001Good evening. Like to welcome you all to the September 25th regular monthly meeting of the Portsman City School Board. Ask you please stand now for a brief moment of silence. Thank you. You may be seated. We do have some very special guests here with us this evening. I ask now Dr. Bracy will come forward and introduce them at this time. >> Thank you Dr. Patillo and good evening everyone >> and welcome to our first meeting of the 2526 school year. So this evening we're fortunate to have church elementary school visiting us tonight and at this time I will ask um Dr. Jamil Jones, principal, if she will come forward. And I will now read to you who will be providing us with the pledge of allegiance as well as the school statement. Bringing us the
002pledge of allegiance is Pton Zner. And Pton is a fifth grade student at Church Elementary. He's an honorroll student and a member of the morning announcement team. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, spending time with friends, and building Legos. After graduating from high school, his goal is to attend Virginia Tech, majoring in robotics engineering. In fact, he plans to save lives by building a human Iron Man suit. Pton's mother, Katherine Zener, is here with us tonight. And I think that's her right there up front. We get And you're fine right there. You're fine. Yeah. All right. So, um now providing us tonight with the school statement is Jelina Watson. Jelina is a dedicated sixth grade student at Church Elementary School where she proudly serves as the captain of the safety patrol and
003is an active member of the student council association. Jelina has earned continuous honors by maintaining her place on the A honor role along with a record of perfect attendance. Jelina has been involved in cheerleading and has a been a proud member of the school's violin program strings. Jelina is a young leader with big dreams after graduating from high school and college. She plans to pursue a career in singing and acting. She is the daughter of Jasmine and Lamar Watson. And if you all are here, please stand and be recognized. Oh, she's I got you. >> Okay. They're in the PL. They're in the parent seat right now. Okay. All right. So, at this time, I will turn it over to you all. >> Good evening. My name is Paxton Zindner and I am a student
004uh from Churchill Elementary School, home of the Churchill Tigers. At this time, please stand for the pledge of allegiance and the moment of silence. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We will now be seated. >> You now may be seated. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> I would like to take this time to recognize and thank our school board chair, Reverend Cardell Patillo, our superintendent, Dr. Eli Bracie III, our vice chair, Miss Lakesha Clue Atkinson, and the other members of the school board for their esteemed leadership and support of Churchill Elementary School. My name is Jelina Watson, captain of our safety patrol team. I'm excited to share some of the
005highlights from this school year at Church and Elementary School. At our school, we are more than just an elementary school. We are a thriving community. One of the things that makes our school so very special is how our students, teachers, staff, and parents work hard to make learning fun and meaningful every day. Whether it land whether it's hands-on science experiments, creative art projects, or technology in the classroom, there is always something new to explore daily. Another amazing highlight has been our focus on building leadership and kindness. programs like the military connected student ambassador program, the leadership program, the safety patrol team, and various school clubs that give students an opportunity to support one another, welcome new friends, and practice being role models in our community and beyond. We also have fantastic events that bring everyone
006together like family nights, reading challenges, and celebrations of student achievements. These activities remind us that school is not only about academics, but also about friendship, teamwork, and pride in who we are. Again, thank you to our amazing teachers, staff, and families. They cheer us on, challenge us to do our best, and encourage us to keep growing every single day. Because of them, our school feels like a wonderful and safe place where every student matters and every voice counts. To sum it up, the highlights of Trushian Elementary School is a place where we ignite, learn, lead, and belong. Thank you so very much for letting me share why we are so proud to be Tigers. [Applause] >> Dr. Jones, do you have anything you want to add as well? >> I'm sorry. >> You have anything
