ABC Meeting
October 20, 2008

Welcome: The second meeting of the school year was called to order at 8:35 a.m. by ABC co-manager Shelby Barron. Twenty-three parents and five school representatives attended. Shelby announced that an envelope will be sent home within the next two weeks to invite parents and extended families to join ABC. Fewer parents joined this year, because membership appeared to be an option during the new online registration process. ABC membership is tax-deductible and open to anyone. Shelby also encouraged parents to send questions about ABC to abc@ocsarts.net or to shegrey48@hotmail.com. Shelby and OCHSA’s administrative team read these e-mails.

ABC Treasurer’s Report: Jeanine Konishi’s treasurer’s report is attached. She stated that ABC recently paid for the staff appreciation lunch and is providing desserts for the two College Nights. ABC will be able to help in more ways once its latest dues check is received.

Executive Director’s Report: Dr. Opacic thanked Principal Sue Vaughn for doing such a great job with academics and conservatories. He stated that OCHSA is having a great year. He announced the following:

O.C. Arts Award: In a late September awards ceremony, Robin Follman, artistic director, was named the 2008 Artistic Artist for Arts and Art Education by Arts Orange County.

Press Conference for Gift: On October 22 at 10:30 a.m., OCHSA will host a press conference to announce that it has been given its largest one-time gift in the school’s history. The gift will go toward paying down the $13.5 million annex and property behind Symphony Hall.

Adjusting to State Budget Cuts: OCHSA will do well weathering this year’s state budget storm. Administration had built a 2-3 percent cut into this year’s budget and had anticipated less parent funding than last year. But the projected mid-year state budget cut is $3 million less than projected, and parent funding is up this year. If state budget cuts remain at this level, then there will be no further cuts; otherwise, supplies will be cut first. We’re hoping for the best from next year’s state funding but preparing for the worst by already planning a 2-3 percent budget cut.

Special Events:

Tree-lighting Ceremony: Cambria Morgan announced that the Foundation’s next big event is the Tree-lighting Ceremony in the South Coast Plaza’s Westin Hotel courtyard on November 20. South Coast Plaza just invested in a permanent set for the tree-lighting ceremony. Approximately 50 OCHSA students will perform, including our band. This is a great family event in its 29th year, and it’s free to the public. OCHSA’s Encore members just received a mailed invitation to a pre-show hotel dinner and premier seating at the event.

GALA: This year’s theme is “Jubilee de Paris.” Two local philanthropists, Sterns and Molino, are co-chairing the event. Parents should have received a GALA packet with a request for donations. GALA grossed $1 million last year and $750,000 the year prior. This year’s goal is to net $1 million. Last year’s online auction was a great success, raising approximately $30,000. GALA ticket prices will remain at $350 per person. Tables cost from $3,500 for 10 people up to $50,000. OCHSA has already sold one $50,000 table.

Principal’s Report: Sue Vaughn answered the six-part question about STAR scores that was submitted to abc@ocsarts.net since the last ABC meeting:

Q: Why was a summary report shared rather than a full breakdown?
A: Because STAR reports are long documents to print out, Sue reported summary scores and gave the URL (www.cde.gov.edu) to parents so they may read the test section scores on their own. This was not an attempt to hide the scores from anyone. OCHSA uses the summary scores to evaluate how the school is doing academically.

Q: How much value does OCHSA place on STAR test scores?
A: STAR scores are important but are not the only indicator of the school’s academic success. This test measures standards but not critical thinking or applying skills to real-life situations. OCHSA will be testing students on higher-level skills and will share results with parents. OCHSA does not “teach to” the STAR test.

Q: Why weren’t STAR scores reported by subject?
A: Individual section scores are available online. Teachers evaluate the individual scores; Sue reported summary scores to parents. Individual scores reveal which academic areas need more help.

Q: What are High School Summative Scores?
A: High School Summative Scores are the test scores for students who have completed math through Algebra II.

Q: How well did OCHSA students test in science?
A: Chemistry students have scored below 50 percent for three years in a row. Chemistry involves math, so it is a difficult subject.

Q: What are Valid Scores?
A: Any student enrolled by October 1 is included in the STAR test’s Valid Score, because these students have been taught by OCHSA all year. Students that enter OCHSA in January, for example, are not included in the Valid Score. Not surprisingly, OCHSA’s STAR scores are better with Valid Scores.

Q: What is OCHSA’s plan to improve its STAR math scores?
A: We are taking a four-pronged approach: 1) Continuing with math department meetings on Fridays to assess the week’s progress. 2) Continuing with Professional Learning Communities (PLC), launched last year, to discuss plans for students who did and didn’t do well. 3) Determining which students received A’s yet scored Basic on the STAR test. Some of these students were not taught all the standards in time for the April test. OCHSA is seeking to teach all standards before the STAR test but to balance this with proper depth into the skills. 4) OCHSA will provide a Block 7 class on Mondays and Wednesdays for students who scored Basic on the STAR test, to ensure that those students understand the state standards math skills. In the future, students who scored Basic on the geometry portion of the STAR test will be provided extra help in Block 7, followed by students who earned a B in Algebra I, etc., working systematically. Likewise, students will be offered an optional Algebra I Academy over the summer for extra support before entering Algebra II. OCHSA may also offer a summer Algebra II Academy, but these classes depend on student interest. Sue will look into whether OCHSA, as a public school, may charge for an Academy class if enrollment is low.

Math Night (Date TBA): OCHSA will host a Math Night for parents to learn more about the new math textbooks, which are resources to the school’s state standards curriculum.

Parent Questions for Sue Vaughn regarding the math program:

Q: Does the geometry curriculum include an algebra review?
A: Yes, the geometry teachers and their state standards curriculum integrate that review.

Q: Wouldn’t students improve in math and chemistry if they had more feedback on their homework before being tested?
A: Teachers spend their first 20 minutes in class going over math homework. Math teachers are
regularly providing support to approximately 20 students in Block 7. And they continuously check whether students understand the material before they are tested. This is called formative testing. All academic classes are working on this, but especially math.

Q: After teachers review test results in class, why can’t students keep the graded test for use as a learning tool at home?
A: Sue will bring this up in a general staff meeting and will address it at Math Night. She reminded parents that we’re all working for the students’ benefit; that parents and teachers are on the same team.

Q: Mrs. Moe, a junior high Lit. & Comp. teacher, asks her students to tell her three things that
parents and teachers could do to help them succeed in the classroom. Would it be possible for all teachers to survey their students for this information?
A: Sue will bring this up in a general staff meeting.

Q: What can be done about the huge divide between math students that quickly understand the
material and those that are lost?
A: In most school districts, math has been aligned as students move from kindergarten through
12th-grade. But OCHSA students come from 93 different cities, and some come from private schools where different standards are emphasized. That’s why a Summer Math Academy may be helpful. It is difficult for teachers to balance different levels in math.

Q: Do students take state standards subject tests according to their grade level or after they
have completed the subject they will be tested on?
A: State standards tests are given in the academic year that the student has completed the subject matter that will be tested.

Q: Why doesn’t OCHSA offer a Geometry Honors class?
A: OCHSA has offered this in the past, but it didn’t work out. It is better to address geometry
students as a whole. This is not the case with Algebra II/Trigonometry students, because they are probably going on to calculus, whereas the Algebra II students may not be.

Q: Would it be possible for parents to review math test results for more than one day and to see all test results, not just those graded C- or less?
A: Sue agrees and will check with the math teachers.

Q: Would it be possible for math teachers to more consistently post math assignments on
Sharepoint?
A: Sue will review Sharepoint postings to see which teachers are not keeping up. She said
there was a learning curve to transition from the Public Folders system, but by now, teachers need to keep Sharepoint homework assignments updated.

Q: Do artistic students have a particular struggle with math?
A: Yes, because math is sequential and logical. But this is not an excuse for artistic students to stop working on math. They can be taught math, and all students are still required to learn basic skills. Also, colleges don’t make exceptions for artistic students. OCHSA continues to look for ways to reach these students. CSF tutoring in Block 7 is helping tremendously. Math tutoring and math software may also be helpful. More information will be shared at Math Night.

Q: Do you have a timetable to determine which students need to be placed in the upcoming
Monday/Wednesday Block 7 class for those who scored Basic on STAR math yet received an A in their math class?
A: Jeff Pratt is managing this and is pulling together the curriculum. He hopes to provide the
class by November.

Kevin Cook, P&D: Sue Vaughn introduced Kevin Cook, the new director of the Production & Design conservatory. Kevin has experience in managing live-entertainment events, Hollywood parties, mall grand openings, private special events, and has taught light and sound classes at Saddleback College. He said that he is excited about OCHSA’s role in Orange County and is grateful to have this opportunity to give back by training future artists and technicians. His goals include: 1) working with Jena Duca to create an understandable events calendar for staff; 2) developing a long-term vision; 3) creating more partnerships for OCHSA through his professional contacts; 4) enabling students to be placed in professional theater companies or to further their training and go on to universities; and 5) create partnerships with industry entities to procure P&D equipment. Sue Vaughn mentioned that P&D is becoming more academic and is working on the students being viewed as more than “worker bees.”

