METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PIKE TOWNSHIP
Regular Meeting
February 11, 2016
The Board of Education of the Metropolitan School District of Pike Township met in a regular session on
Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Administrative Services Center. Present at the meeting
were: Mrs. Randolph, Mrs. Richardson, Mr. Huffine, Mr. Abrams, Mr. Downs, Mr. Metzler, Mrs. Poore,
members; and Mr. Jones, Superintendent.
Mr. Larry Metzler, Board Member, informed the Board and audience of the passing of a former educator.
In addition, he talked about the wonderful comments posted on Facebook from former students and
colleagues. He recognized the comments as being note-worthy, however, he encouraged everyone to
acknowledge their favorite educator, administrator, person, face-to-face or while they are alive so that
they will know the impact they have had on the lives of many.
Ms. Sarah Dorsey, Communications Officer, presented a district update to the Board. Ms. Dorsey
informed the Board of the following:
Treasures for Education
On Saturday, February 20, the Pike Township Educational Foundation (PTEF) will host their 20th annual
Treasures for Education. The dinner and auction will be held at the JW Marriott in downtown
Indianapolis.
Community Open House & Ribbon Cutting
Please join us from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Pike High School on Saturday, February 27, for a Community
Open House and Ribbon Cutting to celebrate our new Aquatics and Pike Career and STEM Centers.
Guests will have the opportunity to take guided tours, obtain information about available programs and
services, register for swim lessons, and more!
Singing Success
Pike High School's Encores, Mystiques, Combo, and Crew had terrific performances at Edgewood High
School on Saturday, February 6. Jai Tudor and Tiana Williams were recognized as Outstanding
Performers and Aubaine Rutland received the best soloist award. The Mystiques advanced to the evening
finals and placed 1st Runner-up in the Women's Show Choir Division.
PHS Wrestling
Tras McMillian and Thierno Diallo qualified for the wrestling Semi State Competition!
PHS Swimming
Our Lady Red Devil Swim team finished runner-up at Sectionals on Saturday, February 6th and are
State bound in three events. Cathryn Schroeder was the Sectional Champ in the 50 Freestyle and the 100
Freestyle, and our girls 200 free relay team of Cathryn Schroeder, Cleopatra Herron, Madelyn
Rodabough, and Kylie Smith were named Sectional champions with a time of 1:45.83. No additional
updates were shared at that time.
Mrs. Patricia Burton, Director of Student and Community Services, presented the Superintendent’s Above
& Beyond Award to employees from Central Elementary School and Eagle Creek Elementary School.
Mrs. Erica Porter, Principal at Central recognized the following individuals for their hard work and
commitment to the Life Skills Program at Central Elementary School:
CES-Erica Porter
Taylor Haney
Yolanda Henry
Audrey Johnson
Michelle Knapp
Renee McLauren
Kaitlin Mitchell
Nakisha Mundy
Alejandra Reyes
LaVada Squires
Jim Thalmann
Minnisa Vaughn
Janine Walker
Mr. Kevin Kempton, Principal at Eagle Creek Elementary School presented the Superintendent’s Above
& Beyond Award to a phenomenal parent volunteer who’s the epitome of Servant Leadership.
Mr. Kempton recognized Mrs. Jenni Russ.
Mrs. Cynthia Huffman, Director of Curriculum & Programs presented information to the Board regarding
the ISTEP scores. She stated, “We did not get the scores for 2014-2015 school year until December and
we didn’t get our detailed reports about those scores until January. Although we have been implementing
school improvement strategies, we’ve been really focusing on improving our instruction and working on
strategies to address increased rigor that we would encounter. Mr. Jones thought it was prudent that we
really strategically plan some strategies to help improve ISTEP scores that are coming in just two weeks,
Part 1 of the test. We are mid-way into this process but Superintendent Jones wanted to share that
information with you. We believe that it is productive and that we’re going to see some positive results.”
Mrs. Huffman and Ms. Mary Kay Hunt, Director of Instruction & Staff Development continued and
presented the following information in a PowerPoint presentation:
District Support for Schools
Superintendent Jones
David Holly
Pat Burton
Cindy Huffman
Melissa Burnside
Sandy Baker
Dr. Gary Gilbert
Raul Rivas
Megan Ahlers
Tracy Swinton
Tim Davidson
Dr. Larry Young
Mary Kay Hunt
Joe Lampert
Gail Dawson
Krista Clanin
Steps to Improvement
 District Administrators will meet with building administrators and key instructional staff to review
assessment data with an initial focus on grades 3, 4, and 5
 Review School Improvement Plan and evidence that the plan is being implemented
 Review lesson plans to see if they are aligned with district’s Scope and Sequence
 Visit classrooms with building instructional coach and debrief with building administrators
 Focus instructional time on Mathematics and English Language Arts
 Meet with computer lab instructors and media specialists
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 Computer lab – focus on academic review in Math and Reading (i.e. MyON, FASTT
Math)
 Media Specialists – design and implement lessons to challenge and engage students to be
critical thinkers (REID)
Use Depth of Knowledge Model to guide students through higher level thinking process using
relevant topics as a springboard (Maverik Education Cognitive Rigor Samples)
Engage teachers in the discussion about assessment data, school improvement plan intervention
strategies, and instructional strategies recommended for improvement
Host meetings to help teachers identify the academic strengths and weaknesses
Grade Level Data Meetings
 ISTEP+/NWEA

