2021-22 Agendas & Minutes

Meeting Canceled

School Community Council Minutes

September 21, 2021

In Attendance: Mike Monson, Brady Fonnesbeck, Phil Morris, Blake Tubbs, Ruth Mudrow, Shannon Hougaard, Toni Gibbons, Stefani Thatcher, Cheryl Peck, Jessica Higginbotham, Brooke Granadino, Teri Rhodes, Kathy Christiansen, and guests Krista Kleven and counselor Tom Olsen

We were welcomed by Toni Gibbons at 6:48 AM. She then reviewed the purpose of the School Community Council: (1) Review data, (2) Review needs of the students, and (3) Propose and monitor Trustland funds distribution.

Principal Mike Monson notified us of a Community Council Training Meeting that will be on October 6th at 6 PM. He then reviewed the Trustland funding levels. Current year funding is $195,534 with a rollover of $85,358 from last year (much more than the typical 10% or less) for a total of $280,892 for the ’21-’22 school year.

Principal Monson then discussed the ’21-’22 School LAND Trust Program plan. He reviewed the 3 goals: (1) Addressing chronic attendance problems, (2) Raising student scores in tested areas, and (3) Improving the transition of freshmen students into Sky View.

(1) Attendance problems are addressed via the Student Assistance Team (SAT) which meets every Tuesday morning to discuss the needs of students with failing grades. At the end of each Tri, there are usually around 25 students, and we want to catch them early. The question was asked how special ed is involved in the process. The response was it is not because it is during class time, but special ed does utilize the IEP. If a student is identified for special ed help, he/she can be helped with employment through the special ed services available. Principal Monson stated that Sky View has about 200 more students than last year (1565 compared to 1370) and has approximately 480 freshmen students. He is working on getting Janae Sorensen (Social Worker) full-time at Sky View. We have been sharing her with North Cache .

(2) ACT scores were really low (below the state average) last year for the first time in Principal Monson’s recollection. USU is not requiring the ACT this year. He would like to push the importance of doing one’s best. The students did fine on the ACT Aspire. Other measures used to evaluate progress are growth measures for math and reading. Mastery Connect software is used by instructors to evaluate how students did on each question of a specific test. It is hard for this resource to be utilized in certain subjects like Art and PE. The staff is also working on using common assessment methods.

(3) RCK Academy (formerly Bobcat Academy) helps freshman feel part of the school and is now a required class for freshmen. Principal Monson gave an update on the new school year and facilities. He stated that the parking lot has been re-done and that we had a great Homecoming Week last week in which Kristi Johnson Smock was inducted into the Sky View Hall of Fame. She is a 1994 Sky View graduate and the head of the U of U Pathology Department. Jalen Moore was inducted into the Sky View Athletic Hall of Fame. Mr. Moore quit the NBA due to severe anxiety. He will be addressing the Sky View Students later this school year. Mr. Monson said the security system has been installed for all doors. The only thing we are waiting on is the fobs which are sitting at a port in California. We opted for the fob system to be consistent with the district and are hoping for delivery of the fobs in mid-November. All the LED lighting is finished, and blinds have been installed on the east side classrooms (original blinds were from 1964). Also, the 1964-style cafeteria will be updated to encourage students to want to stay on campus during lunchtime. In addition, the sound booth in the auditorium will upgraded to look very professional. Phil Morris reported on the new RCK Academy program. He said that feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Habitudes uses images that teach a lesson. It supports Sky View’s mission of “Relationships, Character & Knowledge for Life” by promoting the “Big 5”: (1) Self-Awareness, (2) SelfManagement, (3) Social Awareness, (4) Relationship Skills, and (5) Responsible Decision-Making. This program has allowed for the identification of freshmen much quicker. Each freshman student is identified by at least 1 adult and 2 student mentors.

