble-in format.
• School Accountability Report Card.  Principal Parker reported that completed School Accountability Report Cards are issued in March 2015, and due April 2015. She reported that LAUSD wants and needs more participation from HPES’s staff, parents, and students. HPES had a particularly low report card participation. In discussing why HPES has such a low participation rate, Principal Parker suggested that low participation could be viewed positively – i.e., people with complaints are more likely to voice them, as opposed to those that are pleased with HPES and may not participate in such reporting. Mr. Hochhaus stated that he feels it reflects on the higher intelligence of our parents, not filling out every bubble sheet that comes their way. Ms. Wien stated that a possible problem might be that parents are asked to fill out the report card form online, that there could be an accessibility issue or a communication issue among the variously cultural communities that make up HPES. Principal Parker indicated that she would add the survey issue as an agenda for the Korean Coffee Catchup. Mr. Tynan stated that based on the documentation, parents may not understand that this is a report card for HPES and that it benefits HPES for parents to complete the survey. Mr. Harelik and Chair McDermott agreed. Ms. Parker pointed out that the HPES report card does not properly reflect the actual HPES conditions because we only had 220 responses to the survey. Ms. Wien and Chair McDermott voiced the need to find as many ways as possible, through e-blasts, take-home sheets, class parents, etc. to encourage more parents to participate in order to demonstrate unity as a community and remain a self-directed school. Mr. Tynan said we need to assure parents their results will show up and be seen, and have an impact on how LAUSD views HPES. Chair McDermott added that the parents must be assured that the printed results are confidential and anonymous.
• School Photography Company. Based on the number of service issues and complaints that Ms. Parker has received, Ms. Parker is in the process of reviewing proposals from alternative photography companies, other than the current photography company, Lifetouch Photography. Chair McDermott encouraged Principal Parker to take a risk and utilize a new photography Company. Members voiced complaints and raised issues with Lifetouch Photography’s latest photo sessions, and requirements for any future photography companies, including, inter alia, Do’s concerns that the sessions were too clinical and constrained and made the children look awkward, Ms. Wien’s concerns over loss of instructional time and the need to make a choice between losing instructional time or taking time setting up careful shots, Ms. Glass’ concerns that Lifetouch Photography fails to return calls and their failure to deliver correct orders. Mr. Tynan suggested finding a company who will provide at least one free class photo for students whose families don’t buy photos. Principal Parker said that she would take these suggestions into consideration in her search and would report at the next SSC Meeting her findings/recommendations.

6) After-School Programs. Principal Parker reported that she is in the process of reviewing the current after school program offerings and evaluating/searching for alternative programs. Principal Parker made a commitment that she would continue to review such programs to ensure that HPES programming is at a quality level. For example, another school colleague encouraged Principal Parker to review the STAR After School Program operating at another school. Possibly, ARC, Got Game and all after-school programs currently at HPES should understand that they are always under consideration and are not guaranteed a spot with HPES.

7) Safety.

• Officer Gonzalez was requested to come to report, but was unable to attend. However, in his absence, Principal Parker praised his efforts and reported that Officer Gonzalez has been enforcing traffic safety firmly, but without harassment. Officer Gonzalez has been speaking with cross guards and parents and making his presence known, issuing warnings and tickets where warranted.
• Principal Parker met the area Captain who sent a patrol car on February 12, 2015 to the school. area to help discourage unsafe driving behavior. Additionally, the West Traffic Division has HPES on their radar. Even though HPES has ongoing traffic and related safety issues, HPES is geographically situated in the midst of a larger commercial development problem, with burgeoning local businesses and high density traffic area. Unsafe practices are always subject to a ticket, and individuals (parents especially) shouldn’t expect constant temporary waivers, or law enforcement looking the other way (e.g., “I’m just out of the car for a second, why should I be getting a ticket?”).
• Principal Parker has contacted LAUSD again to advise of the traffic concerns and to raise the school’s size and structural concerns.
• Principal Parker advised that HPES will be doing a traffic safety assembly on April 9, 2015, with the possibility of a second assembly on March 26, 2015. Chair McDermott encouraged opening these assemblies to parents.
• Ms. Glass raised concerns about people continuing to park in the staff lot who are not authorized to do so. Staff and teachers are encouraged to properly display their parking tag so that the violators can be distinguished.
• Questions. Vice-Chair Parker inquired as to whether anyone had any further questions regarding the Principal’s Report. Seeing none, the SSC moved to the next agenda item.