ISTEP+ Video

Grade Level Reports

Test Vocabulary

Strengths/Weaknesses

Practice Test Items

Class Reports

Best Practices

Formative Assessments

Depth of Knowledge

Homework

20-Day Planner
20-Day Planner
Day
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Critical Standards
Notes/Resources
4.RN.3.2
Describe the organizational structure (e.g.,
chronological, problem-solution,
comparison/contrast, procedural, cause/effect,
sequential, description) of events, ideas,
concepts, or information in a text or part of a
text.
4.RN.3.2
Describe the organizational structure (e.g.,
chronological, problem-solution,
comparison/contrast, procedural, cause/effect,
sequential, description) of events, ideas,
concepts, or information in a text or part of a
text.
4.RN.3.2
Describe the organizational structure (e.g.,
chronological, problem-solution,
comparison/contrast, procedural, cause/effect,
sequential, description) of events, ideas,
concepts, or information in a text or part of a
text.
4.RN.2.3
Explain the relationships between events,
procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical,
scientific, or technical text, based on specific
information in the text.
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Depth of Knowledge
Classroom Observations (Healthy Classroom Checklist)
 Scope & Sequence Alignment
 Goals & Objectives
 High Expectations
 Modeling
 Practice
 Pacing
 Scaffolding
 Prescriptive Feedback
 Assessments
 Specificity with regards to vocabulary, strategies they will use, and IAS.
 Does the plan include a logical transition from teaching point to practice, to checks for
understanding?
 What is the scaffolding plan?
 How will the learning be assessed?
Daily Strategies for ISTEP+ Part 1
1. Respond to Text – Read and respond in writing to one or more text pieces using evidence from the
text.
2. Constructed Response Format – teach students a way (process) to formulate their answers (i.e.
RACE, RAISE)
3. Writing Genres – review, model & practice the components/structure for narrative, informative,
and persuasive/argumentative writing
4. Problem Solving – teach students a step by step process for solving multi-step/multi-part problems
5. Practice Test Items – daily use of ISTEP+, PARRC, Smarter Balance, or engageNY practice test
items
Questions were answered and comments were made.
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Mr. David Holly, Director of Transportation, introduced to the Board Ms. Elizabeth James, a
representative from Synovia Solutions; Ms. James talked about the benefits of the “Here Comes the Bus
App.” Ms. James informed the Board that a few central Indiana school districts are offering a new service
to parents this year, letting them track their kids’ school bus. The app, called “Here Comes the Bus” was
developed by a local company, Synovia.
The app works by accessing GPS systems on board the buses, allowing a parent to view the bus location
in real time and set up an alert system to text them when the bus is close to home. When the kids are in
the house running a little late, mom and dad get a text (saying) the bus will be here in five minutes, you
need to get out to the bus.
Parents can also see when the bus arrives safely at school and when it's on the way home after school.
It's free to use the service online and $18.50 per year or $3.50 per month to get alerts on their phone or
tablet. Questions were answered and comments were made.
Mr. Metzler complimented Mr. Holly and members of the Transportation Department for demonstrating
their support by attending the visitation service for Mr. Coudret’s father in Crawfordsville; their
attendance was a true representation of care and compassion.
Minutes of the regular meeting held on January 28, 2016 having been circulated among members of the
Board of Education, Mrs. Poore moved:
They be approved as written.
Mr. Abrams seconded the motion which carried six (6) in favor. Mr. Huffine abstained, he did not
attend the January 28, 2016 Board meeting.
After questions relative to claims and allowance were answered
Mr. Metzler moved:
Claims totaling $13,873,874.80 be allowed and approved for payment
Mr. Downs seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
The Superintendent recommended the Department of Human Resources Report be approved as presented
