School Improvement Council (SIC)

SIC Meeting Agenda  

Tuesday, September 24, 2024 

7:30-8:30am 

 

1. Introductions 

2. 2024 Report to Parents 

• Breakdown of Goals for 2024-2025 

3. 2024-2025 Overarching Vision for SIC: Rock the House… with Community Connections 

Research shows that high family engagement leads to stronger school success (NAESP) 

• Trust 

• Student learning and Well-being 

• Infrastructure and resource allocations 

4. Actionable Goals for the Year: 

• Community Fairs  

• Quarterly Lighthouse Nights 

• Produce Giveaways 

• GreenHOUSE Gathering on September 28th 

5. Final Comments and Questions 

 

The PTA meeting follows this meeting. Please feel free to join. 

SIC Meeting

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

 

Present: Mrs. Harris, Ms. Golden, Ms. Smith, Mr. Presley, Ms. Roland, Mr. Farmer, Ms. Parks, Ms. Leone, Ms. Jarmy, Ms. Elkins, and Mr. Lumsden

 

I.                    Report to Parents: We are using last year’s report to parents as a springboard for this school year.

a.      Looking for connections for the lighthouse values (nurture, connect, create, dream, live, and think), particularly “dream” which is STEM related.

II.                  Overarching vision for 24-25 school year is to promote family engagement.

a.      Current issue is early dismissals and late arrivals as it affects the integrity of the systems that are in place and may become a safety issue. Late arrivals miss instructional time. Early dismissals may require a great deal of work to locate the student throughout the school.

b.      Three pillars for family engagement are trust (bidirectional trust and understanding), student learning and well-being (making sure parents understand what is happening in the school and making sure students have good physical and emotional health), and infrastructure and resource allocations.

III.                First community fair is on Saturday, September 28^th with a produce giveaway.

IV.               First Quarterly Lighthouse Night – October 22, 2024

V.                 Questions

a.      A parent presented a question regarding shade along the Loop 2 car rider line. There is an existing shade structure that can be used, but adding an overhang for additional shade has been approved by the school board.

                                                              i.      Mrs. Harris recommended that Mr. Presley set up a meeting to discuss the logistics of the shade coverage in Loop 2.

b.      Mr. Presley recommended sending the car loop videos again through Parent Square to remind parents.

c.      Mr. Presley recommended sharing information about the community fairs through other channels, like neighborhood HOAs, other nearby schools, churches, daycares, karate centers, etc. Mrs. Harris also emphasized that it is not needs based, so anyone can attend and get produce.

SIC Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

5:00-6:00 pm

 

1. Introductions and New Leaders
2. Last Month's Highlights
   1.  Pastries with the Principals
   2. Produce Giveaway and Green House Gathering
   3. School Report Card
3. Follow up on September Agenda Items
   1. Loop 2
   2. SIC Shirts
4. Announcements and Upcoming Events
   1. Tonight’s Lighthouse Night
   2. Trunk or Treat and Storybook Character Parade- Oct 30
   3. Art for the Sky- Oct 30-Nov 4
   4. Veteran’s Day- Nov 11
5. PTA
6. Actionable Goals for the Year:
   1. Community Fairs
   2. Identified individuals to share Produce Giveaway and specific events for the community
7. Final Comments and Questions

 

The PTA meeting follows this meeting. Please feel free to join.

 

Next SIC Meeting: Tuesday, November 29 at 7:30 am

SIC Meeting Agenda Tuesday, October 22, 2024 5:00-6:00 pm

1.       Introductions and New Leaders

2.       Last Month's Highlights

o   Pastries with the Principals

High and warm turnout. Discussed the book The Anxious Generation; which is about why children need distance from their cell phones. The district principals meeting today discussed disciplinary referrals and there were 7000 disciplinary referrals across the district; 1500 were elementary. Many of them were due to behavior on buses. Children are using devices as a coping strategy. There are copies available to share with parents.

o   Produce Giveaway and Green House Gathering

The produce giveaway went very well. There was a large number of families. There was a lot of produce and families were able to get a large amount of sweet potatoes, cabbage, etc. and there was more leftover at the end. There will be another giveaway in November. Sometimes these giveaways have meat or milk, but we do not know what they will have until they come.

