Minutes of QSI Planning Meeting of February 22, 2005

Present: Elizabeth Ophals, Mary Beth Schaefer, Jennifer Eddy, Andrea Mandel,

Carole Rhodes, Steve Schwarz, Marten denBoer, Mark Miksic, Amy Tucker,

Cass Conrad, Lee Ann Truesdell, Arthur Goodman, Jim Moore, Linda Blanche

Site Update

Martin has updated the Queens College website.  Minutes are now available

online.

Cass and Elizabeth did a drive by of the new proposed site, IS 168.  We are still

awaiting word of it being the definite location. The DOE has sent a facilities

evaluator to do a walk thru.  The determination is that there is definitely room for

two years, with a possibility of three, but that the school would be unable to

house us at full capacity. The office of early schools is asking that we consider

this a temporary location, with a permanent home to be determined at a later

date.

The Office of New Schools may want to hear feedback of our understanding that

the location is temporary. Secondly, Judy Chin needs to give the go ahead to

begin the community engagement process. She is expected back in her office

later this week and more information should be forthcoming at that point.

What do we know about the school.

It is currently running at 93% capacity.

Parents are not happy with the school.

It does not enjoy a high reputation.

It has the student population we want to reach out to.

Concerns

The temporary nature of the school's location

Three years would be better than two.

Parents may be concerned with what's is going to happen to their child after 3

yrs. - Seven years in one school, in one location is added incentive.

How do we handle the possible attrition with the move - especially in the 9th

grade.

How are we going to handle attrition? How will we handle vacancies?

Applicants may come from the existing school.

Suggestions

We need to realize the temporary nature of our location and be proactive about

finding another home. (i.e. leased space)

The key is proximity to QC and public transportation.

Positive Community Relations

Invite the existing faculty to share resources (i.e. PD) as a way of strengthening

the school and fostering collegial relations.

How to introduce the new school to the teachers, parents, principal, and the

community at large. We should stress to the DOE that we would like to be part of

the process

Initially Judy Chin invites Elizabeth to tour the school and meet with the

principal.

The next step depends on how Judy Chin decides to handle  communications.

Aside from the building council (consisting of the two principals) another

committee might be formed made up of two representatives each from QSI, IS

168 (including UFT),

the community ed. Council, and QC. It would meet on a regular basis and tackle

issues as soon as they arise.

The college should reach out to the principal of 168 to make sure that what

happened at IS 25 does not occur. Cass will contact Sue.

The initial meeting with the community must include people with titles to

reinforce the need for and their commitment to this new school. (DOE, ECI, QC,

QSI, UFT, Parent Coordinator, Borough Pres., Head of Youth Dev. for the region,

LSS) . They might also send a representative to answer questions as to why this

site was chosen.

Brochure

A couple of updates to be made.

Multi-colored or blue?

Blue for now - Diane will print up 2,000

We will need posters and fliers for the future

Martin will research website address

We should have some available for the March 1st evening with ECI

Introduction of Dr. Mary Beth Schaefer

Possible part time liaison.

Would work with developing a relationship with the community.

Working to make the inquiry method a viable one.

Bringing the community into the school.

Enjoys speaking to parents, teachers, communities.

Collaboration between college and middle school has been very important to

her.

She would bring enthusiasm.

Elizabeth sees the liaison: Going to all the meetings, being pivotal in the

application process, liaison with the region, organizing meetings.

Committees

Curriculum committee needs to look at professional development.

Someone from ECI should be on the curriculum committee

Sunday April 3 - information afternoon at QC

Elementary Open School - March 15 and 16

Hiring committee members

Meet and set up job descriptions - create drafts of criteria, create general

posting, selection criteria. UFT has to be involved. March 7th is the draft date.

March 22 - First informational meeting

ECI will be hosting a recruitment fair, possibly late March

Next meeting - Monday, February 28