8) UTLA Update: Larry Tynan, Teacher and UTLA Representative reported the following:

1. Handout.   On February 12, 2015, before school, parents and students may have received a handout with information regarding the goals of ULTA’s The Schools Students Deserve campaign, which is part of the current negotiations between UTLA and LAUSD.   Mr. Tynan recapped the information on the flyer and also advised as to the following:

• Other districts do not have the same problems as LAUSD and the students deserve better.
• Teacher’s healthcare coverage was reduced and is more expensive, but this is part of a collective bargaining agreement with all eight employee groups in the district and outside of the ULTA negotiations with LAUSD at this time. Teachers wore stickers to raise awareness of the healthcare issues a few days ago.
• ULTA is seeking an 8.5% raise with a classroom supply stipend of $1,000 per year, and an hourly rate of pay for all voluntary professional development and or training. The last offer from LAUSD was a 5% increase rather than the prior proposal of a 2% raise and two, one-time lump payments of 2% increases by the end of the school year.
• LAUSD is advocating for additional support staff at the schools – e.g.,, full time nurses, a librarian, custodial staff and additional school counselors. HPES only has a part time nurse who comes once a week. Secondary school counselors have an average ratio of 800 students to each counselor.
• Major cuts were made during the recession in response to dire economic circumstances, and since the recovery, nothing has been restored for teachers.
• LAUSD is the 70^th lowest out of 75 school districts in terms of teacher pay.
• 2) Stages. As mentioned in the last SSC meeting, there are a number of stages before reaching a strike. Mr. Tynan stressed UTLA is still in stage two, negotiations, and still far away from strike circumstances.
• 3) Rally. ULTA is having a City-wide rally at 4:30 P.M. on February 26, 2015 to support the teachers at Grand Park. Parents and students are encouraged to attend.
• 4) Elections.   Mr. Tynan reminded everyone that the LAUSD school board elections are on March 3, 2015. A complicating factor is the odd configuration of the HPES school boundary area and should be raised with the appropriate officials. HPES’ is in District 4, represented by Steve Zimmer. However, 90% of HPES’ attendees reside in District 1, which is south of 3rd street. Those families, represented by Dr. George McKenna who is running unopposed in the upcoming election, are disenfranchised. Chair McDermott suggested that the local papers be notified of the odd districting and that it be further investigated.
• 5) Questions: Larry Tynan inquired as to whether anyone had any further questions regarding the ULTA Report. Seeing none, the SSC moved to the next agenda item.

9) Friends of Hancock Park Elementary School Report. No representative of Friends of Hancock Park Elementary School were in attendance, but Chair McDermott reported that:

Walk-A-Thon. The students’ walk-a-thon raised $27,000.

• Fundraising. With the end of the walk-a-thon, there is no further HPES fundraising for the 2014/2015 School Year. However, Principal Parker noted that LAUSD fundraising efforts are ongoing, including the annual LAUSD charitable contribution campaign.
• HPES will be participating in a fundraiser for the American Heart Association.
• HPES will be having a Ned Show Assembly, which will be presented at HPES on March 5, 2015. The assembly will focus on behavior education through the use of entertainment (including yo-yos) and parents/students will have the opportunity to purchase Ned products for the pay it forward program (i.e., the funds raised are used to continue fund the non-profit Ned Show Assembly in the schools). According to the School Report Card (see Section 5(d) above), LAUSD wants HPES to do more regarding positive behavior support. *
• Park LaBrea. Mr. Rodriguez inquired as to whether HPES would be receiving funds from Park La Brea for the 2014/2015 school year, rather than just the 2015/2016 school year. Chair McDermott advised that she needed to confirm, but that she believed that Park LaBrea would be making some contributions for the 2014/2015 school year.
• Officer Positions. Chair McDermott encouraged everyone to recommend parents for upcoming vacant Friends of Hancock Park Elementary School board positions, including, a position for a co-treasurer. Please spread the word among parents and encourage individuals interested in participating to step forward.