The garden tours well. There are collards, kale, radishes, pumpkins, etc. The families liked seeing what was being grown. The kids take great pride and ownership of these gardens.

We need families to attend these events regardless of their need because good representation means these giveaways will continue happening, and they will bring more variety.

o   School Report Card

Beech Hill is rated excellent on the school report card. This year there is a new growth piece that has changed the way schools are graded so there was some movement in where schools were graded. There are four score ranges: excellent (exceeding expectations), meets (just where expected), approaching (heading in the right direction), and does not meet (not yet meeting expectations). There is now a number line type measurement, where every number counts.

There was a question on whether there is room to grow for those in the excellent category. Mrs. Harris said there is room to grow as there are different measurements for each grade level; primarily between the fourth and fifth grade levels.

Ms. Ward said they are discussing these changes with the teachers. There was a question about how this scoring change looks in the classroom; Ms. Ward answered that they will use differentiated teaching and goal setting. The hope is to start with the kids to see which areas need to be strengthened. Mr. Bedford added that they will make data-based decisions.

3.       Follow up on September Agenda Items

o   Loop 2

Loop 2 will be getting a shade structure per Dr. Robbins.

o   SIC Shirts

A list will be made of all the council members shirt sizes so shirts can be ordered which should be worn during school events to identify members as additional support for questions.

4.       Announcements and Upcoming Events

o   Tonight’s Lighthouse Night

These events will be paired with evening SIC/PTA meetings.

o   Trunk or Treat and Storybook Character Parade- Oct 30

This event is taking place next week. The students are excited to share what they are dressing up as for the parade.

o   Art for the Sky- Oct 30-Nov 4

Different groups will wear different colors for the picture, and they will be positioned to form a picture. The artist will capture the image from up above.

o   Veteran’s Day- Nov 11

For Veteran’s Day, kids can enter an essay contest; information is included in the Peek of the Week. Mrs. Harris added that children may need help identifying who true heroes are (not Spider-Man, etc.). For the Veteran’s Day celebration (parade, songs, picnic, picture slideshow, etc.), the school can use help sharing the information about the event and the deadline, so everyone is aware.

5.       PTA

6.       Actionable Goals for the Year:

o   Community Fairs

•      Identified individuals to share Produce Giveaway and specific events for the community

People are encouraged to share information about the produce giveaway to their neighborhood and other social media pages representing community groups.

7.       Final Comments and Questions

 

Next SIC Meeting: Tuesday, November 29 at 7:30 am

1.       Introductions

2.       Last Month's Highlights

o   Trunk or Treat, Character Pumpkin Patch, and Character Day Parade

o   Think and Create Lighthouse Night for Families

o   Data Dives with teachers

o   Art for the Sky

o   Student Lighthouse Gatherings

3.       Follow up on September Agenda Items

o   SIC Shirts-sizes

4.       Announcements and Upcoming Events

o   Spelling Bee

o   Balloons Over Broadway Parade

o   Holiday Shop

o   5^th Grade Ellis Island Simulation

o   School Counselor Goals

 

5.       PTA

·       Gaga Pit

6.       Actionable Goals for the Year:

o   Community Fairs

·       Identified individuals to share Produce Giveaway and specific events for the community

 

7.       Final Comments and Questions

1.       Introductions

2.       Last Month's Highlights

o   Trunk or Treat, Character Pumpkin Patch, and Character Day Parade

Character pumpkin patch was a great success. Students requested gingerbread night, but for now it will remain the pumpkin patch. Trunk or treat and character day parade were successes.

o   Think and Create Lighthouse Night for Families

Event was successful; much larger turnout than previous events.

o   Data Dives with teachers

Data dives with teachers helps determine needs around the school.

o   Art for the Sky

Event went well, the video is beautiful. The school is currently going through the video to be sure none of the students who do not have media releases are shown in the video before sharing on Parent Square.

o   Student Lighthouse Gatherings

Students are divided into “lighthouses” and work on different activities, have guest speakers, etc. according to their lighthouse themes. The students really enjoy these.

o   Veterans Day

The event was a success with around 300 participants. An ongoing issue with this event (and some others) is that people do not RSVP by the deadline.

