LISD Academic Advocates

1. Call to Order and Pledge. Meeting was called to order at 7:03 by President Elizabeth Frey. Those present recited the pledge.

2. Secretary's report. Minutes for October 29 meeting approved as read.

3. Treasurer's report and budget : A budget of $1550 for 2003 - 2004 was presented by C Cavali and F. Hashemi. E. Mittag moved appoval with R. Cowperthwaite seconding. The budget was approved unanimously.

4. Membership report. There are currently 65 individual members and three corporate members.

5. Program: Student presentations on Latin and IB programs. Teacher Melody McCormick brought four students (in Roman dress), Jacki Gilchrist, Perry Morris, Caleb Sneeringer and Michael Scheider, to share their enthusiasm and excitement about Latin at CPHS. The students described their research projects and shared highlights of their premier event, a Roman Forum day, which includes Roman food, dress, jewelry and a series of four playlets (in Latin) that are performed in the courtyard of the school including a wedding, the assassination of Julius Caesar and his funeral and a gladiator event. Since the event takes place over the lunch hour, many CPHS students observe the proceedings which results in a high demand for Latin classes with over 180 students currently enrolled. Latin IV is under consideration for elimination due to budget constraints.

International Baccalaureate instructor Tony Martinez also brought several IB students, Sona Sanghri, Nachele Groomes, Shereen Naser, Patricia Lay and Cori Molnay, to share their experience of this challenging program. Students enroll in IB in their junior year, but prepare for it by taking many pre-AP(advanced placement classes). The emphasis is on learning at the college pace rather than the high school pace and includes rigorous curriculum, 150 hours spent in an approved community service activity, a special class on the Theory of Knowledge and a final 4000 word essay on a topic of the student's choice.. The students also take rigorous exams in 6 core areas. The program is relatively new to LISD, but the enrollment is growing. Faculty are required to take special training to teach the classes. Students were quick to point out that although the program is challenging, they don't give up their personal lives - some participate in sports or band, others also work. Their goal in taking the class is to be as well prepared for college as they can be and many colleges look closely at the course choices students make in making admissions decisions. IB students often receive their first choice of school because the respect for the program is very high.

6. Announcements:
a. Next meeting, Wednesday, January 29, 2004 7 p.m. , CPMS Library

7. The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Erika Mittag
Secretary