E. H. Sutherland Elementary School

10015 S. Leavitt Avenue
Chicago, IL 60643

773-535-2580
773-535-2621 fax

Catherine Gannon
Principal

Maureen Elwood
Assistant Principal

Ms. Annie Malone, Counselor/Case Mgr

Ms. Jeanmarie Ford, School Clerk

Click here for the 2008/09 Sutherland Parent Handbook in pdf format.

Click here for
Matrix of School Wide Expectations.

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LSC Minutes - 7/15/08

Sutherland Elementary Local School Council
Meeting Minutes for July 15, 2008

1. The meeting began at 4:00 p.m.
2. Roll was taken: present members were Bill Cahill, Mellissa Ciezki, Catherine Gannon, Cheryl
   Kite,Meg O’Sullivan, Ron Traylor, Donna Somerville, Charlie Zarzecki
3. Minutes from the June meeting were read and approved with one change. (In principal’s report:
   “Another mobile cart will be ordered for next year.” instead of “…has been ordered…”)
4. Principal’s Report was distributed:
   a. ISAT scores were delayed.Waiting for more info from Board.
   b. Curriculum projects had been submitted by the teachers at year-end. They were being reviewed
   and looked excellent.
   c. Residency cases were ongoing, some completed, with cooperation very good from AMPS and
   the law department.
   d. Enrollment getting closer to goal, hoping for lots of residents to register in summer. The music
   position and half-day kindergarten positions were officially cut due to funding based on the
   Board’s projected enrollment for our school. The formation of a School Enrichment Program
   was discussed and agreed upon by all as a very good idea. Brainstormed on how to fund music
   programs and performances. Discussed contacting BAC, World Folk Music, etc. Maybe hire on
   a contractual basis? Or form a choir as a tuition-based program? To be discussed more at Sept.
   meeting.
   e. Verizon had completed all cell tower work. Cell tower funds from the two providers ($48,000)
   were earmarked for: $3,000 additional security cameras/installation by playground and inside at
   end of gym, $33,000 for second mobile cart of 20 Mac laptops with wireless capability, $15,000
   for last year of 3-year tech leases, patrol vests and pizza parties $1,500) A formal report was
   included.
   f. Proposal to raise school materials fees to $50 for K and $75 for 1-8 was discussed and
   approved.
   g. Painting was continuing on first and second floor hallways. Repairs needed to be made to
   plaster and paint in those rooms affected by previous roof repair.
   h. Interviews for a new engineer were ongoing, the position was not yet filled.
   i. The Board had not yet approved another Special Ed position, but was expected to do so,
   and candidates for the position are to be interviewed on July 22.
5. Public comment-none
   
6. Delegate Reports
   PPLC- nothing to report (we discussed briefly with Ms. Kite, the teacher rep, the idea of her
   providing regular touchpoint reports about curriculum, teacher concerns, etc. She agreed that
   would be a good idea.
   PTA-The new PTA Board was introduced and asked for volunteers for all committees for the
   coming school year. Only a few committees were left unfilled by the end of the meeting. The
   PTA discussed the idea of distributing via email (or posting to the web site) monthly reports
   from leaders of the PTA, LSC, Student Council, IB Program, Stew Crew, and Athletic Board,
   so that all would be informed of each others’ activities, schedules, etc., to avoid scheduling
   conflicts, fundraising duplication, etc. The new PTA is planning a Family Picnic for younger
   grades with a Tween night for older grades in the fall.
   Buildings and Grounds- Lights were noted out on the playground, Bill C. volunteered to follow
   up with city. A clean up in the fall prior to I Madonnari is planned.
   School Climate-Basketball sign ups were ongoing, next Athletic Board meeting in Sept, TBD.
7. New Business
   The LSC elected its officers for 2008-2009 Ron Traylor, Chairman, Charlie Zarzecki, Vice
   Chairman, Secretary will revolve each month between all members. Committee chairs are:
   School Climate, Ms. Kite/Ron Traylor; Buildings and Grounds and PTA, Donna Somerville;
   PPLC, Ms. Kite.
   The meeting schedule for the year was set for first Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m.
   In addition to the monthly principal’s report, a bi-monthly full expenditures report was
   requested of Ms. Gannon by the LSC.
   The dress code was discussed, and all members agreed that a letter stating the dress code clearly
   should go home in the first few weeks of school, as a reminder.
   An “8th Grade Contract” was discussed. Other schools have used these with success. Samples
   are to be submitted by Ms. Gannon and Mrs. Elwood and discussed at next meeting.
   A “painting party” was proposed by Ms. Gannon. A volunteer “Parents-Night-In” to get class
   rooms painted room by room over the course of the year. To be discussed at Sept. meeting.
8. Old Business- no discussion
9. Executive Session- none
10. Public Comment-none
11. Next LSC meeting is September 9 at 4:00 p.m.
12. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.