2016 best school districts in america

From: Camille TownsendTo: Max McGeeSubject: #1 in California - 2016 Best School Districts in America - Top 11Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 7:03:05 AM

Hi Max,

Here's some fun reading... 2016 Best School Districts in America by Niche. #1 in California.... PAUSD. Top 11 in the nation.

I especially love the comments by students regarding their excellent teachers. And the A+mark for teachers. You might enjoy scrolling through. Live links are below.

And in comparing New Trier v. PAUSD, (#4 v #11) note the $24,000 v. $19,000 per studentfunding. Unadjusted for local of cost of living too. Wondering about the "sports" score?

Enjoy!

Camille

https://k12.niche.com/rankings/public-school-districts/best-overall/

2016 Best School Districts inAmerica

Viewing 1-25 of 100

1 Tredyffrin-Easttown School DistrictTredyffrin Township, PA

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2 Eanes Independent School DistrictAustin, TX

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3 Jericho Union Free School DistrictOyster Bay Town, NY

4New Trier Township High School DistrictNo. 203New Trier Township, IL

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5 Princeton Public SchoolsPrinceton, NJ

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6Highland Park Independent School District(Dallas)Northeast Dallas Township, TX

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7 North Allegheny School DistrictMcCandless Township, PA

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8 Rye City School DistrictRye, NY

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9Indian Hill Exempted Village School DistrictThe Village of Indian Hill, OH

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10Northfield Township High School DistrictNo. 225Northfield Township, IL

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11 Palo Alto Unified School DistrictPalo Alto, CA

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Daily Post FOIA responseDate: Friday, November 27, 2015 8:54:11 AM

Dear Max,

Was the FOIA response provided to the Daily Post redacted to remove student information?I noticed in looking it over that there it includes a lot of information about student healthstatus and other information, including the names of the student's family. Also, was the Postwas given the communications from FFF to district staff, including the letter from LenoreSilverman?

Thanks,Ken

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Robert GoltonSubject: Dannis Woliver KelleyDate: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 2:53:06 PM

Hi Bob,

Are we still working with these folks?

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Do we have the most updated chart in the packet for the Board Policy Committee flow chart?Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 10:18:50 AM

Max,

Is the recommendation that ALL policy suggestions would come on the consent calendarin the matrix form for the Board to approve movement to the BPRC, or discussion/ adoptionor further staff revision or for non consideration?

Or only policies that have been chosen for movement forward to the BPRC by the Superintendent and Chair?

My understanding was that all policies that have been suggested for discussion,adoption, revision or non consideration would be on the matrix and the matrix would notewether they had been recommended for BPRC discussion, adoption as is ( minor CSBAwording changes), or recommended for non consideration and that is what would go on theconsent calendar.

Melissa

From: Camille TownsendTo: Max McGee; Barbara HarrisSubject: Early Board Direction - Elementary Math Adoption - Timeline, ProcessDate: Monday, November 02, 2015 8:13:43 AM

Good Morning Max,

Just checking in to see when the Study Session on the elementary math update is planned...my sense is that it was to be calendared very soon. We promised the Board an opportunityto weigh in early in the process on the early grade adoption. We will discuss this during thebudgeting process?

The description outlined below does not seem to provide for Board input until very far alongin the process. Our last elementary math adoption was very rocky, and unlike the lastprocess, we need the Board involved very early on. With so much staff turnover as well, itis important to see the level of understanding. The Board needs to discuss what standardsand choices are to be made in choosing the two or three curricula to formally pilot. Let'sdiscuss.

Thanks a bunch!

Camille

Mathematics Program Pilot

A K-5 math exploration process is currently articulated and moving forward according to the processtimeline. The goal of the exploration is to provide schools the opportunity to explore a variety ofCommon Core State Standards (CCSS) aligned math curriculum.

This collaboration will strengthen teacher understanding and instructional strategies in relation to theCCSS and build a cohesive teacher leadership group that will ultimately recommend two or threecurricula to formally pilot in the 2016-2017 school year.

A math exploratory leadership team, consisting of representatives from each elementary school and theTOSAs, has been formed to formalize and facilitate the exploration process.

In the 2016- 2017 pilot year, teachers, math leads, administrators, community members, and boardmembers will be assembled to discuss and reflect on the pilot process, implementation, and outcomes.The pilot year will be focused and provide a highly organized, in-depth analysis and reflection of the 2-3 selected curricula.

The members of the K-5 Math Pilot Committee will have the opportunity to discuss, consider feedback,and assess results in order to make an informed decision resulting in opportunities for the communityto provide input and feedback, a community communication plan for the pilots and process, andultimately a recommendation for formal adoption to the PAUSD Board of Education. The ultimatefinancial need for the exploration and adoption years will be based on decisions made on how manypilots will be implemented at the schools.

There will be a need to purchase the materials as well as provide time and compensation for thosepiloting teachers to collaborate and prepare the lessons and assessments for each pilot classroom.

The proposed budget for the exploration year is $60,000, which can be funded through the textbookfund in the District’s general budget. These include all purchased materials for exploration leading tothe pilot. A list of purchased exploratory materials can be furnished if so needed. The budget for thepilot year could range from $100,000-$150,000 depending on the pilot plan developed by thecommittee and math leads.

The PAUSD K-5 Elementary is committed to providing CCSS aligned curriculum that has the ability toindividualize and personalize teaching and learning for students, has a variety of resources availablefor students and parents to reinforce and practice concepts, and provides a structure that strengthensthe district’s ability to provide an equal access to a strong math curriculum providing the necessary

http://www.pausd.org/sites/default/files/pdm-meeting/materials/mb20151102_pkt_spcl.pdf

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: EMAC discussion tomorrowDate: Monday, November 09, 2015 8:21:50 PM

Max,

Which middle and high school administrators will be at tomorrow evening's meeting duringthe EMAC discussion?

Will the principals from Barron Park and Nixon also be there?

Thanks,

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: EMAC input from Principals?Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 10:20:59 AM

Max,

When will our Principals have a chance to discuss the EMAC proposals as a group andprovide feedback to the Board?

Melissa

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: EMAC secondary recommendationsDate: Sunday, November 22, 2015 9:36:53 PM

Max,

I'd like to talk with you about the EMAC secondary subcommittee in the next couple of days.Let me know when you have some time free. Based on what I understand about thesubcommittee, the XQ proposal, the Facebook group that has formed to advocate for theWayfinder/XQ proposal -- I feel strongly that we should slow down and ensure that the nextsteps on enrollment issues are conducted with transparency and clarity about roles, and in away that considers the full range of alternatives with broad community input. Until theboard has a chance to discuss these next steps, I think it would be wise to postpone thetown hall and webinar. It's a hard time of year to get public participation in any case.

Best,Ken

From: Camille TownsendTo: Todd Collins; Joe LeeCc: Max McGeeSubject: EMAC Secondary Subcommittee ReportDate: Sunday, November 22, 2015 10:50:56 AM

Todd/Joe -

Your work, and each individual's work on the committee, is phenomenal and you're notdone yet! We've only just begun. Love democracy and the tug of ideas. It's how we getour best work done. It's not top down, autocratic decision-making ... Thank you forproving this again.

And while my decade of experience on the board has always dovetailed with the challengeof money, it has never stopped our school district when there was a good vision. And asafe prediction would be that it won't in the future. Folks in this community seem to findways .... always amazing.

Max - you have pulled together a wonderful committee and the diverse ideas and discussionis just the best kind of work the board could ask for. Thank you.

Silicon Vally has always been and shall continue to be about the future and innovation --- itis a special place that others have tried to replicate, but no one has, so successfully. OurPAUSD schools are excellent and continue to draw parents and their children from aroundthe country and world because of this. Spending just an hour or two on any campus youfeel the vitality .. Of course we have smart kids - no doubt. We hire smart and committedteachers that also have vision. And our success also sits on our district's being able to tapinto and accommodate a diversity of thought and style in teaching and learning ... fromparents, teachers ... and the community.

Our community knows that the academic strength of its schools come from a commitmentto a strong core of knowledge for all students, but the depth of passion for our districtalso derives from the choices and alternatives available to students, parents and teachers. Not surprisingly, the choices are very very different, but given our diversity, theyactually make for a very strong, healthy, whole.

The education work ahead is exciting and the possibilities intriguing. This is a unique timein our district's history. Enrollment growth/innovation/a strong economy/possibilities forexploration in learning /strong leadership/an excited community .... Our future is bright. Energy, optimism and possibility .... this will continue to get us to the right place. What agreat time to be part of the future. And this great work by the committee will be part ofour future.

Looking ahead ....

Best regards,

Camille Townsenda member of the Palo Alto Unified Board of Education650-493-3410

From: Todd Collins <Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2015 1:58 PMTo: Melissa Caswell; Camille Townsend; Kenneth Dauber; Heidi Emberling; Terry GodfreyCc: Max McGee; Joe LeeSubject: Promised critique of the EMAC Secondary Subcommittee Report Board members:

At the last Board meeting I expressed my reservations about the EMAC SecondarySubcommittee's report and promised a detailed write-up. That write-up is attached for yourreview.

It is obviously not a pleasant task to critique the very hard work of fellow parent volunteers,and it is not something I do lightly. But as you will see, there are mistakes,misinterpretations, and omissions that should not be overlooked, and which materiallychange the findings of the report.

There is a lot at stake. Noone could object to the vision being put forward - a new,progressive school based on innovative educational programs. But this effort, and its pricetag of over $10M annual impact on our operating budget, would crowd out neededimprovement and innovation our existing schools.

We need to improve our secondary schools, including supporting change and innovation -but we need to do it for all the students of Palo Alto.

Instead of the proposed "Design Task Force" for designing new schools at Cubberly, Isuggest the Board establish a "Secondary School Experience Improvement Task Force" to

work on the very legitimate issues raised in the report (as well those raised by others). Thisgroup can consider all the options, including a new school, from the perspective ofeducators, not just parents.

I am available to answer any questions you may have, either by email or in person. Thankyou for your consideration, and as always, thank you for your huge efforts for the familiesand students of PAUSD.

Best,Todd

-- Todd CollinsTregaron Capital300 Hamilton Ave., 4th FloorPalo Alto, CA 94301

www.tregaroncapital.com

Tregaron Capital - HomeWelcome to Tregaron Capital. Supporting growth. Building the business. Creatingvalue. Tregaron Capital brings its unique experience base and focus to eachinvestment ...

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From: Camille TownsendTo: Barbara HarrisSubject: Friday!Date: Thursday, November 12, 2015 3:44:43 PM

Are we meeting tomorrow Barbara? Just confirming. Camille

Sent from my iPhone

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Funds for secondary school counseling servicesDate: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 8:40:43 PM

Max,

We spoke a while back about my interest in providing more funds for mental health servicesin the secondary schools this year, as part of the budget discussion that is scheduled forDecember 8. Based on what I've heard from students, there are not yet enough mentalhealth providers accessible to students. Have you given thought to that? I can propose fundsmyself during the discussion of the item, but you will have a better idea about what level offunding is appropriate, given the needs that are being seen. I would be happier to have youbringing a proposal for that reason.

Thanks,Ken

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Fw: Buena Vista in London Guardian - "We will be torn apart": the battle to save Silicon Valley"s oldest trailer

parkDate: Sunday, November 15, 2015 2:24:07 PM

Not sure if you were copied

From: Winter Dellenbach <Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2015 8:06 AMSubject: Buena Vista in London Guardian - "We will be torn apart": the battle to save Silicon Valley'soldest trailer park Buena Vista continues to garner wide attention - this time from the internationally acclaimed LondonGuardian, headquartered in the U.K. and NYC.

Award winning journalist Rupert Neate spent 2 days at Buena Vista in November interviewingresidents,trying to interview owner Joe Jiisser, visiting Google and school board member Ken Dauber forsome Silicon Valley context, then stopping by Supervisor Joe Simitian's office. Enhancing Rupert's story arethe stunning photographs of Winni Wintermeyer of San Francisco. A video is also included.

This work was published yesterday in the London Guardian's weekly magazine, distributed in the U.K. andavailable online worldwide.

You are part of something bigger than a neighborhood, a small city or a famous valley. Buena Vista isemblematic of many fundamental human aspirations and contradictions that it continues to be news aswe continue our resolve to save it. Residents remain strong and committed - we must too.

Winter DellenbachFriends of Buena Vista

The video, story and photos:http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/nov/13/tech-company-v-trailer-park-silicon-valley

'We will be tornapart': the battle tosave Silicon Valley'soldest trailer parkThe Buena Vista mobile homepark in Palo Alto is a close-knitcommunity. But can they resist

More photos:http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/gallery/2015/nov/13/residents-palo-alto-buena-vista-mobile-park-in-pictures

the march of developers whowant to build flats for techworkers?

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From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Fw: Dannis Woliver Kelley dinner invitation at the CSBA conferenceDate: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 3:27:19 PMAttachments: [Untitled].pdf

We usually go to these dinners as a group. Do you want to do this this year?

Melissa

From: Vicky LaoSent: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 2:29 PMTo: boardSubject: Dannis Woliver Kelley dinner invitation at the CSBA conference Dear Board, I am forwarding a dinner invitation from Dannis Woliver Kelley for Friday, December 4, 2015, 5:15-7:15 p.m. If you would like to attend, please let me know and I can RSVP for you. Thank you, Vicky LaoAdministrative Support Specialist to the SuperintendentPalo Alto Unified School District25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306D: 650.329.3983E: [email protected]

Palo Alto UnifiedSchool District |PAUSDPAUSD is dedicated to workingclosely with all its educationalpartners in mutually beneficialrelationships that enhance theeducational experience for allstudents.

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From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Fw: Information on IEPs and 504sDate: Monday, November 09, 2015 6:06:11 PMAttachments: 2015-11-05-10-29-24_IEP 504 Flyer.pdf

ATT00001.htm

Max,

Len has a good point here -- announcing these events earlier will make it easier for peopleto attend and increase their usefulness to parents, particularly as this seems like a veryvaluable program.

Best,Ken

From: <Sent: Monday, November 9, 2015 5:37 PMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: Fwd: Information on IEPs and 504s Ken-

Here is a good representation of how the District treats the parents of 504 kids. I receivedthis email last Thursday at just before noon. That is a notice time of less than 2 businessdays before this very important event. This is not the first time that I have received noticeswith basically no time between the notice and the event. This email should have been sentout at least 2 weeks prior so people could make plans and get it on their calendar. I am surethat there were many parents, like me, that could not attend because of priorcommitments.

These are the sort of things that need to be addressed by the Board.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration of this issue.

BestLen

Begin forwarded message:

From: [email protected]

Subject: Information on IEPs and 504sDate: November 5, 2015 at 11:15:28 AM PSTTo:

PAUSD is offering informational sessions on IEPs & 5 0 4 plans Session 1: Intro to Special Education, What's an IEP or 5 0 4 and does mychild need one? Monday, November 9th, 9-10 a.m. Location: Board Room, 25 Churchill,

If your child is struggling in school, they may qualify for support under anIEP (Individualized Education Program) or 5 0 4 plan. This session is thefirst in a series and will provide an overview of available supports, andanswer parent questions. (Session 2, Goal Setting will be held on January27, 6:30-7:30 p.m.) Presented by the PAUSD Special EducationDepartment and Student Services Department. Co-sponsored by PaloAlto CAC

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Fw: Interview request re: renaming Jordan Middle SchoolDate: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 9:05:54 PM

Do you want to respond to this?

From: Jacqueline Lee <[email protected]>Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 6:05 PMTo: Max McGee; Tom JacoubowskyCc: Melissa Caswell; Vicky Lao; Monica Sanchez LopezSubject: Interview request re: renaming Jordan Middle School Dear Superintendent McGee, Board President Caswell and Principal Jacoubowsky,

Some residents are circulating a petition to change the name of Jordan Middle Schoolbecause of David Starr Jordan's support for eugenics theory.

I also received a letter from the Palo Alto SELPA 1 expressing concerns over Jordan as a rolemodel and asking for the board to appoint a citizens advisory committee to review thismatter.

What is the school district's response to this community effort and how have you addressedthese residents' concerns? Does the board plan on adding the petition, the establishment ofan advisory committee and possible name change for discussion on the agenda of anupcoming meeting?

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,Jacqueline

-- Jacqueline Lee

Reporter/Palo Alto Daily News

www.mercurynews.com/peninsula

650-391-1334 office

cell

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeCc: Heidi EmberlingSubject: Fw: Request for Technology Update at an upcoming Board MeetingDate: Monday, November 16, 2015 2:34:26 PM

Hi Max,

Will there be a part two of the Technology Report? Most of my questions from August werenot answered by the report that we received in our board packet.

I asked these questions at one of the first Board meetings of the year after a number ofparents had talked to me about their concerns in this area and I wanted to know if we havea mismatch between curriculum needs and the investment we have made at this point.

I would also like to make sure that the use of devices to support classroom learning isequitable. I have heard many stories about teachers asking students to use what ever theycan bring from home ( laptops, iphones, tablets, etc) so that the have enough devices in theclassroom. In some classes at the HS level there are not enough text books for in classassignments and teachers are asking students to bring in their personal devices to accessonline textbooks. I am concerned that some students are able to use laptops to do this,while others have access only through a smart phone.

Related to this concern, is that I have been told that the devices available to certain classesdo not support the software that is needed for the class. This might be a device issue or anissue about software choice, but either way if this is the case we need to also address themismatch.

Thanks,

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Sunday, August 30, 2015 9:07 PMTo: Max McGeeCc: Heidi EmberlingSubject: Request for Technology Update at an upcoming Board Meeting Hi Max,

Here is my formal request for the Technology report at an upcoming board meeting.

As I mentioned at the board meeting, over the past few weeks I have heard that a number

of our sites feel that they do not have enough computing devices to match their curricularneeds. I have heard this verbally from parents, teachers ,and staff at each school level. Infact, at the high school level, several teachers have sent notes home to parents asking themto send their child to school with a laptop, tablet or smart phone that they can use forcomputing needs in the classroom, because the school does not have enough devices.

I am not sure if this is anecdotal, or if we have a mismatch between curriculum needs andthe investment we have made at this point. I am also interested in making sure thatstudents have equitable equipment when doing work using a computing device.

For this reason, I am requesting that the Board be provided with a Site TechnologyUpdate to answer the following questions at an upcoming Board meeting:

Do we have adequate internet bandwidth connectivity for each school level's curricularneeds and the Smarter Balance Testing.

What is the current number of PAUSD owned computing devices ( PCs, laptops, tablets) perstudent at each school and school level ( elementary, middle & high school). What is theaverage age of those devices? or our policy and practice regarding length of serviceper device?

What is the number of computing devices per student needed for 2015-16 curriculum planand SB testing ( at each of elementary, middle & high school)?

What was the actual technology investment last school year? What sources of fundswere used (PAUSD general fund, Bond fund, other PAUSD funds, PiE donation, PTA donation,etc)? Did this investment change the number of computing devices per student at eachschool level? Did it change the average age of our devices?

What is the planned Technology investment this school year? What sources of funds areexpected to be used(PAUSD general fund, Bond fund, other PAUSD funds, PiE donation,PTA donation, etc)? Will this investment change the number of computing devices perstudent at each school level? Will it change the average age of our devices?

If the number of PAUSD owned devices per student at each school and school level is notequal to the number of devices per student needed for 2015-16 curriculum plan and SBtesting, what is the gap? ... And if there is a gap what are our plans ( and investment needs)to fill that gap ( and any gaps in internet connectivity)?

Thanks,

Melissa

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Fw: RESPONSE NEEDED/Availability/Amend Agenda - November 17, 2015Date: Friday, November 13, 2015 12:56:28 PM

Max,

What is this item about? I don't know of any exceptions under the Brown Act that allowdiscussion of OCR in closed session. What exception would this be agendized under?

Thanks,Ken

From: Monica Sanchez LopezSent: Friday, November 13, 2015 8:59 AMTo: boardSubject: RESPONSE NEEDED/Availability/Amend Agenda - November 17, 2015 Dear Board members, Good morning! It has been brought to my attention that we may need an amendment tothe agenda. We would like have a closed session on Tuesday, November 17 related to OCR. Ineed to verify that all of you are available before 10:00 a.m. or after 12:00 p.m. (before orafter SPSAs meeting). Please let me know if you are available to be here at 9:30 a.m. for closed session or stayfrom 12:00-12:30 p.m.? Please confirm your availability so that I can amend the agenda forTuesday, November 17. Respectfully, Mónica Sanchez LopezExecutive Assistant to SuperintendentPalo Alto Unified School District25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306Ph: 650.329.3737www.pausd.org

Palo Alto UnifiedSchool District |PAUSD

PAUSD is dedicated to workingclosely with all its educationalpartners in mutually beneficialrelationships that enhance theeducational experience for allstudents.

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From: Heidi EmberlingTo: Max McGeeSubject: Fw: School Board MeetingDate: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 1:13:55 PM

Hi Max,

Per e-mail below--when is our next Achievement Gap conversation about MATDrecommendations? Do we have this scheduled yet?

Best,Heidi

From: Matthew Hamilton <Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 8:11 PMTo: Heidi EmberlingSubject: School Board Meeting Ms. Emberling, My name is Matthew Hamilton and I am a News Editor for The Oracle. I was wondering when the school board wasgoing to discuss possible solutions to the achievement gap. This is something we would like to cover in The Oracle and Iwould like to make sure I am in attendance. I talked to Gunn's school board representative, Grace Park, and sherecommended I ask you when the school board planned on talking about the topic. Could you please let me know of anydates that I should be aware of, or any other people what would know of any dates? Thank You,Matthew Hamilton

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Max McGeeSubject: Fwd: Thanksgiving Message from Paly Principal -- Test MessageDate: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 6:57:05 PM

Our principals rock.