3.       Follow up on September Agenda Items

o   SIC Shirts-sizes

A few more sizes are needed to order the shirts. The group reviewed logo designs.

4.       Announcements and Upcoming Events

o   Spelling Bee

This is on Friday for 5^th grade.

o   Balloons Over Broadway Parade

First grade students are doing this and parents were invited.

o   Holiday Shop

Holiday shop and book fair coming up in December.

o   5^th Grade Ellis Island Simulation

Students will be simulating Ellis Island immigration process.

o   School Counselor Goals

The School Improvement Counsel serves as an advisory board for the School Counseling department.

·       The counseling department works in three areas: Attendance, Achievement, and Discipline

·       Ms. Roland chose a discipline behavior as a goal this year, particularly bus behavior. Thirty percent of major referrals last year occurred on the bus. Thirty-seven current students had 48 referrals (.03% of population of students; about half of total major referrals). The goal is from 48 referrals to 38 referrals. In the beginning of the year there was a bus procedure talk for all students. Ms. Roland is currently working on a video for all students as well.

·       Ms. Smith is working on an attendance goal. Truancy is 3 consecutive unexcused absences, or 5 non-consecutive unexcused absences. Ms. Smith is focusing on 11 students with truancies who made up 79 of the absences. Her goal is to reduce that to 69 absences. One component of this is helping parents understand what an excused or acceptable absence is. There will be ongoing attendance challenges to encourage the kids to want to be in school. Ms. Smith will also be sending out attendance improvement certificates. Facts are being sent out in the weekly parent newsletter as well. She is also open to suggestions to improve attendance.

o   One parent recommended snapshots of the DHEC absence information the school nurse shares; infographics are preferred versus links.

o   Mrs. Harris recommended parents speak to family members about planning vacations and trips in May (last 20 days of school year), particularly for 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade because of testing. Make up testing can lead to test anxiety and other concerns due to having to test outside of a familiar environment/setting. This can negatively affect their performance.

o   Ms. Ward added that when she met with teachers about data and goals, a great concern was attendance.

·       Beech Hill will have an angel tree this year, and information will be going out soon on how you can sponsor a family.

5.       PTA

·       Gaga Pit

Will be discussed during PTA meeting.

6.       Actionable Goals for the Year:

o   Community Fairs

·       Identified individuals to share Produce Giveaway and specific events for the community

The goal is to continue planning these community events and getting the community involved in the school.

7.       Final Comments and Questions

Please feel free to join. Next SIC Meeting: Tuesday, December 10th at 5:00 pm. This coincides with the evening the book fair will be open to parents.

SIC Meeting Notes

Date: Tuesday, December 10

Time: 5:00 pm

1. Introductions

2. Last Month's Highlights

   • Veteran’s Day: This was discussed at the previous meeting.

   • Balloons Over Broadway: Students participated in a STEAM activity where they paraded their creations through the school.

   • Turkey in my Pocket: Teachers asked each other throughout the day if they had a turkey in their pocket. Those who did received a prize.

   • Thanksgiving Lunch: Ms. Harris noted that the district came and served Thanksgiving lunch.

3. Follow up on September Agenda Items

   • SIC Shirts: Shirts have been ordered and are expected to be delivered in January.

4. Announcements and Upcoming Events

   • SIC Meeting in February: The February meeting has been moved to Thursday, February 13th, to coincide with the Lighthouse Night wellness event. This includes a glow run, t-shirts for registrants, age-based prizes, reflective medals, and participation by business partners.

   • Shake and Shine Interviews: One-on-one interviews for fifth graders will take place on Friday with community members and business owners.

   • Robotics Competition: The competition is happening on Saturday, and students have been practicing.

   • Book Fair: The Bedford Falls book fair is ongoing and open during the community fair this evening.

   • 5th Grade Ellis Island Simulation: Students are preparing for an immersive immigration experience.

   • Staff Holiday Party: The PTA is hosting a holiday party next Wednesday with hors d’oeuvres and a DJ.