007you want to add as well? >> Um, I just would like to thank you, Reverend um, Patillo, and uh, Dr. Gracie and Miss Atinson for allowing us to speak. And anytime you're in church, you want to stop by, please be sure to come by where Tigers are united and learning is ignited. >> Thank you. And and Paxton, you you and Jana both did an amazing job. And when you create that Iron Man suit, make sure I be the first to get one in the 3X. And Jelena, they they've already deemed you on the school board as our net school board rep in year 2029. So just Just just make sure you're ready. >> You'll be ready, won't you? >> She could be Tam daughter. >> Thank you all so much. >> Thank you. [Applause] Agenda
008item 3.5 is the school board mission statement. Miss Shoemaker, >> the mission of Porsche public schools is to engage all students in learning that will foster academic excellence and responsible citizenship. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Agenda item 3.6, attendance. Roll call. Madam clerk, >> Miss Atinson >> here. >> Miss Boom >> here. >> Dr. Cotton >> present. >> Miss Futrell >> here. >> Miss McWain >> here. >> Miss Cess >> here. >> Miss Shoemake >> here. >> Dr. Walker >> here. >> Dr. Patillo >> here. >> Everyone's present. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 3.7 is a roll call vote for the approval of the agenda for September 25th. I entertain a motion at this time. >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> Motion made by Miss Boon, second by
009Dr. Walker. Is there any discussion? I'm sorry. That was Dr. Walker. That was >> Miss Somebody did it. >> Is there no discussion? >> Was it me? >> Roll call, madam clerk. >> Q Cloop. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Miss McWain. >> Yes. >> Miss Cessum. Yes, >> Miss Shou. >> Yes, >> Dr. Walker. >> Yes, >> Dr. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 4.1 is a resolution for National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Uh Dr. White, >> good evening school board chair. Good evening. >> Vice Chair Atinson, Dr. Frasier, and school board members. Our resolution today is whereas school bullying has become an increasing significant challenge in the United States and in Virginia whereas over 20% of youth in the United States are estimated to be involved in bullying each year either as a
010bully or a victim and whereas students who experience bullying are in at a increased risk of depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties and lower academic achievement. hand. Whereas bullying can take many forms, including verbal, physical, and most recently cyberspace and can occur in many places on and off the school grounds. And whereas it is important for Virginia parents, students, teachers, and school administrators to be aware of bullying and to encourage discussion of these issues as a school community. And whereas Portsmouth public school board has developed policy on anti-bullying to encourage positive behavior and to significantly decrease incidents of bullying. Now therefore, be it resolved that Portzouth public schools board recognizes the month of October 2025 as National Bullying Prevention Month and the first day of Monday in October as bullying prevention awareness day with the intention that
011the issue of bullying and its prevention be discussed in our schools and classrooms throughout the month. >> Move for approval. >> Motion made by Vice Chair Atinson and second by Miss Futrell. any discussion. I would like to say that I I'm excited that we continue to have our bullying prevention awareness month in the month of October and that this was created in the architect. This was our first student rep. So I'm excited about uh what we do each month in each year in the month of October for that. No further discussion. Roll call. Madam clerk. >> Yes indeed. >> Move. >> Yes. Dr. Cotton. >> Yes. Miss Fut, >> yes. >> Miss McWain, >> yes. >> Mrs. Sessims, >> yes. >> Dr. Walker, >> yes. >> Dr. Patillo, >> yes. >> The vote is unanimous.