From: "Durbin, Meg MD" <Date: November 24, 2015 at 7:07:07 PM CSTTo: "'Shashank V. Joshi'" < 'Kimberly Diorio'<[email protected]>Cc: 'Rob de Geus' <[email protected]>, 'DeniseHerrmann' <[email protected]>, 'Tanya Schornack'<[email protected]>, 'Jaymie Byron' <

>, 'Lan Nguyen' <[email protected]>, "Beacom,Becky" < "'Lau, Patricia'"<[email protected]>, 'Minka Van Der Zwaag'<[email protected]>, 'Mary Ojakian'< 'Terry Godfrey' <'Linda Lenoir' <[email protected]>, 'Lacee Kortsen'<[email protected]>, 'Leif Erickson'< >, 'Max McGee'<[email protected]>, 'Shawna Chen' <"'Keith, Claudia'" <[email protected]>, "'Keene, James'"<[email protected]>, 'Steven Adelsheim'< >, 'Brenda Carrillo' <[email protected]>,'Kristy Blackburn' <[email protected]>, 'Susan Usman'< 'Kathleen Blanchard'<Subject: RE: Thanksgiving Message from Paly Principal -- TestMessage

Yes, Kim and Denise both demonstrate such thoughtful, well balanced, articulate,respectful leadership, inspiring us all. We are so lucky to have them (among so manyothers…) Just today a JLS student told me how “amazing” her teachers are. Indeed! Happy thanksgiving to you all. Meg Durbin, MDPalo Alto Medical Foundation650-934-8688

From: Shashank V. Joshi [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 4:04 PMTo: Kimberly DiorioCc: Rob de Geus; Denise Herrmann; Durbin, Meg MD; Tanya Schornack; Jaymie Byron;Lan Nguyen; Beacom, Becky; Lau, Patricia; Minka Van Der Zwaag; Mary Ojakian; TerryGodfrey; Linda Lenoir; Lacee Kortsen; Leif Erickson; Max McGee; Shawna Chen; Keith,Claudia; Keene, James; Steven Adelsheim; Brenda Carrillo; Kristy Blackburn; SusanUsman; Kathleen BlanchardSubject: Re: Thanksgiving Message from Paly Principal -- Test Message Thanks so much, Kim! What a great set ofmessages to highlight. The Paly community is clearly doing quite a bit ofintentional work and capacity building in mental health awareness, stigmareduction, and suicide prevention. Keep up the the wonderful efforts ! We look forward to continuing this work with you

Shashank V. Joshi,Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 24, 2015, at 2:56 PM, Kimberly Diorio <[email protected]> wrote:

FYI. Sent today to Paly families. Thanks for your help withmessaging. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Take care, Kim From: KDiorioDate: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 1:28 PMTo: palystaffSubject: FW: Thanksgiving Message from Paly Principal -- TestMessage Hi everyone, The following message is going home today to our parents and students. Ihope you have a great Thanksgiving break. Rest up and thanks for all you do! Kim

From: "[email protected]"Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 1:25 PMTo: KDiorio

Subject: Thanksgiving Message from Paly Principal -- Test Message Dear Viking Parents and Students,

As we head into Thanksgiving break, I'm reaching out to express my sincereappreciation and gratitude to our entire community. While I was disheartenedlast week to read the recent article in the Atlantic, I was touched by theoutpouring of support and love as demonstrated by the words and actions ofour students, teachers, parents, alumni, and many community members whocountered much of what was written in the article.

To elaborate, our school has made many noteworthy changes in the past 12months to nurture hope, build strength, and reduce stress among ourstudents. In addition, the city, health care professionals, non-profit agencies,police, university staff and the school district have collaborated to direct time,energy, and resources to support youth in our community. We are a vibrantand innovative community whose core is strengthened by the diversity of itscitizens. We are resilient, and while we continue to struggle with the pain andloss of our loved ones, we are taking concrete steps to understand andaddress this complex public health issue. From this perspective, I believe thereis much to be thankful for and proud of in Palo Alto.

This past Friday, came home from school with a note from herteacher that included a list of everything her teacher was thankful for thisyear. It was fun to read, and I'm taking delight in watching my youngdaughters began to understand the joy and meaning of the holidays. Forexample, my three-year old tells me she is grateful for "horsies" while my six-year old is overjoyed that she doesn't have school this week (sigh). Reflectingon how are experiencing Thanksgiving prompted me to generatemy own list of what I am thankful for at Paly. Here are a few of the manythings that come to mind:

I am thankful for...

· the hundreds of parentvolunteers who organized, participated and contributed to an amazingTurkey Feast last Friday. On behalf of everyone at Paly, our stomachsand hearts thank you!

· the families who donated

to PiE either during their challenge days last week or in the past. Yoursupport directly improves the lives of students on our campus.

· the parents who

acknowledge our hard work and effort in the classroom. Thank you

for sending the teachers and staff uplifting notes and providingpositive feedback. Keep them coming!

·  increased openness and

honest dialogue with our students and staff about mental healthissues to decrease the stigma of seeking help. A few examples include:

o Paly's WellnessPLC formed to express student needs and perspective onmental health and wellness

o Over 60 studentsand 25 teachers trained in Sources of Strength

o Sources ofStrength Community Event - which was a joint effort by Gunnand Paly

o Bring Change 2Mind student club and video

o New and improved9th Grade Mental Health awareness lesson in Advisory

o Paly and Gunnstudents creation of the movie "Unmasked

· the Paly staff whoexplicitly teach stress reduction techniques and/or give permissionand remind us to take care of ourselves. "Self-care is a necessity, nota luxury." Some examples include:

o Mindfulness introduced in many classes

o Yoga on the quado Meditation room

(A-1) opened during Tutorial/Flex Time

· the Paly staff who agreedlast spring to rethink how we use time to reduce student stress.Everyday I see evidence of how increased flexibility helps us to createa culture of care at Paly. Some examples include:

o Rethinking"C" days to reduce the number of tests/projects due andhomework amount

o Increasinghomework-free breaks - Thanksgiving, Winter,President's Weekend, Spring

o Scheduling "Flex-days" mid-semesters (October 14th and March 16th)

· the Superintendent andBoard of Education members who provided additional resources toincrease social-emotional support (staffing) we provide to students.Examples include:

o Hired a newMental Health and Wellness Coordinator

o Hired a newSocial-Emotional Learning Teacher-Leader

o Hired a newInclusion Teacher-Leader

While work remains, I am extremely proud of our entire school communityand applaud our efforts to improve the health, hope, and overall wellbeing ofour students. As always, I thank you for your continued partnership andsupport. I wish you safe travels and plenty of quality PDF - "play time, downtime and family time" this Thanksgiving break. Go Vikings!

With gratitude,

Kim DiorioPrincipal

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Vicky LaoCc: Max McGeeSubject: GoalsDate: Monday, November 23, 2015 6:26:49 PM

Hi VickyCan you point me to where I can find our 15-16 goals on the website? I'd like to send thelink to someone and I can't find the final goals.ThanksTerry

Terry GodfreyBoard Member, Palo Alto Unified School District650.387.3210

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Grade level readers?Date: Thursday, November 05, 2015 3:10:44 PM

Max,

Has the elementary staff requested that we purchase grade level readers for the classrooms K-2? Teri Baldwin says they are needed to support the new reading program. Are theysomething already budgeted for in the existing budget?

Melissa

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Gunn volleyball team followupDate: Sunday, November 01, 2015 10:56:24 AM

Max,

I received this email from and also spoke with her briefly yesterday. Can you let meknow what is going on with this issue? The parents feel that there hasn't been clearcommunication with the school staff on the topic, and are also concerned about next year.

Hello Ken,

How are you! I know you are very busy these days. The volleyball session is almost over. We didn't hear anyupdates from Gunn.Do you have any updates on our volleyball coach? Hopefully Gunn will not bring him backnext year. The things are getting much worse than we expected. Retaliation, bullying, yelling, intimidation becamea team spirit. It was horrible. My daughter with some teammates are extremely suffered. Please help us.

Thanks,

Sent from my iPad


From: <Date: October 29, 2015 at 12:27:28 AM PDTTo: <Cc: Miriam Stevenson <[email protected]>, Curtis Johansen <[email protected]>Subject: Re: Retaliation and Bullying within Gunn Volleyball team

Thanks I heard the same story from my daughter and I believe a lots of girls feel the same way, be yelled,mistreated and bullied. My daughter totally lost interstate of volleyball and confidence. Thewhole team is not a team anymore.BR,

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 29, 2015, at 12:16 AM, < wrote:

Hello Ms. Stevenson,

Thank you so much for the quick reply. These two girls copied coach Craig'sbehavior. Many players feel that attending volleyball practice is mental andemotional torture, and they lost confidence to play volleyball.

The incidents occurred during practice and occasionally during games. Forexample, during the practice, when a ball was in front of successfully dug a ball, or would start to yell and got mad at

her, which indicated that was not allow to touch the ball, because these twogirls thought they should dig every ball, and that they are the stars on the team. Also the similar situation happened to is a great setter,when she beautifully set a ball, or will yell at her and not allow her set.

On another incident, accidentally touched the net during the practice, andcoach Craig put a discipline on by punishing other players to run, while would stand on the sideline to watch the other players being punished by the coachbecause of her mistake. and yelled at and was almost intears.

However, the team has one bright side, is a great athlete with suchwarm heart, and she gives some players many support and encouragement,especially when she saw some players being mistreated by coach or these twogirls, she stands up for them.

Thanks,

Sent from my iPad

On Oct 28, 2015, at 10:25 PM, Miriam Stevenson <[email protected]>wrote:

Thank you for reporting an incident involving the captains. Canyou provide us with more information about when this occurred,what was said or done and who it was directed at?

Appreciate your help,Miriam

Miriam StevensonAssistant Principal, ClimateHenry M. Gunn High SchoolOffice: (650) 354-8244Internal ext: 6890

From: <Reply-To: <Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 10:17 AMTo: Curtis Johansen <[email protected]>Cc: Miriam Stevenson <[email protected]>, <Subject: Retaliation and Bullying within Gunn Volleyballteam

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Max McGeeCc: Terry GodfreySubject: High school sizeDate: Monday, November 09, 2015 5:13:58 PM

At the study session I asked a question about high school size that is still bothering me and Idon't seem to see the answer in the materials. Our current schools are built for 2300students each. The 2300 number was developed before my time so I don't know the logicthat went into it but I assume smart people made that decision.

The new assumption is so much lower that if it's right we'll need another high school sounderstanding the 2300 seems important. Moreover when administrators, students, familiessay it seems too small is that because of enrollment or physical size? Paly of course isfeeling cramped with construction but after that's finished and we do some class sizereduction actions and move to a model with smaller learning communities, is it still toosmall? And wouldn't relocating the district office and the corporation yard help?

Maybe it's not physical size but enrollment but that doesn't seem right.

I look forward to your insight given your many years in the profession. And I look forwardto what the EMAC learned in their discussions with teachers, admins and students. (Lookslike 23% of parents think high schools are too crowded but again I'd love to know what thatmeans.)

CheersTerry


From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Homework implementationDate: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 8:43:07 PM

Max,

I'd like to hear status on two related item in an upcoming board meeting: the state of thehomework policy implementation, and Schoology adoption by secondary teachers. Can youplease communicate with the rest of the agenda setting committee and let me know aboutwhen those can be discussed?

Thanks,Ken

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Interesting Harvard report on narrowing the achievement gap and raising achievement overallDate: Saturday, November 07, 2015 4:36:22 PM

Have you read this?

HOW HIGH SCHOOLS BECOME EXEMPLARY

WAYS THAT LEADERSHIP RAISES ACHIEVEMENT AND NARROWS GAPS BY IMPROVINGINSTRUCTION IN 15 PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS

http://www.agi.harvard.edu/events/2009Conference/2009AGIConferenceReport6-30-2010web.pdf

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeCc: Monica Sanchez LopezSubject: January Board offsiteDate: Thursday, November 12, 2015 10:32:42 AM

Reminder about scheduling a January Board retreat.

Traditionally we have closed session time to talk about superintendent evaluation and some opensession time with a facilitator to talk about suggestions on improvements to board operations.

Sent from my iPhone

From: Heidi EmberlingTo: Markus Autrey; Max McGeeCc: Heidi EmberlingSubject: LCAP Infographics!Date: Saturday, November 14, 2015 4:03:44 PM

Hi Max and Markus,

Did you see this link from EdSource? Amazing what some districts are doing to publicizetheir LCAPs in an easily-readable format. Check out this link (and be sure to click on all thesamples). We should definitely be doing something like this for our community!

http://edsource.org/2015/state-board-encourages-creativity-in-summarizing-accountability-plans/90002?utm_source=Nov.+9+newsletter+Erin&utm_campaign=Daily+email&utm_medium=email

Best,Heidi

Heidi Emberling, MAPAUSD School Board Member

State boardencouragescreativity insummarizing ...Bear Valley Unified SchoolDistrict in San BernardinoCounty created a 10-pageinfographic to make its 80-page Local Control andAccountability Plan easier toquickly ...

Read more...

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Middle school rental incomeDate: Sunday, November 01, 2015 8:06:39 PM

Dear Max,

For Tuesday's board meeting, I'd like to know how revenues for renting facilities are handledat the middle schools. Specifically, I'm interested in knowing whether there is a formula orpractice governing such revenues, and for the last several years how much gross revenuewas generated at each school, and how much was retained by each of the schools.

Thanks,Ken

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Cathy Mak; Max McGeeCc: Terry GodfreySubject: Multi-Yr Gen Fund Projection questionsDate: Monday, November 02, 2015 3:37:00 PM

Hi CathyI'm looking at the Multi-Yr Gen Fund Projection that you shared with us on 9/8/15 and Iwant to confirm that I understand what I'm reading.

1. The undesignated reserve is assumed to drop from $762,846 to $340.837 this year. Please remind me of why that is.

2. The note at the top about transferring 3% to the maintenance fund - that's 3% ofwhich line item?

3. I believe that we have $7,636.558 (line 46) available to discuss and that this issupposed to cover salary increases as well as new programs. Do I have that right?

4. And a 1% salary increase = $1.44M so, for example, a 4% increase would use $5.76M. RIght?

5. Can you tell me the math for lines 49,50 and 51 please?

Thanks very muchTerry


From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Objective measures of progress for middle school struggling students?Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 8:01:30 AM

Max,

What objective measures of progress will we be using for struggling students? None of theMiddle schools have an objective measure as part of their SPSA goals.

As we discussed in the Goals setting this past summer, there is an inherent bias if our onlymeasurement is the grades that teachers give students ( this is the measurement thatTerman and Jordan have in their plan). We should have some sort of other measure as well( this will also help us see if there is grading inconsistencies).

Now that we have standardized test scores available, can we use those?

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Petition to rename Jordan middle schoolDate: Saturday, November 07, 2015 4:24:18 PM

Hi Max,

I just got this message in my inbox. Is this really the way you want to initiate discussion onthis topic? Seems like there may be a less divisive way to do this.

Melissa

----- Forwarded Message -----From: To: Sent: Saturday, November 7, 2015 4:04 PMSubject: Please support my petition to name Jordan Middle School in honor of a role model,not a racist

Dear Friends, Parents, Colleagues, Palo Alto Community Members,

at the end of last the school year a language arts project of brought tomy attention who David Starr Jordan really is, the Jordan after whom Jordan Middle Schoolis named. As it turns out David Starr Jordan was not only the founding President of StanfordUniversity, but he was also a devoted racist and leading Eugenicist. In addition he was of thefirm belief that educational achievement is predetermined by race, and that opportunity andeducation cannot influence a persons intellectual ability. You can find the details of myresearch into the person of David Starr Jordan in the attached pdf, and also summarized inthe petition.Clearly, David Starr Jordan's value system could not be further removed from our 21stCentury Palo Alto spirit. I spoke to many of you about this issue and could sense the sameshock and dismay I feel every day when sending my children to a school that carries hisname, and thereby honors his legacy. Now it's time for change.

I reached out to the PAUSD Board and Superintendent. I learned that there is a board policy(BP7310) that specifies the school naming (after role models ...) and the process of namingschools (at the discretion of the board and with community involvement). In order to getthe issue onto the Board Agenda I need to show that the community cares, which is why Istarted this petition. If you feel that our School Board should consider how we name ourschools then I urge you to "sign" (it's actually a 'click' on change.org) the petition to showthat you care. If there are enough of us it should get our Board to take up the issue and lookinto what constitutes a role model worth honoring, by naming a school after her/him. I am

convinced that we can find a name and legacy that can inspire every one of our schoolchildren, and to instill in them the belief that David Starr Jordan did not share, that they canlearn and achieve anything!

If there is enough support for the petition, and once it has made it onto the Board meetingagenda, I will follow-up and may request your support to join the Board meeting and voiceyour opinion. If you can't wait that long please feel free to reach out to the Board membersdirectly and let them know what you think (http://www.pausd.org/board-education/board-info).

Please also share the petition with your friends, family, colleagues and community. It onlytakes 1 minute and will help to make a lasting impact for the better.

Thank you,

Palo Alto Unified School District - Board of Education: Rename Jordan Middle School - honora role model not a racist! image Palo Alto Unified School District - Board of Education: ...Please support this petition to ask the Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education toappoint a “citizen advisory committee” in accordance with Board Poli...View on www.change.orgPreview by Yahoo

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: PTAC questionDate: Monday, November 02, 2015 9:11:05 PM

Hi Max,

The following was reported in the PTAC minutes as part of your Superintendent Update onOct 7.

"High School ProfilesThere have been all kinds of drama about weighted and unweighted grades in the highschool profiles. The school board wants to move to unweighted grades for both schools (andthis had caused an uproar with some parents and kids) but the fact is Gunn has notreported weighted grades on transcripts for a long time (weighted grades are calculated bycolleges for admission candidates). Neither Gunn nor Paly ranks their students andboth schools use a quintile percentage ranking system. For this year there will be nochange"

I am confused by what you are quoted as saying about the weighted grading topic atthis meeting. The Board has not yet discussed or taken action on the matter of weightedversus unweighted grades, so I am not sure why you would say that the School Board wantsto move to unweighted grades.

Can you please correct this with Susan Usman?

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Question for Secondary EMAC teamDate: Saturday, November 07, 2015 1:47:04 PM

Max,

Can the EMAC folks or staff answer the following questions for our discussion on Tuesday?

How do our middle and high schools compare in size to:

1) Nearby CA Dept of Education IDed similar schools (if you run a similar schools report) http://api.cde.ca.gov/Acnt2013/2012BaseSchSS.aspx?allcds=43-69641-6060065&c=Rhttp://api.cde.ca.gov/Acnt2013/2012BaseSchSS.aspx?allcds=43-69641-4335782&c=R

2) The schools districts we have benchmarked ourselves to nationwide in the PiE benchmarkstudy and the 21st Century Consortium?

Thanks,Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Application to XQ?Date: Saturday, November 21, 2015 8:23:51 PM

Max,

Now I see it is in the Weekly that was posted on the website. However, no Weekly was sentvia email the Board this week, so I had assumed that there was none until this came to myattention and went looking for it.

This does not seem like something I would expect you to sign on to and let the Board knowafter the fact. Also seems strange that you and I would have had a hour long 1:1 onThursday and attended several meetings together without you mentioning this.

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Saturday, November 21, 2015 8:02 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Application to XQ? Max,

I just heard that an application for a new 6-12 school was submitted to XQ. Is this correct?

This is the first I have heard of it. What is going on here? I find it hard to believe that youwould not have discussed this with the Board and gained Board approval before sending inan application.

Melissa

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Atlantic Review articleDate: Thursday, November 12, 2015 3:58:54 PM

Thanks. I didn't realize Ken was in it. He hadn't mentioned it.

See you soonTerry

On Nov 12, 2015, at 3:53 PM, Max McGee <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Terry,

I see that you are on the communications group at tomorrow's meeting. I willnot be able to attend, but I have circulated this copy sent to me throughanother source, hence the fact it is scanned and that two pages wereinadvertently omitted from the scan. They will distribute it tomorrow, but Iwanted you to have an advance look!

Thanks for your work on this critical matter.

Max

<page 69.PNG.pdf>

<page 68.PNG.pdf>

<Atlantic Article.pdf>

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Board discussion on Weighted/Unweighted GPA reporting?Date: Tuesday, November 03, 2015 3:26:36 PM

Hi Max,

Does the first Jan. meeting give us time to opine before the student class sign-ups are due?Not sure when that date is, but if the answer is yes the first meeting in January makes senseto me.

Glad to hear that you have asked Susan to change the minutes. Thank you.

In addition to my comments about weighted grading, would be good to clarify the othercomments attributed to you. It is true that Gunn has not reported weighted grades on thetranscript for a while, but as we have discussed, Gunn has reported weighted andunweighted grade distribution every year in the school profile and students are able to havetheir personal weighted grades reported by the counselors in their applications. Also, therewas a change in ranking measures on the school profiles this year: weighted gradingdistributions were removed from the Gunn profiles (removing weighted grading context) andboth schools changed their % ranking categories. Gunn % ranking categories were changedfrom 7 categories in 2014-15 to 5 categories in 2015-16. Paly completely changed its %ranking categories from 6 categories in 2013-14 to 12 categories in 2014-15 and then to 5categories for the 2015-16 profile.

I am interested to hear how the Baloonr application works. Hope it is can be helpful for us.

Thanks,

Melissa

From: Max McGeeSent: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 2:30 PMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: Board discussion on Weighted/Unweighted GPA reporting? Do you want to have it at the first meeting in January?

Also, Susan U. is changing the PTAC minutes AND ...

We had the Baloonr presentation to K-12 leadership and will be using it at our nextmeeting.

See you soon!

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 12:46 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Board discussion on Weighted/Unweighted GPA reporting? Hi Max,

When do you plan on putting this discussion on the Board Agenda?

Seems like it would be a good idea to agendize it before students sign up for their classesfor next school year. (That happens sometime in January)

Thanks,Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeCc: Heidi EmberlingSubject: Re: Board policies discussion on TuesdayDate: Thursday, November 05, 2015 8:26:35 PM

We may need to prepare for it.

From: Max McGeeSent: Thursday, November 5, 2015 8:01 PMTo: Melissa CaswellCc: Heidi EmberlingSubject: Re: Board policies discussion on Tuesday I don't think so since they have sent so many letter which we will acknowledge.