   • Polar Express Parade: This parade for kindergarten will take place on Friday before the holiday break.

   • Math Intervention: Starting January 6th, the PTA is supporting a math interventionist to provide one-on-one or classroom support.

5. Actionable Goals for the Year

   • Community Fairs: Individuals have been identified to share Produce Giveaway information and other events to garner more community and family support.

6. Final Comments and Questions

   • Ms. Hoffman responded to a parent query about in-person vs. virtual days, noting that the district makes these decisions.

   • Ms. Hunter asked about the Kindness Crew program, which is expected to roll out next semester.

   • Monthly lighthouse meetings allow students to participate in group activities.

   • A parent business owner offered to host an event for teachers, and Ms. Golden will follow up.

   • A parent inquired about providing event feedback, particularly for fundraising opportunities. Ms. Harris explained school guidelines, and Ms. Golden will follow up.

   • Mr. Pressley suggested recognizing donors through plaques or stones to encourage community support. Ms. Golden and Ms. Harris are working on related initiatives.

   • Ms. Harris mentioned a reading program partnership idea with grandparents during the Grand-Beacon breakfast.

   • Christian Duboise, a parent and barber, offered free haircuts for children in need, which could also support Shake and Shine students.

Next SIC Meeting: Tuesday, January 21st at 7:30 am

SIC Meeting Notes

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 8:30 am

Attendees

Ms. Harris, Mr. Bedford, Ms. Ward, Ms. Golden, Ms. Smith, Ms. Roland, Ms. Elkins (SIC secretary), Ms. Maggie Suzuki, Ms. Catherine McKenzie, Ms. Brittany Hoffman, Ms. Mindy Hunter, Mr. Christian Duboise, Ms. Marianne Myers, Ms. Catherine McGraw

Agenda

1. Introductions

2. Last Month's Highlights

   • Shake and Shine: One-on-One Interviews – Successful event; students performed well.
   • Robotics Competition – Placed 2nd, advancing to Regionals on Jan. 25th.
   • 5th Grade Ellis Island Simulation – Students dressed in period outfits and participated in activities.
   • Staff Holiday Party – Hosted at The Ponds, supported by PTA.
   • Polar Express Parade for Kindergarten.
   • 12-day holiday-themed activities, including The Nutcracker performances.

3. Follow-Up Items

   • SIC Shirts – Available for pickup in the front office or at the meeting.

4. Announcements and Upcoming Events

   • Math Intervention (Started Jan 6) – Serving over 90 students weekly.
   • Gaga Pit Ribbon Cutting – Jan 31st.
   • Student-Led Conferences – Jan 30 and Feb 4th.
   • Achievement Bowl – Feb 7th.
   • Next SIC Meeting – Moved to Thursday, Feb 13th.
   • Shake and Shine Work the Room – Feb 13th.
   • Lighthouse Glow Run – Feb 13th.
   • Career Day – Feb 25th (Theme: “Rocking and Rolling” with careers on wheels).

5. Actionable Goals for the Year

   • Community Fairs – Promote Produce Giveaway (Next event: March 8, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM).

6. Final Comments and Questions

   • Ms. Suzuki inquired about PTA involvement; Ms. Golden will connect her with Ms. Holly Parks.
   • Ms. Myers asked about Career Day vendors; Ms. Roland shared current participants and welcomed additional suggestions.
   • Ms. Hoffman suggested including an electric company’s boom truck.
   • Ms. Smith and Ms. Roland are seeking event volunteers; a SignUpGenius will be available.
   • Ms. Hunter requested updates on the Kindness Crew; Ms. Harris confirmed the fourth-grade team is managing it.