012>> Thank you so much. Agenda items 5.1 and 5.2 are non-aggenda and port agenda items for public speakers. Madam Clerk, >> as part of the school division's dedication to full transparency and collaboration in decision-making, the school board of the city of Portsouth allocates time for public comment to every regular meeting of the month to hear directly from citizens on matters of public concern regarding Portsouth public schools. If you wish to address the school board, you must register with the clerk of the board ahead of schedule meeting. During public comment, each speaker will have five minutes to share their comments with board members. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time to another speaker and they are not to make any formal resolutions, declarations or proclamations as part of their comments. Speakers are reminded to maintain
013decorum and respect while addressing the board. Specifically, no individual person personal student personnel student or family should be named in comments as speakers are at their own risk of violating confidentiality law and or defaming the subjects of their comments. Neither the school board, the superintendent, nor school administration will respond publicly to any comments by speakers. A written copy of speaker's comments can be left with the clerk of the board and any matter requiring a response will be be directed to the superintendent and school administration to address as needed. As the board opens to public comment, the audience is asked to be respectful of all speakers. >> Do we have any speakers at this time? >> Yes. Nadia Holding Barrett. >> Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> Thank you to the school board members for
014having me. Also, thank you to the superintendent. So, my name is Keon Barrett. I am a proud graduate of Porson Public Schools. I wanted today to talk about two organizations that are really near and dear to my heart. The first one is Higher Purpose Learning Tutoring Service. We are award-winning organization focused on equity and also focused on just improving the scores of our students, especially in Portsouth. Founded right here in Portsouth, we were a big proponent of the K12 Learning Acceleration Grant. But when that program ended, we still saw that there was a need among students and families. So earlier this year, we founded Purpose-Driven Learners. And I'm so excited to talk about purpose-driven learners because we provide free tutoring services to students who are really in need, families who really need that support. And
015what we're looking to do is to increase equity amongst our students to be able to help increase scores in math and reading. And we would love to partner with port schools to ensure that this occurs. So one of the things that we are we know for sure is that the co 19 pandemic had a tremendous effect on our students and while scores are improving they are not what they used to be. So in order to do that we really want to focus on giving those students the right help that they need and the right assistance whether that be through one-on-one tutoring touring inside the schools or outside of the school system. I have brochures with me and business cards if anyone would like to learn any more about our services. Thank you. >> Thank you
016so much, sir. >> Katrina Castle. >> Good evening, members of the board. Dr. Bracie and other members of the superintendent staff. My name is Katrina Castle and I'm actually a teacher here in Portsouth. I've been teaching for over a decade uh but this is my fourth year with Portsouth public schools and over the fast past few years I've noticed a bit of a troubling trend. So I wanted to bring my concerns about the proposed and the current academic calendar to the board for consideration as you deliberate over the schedules for the upcoming school year. Over the past few years, Ports of Public Schools has subtly increased the workload for teachers through these calendar changes, and it's come to the point now that we've essentially erased a lot of the progress that's been made towards addressing
017the compensation for teachers. Allow me to explain. In a sidebyside of academic calendars for the 2526 school year with local districts on the south side, when you look at them side by side, it becomes apparent that we're shortch changing our teachers because there's one thing that the other districts have that we don't. Teacher work days. Norfick actually managed to get an entire day into their schedule just for conferencing and communicating with their families. And they have two additional full work days on their calendar, one of which is actually specifically designated as a flex day for teachers. and their school year starts and ends at the same exact time as ours. So, Portsmith teachers are being asked to do more with less. We're actually the only district specifically mandating professional development days or shared teacher working
018days that don't actually specify that teachers will have unstructured respected time to do their administrative tasks. We also have designated mandatory staff development hours outside of the regular scheduled school day. And our Portsouth schoolboard policies, GAA specifically, states that a teacher must work for a minimum of seven and a half hours and that our workday doesn't end until we have completed all of our required tasks. And that includes those mandatory development hours. So legally, we don't have contract hours here. Uh and the calendar does seem to take full advantage of that. What it also does is take time away from our families and from our students because it pushes that teacher workload off onto our personal time and away from that paid scheduled calendar. And even if we assume that it is not the intention
019uh to monopolize the scant four days that we do have for non-instructional work time and that teachers will be afforded some unstructured work time on those days, we're still falling short of the other districts because the elimination of the teacher work days and the early release days and the increase in the professional development days and the additional afterchool hours result in essentially 10 additional work days for teachers and the offloading of critical administrative work to our unpaid personal time because the work does still have to get done. See, quality inperson instruction doesn't just happen because you qual you hired qualified or experienced teachers. Quality instruction happens because teachers, good teachers, take time to plan their instruction and their lessons, their assessments, to design their behavior management systems, to communicate with their families and their students,
020to build relationships both inside and outside of the classroom. All of that takes time, and you don't have to take my word for that. All of those things are things that good teachers should know and be able to do. According to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, if you want quality instruction out of your teachers, they need time to produce and conduct that instruction. And they should be fairly compensated for the work that they do on both of those tasks. Quality teachers work in Portsouth and they love working in Portsouth. Ask me how I know. We deserve to be competitively compensated with a commiserate amount that is commiserate with the quality of work that you expect from us. They do say that you get what you pay for, right? And I think that the
021cost of ignoring this issue may be too high for students and teachers to bear. Community comment on the proposed calendars closes this week and parents should be aware of the full set of choices that are in front of them, both what they are getting and what they are not getting. And of course, I'm grateful for this opportunity to generate a dialogue um and for the support of the superintendent's office who reached out this evening. Don't worry, I won't consider that to be billable hours, but I would ask that you consider returning paid time to teachers to produce quality instructions that we want to provide and that our students deserve in that upcoming school year. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Sergio O'Neal. Sherman Tyler. >> All right. Thank you so much. Agenda item 6.1 uh
022is recognition for athletic directors. Uh Dr. Bracie Yes, Miss Wyman is going to come and share that information for us. And I'm coming. Good evening, Dr. Patillo chair, members of the board, Dr. Bracie, superintendent, and distinguished guests. Tonight, I have the honor of recognizing an extraordinary accomplishment within our division of athletics. Five of our athletic directors have earned their registered athletic administrator designation from the National Interscolastic Athletic Administrators Association. Very few school divisions in the Commonwealth or even across the country can say that all of their athletic directors are certified. Here in Portmith, we can proudly make that statement. We want to acknowledge that our sixth athletic director has already achieved this designation prior to this year, which means our entire AD team now carries this professional credential. [Applause] Professional development for athletic directors is
023particularly significant because unlike teachers who have multiple opportunities throughout the year, RADS have only two formal pathways for growth and training. The VITAA state conference and the NITAA National Conference. For them to take the initiative, invest the time, and reach this level of achievement speaks volumes about their dedication to our student athletes, our schools, and this community. So, as I call your name, each of you please come forward to receive your certificate. From Churchland High School, Christian Chavis [Applause] over there, Manor High School. Jamal Felton. [Applause] He's running to a game. Churchland Middle School. Sandra Rudolph [Applause] Waters Middle School. Gabrielle Turner. [Applause] Unfortunately, from Kredo, Kelly Randolph went home ill today, so she's unable to be here this evening. So, congratulations once again to our athletic directors. [Applause] >> Great. One, two, three. [Applause]
024and they're going to head out. They have some games going on right now. >> Okay, now the moment we've been waiting for. It is my privilege tonight to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our student athletes in track and field. We are here to present state championship rings to honor their remarkable performances this past season. First, we will recognize the Manor High School girls indoor 4x200 meter relay team who captured the state title with an incredible performance with a time of 1 minute 43.5 seconds. As your name is called, please come forward. Members of the Manor High School girls indoor track 4 by 200 meter relay team. Jazeria Armstrong. Get it right. >> Jazaria. I was practicing it too. >> Jazaria Armstrong. How about that? Okay. >> Trinity descents. [Applause] Congratulations. >> Yay. Aim.
025[Applause] >> We have the coach and athletic director, principal. You guys all present? You want to come forward? Yeah, >> sure. [Music] >> Oh, wait. She needs to turn her ring around. >> There we go. I'm going even harder. [Applause] Okay. And we have two more to recognize. At this time, we're going to recognize two athletes from our outdoor track season. So, we're going to have two ladies returning to the front court. >> So, let's start with Adriana M. Adriana won the state championship in the outdoor season in the 400 meter dash with a time of 55.87 seconds. >> There's her second. There we go. >> And let's have Yo May return to the front as well. She broke the state record set back in 2016 in the triple jump. Her jump was 40 feet
026and three inches. [Applause] >> Look at that. [Applause] We got some talent right here. >> For real. >> Huh? >> Oh, thank you. have a funeral today. >> I know. >> Just do the right thing by people >> when I see them, >> right? >> Cuz today actually cry. >> Uh can we now agenda item 7.1? Agenda item 7.1 is consideration of religious exemption case number 2025263. I entertain a motion at this time. Motion made by Miss Boon, second by Miss Trails. Any discussion? >> Seeing none, roll call vote. Madam clerk, >> Miss >> Yes. >> M. >> Yes. >> Dr. Cotton. >> Yes. >> Talking to your mic. >> Yes. >> Dr. Batillo. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Must be a football game tonight. Somebody just asking. >> Agenda item 7.2 consideration of religious
027exemption case number 2025264. I entertain a motion at this time. >> Move for approval. >> Motion made by Miss Boon. Second, Miss Futrell. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, roll call vote. Madam clerk, >> Miss >> Yes. >> Dr. Cotton, >> yes. >> Miss Futrell, >> yes. >> Miss McWain, >> yes. >> Mrs. Cess, >> yes. >> Dr. Walker, >> yes. >> Dr. >> Yes. >> The vote is unanimous. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 7.3 consideration of religious exemption case number 2025 26005. I entertain a motion at this time. >> Move for approval. Second. >> Motion made by Miss Boon. Second by Dr. Walker. Is there any discussion? >> Seeing none. Roll call vote. Madam clerk. >> Miss. >> Yes. >> Miss. >> Yes. >> Dr. >> Yes. Main. >> Yes. >> Mrs.