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Thursday, November 5, 2015 5:18 PMTo: Max McGee; Heidi EmberlingSubject: Board policies discussion on Tuesday Do we need to plan time for lots of community comments on this item?

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: BP/AR reviewDate: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 10:33:49 AM

Max,

I would like to have some statement from our legal counsel that they have seen thelanguage in the final proposed BP/AR documents and it is their counsel that if that languageis adopted the complete language does not create any legal issues for the District.

I just had a parent ask me if the new language makes the district legally responsiblefor discipline of parents for non conforming behavior outside of a school campus (in theirhome with their children). Their question was, if so, how would we do this? Would this berequired under this policy? We have reporting responsibility, but do we have the jurisdictionfor this under current law?

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Sunday, November 8, 2015 3:49 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: BP/AR review Thanks

From: Max McGeeSent: Saturday, November 7, 2015 9:35 PMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: BP/AR review Thanks for the questions, Melissa. I will ask Holly and Brenda to follow up.

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Saturday, November 7, 2015 2:14 PM

To: Max McGeeSubject: BP/AR review Hi Max,

Have we had legal counsel review on all of the BP/ARs that are in the Tuesday packet?

When we do not get the text from CSBA it has been our practice to make sure that legalcounsel provides a review and recommendation on Board policy and AR language, especiallywhen the policies and regulations defines rights and privacy considerations.

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: BP/AR reviewDate: Sunday, November 08, 2015 3:49:11 PM

Thanks


Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Saturday, November 7, 2015 2:14 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: BP/AR review Hi Max,



Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: BP/AR reviewDate: Saturday, November 07, 2015 2:41:56 PM

Some community questions that have been asked of me. I do not know the answers.Can you or staff provide responses. Thanks.

1) Do these policies extend our harassment policies beyond legally protected classes? 2) Can we legally "ensure" things or should our policies and ARs say that we will "try toensure"3) Do these new policies/ARs commit us to any responsibilities beyond the law? If so, doesthis present any risks to the district?4) If we pass these policies would we still have athletic teams designated Boy's XXX andGirl's YYY? If not what does that mean for our league participation?

Thanks,

Melissa




Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeCc: Brenda Carrillo; Holly WadeSubject: Re: BP/AR reviewDate: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 12:03:50 PM

Can that statement be made publicly tonight? I would like to have a record that ourlegal has provided counsel that the language provided has been reviewed and is okay aswritten.

From: Max McGeeSent: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 11:46 AMTo: Melissa CaswellCc: Brenda Carrillo; Holly WadeSubject: Re: BP/AR review Hi Melissa,

Dora was on the phone with us when we finalized the policy and AR, and she has reviewedthem thoroughly.

I'll have to ask Brenda and Holly to get an answer to your questions from the parent.

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 10:33 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: BP/AR review Max,

I would like to have some statement from our legal counsel that they have seen thelanguage in the final proposed BP/AR documents and it is their counsel that if that languageis adopted the complete language does not create any legal issues for the District.

I just had a parent ask me if the new language makes the district legally responsiblefor discipline of parents for non conforming behavior outside of a school campus (in theirhome with their children). Their question was, if so, how would we do this? Would this be

required under this policy? We have reporting responsibility, but do we have the jurisdictionfor this under current law?

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Sunday, November 8, 2015 3:49 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: BP/AR review Thanks


Max




Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeCc: Cathy MakSubject: Re: budget priorities questionDate: Tuesday, November 03, 2015 2:00:09 PM

Will the answer to this question go out to the whole board?

From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 8:21 AMTo: Melissa CaswellCc: Cathy MakSubject: Re: budget priorities question I have to ask Cathy about the cost calculations since she, Connie, and Bob worked on them.

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 6:56 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: budget priorities question Max,

So we should expect that a house model at two high schools would cost more than theoperating cost for a 2000 student high school? I am not sure I understand how that couldbe.

The packet has- $3.6M annual operating cost for a 2000 student high school- $4.6M to add teacher advisory in the New Trier model to one high school.

Melissa

From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 6:25 AMTo: Melissa Caswell

Subject: Re: budget priorities question Good Morning Early Bird,

The primary cost would be for an advisory system. Hillsdale uses their teachers as advisorsso they pay one period per day, although the adv. periods are three 25 minute and two 45minutes ones. It costs their school of about 1300 the equivalent of 9.3 FTE. The New Trier(robust advisory) cost calculations are close enough. They also have a "principal" for eachhouse, so there would probably be some admin cost though perhaps only a net of 1 FTE.

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 4:46 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: budget priorities question Max,

Are there any costs associated with the secondary EMACs recommendation to create ahouse system at each secondary school?

melissa

Sent from my iPad

On Nov 2, 2015, at 12:35 AM, Max McGee <[email protected]> wrote:

Good Evening, A Board member asked if we will be sharing our staff priorities for thebudget workshop. At the end of our long Board meeting last Tuesday Imentioned that we would be using the criteria discussed at the meeting butI neglected to reiterate that fact in the packet or our weekly. My apologies. Last week we developed a short rubric for each category (e.g. need,measurability, cost, etc.) and crafted a matrix that lists the points for eachof the items in the packet. Cabinet members worked on the matrix onFriday and over the weekend, and we are compiling and finalizing ourindividual analyses into one document tomorrow morning. You will bereceiving this late tomorrow afternoon.

I have enclosed a blank document for your use if you wish to engage in thisexercise yourself. See you soon, Max

<Budget Workshop Matrix - Blank.xlsx>

<Key for Budget Workshop Matrix.docx>

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Cathy MakCc: Connie Ngo; Max McGeeSubject: Re: budget priorities questionDate: Tuesday, November 03, 2015 3:09:05 PM

Hi Cathy,

I am still confused how adding one extra class period a day (for an advisory period) to ourexisting HS would cost $6.1M more. Seems like a really large number of extra counselors,administrators and support staff to get to that number.

Melissa

From: Cathy MakSent: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 2:29 PMTo: boardCc: Max McGee; Connie NgoSubject: RE: budget priorities question A board member asked: So we should expect that a house model at two high schools would cost more than theoperating cost for a 2000 student high school? I am not sure I understand how that couldbe. The packet has- $3.6M annual operating cost for a 2000 student high school- $4.6M to add teacher advisory in the New Trier model to one high school. Answer:This is a good question. In our models for new schools, we based the costs on the current operatingmodels. We did not include any staffing that is staffed by the number of students such as counselorsand classroom teachers. The assumption is these positions will be funded by the enrollment growthbudget. We only included the fixed positions such as Principals, APs, Librarian, InstructionalSupervisors etc. and the front office staff. We can refine these costs when we have a better ideahow the new school would look like. As to the various counseling models in Attachment B, the costs include district funding (which is300:1), PIE and school discretionary funds. Also, you should be looking at the incremental costs. Forexample, the additional costs from the current Gunn model to the current Paly model would cost

$288,000 ($1,678,000 – $1,390,000) and the additional costs to adopt the New Trier model for bothschools would be $6.1 million ($4.6M - $1,390,000 + $4.6M - $1,678,000). These estimated costs areprovided for reference only. The recommendations from the Committee may be different fromthese models. Thanks,Cathy

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Budget suggestion spreadsheetDate: Monday, November 02, 2015 4:43:15 AM

Hi Max,

Thanks for checking. I meant to add the MATD, but must have thought I includedthem in the K-12 tier 1 number.

Please Le me know what if anything needs to change after Cathy takes a look.

melissa

Sent from my iPad


Hi Melissa,

This is really nicely organized! I need to ask Cathy to double check the numbersbut by and large it looks accurate and is a nice layout. I do see that you aremissing in the MATD recommendations:

The second one is having parent liaison at every site. The estimated cost is about$80,000. The third one is additional tutorial support at the secondary schools with anestimated cost of $476,000 which is explained below. These three requests are includedin the requests submitted by K-12 Leadership Team in Attachment A.

While the district currently supports a 0.4 FTE at each middle school mathematicsintervention support for Historically Underrepresented (HUR) students, the MATDenvisioned more robust tutorial support in grades 6-8 as well as for Algebra 2 and ABCalculus in high school. Additional tutorial staff is needed at these critical junctures at thelevels of 1.0 FTE for each middle school and 2.0 FTE for each high school. Theproposed increase of 7.0 FTE instructional assistants is approximately $476,000.

I think the latter will be essential for our ms and hs students, though we couldprobably start with an additional 0.6 at each ms and just one 1.0 at each highschool.

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Sunday, November 1, 2015 7:00 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Budget suggestion spreadsheet

Hi Max,

I tried to summarize all the listed budget suggestions into one prioritized spreadsheet. so I could look at it all at once.

I have attached it, can you let me know if I have summarized the packetcorrectly?

Thanks,

Melissa

From: Terry GodfreyTo:Cc: Max McGeeSubject: Re: CAC and PASS officially support the Jordan Middle School renaming petition, along with 261 individual

supportersDate: Monday, November 23, 2015 10:02:09 AM

Nice to see the support. I'd love to know if there are others that should be renamed at thesame time. I suggested to Max that perhaps the Paly social justice students might want torevisit all of our school names to ensure they represent our community. In 2018, PAUSD willcelebrate its 125th birthday. Perhaps a renaming ceremony of all campuses as needed inthe 2017/18 school year in conjunction with a 125 year birthday party would beappropriate. What do you think?Terry


From: <Sent: Monday, November 23, 2015 12:28 AMTo: Melissa Caswell; Max McGeeCc: Monica Sanchez Lopez; board; Christina Schmidt; Sara Woodham; Kimberly BomarSubject: CAC and PASS officially support the Jordan Middle School renaming petition, along with 261individual supporters Dear Max, Melissa,

please allow me another update regarding the growing support for the petition to rename Jordan MiddleSchool in accordance with BP7310.

I am truly honored to provide you with official endorsements from the Palo Alto Chapter of the CAC andthe PAUSD PASS parent network. The leadership of both organizations has developed a position thatreflects the respective values of their organization, and supports the petition to rename Jordan MiddleSchool, on behalf of their members, represented parents and most of all students!

In addition, the number of individual supporters has grown to 261, and I'm attaching the most up-to-datesignature and comment lists for the record. There was a hiccup with a website petition update over theweekend that activated auto-emails to the board for every new supporter. I have since been able todisable this feature. Apologies for the unnecessary emails this may have caused.

I look forward to your feedback if and when the renaming petition will appear on the BoE agenda, inaccordance with Board Bylaw 9322.

Best regards,

From: <To: Melissa Caswell <[email protected]>; Max McGee <[email protected]> Cc: Monica Sanchez Lopez <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 2:50 PMSubject: UPDATE: 221 signatures and 58 comments in favor of PAUSD BoE Agenda Item: Toconsider if Jordan Middle School should be renamed

Hi Max, Melissa,

quick update on the growing support for the renaming petition. I am attaching the latest signature listwith 221 support sign-ups after 2 weeks. Some as far away as Jerusalem, Hong Kong, Zurich,Washington DC but >200 right from Palo Alto and Stanford. I'm also including the updated signatorycomments where applicable, 58 in total.

Last night I had the opportunity to attend a event and talk about David StarrJordan and the renaming petition. Wherever I go and whomever I talk to, the first reaction is anincredulous 'WHAT?', followed by an 'I had NO idea', and closed out with a 'that's terrible'.

I will keep working to grow the support for the renaming petition, to give Palo Alto and PAUSD thechance to find a role model worth honoring. And I am really looking forward to the day when "we" canshift our energy away from realizing that we have a problem, and focus on finding a solution. Best regards,

From: Melissa Caswell <[email protected]>To: Max McGee <[email protected]>; < Cc: Monica Sanchez Lopez <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, November 16, 2015 10:29 AMSubject: Re: Request for PAUSD BoE Agenda Item: To consider if Jordan Middle School should berenamed

Hi

Thanks for all the information. We will be getting back to you on this shortly.

Regards,

Melissa

From: <Sent: Monday, November 16, 2015 8:46 AMTo: Max McGeeCc: Monica Sanchez Lopez; Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: Request for PAUSD BoE Agenda Item: To consider if Jordan Middle School should berenamed Hi Max, Melissa,

a few quick updates regarding the Jordan renaming petition:

- the CAC and PASS organizations both have decided to officially support the petition. I will forward theendorsement letters after they have been processed.- the signed supporter list has grown to 167, I'm attaching an updated endorser list- I forgot to include the supporter comments in my original email, now attached

The weekend edition of the Daily Post ran a story on the petition on their front-page. While I thought itcame out well in favor of the issue I wanted to clarify that I did not reach out to the Daily Post. Thereporter contacted me Friday afternoon, and I spoke to her then. Please let me know if you would like any additional information about the petition as you consider itsmerit for a Board of Education discussion.

Thank you,

From: Max McGee <[email protected]>To: < Cc: Monica Sanchez Lopez <[email protected]>; Melissa Caswell <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, November 13, 2015 8:28 PMSubject: Re: Request for PAUSD BoE Agenda Item: To consider if Jordan Middle School should berenamed

Dear Mr.

Thank you for your request and for providing background information as required in BoardBylaw 9322 (http://pausd-web.pausd.org/community/board/Policies/downloads/BB9322_materials.pdf).

As outlined in BB9322, the Board President, Vice President and I will consider this request ata forthcoming agenda setting meeting, and I will get back to you regarding the decision.

Sincerely,

Max McGee

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGee; Denise HerrmannCc: Heidi EmberlingSubject: Re: Camille Townsend here today and Tues Dec 1Date: Monday, November 23, 2015 3:14:51 PM

This is the first I have heard about it.

From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 2:44 PMTo: Denise Herrmann; Melissa CaswellCc: Heidi EmberlingSubject: Re: Camille Townsend here today and Tues Dec 1

Hello,

I was not informed of this by either Diane or Camille.

Max

From: Denise HerrmannSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 2:38 PMTo: Camille Townsend; Max McGeeCc: Heidi EmberlingSubject: FW: Camille Townsend here today and Tues Dec 1 Dear Camille and Max-

Imagine my surprise when I learned that a Board of Education member would on Gunn’scampus today and tomorrow from an email sent to all staff by a PAEA representative. Unfortunately, I will not be on campus today or tomorrow, as I am home recovering fromfoot surgery. I am disappointed by the timing of the visit and the lack of pro-activecommunication.

Sincerely,

Denise

Dr Denise Herrmann

Principal, Henry M Gunn High [email protected]

From: Diane Gleason <[email protected]>Date: Monday, November 23, 2015 at 8:25 AMTo: gunn-teachers <[email protected]>Cc: Camille Townsend <[email protected]>Subject: Camille Townsend here today and Tues Dec 1

Greetings,

Camille Townsend will be here today, 3:30 until about 4:30. She will also be here duringlunch time on Tuesday, Dec 1, from 12:00 to 1:00. Please come join her in the Staff Loungefor sharing of your thoughts, ideas, concerns.

Thank you!

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Can we talk?Date: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:31:50 AM

How about 12:45?

Sent from my iPad


Sure, either 12:30 - 1:30, 2:30 to 3:30 or after 4:00. I have a Duvenek functionat Sands' house tomorrow night.

Please let me know what works best for you. Also, I am drafting a piece onwhat we still need to do to finish off the report and will send it to you latertonight for your thoughts. It may be worth distributing or at least justdiscussing.

Thanks!

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 6:28 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Can we talk?

Can't talk later this evening. Any chance you have some time tomorrowafternoon to talk?

From: Max McGeeSent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 6:09 PM

To: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: Can we talk?

Hi Melissa,

and opened email and saw 3from you, 3 from Todd, 1 from Camille and the usual collection. I will be free totalk after 8:00 tonight or tomorrow morning before 10:00.

Briefly: I had been given a heads up a facebook page was in the making fromKevin Efusy but didn't see it until Todd shot it to me Friday night. I texted Kevinto let him know that Board members and I do not respond well to pressuring. Also, I am running the Town Hall, so I can manage how the information isdelivered and how comments are received.

I don't know what Todd's agenda is and will call him later. I castigated him forundercutting the Secondary Subcommittee without informing him or the co-chairs and so did Natasha and Diane, the two co-chairs. He has his point ofview, and others on the Committee have theirs. What bothers me most is thatTodd has rushed to judgement, as apparently has one other Board members,without all the data. As of Friday, we had over 1400 student surveys, andtomorrow we will close those and the staff surveys and have the principals'"baloonr" responses which we will use to kick off our 12/1 discussion.

Also, I don't know what Todd is talking about the "rushed schedule." The reportis due to be delivered 12/8 and our next regular meeting is in January. Whilesome Committee members hoped for a 12/15 meeting, I do not think it is eitherfeasible or wise.

Regarding the XQ application, that was a citizen's initiative and they had thecourtesy to ask me for my opinion which I gave them especially since it concernsa public school initiative and not a charter or private school initiative. I think mynote in my weekly covered it, but I'll be glad to go into more detail.

We have a long way to go before I make a recommendation on the EMAC, withthe data being key.

That said, I know that "armies" are gathering, which does not surprise me at allbecause one thing I have learned and respect hear in Palo Alto is the intensityand passion individuals bring to all sides of important issues. This is one ofthose issues, and I think we serve the public best to withhold judgment, followthe process, and keep above the fray if possible. Easier said than done, butdoable nonetheless.

By the way, the Post filed a PRA for the OCR FOIA, and I told Dave Price hecould have it. I don't know if he picked it up Friday or will pick it up tomorrow.

More later!

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 3:34 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Can we talk?

Hi Max,

Can we discuss this?

Melissa

From: Todd Collins <Sent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 3:20 PMTo: melissa baten caswell; Melissa CaswellSubject: Fwd: important EMAC issue - please read Melissa,

I wanted to bring to your attention something I became aware of this weekendthat effects the EMAC process. Per the attached proposal, a group of localpeople are proposing a public school (called Wayfinder) in Palo Alto along thelines being recommended by the EMAC secondary subcommittee. This cameout a few days ago, and is listed on their Facebook page here -https://www.facebook.com/Palo-Alto-Supports-a-New-6-12-Public-School-1680449545500472/

While this is not new news - Max had invited members of this group to speakto the EMAC and others back in June, and invited Mark Romer from thisgroup to join the EMAC - it is very surprising to see both Max and a majorityof the members of the EMAC secondary committee members listed as "teammembers" on the proposal.

This association and proposal was not disclosed to the EMAC members, nor,from what I can tell, to the Board. It has also not been disclosed to the pressand the public.

This raises several concerns in my mind:

- Does it compromise the objectivity of the EMAC to have most of the secondarycommittee members as supporters and team members of a particular projectthat fits closely with what they are recommending, affiliations that were notdisclosed at any time during the EMAC process? Are we a "stackedcommittee"?

- Does it compromise the public process to have Dr. McGee listed as a teammember (essentially a co-author) on this proposal? Is it acceptable to the Boardthat this was done without Board permission or even discussion?

- Does it create a process issue that Mark Romer, one of the main drivers of thisproject, was added to the EMAC months after it was formed, after he hadpresented their vision for this new school to Dr. McGee and the committee,

with no discussion by the Committee or knowledge of the public or the Board?

I am not an expert in these matters, and there may be other issues that arisefrom this; it seems likely to be a point of controversy and concern in thecommunity.

Given this new information, I personally feel very uneasy about the timelinethat has been proposed for discussing and voting on and moving forwardwith the EMAC proposals. This already seemed rushed - a town hall meetingthe Monday after Thanksgiving, and then two Board meetings within a week,all during the period between Thanksgiving and winter break. I think asensible thing to do would be to significantly slow down the process to givethe Board and the public time to learn, digest, and respond to thisinformation appropriately.

I feel awkward bringing you this news. I have taken the public position that Idisagree with the analysis and content of the EMAC Secondary report (whichhasn't won me any friends), so it looks like I am "piling on" with this newinformation. But, frankly, I am really taken aback by this and unsure what tothink. Regardless of what happens with the EMAC proposals, this makes PAUSDand potentially the Board look bad. That's not good for anybody.

I am happy to talk to you by phone or in person.

Best,Todd



From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Can we talk?Date: Sunday, November 22, 2015 6:28:49 PM

Can't talk later this evening. Any chance you have some time tomorrow afternoon to talk?

From: Max McGeeSent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 6:09 PMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: Can we talk? Hi Melissa,

and opened email and saw 3 from you, 3from Todd, 1 from Camille and the usual collection. I will be free to talk after 8:00 tonight ortomorrow morning before 10:00.

Briefly: I had been given a heads up a facebook page was in the making from Kevin Efusybut didn't see it until Todd shot it to me Friday night. I texted Kevin to let him know thatBoard members and I do not respond well to pressuring. Also, I am running the Town Hall,so I can manage how the information is delivered and how comments are received.

I don't know what Todd's agenda is and will call him later. I castigated him for undercuttingthe Secondary Subcommittee without informing him or the co-chairs and so did Natashaand Diane, the two co-chairs. He has his point of view, and others on the Committee havetheirs. What bothers me most is that Todd has rushed to judgement, as apparently has oneother Board members, without all the data. As of Friday, we had over 1400 studentsurveys, and tomorrow we will close those and the staff surveys and have the principals'"baloonr" responses which we will use to kick off our 12/1 discussion.

Also, I don't know what Todd is talking about the "rushed schedule." The report is due to bedelivered 12/8 and our next regular meeting is in January. While some Committeemembers hoped for a 12/15 meeting, I do not think it is either feasible or wise.

Regarding the XQ application, that was a citizen's initiative and they had the courtesy to askme for my opinion which I gave them especially since it concerns a public school initiativeand not a charter or private school initiative. I think my note in my weekly covered it, but I'llbe glad to go into more detail.

We have a long way to go before I make a recommendation on the EMAC, with the databeing key.

That said, I know that "armies" are gathering, which does not surprise me at all because onething I have learned and respect hear in Palo Alto is the intensity and passion individualsbring to all sides of important issues. This is one of those issues, and I think we serve thepublic best to withhold judgment, follow the process, and keep above the fray if possible. Easier said than done, but doable nonetheless.

By the way, the Post filed a PRA for the OCR FOIA, and I told Dave Price he could have it. Idon't know if he picked it up Friday or will pick it up tomorrow.

More later!

