During August 10, 2024, Escuela Avancemos Board Retreat, a key topic of discussion was the formation of committees to ensure each board member actively participates in setting goals alongside school leadership. It was emphasized that the board should have a proactive approach by creating a pool of vetted candidates ready to join the board in the event a current member is unable to continue their service. This strategy would allow the board to be prepared rather than reactive.

The purpose of today's discussion was not to solicit members of the school leadership to join committees but to acknowledge that committees have now been formed and it is time to take follow-up action. It was proposed that committees meet monthly before board meetings to facilitate more efficient board meetings, allowing a focus on new business items rather than discussing matters that should be handled within committees.

Additionally, the board was reminded of the need to complete both a self-assessment and a CEO assessment. Each board member has a critical role in carrying out the academy's mission, and it was suggested that there should be increased diversity within the board.

Madam President Cristina Stamatin requested that any inactive committees listed in Board On Track be deactivated. Madam President Stamatin also shared that she will be attending a networking event at the Southwest Detroit Michigan Welcome Center and meeting with Diana Ortega to discuss volunteering opportunities.

This session marked a step forward in aligning the board's efforts with strategic and operational goals.

Michelle-Kerry Khatib, Project Director for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), presented the Cohort Board Report. Ms. Khatib expressed gratitude to the board and school leadership for their ongoing support. The after-school program is scheduled to start on October 1, 2024, and 21st CCLC has expanded to 8 school sites.

Elizabeth Rodriguez will be leading the after-school program this year, bringing her extensive experience and commitment to providing students with academic tutoring, homework support, and enrichment opportunities. Ms. Khatib was pleased to announce several partnerships for the program, including:

• Central Michigan University for virtual literacy tutoring
• University of Detroit Mercy’s StepUp Program focuses on social-emotional learning, mentorship, and leadership
• Detroit Zoo's "Neighboring Birds" program for grades 1-3
• University of Michigan's Seven Mile initiative, offers music, art, and coding programs

Additionally, Steven Elam will share contact information for Algebra Nation, a free resource available in Michigan. Recruitment for the program is progressing well, but transportation remains a challenge for families.

Dr. Coggins will explore whether the 23G grant, which funds tutoring, could potentially cover transportation costs. Madam Vice President Andreea Bordeianu suggested creating a carpool map to help parents organize transportation. Madam Cristina Stamatin also offered to connect the Cranbrook Science program with the after-school initiative.

August 2024 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.  Due to a family loss, Ms. Wilkerson was unable to present the financial audit at this month's meeting. The presentation has been rescheduled for the October board meeting.
 

Mr. Steven Elam, Chief Academic Officer, presented the Sanga Monthly Management Report. The 2023-2024 M-Step and PSAT proficiency data were shared with the board. Mr. Elam also outlined plans for the upcoming professional development (PD) day on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, during which staff will participate in various training sessions led by the Leadership Team. These sessions include:

• School-Wide PBIS Framework (S.O.A.R) by Mr. Elam, focused on building student confidence and self-esteem.
• SFA Training by Mr. Weberman, covering Roots/Wings/Edge teaching methods.
• Behavioral Referral Process by Mr. Davis, addressing classroom management support.
• Special Services Training Part 1 by Mrs. Gould, focused on planning for students' accommodations.
• SIOP Lesson Planning by Mrs. Reed, introducing the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol framework.

Escuela Avancemos will hold Spirit Week, with staff deciding on daily themes during the PD. Count Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, 2024, and the academy aims for 100% attendance.

Madam Vice President Andreea Bordeianu raised concerns about maintaining student focus during "Spirit Week" while assessments were taking place. Erika Reed, Instructional Coach, provided a detailed assessment schedule to ensure students remain focused on testing.

Other updates include:

• The Tucan Contest is set to conclude on Friday, September 27, 2024, with students eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winner.
• Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations will begin on October 11, 2024, led by Mr. Bitar.
• NWEA and I-Ready Assessments will be administered over the next two weeks.
• The team is working hard to meet the October 1, 2024 deadline for updating and completing eight Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• The academy's current student enrollment stands at 422, with an average daily attendance of 95%.
• Vaping has become a concern among middle school students, and the academy is taking a comprehensive approach to address it, including anti-vaping workshops and informative sessions for both students and parents.
• The academy has filled the 3rd-grade teaching position with a certified teacher experienced in working with ELL students. A part-time school social worker has also been contracted through The Stepping Stones Group to provide virtual services for students with IEPs.
• Escuela Avancemos received classroom supplies from the Burger King BK Crown A Classroom Foundation, thanks to Mrs. Johnson.
• On September 11, 2024, the kindergarten class welcomed guest reader Elizabeth Newell from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) as part of MDE’s literacy initiative.
• The academy's Solutions Team (SIP) will be implemented during the September 25th PD day, with staff choosing the teams they want to volunteer for.
• Board Treasurer Linda Chittum inquired about COVID-19 cases at the academy, and Mr. Elam confirmed that the number of cases has been minimal. Mrs. Johnson credited the custodial team for maintaining a clean and safe environment.

No extended public comments at this time.

Jennifer Joubert, Field Operations School Lead from the Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University, was unable to attend the board meeting due to scheduled training in Lansing, Michigan.

Board Trustee Mariva Gonzales expressed her satisfaction with the great start of the school year at Escuela Avancemos Academy. She also offered her continued availability to assist wherever needed at the academy. Board Treasurer shared her excitement over the positive board report, noting that the academy is moving in the right direction and that she loves the Tucan contest idea. She stated that she would follow the marching orders for the board members.

The Board Secretary was pleased to see that the school leadership team is keeping learning relevant for students. She extended her gratitude to Shan'Ta Johnson for maintaining the building and working behind the scenes, Beatriz Hill for her long hours, and Ana Ulloa for her continuous efforts.

Madam President Cristina Stamatin and Madam Vice President Andreea Bordeianu echoed the acknowledgments and accolades given to the team. Madam President Stamatin inquired about the student's perspective on the school's cell phone policy. Ms. Hill reported that while students are unhappy when their phones are confiscated, parents are supportive and happy with the policy.

ACTION ITEMS:

• Provide the Board of Directors with a calendar of events to prepare for their attendance at upcoming school events.
• Plan and organize the January Board of Directors Recognition Month celebration.
• Create a letter featuring the Escuela Avancemos Academy description, along with a request for volunteer participation.
• Deactivate committees in Board On Track that require deactivation.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy.