Dahime Gordon, Site Coordinator for the 21st Century Learning Program (21st CCLC) presented the monthly programming and budget report.  The afterschool programming commenced on September 19, 2022, and is anticipated to end on May 31, 2023. Programming enrollment is down but is increasing daily. 

Dr. Lorilyn Coggins presented the Charter School Program Grant current month and cumulative amounts to the Board of Directors as required to be presented monthly at each board meeting. Dr. Coggins reminded the leadership team of further discussion regarding finalizing the funds that will need to be utilized by November 2022.

August 2022 financial reports were presented by Dr. Lorilyn Coggins highlighting cash on hand, year-to-date revenues, year-to-date expenditures, and the current fund balance in a summarized format. The financials are in order. Preparation for the upcoming audit is ongoing by Dr. Coggins.

The Sanga Monthly Management Report was presented by Dr. Steven Ovares (Principal), Stephanie Yassine (Sanga Consulting Executive Director), and Ana Ulloa (CEO, Founder). Dr. Steven Ovares is pleased to announce that a Professional Development (PD) calendar for the year has been created by the school leadership team.  I-Ready diagnostic testing was initiated and concluded the week of 9/5/2022-9/9/2022 with 99% completion in math and reading. Overall assessment placement charts were presented to the Board of Directors.  NWEA diagnostic testing will take place starting 9/26/2022 and will continue until 10/7/2022. NWEA testing is required by the academy's authorizer Central Michigan University (CMU) and is the basis of numerous strategic plan goals this school year. An assessment plan is in place to support accurate data gathering and to ensure that the academy is in full compliance with CMU's requirements for diagnostic testing. The instructional leadership team is fully committed to supporting grade-level planning and teacher-based coaching with the school.  Systematic instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, and sight words (SIPPS) has started for tier III intervention for students within the school. Paraprofessionals have received training on the program and have completed initial assessments with students to determine the students most in need of an additional layer of support and monitoring throughout the year for additional academic intervention. 

MSTEP results and comparison data for the Spring 2019-Spring 2022 chart analyses were presented to the Board of Directors. The academy has seen school-wide growth in Reading and has lost some momentum in Math.  The instructional leadership team recognizes that the focus has been on reading instruction during grade level planning and test prep this past spring. Long-term grade level team scope and sequences along with additional preparation for the MSTEP have been implemented for this school year. Madam President Cristina Stamatin inquired about the name of the math curriculum that is currently being used at the academy. Eureka Math is currently being used at the academy.  Board Trustee Mariva Gonzalez and Beatriz Hill both mentioned the difficulties that parents face while assisting their children with homework, especially the English Language Learners (ELL) families. Dr. Ovares stated that Eureka Math, in his opinion, is one of the best math curriculum for students and is widely used in high schools.  Professional development is offered for teachers to provide support and additional resources on how to deliver math instruction using Eureka Math instructional materials. Madam President Cristina Stamatin suggested having peer-to-peer tutoring and or parent workshops. The academy must focus on how the delivery of instruction is happening to best support the students. 

Stephanie Yassine and Ana Ulloa presented the management initiatives portion of the monthly management report. The academy's current student enrollment is 393. A total of 10 students tested positive for COVID-19 for the month of September. The academy is fully staffed for the 2022-2023 school year.  Thanks to the great recruitment efforts by Ms. Shan'Ta Johnson. Sanga is proud to report that the school year is off to a great start and running smoothly.  The leadership team has done an outstanding job of organizing and structuring the school day. Ana Ulloa shared with the Board of Directors the transition to high school challenges with which many families are faced.  Some schools in the area are hesitant to accept English Language Learners or Special Education students. Students are being placed on extensive waiting lists or requiring siblings to also be enrolled.  Sanga, along with the leadership team, is constructing a plan of action to begin collaborating with other schools in the area to build a school community bridge. Madam President Cristina Stamatin asked how can the board help. Ana Ulloa and the leadership team will start creating relationships with other schools in the area.  Jennifer Joubert asked if high school placement was discussed during strategic planning. Ana Ulloa mentioned the academy's 8th-grade teacher Tiffany Rhymes assisted families with high school application completion and personally delivered them directly to the school of choice.

Detroit Children's Fund Board Member Jesse Venegas is very interested in partnering with Escuela Avancemos.

Stephanie Yassine expressed a high level of appreciation to the Board of Directors and the leadership team. The Board of Directors wished Stephanie Yassine the best of luck and is thankful for the extraordinary leadership shown over the years. 

No extended public comments at this time. 

The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools Central Michigan University
Field Operations School Lead, Jennifer Joubert, expressed best wishes to Stephanie Yassine. Central Michigan University is proud to have Escuela Avancemos Academy as part of its profile. The 8th graders are scheduled to visit Central Michigan University on October 14, 2022.

The Escuela Avancemos Academy Board of Directors thanked Stephanie Yassine for the work she's done over the years and is very grateful for her commitment to Escuela Avancemos.  The Board of Directors is very confident that management and the leadership team will continue to be on top of things and keep students first.  Madam President Cristina Stamatin mentioned there is work that still needs to be done as we continue to improve and grow as a school. Board committees must become more active.  Successfully transitioning our 8th grades to high school is a top priority. A Board Retreat should be planned before the holidays if possible. Board Trustee Mariva Gonzalez is saddened to have had to make the tough decision to unenroll her son from the academy but had no other choice due to the high school enrollment challenges for her other son and transportation. Mariva Gonzalez is always available if the school team needs anything. 

Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy; 2635 Howard St Detroit, MI  48216.