Notes from the October 22, 2008, School Board Meeting Time and Location: The October 22, 2008, School Board Meeting began with a work session at 5:00 PM followed by the regular session at 7:00 PM in the Administrative Office Board Room. Superintendent’s Report: Superintendent Parsons reminded school board members that special work sessions have been scheduled for Thursday, October 30, and Wednesday, November 5, from 5-7 PM. Deborah Sommer, retired Canby superintendent, will facilitate the work sessions to review Superintendent/Board relations. He also reminded them of the OSBA Regional Dinner Meeting on October 23, at the ESD, beginning at 6:00 PM, and the annual OSBA Convention in Portland, Oregon, November 13 - 16. Superintendent Parsons reported that the high school utilized the October 10, 2008, early release day to give students an opportunity to complete various academic assessment tests. He shared a report on student attendance during early release days at Roseburg High School which reflected 94% attendance for October 10, compared to an average of 87% attendance for the 2007-08 school year. Both middle schools conducted their student involved conferences October 15 & 16, and received mixed reviews from parents. Gwen Soderberg-Chase reported that the middle schools are collecting input from parents, staff, and students on the student involved conference process. A team of educators from each school will meet to review and evaluate the comments and discuss what can be done to improve the process. A report on the input and discussion will be shared with the school board. Recognitions: At each board meeting the School Board awards Certificates of Accomplishments to students of the month in the Roseburg School District. Students receiving awards were: Colby Wilson/ Fullerton IV Elementary, Shyann Callis/Sunnyslope Elementary, and Shelby Bailey/Roseburg High School. The Board honored Mary McClintock, Media Specialist at Roseburg High School with the “Crystal Apple Award.” This award is presented to educators who go above and beyond the call of duty to the school and education of students in the Roseburg Public Schools. Student Achievement Report: Gwen Soderberg-Chase, Director of Educational Services, shared preliminary student achievement goals for 2008-09, and an overview of the results from the recently released state report cards for schools and the AYP report for Roseburg Public Schools. She also shared specific data related to the achievement of students with disabilities and the student population as a whole. RHS Student Representative Report: Emily Lee, RHS Student Representative, reported that Leadership is conducting a canned food drive to donate to community food banks. Brightly colored trash cans are being placed around the high school to encourage students to keep the campus clean. Breakfast of Champions will be held on Friday, October 31, at 8:00 AM in the Student Center, and the Voices assembly is scheduled for December 5, in the gym. The Leadership class will be attending a Leadership Conference in Seaside, Oregon, November 2 & 3, and the new Student Handbook is being printed. Leadership will be giving eighth grade students a tour of the high school campus to begin their transition process as they approach ninth grade. A dance has been scheduled for November 15, with proceeds going to the high school English Department. The Cross Country Team will be participating at District in Eugene, on October 25. Next Board Meeting: The next regular meeting of the School Board will be held on November 12, 2008, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Administration Office Board Room.