and placed on file in the office of the Director of Human Resources.
Mr. Huffine moved:
The Human Resources report be approved.
Mr. Abrams seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
The Superintendent recommended the Request to Advertise Bids for Musical Instruments for Pike High
School be approved as presented and placed on file in the office of the Director of Human Resources.
Mr. Metzler moved:
The Superintendent’s recommendation be approved.
Mr. Downs seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
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The Superintendent recommended the Recommend Approval of the Board of Education Policies be
approved as presented and placed on file in the office of the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary
Education.
Mr. Metzler moved:
The Superintendent’s recommendation be approved.
Mr. Abrams seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
The Superintendent recommended the Approval for Bids Eagle Creek Technology be approved as
presented and placed on file in the office of the Director of Information Services.
Mr. Metzler moved:
The Superintendent’s recommendation be approved.
Mrs. Richardson seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
President Randolph combined the following items as one action item:
F. Contracts
o Telerik, Inc. (DevCraft Developer license renewal)
o Heartland (Mosaic POS software solution)
o Xiotech Technologies (storage area network support renewal)
o Makin Educational Resources (TumbleBooks electronic library renewal)
o VSA (lifeskills artist in residence program)
o Professional Services – Sarah Spearman (professional development)
o Double Eagle Turf Management (athletic field maintenance)
o Central Security & Communications (safety systems maintenance agreement)
G. Donations
o Monetary Donation – Advantage Marketing, Inc.
o Meijer Gift Card – Jacqueline Tucker
o Dunkin Donuts Gift Card – Jason Love
o Monetary Donation – Mcmiracle
The Superintendent recommended the following items:
F. Contracts
o Telerik, Inc. (DevCraft Developer license renewal)
o Heartland (Mosaic POS software solution)
o Xiotech Technologies (storage area network support renewal)
o Makin Educational Resources (TumbleBooks electronic library renewal)
o VSA (Lifeskills artist in residence program)
o Professional Services – Sarah Spearman (professional development)
o Double Eagle Turf Management (athletic field maintenance)
o Central Security & Communications (safety systems maintenance agreement)
G. Donations
o Monetary Donation – Advantage Marketing, Inc.
o Meijer Gift Card – Jacqueline Tucker
o Dunkin Donuts Gift Card – Jason Love
o Monetary Donation – McMiracle
be approved as presented and placed on file in the office of the Chief Financial Officer.
Mr. Downs moved:
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The Superintendent’s recommendation be approved.
Mr. Huffine seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Board Member Items
Mrs. Poore referenced American School Board Journal "Federal Agency back seat belts on school
buses." Mrs. Poore requested information on the cost to equip a single bus with seat belts. Superintendent
Jones mentioned that he would put that information in his notes to the Board.
Mr. Downs asked for clarification regarding the calculation of the G.P.A. for students at the middle
school and high school. Ms. Shelton provided Mr. Downs and the Board an explanation. Superintendent
Jones assured the Board that they will receive more information regarding this topic in his notes to the
Board.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Ms. Lorie Pettiford, Dr. Gary Gilbert, Mrs. Megan Ahlers, Mrs. Pat Burton, Mr. David Holly,
Mrs. Cindy Huffman, Ms. Mary Kay Hunt, Mr. Joe Lampert, Mr. Raul Rivas, Mrs. Linda Searles,
Ms. Sherry Shelton, Dr. Larry Young, Sarah Dorsey, Mrs. Heather Decaudin, Mrs. Pam Guevara,
Mr. Sean Jones, Ms. Michelle Knapp, Mr. Kevin Kempton, Ms. Robin Lawrence, Mrs. Kim Mills,
Ms. Kaitlyn Mitchell, Mrs. Liz Mitchell, Ms. Nikisha Mundy, Mrs. Erica Porter, Ms. Lavada Squires,
Mrs. Lisa Steele; staff members. Mr. David Russ, Mr. Joe Russ, Ms. Jennifer Esparza (Synovia
Solutions), and Ms. Liz James (Synovia Solutions) were also present.
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