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 3:34 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Can we talk? Hi Max,


Melissa


I wanted to bring to your attention something I became aware of this weekend that effectsthe EMAC process. Per the attached proposal, a group of local people are proposing a publicschool (called Wayfinder) in Palo Alto along the lines being recommended by the EMACsecondary subcommittee. This came out a few days ago, and is listed on their Facebook

page here - https://www.facebook.com/Palo-Alto-Supports-a-New-6-12-Public-School-1680449545500472/

While this is not new news - Max had invited members of this group to speak to theEMAC and others back in June, and invited Mark Romer from this group to join the EMAC- it is very surprising to see both Max and a majority of the members of the EMACsecondary committee members listed as "team members" on the proposal.

This association and proposal was not disclosed to the EMAC members, nor, from what Ican tell, to the Board. It has also not been disclosed to the press and the public.


- Does it compromise the objectivity of the EMAC to have most of the secondary committeemembers as supporters and team members of a particular project that fits closely with whatthey are recommending, affiliations that were not disclosed at any time during the EMACprocess? Are we a "stacked committee"?

- Does it compromise the public process to have Dr. McGee listed as a team member(essentially a co-author) on this proposal? Is it acceptable to the Board that this was donewithout Board permission or even discussion?

- Does it create a process issue that Mark Romer, one of the main drivers of this project,was added to the EMAC months after it was formed, after he had presented their vision forthis new school to Dr. McGee and the committee, with no discussion by the Committee orknowledge of the public or the Board?

I am not an expert in these matters, and there may be other issues that arise from this; itseems likely to be a point of controversy and concern in the community.

Given this new information, I personally feel very uneasy about the timeline that hasbeen proposed for discussing and voting on and moving forward with the EMACproposals. This already seemed rushed - a town hall meeting the Monday afterThanksgiving, and then two Board meetings within a week, all during the period betweenThanksgiving and winter break. I think a sensible thing to do would be to significantlyslow down the process to give the Board and the public time to learn, digest, andrespond to this information appropriately.

I feel awkward bringing you this news. I have taken the public position that I disagree withthe analysis and content of the EMAC Secondary report (which hasn't won me any friends),so it looks like I am "piling on" with this new information. But, frankly, I am really taken

aback by this and unsure what to think. Regardless of what happens with the EMACproposals, this makes PAUSD and potentially the Board look bad. That's not good foranybody.


Best,Todd



From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Can we talk?Date: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:49:50 AM

If you think it would be better to talk face to face i might be a few minutes later than 12:45

From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:35 AMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: Can we talk? Great! See you then, Melissa.

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:31 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Can we talk? How about 12:45?

Sent from my iPad


Sure, either 12:30 - 1:30, 2:30 to 3:30 or after 4:00. I have a Duvenek functionat Sands' house tomorrow night.

Please let me know what works best for you. Also, I am drafting a piece onwhat we still need to do to finish off the report and will send it to you latertonight for your thoughts. It may be worth distributing or at least justdiscussing.

Thanks!

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 6:28 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Can we talk? Can't talk later this evening. Any chance you have some time tomorrowafternoon to talk?

From: Max McGeeSent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 6:09 PMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: Can we talk? Hi Melissa,

and opened email and saw 3from you, 3 from Todd, 1 from Camille and the usual collection. I will be free totalk after 8:00 tonight or tomorrow morning before 10:00.

Briefly: I had been given a heads up a facebook page was in the making fromKevin Efusy but didn't see it until Todd shot it to me Friday night. I texted Kevinto let him know that Board members and I do not respond well to pressuring. Also, I am running the Town Hall, so I can manage how the information isdelivered and how comments are received.

I don't know what Todd's agenda is and will call him later. I castigated him forundercutting the Secondary Subcommittee without informing him or the co-chairs and so did Natasha and Diane, the two co-chairs. He has his point ofview, and others on the Committee have theirs. What bothers me most is thatTodd has rushed to judgement, as apparently has one other Board members,without all the data. As of Friday, we had over 1400 student surveys, andtomorrow we will close those and the staff surveys and have the principals'"baloonr" responses which we will use to kick off our 12/1 discussion.

Also, I don't know what Todd is talking about the "rushed schedule." The reportis due to be delivered 12/8 and our next regular meeting is in January. Whilesome Committee members hoped for a 12/15 meeting, I do not think it is eitherfeasible or wise.

Regarding the XQ application, that was a citizen's initiative and they had the

courtesy to ask me for my opinion which I gave them especially since it concernsa public school initiative and not a charter or private school initiative. I think mynote in my weekly covered it, but I'll be glad to go into more detail.

We have a long way to go before I make a recommendation on the EMAC, withthe data being key.

That said, I know that "armies" are gathering, which does not surprise me at allbecause one thing I have learned and respect hear in Palo Alto is the intensityand passion individuals bring to all sides of important issues. This is one ofthose issues, and I think we serve the public best to withhold judgment, followthe process, and keep above the fray if possible. Easier said than done, butdoable nonetheless.

By the way, the Post filed a PRA for the OCR FOIA, and I told Dave Price hecould have it. I don't know if he picked it up Friday or will pick it up tomorrow.

More later!

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 3:34 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Can we talk? Hi Max,


Melissa


I wanted to bring to your attention something I became aware of this weekendthat effects the EMAC process. Per the attached proposal, a group of localpeople are proposing a public school (called Wayfinder) in Palo Alto along thelines being recommended by the EMAC secondary subcommittee. This cameout a few days ago, and is listed on their Facebook page here -https://www.facebook.com/Palo-Alto-Supports-a-New-6-12-Public-School-1680449545500472/

While this is not new news - Max had invited members of this group to speakto the EMAC and others back in June, and invited Mark Romer from thisgroup to join the EMAC - it is very surprising to see both Max and a majorityof the members of the EMAC secondary committee members listed as "teammembers" on the proposal.

This association and proposal was not disclosed to the EMAC members, nor,from what I can tell, to the Board. It has also not been disclosed to the pressand the public.


- Does it compromise the objectivity of the EMAC to have most of the secondarycommittee members as supporters and team members of a particular projectthat fits closely with what they are recommending, affiliations that were notdisclosed at any time during the EMAC process? Are we a "stackedcommittee"?

- Does it compromise the public process to have Dr. McGee listed as a teammember (essentially a co-author) on this proposal? Is it acceptable to the Boardthat this was done without Board permission or even discussion?

- Does it create a process issue that Mark Romer, one of the main drivers of thisproject, was added to the EMAC months after it was formed, after he hadpresented their vision for this new school to Dr. McGee and the committee,with no discussion by the Committee or knowledge of the public or the Board?

I am not an expert in these matters, and there may be other issues that arisefrom this; it seems likely to be a point of controversy and concern in thecommunity.

Given this new information, I personally feel very uneasy about the timeline

that has been proposed for discussing and voting on and moving forwardwith the EMAC proposals. This already seemed rushed - a town hall meetingthe Monday after Thanksgiving, and then two Board meetings within a week,all during the period between Thanksgiving and winter break. I think asensible thing to do would be to significantly slow down the process to givethe Board and the public time to learn, digest, and respond to thisinformation appropriately.

I feel awkward bringing you this news. I have taken the public position that Idisagree with the analysis and content of the EMAC Secondary report (whichhasn't won me any friends), so it looks like I am "piling on" with this newinformation. But, frankly, I am really taken aback by this and unsure what tothink. Regardless of what happens with the EMAC proposals, this makes PAUSDand potentially the Board look bad. That's not good for anybody.


Best,Todd



From: Melissa CaswellTo: Judy ArgumedoSubject: Re: CBSA presentationDate: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 3:15:12 PM

Yes absolutely. Max has asked me to be up there to support you!

From: Judy ArgumedoSent: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 1:47 PMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: CBSA presentation Hello Melissa,I wanted to know if you would be attending the MATD presentation at the CSBA onDecember 3rd? I have made hotel reservations for everyone, but want to confirmattendance just in case someone needs to cancel.Best,Judy J. ArgumedoDirector of Academic SupportsPalo Alto Unified25 Churchill AvePalo Alto, CA 94306(650) 329-3736Fax (650) 329-3798

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Judy ArgumedoSubject: Re: CBSA presentationDate: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 5:19:12 PM

Hi Judy,

You do not need to hold rooms for me or for Max. We are at the Hyatt next to theconvention center for CSBA, Wed-Saturday.

Melissa

From: Judy ArgumedoSent: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 3:59 PMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: CBSA presentation Hi Melissa,Great. I have already reserved rooms at the Wyndham San Diego Bayside on December 2nd(arrival) and December 5th (checkout). Best,Judy J. ArgumedoDirector of Academic SupportsPalo Alto Unified25 Churchill AvePalo Alto, CA 94306(650) 329-3736Fax (650) 329-3798

From: Melissa Caswell <[email protected]>Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 3:15 PMTo: Judy Argumedo <[email protected]>Subject: Re: CBSA presentation

Yes absolutely. Max has asked me to be up there to support you!

From: Judy ArgumedoSent: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 1:47 PMTo: Melissa Caswell

Subject: CBSA presentation Hello Melissa,I wanted to know if you would be attending the MATD presentation at the CSBA onDecember 3rd? I have made hotel reservations for everyone, but want to confirmattendance just in case someone needs to cancel.Best,Judy J. ArgumedoDirector of Academic SupportsPalo Alto Unified25 Churchill AvePalo Alto, CA 94306(650) 329-3736Fax (650) 329-3798

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIADate: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 2:13:02 PM

Hi Max,

Thanks for the clear answers. Will the district be paying for work that FFF did withoutauthorization? I don't think it is an appropriate use of public money to pay for legal workthat the district didn't authorize, and that in my view is tendentious at best. I assume thatthe district has not received any memo from FFF on the Terman materials, but please let meknow if that is not the case.

On Chad, Lenore's letter mentions that Chad did in fact work on the memo that was sent,and that he was also working on the Terman materials. Has FFF been instructed not to haveChad work on district matters?

In terms of Marielena, I strongly disagree with your judgment about her but we don't needto argue the point. If staff members or board members make comments at the meeting I'llrespond there. I hope that Melissa realizes that the FFF memo is privileged, and anyoneprivy to the memo is not free to repeat its contents in an open session.

On Katherine's interview, I'm asking about the OCR notes about the interview with her, notabout her notes of the interview. The notes of interviews with other staff members wasincluded in the FOIA response. Has the district received those notes?

Please send me the cover letter from OCR from the Jordan materials.

Thanks,Ken

From: Max McGeeSent: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 12:51 PMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIA Hi Ken,

Here is what I know:

1. We did not direct FFF to write the memo. They received the documents first and sentthem with a memo.

2. We have neither requested nor authorized any work on interpreting the Terman docsreceived as a result of the FOIA request.

3. The cover letter from OCR on Jordan materials had not been forwarded it in the originalemail. I asked Holly to track it down and Lenore sent it to her this morning.

4. I don't know if Katherine Baker's notes were or were not provided to OCR. NeitherLenore nor Holly have a record of them being requested or received by OCR.

5. Chad has not done any work for the district since I issued the directive following theBoard meeting in which we discussed the legal contracts. We are only working with Lenore(and last week Jan Tomsky was on the phone).

Regarding Marielena, I do not have any evidence as to whether it was intentional or cut orpaste. From the few interactions with her and correspondence I have received from her, Iwould say it is equally likely that either could have been the case. Nonetheless, it is waterlong over the dam and we have such important business to address on so many fronts now,that in my opinion it would be counterproductive to spend time rehashing this matter.

That said, I will need to mention that we received a lengthy packet of information from OCRregarding our FOIA request.

I have asked the Board President to be sure that there is no discussion of the matter.

Hope all of this helps.

Max

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIADate: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 7:47:23 AM

Max,

Thank you for these responses. Can you clarify a few points for me?

1. On question #1, did FFF write its memo on its own initiative, or was it at the request ofdistrict staff?

2. On question #2, did district staff request or authorize FFF to do work on the Termanmaterial?

3. On question #4, I was asking about the cover letter from OCR on the Jordan materials,which isn't included in the materials though it is mentioned in the FFF memo. I would like tosee that cover letter.

4. On question #5, have Katherine Baker's interview notes been provided by OCR to thedistrict previously?

Regarding Holly's response to my question #1, I'll note that OCR didn't accept thecomplainant's claim of retaliation for investigation, so I don't understand the idea that it wasthe "crux" of the interviews. As I read the FFF memo, it is focused instead on establishingthat the complainant misrepresented an email that was provided to OCR by altering it toinclude a claim of retaliation. FFF then uses that "misrepresentation" to call into questionthe complainant's credibility in another complaint. Looking at the material myself, it's muchmore likely that this is a simple copy/paste error, as an email was copied into a complaintform. FFF's opinion seems to me false on its face. I also don't understand why Chad iscontinuing to work on district matters, and why FFF is doing work (and presumably billingfor it) without being directed to do so (if that is in fact what is happening).

Thanks,Ken

From: Max McGeeSent: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 6:13 AMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIA

Good Morning Ken,

Here are the answers from Holly.

1. Why did FFF write the memo that you forwarded? Was it at the firm's own initiative, orwas it requested and/or authorized by district staff? The Documents were sent directly toFFF, they reviewed the initial documents released and prepared the memo. This memo wassent to the District to clarify the fact that the crux of the interviews that took place withstaff was focused on a claim of retaliation, the staff repeatedly responded that they hadnever seen a claim of retaliation. We felt it was our duty to protect staff from allegationsthat ignored such claims—the documents clear these allegations, and are a relief to ourcommitted staff.

2. The memo refers to work that Chad is doing with the Terman materials. Has the districtreceived any other communication from FFF about this work? Did district staff requestor authorize that work? Chad is no longer working on this matter for the District.

3. Is Chad continuing to do work for the district? No.

4. I notice that the cover memo for the Jordan materials is missing, though it is mentionedin the FFF memo. Can you please provide it? The Memo is provided for Jordan, not Terman. If we would like an interpretation of the Terman materials we will so authorize.

5. I notice that Katherine Baker's interview is missing from the Terman materials. Why isthat? All the materials we received from OCR are included. The letter acknowledges 227pages and they are provided. The absence of Katherine Baker’s interview notes, is capturedin OCR’s statement regarding the scope of the FOIA request. It was denied in part, and wehave provided all that they have given to us.

6. Do the PDFs contain all of the materials that were sent in response to the FOIA requests? To my knowledge.

Hope this helps.

Max

From: Kenneth Dauber

Sent: Sunday, November 8, 2015 11:43 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIA Max,

Thanks for talking this morning. Here are the questions I asked, for your reference.

My questions:1. Why did FFF write the memo that you forwarded? Was it at the firm's own initiative, orwas it requested and/or authorized by district staff?2. The memo refers to work that Chad is doing with the Terman materials. Has the districtreceived any other communication from FFF about this work? Did district staff requestor authorize that work?3. Is Chad continuing to do work for the district?4. I notice that the cover memo for the Jordan materials is missing, though it is mentionedin the FFF memo. Can you please provide it?5. I notice that Katherine Baker's interview is missing from the Terman materials. Why isthat?6. Do the PDFs contain all of the materials that were sent in response to the FOIA requests?

Best,Ken

From: Max McGeeSent: Friday, November 6, 2015 11:35 AMTo: boardSubject: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIA Good Afternoon,

Holly received a response to the FOIA request we sent to OCR from our attorney who inturn had received it from OCR. She has sent me the attached files with accompanying notebelow.

Max

From: Holly Wade <[email protected]>Date: Friday, November 6, 2015 at 9:56 AMTo: Max McGee <[email protected]>

Subject: FOIA Requests

Dear Max,Please find the attached information from OCR on the FOIA requests. Please let me know if you have anyquestions.

The District’s appeal to OCR under the Freedom of Information Act for records of the completedOCR investigations was an important part of due process to see information that is a basis forgovernment decision-making. We do not know why OCR went two years past the legal timelinebefore deciding on the District’s appeal. The additional information released is significant, and thememo provided by legal counsel in case # 09-13-1224 discusses that significance. Another FOIAappeal was requested by the District pursuant to a case that was concluded in December 2012 (#09-11-1337). OCR recently released 227 pages of documents related to that matter. Legal counsel iscurrently reviewing the documents provided by OCR. Again, OCR’s response to the District’s appealfor records exceeded the timeline by over two years.

Sincerely,hw Holly Wade, Ph.D.Chief Student Services OfficerPalo Alto Unified School District25 Churchill AvenuePalo Alto, California 94306650.833.4257

Please consider the environment before printing this email.CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE TO RECIPIENT(S): This e-mail communication and any attachment(s)may contain information that is confidential and/or privileged by law and is meant solely for theintended recipient(s). Unauthorized use, review, duplication, disclosure or interception of this e-mail isstrictly prohibited and may violate applicable laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.If you received this e-mail in error please notify us immediately of the error by return e-mail and pleasedelete this message and any attachment(s) from your system. Thank you in advance for yourcooperation.

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIADate: Monday, November 09, 2015 10:24:43 PM

I think that this is something we should have a time to talk about as a board. When can wenext agendize it in closed session? Could we have an closed session to discuss at our Nov 17meeting?

Melissa

From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 9, 2015 5:38 PMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIA HI Melissa,

No, it's not for closed session tomorrow, and I'll ask HOlly to check with Lenore aboutreleasing publicly. Of course the paper could FOIA it, but is there value in us releasing it? I'minclined not to do so unless the Board sees value in it.

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Monday, November 9, 2015 1:06 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIA Max,

It does not appear that this item will be something we can discuss in closed sessiontomorrow. What is the recommendation from our counsel about releasing any ofthis information publicly?

Melissa

From: Max McGee

Sent: Friday, November 6, 2015 11:35 AMTo: boardSubject: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIA Good Afternoon,


Max

From: Holly Wade <[email protected]>Date: Friday, November 6, 2015 at 9:56 AMTo: Max McGee <[email protected]>Subject: FOIA Requests




Please consider the environment before printing this email.CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE TO RECIPIENT(S): This e-mail communication and any attachment(s)may contain information that is confidential and/or privileged by law and is meant solely for theintended recipient(s). Unauthorized use, review, duplication, disclosure or interception of this e-mail is

strictly prohibited and may violate applicable laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.If you received this e-mail in error please notify us immediately of the error by return e-mail and pleasedelete this message and any attachment(s) from your system. Thank you in advance for yourcooperation.

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIADate: Monday, November 09, 2015 1:06:41 PM

Max,

It does not appear that this item will be something we can discuss in closed sessiontomorrow. What is the recommendation from our counsel about releasing any ofthis information publicly?

Melissa



Max

From: Holly Wade <[email protected]>Date: Friday, November 6, 2015 at 9:56 AMTo: Max McGee <[email protected]>Subject: FOIA Requests


The District’s appeal to OCR under the Freedom of Information Act for records of the completedOCR investigations was an important part of due process to see information that is a basis forgovernment decision-making. We do not know why OCR went two years past the legal timelinebefore deciding on the District’s appeal. The additional information released is significant, and thememo provided by legal counsel in case # 09-13-1224 discusses that significance. Another FOIAappeal was requested by the District pursuant to a case that was concluded in December 2012 (#09-11-1337). OCR recently released 227 pages of documents related to that matter. Legal counsel iscurrently reviewing the documents provided by OCR. Again, OCR’s response to the District’s appeal

for records exceeded the timeline by over two years.



From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIADate: Sunday, November 08, 2015 11:43:22 AM

Max,

Thanks for talking this morning. Here are the questions I asked, for your reference.

My questions:1. Why did FFF write the memo that you forwarded? Was it at the firm's own initiative, orwas it requested and/or authorized by district staff?2. The memo refers to work that Chad is doing with the Terman materials. Has the districtreceived any other communication from FFF about this work? Did district staff requestor authorize that work?3. Is Chad continuing to do work for the district?4. I notice that the cover memo for the Jordan materials is missing, though it is mentionedin the FFF memo. Can you please provide it?5. I notice that Katherine Baker's interview is missing from the Terman materials. Why isthat?6. Do the PDFs contain all of the materials that were sent in response to the FOIA requests?

Best,Ken



Max

From: Holly Wade <[email protected]>Date: Friday, November 6, 2015 at 9:56 AMTo: Max McGee <[email protected]>

Subject: FOIA Requests





From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIADate: Friday, November 13, 2015 7:37:38 AM

Hi Max,

I'm interested to hear the result of your conversation with Lenore. I'd like the answers tothe questions in my email of Tuesday. I would also like to see all of the correspondence withFFF since March, as I need to understand how the relationship with the firm is beingconducted and the context for the discussion of the so-called "tampering."

Thanks,Ken

From: Kenneth DauberSent: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 2:12 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIA Hi Max,

Thanks for the clear answers. Will the district be paying for work that FFF did withoutauthorization? I don't think it is an appropriate use of public money to pay for legal workthat the district didn't authorize, and that in my view is tendentious at best. I assume thatthe district has not received any memo from FFF on the Terman materials, but please let meknow if that is not the case.

On Chad, Lenore's letter mentions that Chad did in fact work on the memo that was sent,and that he was also working on the Terman materials. Has FFF been instructed not to haveChad work on district matters?

In terms of Marielena, I strongly disagree with your judgment about her but we don't needto argue the point. If staff members or board members make comments at the meeting I'llrespond there. I hope that Melissa realizes that the FFF memo is privileged, and anyoneprivy to the memo is not free to repeat its contents in an open session.

On Katherine's interview, I'm asking about the OCR notes about the interview with her, notabout her notes of the interview. The notes of interviews with other staff members wasincluded in the FOIA response. Has the district received those notes?

Please send me the cover letter from OCR from the Jordan materials.

Thanks,Ken

From: Max McGeeSent: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 12:51 PMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Regarding Response to FOIA Hi Ken,

Here is what I know:

1. We did not direct FFF to write the memo. They received the documents first and sentthem with a memo.

2. We have neither requested nor authorized any work on interpreting the Terman docsreceived as a result of the FOIA request.

3. The cover letter from OCR on Jordan materials had not been forwarded it in the originalemail. I asked Holly to track it down and Lenore sent it to her this morning.

