Site Council
Site Council is established to advise the principal on how to advance student learning through strong shared planning, communications and problem solving. The Council is comprised of teachers, classified staff, parents. PTA leadership and administrators. Regular meetings will be open to the community.
Parents: If you would like an issue discussed at Site Council, you may contact any Parent Representative
Administrator:
Brandy Falk, Principal, 425-837-7400
Community Representative:
Alissa Pires, 425-941-9397
PTA Representative:
Lauren Stephenson, PTA Representative, 425-417-9142
Parent Representatives:
Vaishali Suryawanshi, K/1 Parent Representative, 636-875-3299
Renee Fisher, 2/3 Parent Representative, 253-831-0886
Tommy Yau, 4/5 Parent Representative, 213-304-1942
Staff Representatives:
Lauren Triggs, Primary Staff Representative, 425-837-7434
Linda Ogden, Intermediate Staff Representative, 425-837-7458
Anna Voigt, Specialists Representative, 425-837-7454
Kathy Stamolis, Paraprofessional Representative, 425-837-7449
Site Council Meeting Dates
Location: Library
Time: 8:00 a.m.
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10/23/24
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1/15/25
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3/19/25
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5/21/25
Site Council Meeting Minutes
- Jan. 15, 2025
- Jun. 3, 2024
- Mar. 18, 2024
- Jun. 5, 2023
- Apr. 24, 2023
- Feb. 6, 2023
- Dec. 5, 2022
- Apr. 20, 2022
- Feb. 2, 2022
- Nov. 24, 2021
- Feb. 3, 2021
- Nov. 24, 2020
- Oct. 23, 2019
- Jun. 5, 2019
- Apr. 24, 2019
- Jan. 9, 2019
Jan. 15, 2025
Site Council Meeting 1.15.2025
Attendees: Brandy Falk, Anna Voigt, Kathy Stamolis, Lauren Triggs, Linda Ogden, Vaishali Suryawanshi, Alissa Pires, Renea Fisher, and Karin Danner
Guest: Kelsey Peck, LAP
Brandy brought the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. the first order of discussion was to change the time of future site council meetings going forward. It was unanimously agreed to change the time to 8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Brandy confirmed that the water filtration system is installed and ready to use. The funding was generously provided by the PTA. Installation proved to be trickier than anticipated, but both stations are working well.
She also shared information about a couple programs currently taking place. The second cycle of i-Ready Reading and SAEBRS. Which is a survey filled out 3 x year (Fall, Winter, Spring). Schoolwide, teachers fill it out for their kids. Additionally, 2nd – 5th grades fill out a mySAEBRS which students fill out themselves based on their perception. There are 3 areas: social, academic and emotional with rating scales for each question. From that data we are able to support kids with tiered interventions.
Report cards will be available at the end of the month. The format is new this year, and the district has held several informational meetings for the community about these changes.
Initial data related to our new Benchmark curriculum in reading and writing shows an upward trend in test scores.
Kelsey Peck, our Learning Assistance Program teacher presented this year’s LAP building plan. This plan includes all of the components of the Title/LAP Intervention program at Sunny Hills. The purpose of Issaquah’s targeted assistance program at Sunny Hills is to accelerate student learning so that those students most at risk of failure are prepared to meet the State’s academic achievement standards. Kelsey went into more detail about how the LAP program works including how we determine who gets served, how/when they are served, and how their progress is monitored as well as shared with families.
A question about whether there were any similar programs for students struggling with math was addressed by Brandy. She explained that although there is not a program equivalent to LAP for math, there are many types of differentiation happening in classrooms around math interventions. Whether it is teachers working with small groups, or math rotations, we are able to identify students who need additional assistance and support them. Additionally, the Issaquah Schools Foundation has granted most schools additional funds to provide math support for kids on the cusp of proficiency in math. These groups will begin after the second winter break for students in grades 3 – 5.
Brandy clarified the process and implication of Student Led clubs that are new this year. She cleared up some confusion about who can participate and how information on these clubs is communicated to the community. These clubs are initiated by students, with staff member support. Currently, these clubs are limited to 3 – 5th grades.
Our meeting concluded at 9:00 a.m.
Jun. 3, 2024
Site Council Meeting 6.3.2024
Location: Sunny Hills Library
Attendees: Tim Baynes, Lauren Triggs, Megan Berry, Charlotte Byers, Eunice Lee, Lindsay Olson, Barbara Cowgill, and Lauren Stephenson
Guest: Lyndia Collister, LAP Teacher
Note taker: Karin Danner
Call to order: 8:30 a.m.
Tim Baynes brought the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Tim mentioned again that historically Site Council were developed to focus on school safety. Meetings typically revolved around 4 areas: Bylaws, SIP, LAP and review of our Discipline Policy. As we touched on at the previous meeting, the focus of Site Council will likely change going forward as we have school and district safety committees and the district has steamed lined the discipline policy to be congruent though the district. Tim encouraged each group to think what role they would like to see Site Council in the years to come.