Next SIC Meeting: Thursday, February 13th at 4:30 pm

SIC Meeting Notes

Thursday, February 13 at 4:30 pm 

Attendees: Mrs. Harris, Mr. Farmer, Mr. Bedford, Ms. Golden, Ms. Ward, Ms. Elkins, Ms. Suzuki, Ms. Hunter 

1.       Introduction

2.       Last Month's Highlights

o   Math Intervention started Jan 6^th -over 90 students being served

There is a lot happening with the math intervention. There are some reading groups as well.

o   Student Led Conferences- Jan 30 and Feb 4^th

Ms. Ward asked for any parent feedback. Ms. Suzuki liked how it was split between days. In the past there were food trucks, but the school decided since it was a quick event to not do the food trucks.

o   Achievement Bowl-Feb 7

The Achievement Bowl was fun at East Edisto. A lot of awards were given to students. General parent feedback was that there weren’t enough tickets distributed, but there must be a capacity limit due to fire code.

o   Shake and Shine Work the Room (top 40)- Feb 13

This event was today. There were 18 volunteer judges.

o   Lighthouse Glow Run-Feb 13

This event is tonight, and the school is looking forward to it. Ms. Golden asked for parent feedback about communication for the event. Ms. Suzuki suggested some possible confusion with racing versus fun run. Ms. Elkins suggested a quarter size flyer to send home with students. The QR code was also discussed since the information was shared virtually, and you’d need a second device to scan the code. Mrs. Harris suggested developing QR codes in advance for bigger events that link to a “coming soon” page if the information isn’t available yet. Ms. Suzuki also suggested adding event links to the “dashboard” post in Parent Square.

3.       Follow up items:

o   SIC Shirts*

School Improvement Council shirts are available if anyone has not received theirs. Members should wear them to identify themselves as parent representatives.

4.       Announcements and Upcoming Events

o   Share the Love Book Swap- Feb 14

There are a lot of books available for the swap. Leftovers will be donated.

o   Career Shadow Day – February 18^th

Students who submitted essays will be able to shadow a faculty member.

o   Shake and Shine Top 10 and the Gauntlet- Feb 21

This event will take place next week in the cafeteria. Stations will be set up for things like describing the weather, a job interview, etc.

o   Bookfair-March

This event will be the first week in March, in alignment with the Boogie with a Book Dance.

o   Career Day- Feb 25

This will take place during fine arts. Students will be able to go through the rotations.

o   Kidz with Lids-Feb 20

This event raises money for children with cancer. Students can donate $1 to wear a hat and faculty can donate $5 to wear a hat.

o   Hunley Living Historical Simulations - Feb. 21

Every grade will rotate through this event during fine arts. A cannon simulation will go off during each rotation. This information will be shared via social media and other avenues to alert neighbors and community members of the noise.

o   Raising Cane’s Spirit Night-Feb 27

The school will get a percentage of the sales from individuals who mention Beech Hill at checkout.

o   Boogie with a Book-Mar. 4 and 6

This event will coincide with the book fair.

o   Boosterthon-Kickoff in March

Boosterthon begins on the 6^th and the Fun Run is March 14^th.

5.       Actionable Goals for the Year:

o   Community Fairs

·       Identified individuals to share Produce Giveaway and specific events for the community

·       Next Produce Giveaway March 8^th from 10:00-12:00

Beech Hill invites families to share information about the produce giveaway in their neighborhoods.

6.       Final Comments and Questions

Next SIC Meeting: Tuesday, March 11^th at 7:30 am

Mrs. Harris requested the Report to Parents be added to the agenda for the March 11^th meeting.

SIC Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, March 11 at 7:30 am

 

1.       Introduction

2.       Last Month's Highlights

o   Share the Love Book Swap- Feb 14

o   Career Shadow Day-Feb 18

o   Shake and Shine Top 10 and the Gauntlet- Feb 21

o   Careers that Rock and Roll- Feb 25

o   Kidz with Lids-Feb 20

o   Voting for the SC Book Award- Feb 19

o   Author Visit for K/1 - Feb 24

o   Raising Cane’s Spirit Night-Feb 27 Bookfair-Week of March 3

o   Rocking with a Book-March 4

 

3.       Announcements and Upcoming Events

o   4^th Grade Annual Figurative Language Fashion Show-March 14th

o   Boosterthon Fun Run-March 14th

o   Engaging Creative Minds (ECM) different grades, throughout the spring

o   Field days- March 20-21

o   2^nd and 3^rd Chorus Performance-March 18

o   The Amazing Shake March 28-30^th

 

