Kelly Warner reported that only five people have not checked their names off of the list for having taken the on-line writing survey. Cindy asked that anyone who has not done so to take it right away.

Cindy discussed the time study in which she is involved through DILT. She explored various school sites on the Internet to learn some of the solutions that others are using to create more time in the school day. Cindy is concerned that our current methods of allowing release time for teachers is in jeopardy due to budget cuts. She then read about a solution that does not cost money for subs, and she discussed trying it at Smith. Specialists in the building (P.E., music, resource, speech, LC teachers, Title assistants, school counselor, and reading specialists) would spend two days per month in a rotation with either K-1 or 2-3 children so that classroom teachers could continue to have one half-day per month to plan with other teachers on their grade level. SILT members discussed the possibility. Cindy suggested that members discuss this with their colleagues.

Jan announced that Elise Zwicky (Journal Star reporter and Smith parent) wants to do a special article on the Picture Lady, Connie Disney. This will take place after the holidays.

Jenny Holcomb asked why the children have to sit boy-girl order at lunch. Cindy will check with the lunch room personnel. Members held a discussion about how much talking/noise should be tolerated during lunch.

The next SILT meeting will be on January 8, 2003.