Tim reviewed where we were in regards to our School Improvement Plan (SIP). Our goal is to increase scores from 82% passing to 88% meeting proficiency on the Smarter Balanced Math assessment over two years. Sunny Hills sought out to support growth in math by working with students and classrooms on cultivating mathematical mindsets. A mathematical mindset involves skills of grit, problem solving, confidence and celebrating growth and progress – not just having the right answers. Our hypothesis was that by focusing on math mindsets, we would also see growth in performance.
Current i-Ready scores demonstrating projected proficiency off of Winter and Spring i-Ready Diagnostics demonstrate that we are on track to meet our goal. We are currently waiting on more finalized SBA results from the Spring 2024 assessment window to review our final progress on this goal.
What is especially exciting when reviewing our SIP progress is the improvement of students in our BIPOC and Students with Disabilities focus groups, where the percentage of students meeting standard improved by 13% and 9% respectively.
Lyndia Collister, Learning Assistance Program (LAP) teacher, presented the Reading Intervention program. She provided the following information. Purpose: To accelerate learning for students most at risk of failure. She uses Really Great Reading, our phonics curriculum, which is aimed to help students who show characteristic similar to dyslexia. These focus on decoding along with intensive phonics instruction. She also brought an example of student kits that allow students to manipulate letter sounds. She shared that she is excited that her program Issaquah Schools Foundation provided Jump Rope Decodable readers to Sunny Hills. They are chapter style books that introduce fun characters in story form that help to engage emergent readers.
This year the program provides services to:
7 – First Graders
7 - Second Graders
5 – Third Graders
1 – Fourth Grader
The only stakeholder group to bring up input or concerns was Lindsay Olson. She mentioned that the bus buddy program had been really well received and was hoping the program might be extended all year next year. This Spring, 5th grade bus buddies helped kindergarten students to the correct buses after school. We discussed the possibility of having Safety Patrol include this in their duties next year. She also asked for clarification about overnight camp. Apparently, there is talk in the community about wanting an overnight camp experience, especially as some of our neighboring schools have had that opportunity. Tim shared that we did receive a grant to help with the cost of camp for next year.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 a.m.
Mar. 18, 2024
Site Council Meeting 3.18.2024
Location: Sunny Hills Library
Attendees: Tim Baynes, Eunice Lee, Lindsay Olson, Barbara Cowgill, and Lauren Stephenson
Note taker: Karin Danner
Call to order: 8:30 a.m.
Tim introduced the stakeholder representatives:
- Tim Baynes – Principal
- Karin Danner – Note Taker
- Lindsay Olson – Primary Representative
- Eunice Lee– Secondary Representative/ Classified Staff
- Barbara Cowgill – Specialists
- Lauren Triggs – Primary Teacher Representative (absent)
- Megan Berry – Secondary Representative (absent)
- Lauren Stephenson – PTA President
We reviewed the norms of Site Council and Tim gave a short explanation of the history of the role of school Site Councils. Site Councils were formed originally as a group with a focus on school safety. The focus of this group has expanded over time, as schools have their own safety committees and Districts strive to put policies in place District-wide to keep students safe following national guidance and in partnership with local emergency responders. Site Council is not a place for problems or complaints related to individual employees, students or classrooms, personnel decisions made by the principal or matters that fail to contribute significantly to student learning and/or well-being.
Typically, we review the LAP program, review our SIP goals, and end the year reviewing the Student Handbook. Tim discussed that he would be open to delving into other topics as needed. He encouraged the team to share topics that they would like to address in the coming months.
Lindsay brought up the Supply List issues on the website. Some parents are still having issues deciphering what they should and shouldn’t purchase. Last year we changed the format hoping it would be clearer, however, there is still some confusion. Per group discussion, Karin Danner, the School Webmaster, will look into adding “0”s to the cells that are currently blank in an effort to make the process easier to understand.
It was also suggested that we send the supply list home at the same time as the PTA sponsored Toolbox pre-packaged school supply Flyer that is sent home in the Spring.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:57 a.m.
Our next meeting is Monday, April 29.
Jun. 5, 2023
Site Council Meeting 6.5.2023
Location: Sunny Hills Library
Attendees: Tim Baynes, Lauren Triggs, Eunice Lee, Charlotte Byers, Lindsay Olson, Barbara Cowgill and Eve Yen
Note taker: Karin Danner
Call to order: 8:30 a.m.
Tim Baynes brought the meeting to order. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved. We discussed potential meaningful topics for the 2023 – 2024 Site Council meetings beyond the yearly required topics. Nobody had anything specific at this point and we decided to add topics as needed.
Tim reviewed this year’s SIP progress noting strong student growth in math this year as shown by the i-Ready Math assessments. Tim also shared about an ongoing focus on Multi-Tiered System Supports for next year and how we will continue to develop more interventions and supports (academic, social/emotional, behavioral, etc.) for students to access when needs are identified.
