Escuela Avancemos! Academy
Minutes
Escuela Avancemos Regular Board Meeting (Virtual)
Date and Time
Tuesday December 15, 2020 at 6:30 PM
Location
(US) +1 346-248-7799
MISSION STATEMENT: Prepare, educate, and inspire every child, every day to be lifelong leaders and learners in our 21st-century world.
Directors Present
A. Bordeianu (remote), C. Stamatin (remote), L. Chittum (remote), M. Barbour (remote), M. Gonzalez (remote)
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
A. Ulloa (remote), Aisha Zeben (remote), Beatrice Hill (remote), Dahime Gordon (remote), L. Coggins (remote), L. McClintic (remote), Luna Terauchi (remote), Martha Morales (remote), Michelle Hadous (remote), Norma Quintana (remote), S. Johnson (remote), Wendy Cortes (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C. Stamatin called a meeting of the board of directors of Escuela Avancemos! Academy to order on Tuesday Dec 15, 2020 at 6:35 PM.
II. Approval of Agenda
A.
Approval of Agenda
M. Barbour made a motion to approve Tuesday, December 16, 2020 board meeting agenda.
M. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
| M. Barbour |
Aye
|
| L. Chittum |
Aye
|
| C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
| A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
III. Consent Agenda Item
A.
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
M. Gonzalez made a motion to approve the minutes from Escuela Avancemos Board Meeting (Virtual) on 11-17-20.
L. Chittum seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| L. Chittum |
Aye
|
| M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
| C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
| A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
| M. Barbour |
Aye
|
IV. New Business
A.
Monthly Extended COVID-19 Learning Plans (“ECLP”) Actions Resolution. Any public comment on the Extended COVID Learning Report?
M. Barbour made a motion to approve the Monthly Extended COVID-19 Learning Plans ("ECLP") as previously presented to the Academy's board with the exception of adjusting the master schedule to include additional WIN time (small group instructional blocks) and reduce the length of time and the frequency of teacher-led cafecitos from weekly to once monthly. The new schedule will increase the amount of intervention time students receive from their teachers in small group settings while not minimizing the delivery of the grade-level course content.
L. Chittum seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
| L. Chittum |
Aye
|
| M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
| A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
| M. Barbour |
Aye
|
V. Reports
A.
21st Century Community Learning Centers Monthly Report
Dahime Gordon and Michelle Hadous presented the 21st Century Community Learning Centers monthly programming and budget report to the Board of Directors. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Director Michelle Hadous shared with the board a recent CARES Act grant in the amount of $5700. These funds can be used towards PPE, school furniture, or supplies for students without a spend by time cap.
B.
Charter Schools Program Grant Monthly Report
Madam President Cristina Stamatin provided an overview of the Charter School Program Grant Year 1 Closeout Report, current month, and cumulative amounts that are required to be presented monthly at each board meeting on Dr. Coggins's behalf.
C.
NOVEMBER FINANCIALS
Board Treasurer Linda Chittum provided an overview of the November 2020 financial reports on Dr. Coggins's behalf. The financials are in order and no exceptions were reported.
D.
Sanga Monthly Management Report
The Sanga Management monthly report was presented by Lyndsey McClintic and Ana Ulloa. Lyndsey Mcclintic shared with the board some highlights and areas of growth per the CMU New School Support visit on October 27, 2020. The academy's leadership team plan of action consists of adjusting schedules to focus on WIN blocks to increase student growth. Madam President Cristina Stamatin encourages the leadership team and teachers to continuously strive to keep students engaged and inspired to do well in spite of the virtual challenges. Due to the restrictions created by the pandemic and recent reporting requirements, the academy found some special education students who were in need of reevaluation. Protocols have been put into place to ensure reevaluations take place in a timely manner, given the restrictions of the pandemic. The academy's 4th-grade teachers, Colleen Burcroff and Alexandra Hafer have been recognized by CMU for their virtual delivery of instruction. CMU is requesting video examples from these two teachers and for them to set aside time for an interview detailing what is working for them in their virtual classrooms. The center will be publishing the recorded lessons and interview on their "Academic Resources for School Leaders and Educators" page as well as on YouTube and possibly other partner websites.
Huge accolades to Wendy Cortes, the academy's School Support Specialist in her efforts to partner with Karmanos to raise over $25,300 in gift cards and supplementary items for each family. Ms. Cortes is truly the academy's Christmas Angel. Sanga Management purchased each student a gift that will be delivered by the food transportation team. During the holiday break, families will continue to receive food for seven days. Madam President Cristina thanked everyone involved that was able to make this wonderful opportunity happen for the academy's families.
The academy recently received the 100 Chromebooks that were purchased back in late August. Ana Ulloa met with St. Anne's Monsignor to discuss expansion plans for the middle school. The church has allowed the academy to install four additional modular classes on their grounds. The planning purpose will be presented to the board of directors at a future upcoming scheduled meeting.
Escuela Avancemos has been awarded a grant in the amount of $10,195 for the Additional Instructional Time and Interventions grant authorized by Section 35a(5) of the State School Aid Act.
Huge accolades to Wendy Cortes, the academy's School Support Specialist in her efforts to partner with Karmanos to raise over $25,300 in gift cards and supplementary items for each family. Ms. Cortes is truly the academy's Christmas Angel. Sanga Management purchased each student a gift that will be delivered by the food transportation team. During the holiday break, families will continue to receive food for seven days. Madam President Cristina thanked everyone involved that was able to make this wonderful opportunity happen for the academy's families.
The academy recently received the 100 Chromebooks that were purchased back in late August. Ana Ulloa met with St. Anne's Monsignor to discuss expansion plans for the middle school. The church has allowed the academy to install four additional modular classes on their grounds. The planning purpose will be presented to the board of directors at a future upcoming scheduled meeting.
Escuela Avancemos has been awarded a grant in the amount of $10,195 for the Additional Instructional Time and Interventions grant authorized by Section 35a(5) of the State School Aid Act.
E.
Culture of Southwest Detroit Presentation by Escuela Avancemos Academy Parents.
Ana Ulloa introduced the two guests, Escuela Avancemos Academy parents Norma Quintana and Martha Morales, to the board of directors. Both parents touched on their country of origin, why they choose Escuela Avancemos and some of their country's favorite cusine.
VI. Extended Public Comment:
A.
This public comment section is reserved for all remaining comments.
No extended public comments at this time.
VII. Board Comments
A.
Authorizer Comments
Jennifer Joubert was unable to join the meeting due to schedule conflicts. Ms. Joubert reached out to the Board President and Liasion to inquire if any additional support was needed and to congratulate Escuela Avancsome for being mentioned in the CMU's newsletter.
B.
Escuela Avancemos! Academy Board of Directors Comments
Escuela Avancemos Academy's Board of Directors commended the leadership and management team for the tremendous work that has been done during this challenging year. Excellent presentation by the parents. Congratulations to the 4th-grade teachers that were recognized by CMU. Best wishes for the holiday season and continue to strive for success in the New Year.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Reconfirmation of Next Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos! Academy; Zoom meeting.
B.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:11 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
S. Johnson