Climate, Equity, and Guidance Committee 

September 4, 2001                         Time:  2:30-3:15

Members present: S. Britt, B. Burton, T. Butler, J. Whitaker, D. Banton
Members absent: D. Barnes, S. Clark

J. Whitaker and T. Butler are the self-appointed secretaries for the committee.  A chairperson has not been selected at this time.

The committee reviewed and discussed our mission listed below:

·         Climate, Equity, and Guidance responds to equity issues as they arise at school and in the FCPS

·         Promotes a guidance program that includes preventative guidance, interventions as needed, and support for students, parents and teachers

·         Works to provide a positive environment for students, staff, and parents.

The committee recommended the need for R. Adams to attend the meeting to discuss any guidance issues.

We feel teachers need to be better equipped to communicate and teach our ESL student population.  A few suggestions were discussed:

·         Provide teachers with English-Spanish and English-Japanese dictionaries

·         Hands-on materials to teach ESL students

·         ESL professional development

J. Whitaker found listed in the Kentucky Teacher, August 2001 issue an ESL conference, which is scheduled for December 7 and 8 at the Hurstbourne Holiday Inn in Louisville. The registration fee is $50 per participant. Contact Linda Morse at 502.564.3791 for registration forms or lmorse@kde.state.ky.us.  For details about the conference, phone Annie Rooney-French at 502.564.7056 or Joanne Brooks at 502.564.3791, or send e-mail to ESL2001@kde.state.ky.us.

The committee will look into an ESL program that Toyota Manufacturing provides their staff.  This program may assist our student population and/or staff.

Climate, Equity and Guidance discussed the issue of air quality in our school.  Mold has caused numerous respiratory infections in both students and staff, which can lead to an increase of absentees.  We rest assured this issue will be looked into further.