We looped back to our website discussion from the previous meeting. Karin Danner shared that she was able to post the supply list in a more user-friendly format. Karin also mentioned to the district that a more accessible place for the pay online site link. It is too difficult to find in the portal section. Charlotte and Eunice also mentioned it was difficult to find out about after school clubs. We talked about Peachjar and its limitations and how we can better communicate about school sponsored after school clubs to give all students a chance to participate.
Charlotte mentioned it would be nice if Mustang club could provide a designated space for kids who attend Mustang Club to work on i-Ready or to do their homework.
Our next meeting will be next November.
Meeting was dismissed at 9:00 a.m.
Apr. 24, 2023
Site Council Meeting 4.24.2023
Location: Sunny Hills Library
Attendees: Tim Baynes, Lauren Triggs, Eunice Lee, Charlotte Byers, Lindsay Olson, Barbara Cowgill and Eve Yen
Note taker: Karin Danner
Call to order: 8:30 a.m.
Principal, Tim, brought the meeting to order. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved.
Tim shared that typically Site Council would review the Student Handbook at this meeting. However, the handbook has been streamlined by the district, making it similar from school to school. Instead, he tasked us with reviewing content on our website.
He shared the School’s Website Content Guide provided by the district in developing our website. Using these parameters, we looked at each section to identify content that needed clarification, additional information added or display changes to aid in accessing information more easily.
We didn’t have sufficient time to compete this job. Several items were brought to our attention from our parent representatives. One was the format for the testing dates. They were too difficult to read in the current format. Secondly, the supply lists didn’t populate correctly on phones. Third, the Pay Online link is difficult to find. Could it be placed on the homepage to make it more easily accessible. Karin Danner will reach out to the district about possible adjustments.
We will revisit this subject at our next meeting.
Meeting was dismissed at 9:05 a.m.
Our next meeting will be Monday, June 5th, 2023
Feb. 6, 2023
Site Council Meeting 2.6.2023
Location: Sunny Hills Library
Attendees: Tim Baynes, Lauren Triggs, Megan Berry, Eunice Lee, Barbara Cowgill and Eve Yen
Note taker: Karin Danner
Guest: Lyndia Collister – LAP Teacher
Call to order: 8:30 a.m.
Principal Tim Baynes brought the meeting to order. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved. We revisited the discussion from the previous meeting about lunch times. Tim shared that there may be legislation coming down about having recess before lunch as we did prior to the pandemic. Thoughts are that kids won’t rush eating lunch in order to go play. Also, kids may eat more because they are hungrier after playing. We will wait to see and then our leadership team will decipher the proposition and its impact at Sunny Hills.
Lyndia Collister, Learning Assistance Program (LAP) teacher, presented this year’s Reading Intervention program. She provided the following information.
Purpose: To accelerate learning for students most at risk of failure. To provide intensive phonics instruction.
Changes for this Year:
- Groups are more fluid and can change after each I-Ready diagnostic if scores show a need.
- Curriculum
- Assessments used to qualify students.
Qualifying for Lap:
- I-Ready reading scores- low in phonics, phonemic awareness or overall
- Really Great Reading Diagnostic to determine eligibility
- Teacher recommendations
Students Served by Grade, not including other students also served in Really Great Reading program:
- 1st – 7
- 2nd –7
- 3rd – 7
- 4th – 4
- 5th – 2
Progress from Last Year – How many Repeats or Exit
- 1st – 3 repeat and 4 new
- 2nd – 4 repeat and 3 new
- 3rd – 3 repeat and 4 new
- 4th – 3 repeat and 1 new (most of this group is close to exiting!)
- 5th – 1 repeat and 1 new
Materials Used
- Really Great Reading – Our phonics curriculum aimed to help students who show characteristics similar to dyslexia.
- Leveled Literacy Intervention – Little books with take home copies)
- Really Great Reading Components
Lesson is teacher directed computer based, and includes:
- Student Workbooks
- Student kits – manipulate letters
- Site Words
Tim gave an overview of our new School Improvement Plan (SIP). This will be our first year with the focus on math. Our goal is to increase scores from 82% passing to 88% meeting proficiency on the Smarter Balanced Math assessment over two years. Our sub-group goal for students in groups showing disproportionality with school-wide data is for 60% of students in these groups to meet their stretch growth. We are developing our action plan for supporting school-wide growth in these areas including professional development for staff, future work on mathematical mindsets and student and family engagement in math including events such as a “Math-in” and Math Night being planned for the spring. We will also be offering a Before School Assistant Program (BSAP) for students identified as needing additional support.
Meeting was dismissed at 9:05 a.m.
Our next meeting will be Monday, April 24th, 2023.
Dec. 5, 2022
Site Council Meeting 12.5.2022
Location: Sunny Hills Library
Attendees: Cami Przybylski, Lauren Triggs, Megan Berry, Eunice Lee, Barbara Cowgill, Eve Yen and Charlotte Byers
Note taker: Karin Danner
Call to order: 8:33 a.m.