Krista Kleven who is one of the upper classman mentors reported on an experience she had using these principles as a football manager which she has been for 3 years. When she saw freshmen football members yelling at each other and being unkind, she was able use the RCK Academy principles to ask the freshmen football members what they had learned in RCK Academy and if they were being drivers or passengers. This reminder transformed the bickering group into one that fostered constructive criticism and praise. Toni Gibbons asked if the RCK principles will be shared with parents. Phil said they will be in the future via email. Teri Rhodes asked Krista if she participated in RCK Academy as a freshman. Krista said that she hadn’t since this is the first year. Teri then asked if after her experience this year, she would consider going into teaching. Krista stated that she probably would not but that she has learned a lot even as a senior being in the class. Mike Monson stated that there were quite a few freshmen that attended last Friday’s football game. Mr. Morris said there are 14 sections of RCK Academy with approximately 35 students in each class. There were 40 mentors chosen out of 70 applicants. Green Canyon started the program before Sky View did. Krista was commended for asking questions of the freshman football team, instead of just preaching to them.

Due to time constraints, the Counseling Handout discussion was tabled until a future meeting.

Counselor Tom Olsen spoke of the Suicide Support available to the district. The support rendered to the students, staff, and community due to the recent suicide of a Green Canyon student was discussed. If a similar event were to involve a Sky View student or staff member, the school would be notified, an early morning faculty meeting would be called in which the staff would be given a written statement to be read in every classroom to provide accurate information (approved by the student’s parents if it involves a student) and to dispel any rumors, and a crisis team consisting of different counselors throughout the district would be available at the school to provide any needed support (including tissues and snacks), especially in the classrooms of the missing student. They would search for students hiding in places like bathrooms who may be grieving and render service where needed. Parents may even be called to pick up students that are struggling with the situation. The crisis team would also provide support to teachers who may be struggling. Principal Monson wants to try and avoid any copycat situations and provide assistance to those who may blame themselves for one reason or another. Although grieving is very individual, it is nice to have someone with whom to grieve. Tom expressed that it was impressive to see so many come together to help with the Green Canyon incident and Principal Monson noted that it had a far-reaching effect on schools outside of Green Canyon High School.

Meeting adjourned at 7:53 AM. Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 6:45 AM.

School Community Council Agenda

October 19, 2021

Present: Mike Monson, Brady Fonnesbeck, Mason Cardon, Connie Rawlins, Bonita Richins, Toni Gibbons, Sara Nelson Hallock, Cheryl Peck, Melanie Chambers, Summer Gunn, Terri Rhodes, Kathy Christiansen, Janae Sorensen, Janine Justis, Kathy Bullen.

We were welcome by Toni. She motioned to approve the minutes from last month’s meeting. Mike seconded the motion. All were in favor of approval.

Mike talked about how part of the School Community Council’s responsibility is to oversee safety, so we wanted to review some of the things that we have in place. Some people at the school may not even be aware what we have available. The Counseling office does a data project every year to assess the needs of students etc. and they will be sharing that information with us. We also have some guests that will be sharing some information with us. Alyna Ohling is from CAPSA- and Janae Sorenson, a social worker, that has been part time at the school and now has been hired full time will talk about how they are a support to the Sky View students.

Janine Justis, one of our school counselors, said that at the beginning of last year, there were a lot of questions, because of COVID about college application week, FAFSA night etc. for seniors. Since we weren’t able to hold those, the counselors created a canvas course for seniors and sent it out to everyone. It had a link to all the colleges in the state and a FAFSA module. The 3 rd module was applying for scholarships. This week is our College Application week and we have had a really good turnout. They have continued the canvas course over the year. They felt that it was a good resource and got some good feedback. They updated the canvas course and sent it out to the seniors this year.

Appreciation was expressed for having the FAFSA night this year. It was asked what the advantage of filling out the FAFSA was? A lot of need-based scholarships, any student loans, Pell Grants, and a lot of universities require having it filled out before applying.

Alyna Ohling (CAPSA) has a background in intervention with teen girls. Her role is making sure students get educated. CAPSA has done a presentation to all the Health classes, teaching dating violence etc. They are trying to make a big push to have everyone realize that they need CAPSA – whether themselves or someone they know could benefit from the services that CAPSA offers. They are working on a way to help parents help teens understand. She showed a video on being an upstander opposed to being a bystander.

Toni asked if we could send it out to parents and students- start being an upstander campaign. Mike asked about the reaction they are getting from students. Alyna said they talk about social norms and bias and try to get them to understand how to help others not in your social group. Mike reported that they are seeing more students using the SafeUT app. A hard thing they have to deal with is breaking away from bad friend groups. The video includes diversity like that.