028Cess. >> Yes. >> Dr. Walker. >> Yes. >> Dr. >> Yes. The vote is unanimous. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 8.1 is a monthly report for curriculum instruction. Uh Dr. Dere. >> Good evening, Chair Patillo, Vice Chair Atinson, school board members, and Dr. Bracie. Um you have your highlights in your packet. I have um really exciting events for you this evening. And I say events because our presentation is going to take a little bit of a twist and a turn. We're going to ask you to put your scientist hats on. Um, as I ask our elementary and secondary science coordinators, uh, Miss Deina Williams and Miss Ariel Darden to come up and they are going to take you through a little bit of what our students experience um, through inquiry and experimentation. And
029then they're going to um, take you through all the highlights from last year as well as what they're planning to do this year. They also have some of their team members here with them to to support. So, I'm going to give them just a second to set up. Good evening, Chairman Patillo, Vice Chair Atkinson, Dr. Bracie, and members of the board. >> Good evening. Good evening. >> I am Ariel Darden, coordinator of secondary science. >> And I'm Deina Williams, coordinator of elementary science. Thank you for providing the opportunity for us to present celebrating success in science a year in review for the 2024 2025 school year. All right. In 2019, we were recognized as the elementary and high school science teachers of the year for Porsche public schools. Standing side by side in the first
030picture, we were strangers. Now we are inseparable. Six years later, we lead the division science efforts to strengthen teaching and learning with the shared vision and collaboration across schools. Our focus remains centered on igniting a strong foundation in science while developing future ready graduates. And I have to say, Dr. Bracie, you are you're aging backwards now. You look much younger than that picture. >> I love it. >> The object flickers soft and bright. illuminating paths in sight. In every lesson, test and trial, it burns with hope, ignites a smile. Though challenges may cloud the day, its steady glow will light the way. A symbol of the dreams we chase, it guides us through our learning space. All right, we will now facilitate a short notice and wonder activity. Please use your sense of sight or
031smell to make observations of the phenomenon before you. You have a handout that Mrs. Williams has given you. Please go ahead and make two observations at this time. Take about 15 more seconds. All right. May I have one to two board members share one of your observations? >> Oh, great. >> Both candles were lit. >> Okay. One observation is both candles were lit. >> Yeah. And I saw light flickering back and forth. >> You saw a light flickering back and forth. Would anyone else like to share? I know I said too. >> One looks smaller than the other and one had a challenge with staying lit. >> One looks smaller than the other and one had a challenge with staying lit. >> All right. Thank you. Now for part two of the phenomenon. At this
032time, write down one question that has now come to mind. >> Like we tell the students, write it down first. We got to get our writing in first. >> Hey, I always teach his pet. So, >> all right. I see a pen going up. We'll take a few volunteers who would like to share their questions with us. Is it cake? >> That's a good one. Is it cake? Is it cake? Some more questions. I saw your pin go up. Yes. >> How does it taste? >> Maybe. Might taste like wax. >> Don't know. Not sure. >> You don't get workers comp for eating a candle. >> All right. Inquiring minds want to know. And I'll reveal what just took place in a moment. But this notice and wonder tool empowers students to observe, question, and
033explore the world around them. It fosters critical thinking and helps to eliminate the fear of wrong answers and builds a deeper understanding through student centered learning. You will see this instructional tool utilized in science classrooms K12 throughout this school year. And so it was not a candle and it was not cake. >> Anyone want to take a guess at what it may have been? >> White chocolate. >> Marshmallow. >> White chocolate. >> Not white chocolate. >> Edible wax. >> White chocolate. >> Edible wax. Not edible. >> Cheese. >> String cheese. >> Cheese. >> String cheese. >> A not. >> No. No. >> Y'all did a principal me some milk. >> No way. >> This was a principal's me before something. >> Scream cheese. Like he he waited to the end too. Like >> I have