Assistant Principal, Cami Przybylski, brought the meeting to order. We welcomed our newest members, Charlotte Byers – Primary Rep. and Eunice Lee who is both – the Classified and Secondary representative.
Cami outlined the purpose and the evolution of Site Council over the years. We reviewed our Sunny Hills meeting norms to be sur e they aligned with our school-wide expectations to be respectful, responsible and engaged. We agreed, with a unanimous vote, to follow these meeting norms our Site Council meetings.
We reviewed the Site Council Bylaws to be sure they were aligned to the district mission and reflected current building practices. No changes were made to the Bylaws. We reviewed that Site Council should foster continuous improvement of the school’s educational programs, blend the values and perspectives of the community, parents and students, foster effective communications on the key topics among all stakeholders in Sunny Hills, and provide an effective venue for creating school-wide planning and problem solving.
Charlotte shared a concern about the short duration of lunch. She was curious if 20 minutes was enough time for students to finish eating. We discussed this as a group and several stakeholders shared that there were multiple factors that warranted such limited for lunch. 1) Limited staff to monitor 2) limited ability of students to remain seated and engaged in eating 2) time for all students to funnel thought the lunch room 3) ability of the kitchen staff to prepare and serve food in a timely fashion.
Meeting was dismissed at 9:00 a.m.
Our next meeting will be Monday, February 6th.
Apr. 20, 2022
Site Council Meeting 4.20.2022
Attendees: Tim Baynes, Kristin Downing, Barbara Cowgill, Lauren Triggs, Eve Yuen and Karin Danner
Call to order: 8:30 a.m.
Tim welcomed the group and explained that once yearly the Site Council is tasked with reviewing the Student Handbook. He mentioned that at the district was in the process of stream lining school handbooks. At this point they are moving in the direction of grouping the legalities of harassment, intimidation and bullying, nondiscrimination, weapons, and attendance into one section. Each school could decide what information would be useful to share in more of a Student/Family guide.
We divided into teams to each review separate sections of the handbook to determine what should be added, changed or deleted. We ran out of time to complete this task, however here are few areas we may want to take a closer look at:
- School-Wide Expectations – Be more specific about what those look like. Maybe adding graphics. Maybe even a video?
- Adding the Kelso’s Wheel
- Be more descriptive the definition of bullying vs. being mean. Maybe examples?
- In the Sunny Hills Spirit section maybe we can add a link to the PTA Website?
- In the Drop off pick up section, add a visual and video.
- Add a section on Animals on Campus
We will revisit this discussion at our next meeting.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, June 8th, 2022
Feb. 2, 2022
Site Council Meeting 2.2.2022
Location: Zoom
Attendees: Tim Baynes, Kristin Downing, Lucie Willeman, Barbara Cowgill, Suneetha Kola, Eve Yuen and Karin Danner
Guest: Lyndia Collister – LAP Teacher
Call to order: 8:30 a.m.
Tim Baynes brought the meeting to order with the Land Acknowledgement. He welcomed Lucie Willeman who will be taking over for Ashley Nodine who is out on maternity leave.
Tim introduced Lyndia Collister, our Intervention Specialist (LAP) teacher. Lyndia has been a LAP teacher since 2004. Lyndia shared with us that the program looks different this year. She shared the specifics as listed below:
Purpose:
- To accelerate learning for students most at risk of failure.
- To provide intensive phonics instruction.
Differences from Previous Years:
- Groups are more fluid and can change after each I-Ready diagnostic depending on scores
- Curriculum
- Assessments used to qualify students.
Qualifying for LAP:
- I-Ready reading scores – low in phonics, phonemic awareness or overall.
- Really Great Reading Diagnostic or determine eligibility
- Teacher recommendations
Students Served:
- Varies each year depending on test scores
- Currently:
- 1st grade– 8 students
- 2nd grade– 12 students
- 3rd grade– 9 students
- 4th grade– 4 students
- 5th grade- 2 students
Materials Used:
- Really Great Reading – Our new phonics curriculum aimed to help students who show characteristics similar to dyslexia.
As needed if there is extra time:
- Leveled Literacy Intervention (by Fountas and Pinnell)
- Little books with take home copies.
Really Great Reading Components:
Lesson is computer based, and includes:
- Sights
- Student workbook
- Student kits – manipulate letters
Tim Baynes walked us through our School Improvement Plan (SIP) for the 2021 -2022 school year. He explained that the SIP plan is typically a 3 – 4 year cycle developed according to the Washington Administrative Code 180-16-220. This is a data based plan that includes information that staff certification requirements were met. The plan is presented to the school board annually. We had been in year 3 of our SIP plan last year, which was focused on increasing reading scores across all groups. Instead of developing and new 3 year plan, we developed a one year SIP plan that provides closure to the previous plan and focuses not only on reading, but re-engagement plans and recovery services. This plan will be based on key success indicators.