10) Call to the Public for Questions and Comments.

1. 5^th Grade Culmination. Mr. Rodriguez announced a parent meeting to discuss 5th grade culmination to take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at at 6:30 p.m.

11) Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 4: 23 P.M.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Sue Zabloudil, Secretary, as supplemented by Mark Harelik.

School Site Council Meeting – Regular Meeting 2014-2015

Thursday, December 10, 2014

2:45 p.m. – Room 36

1) Call to Order: Cherie McDermott, Chairperson, called the regular meeting to order at 2:48 p.m.

2) Attendance:

• Present. School Site Council (“SSC“) members constituting a quorum were present: Cherie McDermott, Chair; Ashley Parker, Principal/Vice-Chair; Michael Do, Parliamentarian; Sue Zabloudil, Secretary; Catherine Baek, Member; Beverly Glass, Member; Gary Blond, Member; Mark Harelik, Member; Bill Hochhaus, Member; David Rodriguez, Member; Larry Tynan, Member; Victoria Yoon, Member; Debbie Glass, Guest; Catherine Oliphart, Guest; and Paul Pattison, Guest.
• Not-Present. The following Members were absent: Mary Melendez, Member and Kathy Wien, Member.

3) Approval of Minutes: The SSC meeting minutes from November 13, 2014 (the “Minutes“) were received by and reviewed in advance by the SSC members. Chair McDermott noted the following corrections:

• Correct the spelling of “Cheri” to “Cherie”
• Kathy Wien was marked absent, but was present at the meeting.
• The issues raised regarding the physical education program were directed at the diversity of the program and not just dodge ball.
• Regarding donations from Park LaBrea, the details are being worked out.

Subject to the foregoing corrections, David Rodriguez moved to approve the Minutes and Mark Harelik seconded the approval of the minutes. The motion passed unanimously.

4) Secretary/Parliamentarian: Chairman McDermott explained that Michael Do, as the then current Secretary, would become the current Parliamentarian; and Sue Zabloudil, the then current Parliamentarian, would become the current Secretary. Each of Mr. Do and Ms. Zabloudil accepted the proposal/nomination. The motion passed unanimously.

5) Principal’s Report: Ashley Parker, Principal provided the following report:

• Common Core State Standards (“CCSS“).   As part of the CCSS program at Hancock Park Elementary School (“HPES“), each grade level has prepared display boards to show the CCSS standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. These were on display during the Back to School Night and Fall Parent Conferences. The focus will be on the science standards. These standards focus on critical thinking and scientific method. HPES is adept at having those components in its programming, but this will give the parents a chance to see the CCSS requirements.
  • This school year, teachers were not required to implement CCSS for Science, but the fifth grade students will be tested on CA Standards Tests (CST). Mr. Blond clarified that fifth graders get tested on fourth and fifth grade standards. Chair McDermott asked if fourth graders were learning Next Generation CCSS or CST Standards. Ms. Parker advised that fourth graders are learning both during this transition year.
  • Principal Parker advised that all grades will participate in the science fair for this school year, which will be on display in the cafeteria, scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2015 in the early evening (previously, the science fair was only fifth graders and was in the morning).
• English Learners (“EL“)/English Language Development (“ELD“) – Single Plan for Student Achievement. A summary of the annual review, evaluations and recommendations the English Learner Advisory Committee (“ELAC”) was provided with respect to the Single Plan for Student Achievement. HPES is required to participate in an on-line survey requiring HPES to analyze and plan for student achievement. The survey takes into consideration attendance and academic performance and requests HPES determine what additional supports or programs are needed to maximize student achievement. The SSC also uses this in preparation of the budget, together with recommendations from ELAC.
  • Based on the comprehensive needs analysis, the survey inquires as to which subjects and students require improvement, special programs. HPES focused on ELD.
  • HPES was asked to identify the Tier 2 interventions that are in place. HPES has a structure of intervention, including, a Literacy Intervention Program (LIP) which is in addition to what teachers do in the classroom, Ticket to Read on-line programs and Touch Math and other programs. Principal Parker noted that Tier 2 intervention is available for any student that needs it, not just ELs, but that HPES targets ELs.
  • HPES appears to continue to evidence improvement for its ELS and in its ELD programs. This assessment is a result of teacher evaluations, student work samples, report card grades, indicators for literacy and student testing. For example, when HPES took the California Standardized Tests (CST), EL students rated 9.06 out of 10, which is a high score. Also, as measured by the ELD Test, it was determined that 68.4% of HPES’ ELs improved. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for the success of the ELD programs, it appears to be a combination of students and work ethic and the contributions and support of parents, teachers and aides. Principal Parker recognized the contributions of both parents and teachers.
  • ELAC recommended that HPES continue its ELD programs and focus on the following:
    • Additional student aides and improved student/teacher ratios. The funding of additional aides has increased intervention programs and HPES’ ability to assist ELs and Tier 2 students in grades K-5.
    • HPES continue to offer ELD programs and incorporate the Common Core State Standards.
    • HPES continue to offer Brain Pop and other computer program, including, having a computer designated in each classroom with shortcuts to Brain Pop.
    • Continued integration/mainstreaming of EL students and not participate in LAUSD “clustering”.
      • Chair McDermott asked if HPES was being forced this year to cluster students, which is when ELs are grouped by EL level in a classroom. Principal Parker advised that HPES was not subject to this requirement as HPES submitted a waiver. HPES is the only school in the district with such a waiver and is being monitored to ensure compliance.
      • Principal Parker explained that LAUSD imposes certain minute requirements and types of instruction for ELs (i.e., implementation of 45 minutes EL instruction daily for EL Tier 1 and 60 minutes daily for Tier 2 and 3). LAUSD wants to see a designated/targeted time period for such students.
      • Ms. Deborah Glass advised that LAUSD’s program of grouping EL students into homogeneous classes is contrary to teacher training and segregates students. Ms. Deborah Glass indicated that before teachers were required to have designated methods/time period, that teachers used a number of tools and that students benefitted from being around, communicating with and working with everyone in the classroom, and raised concerns that EL students are not integrated.
•  Vice-Chair Parker inquired as to whether anyone had any questions regarding the annual review and the SSC discussed various aspects and raised multiple questions.
  • Chair McDermott questioned whether the teachers felt that there was enough data to allow them to properly evaluate and see the progress of ELs.
  • Mr. Harelik discussed/raised questions regarding the extracurricular options for Tier 2 students. Chair Parker responded that there are options and some students take advantage and some do not, which is part of the problem. Programs during school, like the literacy program waiver during the school day, was effective.
    • Ms. Deborah Glass recommended that where there are students that need Tier 2 additional assistance, that time is carved out for specific computer programs to help build vocabulary and sense of handling pictures and sounds, and as the student improves, the student can integrate more into the classroom. Because of the programs that the school has, students can take a password home and access many computer program tools (e.g., Star Fall and Brain Pop).
    • In response to Ms. Yoon’s question of whether any student, whether EL or not, can access the programs, Ms. Deborah Glass advised affirmatively that all students can have access to the programs. Mr. Pattison can provide the passwords. Chair McDermott advised that there were multiple levels in the programs and encouraged parents to request passwords.
    • Mr. Hochhaus advised that students could also access materials from the library.
• Chair McDermott asked whether having the waiver impacted any funding from the school. According to Principal Parker, this does not appear to be the case, but we must continue to do testing, track the development of EL students and comply with the LAUSD guidelines.

