School Community Council March 21, 2022
Attending:
-Jim Jensen
-Ken Rowley
-Shelly Karren
-Cache Merrill
-Melissa Gibbs
-Callie Bjerregaard
-Nicole Harman
-Kelly Maksem
-Joe Schino
-Shannon Kershaw
-Katie Atkinson
-Page Checketts
-Katie Christensen
-Brandy Burnett
-Amanda Oaks (CSD School Board)
Motion to approve minutes Melissa Gibbs
2nd by Nicole Harman
All in favor
Robotics Team Presentation by Ron Strohm and students
- Two teams have had many opportunities to share their robots with the Ronald McDonald House, and other organizations.
- Taking challenging courses, earning scholarships, and the like have motivated students to succeed.
- Seta Henry (student) talked about his experience in the program for his four years at Alta. All robots build in-house by the students.
- Strohm mentors Jordan High students; he thanked the SCC for their support of two teams and expressed a desire for a third team.
Autumn Ingstrom (SBO President)
- Reported on current student activities including prom March 19th, spring sports, FCCLA, student body officer elections. Girls preference April 16th.
PTSA update from Nicole Harman
- April meeting will be held to determine the board for the 2023 school year. Nicole will remain the PTSA President for next year. Other positions are also available.
- Hawk Hero efforts will resume for 4th quarter—students and staff can nominate a student for positive behavior at school.
- Hawk Stash—input solicited on this since the stash (pantry) has not been utilized as well as it was in the past—on average only one student will come to access the Stash. Is there a need for this at the school? Katie Atkinson suggested that we think about opening the Stash up to the feeder schools. Callie Bjerregaard observed that the free lunch has lessened that need, but that better advertising would be helpful; including that information in the counselor’s PCCR presentations may help; hanging some signs would likewise help. Jim and Cache suggested that Advisory teachers may be a good source for encouraging use of the Stash. Katie reiterated the need for visible signage. Amanda reminded the group of Hillcrest and Jordan’s pantry program for ideas about how to find success with the Stash.
Counseling Corner Report: Callie Bjerregaard
- Course requests are currently being collected and finalized.
- Ideas for making this process more efficient
- Wellness Night on March 30th at Alta 6:00 p.m.—19 entities will be in attendance; keynote speaker on teen tech use.
- Care Team—new support for targeted discussions about supports for students. Amanda Oaks congratulated the SEL team on putting together the Wellness Night; could the word be send out to other high schools? Callie said she would reach out to Tori Gillette to send to counselors at other high schools.
- Shannon Kershaw reported on how the March 8th ACT went. 67 juniors did not take the test, which is a higher number than usual. March 22nd will be the make-up test day. 884 AP exams were ordered last year; 763 AP exams were ordered this year.
TSSA/Land Trust: Ken Rowley
- Ken shared data regarding progress for our ELL’s with the group (43% growth; 89% graduation rate)
- Ken reviewed the Proposed Land Trust Plan for 2022-23 (see outline for specific numbers, goals, and action steps.)
- A discussion of funding at the State level brought up by Jim Jensen; Amanda Oaks said she would bring this up with Dr. Robins when she meets with him next week; sharing perspectives with legislators can help; Alta funds SEL more than any other high school in CSD.
- Ken reviewed the TSSA plan, noting specific additions to the plan.
Motion to accept Land Trust & TSSA: Page Checketts
2nd Katie Atkinson
All those in favor: all those present are in favor
Feedback solicited on an ask from Alice Peck regarding Late Start/Early Out
- Amanda Oaks talked about the need for common time for schools for cross collaboration with singleton teachers. Discussion ensued.
- Based on discussion, Alta would like to continue as it is (Late Start, Tuesday) for equity, wellness, and effective collaborative reasons.
- Focus would be to make this uniform across all levels.
Graduation (Ken)
- May 25, 2022 at the University of Utah 10:00 a.m.
- Hawk Medallion applications due April 1st
Construction Update
- Kitchen and oven updates—nearly there, but waiting for a cover for one of the ovens. Update on seating in the cafeteria/commons—probably for next school year.
- Katie Atkinson wondered whether hot food could be brought in once a week or once a month.
- Sounds system in football stadium and gym
Motion to adjourn: Nicole Harman
Kelly Maksem 2nd the motion
