The GLOBE Academy

Minutes

Academic Committee Meeting

Date and Time

Friday March 7, 2025 at 8:30 AM

Location

LC Conference Room 

Vision, Mission and Core Values
Vision: To develop globally minded citizens who have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effect positive change in our world.
Mission: The GLOBE Academy fosters Global Learning Opportunities through Balanced Education for children of all backgrounds. With a focus on dual-language immersion, an experiential-learning model, and a constructivist approach, GLOBE inspires students to be high- performing lifelong learners equipped to make a positive impact in the world.
Core Values: The GLOBE Academy’s core values are expressed in the acronym, CREST: Community, Respect, Empathy, Sustainability and Trust. These values are expected of the governing board, faculty, staff, parents, and students. They are woven into daily life at GLOBE and incorporated into the curriculum.
 Community: We are inclusive, and we nurture and support one another.
 Respect: We treat ourselves and each other with kindness and dignity.
 Empathy: We strive to understand and share the feelings of others.
 Sustainability: We aim to conserve our resources for optimal use in the present and future.
 Trust: We are committed to honesty, transparency, and respectfully sharing our thoughts and encouraging others to do the same.

Committee Members Present

C. Blunt, C. Brantley, C. Elliott-Earby, C. Schwenkler, D. Torre Gibney, K. Karably, R. Lofstrand, S. Daniel, S. Manns

Committee Members Absent

J. Marks, L. Clark, M. Tolbert, P. Datta

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

D. Torre Gibney called a meeting of the Academic Committee of The GLOBE Academy to order on Friday Mar 7, 2025 at 8:30 AM.

II. Academic Committee

A.

See Attached Agenda

 

Roll Call

Vision & Norms

  • Daniela Torre Gibney acknowledges the absence of Ron and Tiffany and explains the meeting's purpose of discussing vision and mission.
  • Daniela introduces the concept of meeting norms, including maintaining a mind of continuous improvement, expecting non-closure, practicing directness with kindness, and engaging proactively.
  • Sandra suggests adding professionalism as a separate category, emphasizing the importance of directness and kindness.
  • Daniela and other members discuss the importance of not losing threads and the need for ongoing work even if not completed in one meeting.

 

Introduction to new Chair: 

  • Daniela shares her background, including her upbringing in Argentina, move to the United States, and education at WashU and Vanderbilt.
  • Daniela discusses her career path, including teaching, research, and working in contract research firms like SRI International and Bellwether.
  • Daniela emphasizes her commitment to her family and her love for reading, hiking, camping, and spending time with friends.
  • Daniela outlines her role as the chair of the committee, including her background in data and research, and her commitment to supporting the committee's work.

Discussion on Committee Roles and Responsibilities

  • Daniela and other members discuss the roles and responsibilities of the committee, including the chair's role in leading meetings and providing input.
  • The committee members discuss the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and celebrating successes.
  • Christi emphasizes the need for the committee to focus on academic performance goals and the importance of writing goals that impact map and milestones.
  • Cutia suggests identifying areas for celebration and not just focusing on areas for improvement.
  • Sandra discusses the importance of advocating for the school's unique programs and the need for the committee to highlight the school's achievements.
  • Cutia shares their experience of shutting down when board members focus on their own children and emphasizes the need for a broader perspective.
  • Sandra suggests that the committee should advocate for the school's programs and the impact they have on students.
  • Cutia and Sandra discuss the importance of professionalism and advocacy in the committee's work.

Celebrations & Shout outs

  • Members celebrate each other's contributions and achievements, including the impact of the school's programs on students.
  • Catherine shares a personal story about their child's knowledge of Lunar New Year, highlighting the school's multicultural program.
  • Kristen celebrates the attendance of Clarence at the meeting and the importance of staff participation.
  • Sandra shares the achievements of the school's staff, including their diverse backgrounds and contributions to the classroom.

 

Introduction to AI Tools for Educators

  • Daniela introduces an AI tool called Magic Schools, designed specifically for educators, and its potential benefits for the committee's work.
  • Cutia mentions the availability of Microsoft Copilot through DeKalb County IDs and its potential to supercharge the committee's work.
  • Daniela offers to provide more information about AI tools and their potential applications for the committee.
  • The meeting concludes with a focus on the committee's next steps and the importance of ongoing collaboration and support.

Action Items

  • [ ] Discuss supports for subgroups, particularly those not served by the WIN program
  • [ ] Provide update on ongoing work around improving supports for subgroups
  • [ ] Explore opportunities to better advocate for and highlight the school's achievements
  • [ ] Investigate potential partnerships with universities for student teacher placements

 

B.

Upcoming Meeting

III. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,
D. Torre Gibney