4. I don't know if Katherine Baker's notes were or were not provided to OCR. NeitherLenore nor Holly have a record of them being requested or received by OCR.

5. Chad has not done any work for the district since I issued the directive following theBoard meeting in which we discussed the legal contracts. We are only working with Lenore(and last week Jan Tomsky was on the phone).

Regarding Marielena, I do not have any evidence as to whether it was intentional or cut orpaste. From the few interactions with her and correspondence I have received from her, Iwould say it is equally likely that either could have been the case. Nonetheless, it is waterlong over the dam and we have such important business to address on so many fronts now,that in my opinion it would be counterproductive to spend time rehashing this matter.

That said, I will need to mention that we received a lengthy packet of information from OCRregarding our FOIA request.

I have asked the Board President to be sure that there is no discussion of the matter.

Hope all of this helps.

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGee; Denise HerrmannSubject: Re: copy of message to parentsDate: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 8:53:11 AM

Denise,

I agree. Thank you.

Melissa

From: Max McGeeSent: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 8:39 AMTo: Denise Herrmann; boardSubject: Re: copy of message to parents This is very thoughtful, and thank you so very much for sending out this important message.

Max

From: Denise HerrmannSent: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 11:43 PMTo: Max McGee; boardSubject: FW: copy of message to parents Here is a copy of the message I sent to parents tonight:

Dear Gunn Parents and Students,

By now, many of you have read the article by Hannah Rosin in The AtlanticMonthly published on-line last night or heard the interview with her on NPR (All ThingsConsidered) this afternoon. If not, you may see or hear follow up reports on last year's suicidecontagion in Palo Alto being crafted by several local news outlets.

In her article, Ms Rosin claims that our community is "stuck between fear and denial". Istrongly disagree with this description and want to offer a different perspective. The city, healthcare professionals, non-profit agencies, police, university staff and the school district havecollaborated to direct time, energy, and resources to support youth in our community. Gunn HighSchool has made several changes in the past 12 months to nurture hope, build strength,and

reduce stress among our students. The list below contains the highlights of our efforts to date:

Promote open, honest dialogue about mental health issues to decrease the stigma ofseeking help.

Gunn's Student Wellness Team formed to express student needs and perspective on mentalhealth and wellnessGunn's Oracle newspaper series "Changing the Narrative" and other articles on mentalhealth and wellnessROCK initiative "I am Stronger" to share staff and student vignettes of their personal sourceof strengthSources of Strength training for 40 students and 12 trusted adultsSources of Strength Parent Information Night - joint effort by Gunn and PalyNot in Our Schools Week promotion for help-seeking behaviors and student identification oftrusted adults on campusGunn and Paly students produce movie "Unmasked"

Explicitly teach stress reduction techniques

YES program for all 9th grade students to teach stress management, wellness, andmindfulnessYES Parent Information NightAll Gunn staff participated in YES workshop to learn what students are learning about stressreduction techniques learned in PE classExpanded Titan 101 program with Sources of Strength integrated in the multiple lessonsDelivered workshop to students on the importance of sleep and ways to improve the qualityof sleep by Stanford Sleep Research Team

Change how we use our time (new bell schedule) to reduce student stress

Fewer class periods per dayFewer number of homework assignments due the next dayIncreased time for passing periods and lunchNew block of time on Tue am for social-emotional learning and tutorialEliminate zero-period academic classes

Maximize our human capital (staffing) to increase social-emotional support provided tostudents.

Hire new Mental Health and Wellness CoordinatorExpand role of our Culture/Climate Teacher-Leaders

Hire new Social-Emotional Learning Teacher-LeaderHire new Inclusion Teacher-LeaderIncrease number of therapist in ACS program

Provide timely information to students and parents about student progress

All teachers post assignments to Schoology calendar and frequently post gradesTeachers available two times per week for tutorial instead of just one

Coming Soon ...

Thursday, November 19th at 7:30,pm in Gunn library, student forum "TITAN STRONG: AConversation About Moving Forward"Tuesday, November 24th, 10:00 - 10:50 am, Student Wellness Team to sponsor "GunnAlumni Panel - Life After Gunn"December - Gunn's Challenge Success Team continues to develop its action plan alignedwith WASC goals around redefining success and student wellnessJanuary - All Gunn 10th grade students will participate in YES stress management andmindfulness program in PE classesFebruary - Community Student Forum

While much work remains, I am extremely proud of our entire school community and applaudour efforts to improve the health, hope, and overall wellbeing of our students. We are all in thistogether!

Peace-

Principal Herrmann

Dr Denise HerrmannPrincipal, Henry M Gunn High [email protected]

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Daily Post FOIA responseDate: Friday, November 27, 2015 9:16:24 AM

Max,

My understanding is that the district still has all of its obligations under FERPA andHIPAA not to disclose private student information, including student identity, IEP status,medical diagnoses, etc. I think it's very important to ensure that no such information wasdisclosed. If the documents were not redacted additionally, it certainly was. Had the Postreceived this directly from OCR, that would obviously not be something under the district'scontrol, but that's not what happened. I think the right course is to contact the Postimmediately and tell them that the district may be required by law to make additionalredactions.

Ken

From: Max McGeeSent: Friday, November 27, 2015 9:04 AMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: Re: Daily Post FOIA response Hi Ken,

The only information the Post received was what we received from OCR. It did NOT includeany of the correspondence from FFF. I'll have to ask Holly if additional redactions weremade. I believe that our attorney said that since the document we received from OCR waswas a response to a FOIA that it is considered public information. I can double check withher on Monday since she is out of town this weekend.

Max

From: Kenneth DauberSent: Friday, November 27, 2015 8:54 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Daily Post FOIA response Dear Max,

Was the FOIA response provided to the Daily Post redacted to remove student information?I noticed in looking it over that there it includes a lot of information about student health

status and other information, including the names of the student's family. Also, was the Postwas given the communications from FFF to district staff, including the letter from LenoreSilverman?

Thanks,Ken

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: document on gym/pool needs - thanksDate: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 9:27:31 AM

Max,

It would be good to let Jean know that Kathi has expanded her flexibility a bit . She let me know this via email last week and I encouraged her to pass this information to youso you could share it with Jean.

Melissa

Melissa,Hi. For the Spring/Fall, we could also swim in the morning so would be looking for 8 lanes from 6:15 - 8:00 Also, our Basketball teams could do a morning work out as well, so gym time from6:15 - 8:00 would work. We are really feeling the pinch for Gyms, especially starting Jan 1 - Feb 25th. We can practice on Tues and Thurs as early as 1:30 pm. Thanks for your help on this.

Thankskathi---------------------------------Kathi BowersAthletic DirectorPalo Alto High [email protected](650) 269-4632

From: Max McGeeSent: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 6:22 AMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Fw: document on gym/pool needs - thanks This was the latest communication.

From: Jean McCown <Sent: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 4:29 PMTo: Max McGeeCc: Purpur, Ray; James M BreslinSubject: FW: document on gym/pool needs - thanks Hello Max— Jamie Breslin at the Athletics Dept. has been working with Kathi Bowers on this issue for a little while. I believe Kathi has also met or talked to theDirector, Bernard Muir. I asked Jamie to look at this more “rifle shot” request, as he explained to me that earlier discussions were looking for more usethan this. As I noted below, it may be a challenge if the only way this can happen is by displacing other Stanford community users, but we will give itthe best consideration we can. Regards, Jean From: Jean McCown Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2015 11:43 AMTo: Purpur, Ray <Subject: FW: document on gym/pool needs - thanks Ray—this was provided to us this morning at a meeting with our PAUSD committee. I will call you to follow up. I did explain to them that one ofthe challenges is use of these when they are also heavily used on campus. From: Cathy Mak [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2015 9:41 AMTo: Jean McCown <Subject: FW: document on gym/pool needs - thanks Summary of Paly Space Challenge attached. Any help Stanford can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,Cathy

Kathi Bowers <[email protected]> Nov 7 at 11:43 AM

To melissa baten caswell

From: Camille TownsendTo: Barbara HarrisSubject: Re: Early Board Direction - Elementary Math Adoption - Timeline, ProcessDate: Wednesday, November 04, 2015 9:03:23 AM

Hi Barbara,

Thank you! I'll be away on December 2 but let's check another time. Is there a 'best' time to call you? Would love to get

us scheduled.

Best,

Camille

From: Barbara HarrisSent: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 6:49 PMTo: Camille TownsendSubject: Early Board Direction - Elementary Math Adoption - Timeline, Process Hi Camille,I want to invite you to join our TOSA Team so we can talk together about Math. We wouldbe happy to listen to concerns and insights about the prior math pilot adoption process.

I honor you and your hard work and would love to hear any insights you have.

The fact that the process was rocky is something we don’t want to repeat. We have tried togo slow to get this right. Yet if you have a few key insights that might help us we are happyto meet with you to be sure that we have those specifics and can answer the needs beforewe meet formally.

If this is appropriate I am happy to find some time to meet with you. We meetevery Wednesday and our next Math meeting with the TOSAs is 9-12 noon on December 2nd. But we could also meet 3-4Pm on a Monday or Thursday.

I just wanted to reach out to see if this is something we could discuss to better understandthe complexity of the process and how to avoid the prior pitfalls. I remain committed to asolid and transparent process. Thanks so much!My best,Barbara L. Harris

Chief Academic Officer Elementary Education PreK-5Palo Alto Unified School DistrictPalo Alto, CA 94306650-329-3773 (secretary)[email protected]

From: Camille Townsend <[email protected]>Date: Monday, November 2, 2015 at 8:13 AMTo: Max McGee <[email protected]>, Barbara Harris <[email protected]>Subject: Early Board Direction - Elementary Math Adoption - Timeline, Process

Good Morning Max,

Just checking in to see when the Study Session on the elementary math update is planned...my sense is that it was to be calendared very soon. We promised the Board an opportunityto weigh in early in the process on the early grade adoption. We will discuss this during thebudgeting process?

The description outlined below does not seem to provide for Board input until very far alongin the process. Our last elementary math adoption was very rocky, and unlike the lastprocess, we need the Board involved very early on. With so much staff turnover as well, itis important to see the level of understanding. The Board needs to discuss what standardsand choices are to be made in choosing the two or three curricula to formally pilot. Let'sdiscuss.

Thanks a bunch!

Camille


A K-5 math exploration process is currently articulated and moving forward according to the processtimeline. The goal of the exploration is to provide schools the opportunity to explore a variety ofCommon Core State Standards (CCSS) aligned math curriculum.

This collaboration will strengthen teacher understanding and instructional strategies in relation to theCCSS and build a cohesive teacher leadership group that will ultimately recommend two or threecurricula to formally pilot in the 2016-2017 school year.

A math exploratory leadership team, consisting of representatives from each elementary school and theTOSAs, has been formed to formalize and facilitate the exploration process.

In the 2016- 2017 pilot year, teachers, math leads, administrators, community members, and boardmembers will be assembled to discuss and reflect on the pilot process, implementation, and outcomes.The pilot year will be focused and provide a highly organized, in-depth analysis and reflection of the 2-3 selected curricula.

The members of the K-5 Math Pilot Committee will have the opportunity to discuss, consider feedback,and assess results in order to make an informed decision resulting in opportunities for the communityto provide input and feedback, a community communication plan for the pilots and process, andultimately a recommendation for formal adoption to the PAUSD Board of Education. The ultimatefinancial need for the exploration and adoption years will be based on decisions made on how manypilots will be implemented at the schools.

There will be a need to purchase the materials as well as provide time and compensation for thosepiloting teachers to collaborate and prepare the lessons and assessments for each pilot classroom.

The proposed budget for the exploration year is $60,000, which can be funded through the textbookfund in the District’s general budget. These include all purchased materials for exploration leading tothe pilot. A list of purchased exploratory materials can be furnished if so needed. The budget for thepilot year could range from $100,000-$150,000 depending on the pilot plan developed by thecommittee and math leads.

The PAUSD K-5 Elementary is committed to providing CCSS aligned curriculum that has the ability toindividualize and personalize teaching and learning for students, has a variety of resources availablefor students and parents to reinforce and practice concepts, and provides a structure that strengthensthe district’s ability to provide an equal access to a strong math curriculum providing the necessary


From: Camille TownsendTo: Max McGeeCc: Barbara Harris; Monica Sanchez LopezSubject: Re: Early Board Direction - Elementary Math Adoption - Timeline, ProcessDate: Monday, November 02, 2015 9:19:06 AM

That sounds great Max. Thank you. Camille

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 2, 2015, at 8:26 AM, "Max McGee" <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Camille,

From staff perspective - especially that of Barbara and me - the sooner thebetter! Having a Board meeting (or more) every week has not left time for thissession. At the moment, we have a meeting tomorrow, a study session withEMAC either 11/9 or 11/16, a regular Board meeting 11/10, and SPSA on 11/17. I have agenda setting with Melissa and Heidi today so we will talk about a dateat that time.

I hope to get this session in before the end of the calendar year.

Max

From: Camille TownsendSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 8:13 AMTo: Max McGee; Barbara HarrisSubject: Early Board Direction - Elementary Math Adoption - Timeline, Process

Good Morning Max,

Just checking in to see when the Study Session on the elementary math updateis planned... my sense is that it was to be calendared very soon. We promised

the Board an opportunity to weigh in early in the process on the early gradeadoption. We will discuss this during the budgeting process?

The description outlined below does not seem to provide for Board input untilvery far along in the process. Our last elementary math adoption was veryrocky, and unlike the last process, we need the Board involved very earlyon. With so much staff turnover as well, it is important to see the level ofunderstanding. The Board needs to discuss what standards and choices are tobe made in choosing the two or three curricula to formally pilot. Let's discuss.

Thanks a bunch!

Camille


A K-5 math exploration process is currently articulated and moving forward according tothe process timeline. The goal of the exploration is to provide schools the opportunity toexplore a variety of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) aligned math curriculum.

This collaboration will strengthen teacher understanding and instructional strategies inrelation to the CCSS and build a cohesive teacher leadership group that will ultimatelyrecommend two or three curricula to formally pilot in the 2016-2017 school year.

A math exploratory leadership team, consisting of representatives from each elementaryschool and the TOSAs, has been formed to formalize and facilitate the explorationprocess.

In the 2016- 2017 pilot year, teachers, math leads, administrators, community members,and board members will be assembled to discuss and reflect on the pilot process,implementation, and outcomes. The pilot year will be focused and provide a highlyorganized, in-depth analysis and reflection of the 2-3 selected curricula.

The members of the K-5 Math Pilot Committee will have the opportunity to discuss,consider feedback, and assess results in order to make an informed decision resulting inopportunities for the community to provide input and feedback, a communitycommunication plan for the pilots and process, and ultimately a recommendation forformal adoption to the PAUSD Board of Education. The ultimate financial need for theexploration and adoption years will be based on decisions made on how many pilots willbe implemented at the schools.

There will be a need to purchase the materials as well as provide time and compensationfor those piloting teachers to collaborate and prepare the lessons and assessments foreach pilot classroom.

The proposed budget for the exploration year is $60,000, which can be funded throughthe textbook fund in the District’s general budget. These include all purchased materialsfor exploration leading to the pilot. A list of purchased exploratory materials can befurnished if so needed. The budget for the pilot year could range from $100,000-$150,000 depending on the pilot plan developed by the committee and math leads.

The PAUSD K-5 Elementary is committed to providing CCSS aligned curriculum that hasthe ability to individualize and personalize teaching and learning for students, has avariety of resources available for students and parents to reinforce and practice concepts,and provides a structure that strengthens the district’s ability to provide an equal accessto a strong math curriculum providing the necessary


From: Camille TownsendTo: Barbara HarrisSubject: Re: Early Board Direction - Elementary Math Adoption - Timeline, ProcessDate: Wednesday, November 11, 2015 12:29:42 AM

Friday would be perfect. Thank you Barbara!

Camille

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 10, 2015, at 6:31 PM, "Barbara Harris" <[email protected]> wrote:

My best,Barbara L. HarrisChief Academic Officer Elementary Education PreK-5Palo Alto Unified School DistrictPalo Alto, CA 94306650-329-3773 (secretary)[email protected]

From: Barbara Harris <[email protected]>Date: Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 4:20 AMTo: Camille Townsend <[email protected]>Subject: Re: Early Board Direction - Elementary Math Adoption - Timeline, Process

Hi Camille,I met with the math team and we came up with some additional times. I hope one of these times might work. We are super excited to listen and learn with you. We too have some questions that only someone who was here can answer for us. Thanks again.Math discussion:Thursday Nov 12th 3:30-4:30pmFriday Nov 13th 3:30-4:30pmMonday Nov 16th 3-5PM My best,Barbara L. HarrisChief Academic Officer Elementary Education PreK-5Palo Alto Unified School DistrictPalo Alto, CA 94306650-329-3773 (secretary)[email protected]

From: Camille Townsend <[email protected]>Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 9:03 AMTo: Barbara Harris <[email protected]>Subject: Re: Early Board Direction - Elementary Math Adoption - Timeline, Process

Hi Barbara,

Thank you! I'll be away on December 2 but let's check another time. I have family visiting this week but we'll get this scheduled. Is there a 'best' time to call you? Would love to get us scheduled.

Best,

Camille

From: Barbara HarrisSent: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 6:49 PMTo: Camille TownsendSubject: Early Board Direction - Elementary Math Adoption - Timeline, Process Hi Camille,I want to invite you to join our TOSA Team so we can talk together about Math. We would be happy to listen to concerns and insights about the prior math pilot adoption process.

I honor you and your hard work and would love to hear any insights you have.

The fact that the process was rocky is something we don’t want to repeat. We have tried to go slow to get this right. Yet if you have a few key insights that might help us we are happy to meet with you to be sure that we have those specifics and can answer the needs before we meet formally.

If this is appropriate I am happy to find some time to meet with you. We meet

every Wednesday and our next Math meeting with the TOSAs is 9-12 noon on December 2nd. But we could also meet 3-4Pm on a Monday or Thursday.

I just wanted to reach out to see if this is something we could discuss to better understand the complexity of the process and how to avoid the prior pitfalls. I remain committed to a solid and transparent process. Thanks so much!My best,Barbara L. HarrisChief Academic Officer Elementary Education PreK-5Palo Alto Unified School DistrictPalo Alto, CA 94306650-329-3773 (secretary)[email protected]

From: Camille Townsend <[email protected]>Date: Monday, November 2, 2015 at 8:13 AMTo: Max McGee <[email protected]>, Barbara Harris <[email protected]>Subject: Early Board Direction - Elementary Math Adoption - Timeline, Process

Good Morning Max,

Just checking in to see when the Study Session on the elementary math update is planned... my sense is that it was to be calendared very soon. We promised the Board an opportunity to weigh in early in the process on the early grade adoption. We will discuss this during the budgeting process?

The description outlined below does not seem to provide for Board input until very far along in the process. Our last elementary math adoption was very rocky, and unlike the last process, we need the Board involved very early on. With so much staff turnover as well, it is important to see the level of understanding. The Board needs to discuss what standards and choices are to be made in choosing the two or three curricula to formally pilot. Let's discuss.

Thanks a bunch!

Camille


A K-5 math exploration process is currently articulated and moving forward according to the process timeline. The goal of the exploration is to provide schools the opportunity to explore a variety of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) aligned math curriculum.

This collaboration will strengthen teacher understanding and instructional strategies in relation to the CCSS and build a cohesive teacher leadership group that will ultimately recommend two or three curricula to formally pilot in the 2016-2017 school year.

A math exploratory leadership team, consisting of representatives from each elementary school and the TOSAs, has been formed to formalize and facilitate the exploration process.

In the 2016- 2017 pilot year, teachers, math leads, administrators, community members, and board members will be assembled to discuss and reflect on the pilot process, implementation, and outcomes. The pilot year will be focused and provide a highly organized, in-depth analysis and reflection of the 2-3 selected curricula.

The members of the K-5 Math Pilot Committee will have the opportunity to discuss, consider feedback, and assess results in order to make an informed decision resulting in opportunities for the community to provide input and feedback, a community communication plan for the pilots and process, and ultimately a recommendation for formal adoption to the PAUSD Board of Education. The ultimate financial need for the exploration and adoption years will be based on decisions made on how many pilots will be implemented at the schools.

There will be a need to purchase the materials as well as provide time and compensation for those piloting teachers to collaborate and prepare the lessons and assessments for each pilot classroom.

The proposed budget for the exploration year is $60,000, which can be funded through the textbook fund in the District’s general budget. These include all purchased materials for exploration leading to the pilot. A list of purchased exploratory materials can be furnished if so needed. The budget for the pilot year could range from $100,000-$150,000 depending on the pilot plan developed by the committee and math leads.

The PAUSD K-5 Elementary is committed to providing CCSS aligned curriculum that has the ability to individualize and personalize teaching and learning for students, has a variety of resources available for students and parents to reinforce and practice concepts, and provides a structure that strengthens the district’s ability to provide an equal access to a strong math curriculum providing the necessary


From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: EMAC discussion tomorrowDate: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 12:17:46 PM

Can they be sent a copy of the updated presentation?

From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 9, 2015 8:41 PMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: EMAC discussion tomorrow Hi Melissa,

There will be representation but they do not want to have to give opinions or answerquestions from Board members with competing points of view. I'm sure factual clarificationwill be fine and of course, it's great to have them observe. My advice is to keep thediscussion between the Board and subcommittees.

I'll have the names for you tomorrow.

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Monday, November 9, 2015 8:21 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: EMAC discussion tomorrow Max,

Which middle and high school administrators will be at tomorrow evening's meeting duringthe EMAC discussion?

Will the principals from Barron Park and Nixon also be there?

Thanks,

Melissa

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: EMAC secondary recommendationsDate: Monday, November 23, 2015 11:03:16 AM

Hi Max,

Tomorrow morning at 7:30 works for me.

Thanks,Ken

From: Max McGeeSent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 9:46 PMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: Re: EMAC secondary recommendations Hi Ken,

Thanks for the note. I certainly agree about slowing things down and earlier this eveningbegan drafting a document for the board regarding the EMAC process for the next twomonths, which includes slowing things down a bit and having another Town Hall inDecember and even in January. I'm not inclined to cancel given that we can have two moreafter the report comes out, and I can manage it whether or not individuals try to pack it. Asfor the Webinar, I think I'll focus on recap of 2015 and looking ahead to 2016 and not saymuch about EMAC other than to say when the report will be due and when the next townhalls will be.

