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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Visitors since
9/1/04

LSC Minutes - 9/8/08

Sutherland Elementary Local School Council
Meeting Minutes for September 9, 2008

1. The meeting began at 4:00 p.m.
   
2. Roll was taken: present members were Mike Barnum, Bill Cahill, Melissa Ciezki, Catherine
   Gannon, Cheryl Kite,Meg O’Sullivan, Ron Traylor, Donna Somerville, Charlie Zarzecki
3. Minutes from the July meeting were read and approved with two changes. (Mike Barnum was
   not present at July meeting; Meg O’Sullivan’s name does not append -Reidy.)
4. Principal’s Report was distributed:
   a. Staff changes: Intro of Ms. Malone (Counselor) and Mrs. Reynolds (Resource); farewell to
   Mr. K. and Ms. Kenzinger. The new School Enrichment Committee was discussed, with Meg
   O’Sullivan volunteering to chair. Ideas for performances were discussed.
   b. Meetings with teachers were held to discuss student backgrounds for leveling instruction and
   review of curriculum projects. Professional Staff Development included 3 days of prep for the
   new year and several more teachers signed up for National Board Certification. ISAT scores
   were delayed, expected in October.
   c. Parent survey feedback from Spring 08 Report Card Pick-up was overall very good, with higher
   than average CPS marks.
   d. Enrollment is volatile, we need to maintain 755 to keep full-time art; we are at 755 with
   8 special ed.
   e. Cell tower funds were deposited, and expense report submitted. Negotiations for additional
   mobile laptop cart ongoing. Security cameras were installed but need troubleshooting, and
   possibly need an additional computer for viewing surveillance tapes.
   f. Significant painting and repairs to school done over the summer were noted.
   g. New building engineer has been chosen, to start Sept.22.
   h. Differentiated Instruction has been implemented after two years in pilot mode, with teacher
   training ongoing. Teachers will address DI with parents at Open House, with more info to be
   posted on the web site.
5. Public comment-Mrs. O’Connor announced the “Honor Flight” fundraiser to take place in
   October to raise funds to send WWII vets to Wash, D.C. to visit memorial.
   Laurie Cleary-What happened to Mr. K? and how will that time be filled? (Meg O’Sullivan
   said we are forming a School Enrichment Committee to address the loss of music teacher and
   will try to bring in the BAC, World Folk, etc. Ms. Kite said the teachers try to fold music into
   the IB curriculum as much as they can. Ms. Gannon said the music slot will be filled by an extra
   special, i.e. French, library etc.
   Laurie Ach-Communications on the loss of teachers and the implementation of DI was poor.
   Better communications empowers and includes parents, who can help mobilize when the school
   faces challenges.
   Margie Sweeney-Please pursue a cap on classroom size. She is willing to mobilize on this cause.
   What is the mandate?
   Nancy McGourty-Why was there no communication on personnel changes and the
   implementation of Differentiated Instruction? What are the reasons for this?
   Dana D’Achi- (spelling?)-Maybe we can “adopt an artist” (or architect, composer, etc) to
   integrate as a theme through curriculum, to bolster exposure to the arts.
   Kelley Binion-Please consider measured roll outs in the future for curriculum and personnel
   changes, and please post more info on DI on the web site.
6. Delegate Reports
   PPLC- Ms. Kite reported that the faculty meeting about DI went well, with about 90% of
   teachers on board. She felt the other 10% had concerns that will be addressed in future PPLC
   and Professional Development forums.
   PTA-Working on Innisbrook fundraiser. I Madonnari scheduled for Sept 22.
   Buildings and Grounds- Looking forward to new engineer. Mrs. Mastropaolo has some ideas
   for annex corner, to be presented to PTA for funding. Donna will submit plan with some B&G
   ideas and priorities to Ms. Gannon and the new engineer.
   School Climate-Basketball sign ups were ongoing. Next Athletic Board meeting Oct. 7
   at 5:30 p.m.
7. Old Business
   Enrollment was covered in the Principal’s report.
   The final draft of an an eighth grade contract was voted on and approved.
   Ron Traylor volunteered to draft a “dress code reminder” to go home to all students.
   A “painting party” was proposed to paint the classrooms that needed it, with parents
   volunteering. PTA may spearhead effort.
8. Executive Session- none
9. Public Comment-Laurie Ach commented on cars with kids/teens congregating in the parking
   lot on weekends. It was suggested that a chain with a padlock be affixed to gate on weekends.
10. Next LSC meeting is October 7 at 4:00 p.m.
11. The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.