This year we will use I Ready scores to measure as we don’t have SBA data for reference due to the pandemic. This one year goal is to have all students at 88% proficient in reading in the spring, up from 75.9 % this past fall. The specifics for this plan will be available on our website after board approval.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, April 20th.
Nov. 24, 2021
Site Council Meeting 11.24.2021
Location: Sunny Hills Library
Attendees: Tim Baynes, Ashley Nodine, Kaitlin Fossati, Kristin Downing, Barbara Cowgill, Eve Yen, Suneetha Kola and Karin Danner
Call to order: 8:33 a.m.
Principal Baynes brought the meeting to order. We welcomed our newest members, Suneetha Kola – Primary REP., Kristin Downing – Classified Rep., Barbara Cowgill – Specialist Rept., Eve Yen - PTA President, and Kaitlin Fossati – Primary Staff Rep. (subbing for Laruen Triggs).
Principal Baynes went over the purpose and the evolution of Site Council over the years. He also shared the Land Acknowledgement and reviewed our Sunny Hills meeting norms aligned with our school-wide expectations to be respectful, responsible and engaged. We agreed, with a unanimous vote, to follow these meeting norms at Site Council.
We reviewed the Site Council Bylaws to be sure they were aligned to the district mission and reflected current building practices. No changes were made to the Bylaws. We reviewed that Site Council should foster continuous improvement of the school’s educational programs, blend the values and perspectives of the community, parents and students, foster effective communications on the key topics among all stakeholders in Sunny Hills, and provide an effective venue for creating school-wide planning and problem solving.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, February 2nd.
Feb. 3, 2021
Site Council Meeting 2.3.2021
Location: Zoom
Attendees: Cami Przybylski, Tim Baynes, Emily Loney, Michele Ensey, Kathy Wasson, April Miklautsch, Lauren Triggs, Parinaz Ejlali and Karin Danner
Call to order: 8:30 a.m.
Cami Przybylski began the meeting and turned it over to Tim Baynes who walked us through our School Improvement Plan (SIP) for the 2020 -2021 school year. He explained that the SIP plan is a 3 – 4 year cycle developed according to the Washington Administrative Code 180-16-220. This is a data based plan that includes information that staff certification requirements were met. The plan is presented to the school board annually. We had been in year 3 of our SIP plan before the pandemic, which was focused on increasing reading scores across all groups. We are placing that plan on hold and instead will focus on student engagement. This plan will be based on key success indicators.
- What are some of the ways your school is encouraging and monitoring active, productive engagement of student learning and the school community?
- What strategies is the school using to monitor academic progress in essential learnings and ensuring students will be prepared for future learning?
- What have you learned from the ISD family and student in the fall of 2020? How did your school team respond to family and student feedback?
Tier 1: Universal Prevention (All)
Tier 1 supports serve as the foundation for behavior and academics. Schools provide these universal supports to all students. For most students, the core program gives them what they need to be successful and to prevent future problems.
Tier 2: Targeted Prevention (Some)
This level of support focuses on improving specific skill deficits students have. Schools often provide Tier 2 supports to groups of students with similar targeted needs. Providing support to a group of students provides more opportunities for practice and feedback while keeping the intervention maximally efficient. Tier 2 supports help students develop the skills they need to benefit core programs at the school.
Tier 3: Intensive, Individualized Prevention (Few)
Tier 3 supports are the more intensive due to the individualized approach of developing and carrying out interventions. At this level, schools typically rely on data to determine a student’s need and to develop an individualized support plan.
Tim has submitted the new SIP plan to Rich Mellish, Exec. Dir. of Teaching and Learning, and once approved, it will go to the School Board and then it will be posted to our website.
A question about what we do when everything we have in place doesn’t work.
Tim shared that there are various safety nets for kids who are not thriving academically in online learning. Using online tools we can track kids who are under performing academically and intervene with one on -one breakout rooms and study halls.
While students continue to make progress, it looks different for everyone and we look forward to serving some students in person when we have the chance.
Parinaz asked what avenues were in place for parents to receive support if they are struggling or have questions.
Tim mentioned that he has been holding monthly Community Connection meetings on the 1st Tuesday of each month for parents. This information is shared through Enews with a link for parents to pose a question ahead of time, then Tim sends them a link to the meeting and he can address concerns. He feels like this has been helpful for parents.
Meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.
Our next meeting is schooled for April 21st, 2021 @ 8:30 a.m.
Nov. 24, 2020
Site Council Meeting 11.24.2020
Location: Zoom
Attendees: Cami Przybylski, Tim Baynes, Emily Loney, Michele Ensey, Ashley Nodine, Kathy Wasson, April Miklautsch, and Karin Danner
Guest: Lyndia Collister – LAP Teacher
Call to order: 8:30 a.m.
Cami Przybylski brought the meeting to order. She welcomed our newest member, Kathy Wasson, as our Classified Representative. She took the place of Samantha Mayer-Ledet, who left the district this year.