4.       Spring Counseling Department Meeting

 

5.       Actionable Goals for the Year

o   Community Fairs

·       Identified individuals to share Produce Giveaway and specific events for the community

Final Comments and Questions

 

Next SIC Meeting: Tuesday, March 15^th at 5:00 pm

SIC Meeting Notes

Tuesday, March 11 at 7:30 am

 

1.       Introduction

Attendees: Ms. Golden, Ms. Ward, Mr. Bedford, Mr. Farmer, Ms. Smith, Ms. Roland, Ms. Elkins, Ms. Hunter, Mr. Christian Duboise, Ms. Maggie Suzuki, Ms. Brittany Hoffman (Flowertown Rentals)

2.       Last Month's Highlights

·       Share the Love Book Swap- Feb 14 (Kids brought books and were able to pick out a new book.)

·       Career Shadow Day-Feb 18 (Student wrote an essay to shadow a staff member at the school. There were over 60 essays submitted and 40 students were able to shadow.)

·       Shake and Shine Top 10 and the Gauntlet- Feb 21 (The finalists for Shake and Shine will go to Atlanta for the event.)

·       Careers that Rock and Roll- Feb 25 (The counselors set up this event.)

·       Kidz with Lids-Feb 20 (This event raised about $430 for kids with cancer.)

·       Voting for the SC Book Award- Feb 19 (Real voting machines were used for students to vote on books Ms. Nix read with the class or recommended to older classes.)

·       Author Visit for K/1 - Feb 24 (A local author visited classes, and another will come in April for older grades.)

·       Raising Cane’s Spirit Night-Feb 27 (A lot of families showed up for this spirit night. No final numbers yet.)

·       Bookfair-Week of March 3 (The book fair numbers are not in yet.)

·       Rocking with a Book-March 4 (Over 240 students and family members present for the dance.)

 

3.       Announcements and Upcoming Events

·       4th Grade Annual Figurative Language Fashion Show-March 14th (Students will be walking the runway showing their figurative language, such as idioms.)

·       Boosterthon Fun Run-March 14th (To date, $37,000 has been raised through the Boosterthon.)

·       Engaging Creative Minds (ECM) different grades, throughout the spring (This event brings art, STEAM, and science into the classroom. Different grades are pairing with local artists to learn how they use real life experiences with their subjects. All grades except 5th will participate.)

·       Field days- March 20-21 (Still looking for volunteers for field day. All students participate.)

·       The Amazing Shake March 28-30th (You can stream this event from Atlanta if you want to watch.)

 

4.       Spring Counseling Department Meeting

 

Ms. Roland has been working on bus discipline for her goal for the school year. Students were taught procedures on how to act on the bus. She also created a video and a quiz about bus behavior when there are referrals. Ms. Smith believes the goal has been met.

 

Ms. Smith’s goal has been working on attendance, particularly for third grade because last year there were a lot of absences in second grade. This goal was very difficult, particularly getting parents to understand the importance of attendance and how even sporadic absences add up. There were a lot of unexcused absences. Ms. Smith put out a lot of facts about attendance and when it’s excused and when it’s unexcused. There were some attendance challenges throughout the year. It has been going well, the numbers are down, but there are still a lot of absences.

 

Ms. Golden mentioned how the school celebrated the bus drivers, and they celebrated the first driver last week and the driver was moved to tears.

 

5.       Actionable Goals for the Year

o   Community Fairs

·       Identified individuals to share Produce Giveaway and specific events for the community (The school has done a good job of identifying business partners in the community to partner for events.)