Also, we will have a lot of data to review very soon. As of Friday, we had 1401 studentresponses and more will come in over the weekend. We also close the faculty surveytomorrow. I'll share the results with the entire Board Tuesday or Wednesday, assumingChris and Janine can get it to me, which I think they can.

Anyway I'm free from 7:30 to 8:00 tomorrow morning and Tuesday morning. I also havesome afternoon spots Monday but am waiting to hear back on scheduling with anotherBoard member.

Thanks,Max

From: Kenneth DauberSent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 9:36 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: EMAC secondary recommendations Max,


Best,Ken

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: EMAC secondary recommendationsDate: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:00:44 PM

Hi Max,

Just checking to see if 7:30 tomorrow morning still works for you?

Ken

From: Kenneth DauberSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 11:03 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: EMAC secondary recommendations Hi Max,

Tomorrow morning at 7:30 works for me.

Thanks,Ken

From: Max McGeeSent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 9:46 PMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: Re: EMAC secondary recommendations Hi Ken,

Thanks for the note. I certainly agree about slowing things down and earlier this eveningbegan drafting a document for the board regarding the EMAC process for the next twomonths, which includes slowing things down a bit and having another Town Hall inDecember and even in January. I'm not inclined to cancel given that we can have two moreafter the report comes out, and I can manage it whether or not individuals try to pack it. Asfor the Webinar, I think I'll focus on recap of 2015 and looking ahead to 2016 and not saymuch about EMAC other than to say when the report will be due and when the next townhalls will be.

Also, we will have a lot of data to review very soon. As of Friday, we had 1401 studentresponses and more will come in over the weekend. We also close the faculty surveytomorrow. I'll share the results with the entire Board Tuesday or Wednesday, assumingChris and Janine can get it to me, which I think they can.

Anyway I'm free from 7:30 to 8:00 tomorrow morning and Tuesday morning. I also havesome afternoon spots Monday but am waiting to hear back on scheduling with anotherBoard member.

Thanks,Max

From: Kenneth DauberSent: Sunday, November 22, 2015 9:36 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: EMAC secondary recommendations Max,


Best,Ken

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: EMACDate: Monday, November 09, 2015 9:04:04 AM

Good rainy morning to you,The note below has just confirmed for me that what looks like months of good workseems to be at a breaking point. There are other members of this team who seemto feel equally strongly that we do not need another school. I am interested toknow where the pinch points are. A blanket assumption that the schools are toocrowded isn't helpful. As I asked in the study session, I want to know school byschool where the issues are. Less than 10% of parents feel the schools are too smallbut are the bulk of those parents at the same school? Which parents and/orprincipals feel like their campuses are too small? Would using the bond funds tomake improvements at individual schools be a better solution if we believe that mostschools are fine and some need improvements? Are you satisfied that this analysisis getting us to the right answer?Terry

Terry GodfreyBoard Member, Palo Alto Unified School [email protected] | 650.387.3210

On Nov 9, 2015, at 7:01 AM, Erin Mershon < wrote:

Dear Heidi, Terry, and Ken,I am looking forward to meeting with you all tomorrow night at the board meeting todiscuss our recommendations and answer questions. I just sent an email to Max that Ithought you should see before the meeting. I've hit a breaking point with the most recentrecommendation to place portables at Nixon. 8 months of work on this committee and wecome right back around to the beginning, forgetting our charge and taking the easy wayout. There is nothing good about enlarging a school to 535 kids. It goes against all of ourprevious recommendations to reduce enrollment at neighborhood schools. With theportables recommendation comes another recommendation to stop all overflows andintra-district transfers into Nixon. Where do those overflows or transfers get sent? BarronPark and Hays - two schools which currently only have an attendance area population of68 and 67% respectively.

Why do we continue to dump on our neighborhood schools? There is a very easysolution to the University Terrace issue and it involves moving SI. You free up twostrands which can easily place all new UT students, plus any new Stanford studentscoming in the future that we don't yet know about. Or perhaps it's the Fry's development.

The decision to open a 13th elementary school should solely be based on enrollment. Ifthere is any cost issue at this point in our budget surplus, you will be sending a verystrong and very sad message to the community that high school matters more thanelementary. As I said below to Max, enrollment issues will take care of themselves.

I know that the three of you feel even stronger than I do about the importance of ourelementary schools. You have already shown that you are willing to put yourselves on theline to run for school board. Now that you've been elected, I hope you'll be able to standup and fight for our kids. Best regards,

Erin Mershon

----- Forwarded Message -----From: Erin Mershon <To: Max McGee <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, November 9, 2015 6:37 AMSubject: Re: final final slide deck that we presented on 10-26

Hi Max,While I appreciate the kudos, I don't think there is anything that theelementary subcommittee has done that is worthy of such praise.

We have spent the past 8 months spinning in circles. We voted very earlyon not to enlarge Nixon or Escondido because they are two of our largestschool sites. We also had a charge to try to decrease overflows in thedistrict. Now the committee is suggesting that we place portables at Nixon,thereby increasing the enrollment to 535 students, and force all overflowsinto already impacted schools like Barron Park and Hays. Once again,neighborhood schools are the dumping ground instead of doing what'sright and moving a choice school. It's a recommendation I just can'tendorse. I believe it goes against everything that our committee has beenworking towards.

If the district believes that it can easily and fairly place ALL students in thedistrict without opening another elementary school, then that is fine. But ifthe district decides not to open another school because of money, that's acop out and it sends a really bad message to our community that thisdistrict only cares about high school. There is no doubt that enrollmentnumbers will decrease if that happens, so problem solved! Great work byour committee! Regards,Erin


Good Morning,

What incredible work. I am so proud of everyone on this Committee, andwhile Wendy’s baby is undoubtedly much more beautiful, I think that ourown many months of labor and care we have given birth to work productsthat will enable our district to grow and thrive and have a very brightfuture. I am really looking forward to Tuesday night!

Also, as a reminder, we do not have a meeting tonight, but we will bemeeting for a debrief on the 16th.

Thanks,Max

From: Heidi EmberlingTo: Max McGee; Melissa Caswell; Susan UsmanSubject: Re: Epi-Aid updateDate: Wednesday, November 04, 2015 9:05:28 AM

Wonderful. For sure, we want to include Project Safety Net in these conversations.

Best,Heidi

Heidi Emberling, MAPAUSD School Board Member

________________________________________From: Max McGeeSent: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 4:20 PMTo: Melissa Caswell; Heidi Emberling; Susan UsmanSubject: FW: Epi-Aid update

FYI. I will be getting back to her today, but I thought you would like tosee that we were successful!

On 11/3/15, 7:20 PM, "Cody, Sara" <[email protected]> wrote:

>Dear Max,>Today, the California state epidemiologist formally requested an Epi-Aid>from CDC on behalf of Santa Clara County, and CDC formally received the>request. At the moment, they are determining whether the investigation>will be led by a state-based or an Atlanta-based EIS officer. Once we>know that, we'll know more about timelines. In the meantime, I've>identified an epidemiologist with our Dept who can act as the point>person for the EIS Officer to explore existing data sets.>>One of the first tasks for the EIS officer will be to clarify objectives>and goals of the investigation. They have the draft objectives, but those>will need to be refined. Do you have suggestions for key stakeholders>with whom the EISO should work? I think this should not be limited to the>school board, but be quite a bit broader and include representatives from>the city, from student groups at Paly and Gunn, mental health>professionals and others. I welcome your suggestions.>>many thanks,>>Sara>>Sent from my iPad>>>NOTICE: This email message and/or its attachments>may contain information that is confidential or restricted.>It is intended only for the individuals named as recipients>in the message. If you are NOT an authorized recipient,>you are prohibited from using, delivering, distributing,>printing, copying, or disclosing the message or content to>others and must delete the message from your computer.>If you have received this message in error, please notify

>the sender by return email.>

From: Camille TownsendTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Epi-Aid updateDate: Thursday, November 05, 2015 10:28:36 AM

Thank you so much Max. Given our work with Madeline Gould, people have advised that given CDC'sgreater authority, they are in a position to gather a broader range of data and analysis that could reallyhelp our community. This of course includes analysis of tragedies that include adults and juveniles. Meeting with and understanding Cal-Train and the tracks, those who have worked on track remediation,the police, their history of involvement and remedy, a gathering and analysis of wide spread pressreports (online, print, social media) on events just beyond the community but connected - this is just abeginning of the list.

The difficulties around getting reliable and comprehensive data should also be discussed and CDCactually obtaining what is currently available and what, if anything, needs to be found and includedwould be helpful to us. Cal train has its data, the county some, the next county has some, sitting indifferent offices, police, health, - CDC with its authority to pull this together would be immensely helpfulin better understanding.

How organizations handle a community reaction with good info that does not exacerbate a cluster. CDCmust have models around this. The world health organization and CDC have the same models?

Time frames, locations, means, media, characteristics... Knowing CDC's model for analysis would behelpful. Their understanding around clusters and contagion would be helpful to us - online you seesome of their help on Indian reservations and other locations. I truly appreciate your follow up Max.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 4, 2015, at 10:20 AM, "Max McGee" <[email protected]> wrote:>> Some positive FYI for you this morning, Camille. Thanks for continuing to> push the matter.>>> On 11/3/15, 7:20 PM, "Cody, Sara" <[email protected]> wrote:>>>> Dear Max,>> Today, the California state epidemiologist formally requested an Epi-Aid>> from CDC on behalf of Santa Clara County, and CDC formally received the>> request. At the moment, they are determining whether the investigation>> will be led by a state-based or an Atlanta-based EIS officer. Once we>> know that, we'll know more about timelines. In the meantime, I've>> identified an epidemiologist with our Dept who can act as the point>> person for the EIS Officer to explore existing data sets.>>>> One of the first tasks for the EIS officer will be to clarify objectives>> and goals of the investigation. They have the draft objectives, but those>> will need to be refined. Do you have suggestions for key stakeholders>> with whom the EISO should work? I think this should not be limited to the>> school board, but be quite a bit broader and include representatives from>> the city, from student groups at Paly and Gunn, mental health>> professionals and others. I welcome your suggestions.>>>> many thanks,>>>> Sara>>

>> Sent from my iPad>>>>>> NOTICE: This email message and/or its attachments>> may contain information that is confidential or restricted.>> It is intended only for the individuals named as recipients>> in the message. If you are NOT an authorized recipient,>> you are prohibited from using, delivering, distributing,>> printing, copying, or disclosing the message or content to>> others and must delete the message from your computer.>> If you have received this message in error, please notify>> the sender by return email.>

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: FOIADate: Sunday, November 29, 2015 9:03:58 AM

Max,

I'm assuming that the district sent both the Terman and the Jordan documents. Is that correct?

The FERPA standard is whether the information released is personally identifiable. The parents' first andlast names (including the student's last name) and email address appear several times on pp. 93 and 94of the FOIA response relating to Terman. Page 3 includes specific information about the studentincluding her middle school, the year she attended, and her special education diagnosis. Page 58contains a copy of the student's IEP. I also note that pp. 9-10 of the Jordan documents make it clearthat this is the same family, rendering the Jordan documents individually identifiable as well if theTerman documents were provided.

In the FERPA regulations (http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/pdf/ferparegs.pdf), "PersonallyIdentifiable Information" is defined to include (a) The student’s name; (b) The name of the student’sparent or other family members; (c) The address of the student or student’s family; (d) A personalidentifier, such as the student’s social security number, student number, or biometric record; (e) Otherindirect identifiers, such as the student’s date of birth, place of birth, and mother’s maiden name; (f)Other information that, alone or in combination, is linked or linkable to a specific student that wouldallow a reasonable person in the school community, who does not have personal knowledge of therelevant circumstances, to identify the student with reasonable certainty; or (g) Information requestedby a person who the educational agency or institution reasonably believes knows the identity of thestudent to whom the education record relates."

A "parent" is defined as "a natural parent, a guardian, or an individual acting as a parent in the absenceof a parent or a guardian."

The Terman information itself contains an enormous amount of personal information about this studentincluding her IEP, family history, and psychiatric diagnoses. Pages 117-18 and 216-218 containparticularly personal information from educational records at the student's special education placement.I don't want you to conclude that the pages I have cited in this email are the only problematic pages --they are merely the ones that both render the student individually identifiable and then also connect herto highly sensitive personal information.

Ken________________________________________From: Max McGeeSent: Sunday, November 29, 2015 5:38 AMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: Fw: FOIA

Hi Ken,

I notified Dave, Lenore, and Holly after receiving your email. I had not recalled seeing any students'names, but I did not read every page in detail. Lenore agreed that the docs are covered by FERPA andshe had not recalled any names either.

Max

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Funds for secondary school counseling servicesDate: Friday, November 27, 2015 8:48:47 AM

Hi Max,

Thanks for the update. How has the funds that the board authorized in the spring forcounseling services at the high schools been expended at each site? How many people werehired at each site, and do they provide direct services? If so, how many students are beingserved? Also, how many students have been hospitalized at each school for psychiatricreasons this school year, and how many students at each school are on the watch list?

In terms of external contracting vs. district hire, is AACI also being considered as a providerof these services (particularly at Gunn due to the large population of Asian and Asian-American students)?

Given the size of the budget surplus and the urgency of student mental health needs, I don'tsee a reason to trade off math support and mental health support. If we are facingconstraints, I am sure that we can find other areas of lower priority to cut instead.

Thanks,Ken

From: Max McGeeSent: Friday, November 27, 2015 8:33 AMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: Re: Funds for secondary school counseling services Hi Ken,

Yes I have and I met with the two high school principals to discuss it. They indicated thatthey could put these new staff to good use providing direct service to students and will begetting back to me regarding whether it is best to use ACS or just hire our own employees. We are currently weighing this with the costs of adding support for MS and HS strugglingstudents in math and hoping there is room for both. In any case, information about bothwill be included in the 12/8 report.

Max

From: Kenneth DauberSent: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 8:40 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Funds for secondary school counseling services Max,

We spoke a while back about my interest in providing more funds for mental health servicesin the secondary schools this year, as part of the budget discussion that is scheduled forDecember 8. Based on what I've heard from students, there are not yet enough mentalhealth providers accessible to students. Have you given thought to that? I can propose fundsmyself during the discussion of the item, but you will have a better idea about what level offunding is appropriate, given the needs that are being seen. I would be happier to have youbringing a proposal for that reason.

Thanks,Ken

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Vicky LaoCc: Max McGeeSubject: Re: GoalsDate: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 11:07:46 AM

Thanks. That version is marked up and part of the board packet nit would be great ifa clean version was created and posted on Max's page and on the Strategic Planpage. What do you think?tg


On Nov 24, 2015, at 11:01 AM, Vicky Lao <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Terry, Under September 29 meeting: http://www.pausd.org/explore-pausd/board-education/regular-board-meeting-september-29-2015 And then item 8: http://www.pausd.org/sites/default/files/pdm-meeting/files/item_008_3.pdf Please feel free to let me know if there is anything else I can assist with. Thanks,

Vicky LaoAdministrative Support Specialist to the SuperintendentPalo Alto Unified School District25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306D: 650.329.3983E: [email protected]

From: Terry Godfrey Sent: Monday, November 23, 2015 6:27 PMTo: Vicky Lao <[email protected]>Cc: Max McGee <[email protected]>Subject: Goals Hi VickyCan you point me to where I can find our 15-16 goals on the website? I'd like

to send the link to someone and I can't find the final goals.ThanksTerry Terry GodfreyBoard Member, Palo Alto Unified School District650.387.3210

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Gunn volleyball team followupDate: Monday, November 02, 2015 10:22:45 PM

Max,

Thanks. Let's talk about this at our next 1:1, as I'm hearing concerns from the parents thataren't reflected here.

Ken

From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 9:49 AMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: Fw: Gunn volleyball team followup

Dear Ken,

Please review and remind the parent to follow up with the counselor or directly with Ms.Stevenson.

Thanks,Max

From: Miriam StevensonSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 9:39 AMTo: Max McGeeCc: Denise Herrmann; Curtis JohansenSubject: Re: Gunn volleyball team followup Hi Max,

After this most recent report. I asked the counselors of the students to check in with theplayers who reported concerns about their functioning. So far reports from thecounselors have not generated new actionable items. While some of these students are notenjoying volleyball to the extent they expect, they are coping well and do not requireadditional mental health support or protections.

Prior to this report we have given regular feedback to the coach regarding positive coachingand varying his coaching style for difference students especially those that are moreintroverted and internalize pressures. Our increased supervision at games and practices byadministrators and our athletic director have been helpful and have not revealed things outof line with coaching decisions around strategy, playing time and feedback. The coach hasbeen trained in positive coaching and has brought a sports psychologist out to work withthe team.

Attached is the chronology so far of the different reports and responses. I am copying ourAthletic Director Curt Johansen in case he has anything to add.

Please let us know how else we can be have help,

Miriam


From: Max McGee <[email protected]>Date: Monday, November 2, 2015 at 9:37 AMTo: Miriam Stevenson <[email protected]>Cc: Denise Herrmann <[email protected]>Subject: Fw: Gunn volleyball team followup

Hi Miriam,

I need to respond to this Board member, so could you shoot a note to me at some pointtoday or tomorrow. THANK YOU and I REALLY appreciate your efforts to handle thesematters as well as your daily obligations, which are considerable.

Max

From: Kenneth DauberSent: Sunday, November 1, 2015 10:56 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Gunn volleyball team followup

Max,

I received this email from and also spoke with her briefly yesterday. Can you let meknow what is going on with this issue? The parents feel that there hasn't been clearcommunication with the school staff on the topic, and are also concerned about next year.

Hello Ken,

How are you! I know you are very busy these days. The volleyball session is almost over. We didn't hear anyupdates from Gunn.Do you have any updates on our volleyball coach? Hopefully Gunn will not bring him backnext year. The things are getting much worse than we expected. Retaliation, bullying, yelling, intimidation becamea team spirit. It was horrible. My daughter with some teammates are extremely suffered. Please help us.

Thanks,

Sent from my iPad


From: <Date: October 29, 2015 at 12:27:28 AM PDTTo: <Cc: Miriam Stevenson <[email protected]>, Curtis Johansen <[email protected]>Subject: Re: Retaliation and Bullying within Gunn Volleyball team

Thanks I heard the same story from my daughter and I believe a lots of girls feel the same way, be yelled,mistreated and bullied. My daughter totally lost interstate of volleyball and confidence. Thewhole team is not a team anymore.BR,

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 29, 2015, at 12:16 AM, < wrote:

Hello Ms. Stevenson,

Thank you so much for the quick reply. These two girls copied coach Craig'sbehavior. Many players feel that attending volleyball practice is mental andemotional torture, and they lost confidence to play volleyball.

The incidents occurred during practice and occasionally during games. Forexample, during the practice, when a ball was in front of successfully dug a ball, or would start to yell and got mad ather, which indicated that was not allow to touch the ball, because these twogirls thought they should dig every ball, and that they are the stars on the team. Also the similar situation happened to is a great setter,when she beautifully set a ball, or will yell at her and not allow her set.

On another incident, accidentally touched the net during the practice, andcoach Craig put a discipline on by punishing other players to run, while would stand on the sideline to watch the other players being punished by the coachbecause of her mistake. and yelled at and was almost intears.

However, the team has one bright side, is a great athlete with suchwarm heart, and she gives some players many support and encouragement,especially when she saw some players being mistreated by coach or these twogirls, she stands up for them.

Thanks,

Sent from my iPad

On Oct 28, 2015, at 10:25 PM, Miriam Stevenson <[email protected]>wrote:

Thank you for reporting an incident involving the captains. Canyou provide us with more information about when this occurred,what was said or done and who it was directed at?

Appreciate your help,Miriam


From: <Reply-To: <Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 10:17 AMTo: Curtis Johansen <[email protected]>Cc: Miriam Stevenson <[email protected]>, <Subject: Retaliation and Bullying within Gunn Volleyballteam

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: High school sizeDate: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 7:45:12 AM

Thanks The middle schools feel the tightest to me. Was there a serious discussion aboutadding a fourth? I feel like the shiny new thing has overtaken the discussion and it'sall we can see. tg


Good Morning Terry,

I think the capacity estimation was originally devised by architectural teams, butaccording to Bob, it is a legacy from the past High School Study Committee circa2007-8. When they weighed the merits of a new school vs. expanding Paly andGunn, they recommended adding to the current campuses in order to haveenough capacity to handle 2300 students.

I think the fact that people feel it is too large is really a matter of individualperception and a combination of enrollment, physical space, and personalconnectedness and not any one factor. Having grown up in a high school of4000 plus (although there were just 2000 at each campus - one Frosh/Soph andthe other Jr/Sr) it was way too large not so much with classes but with accessand opportunities to participate in sports, auditions for plays, etc. Some of ourfocus group students and administrators have expressed a similar frustrationwith our current high schools.

As for experience, I have visited and toured probably over 100 high schools, andthe primary factors in climate and connectedness are the principals, the teacherleadership (formal or informal) and number of students of poverty. We do nothave to worry about the latter, but the difference between 10% of students ofpoverty and 30% and 50% is more exponential than linear in terms of necessarysupports and size. A school of 2400 with 50%+ poverty is a mighty challenge,but a school of 2400 with 5% poverty is very manageable. I have been inschools of 500 that have felt impersonal, and schools of 2500 that have felt likea family. IMSA had 650 in grades 10-12, which was great because I got to know

everyone and all students got to participate in varsity athletics, plays, etc. if theywished, but iit was limiting in that we could not afford to have the range ofelective opportunities, service programs, and clubs that we offer here.