We reviewed the Site Council By Laws to be sure they were aligned to the district mission and reflected current building practices. We decided, as a team, to take off the verbiage that indicates a form is available on our website for our community to submit input for future site council meeting topics. It was agreed that there were numerous avenues for stakeholder groups to voice concerns that would provide a more direct and timely channel to communicate concerns.
We also decided to change out the title Dean of Students to Assistant Principal. Attached are the updated SC By Laws.
Cami introduced Lyndia Collister, our Learning Assistance Program (LAP) teacher. Lyndia has been a LAP teacher since 2004. Lyndia shared with us that she is servicing 21 kids this year. She gave a quick overview of the program which included the following:
Purpose:
- To accelerate learning for students most at risk of failure.
- To provide a double dose of reading.
- Emphasis on early intervention which is based on research
- To accelerate learning for students most at risk of failure.
Qualifying for LAP:
- Fountas and Pinnell Reading Assessments
- Teacher recommendations
- Report card grades
- No Iowa or SBA scores (this year – due to COVID 19)
- Permission from Parents
Materials Used:
- Leveled Literacy Intervention (by Fountas and Pinnell)
- Lexia online resource is now provided to all K-5 students
- Piloting Heggerty Phonemic Awareness (Audio not visual)
- As needed:
- Fountas and Pinnell Phonics
- Making Meaning Comprehension
Lyndia also shared that remote learning has had a few unexpected positive upshots. One is that students that presented shy and/or withdrawn at school, were more bold and outgoing in their home environment. She is also able to service kids in the afternoon so that they get that double dose of reading. Students get their in-person learning in the morning with their teacher and a “double-dose” of reading with LAP in the afternoon. She also mentioned she was able to engage a bit with parents, as they assist their children with accessing their online tools. In a typical in-person model, parent engagement is more difficult.
Tim Baynes updated us on the future of LAP. We have seen LAP funding decrease the past couple of years. Next year, Sunny Hills will not offer LAP services. The ISD has chosen to reallocate the funding for LAP services to a need based model targeted to schools with the most need.
We will continue with our general reading curriculum, but will integrate Reading Foundations as a new phonics based curriculum. Additionally in grades K – 3 students will take a Lexia Reading Assessments to fulfill a state mandate that screens for Dyslexia. Research has shown that 1 in 5 kids display characteristics of Dyslexia. Together they hope to integrate this additional support in classroom learning.
Cami and Tim updated us on the Boundary Review Committee, which will hold its first meeting next Thursday. Emily Hays, parent to a first and third grader, will be our SH representative. She and Tim will attend 4 Boundary Review Committee Meetings as voting members.
Tim explained that boundary decisions are part of a public process and that any speculations are just that. We won’t know anything until the process plays out in early February. The goal is to minimize student movement.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, February 3rd.
Oct. 23, 2019
Site Council Meeting 10.23.2019
Location: Sunny Hills Library
Attendees: Cami Przybylski, Tim Baynes, Emily Loney, Lauren Triggs, Michele Ensey, Ashley Nodine, Samantha Mayer Ledet, April Miklautsch, Parinaz Ejlali, and Karin Danner
Call to order: 8:30 am
Cami Przybylski brought the meeting to order at 8:35 am. She welcomed the returning members and introduced our two new members, April Miklautsch and Parinaz Ejlali.
We reviewed the meeting dates for the rest of the year as well as topics to be discussed at each meeting.
Cami shared the district’s website with information on our new school #16. She encouraged us to direct folks to that site should questions arise.
Tim Baynes outlined the district’s decision to push the opening to 2021 -2022 which included:
- Traffic concerns with the Issaquah Pine Lake Road expansion
- Litigation concerns around bus use on the bridge – who owns?
- Possibly moving the entrance which would mean adding a new light.
- Permitting issues around adding a traffic light
- Levy concerns
- Endeavor/Discovery behind schedule
We read through the Site Council Bylaws to make sure we all were aware of the expectations and limitations of participating in Site Council. Besides a couple title changes, we left the Bylaws as written.
Cami adjourned the meeting at 8:55 am
Our next meeting is: November 21st
Jun. 5, 2019
Site Council Meeting 6.5.2019
On June 5th, the Site Council team reviewed candidate applications for both the intermediate and the primary positions. Names were not given, but information on candidates was shared. Site Council voted on an intermediate candidate and a primary candidate.
2019 – 2020 Site Council will include:
April Miklautsch – intermediate rep
Parinaz Ejlali – primary rep
Lauren Triggs – primary rep
Ashley Nodine- intermediate rep
Samantha Mayer Ledet – classified rep
Michelle Ensey – specialist rep
Emily Loney – PTA rep
Apr. 24, 2019
Site Council Meeting 4.24.2019
Location: Sunny Hills Library
Attendees: Cami Przybylski, Emily Loney, Lauren Triggs, Michele Ensey, Samantha Mayer Ledet and Karin Danner
Call to order: 8:30 am
Cami Przybylski brought the meeting to order. We made sure all members had a chance to read the notes from the previous meeting and they were approved as submitted.