Staff Education: Sue Vaughn mentioned that Jim Madrid, author of Get Over It and Get On With It, is under contract with OCHSA for staff education in many areas. He recently worked with the administrative team to help clarify the Foundation’s vision. This summer, Jim worked with conservatory directors. Soon he will be working with OCHSA’s leadership students. His book teaches how to determine what can and can’t be changed and to move on.

Vice Principal’s Report:

Facilities Changes: Mike Ciecek reviewed two major facilities changes that took place over the summer. The first was installing 25 security cameras on the first and second floors, which are appropriate for the age we live in and for our urban environment. Mike has received good feedback about this from students and parents. The cameras provide the ability to see entire events transpire. Students are still cautioned to keep track of their belongings, because cameras don’t prevent events; they just record them. He suggests that students treat their belongings at school as they would in an airport, by keeping an eye on them at all times. The second facilities change was adding key-fob access to certain doors to create a more secure facility overall. After 6:00 p.m., most exterior doors are locked. This is especially good security for after-school and night rehearsals. Mike reported that OCHSA has never had a major incident on campus, and that the staff wants to keep it that way.

Parking Lot: During school hours, students may go to their car at lunch and before Block 7. Performers may go to their car between rehearsals. Mike will remind directors that students should not go into the parking lot by themselves.

Parent Parking: Parents may park in the Senior Lot and on the south side of Symphony Hall. Parents must place a note in their car’s windshield if they are attending an OCHSA meeting; otherwise, Diamond Parking will issue a ticket. Street parking is patrolled by the Santa Ana police, and OCHSA has no control over their citations. Be careful about parking even one inch into the loading zone on Sycamore, or you may be ticketed.

Late Arrivals: Seniors with Late Starts (9:00 to 9:40 a.m.) may sit at the tables provided near the breezeway. Daytime arrival is safe. Supervision begins at 7:30 a.m.

Homework Club: All junior high students need to be picked up by 4:00 p.m.; otherwise, they must go to Homework Club so that they are properly supervised at all times. Parent information about Homework Club is available on the OCHSA website. A detailed letter will also be mailed to parents.

 Student Services Report:

College Nights: Marghy Moen reported that the October 16 College Night was heavily attended. A panel provided answers to parent questions. On October 23, OCHSA will host a Financial Aid Info Night at 7:00 p.m. in Symphony Hall. A speaker will provide valuable tips, review state and federal aid, and how to complete the FAFSA form. Attendance is recommended for junior and senior parents who need assistance with college tuition, regardless of their tax bracket.

Rebecca Freeland, Teacher on Special Assignment: Rebecca’s main responsibility is serving as a leader for the Beginning Teachers Support and Assessment System (BITSA), as a liaison with the Orange County Department of Education. Her focus is testing. She also oversees Block 7, the school’s technology program, and intervention with students for academic, behavioral and emotional issues.

Block 7 Assignments: Rebecca is receiving positive feedback regarding Block 7. She queries the staff about the program every month. She reported that 179 students were assigned to Block 7 for the first semester, because their GPA totaled 2.5 or below. The first progress report revealed that 108 of these students’ grades rose above a 2.5 GPA. This leaves only 71 students with a GPA below 2.5. Students on Academic Probation may not leave their assigned Block 7 class until the semester report card. They must maintain a 2.0 or better to stay in school and a 2.5 or better to be released from their Block 7 assignment. They will receive a laminated Block 7 pass to their assigned room. Only three of these students’ first-quarter grades fell below a 2.0 GPA. New to a Block 7 assignment are 101 students who earned a 2.5 GPA or less on their first-quarter progress report. Rebecca asked that parents check their child’s progress report for a 2.5 GPA or above. No parental notification letters will be mailed because of the cost of postage during this budget crunch. She said that school hallways are monitored once Block 7 starts, to ensure that students are in their classrooms and not disturbing those who are studying.

ABC Committee Reports

Parent Education: (Michelle Gerstley reported for Pilar O’Cadiz.) ABC is requesting parent feedback on topics and speakers for parent education sessions, and would like to know whether mornings or evenings are the best time for these events. Parents suggested the topics of Teens at Risk; How to Disagree Agreeably; and The Artistic Child. Please send topic and speaker ideas to Shelby Barron at shegrey48@hotmail.com or to abc@ocsarts.net. Michelle said that topic ideas can be found by looking through your community’s newspapers and local school announcements.

