K - 8 Principal Kurt Davidson provided his update.  The dual focus has been around current quality instruction as well as planning for next year.  The school is in a good place and monitoring student progress in the continued virtual learning space.  Kurt will go into more depth around assessment on the Education Committee call in regards to online assessments for the K - 2.  The reliability of data is of utmost importance to the K -  8 at this time. 

Kurt has had conversations with many team members (38/48 so far) about returning for next year.  He also has been working on other efforts such as staff benefits. 

9 - 11 Principal Tyra Williams provided her update.  She shared information regarding recent work around staff benefits.  She has been keeping the Board informed on a weekly basis around academics.  The only newer challenges she and her team are facing center around keeping high school students engaged.  This is more challenging in the virtual world.  Tyra is thinking about the mental health of her scholars, some of them are starting to struggle in the virtual world.  This is evidenced in their grades and a greater frequency of scholars giving up.  There has been a pilot with 11th grade scholars around healthy minds.  All staff members have 3 - 4 juniors that are personally mentored.  There has not yet been guidance from the state about what summer school would look like.  However, the team is beginning this conversation so they are prepared.  Karin is speaking to Sarah about the creation of Interim Assessments.  AP Studio Art and AP English and Composition are going to be offered.  The push was just about to happen from March to now to get scholars to prepared and with COVID-19 results may not be as strong as the school would anticipate.  Scores will be received in July and Tyra will update the Board at that time.

Shanta volunteered to assist with Zoom sessions and supporting scholars in preparing for their senior year.  Tyra will reach out to Tyra to set this up.

The team will skip staff updates this month.  Each Principal will have 15 minutes for their regular presentation.  The Principals should address challenges and how they plan to address these items/any support or resources that are needed.

Courtney Russell provided an update about Enrollment and LHA updates.  Melissa has been working to compile talking points for the Board around post-lottery efforts, scholar registration, and the recruitment of special populations.  She also spoke briefly about the 30/60/90 day plan that LHA has been working on.

Aaron shared that the Board would be speaking about the LHA feedback in Executive Session.  He also encouraged all team members to provide updates with the context of "update/challenge/next steps to address the challenge".  Aaron spoke about the Board candidates that will be interviewing in May and some of the rich experience they have in education and otherwise. 

Jessica shared she would like to hear more about the specific recruitment and retention efforts the school is making.  Tyra provided her insight around implications of enrollment of special populations.  Aaron encouraged the team to schedule a conversation with the NYC DOE this summer regarding the matter of recruiting/retaining special populations this July/August.

Courtney Russell provided an overview of the Operations section of the agenda for this month.  Aaron spoke further about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and that this matter would be further discussed at the Board meeting.  Aaron does expect further guidance about budget cuts and information in the coming months.

The team reviewed and made additional changes to the agenda.