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 - 10/7/08

Sutherland Elementary Local School Council
Meeting Minutes for October 7, 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 Sept meeting were not yet available. To be read at Nov. meeting.
4. Principal’s Report was distributed:
   a. Mr. Patrick Kennedy welcomed as our new engineer.
   b. Meetings with teachers were held to discuss student backgrounds for leveling instruction. ISAT
   scores were reviewed, with excellent progress and improvement overall.
   c. High school fair dates were announced (10/22 at Kellogg, 10/29 for Morgan Park IB
   presentation and 11/5 for other high schools, both at Sutherland). The IB Diploma Program
   to be presented at the Cultural Center.
   d. Sept 26 was Professional Development for staff, covering a wide range of topics. Supplemental
   supplies were purchased for teachers (SRI and Geometers Sketch pad).
   e. Residency cases continue to be investigated with results expected.
   f. Enrollment was sufficient at the 20th school day to avoid additional position cuts.
   g. Mobile laptop carts were delivered and will be set up Oct 21. Security cameras still needed
   additional troubleshooting.
   h. All teacher supports are in place for large third grade classrooms, including aides and support
   from other teachers. Our school is not considered crowded by Board of Ed measures.
   i. Information on Differentiated Instruction is posted on web site.
   IB Presentation was given by Mrs. Ryan. She encouraged all to visit www.ibo.org for more info.
   Mrs. O’Connor elaborated on the plans for a fundraiser to raise $1,000 for Honor Flight
   Chicago.
5. Public comment-
   Lisa Nuzzo: would like to form a committee to examine the 3rd grade class size and explore
   outside resources.Would like the LSC’s blessing and support.
   Karen (last name?)-What are the CFD regulations for persons per room? Are 3rd grade classes
   too crowded? (Ms. Gannon replied that we can not turn children away, but residency cases are
   being investigated.)
   Susan Halko:What about creative solutions? Split the grade up? Use an extra room like the
   computer room or the half day kindergarten room when empty in p.m.? Why was DI
   implemented when we were already such a successful school? (Ms. Gannon directed her to
   web site for more info.)
   Danielle Reardon: There is a lack of teacher comments and communication. How can we know
   what is happening in the classrooms?
   Abra Macellaio: Is the 3rd grade IEP limit per classroom within CPS guidelines? (Ms. Gannon:
   Yes.) Her daughter is struggling suddenly. Is fire code being violated? Can we be the
   exemplary school we have always been with these large classes?
   Laurie Cleary:When do teachers get additional prep time? (Ms. Gannon: During specials.)
   Unknown gentleman: Parents are clearly frustrated, what can they do to have concerns heard
   and addressed?
6. Delegate Reports
   PPLC- Ms. Kite briefly discussed DI and why it is effective.
   PTA-Bullying was discussed briefly (it had come up at PTA meeting). Ms. Kite and Ms. Ciezki
   responded that it is definitely taken care of in the classroom. Also said suggestion boxes for
   students are effective. I Madonnari was a school and community success. Tom McGourty is
   heading up a new Men’s Club.
   Buildings and Grounds- Mrs. Civik announced Oct 17 will be pink tulip planting day for
   Breast Cancer Awareness.
   School Climate-Sport sign ups are ongoing, next Athletic Board meeting is November 4
   at 5:30 p.m.
7. New Business
   Vacancies for parent and community rep were discussed. Agreed that vacancies will be
   advertised in Villager, Review and in school communications, with letters of introduction to be
   submitted and voting on candidates to take place at Nov meeting. Ms. Gannon to write up,
   Donna Somerville will post to media outlets.
8. Old Business
   Enrollment was covered in the Principal’s report.
   Differentiated Instruction was discussed, with Ms. Gannon stressing again the strengths of the
   teaching method and encouraging all with questions to speak on an individual basis with her or
   their child’s teachers, and to go to the web site for more information on DI.
   School Enrichment ideas were discussed again. Ms. Gannon has booked Urban Gateways for
   performances once a month for the school year as “in-school” field trips, and has contracted a
   director for a tuition-based children’s chorus. She suggested that the junior high school students
   may be willing to volunteer as well.
9. Executive Session-Due to length of meeting, the LSC moves to hold a special meeting,
   date TBD, for further discussion of public comment and LSC roles and responsibilities.
10. Public Comment-none
11. Next LSC meeting is November 4 at 4:00 p.m.
12. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.