Final Comments and Questions

Next SIC Meeting: Tuesday, April 15^th at 5:00 pm

SIC Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, March 11 at 7:30 am

 

1.       Introduction

2.       Last Month's Highlights

o   Share the Love Book Swap- Feb 14

o   Career Shadow Day-Feb 18

o   Shake and Shine Top 10 and the Gauntlet- Feb 21

o   Careers that Rock and Roll- Feb 25

o   Kidz with Lids-Feb 20

o   Voting for the SC Book Award- Feb 19

o   Author Visit for K/1 - Feb 24

o   Raising Cane’s Spirit Night-Feb 27 Bookfair-Week of March 3

o   Rocking with a Book-March 4

 

3.       Announcements and Upcoming Events

o   4^th Grade Annual Figurative Language Fashion Show-March 14th

o   Boosterthon Fun Run-March 14th

o   Engaging Creative Minds (ECM) different grades, throughout the spring

o   Field days- March 20-21

o   2^nd and 3^rd Chorus Performance-March 18

o   The Amazing Shake March 28-30^th

 

4.       Spring Counseling Department Meeting

 

5.       Actionable Goals for the Year

o   Community Fairs

·       Identified individuals to share Produce Giveaway and specific events for the community

Final Comments and Questions

 

Next SIC Meeting: Tuesday, March 15^th at 5:00 pm

 

SIC Meeting Notes

Tuesday, May 6 at 5:00 pm

 

1.       Introductions

2.       Last Month's Highlights

o   Dream and Connect Lighthouse Night- Carnival on April 15^th

§  Will be annual event. Very successful.

o   Student Lighthouse Gathering on April 18

§  Last Lighthouse Gathering, reflections on the year.

o   Terrific Kid on April 24

o   PTA Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on April 25

o   Spring Cabaret on April 28 and April 29^th

§  Students were able to see it in school, and families attended after school.

o   Amazing Race in 4^th Grade on May 1^st

§  Students were able to race around the school and do different puzzles and activities to move in to next location.

o   Strands on the Beech on May 2^nd

§  Fifth grade girls rite of passage moving to middle school.

 

3.       Announcements and Upcoming Events

o   SC Ready Testing for 3-5 May 5-23

o   Beacon Buddy Reveal on May 8^th

§  Staff members are sponsored by Beacon Buddies throughout the year.

o   Buy One Get One Book Fair May 21-23

§  Families can get some summer books.

o   Pork Chop Productions for 1^st/2^nd May 21

o   1^st Grade Water Day May 22

o   3^rd Grade Diamond Del May 22

o   Kindergarten Milestone May 23

o   2^nd Grade Throwing the Line to 3^rd Grade May 23

§  Line themed activities (line dance, timeline, etc.)

o   5^th Grade Dance May 23

§  New event; during school hours; the hope is that the boys will wear their ties and the girls will wear their pearls.

o   4K Milestone May 27

o   Move-Up Day May 27

§  Grades “move up” to check out the classrooms and talk to students in the next grade.

o   3^rd Grade Gullah Celebration May 28

§  Learn Geechee language and Gullah culture and cuisine.

o   Kinder Water Day May 28

o   5^th Grade Cookout May 28

o   A/AB Honor Roll Award Ceremony May 29

 

4.       Report to Parents - Review and Approve

 

5.       Final Comments and Questions

 

·       Video with the president and the principal to talk about the school improvement council.

·       Partnering PTA and SIC meetings monthly.

·       Table at Facts and Fees for School Improvement Council.

·       Add a link on the Dashboard with information on SIC and PTA and other information about the school and how they can participate.

·       Ms. McKenzie asked if there were any items to purchase/finance that business partners could assist with; Ms. Ward will follow up with Ms. Golden.

·       Mr. Pressley asked if there were any particular projects the school needs to fund that the SIC can focus on and collaborate with the PTA.

·       Ms. Suzuki asked if there were opportunities for parents to donate funds towards projects and activities if they are unable to volunteer or send in items. Mr. Bedford said there are new rules in the district about how often there can be big fundraisers in the school. Mrs. Harris said you can make a donation via check to Beech Hill with a memo/earmark for a particular function (i.e. Tied to Brightness, academic interventions).

·       Ms. Suzuki asked if there was anything that can be done about the $3.95 fee for the online donations. Mrs. Harris said she wasn’t sure about the fee, and recommended writing a check when possible to avoid the fee.

·       Mr. Pressley suggested making donations to the PTA to support some events financially and circled back to collaboration with the PTA on initiatives.

·       Mrs. Harris commented on the impact the door decorations made on the teachers and staff.

·       Mrs. Harris announced that Ms. Ward will be leaving after this school year.