In my opinion having between 300 and 450 for each grade level is optimalbecause it is more conducive to positive interpersonal working relationshipsamong the faculty who get to know one another and the principal because theleader is not relying too heavily on a "palace guard" of assistant principals anddeans. Again, with the right leadership in our community, 2000 to 2500 is veryworkable. I think some of the problems regarding school size that we arehearing really due to issues involving Phil and Katya's leadership. As much as Iwould love a third campus for 6-12 (actually I love the Pk-12 involving 525 SA,Greendell and Cubberley most of all), I don't think school size alone is enoughrationale to develop one. While there will be some benefits in connectedness,climate, etc. due to size, I think that the innovative design will do far more forfostering belonging (and achievement) than size alone. That is a hard sell to thegreater community but one I think is worth exploring with them.

I'm not sure this helps at all but thanks for the opportunity to share my thinking.

Max

From: Terry GodfreySent: Monday, November 9, 2015 5:13 PMTo: Max McGeeCc: Terry GodfreySubject: High school size

At the study session I asked a question about high school size that is stillbothering me and I don't seem to see the answer in the materials. Our currentschools are built for 2300 students each. The 2300 number was developedbefore my time so I don't know the logic that went into it but I assume smartpeople made that decision.

The new assumption is so much lower that if it's right we'll need another highschool so understanding the 2300 seems important. Moreover whenadministrators, students, families say it seems too small is that because ofenrollment or physical size? Paly of course is feeling cramped with constructionbut after that's finished and we do some class size reduction actions and moveto a model with smaller learning communities, is it still too small? And wouldn'trelocating the district office and the corporation yard help?

Maybe it's not physical size but enrollment but that doesn't seem right.

I look forward to your insight given your many years in the profession. And Ilook forward to what the EMAC learned in their discussions with teachers,admins and students. (Looks like 23% of parents think high schools are toocrowded but again I'd love to know what that means.)

Cheers

Terry


From: Terry GodfreyTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Jo Boaler Event PublicityDate: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 6:52:42 PM

MaxUnder the heading of "seek to understand" I think you might be misreading thatflier. A possibility is that it is a screen shot from the Facebook page of the newschool supporters. It looks like a screen shot of a comment from Prof Boaler to theFacebook page about your attendance and your potential comments. Perhaps shemisunderstands your role at the event. If you haven't looked at the Facebook pageyou ought to in order to familiarize with the community advocacy being organizedthere. We have some passionate community members.

so I'm reminded of how grateful I am for you and ourstaff.

Peace,Terry



Hello,

In the never ending world of political intrigue, I wanted to share a flyer aBoard member brought to me this morning regarding a PASS sponsoredevent on December 7th which Kim Bowmar and Sara Woodham askedme to attend and in their words, "introduce Jo and provide some closingcomments after her talk. Could you speak to the role of math in closingthe achievement gap in our district, and make a pitch for loving andlearning math in our overall goal to build lifelong learners?"

I have attached the flyer the Board member showed me (jpg) along withthe flyer which I had previously approved (pdf). I don't know how the"new school" one ended up being distributed but contrary to thosepolitical commercials we see on television or hear on the radio, here iswhat I have to say, "My name is Max McGee, and I did NOT approvethis ad."

Please see my note to Sara below.

I know that at least two Board members have been contacted byindividuals who are "not seeking first to understand" regarding the jpgflyer. I trust you will set the individual(s) straight.

Thanks for listening.

Max

________________________________________From: Max McGeeSent: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 10:11 AMTo: sara woodham; Monica Sanchez Lopez; Jo BoalerCc: Kim Bomar; Carmen Munoz; Judy Argumedo; Wendy Velez; <boardmember name redacted>Subject: Re: Jo Boaler Event Publicity

Dear Sara et al,

This morning <board member name redacted> brought me a flyer forthe event that was different from this flyer. On the new flyer it says thatI'm going to talk about "the new school."

Please note that I intended to address the issues you requested in theemail below, specifically: "to introduce Jo and provide some closingcomments after her talk. Could you speak to the role of math in closingthe achievement gap in our district, and make a pitch for loving andlearning math in our overall goal to build lifelong learners?"

I am not going to be talking about anything related to a new school,proposal for one, EMAC recommendation, etc., so please correct the flyer. I have lots to say about mathematics as you requested as well asmathematical talent development of historically underrepresentedstudents, my statement to the faculty that "downlaning is not an effectiveinstructional strategy," and AAR opportunities for mathematical research.

THanks for following up with my request.

Max

________________________________________From: sara woodham <Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 3:26 PMTo: Max McGee; Monica Sanchez LopezCc: Kim Bomar; Carmen Munoz; Judy Argumedo; Wendy VelezSubject: Jo Boaler Event Publicity

Max,We've finalized flyers and timing for our event on Dec. 7. YaY!!This is effectively a continuation of the event PASS hosted with GeoffCohen and Bryan Brown. We are excited to have Jo speak specificallyabout math learning and math teaching given the role it plays in thisdistrict, and its role in success of HUR and SED students in our district. We plan to exhaust all channels to engage these families and motivatethem to attend this event, including middle and high school students.

We would also love to see teachers and TOSAs that night. I realize thatit is a long day for teachers, and they have families to get back to. However, could you encourage teachers, district-wide, to attend? Maia’s

teacher is showing Jo’s videos in her class, so it would be great forteachers like her, and others who do not know of her work to hear fromJo directly.

One last request - we would like you to introduce Jo and provide someclosing comments after her talk. Could you speak to the role of math inclosing the achievement gap in our district, and make a pitch for lovingand learning math in our overall goal to build lifelong learners?

Jo will also bring copies of her newly published book "MathematicalMindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential through Creative Math, InspiringMessages and Innovative Teaching” for purchase and signing. Could youmake mention of that at the close too?

Please note that there are 2 “views" of the event. PASS-distributionparents are being invited to light dinner at 6pm before the program startsat 6:45pm. Our broader distribution to parents will indicate a 6:45pmstart time only. We expect to be done by 8:30.

Event details are below along with a flyer for the event.

Event: The Mindset Revolution: How to Help Children Learn and LoveMathWhere: Jordan MP RoomWhen: December 7, 2015 at 6:45pmTarget Audience: Parents, Teachers, Middle and High School studentsPresenter: Dr. Jo Boaler, Professor of Mathematics Education, StanfordUniversity

In this presentation Dr. Boaler will share the latest brain science thatsheds important new light on the best ways to learn math. She will alsoengage the audience through videos of students learning math indifferent ways and share a wealth of resources to help students on theirmathematics journeys. Co-sponsored by PAUSD and Parent Advocatesfor Student Success (PASS), a parent network dedicated to closing theachievement gap in PAUSD.

Thank you so much for your support. Take care,sara

cell

<20151124_102941.jpg>

<Palo Alto Parent Night ENG ND 11.18.15.pdf>

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Monica Sanchez Lopez; Max McGeeSubject: Re: lettersDate: Friday, November 06, 2015 8:48:36 AM

I think that that would be a good idea. If you can also print a copy to put on the table forthe public to see that would also be a good idea.

Melissa

From: Monica Sanchez LopezSent: Friday, November 6, 2015 7:23 AMTo: Melissa Caswell; Max McGeeSubject: RE: letters Good morning! Please note that I will not be adding additional letters to the packet. Would you like for meto print the emails for you so that you can acknowledge during the meeting (any notincluded in the packet)? Please let me know how you would like for me to proceed as I’mstill receiving emails. Kindly, Mónica Sanchez LopezExecutive Assistant to SuperintendentPalo Alto Unified School District25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306Ph: 650.329.3737www.pausd.org


Read more...

From: Dearborn, Jenny [mailto: Sent: Thursday, November 5, 2015 9:48 PMTo: Monica Sanchez Lopez <[email protected]>Cc: John Tarlton < Melissa Caswell <[email protected]>; Heidi Emberling<[email protected]>; Camille Townsend <[email protected]>; Kenneth Dauber<[email protected]>; Terry Godfrey <[email protected]>; Max McGee <[email protected]>Subject: Letter for Board Packet - November 10, 2015 To: PAUSD School BoardRe: BP & AR 5157, BP 5145.7 Action: Please include this letter in the Nov 10 Board Meeting Packet. I am a parent of children at Jordan Middle School and Paly High School in PAUSD. I am writing tosupport the adoption of BP 5157 Gender Identity and Access, its corresponding AR 5157, and theupdates to BP 5145.7, Sexual Harassment as detailed in the BPRC packet for October 30, 2015, andamended at that meeting. I stand behind the District's LGBTQQ Committee recommendations and urge you to adopt thisguidance to support a safe and positive school environment for all students, regardless of sexualorientation, gender, gender identity or gender expression. This guidance is the best reflection ofour values as a district, and of State and Federal law. These Board Policies and Administrative Regulations help district staff follow the law, send a clearmessage of support to our trans-identified students, as set a positive tone for our entire communityin upholding our values of respect and diversity. As the Global Executive Sponsor of the LGBT group in my corporation, I know the power of standingup for my colleagues as an ally and a positive example of acceptance, dignity, community, andequality. Let’s be a role model for our kids too and help them exercise acceptance and compassionfor their peers – supporting these recommendations is a great start. Thank you. Cheers,Jenny DearbornSenior Vice President, Chief Learning Officer, SAPMobile: Twitter:

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Monica Sanchez Lopez; Max McGeeSubject: Re: lettersDate: Friday, November 06, 2015 8:57:19 AM

If we only have one public copy we probably need to mark the public copy with a note that,in the interest of sustainability, we have provided a shared public copy and note a way for acommunity member to get a personal copy if they would like one .

From: Monica Sanchez LopezSent: Friday, November 6, 2015 8:49 AMTo: Melissa Caswell; Max McGeeSubject: RE: letters Will do. Mónica Sanchez LopezExecutive Assistant to SuperintendentPalo Alto Unified School District25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306Ph: 650.329.3737www.pausd.org

From: Melissa Caswell Sent: Friday, November 6, 2015 8:49 AMTo: Monica Sanchez Lopez <[email protected]>; Max McGee <[email protected]>Subject: Re: letters


Read more...

I think that that would be a good idea. If you can also print a copy to put on the table forthe public to see that would also be a good idea. Melissa

From: Monica Sanchez LopezSent: Friday, November 6, 2015 7:23 AMTo: Melissa Caswell; Max McGeeSubject: RE: letters Good morning! Please note that I will not be adding additional letters to the packet. Would you like for meto print the emails for you so that you can acknowledge during the meeting (any notincluded in the packet)? Please let me know how you would like for me to proceed as I’mstill receiving emails. Kindly, Mónica Sanchez LopezExecutive Assistant to SuperintendentPalo Alto Unified School District25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306Ph: 650.329.3737www.pausd.org

From: Dearborn, Jenny [mailto:


Read more...

Sent: Thursday, November 5, 2015 9:48 PMTo: Monica Sanchez Lopez <[email protected]>Cc: John Tarlton < Melissa Caswell <[email protected]>; Heidi Emberling<[email protected]>; Camille Townsend <[email protected]>; Kenneth Dauber<[email protected]>; Terry Godfrey <[email protected]>; Max McGee <[email protected]>Subject: Letter for Board Packet - November 10, 2015 To: PAUSD School BoardRe: BP & AR 5157, BP 5145.7 Action: Please include this letter in the Nov 10 Board Meeting Packet. I am a parent of children at Jordan Middle School and Paly High School in PAUSD. I am writing tosupport the adoption of BP 5157 Gender Identity and Access, its corresponding AR 5157, and theupdates to BP 5145.7, Sexual Harassment as detailed in the BPRC packet for October 30, 2015, andamended at that meeting. I stand behind the District's LGBTQQ Committee recommendations and urge you to adopt thisguidance to support a safe and positive school environment for all students, regardless of sexualorientation, gender, gender identity or gender expression. This guidance is the best reflection ofour values as a district, and of State and Federal law. These Board Policies and Administrative Regulations help district staff follow the law, send a clearmessage of support to our trans-identified students, as set a positive tone for our entire communityin upholding our values of respect and diversity. As the Global Executive Sponsor of the LGBT group in my corporation, I know the power of standingup for my colleagues as an ally and a positive example of acceptance, dignity, community, andequality. Let’s be a role model for our kids too and help them exercise acceptance and compassionfor their peers – supporting these recommendations is a great start. Thank you. Cheers,Jenny DearbornSenior Vice President, Chief Learning Officer, SAPMobile: Twitter:

From: Camille TownsendTo: Barbara HarrisSubject: Re: Math info on the NBT progressionsDate: Saturday, November 21, 2015 6:16:00 AM

Hi Barbara,

Thank you! Also, it was a wonderfully productive meeting with you and the TOSAs. Very energizing. Thank you to you personally, and the whole team. Looking forward to touching base again. Educationis fun.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving too.

Warm regards,

Camille

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 21, 2015, at 5:12 AM, "Barbara Harris" <[email protected]> wrote:>> Hi Camille:> Some more math info the TOSA Team sent to the Math Leads at every school.>>> Hello Math Leads,>> We've gotten a few requests for the progression documents and we thought we would send theinformation along to everyone ahead of our November 30th meeting for you to read if you areinterested (this is NOT a mandatory reading, but we wanted to provide it if you are interested.) Belowis a bit of background on the CCSS progressions.>>> The progressions documents, funded by the Brookhill Foundation, preceded the Common Core StateStandards in Mathematics and provided its foundation. The progressions describe the conceptualdevelopment of a topic strand across several grade levels. Once completed, each strand was sliced intograde-level standards, on the basis of the logical structure and sequence of mathematics and children'scognitive development.>> The progression documents explain why standards are sequenced the way the are, call attention toareas in which misunderstandings are common, and offer suggestions and pedagogical solutions. Theyprovide a critical tool (a) as a mechanism between mathematics education research and the standards,(b) to assist in long-range, unit, weekly, and daily planning. Each Progressions document contains thefollowing:>> * An overview> * A detailed discussion of the work in each grade level> * Connections to the Standards for Mathematical Practice> * Concrete examples that may be used for instruction>> All of the progressions documents can be found at http://ime.math.arizona.edu/progressions/>> We have attached the NBT progression for your convenience.> Progressions Documents - The University of Arizona> Progressions Documents for the Common Core Math Standards Funded by the Brookhill FoundationProgressions. Draft Front Matter; Draft K–6 Progression on Geometry> Read more...<http://ime.math.arizona.edu/progressions/>>

>>>>>> <ccss_progression_nbp_k5_2015_03_16.pdf>

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Cathy Mak; Max McGeeSubject: Re: Multi-Yr Gen Fund Projection questionsDate: Monday, November 02, 2015 5:02:43 PM

One other question - how do I get my brain around line 46 in the subsequent yrs? Does itreally say for next year, if we commit this $7.6M this year, that we'd only have $1.5M forsalary increases and programs?


From: Terry GodfreySent: Monday, November 02, 2015 3:36 PMTo: Cathy Mak; Max McGeeCc: Terry GodfreySubject: Multi-Yr Gen Fund Projection questions Hi CathyI'm looking at the Multi-Yr Gen Fund Projection that you shared with us on 9/8/15 and Iwant to confirm that I understand what I'm reading.

1. The undesignated reserve is assumed to drop from $762,846 to $340.837 this year. Please remind me of why that is.

2. The note at the top about transferring 3% to the maintenance fund - that's 3% ofwhich line item?

3. I believe that we have $7,636.558 (line 46) available to discuss and that this issupposed to cover salary increases as well as new programs. Do I have that right?

4. And a 1% salary increase = $1.44M so, for example, a 4% increase would use $5.76M. RIght?

5. Can you tell me the math for lines 49,50 and 51 please?

Thanks very muchTerry

Terry GodfreyBoard Member, Palo Alto Unified School District

650.387.3210

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: New HS teacher evaluationsDate: Monday, November 02, 2015 6:33:04 AM

So it will start before semester exams?

Sent from my iPhone


Hi Melissa,

I know we are starting on 12/3, and I believe it will be during class on anydevice, but I won't know that for a fact until after our meeting tomorrowmorning with the HS principals.

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 4:49 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: New HS teacher evaluations Hi Max,

Can you provide an update on this? There were lots of questions about this atthe Paly journalism class I was invited to on Friday and I would like to make surethat I gave them correct information.

Thanks,

Melissa

Sent from my iPad

On Oct 30, 2015, at 12:57 PM, Melissa Caswell <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Max,

When are these being rolled out? I thought it was at end ofthis semester. Is that correct?

When and were will students be filling them in? Before Decemberexams? After the semester is over? Will they take them in theclassrooms or at home or somewhere else?

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: New HS teacher evaluationsDate: Monday, November 02, 2015 4:49:06 AM

Hi Max,

Can you provide an update on this? There were lots of questions about this at thePaly journalism class I was invited to on Friday and I would like to make sure that Igave them correct information.

Thanks,

Melissa

Sent from my iPad


Hi Max,

When are these being rolled out? I thought it was at end of this semester. Isthat correct?

When and were will students be filling them in? Before December exams? Afterthe semester is over? Will they take them in the classrooms or at home orsomewhere else?

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeCc: Christopher KolarSubject: Re: New HS teacher evaluationsDate: Monday, November 02, 2015 8:50:59 AM

The semester exams are scheduled fro the last week in December

From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 8:46 AMTo: Melissa CaswellCc: Christopher KolarSubject: Re: New HS teacher evaluations I think so. I don't know when semester exams are scheduled but I can find out.

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 6:33 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: New HS teacher evaluations So it will start before semester exams?

Sent from my iPhone


Hi Melissa,

I know we are starting on 12/3, and I believe it will be during class on anydevice, but I won't know that for a fact until after our meeting tomorrowmorning with the HS principals.

Max

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 4:49 AM

To: Max McGeeSubject: Re: New HS teacher evaluations Hi Max,

Can you provide an update on this? There were lots of questions about this atthe Paly journalism class I was invited to on Friday and I would like to make surethat I gave them correct information.

Thanks,

Melissa

Sent from my iPad


Hi Max,

When are these being rolled out? I thought it was at end ofthis semester. Is that correct?

When and were will students be filling them in? Before Decemberexams? After the semester is over? Will they take them in theclassrooms or at home or somewhere else?

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Objective measures of progress for middle school struggling students?Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 9:36:34 AM

I meant to write Academic progress

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 8:01 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Objective measures of progress for middle school struggling students?

Max,

What objective measures of progress will we be using for struggling students? None of theMiddle schools have an objective measure as part of their SPSA goals.

As we discussed in the Goals setting this past summer, there is an inherent bias if our onlymeasurement is the grades that teachers give students ( this is the measurement thatTerman and Jordan have in their plan). We should have some sort of other measure as well( this will also help us see if there is grading inconsistencies).

Now that we have standardized test scores available, can we use those?

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Outcomes of call with EMAC CochairsDate: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 3:54:43 PM

Sounds like a good plan.

Melissa

From: Max McGeeSent: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 11:28 AMTo: boardCc: Natasha K.; Diane Reklis; Joe Lee; Todd CollinsSubject: Outcomes of call with EMAC Cochairs Hi Everyone,

I need to keep this message short for now. Also, I will not be ableto respond to your emails that I received yesterday or that you may send today until Fridayor Saturday. If there is an emergency or something that cannot wait, however, please call ortext me at

After conferring with EMAC co-chairs, Natasha Kachenko and Diane Reklis, this morning, weall thought it best to postpone any town halls until January and also reschedule the deliveryof the EMAC report to the Board until January 12th. As I mentioned yesterday, we havemore than 1700 surveys to analyze and two more principals' meetings to hold so I think it iswise to take the extra time. I will let the press know of these changes.

Also, we are scheduling two additional EMAC meetings before 1/12/16 but do not have firmdates yet. Tentatively, we are looking at 12/14/15 and 1/4/16, but I need to check with oursubcommittee chairs and EMAC members.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Peace,Max

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Outcomes of call with EMAC CochairsDate: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 3:54:52 PM

Happy Thanksgiving!

From: Max McGeeSent: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 11:28 AMTo: boardCc: Natasha K.; Diane Reklis; Joe Lee; Todd CollinsSubject: Outcomes of call with EMAC Cochairs Hi Everyone,

I need to keep this message short for now. Also, I will not be ableto respond to your emails that I received yesterday or that you may send today until Fridayor Saturday. If there is an emergency or something that cannot wait, however, please call ortext me at

After conferring with EMAC co-chairs, Natasha Kachenko and Diane Reklis, this morning, weall thought it best to postpone any town halls until January and also reschedule the deliveryof the EMAC report to the Board until January 12th. As I mentioned yesterday, we havemore than 1700 surveys to analyze and two more principals' meetings to hold so I think it iswise to take the extra time. I will let the press know of these changes.

Also, we are scheduling two additional EMAC meetings before 1/12/16 but do not have firmdates yet. Tentatively, we are looking at 12/14/15 and 1/4/16, but I need to check with oursubcommittee chairs and EMAC members.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Peace,Max

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Katya Villalobos; Max McGeeCc: Katherine Baker; Markus Autrey; Holly WadeSubject: Re: Parent Project PicturesDate: Thursday, November 19, 2015 10:57:15 PM

Hi Katya,

Thank you! This is an important and life changing program for many many families. Ireally appreciate all you have done to support it!

Melissa

From: Katya VillalobosSent: Thursday, November 19, 2015 7:28 PMTo: board; Max McGeeCc: Katherine Baker; Markus Autrey; Holly WadeSubject: Fwd: Parent Project Pictures Dear Board Members and Max,

Good evening, wanted to share the photos from tonight's graduation at the Parent Project.It is amazing to see the parents and kids in attendance. Fifteen parents completed theprogram. A BIG thank you to officers DuJuan Green and Ben Lee our school resource officersfor steering this ship.

All the parents were appreciative and poetic in their comments.

This is a partnership between PAPD and the Adult School on building community and parenteducation.

Thank you.

Sent from Katya's iPhone please excuse typos


From: Katya Villalobos <Date: November 19, 2015 at 7:15:59 PM PSTTo: [email protected]

Subject: Parent Project Pictures

Sent from Katya's iPhone please excuse typos

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: ParisDate: Monday, November 16, 2015 11:06:16 AM

Max,

It is nice to see your sensitivity to this issue.

However, It might be a good idea to broaden this message. We have a sizable Frenchpopulation in Palo Alto and we have a sizable number of students, teachers, and staff not inthe World Languages departments with friends and family in Paris.