The CAPSA youth council is working great in school – they have been making announcements every day for the month of October and have placed posters in the hallways. Sky View is the most student led than in other high schools. In the middle school they teach anti-bullying, upstanding and digital safety. They have had more youth reach out more than ever. Mike said he has been impressed by CAPSA over the years and have appreciated what they have given to the students. Melanie Chambers said they can teach consent but not in a sexual content. They teach the right of refusal. It’s a good way to teach skills.

Janae Sorenson is our Project Aware Counselor. She can be more effective staying in one school instead of being split between schools. She is a therapist but can’t do therapy in school, but provide social and emotional support. She focuses on coping and problem-solving skills and gives families resources. She teaches them a return to learn- helps them build awareness to know what their triggers are to not engage in learning. They working on coping strategies, positive peer support and having a trusted adult within the school. They talk about the reasons for living. There are several resources available for help with families. Janae said it has been a very busy year but has seen change that can happens within a relationship with a trusted individual.

Anxiety is a huge issue right now. Since 2012-2019 anxiety has increased 70%. She works on helping kids manage the anxiety and depression.

She gave suggestions of what we can do to help: Communication, talking about feelings, need to model being open to own feelings. Also checking your reaction when they talk to you. Return to Learn isn’t called a safety plan. If someone is struggling with suicide, self-harm, or anxiety, it is a plan to help them to return to learning engagement and helps students stabilize after situations. It also helps students build awareness of triggers.

Mike mentioned that it might be embarrassing to come see Janae, so how do we get kids to be become resilient. Janae said she helps them look to the future. Just because mom is bipolar doesn’t necessarily mean they will. She helps them to see their potential, to hope and dream. It’s best to work in small steps and help them recognize their progress.

Summer asked if she helps figure out accommodations or with the 504’s. Janae said it is not her role, more the counselor role. Summer said as students continue into college with a 504, there is a breakdown. Many don’t access the disability resources. But we can’t have all students with mental health issues on a 504 and many situations are temporary. Our SpEd teachers help teach them how to be successful when they leave.

Someone asked if Janae is visible to students? She responded that she isn’t, but is with intention. There is no way she can meet with every student with mental health issues. She needs to focus on students with suicidal ideations. The counselors work with the students as well and then they can refer to Janae. Her goal is to help them on a short-term basis and then refer to other resources for help.

Toni asked how can we possibly get the information to parents that we have Janae. How do we explain that we have such great resources? Mike said the best way to start is for students to see their counselor and hope that council members will pass the information along to others. The District does Mental Health screening with Bear River Mental Health.

Terri Rhodes expressed appreciation to all those at the school that are available to help students, and the way we are set up. Mike said there are no statistics that will ever show how many things we may have prevented through these resources.

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting will be Tuesday, November 16th, 6:45am 

Meeting Canceled

Meeting Canceled

School Community Council Minutes

January 18, 2022

Present: Mike Monson, Brady Fonnesbeck, Phil Morris, Connie Rawlins, Bonita Richins, Shannon Hougaard, Toni Gibbons, Cheryl Peck, Jessica Higginbotham, Sheri Egbert, Melanie Chambers, John Louviere, Summer Gunn, Teri Rhodes, Kathy Christiansen, Tom Olsen, Kathy Bullen

We were welcomed by Toni.  She also motioned to approve the Minutes from the last meeting.  Mike seconded the motion and all were in favor

I. Budget Update (See Handout)

Mike updated everyone on the Trustland Budget and where we are so far this year and make sure we are consistent doing everything we said we were going to do. At the end of the year we need to have less than 10% of the money left in the budget. The rollover was $85,000 from last year.  We hired a teacher in math department with some of the money and had also budgeted for a para-pro (math tutor). We   had hired Derick Banks, but had to quit.  We are shifting that money into the technology budget.  We had 2 groups of staff go to different conferences.  One to a Social/Mental Health conference and to Adelaid Stevens HS, to learn about PLC’s.  It was also used on supplies:  calculators, microscopes, and training books.  We also bought some textbooks for English.  Using the technology supply budget, we bought chrome books, sound systems, computers and monitors, IPads for teachers, and smartboard supplies. For computer software, we purchased Go Guardian, programs, plagiarism software with grammar check as well as some library software and math/English/science programs.

