Sankofa Montessori

Minutes

Academic Committee Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday August 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Location

Meeting ID 601 495 1069

Through a culturally responsive, child and family-centered Montessori education, Sankofa Montessori ensures that all of our students develop the knowledge, skill, and agency to have a life of purpose.

Committee Members Present

A. Allen-Thames (remote), E. Moore (remote), S. Harvey (remote)

Committee Members Absent

None

Guests Present

Parents (Sankofa)- 3 Total (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

A. Allen-Thames called a meeting of the Academic Excellence Committee of Sankofa Montessori to order on Wednesday Aug 13, 2025 at 2:12 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

E. Moore made a motion to approve the minutes from Academic Committee Meeting on 05-14-25.
A. Allen-Thames seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Leadership Team Updates

Leadership Team’s Corner (PPT presentation shared, see notes below)
 

1. Enrollment status- current status & School Attendance
Student enrollment- K 48, 1st & 2nd combined 55, 3rd & 4th combined 26. Carribean class 7. Withdrawals- 2.  Goal of enrollment of 160 due Sept. 26

Student Attendance - Pending and discuss in next meeting. 
Staff Absences (; Flight Captains-7, Co-Captains-4,
Staff support-1, Flight Control-1.
2. Personnel Updates- Updates on staffing and updates regarding professional
development of staff. 23 Flight Crew Members (10 Flight Captains, 3 Co-Captains, 4
Staff Support, 4 Flight Control, 1 Part-time CNA and 1 Part-time Custodian,4 Contractors). Contractors include SLP, School Psych, Gift Contract, OT).  Hired an additional Co-Captain starting today and hiring pending for ESOL Contractor. 
3. Updates on school suspensions/expulsions by grade- Pending and discuss in next meeting.
4. Standardized Testing and Screening Data Updates- Any outstanding outcome
data per grade from fall assessments if applicable.  Discussed Math and Reading assessment and plans to improve "Developing" students to "Proficient" students (noted a few pts difference and no difference amongst IEP students)
5. Discuss School-Parent (PTO)-any updates for upcoming SY25-26- None

6. Organizational Chart and Miscellaneous- Shared about Orientation of families, Professional development in July, upcoming community events including Donuts with Dads/Father Figures and Snacks with Sarah.  
7. Curriculum Review- Discussed the continued plan usage of Lexia and Open Up Resources; will add IXL and Wonders curriculum to further enrich classroom goals.  In addition, adding TouchMath and Early Literacy Skills Builder (ELSB) for SCC.  

E.

Special Education

B. Discussion of Special Education-  Discuss at next meeting
• Discuss student enrollment #/% of student population with suspected and/or
identified special needs
Any updates on staffing for Special Needs and progress of Special Ed
classroom
Any updates on classroom integration of special needs and updates on external
supports for special needs (ie Speech, ABA, OT/PT)
Any updates on psycho-educational testing for students

F.

Gifted Student Services

C. Discussion of Gifted Services- Discuss at next meeting
Discuss student enrollment #/% of student population with suspected and/or
identified for gifted services
Discuss plans for data tracking/allocating #/% of students for appropriate funding
per student for special services or gifted services

G.

SY 25-26 Goals

Any updates or changes to the short term and long term goals for next school
year- Discussed Academic goals for standardized assessments, cultural goals for school, and family goals. 
Any outstanding items or updates on grants/funding/external partnerships for next
school year- None

H.

Curriculum for SY25-26

Leadership shared the curriculum programs in detail for the SY25-26 utilizing structure and Montessori principles including Lexia, Open Up Resources, IXL, and Wonders.  Additionally, TouchMath and Early Literacy Skills Builder (ELSB) for the SCC.  

II. Public Comments/Questions

A.

Public Comment will be for 2 minutes allotment per person.

Question #1:  When will we get the QR code for Lexia home access?
                 Response: Should be in Monday folder for the coming week, both IXL and Lexia.

Question #2:  Combination of classes for lower elementary and Parents Grant not updated yet.                   Response:  Sync with Infinite Campus and hopefully corrected by Friday.

Question #3:  As a second year parent, my son loves to use Lexia.  I like getting the folders                         during 1st grade, very informative.  If kids understand feeling safe?  The school                           could maybe include an Emotional/Safety section in the next notice or meeting, you                   could add the section for the parents.  

                Response:  Thank you for the feedback.  

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 3:05 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
A. Allen-Thames