Cami filled us in on the new principal search. Initial interviews were last Friday, April 19th and the second round happened this week. We should hear before the end of the month who has been selected.
We discussed that we need to elect another primary and secondary parent representative as Joana Figueiredo and Edel Black have fulfilled their terms. We will advertise the positions in the next eNews. If more than one person shows interest in each position, we will vote at the next site council meeting.
Cami shared that the month will be busy with SBA testing in May as all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will take the exam.
We took our annual look at the staff handbook and decided it did not need any updates this year. Next, it goes to legal to make sure nothing needs to be added from their vantage point.
Apparently there has been some discontent around the no homework policy. Our PTA is hearing from parents, especially from 5th grade parents, that they are worried their kids will fall behind in 6th grade due to the lack of homework.
Meeting was dismissed at 9:05.
Next meeting 6.5.19
Jan. 9, 2019
Site Council Meeting 1.9.2019
Location: Sunny Hills Library
Attendees: Cami Przybylski, Joana Figueiredo, Emily Loney, Edel Black, Lauren Triggs, Michele Ensey, Ashley Nodine, Samantha Mayer Ledet and Karin Danner
Call to order: 8:30 am
Cami Przybylski brought the meeting to order. We made sure all members had a chance to read the notes from the previous meeting. We decided as a team to send any revisions to Karin Danner directly and we will assume the notes have been updated and sent to the webmaster for posting. We will no longer need to officially approve the notes.
The focus of this month’s meeting was our new School Improvement Plan (SIP) for the 2019 -2021 school years.
There will be a link our school website if anyone is curious. Cami outline a couple of highlights. She explained that Leslie Lederman will be sharing this information with staff next week.
Cami explained that we are at the end of our three year cycle for writing, but will shift a close attention to reading with this new plan. Leslie and our staff have spent a lot of time digging into the data to determine steps for growth.
Data was analyzed by our Leadership team in partnership with the whole staff. The Leadership team reviewed independently, discussed it as a team and then the data was shared with the staff they represent. Next, we met as a whole staff to discuss our observations and recommendations for an area of focus. That conversation led to the development of our goals and an outline of our Action Plan. Leadership reviewed the draft, sought feedback from their teams before a draft was sent to TLS. Final edits were made based on TLS input.
Previous SIP Goal:
By April 2018, the percent of ALL students meeting standard will increase by 10% in overall points above the 2015 ISD Common Writing Assessment measured by the post ISD Common Writing Assessment. Gap Group By April 2018, the percent of ELL students meeting standard will increase by 15% in overall points above the 2015 ISD Common Writing Assessment measured by the post ISD Common Writing Assessment. Progress Toward Previous Goal: During our three-year SIP, we increased the number of students meeting standard on the ISD CA for Writing. While our overall goal of increasing all scores by 10% was not met, we did increase the total number of students meeting/exceeding standard in writing by 5%. Our students began at 65% meeting/exceeding standard, rose to 77% in year two and then dropped to 70% in our final year. This up/down pattern in our goal 9 written for all students differed from the progress we saw with our Opportunity Gap students. The goal set for our ELL students saw a slow but steady increase each year; moving from 61% meeting/exceeding standard, to 64% in year two and 70% in year three.
School Improvement Goals:
All Students By May 2021, 88% of all students will meet standard in the area of ELA as measured by the SBA ELA. Gap Group By May 2021, each cohort who have received or are currently receiving support services (Special Education, LAP and/or ELL) will increase the number of students meeting standard in the area of ELA by 15% as measured by the SBA ELA.
Action Plan Action Steps:
What research-based strategies will be implemented to achieve this goal? 2018-19 Reading/Writing · Regular communication with families regarding progress with increased reporting for Level 1 and Level 2 students · As a grade level, discuss scoring discrepancies between ISD Common Assessments (Writing, F&P, Reading Assessment), report card grades and/or SBA ELA for grades 3-5.
- Track access to independent reading time and time to write
- Use of Seesaw by early adopters
- Explicit instruction/support provided by IC to all new staff in reading and writing best practices Reading
- Balanced Literacy will be provided in all classrooms including a commitment to teach reading skills outlined in Making Meaning.
- Provide funding to build strong classroom libraries for each classroom
- Provide explicit instruction of comprehension, decoding, and fluency strategies.
- Clearly state and post learning targets in kid friendly language
- Documentation of learning for each student o BAME – common tool for whole staff o Reading Groups – data collection tool determined by teacher
- F&P recording sheet – updated for each child and then passed onto the next year’s teacher
- Form Reading Groups (guided reading strategy groups and/or Readers Workshop) based on data
- Use Instructional Level during guided reading/conferring 10
- Identify specific teaching points for students who are Level 1 or Level 2 and commit to meeting with them 4 times a week via conferring and/or guided reading.