II. Safe Technology (See Handout)

Mike reminded everyone that part of council’s responsibility  is to oversee the digital safety of the school.  We don’t have the Netsmartz assembly anymore so we’ve been trying to address the topic through RCK hour advisories or through some of the classes. 

III. Act Prep Course for Juniors

Brady reported that  as we’ve looked over our ACT data from last year and realized that it is something we need to improve on.  We would like to raise the average score for the school 3 points higher  We want students to invest in the mantra “3 for Me” for them to raise their personal scores by 3 points as well.  There has been some downplay on ACT scores the past few years where a lot of colleges don’t require it any more.  Example: Blake Bishop scored a 17 first time- he didn’t prepare, but next time he prepared and then got a 28 that time.  We are pushing all of the Junior students into an online ACT prep course.  If they do well and earn an A we’ll put on their transcript and give them .25 credit.  The course includes 4 lessons a week, 3 paper practice test sections and all work is submitted online. ACT prep teachers are school teachers and will be paid extra for it (from extra FTE after Oct 1 count).  Our goal is to gain familiarity and confidence on the ACT.

It was asked when the students meet with teachers?  They can meet before, after school or during RCK.  Each teacher only has 12-13 students.  The class starts today.

Summer asked if we have a plan for those with accommodations? Resource teachers are assigned to those students and work with them.

SV has always been high on ACT scores, but last year we really dropped so this is how we will try to remedy it.

IV. Graduating with Honors

Tom talked about the new Honors program that we are going to try. We’ve always talked about ways that we can increase enrollment in AP courses.  USHE let us know that AP courses college credits will drop from 6 to 3.  Now it will be the same as concurrent classes and will be a harder sell to students. We decided to offer an honors diploma. To receive this diploma students, need to have a 3.3 GPA and have taken 4 AP classes or 3.3 GPA with 3 AP classes and 3 concurrent classes.  These students will be honored at graduation wearing a gold stoll and will receive a different diploma. 

Cheryl Peck said her concern is that when they go to college they will get less credits in college areas overall.  Mike said that students need to make a  decision - are you doing it to learn and for the rigor?  We are going to try to cut down AP classes from 3 trimesters to 2 trimesters to make it easier for students. Concurrent classes don’t have the same depth because they are only one trimester.  The things we hear from our graduates is they don’t know for sure what they want to study but are juniors because of all their concurrent credits.  There a lot of pros and cons both ways.  Sophomores can take the AP Bio and Euro History.  If you are looking just at value for your money and time – concurrent is the option. But AP is more about the rigor.  The concurrent classes are a better experience at the high school than at the college.  Summer asked if this is something that we present to the school board and make is standard between all the high schools. Right now, it is just in the planning stages and will probably need to do that.  Not positive about making it standard with all schools, although Green Canyon is looking to do the same.

Toni said the counseling team is good about guiding the students and in helping students decide which is the best option for them.

Examples of previous students were given.

V. "Hats Off Award"

Mike said every year the CEF does the Hats Off Award.  Anyone can nominate any teacher that has influenced their student.  It doesn’t matter if they have received it before.  Teri said the selections committee looks at all the specifics.  If that is included they almost always receive it.  Nominations are due March 4^th and can be submitted online.www.ccsdut.org/hatsoff

VI. Other

Meeting adjourned until Tuesday, February 15, 2022 – 6:45am

School Community Council Minutes

February 15, 2022

Present: Brady Fonnesbeck, Phil Morris, Mike Monson, Mason Cardon, Connie Rawlins, Sarah Nelson Hallock, Cheryl Peck, Jessica Higginbotham, John Louviere, Teri Rhodes, Kathy Christiansen, Kathy Bullen

Toni Gibbons was excused. Connie Rawlins welcomed us and asked for approval of Minutes. Jessica motioned to approve and Cheryl seconded the motion. All were in favor.