Grad Nite: Shelby Barron reported that the Grad Nite committee is replacing Nacho Fridays with a senior variety show fundraiser December 19 -20, directed by Brenda Rodriguez, an electives dance teacher. This event will showcase all conservatories. Shelby asked that senior parents purchase Grad Nite tickets as soon as possible, because funds are needed now to secure a venue for use at the same time that most other seniors in Orange County will be celebrating their graduation. By October 2007, more than 100 seniors had purchased Grad Nite tickets; this year, only 26 students have signed up so far.

OShop: Lori Solomon explained that the OShop provides fundraising support to conservatories and academics. The shop has been relocated from Symphony Hall to the annex in the ramp areas of the two floors. They sell school spiritwear, tote bags and a variety of other things. Most items are donated. This year, the OShop has begun selling at outdoor venues and conservatory events. So far, the OShop has earned $120 at the Rose Bowl Flea Market; $100 at the Fullerton Mercantile; $150 at the O.C. Kids Festival; $150 at the Orange County Marketplace; $450 at the Irvine Global Village Festival; $300 at the Thespian Tour; and $582 during the summer arts programs, for a total of $1,852. The OShop will sell yearly at both the Book Festival and Global Festivals. Shelby asked parents to propose other venues that the OShop can attend. An OShop volunteer stated that because the OShop was relocated and no longer sells food, that it has lost its core of volunteers, opportunities for commuter parents to meet each other, a welcoming first step into involvement at OCHSA, and most of all, recognition for the OShop and especially for Carol. However, this parent said the reasons for these changes were recently and clearly communicated to OShop volunteers and that everyone is working together to ensure that everything that can be done will be done to remove obstacles to the OShop’s success.

General Questions:

Q: Are “Tuesdays with the Administration” always held the day after ABC meetings?
A: The October “Tuesdays with the Administration” is the first such meeting of the year. After this first meeting, we will know if those who are not involved in ABC will attend the administrative meeting instead.

Q: When can prospective students visit OCHSA?
A: Preview Days for prospective students will take place on Sunday, January 11, and Saturday, January 31.

Q: Would it be possible to sell student planners to parents?
A: Key dates from student planners could be extracted and rebound for sale to parents during the online registration process. The data could also be posted to the ABC website.

Q: Is there a parent directory?
A: The business office is now refining the 2008-2009 parent directory. They are making sure that parents who do not want their contact info published are excluded from the printing. Shelby mentioned that last year’s directory is still available on Aeries. Michelle Gerstley suggested that a printout of the directory be given to parents who join ABC.

Q: Where can parents find information about the different conservatories?
A: One way is to attend a Preview Day. Another is to contact a volunteer from the Parents’ Arts
Council (PAC) for the conservatory you’re interested in. Their contact information is listed on the school’s website under: School, Parent & Student Resources, PAC.

Q: What is contained in Sharepoint?
A: Sharepoint is the password-protected software that OCHSA uses to post homework assignments, student grades, the Art Attack, academic and conservatory announcements, etc. It replaces Public Folders and can be accessed via http://sharepoint.ocsarts.net .

Q: What is the effect of absences on a student’s report card?
A: Attendance is a state requirement. If a student is absent, OCHSA does not receive ADA funds for him or her that day. Excused, verified absences, such as religious absences, are not reflected on report cards. If you have a question about your child’s attendance record, please contact Billie Sue Griffith, attendance technician, or e-mail her at attendance@ocsarts.net.

Q: Why isn’t it mandatory for parents to join ABC?
A: ABC is a volunteer committee. PTA isn’t mandatory, either. ABC is OCHSA’s version of PTA. Shelby clarified that ABC exists to put money into the classrooms where the state’s budget doesn’t stretch. Recent examples include the purchase of graphing calculators for math classrooms that require them, plus a DVD library for language and social science classes. Because the online registration form wasn’t clear about the lab fee donation, this year ABC will help the science department purchase supplies, so that students have the best lab experience possible. ABC contributes to classrooms whenever it can. ABC is launching a membership drive within the next two weeks to encourage more membership. A printer is donating the forms, which will be posted on the wall rack in the school’s registration area.

Q: Why is the Leadership fee required at registration?
A: Mike Ciecek explained that this is a student activity fee, which includes the student planner and events that take place. The fee keeps costs down for clubs, the homecoming dance, etc. Shelby mentioned that some parents thought that the Leadership fee included ABC dues, which it didn’t. Next year’s online registration form will be clearer.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:41 a.m. The next meeting will take place on Monday, November 17, at 8:30 a.m. in Room 707.