Seeing no other questions, Mr. Harelik moved to approve the recommendations of ELAC, Mr. Do seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimous.

Technology. Mr. Paul Pattison provided an update from the November 13, 2014 SSC meeting regarding technology:

• Equipment. Mr. Patterson shared that since the last meeting:
  • HPES will purchase 20 new PC laptops that would be used in conjunction with the MacBooks for testing. Additionally, as a result of some donations, HPES will have 16 new computers (i.e., 11 desktop computers and 5 laptops). The new MacBooks will go to the teachers who have failing computers. Mr. Pattison is looking to use some of the higher-end computers donated as servers to support some of the older computers. Mr. Patterson reported he expected the purchases to be completed for January 2015.
  • A parent donated 5 laser printers, which will be put into classrooms.
  • In total for testing, HPES will have 30 desk tops available and another 30-40 laptops available.
  • In response to Mr. Harelik’s questions about mouses for testing, Mr. Patterson said that they will have 30 mouses vs glide pads.
  • Mr. Rodriquez questioned whether the track pads could be disabled and Mr. Patterson said that it could be done.
•  When the I-pads arrive, teachers can check them out and they can be used for classroom instruction and will not be used for testing.
•  Patterson is going to coordinate with Friends of Hancock Park Elementary School to acknowledge two families in particular for their generosity in assisting with the donations in technology.

Testing Location. There will likely be one classroom if one can be found for the full time period designated for the testing and then the computer lab.   Mr. Hochhaus offered to be creative with orchestra and allow for use of his classroom for one week of the testing period. Mr. Harelik suggested that if possible, it would be better for the students to go somewhere where the lab is already set up.

Testing Timing. Principal Parker advised that the testing window opens March 4, 2015. HPES advised LAUSD that it will commence testing Monday, April 13, 2015 and conclude testing May 15, 2015. According to Ms. Parker, this will give students the maximum amount of time to deal with testing, logistics and technology. Chair McDermott suggested that Mr. Paul have some volunteers to help set up the computers.

Winter Program. Principal Parker provided a sample schedule of the Winter Program and suggestions were made for modifications/clarifications. Because of the number of children, the Winter Program was separated into several days and various programs.

Safety.

• Officer Gonzalez was requested to come to report, but was unable to attend. He is addressing traffic intersection issues and issuing tickets. Certain parents have complained that HPES is calling upon the police and ticketing parents. The SSC discussed these concerns and the consensus was that having a police presence is positive for the children and a good safety measure.
• Parents and teachers need to continue to encourage parents to follow the traffic laws, including the no U-Turn to get to the drop-off. Mr. Do suggested putting a temporary sign during drop-off indicating “No U-Turn.” Officer Gonzalez is approaching the City about putting up additional no U-Turn signs.
• Chair McDermott reported a near accident where a driver ran a red light and nearly hit a family. Mr. Harelik suggested that we have the police target violators on Fairfax.
• Mr. Do raised concerns about the deep dip on the corner of Fairfax and Colgate. Principal Parker advised that parents have complained about this before and suggested parents contact the Department of Transportation to complain. Chair McDermott suggested also calling the Bureau of Street Services. Mr. Rodriguez requested that once Mr. Do contacts DOT to provide the information to room parents.
• Ms. Beverly Glass raised concerns about double parking and parents/students walking through the teacher’s parking lot. Ms. Deborah Glass suggested sending a note that students/parents not walk through the area.
• Mr. Rodriguez inquired about whether there was any approval to extend the no parking area, but Principal Parker indicated that she has not received a response to this request.
• Mr. Rodriguez suggested requesting an additional crossing guard. Principal Parker did not think this would be granted.
• Principal Parker spoke with Brad Smith at the LAUSD Office of Environmental Safety and Steve Zimmer and his field officers. Ms. Ramirez will contact the City to see what else can be done. Mr. Smith suggested creating a “Safe Moves” Assembly for the children re crossing etc.
• Chair McDermott suggested offering a driving education program. Ms. Yoon suggested that people would probably not attend.