I. Feedback on Early Release

Mike reported on the results of the survey we sent out to Sky View staff about the schedule change for COVID. He said that it was interesting in the fact that the majority appreciated early out but also lamented time out of classes for instruction. There was just over 50% that liked the new schedule, over 30% that didn’t and the rest were undecided. Mike asked for parent feedback from the committee members. Cheryl’s daughter told her that the AP Biology teacher said she didn’t know what to do with the extra time. Cheryl also said that she loved having them out earlier. Especially for the students that have sports practices so they can get home earlier. Jessica said she loved it too. With Canvas, her daughter is doing extra reading that they don’t get to cover in class. Sarah agreed that their family liked it as well.

II. Graduation

Mike talked about how we have done a drive by graduation and one on the football field the last 2 years because of COVID. The feeling among the schools was that they would like to have some uniformity back between the schools. The decision has been made to have it back at USU. There were some nice agreements made with them. There will only be 2 schools in one day so we won’t be as rushed. Sky View’s graduation will be held on June 1st at 1:00. We would like help from parents with decorating, etc. to make it more personal to Sky View. We have to hold school until 11:00 that day so the school graduation committee won’t have time to get set up. Brady went to the meeting with USU. He agreed that we will have extra time, and plenty of opportunities, if weather is good, to take pictures. USU is pretty open and will like to be supportive. Helium balloons won’t be allowed though. USU will use the Jumbotron. They also talked about having the graduates walk from one direction instead of coming from both sides. Mike said that if any parents would were willing to help out, to just email us later.

III. Libraries (Handout)

Mike referred to the Board Policy about Medial Center Materials. Allison Griffiths, Sky View’s Media Center Coordinator took a few minutes and talked recent concerns that have arisen in different areas of the state, of what is in libraries. The Board Policy states that there needs to be a committee that make the decision someone had a concern about any materials or books in our Media Center. Allison would like the School Community Council to be that committee if needed. Jessica said she has names of parents that are very vigorous readers that would be good. Mike said that he would like to use the council and then add parents if needed. The policy states that parents can challenge books for their own students but not to determine the whole school or district. Cheryl asked if that is for library or classroom? The board policy states that it is for the library. Teri Rhodes mention that Senate Bill 114 is still a concern that we need to watch. School Boards have been in discussions on how important it is for there to be local control of curriculum. The legislature is not in a position to make best decisions. But they are saying they have to pass something for the very loud minority group. The school boards are working with them. Many teachers have concerns if they will be challenged on what they have always taught. For example, the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, etc. Teri said that they are trying to get Senator Fillmore to understand that parents can have access to curriculum if want, but it’s the loud minority that wants more transparency. Summer motioned to approve having the Community Council be the deciding committee if needed. John seconded the motion. All were in favor.

IV. Reminder about Hats Off Award Nominations

V. Input on Trustland Budget

1. Summer Training
2. Tech Training (NearPod, Canvas, Mastery Connect)
3. Chromebooks for Writing classes & Math
4. Vista Volunteer
5. Textbook & Library Materials 
6. ACT Prep
7. Portion of FTE
8. Conference/Professional Development (NCTM in L.A.)
9. Classroom equipment & technology

Mike said the final Trustland report has been submitted. There were some things we weren’t able to do still because of COVID. The next report that is due is next year’s plan. We will need input from committee for anything for next years plan. Then it would need to be approved by the school board the first part of April. The list above is the things that we want to do or continue to do next year. Jessica asked about keeping the IPads and chromebooks updated and rotated out. Mike said that is why we are only doing 2 classrooms right now on IPads. All of English writing classes have their own chrome book lab. We check out the older chromebooks to students who need them at home.

The Vista volunteer has been great addition in our counseling office. She keeps the data and works on failing students. We pay half of salary and the other half is paid by Vista.

The ACT Prep class that we just started has about 45% of the students that are up to date on it. That is about 140 kids. The after school ACT prep class that we used to do, only had 40 students. Even if they don’t complete the course, they have had some exposure to ACT Prep. There is a great math conference in LA next year, and we would like to send teachers to it.

John asked about portion of FTE – how do we sustain it every year? Mike tries to keep it minimal, usually used on a new teacher with lower salary. Trustland funds are more stable than education funds. We have been able to sustain it for several years.

