Ridgeline High School

Ridgeline High School
School Community Council Minutes
Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017 at 7:00 a.m.
Ridgeline Conference Room

Members Present: Robert Henke (principal), Michelle Israelsen (parent), Emma Smith (teacher), Kay Sweeten (parent), Brittany Foster (Assist . principal, non-voting member), Maria Hunsaker (parent), Jim Crosbie (Assist. Principal, non-voting member), Sandra Hugie (parent), Wendy Finley (parent), Jennifer Loscher (counselor), Craig Bracken (counselor).

Members Absent: Joshua Nelson (parent), Crystal Howe (Chair/parent), Kerri Williams (parent), Bonnie Odd (teacher), Jerry Skidmore (teacher), Jeff Neilson (parent)

Visitors: Diane Theurer, Marcie Lyons, Kristin Johnson (SB president)

Conducting: Sandra Hugie

Agenda Item #1: Approve minutes from Sept. 12, 2017 meeting
Discussion: Kay Sweeten made a motion to approve the minutes. Wendy Finley seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous to approve the minutes.

Agenda Item #2: Report on speed limit sign concerns
Discussion: Sandra Hugie reported that UDOT had approved the moving of the speed limit signs. She also said the signs have been moved. There was discussion of extending time of crossing for students at the crosswalk. It was noted the students have to push the button to get the extended time. Sandra asked for ideas to create a campaign for educating the students about pushing the button. Michelle Israelson suggested posting the message on Instagram. Wendy Finley suggested creating a contest for students to promote the “push the button” campaign. Kay Sweeten reminded everyone that we need to target more than just the high school students. Sandra Hugie brought up Crystal Howe’s idea of passing out hot chocolate and donut or some other treat at the crosswalk before and after school for students who push the button. The student government representative, Kristen Johnson said she would make sure it was put in the school announcements and on the TV board at school. The council decided that Crystal’s idea was the best idea. There was discussion about what days to start the promotion. It was decided to start after UEA, Oct. 23rd – 25th. Sandra Hugie asked for volunteers from the council to help pass out the treats. A sign up sheet was passed around to council members. Principal Henke volunteered to provide the treats for the activity. Sandra also reported that the Cache County Sherriff’s office would start policing the area immediately.

Agenda Item #3: Report on training
Discussion: Sandra asked if anyone was able to attend the Sept. 27th training for the parent members of a school community council. She passed out the information that was given at the training and asked the council members to read the information. Sandra stated the most important use of funds is for student’s academic improvement and providing safe internet access to students.

Agenda Item #4: Counseling Items
Discussion: Jennifer Loscher presented last year’s goals and results from the counseling center:
1. Increase Latino 11th & 12th graders perception that classes preparing them for college and career readiness by 44% and 7.2% increase plan to attend college
2. 55% of students participated in at least one of the counseling center’s Flex sessions
3. 40% of students attended the USU Diversity Day Field Trip
4. 100% of our students had at least 1 PCCR
5. Increased Latino parent PCCR’s by 38%. A big issue is parent involvement. This was accomplished by a lot more outreach, adjusting the counseling center hours for evening hours, providing translators, and calling parents, especially in the evening hours

Jennifer then discussed the goals for this coming school year:
1. Increase Latino 10th & 11th graders perception that classes preparing them for college and career readiness by May 2018.
2. Increase knowledge of college credit courses in high school
3. Increase enrollment in concurrent enrollment courses by 10% by May 2018
4. Increase the Latino cumulative GPA. Currently it is 2.69 versus 3.3 for Caucasian students.

The counseling center will be presenting to the 9th grade about conflict resolution and bullying. Jennifer also brought up the upcoming Utah College Application Week.
Kay Sweeten asked about illegal immigrants and the general concerns about this issue. Jennifer stated that most parents who are illegal immigrants are afraid to apply for help, i.e. free lunch, FAFSA, etc. because they are afraid of “getting caught.” She would like to educate parents on the safety of applying for these types of benefits.
Agenda Item #5: Review of School Testing Scores
Discussion: Bob Henke presented the school’s testing scores along with the goals and achievements for last year:
1. Student scores ACT, AP, CTE, and SAGE testing will be at or above the levels shown in the Measurement Section by May 2017
2. Have more than one National Merit Semifinalist – PSAT (we had three this past year).
3. ACT goal above 20.7. This was achieved as the Juniors average score was 21.3 and the Seniors average score was 23.3. However, for the seniors the data was only for those who retook the ACT while at Ridgeline. Therefore the scores were a little inflated.
4. AP Test – 70% pass goal – we had 78% pass
5. CTE – 82% at proficiency goal – we had 84.25%
6. SAGE –
a) Language arts – 56% goal – achieved 56.4% - Mr. Henke made a note that the website is incorrect! He is working on getting it corrected.
b) Math – 67% goal – achieved 62%
c) Science – 71% goal - achieved 69%

Davis High School was the only traditional high school that received an “A” grade. Mr. Henke pointed out that the school doesn’t have 9th grade students. He showed us the data gateway website to view proficiency for the entire state and compare it to our school. The website is https://datagateway.schools.utah.gov.
The goal for this year is the same as last year: improve in all areas!

Agenda Item #6: Other
Discussion: Sandra Hugie counseled the committee to read the first paragraph of the handout. We will be discussing it in future meetings. Sandra also brought up the fact that her daughter who is a Freshmen made the comment that she feels like everyone hates Freshmen because we’re annoying. She wanted to know what could be done to make them feel more welcome. There was some discussion about what activities are available for them. It was pointed out that the Freshmen are able to go to the dances. They are not required to bring a date. There was also a discussion about how loud the music is at school dances. Principal Henke pointed out that the students request to have the music loud. Kay Sweeten asked about the upcoming changes in the Regents’ scholarship. Jennifer Loscher stated the counseling office is working with the state to get a representative to come and do a training session for parents. Counseling center can’t answer all questions right now due to a lack of information from the state. They don’t know what the awards maximum and minimum will be yet. The state is concerned about making sure the state wide money going towards college gets spread evenly. There is concern that students are getting FAFSA, state university scholarships, and Regents’. Kay Sweeten encouraged the council to contact the legislature to voice their concerns.

A motion was made by Michelle Israelsen to adjourn the meeting. Kay Sweeten seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned.

Next meeting: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 7:00 a.m.
Minutes prepared by: Wendy Finley