034some in the refrigerator right now at home. >> We not buy it. Yes. And a a almond sliver on the top. That's what That's why you said it took a while to get it lit. That's why. >> All right. >> No, not me. >> Everything we do is grounded in the PPS graduate profile. Through science instruction, our students become lifelong learners, effective communicators, future ready individuals, and responsible citizens. Whether through lab work, engineering design, or health science outreach, our students are developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Let's take a look at how we translated this vision into action. All right. And here you see our teacher academy for through Starbase Victory. Our elementary and secondary teachers were immersed in a few weeks of a series of professional development where there was focuses on
035hands-on engineering and uh practices for our science program and secondary had a focus on student centered learning hands-on learning experiences in alignment with our curriculum >> and that program was the starbased victory. All right. This past school year, elementary teachers fully implemented our updated science curriculum. Students explored content through hands-on experiences and consistent instruction across all schools. Our specialist supported this work through professional learning communities or PLC's, modeling scientific practices, guiding data use, and promoting inquirybased instruction. We also launched a new fourth grade diagnostic given to incoming fifth graders. This proactive tool helped teachers address gaps early and focus on instruction on areas of greatest need. Our students in grades 7 through 12 engaged in meaningful hands-on exploration of science curricula. Our program specialists facilitated student centered data-driven PLC's modeling best practices and collaborating with
036teachers to plan instructional next steps. As one of our professional learning priorities, secondary science teachers maintain interactive word walls, an evidence-based tool that help students connect key science vocabulary to align concepts. Middle school science students participated in the very first science battle royale. And high school biology students engaged in review boot camps, which served as station rotations that promoted content mastery. Throughout the past school year, we offered targeted professional learning to deepen teachers knowledge and practice. Sessions range from standardsbased planning to phenomenriven instruction, ensuring all students experience high quality science every day. And here's our wonderful K12 secondary science and elementary science team. Our K12 specialists implemented the Diane Sweeney student centered coaching model which promotes teacher clarity and instructional equity by keeping student learning outcomes at the center of every coaching conversation. During our
037monthly K12 meetings, each program specialist presented a reflection highlighting their current instructional support practices and their impact. Beyond the classroom, our students had countless opportunities to see science in the in action. Through our partnership and outreach, we connected content to careers and real world application. Our incredible Starbase STEM team brought hands-on crosscurricular learning to all 13 elementary schools, reaching all grades four through six classrooms. These young scientists and engineers explored their current career interests and engaged in numerous hands-on realworld activities from building costefficient water filtration systems to coding ozobots and RVR cars, practicing life-saving CPR techniques and even designing and launching rockets. We are very grateful for the team's hard work and dedication and providing students with access to foundational STEM experiences. The elementary science team is thankful for community partners like the Virginia Earin
038Space Center, Children's Museum of Virginia, and Hoffler Creek to name a few. These partnerships help students explore local ecosystems, space science, and engineering challenges in interactive ways. The secondary science team is grateful for our community partners, for all of our community partners for helping bridge classroom learning and career exposure. During the 2425 school year, students in grades 9 through 12 participated in simulation center visits at the Naval Medical Center of Portsmouth, practicing handson medical techniques from patient assessment and IV placement to laparoscopic surgery and ultrasound. We also hosted the third annual health sciences lunch and learn and expo events in partnership with Eastern Virginia Medical School and the Navy Medical Center. In addition, students in our anatomy and physiology and biotechnology courses earn certificates by completing training in the nationwide stop thebleleed initiative where they
039learn hands-on life-saving skills directly aligned with healthc care work force readiness. None of this would have been possible without the support of our community partners. Now, let's take a look at our PPS community partnerships during our wonderful Steam Expo, which took place in March of this year. the perfect sign to break out in song. >> Go for it. >> No thanks. It's okay. It's fine. We'll keep going. Thank you. That video is available everywhere on PPS platforms, uh, all social media outlets. So, please find the STEM expo video there. Um, but thanks to all of our community partners once again. Mr. Beck, can you move it forward? It's not. Thank you. As we close, we want to give a special thanks to the specialists who are truly the boots on the ground. Will the following