- Share reading level with families when supporting their efforts at home
- Explicit instruction for all students about choosing Just Right Books
- Build reading stamina beginning in September to hit grade level goal for minutes of independent reading
- Promote Eager Readers to increase reading minutes at home
- Use of ISF grant and building funds to provide reading intervention via ASAP curriculum for up to 24 fifth grade students.
- Weekly communication between support staff (LRC, LAP, ELL) and gen ed staff about shared students
- Calibration training for staff on use of Fountas and Pinnell Writing
- Administer Classroom based On Demand/cold writes
- Implement Writer’s Workshop in each classroom using the Lucy Calkins Units of Study as the curriculum
- Purposeful use of mentor texts to support instruction · Give timely specific feedback to students using the rubric as a guide
For a complete copy of the Sunny Hills School Improvement Plan, click HERE.
Meeting was dismissed at 9:05.
Next meeting 4.24.19.
Site Council Bylaws
SITE COUNCIL BYLAWS
The official name of the council is the Sunny Hills Elementary Site Council. (SHESC)
Purpose
The purpose of the Sunny Hills Site Council is to provide a forum for collaboration between the school staff, parents, and the community. SHESC is established to advance the District’s mission. Our students will be prepared for and eager to accept the academic, occupational, personal, and practical challenges of life in a dynamic global environment.
- Foster continuous improvement of the school’s educational program
- Blend the values and perspectives of the community, parents, staff and students
- Foster effective communications on key topics among all stakeholders in Sunny Hills
- Provide an effective venue for creative school-wide planning and problem-solving.
Focus
SHESC’s focus is on matters directly and indirectly relating to the improvement of student learning such as:
- achievement data
- Sunny Hills Elementary School Improvement Plan and local budget to support it
- effective transition of students to middle school
- enrichment and remedial opportunities for students
- policies/procedures
- school culture and learning climate
- safety/security
- deterrents to harassment, fair treatment for all
- supports for staff and their work environment
- concerns related to school rules and student discipline
- planning for and improvements of school facilities
SHESC will not focus on matters purely administrative in nature, matters controlled by state and federal law. District policy and/or administrative procedure, external agencies or negotiated contracts or matters that fail to contribute significantly to the District’s mission.
Site council should not focus on the following:
- problems or complaints related to individual employees, students or classrooms, personnel decisions made by the principal or
- matters that fail to contribute significantly to student learning and/or well-being
Council Membership
Site Council will be comprised of 10 members:
- Principal or Assistant Principal
- Assistant to the Principal - Note taker
- PTA President or representative
- 1 parent of child in K, 1st or 2nd grade
- 1 parent of child in 3rd, 4th or 5th
- 1 staff representing specialists
- 1 staff representing classified staff
- 1 community member
- 1 Teacher Representing Primary
- 1 Teacher Representing Secondary
SHESC will consist of 2 parent positions, 1 community representative (can also be a parent) and 4 staff positions. Selection of new members will take place in May or June as needed. New members will be recruited through eNews.
Council Responsibilities
- Provide a forum for comments, suggestions, and concerns related to the school
- Establish and provide direction to committees for specific purposes and special projects.
- SHESC meetings
- Provide input to SHESC discussions
- Serve on a committee when needed
Principal or Assistant Principals Responsibilities
- Act as a SHESC participant and represents the interest of students, staff and community at all times.
- Retains ultimate responsibility and accountability for the school.
- Provides review of the schools School Improvement Plan
- Provides information that may help SHESC in carrying out their responsibilities
- Liaison between SHESC and Sunny Hills Elementary Staff.
- Sets agenda and meeting dates
Community Representative
- Keeps SHESC apprised of community issues.
- Brings community perspective to the SHESC
Parent Representative
- Keeps SHESC informed of any concerns/issues within the parent community
- Brings parent perspective to SHESC.
PTA Representative
- Acts as a liaison between the SHESC and the PTA.
- Reports to the SHESC pertinent information from PTA BOD meetings.
Staff Representative
- Brings staff concerns/issues to SHESC in which SHESC may provide assistance
- Brings staff perspective to SHESC
Assistant to the Principal
- Takes accurate minutes of the SHESC meetings and presents the minutes for approval at the next meeting.
- Posts meeting notes on the SH Website
- Maintains minutes and membership roster, including phone numbers and email addresses
Conducting Business
- Meetings will be held quarterly during the school year. Additional meetings may be called by a majority vote of the SHESC.
- Community members may contact any Site Council rep to share comments or concerns. Topics should be appropriate such as outlined in the above outlined Site Council focus.
- SHESC are open meetings, however the SHESC has the option to hold closed meetings. The meeting can be held before or after a regular meeting or on a separate date and time.
- A copy of the minutes from each meeting will be posted to the Sunny Hills website after members’ approval.
- SHESC may create committees as deemed necessary. A statement of purpose for the committee shall be agreed upon. SHESC may serve on committees, including as chairperson. The chairperson should maintain a list of members for inclusion on the SHESC records.
Updated 11-24-2021