coen Posted November 25, 2008 Report Share Posted November 25, 2008 Cottonwood Task Force Minutes – November 10, 2008 Call to Order The Cottonwood Task Force Committee of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County and High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana met at Lockwood School, 1932 US Highway 87, Billings, Montana, on Monday, November 10, 2008. David Trost called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm and led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. Committee members present were: Andrea Chambers, Liane Frieders, Summer Gappa, Lee Gibb, Jim Majerus, Elizabeth Potter, Mike Stock, David Trost and Steven Wieder. Ex-Officio members present were: Kathy Kelker and Kathy Olson. Presenters present were Terral Sukut, JGA Architect and John Eisen, JGA Architect. Visitors present: Pam Meier, Principal at Poly Elementary School, Stacy Lemelin, Principal at Sandstone Elementary School and Administrative Intern, Angie Gray. Kathy Kelker moved to approve minutes from October 29 meeting. David asked if there were objections. There were none. Minutes stand approved. David asked if there were any questions on the agenda. There were none, and it was unanimously approved. David said that Wendy Kessler has resigned from the task force. Communication from the Public: Pam Meier said that she came to tour the Lockwood school. Ms. Eileen Johnson, Superintendent of Lockwood schools talked about their process of designing the Lockwood Middle School. She explained that it was designed in four pods with the elective classes and each grade level having their own pod. She added that it was designed so that students entering the building would come directly into a commons area that has the principal and secretary’s offices right by the main door. All of these areas are very visible and easily supervised. Not only does the commons area double as the student’s eating area, it is also used for many school functions because it has a collapsible wall on one side which can easily be changed from the band room to a stage. This area is a sought after site for community use, too. Because they placed the library/computer lab next to the commons area, the students have access to it as soon as they arrive in the morning and throughout the day. Ms. Johnson also commented that because their campus was close to the Elementary building, their 8th grade students often helped and did projects with the elementary students. She described it as a very rewarding experience for all. Tour of Lockwood Middle School -It was noted that the building was all done in gray tones. Ms. Johnson said that their goal was to get the most value for their dollar and didn’t want to spend money on decorating. Instead, they want the students to decorate their school. A reflection of John Eisen’s power point of other schools are as follows: -Excitement = Engagement = Learning -collaborative, project based school -high integration of technology -classrooms integrating natural lighting -places to show projects,.` -"L" shaped classrooms -break out spaces -outdoor learning areas -specialized areas -lunch room/commons area/stage combinations -Libraries with fun designs – not typical or predictable – separate comfy reading areas -lots of windows -refreshments available -home environment -fun place to learn – lots of color -versatile -green school -community buy-in John said things we needed to start thinking about were: -the site – school placement on property -what statement we wanted our school to make -what theme or style -He asked for members to review the; Space Needs Program handout with the square footage breakdown. 30 Second Check: Reflection summary comments by committee members are as follows: : -thought Lockwood was an awesome school -keep in mind, more spent on windows would mean less to spend on needed items -liked seeing pictures of schools -having community based school is the key -pragmatic -kids deserve a nice school -be community based and flexible -commons area – high priority – it is the hub of the school -crossover what is pragmatic and what it could be if opened to the public. -exciting -kids deserve a nice school -have “wow” factor but in budget -share the stage/auditorium for community based arts and use as much as possible -donatable areas -instead of being called a school – use “Learning Center” -parent resource center -initiative of bond issue – change all schools in Blgs to neighborhood community based learning centers -are donatable areas more apt to be based on area of town need When discussing our next meeting to tour Laurel Middle School, it was questioned if it was that different than the Lockwood school and the need to make the trip to Laurel. By a majority vote it was decided that it was necessary. The next meeting will be held at 6 pm on November 24th at Laurel Middle School with plans to tour the building and go through the Space Needed handout. A civil engineer will also talk with members about the building site. A motion was made by David Trost to adjourn the meeting. It was unanimously approved. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm David Trost, Chair Karen Frizzell, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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