040specialists please stand and join us here at the podium if you are present. If you are present, elementary specialist, Miss Stephanie Harry, elementary specialist, Miss Crystal Tyler, and elementary specialist Miss Faren Web. [Applause] And now for our secondary specialist, Mr. Michael Kenzora and Mrs. Nikia Williams. [Applause] The progress we've made reflects the dedication of our teachers, the curiosity of our students, and the power of partnerships. We are a small but mighty team. >> Specialists You've made a significant impact on the lives of not only teachers and students, but the two of us. We will continue to shine brightly, advancing science education for every learner in Porsche public schools. Here's to igniting the year of increase in the office of science. Thank you all. And we have a special token of appreciation so you all can
041continue to ignite in in the out in the PPS world. Thank you so much for all that you do. We appreciate it. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. >> Uh board members, do you have any uh questions or comments for our science team? >> I do. Chair >> uh vice chair Atinson. >> Thank you, chair. I just want to say and I and I made this comment at our uh schoolboard retreat and it shows from which the activity that you all did with us that collaboration um that engagement that is the reason why we see the increase in the scores um and I think if I can recall Douglas Park went up about 20% in their science test scores and I know you and your team Dr. Dere play a part in
042that. So, I just wanted to to make that statement again. The numbers are showing that the work is being done um in the science department. >> Thank you. That means a lot. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Uh Miss Boon, then Dr. Walker, >> I just want to say that I enjoyed it and I was um at the expo in March. I really enjoyed it. My son participated in the robotics piece. Um so, I was really excited to see so many people out. Um continue doing what you're doing. You're really inspiring us. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> And I just want to say I'm just so thankful. You know, I'm the resident special education person that everything up here. I know that my special education students can
043do from the strategies and I just saw differentation all throughout. So, I'm always about making sure that that equity piece is there for our students with disabilities. And I see that shining all the way through and igniting through those science lessons. So, thank you. >> Thank you. We greatly appreciate that. Thank you all so much, >> Miss McWain. >> Thank you, um, chair. I just want to thank you guys. Um both of you um that presentation was off the chain. So I can only imagine I can only imagine what you do for the students. Um hopefully one day we'll be able to come and do some more activities with you. Um I looking forward to it. Thank you. >> Thank you all so much. Have a great evening. [Applause] All right. Uh before we proceed
044to agenda item nine, I'm going to ask at this time if Miss Alexis Dorser will come forward to the podium. >> Every year we're fortunate to have a brand new uh student board representative and this year our representative is Miss Alexis Dorsch. Give her a hand. >> All right. We will be approving this on our consent agenda item. Uh we're happy to have you. We look forward to what you're going to bring uh to the school board, to the school division this year, working closely with Miss Nelasco and us board members as well. So, do you have anything you want to add at this time? >> No. Thank you. Thank you so much for this opportunity. >> Thank you so much. [Applause] >> With that being said, agenda item 9.1 through 9.9 is consent agenda
045item. 9.11 9.17 consent agenda items. I enterain a motion at this time. >> Come on me. Come on me. >> Motion by M. Petrail. Second by Miss Boon. Is there any discussion? >> Seeing none. Roll call vote. Madam clerk. >> Yes. >> Dr. Cotton. >> Yes. >> Mutil. Miss McWain. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cess. >> Yes. >> Dr. Walker. >> Yes. >> Dr. Fatillo. >> Yes. >> The vote. unanimous. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 10.1 is a monthly report. Dr. Bracy. >> All right. Good evening again, Chair Patillo, Vice Chair Atinson, members of the board. >> Good evening. >> I'm happy to be here with you tonight at our first board meeting of the 2526 school year. At this first meeting, I want to take a moment to thank our teachers, staff members,
