District Parent Advisory Council

October 2004 Newsletter

The District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) is a group headed by Superintendent, Dr. Bowers. Its purpose is to communicate district-wide activity and build support for student and family articulation in the community from birth to High School; and to help everyone better understand the link between local school and district-wide efforts. Its members are the current PTO and Site Council Chairpersons from all school sites, the Director of Curriculum, the Assistant Superintendent, the Director of Special Services, the ECFE Chairperson, and the Legislative Task Force Chairperson.

Their first meeting of the year was October 5th and the following topics were reviewed:

The Vote Yes committee gave an update on their efforts towards getting the (18%) referendum and ($10 million) bond passed at the Nov 2nd election advocating for public education on the matter and phone bank volunteerism.

Director of Curriculum, Barbara De Master, reviewed the Curriculum and Instruction Work Calendar 2004-05 highlighting a grade 7-12 Curriculum Review focusing on the process of detailed evaluation and the wide variety of data usage. An updated on recent text book buys was given. Mandated local and national Standards & Outcomes in science and social studies are expected to be ready for implementation by the end of fall.

Supervisor of Information, Tom Marble, spoke on new student information system that is currently being implemented, called Power School. This Apple based systems is widely used in the US, and SLP is one of first in the Minneapolis metro area to obtain it. Power School offers greater flexibility and customization options than the past system. This department is currently working on interfacing grade books, progress reports at the Jr. High in October, and electronic report cards, as well as staff training through out the district. Parent access is expected in November. Due to the technology levy, teacher laptops are being made available and a remote wireless access program is working its way through the school sites. Computers are in a 5 year like cycle. A partnership between the school district and the City of SLP was made regarding enhance fiber optics throughout the city resulting in better internet service and savings due to cost sharing.

Jr. High: through a grant from Hennepin County, the Jr. High initiated an anti-bullying program they launched with Hero Day. They had Sr. High School role models and theatrical presentations that created an awareness to the issue focused on building a climate of safety and accountability. Jr. High SC is also working on transitions and group visibility.

Cedar Manor is working on a Strategic Site Plan, responsive classroom efforts, and looking into ways to increase volunteerism.

Susan Lindgren: requested financial disclosure and dialogue on student start times, and is looking at district ‘best practices’ on fundraising and volunteerism efforts.

There was discussion on the goals and outcomes of this group and the desire to strengthen community relations through more in depth sharing and increased meaningful dialogue between DPAC members. The administration was encouraging and set the topic of fundraising/best practices and district finance for our next meeting.

The next meeting of this group will be December, 2004.

Rachel Richardson – Site Council
Katherine Cramer - PTO