Questions. Vice-Chair Parker inquired as to whether anyone had any further questions regarding the Principal’s Report. Seeing none, the SSC moved to the next agenda item.

6) Native Plants Project. Member Mark Harelik gave the following report:

• The Native Plant Project Update. Angie Klimeck, an original creator to the garden area, has supported the removal of the three trees, but suggested leaving the rose bush and the lemon tree. Mr. Harelik is in agreement and Ms. Klimeck will be partnering with Mr. Harelik on the redevelopment of the welcome garden area. The three trees being removed will be replaced by five Catalina Ironwood trees that HPES already has.
  • Chair McDermott asked if there was a budget for the project. Mr. Harelik indicated that the FOHPS budget for beautification is greater than the cost of the project and it will all be achieved within the beautification budget.
  • Vice Chair Parker moved to approve the redevelopment of the garden area. Mr. Do seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

• Grape Vine Trimming.   Mr. Hochhaus asked about the grape vines and inquired if it should be trimmed. Member Harelik indicated that it does need to be trimmed and will look into it.
• Whole Foods. Vice Chair Parker recommended requesting Whole Foods be contacted. Mr. Harelik advised that he had already been in contact with Whole Foods. The Whole Kids Foundation is dedicated to edible gardening so once HPES has its school farm installed, there could be additional funding potential.
• Questions: Mr. Harelik inquired as to whether anyone had any further questions regarding the Native Plants Project. Seeing none, the SSC moved to the next agenda item.
  

7) UTLA Update: Larry Tynan, Teacher and UTLA Representative reported the following:

• Rally. ULTA had five rallies with about 1,000 participants at each site. The nearest one to HPES was at Hamilton High School. Generally, the items being raised include:
  • Salary – Teachers have gone eight years without a raise, plus had a pay cut. LAUSD’s latest offer was a 2% raise and two-one time lump sum payments of 2% increases by the end of this school year. ULTA is still asking for a 10% increase.
  • Class Size – Class sizes need to be reduced in middle and high school. One teacher had 48 students in a high school.
  • Staffing – Fully staffed schools. For example, HPES only has a nurse once a week, counselors at high schools and middle schools have about 800 children each.

• Strike Steps. www.ulta.net has a graphic of the steps to a strike, which include:

1. Step One: Sun shining (i.e., where the parties present their proposals)
2. Step Two: Negotiations. As indicated in the press, these are not going well.
3. Step Three: Declare an impasse, in which case, step IV will automatically occur.
4. Step Four: State Mandatory Mediation.
5. Step Five: Fact Finding – A fact finding panel will audit the finances of f LAUSD to determine financial availability, etc.
6. Steph Six: If no agreement can be found, the last final proposals are given and if not accepted, then it is a Strike.
7. Step Seven: Strike.

If parents want to contact anyone at the District level, School Board, Steve Zimmer and any school board members.

• FBI Investigation The FBI has opened an investigation on the IPAD situation.
• Questions: Larry Tynan inquired as to whether anyone had any further questions regarding the Principal’s Report. Seeing none, the SSC moved to the next agenda item.

8) Friends of Hancock Park. A representative of FOHP was not present. Chair McDermott announced that the walk-a-thon pledge forms would be distributed before winter break.

9) Call to the Public for Questions and Comments.

• Parking Lot Lighting. As a follow up to the last SSC meeting concerns raised by Member Kathy Wien over the lack of any outdoor lighting in the teacher/staff parking lot, Vice Chair Parker indicated that it had been raised with the plant manager who is looking into the matter. Member Yoon volunteered a ladder for the plant manager.
• Closed Play Structure. The closed parking structure is still waiting for the new chains.
• Physical Education Curriculum. Principal Parker discussed with Coach K the need to diversity the physical education program.

10) Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 4: 51 P.M.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Sue Zabloudil, Secretary.