046administrative teams for all of their work to start the school year so strong. We have one of the most smoothest openings to school since my tenure here. From the first day, we had great rhythm in place with welcoming classroom, bus transportation, and of course, instruction. Students, we're proud of you for how well you have jumped right in and begin your learning. Parents and families, we're grateful for you and for your ongoing support and coming alongside our schools to ensure your child's success. This year has truly moved efficiently and effectively. In fact, it is hard to believe that we're already four weeks into the school year and progress report went out this Monday. We also have some great occasions this year. I want to thank Speaker Don Scott and his work with Amazon. Earlier this week,
047thanks in part to his efforts. PPS was selected to receive $15,000 from the Amazon community engagement grant to support expanded access to technology. Yeah, let's get another We're grateful to use these funds at each of our high schools and each of our high schools have received $5,000 to further their robotics teams and programs. We're grateful for this opportunity and we appreciate the support from members of our board Tuesday morning that were able to make the check presentation. I have a reminder for all of our Title One parents who signed up for the Title One brunch and learn open house. It is this Saturday, September 27th. Not only will you be served a delicious brunch, you will also get to tour the PPS Title One Center and receive helpful information about what is offered to support
048your child's education. If you didn't sign up, no worries. Contact your parent and family leaison for more information on the title one supports in place at your school. And you can also set up a tour for the parent center. Finally, as a calendar as a calendar reminder for us all, Monday, October 22nd will be a a staff professional development day for our staff members. There will be no school for students that day and report cards will will be out about a week later on October 28th. Thank you, Chair Patillo. That concludes my report. >> Thanks. Thank you so much, sir. Uh, agenda item 10.2 two are subcommittee reports andor board member comments. We have any at this time? Vice Chair. >> Thank you, Chair. I just um wanted to if we can um Dr. Bracie,
049um I know several board members have received um calls from uh families of the uh London Oaks community um regarding uh walker them walking to school. Um, so I just wanted to provide them with some insight. Um, if anyone is watching regarding the bus from London Oats to Norm. Okay. This has come up um been shared with me and I've spoken with Dr. Simmons and Mr. King regarding this. So with the situation um with the students in London Oaks particularly that are in the close proximity to AC Norm based on the the proximity that the division uses to warrant transportation they live um they live within that uh radius. So therefore transportation is not provided to them. It's not just for the IC norm that school that's throughout the division. There's a radius that's used
050to determine when school bus transportation actually begins for students and that's for all grade levels. So, we do have some elementary students that live close proximity to the school that either they I'm sure some of the older students may walk or parents may pick them up, but that's um that's uh been in place for numer. >> Thank you. And I just want to um a follow-up question to that, Dr. Bracy. Um, understanding that, you know, that is a policy and, um, other schools fall within that radius, is there something in our policy that if there's a safety concern that we can, um, provide transportation or that language is not in our policy? I don't I can't I haven't looked at the policy um recently so I can't say whether or not if it's in there
051but anytime there's a situation regarding safety a safety measure that would definitely trump that I think we would come back and speak to board members in that regard but we have to remember and I see Norm and the London notes community is not the only um people that fall into that category you know, we do have some some of the other schools, I mean, really all of our schools are affected by this. So, we can look at it on a case- by case basis, which I don't want it to get to a point where it's subjective in terms of who gets it and who doesn't. So, that's one of the things we we may have to get a little deeper in. maybe have some committees to um actually be involved with that um with some
052of our board committees so that we can talk through it because I don't think I would be comfortable or my staff to basically say who can and who can't be receive the additional uh transportation. >> Thank you Dr. Reie and I just want to say happy fishbowl week. Fishbowl is coming this weekend. So happy fishbowl week. It's a portma thing. Thank you. Any other board member comments or reports? Saying none, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you.