Mike asked if there was any other input from this group? Summer Gunn said that the co-teaching model has really benefitted her student. She had it for Freshmen English and this year a math class and it has been really successful for her. That could be good use of some FTE. Jessica asked about ESL students and if there was any update with those students. Mike said they have talked quite a bit about it. We have provided more materials for them. What we have found is that we have a small population but they aren’t progressing. We have not had very good success with that. We are looking at some internal personnel to maybe help with that. We have students that are born here and speak English well. It could be cultural issues but some have legitimate needs and need help. We have about 25 students. Phil shared an experience about a student not needing to be in ESL, but wanted to be so could be with friends. We need to work on individual needs and need to push them out. We also need to look at extra help. Connie said those learning English that just came to the country, take the extra time on ACT. Others that have been here for awhile, test like most other students. They don’t use time, and don’t care as much. Attendance is also an issue. Many students get discouraged because they have been in ESL for quite awhile.

Summer asked whether we still had Latino’s in Action. Mike said that we did up until last year, then it changed into something not as good. We have had more minority students make it on sports team and leadership since the schools split.

VI. Other:

Ruth suggested that the technology training for teachers that is normally held before school starts, would be much more beneficial at the end of the year so that they would have time to implement it. Mike said that those are district wide trainings but will pass it on. Ruth also said that the smaller class sizes have been great!

Meeting adjourned until Tuesday, March 15, 2022 – 6:45am 

Meeting Canceled

School Community Council Minutes

April 26, 2022

Toni welcomed everyone and Shannon Hougaard motioned to approve the minutes from the last meeting.  Sheri Egbert seconded the motion.  All were in favor of approval.

Mike said he has really enjoyed working with parent groups: PTA, School Community Council, etc.  We are always looking for new people to serve on council, so if you know anyone that would be interested, have them contact Kathy. 

Mike then reviewed the end of year plans and calendar.  AP testing is scheduled and the Aspire test that will be for Freshmen and Sophomores.  Juniors and Seniors will be doing school work from home that day.

Lagoon Day for Seniors is a little different than in the past.  It is not on one of the days that other schools will be there, it will be open to the public.

Graduation will be held at USU this year.  They have scheduled the schools to give each school more time to decorate, do pictures, etc.  It will be better than in the past there.

The State tournaments for sports are not included on the calendar.                                  

Brady talked about the ACT Data from the State ACT test for Juniors and the ACT Prep class.

One of our goals last year was to raise ACT scores. They took a big dip last year but couldn’t figure  out why.  We added an ACT prep class for all Juniors this year but ½ of students didn’t do anything.  Our average score for 2021 was 19.2 and the average for 2022 was 20.1. Math didn’t change overall, but raised on other sub scores. Students that were engaged in class, raised their scores,  4.3 points higher. Melanie Daines said her son would forget to check in with teacher.

Shannon said Brock did do it, but only because she pushed him.  The kids feed off each other- if friends didn’t do it they didn’t want to. It’s hard to impress the importance of the ACT with colleges not requiring it any more. Summer said it’s good for kids to learn how to do online classes. Toni mentioned that USU is transitioning to a lot of online classes including concurrent classes.

Sheri asked if the students get Aspire scores?  It is sent to the schools, and parents can get them from the school. It was asked if we thought that taking 1050/1060 later in school made a difference in ACT scores?  ACT math questions are typically what is covered in Math 2 and 3.  Most Juniors are taking Math 3.  The reason we have seniors take it as Senior because of pre-req lapses.  Shannon asked if we could Math 1050 in the Fall? Blake said the best way to prepare for ACT math is to do practice tests, but we can look at doing a Math 1050 1^st and 2^nd tri. Math 2 will be 3 trimesters except for Honors kids.

Mike reviewed the Trustland Plan for next year. He has submitted it and made adjustments from feedback from the council.  Janae’s Sorensen’s salary was only funded half, so he also added that in Trustland plan. Our Technology is in great shape.  We have a one to one access for kids.  There is more value to have each class have access instead of each student being assigned one. 

We have a great graduation committee but could use volunteers to help with decorations etc. Several council members volunteered to help.

Summer passed some information from another parent that RCK hour has been useful for their students.  We have been looking at ways to tweak it because the students that are failing aren’t using it but the top end kids are. New ideas for RCK hour have been presented to staff and the rumor got out that we are getting rid of it but that isn’t true.

Meeting adjourned until September, 2022

Meeting Canceled