BPAC Meeting Minutes
1/11/17
Attendees: Elvira Del Toro, Thirmanda Zavala, Mayra Johnson, Maria Pina, Areli Perez, Toni Morgan, Jill
Podzimek, Jorge Ayala, Jamie James, Kelli Stewart, Magda Emmert, Rocio Camargo, Kathy Reeder, Jose
Villa.
1. Call to Order
 President Jorge Ayala called meeting to order.
2. Historical Timeline of Bilingual Program in Y115
 Postponed until March meeting due to low attendance.
3. Academic Expectations for Dual Language in 2nd Semester
 3rd grade DL teacher, Mrs. Morgan, reviewed current areas of study, including: 1) science –
forces and motion; 2) math – geometry (figures, angles and sides), fractions (between 0 and 1),
and connection to past multiplication unit; 3) language arts – opinion writing, cause / effect,
point of view, simple / complex sentences, nuances of language and grammar; and 4) social
studies – Native Americans in Illinois.
4. Reports – ELL
 Through 2/10/17, Limited English Proficient students will participate in annual State of Illinois
Access test to measure English proficiency growth in listening, reading, writing and speaking;
test results will be sent home in May via letter.
 Once students are proficient in English, they exit the ELL program, but are closely monitored for
two years; proficient students DO NOT exit the DL program.
 There are currently 73 ELL students at ACES, and 206 throughout the District.
 Starting in 3rd grade, all students are required to take annual PARCC test; everyday instruction
prepares students for this test. Test results determine the level and type of services needed,
although teachers also consider many other factors.
5. Reports – YIS Principal Steve Bjork
 Goals include: 1) improve communication with subgroups, like ELL families; 2) provide better
math and reading interventions; and 3) improve ELL program processes and support.
6. Reports – District
 Currently preparing for PARCC assessments, including special accommodations for ELL students.
 Plans underway for DL summer school program, including a class for current DL students, and
another class for incoming kindergarten DL students; more details to come.
 Opportunity for parents to attend one-day bilingual summit in May. BPAC has limited budget for
parents to attend; plan to report learnings to the group.
7. Reports – Treasurer
 Treasurer Thirmanda Zavala presented BPAC budget, including $615 profit from movie lock-in;
87 students attended the event, and the movie license was obtained at half the previous cost.
8. Reports – Secretary
 Secretary Jill Podzimek provided November meeting minutes. Minutes will also be posted
online, to be approved at the March meeting.
9. Old Business
 No Ballet Folklorico update; unable to contact.
 BPAC banner printed for tablecloth, parades etc.
10. New Business
 DL program planning, beyond 6th grade, in discussions; administrative goal to complete
comprehensive review of District ELL program.
 Placement of programs within District buildings to be based on student projections; currently,
ACES has 670 students enrolled, with 738 students projected for Fall 2017.
 Complete kindergarten registration information to come; likely centrally located at District
office, with all forms available online.
 BPAC Board Secretary position is available; please contact any Board member for more
information.
 District Suicide Prevention Presentation: 1/26 at YMS.
 Next BPAC Meeting: 3/15 at ACES.
 Movie Night: 4/21 at ACES.