Melissa

From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 16, 2015 6:19 AMTo: worldlanguagesis; Anne Dumontier; jlsworldlang; jordanlanguage; palylanguage; KatherineBaker; Elizabeth Matchett; Claudia Schroeppel; Kristine Ludemann; Gabriela Garger; Yanan Vrudny;Vyjayanthi RamanCc: Katherine Baker; Kimberly Diorio; Denise Herrmann; Sharon Ofek; Pier Angeli La Place; TomJacoubowsky; Markus AutreySubject: Paris Dear World Language Faculty,

Knowing that many of you, especially our colleagues who speak French, have a far reachingnetwork of faculty, friends and perhaps family in France and/or deep connections to Paris, Iespecially wanted to reach out to you to extend my support and concern for YOU during thistroubling time. I first heard about the devastating attacks late Friday afternoon and spentthe next on hour on Facebook trying to contact alumni I know there as well as one of myvery best friends from high school who lives in Paris. I imagine that you spent some timeFriday and this weekend doing the same, and I hope that your friends, like mine, turned outto be safe.

Unfortunately, too many were not safe and were killed and injured, and no doubt tens ofthousands – if not more – will be traumatized by this horrid action. If you need some timeaway from work to reflect or other supports, we stand ready to assist you. Please let me,Ms. Baker or your principals know of anything we can do.

I hope that as you return to work today our students remind you of all that is good and

bright about our future and that through learning a world language they will have somerequisite skills necessary to communicate with our cultures and ideally provide for a betterworld.

Peace,

Max

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Robert Golton; Max McGeeCc: Cathy Mak; Ronald EllisSubject: Re: Potential Shared Use of the City"s Corp YardDate: Tuesday, November 03, 2015 5:07:51 PM

Bummer. Wish there was another option for us. We are parking our buses and othervehicles on some of the most expensive estate in the country.

From: Robert GoltonSent: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 4:49 PMTo: board; Max McGeeCc: Cathy Mak; Ronald EllisSubject: Potential Shared Use of the City's Corp Yard

Hi All,

At a recent Board meeting, there was a speculation that the City's Corp Yardwas underused and perhaps the District could share the space. I asked RonEllis, our Manager of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation to check onthis … and he did. The following is his response:

"Hello Bob,I spoke with John Hospitalier, Deputy Director of Public Works for the City of Palo Alto regarding thequestion of the City’s Corp. yard facilities capacity to receive added vehicle burden from PAUSD. Mr. Hospitalier indicated their parking needs are greater than their housing/parking capacity;therefore, the City can’t accommodate our request. The City houses approximately 585 vehicles attheir Corp yard. Additionally, he mentioned the City is trying to acquire another piece of property tofacilitate their parking needs; however, there’s a line of 4-5 other City Departments also putting intheir requests for parking."

Interestingly enough, this question came up a couple of years ago. At the time,Ron's predecessor, Neil Rauchhuber, presently the COO at Oak Grove, was askedto check with the City … and got the same response.

Hope this is helpful.

Bob

Bob GoltonManager, Strong Schools BondPalo Alto Unified School District 25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto, CA [email protected] www.pausd.org

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: PTAC questionDate: Monday, November 02, 2015 11:28:47 PM

Thank you.

From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 9:12 PMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: PTAC question Brother. Yes, I will be glad to correct these minutes. THanks for letting me know.

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Monday, November 2, 2015 9:11 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: PTAC question Hi Max,

The following was reported in the PTAC minutes as part of your Superintendent Update onOct 7.

"High School ProfilesThere have been all kinds of drama about weighted and unweighted grades in the highschool profiles. The school board wants to move to unweighted grades for both schools (andthis had caused an uproar with some parents and kids) but the fact is Gunn has notreported weighted grades on transcripts for a long time (weighted grades are calculated bycolleges for admission candidates). Neither Gunn nor Paly ranks their students andboth schools use a quintile percentage ranking system. For this year there will be nochange"

I am confused by what you are quoted as saying about the weighted grading topic atthis meeting. The Board has not yet discussed or taken action on the matter of weightedversus unweighted grades, so I am not sure why you would say that the School Board wantsto move to unweighted grades.

Can you please correct this with Susan Usman?

Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Question for Secondary EMAC teamDate: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 4:44:00 PM

Thanks

From: Max McGeeSent: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 4:43 PMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: Question for Secondary EMAC team Arrgh. I don’t have it yet. He was working on it during our elementary emac session lastnight. I’ll track him down now.

From: Melissa Caswell <[email protected]>Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 4:41 PMTo: Max McGee <[email protected]>Subject: Re: Question for Secondary EMAC team

Hi Max,

When will we get this information?

Melissa

From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 9, 2015 8:51 AMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: Question for Secondary EMAC team Thanks! I asked Markus to get all the info you requested. We will send it to full board.

From: Melissa CaswellSent: Monday, November 9, 2015 7:53:55 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Question for Secondary EMAC team Max,

Edina, Wellesley, New Trier/ Willamette ( composite created by combining New Trier WithWillamette district 39), Scarsdale, Chapel Hiil- Carrboro

You have a copy of the report in the Superintendent's office files . worked on this with a small group of PiE folks.

You can also link to a copy here: http://2011-goal-teams.district.mpcsd.org/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?fid=13793807&gid=3003808

Melissa

Sent from my iPad


Thanks, Melissa. What are the schools in the PiE benchmark consortium?

From: Melissa Caswell <[email protected]>Date: Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 1:47 PMTo: Max McGee <[email protected]>Subject: Question for Secondary EMAC team

Max,

Can the EMAC folks or staff answer the following questions for our discussion onTuesday?


1) Nearby CA Dept of Education IDed similar schools (if you run a similar schoolsreport) http://api.cde.ca.gov/Acnt2013/2012BaseSchSS.aspx?allcds=43-69641-6060065&c=Rhttp://api.cde.ca.gov/Acnt2013/2012BaseSchSS.aspx?allcds=43-69641-4335782&c=R

2) The schools districts we have benchmarked ourselves to nationwide in the PiEbenchmark study and the 21st Century Consortium?

Thanks,Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Question for Secondary EMAC teamDate: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 4:41:34 PM

Hi Max,

When will we get this information?

Melissa






Melissa

Sent from my iPad




Max,





Thanks,Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Question for Secondary EMAC teamDate: Monday, November 09, 2015 9:42:06 AM

Hi Max,

Thank you. Can you make sure that the full EMAC committee gets it as well?

Quite a few Comparable HS and middle schools in this area were not on their comparisonchart. If we are comparing with schools in Marin we should be comparing toComparable schools in all 9 or the SF bay area counties.: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin,Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma

Melissa






Melissa

Sent from my iPad




Max,





Thanks,Melissa


Max,

Edina, Wellesley, New Trier/ Willamette ( composite created by combining New TrierWith Willamette district 39), Scarsdale, Chapel Hiil- Carrboro



Melissa

Sent from my iPad




Max,



1) Nearby CA Dept of Education IDed similar schools (if you run a similar schoolsreport)

http://api.cde.ca.gov/Acnt2013/2012BaseSchSS.aspx?allcds=43-69641-

6060065&c=R

http://api.cde.ca.gov/Acnt2013/2012BaseSchSS.aspx?allcds=43-69641-4335782&c=R


Thanks,

Melissa


Max,

When will we get a comparison of the middle schools?

Melissa






Melissa

Sent from my iPad




Max,





Thanks,Melissa

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: questions from board meeting about our transgender policyDate: Thursday, November 12, 2015 4:06:10 PM

Hi Max,

Thank you.

1) Does this mean the language that we have under School Activities and Classes on the ARon the top of page 9 needs to be tweaked (or added to) reflect that:

"High School Sports team should still be designated by gender. A student should be allowedto participate consistent with their gender identity. CIF has guidelines that govern thisprocess." ?

2) The second question is related to the language at the bottom of page 3 and the top ofpage 4 of the AR that reads:

"SCOPE

"...This regulation applies to the entire school community, including...parents..."

" Though an incident of alleged unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation or bullying as defined within this regulation may occur off campus,if the effects of the off-campus incident result in unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation or bullying at school that interfere with thetargeted students ability to participate in or benefit from the education program the schoolmust respond promptly and effectively to eliminate the harassment that occurs at school,prevent it's reoccurrence and address its effects. Such response may include discipline ofthe alleged harassed in accordance with applicable law and as provided by Board policyand Administrative Regulation (AR) 5144. "

Does this language indicate that the district is responsible for disciplining parents oftransgender and gender non-conforming kids for behaviors that violate the policy while offcampus or even in their own home with their own children?

What if those behaviors are not egregious enough to trigger a call to CPS, but they arenegative enough to influence the child's behavior at school and subsequent "unlawfuldiscrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation or bullying at school thatinterfere with the targeted students ability to participate in or benefit from the educationprogram". For example a parent speaks to their child in a derogatory way about their

gender identification, it is heard by a neighbor's child and repeated at school. Obviously theneighbors child's behavior could be handled by the school, but what is the school'sresponsibility around responding promptly and effectively to eliminate that harassment fromthe parent? And is the proposed language in the AR clear enough to keep the District frombeing held accountable for behavior beyond its control?

From: Max McGeeSent: Thursday, November 12, 2015 2:09 PMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Fw: questions from board meeting about our transgender policy FYI

From: Dora Dome <Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2015 9:16 AMTo: Max McGeeCc: Brenda Carrillo; Holly Wade; Dora DomeSubject: Re: questions from board meeting about our transgender policy Hello Max,

High School Sports team should still be designated by gender. A student should be allowedto participate consistent with their gender identity. CIF has guidelines that govern thisprocess.

I am not clear on what the second question is asking. Can you clarify?

Thanks,

Dora

Dora Dome LawSent from my iPhone


Hi Dora,

Thanks again for helping us with BP and AR5157. We presented them last nightand they were received relatively favorably. Here are two questions that ourBoard President raised and would like answered:

1. If we pass these policies would we will still have athletic teams designatedBoys xxx (e.g. Boys Water Polo) and Girls xxx (e.g. Girls Volleyball). Can a boyidentifying as a girl plays on the Girls Volleyball team?If we cannot identify teams by gender, what does that mean for ourparticipation in California Interscholastic Sports?

2. Does this policy and AR language make the district responsible fordisciplining parents of non-conforming kids for behaviors that violate the policywhile off campus or even in their own home with their own children?

Please let me know.

THanks,Max

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: request for Middle School Comparison DataDate: Friday, November 20, 2015 3:20:23 PM

Thank you. Can this go to the whole board?

Melissa

From: Max McGeeSent: Friday, November 20, 2015 8:41 AMTo: Melissa Caswell; Mark Romer; Joe Lee; Diane Reklis; Natasha K.Subject: Fw: request for Middle School Comparison Data

From: Markus AutreySent: Friday, November 20, 2015 12:45 AMTo: Max McGee; Monica Sanchez Lopez; Vicky LaoCc: Linda DillonSubject: Re: request for Middle School Comparison Data I have attached the updated Middle School Comparison Table including the ConsortiumFeeder Schools and School Sizes. Please disregard the earlier attachment and use this one. Thank you!

Markus

From: Max McGee <[email protected]>Date: Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 11:09 PMTo: Markus Autrey <[email protected]>, Monica Sanchez Lopez <[email protected]>,Vicky Lao <[email protected]>Cc: Linda Dillon <[email protected]>Subject: Re: request for Middle School Comparison Data

Thanks, Markus. We will need the size of middle schools that feed into our partnerdistricts. In Illinois this is Wilmette Junior high and the middle schools in Winnetka andGlencoe.

I'm not sure about the other districts' middle schools.

Thanks,Max

From: Markus AutreySent: Thursday, November 19, 2015 7:21 PMTo: Monica Sanchez Lopez; Vicky LaoCc: Linda Dillon; Max McGeeSubject: request for Middle School Comparison Data Monica,

I have attached the comparison data for similar middle schools in San Mateo and Santa ClaraCounties according to the CDE website. Thank you for following up.

Markus

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGee; Cc: Monica Sanchez LopezSubject: Re: Request for PAUSD BoE Agenda Item: To consider if Jordan Middle School should be renamedDate: Monday, November 16, 2015 10:29:17 AM

Hi

Thanks for all the information. We will be getting back to you on this shortly.

Regards,

Melissa

From: Sent: Monday, November 16, 2015 8:46 AMTo: Max McGeeCc: Monica Sanchez Lopez; Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: Request for PAUSD BoE Agenda Item: To consider if Jordan Middle School should berenamed Hi Max, Melissa,

a few quick updates regarding the Jordan renaming petition:

- the CAC and PASS organizations both have decided to officially support the petition. I will forward theendorsement letters after they have been processed.- the signed supporter list has grown to 167, I'm attaching an updated endorser list- I forgot to include the supporter comments in my original email, now attached

The weekend edition of the Daily Post ran a story on the petition on their front-page. While I thought itcame out well in favor of the issue I wanted to clarify that I did not reach out to the Daily Post. Thereporter contacted me Friday afternoon, and I spoke to her then. Please let me know if you would like any additional information about the petition as you consider itsmerit for a Board of Education discussion.

Thank you,

From: Max McGee <[email protected]>To: < Cc: Monica Sanchez Lopez <[email protected]>; Melissa Caswell <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, November 13, 2015 8:28 PMSubject: Re: Request for PAUSD BoE Agenda Item: To consider if Jordan Middle School should berenamed

Dear Mr.

Thank you for your request and for providing background information as required in BoardBylaw 9322 (http://pausd-web.pausd.org/community/board/Policies/downloads/BB9322_materials.pdf).

As outlined in BB9322, the Board President, Vice President and I will consider this request ata forthcoming agenda setting meeting, and I will get back to you regarding the decision.

Sincerely,

Max McGee

From: Sent: Friday, November 13, 2015 12:28 PMTo: Max McGeeCc: Monica Sanchez Lopez; Subject: Request for PAUSD BoE Agenda Item: To consider if Jordan Middle School should berenamed Dear Superintendent Dr. McGee,

as you know I have taken an interest in the name of our David Starr Jordan Middle school, spawned bybook project about David Starr Jordan. I have since performed extensive research into

the person of David Starr Jordan, and found overwhelming evidence in his background as a leadingproponent of Eugenics, his deep seated racism and his offensive educational beliefs. This information hasconvinced me that PAUSD should consider if honoring David Starr Jordan by having one of our MiddleSchools named after him is appropriate for 21st Century Palo Alto.

In order to establish if this issue is of interest only to myself, or if others in the Palo Alto community alsocare, I have met with the Minoroity Achievement and Talent Development task force to discuss the topic,and got overwhelming support. This support has encouraged me to launch an online petition onchange.org, which I published last Saturday Nov 7 2015. In the 6 days since, and with only "friends andfamily" promotion, 120 supporters have already signed the petition. You can find their names andcomments attached. I am also attaching the actual petition, which provides a summary of the challengeswith honoring David Starr Jordan in a public school environment. Links to all information sources thatsupport the conclusion are included in the pdf.

At this point I do believe that the support of the petition shows strong community interest for the Boardof Education to consider if renaming David Starr Jordan Middle School is a viable request. In accordancewith Board Policy 7310 the naming purpose and process for PAUSD schools is clearly outlined, and atthe discretion of the Board of Education. I do believe that the appointment of a commission/task force isjustified. This is the purpose of the petition, and I would like to ask for the request (to consider torename Jordan Middle school) to be included as an agenda item in the upcoming December Boardmeeting.

Additional activities towards the renaming of Jordan Middle school:- a number of Jordan 8th grade students are in the process of forming a 'lunch club' for the 2nd semester.The goal of the lunch club is to raise awareness among the students about the history of David StarrJordan, and for the students to do their own research and draw their own conclusions- My next phase of outreach in support of the petition is focused on community organizations, mostlywith educational orientation as well as local churches and temples. Perhaps some of our localorganizations would like to express their opinion on the issue

I understand that running a school district places many onerous demands on you as Superintendent, andon our volunteer Board Members. Nevertheless I am strongly convinced that David Starr Jordan is thewrong role model for us to honor, and that this is an outstanding opportunity for PAUSD to send apositive message to its students and the community, that we do care about their education, and that wecare about inspiring them with everything we have, including the names of the institutions in which wewant them to flourish and prepare for life!

Thank you very much for your consideration,

PAUSD parent

Palo Alto Unified School District - Board of Education: Rename Jordan Middle School - honor a rolemodel not a racist!

Palo Alto UnifiedSchool District -Board of Education:Rename JordanMiddle School -honor a role modelnot a racist!Please support this petition toask the Palo Alto Unified SchoolDistrict Board of Education toappoint a “citizen advisorycommittee” in accordance withBoard Policy 7310 to review ifDavid Starr Jordan is anappropriate role model afterwhom we should nameone of our Middle Schools,because: David Starr Jordanwas a RACIST and leadingadvocate of EUGENICS, theearly 20 century movement inAmerica to create a MASTERRACE through desirablebreeding, forced sterilization,

Palo Alto UnifiedSchool District - Boardof Education: RenameJordan Middle School -honor a role model not aracist!Please support this petition to ask thePalo Alto Unified School DistrictBoard of Education to appoint a“citizen advisory committee” inaccordance with Board Policy 7310 toreview if David Starr Jordan is anappropriate role model after whom weshould name one of our MiddleSchools, because: David Starr Jordanwas a RACIST and leading advocateof EUGENICS, the early 20 centurymovement in America to create a

deportation and immigrationcontrol, as envisioned in his1902 Eugenics Bible: “ TheBlood of the Nation: A Study ofthe Decay of Races through theSurvival of the Unfit ”. “Hitlerand his henchmen victimized anentire continent andexterminated millions in hisquest for a so-called MasterRace. But the concept of awhite, blond-haired, blue-eyedmaster race didn't originatewith Hitler. The idea wascreated in the United States,and cultivated in California,decades before Hitler came topower. California eugenicists[like D

Read more...

image

MASTER RACE through desirablebreeding, forced sterilization,deportation and immigration control,as envisioned in his 1902 EugenicsBible: “ The Blood of the Nation: AStudy of the Decay of Races throughthe Survival of the Unfit ”. “Hitlerand his henchmen victimized an entirecontinent and exterminated millions inhis quest for a so-called Master Race.But the concept of a white, blond-haired, blue-eyed master race didn'toriginate with Hitler. The idea wascreated in the United States, andcultivated in California, decades beforeHitler came to power. Californiaeugenicists [like D

Read more...

Palo Alto Unified SchoolDistrict - Board of Education:Please support this petition to ask thePalo Alto Unified School District Board ofEducation to appoint a “citizen advisorycommittee” in accordance with Board

View on www.change.org Preview by Yahoo

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: RESPONSE NEEDED/Availability/Amend Agenda - November 17, 2015Date: Saturday, November 14, 2015 3:08:27 PM

Hi Max,

Thanks for letting me know. I'm pretty sure that Melissa doesn't have the authority to call aclosed meeting of the school board without the agreement of a majority of the agenda-setting committee.

When will you provide the correspondence with FFF from March to the present that I'verequested? I would like to pick it up on Tuesday when I am in the office for SPSA meeting ifpossible.

Thanks,Ken

From: Max McGeeSent: Friday, November 13, 2015 10:18 PMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: Re: RESPONSE NEEDED/Availability/Amend Agenda - November 17, 2015 Hi Ken,

The Board President requested we have a closed session regarding the privilegedcommunication from the attorney concerning the FOIA request. I asked Monica to see if wehad time while I checked with attorneys on whether or not we could convene one. Ichecked with attorneys from two different firms

I communicated those opinions tothe Board President a short time ago.

Max

From: Kenneth DauberSent: Friday, November 13, 2015 12:56 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Fw: RESPONSE NEEDED/Availability/Amend Agenda - November 17, 2015

Max,

What is this item about? I don't know of any exceptions under the Brown Act that allowdiscussion of OCR in closed session. What exception would this be agendized under?

Thanks,Ken

From: Monica Sanchez LopezSent: Friday, November 13, 2015 8:59 AMTo: boardSubject: RESPONSE NEEDED/Availability/Amend Agenda - November 17, 2015 Dear Board members, Good morning! It has been brought to my attention that we may need an amendment tothe agenda. We would like have a closed session on Tuesday, November 17 related to OCR. Ineed to verify that all of you are available before 10:00 a.m. or after 12:00 p.m. (before orafter SPSAs meeting). Please let me know if you are available to be here at 9:30 a.m. for closed session or stayfrom 12:00-12:30 p.m.? Please confirm your availability so that I can amend the agenda forTuesday, November 17. Respectfully, Mónica Sanchez LopezExecutive Assistant to SuperintendentPalo Alto Unified School District25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306Ph: 650.329.3737www.pausd.org


Read more...

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Judy ArgumedoCc: Max McGee; Holly WadeSubject: Re: RISE Up/ attritionDate: Monday, November 16, 2015 3:26:26 PM

I look forward to that information - thank you in advance.

One other question, I attended a VTP information night at Jordan last week and was a littlelost in the array of services we offer the kids. Norma seems to be keeping an eye on themand referring them to special after school sessions with teachers as needed. There'shomework club in the library after school with about 70 kids per day and 5-10 adults andhigh school tutors. There's AVID and Dream Catchers. Have I covered everything? Is therea guide or a graphic that helps parents understand what's available and how to access it?

Also, many parents seemed unfamiliar with how to access Schoology and IC. Is there hands-on training for parents?

Thanks for all you doTerry


From: Judy ArgumedoSent: Monday, November 16, 2015 3:11 PMTo: Terry GodfreyCc: Max McGee; Holly WadeSubject: Re: RISE Up/ attrition Hi Terry,The counselor, Sonia Gomez, does follow up phone calls. The students or parents inform usof their status. I can have her give me an update in January. Best,Judy J. ArgumedoDirector of Academic SupportsPalo Alto Unified25 Churchill Ave

Palo Alto, CA 94306(650) 329-3736Fax (650) 329-3798

From: Terry Godfrey <[email protected]>Date: Monday, November 16, 2015 at 3:08 PMTo: Judy Argumedo <[email protected]>Cc: Max McGee <[email protected]>, Holly Wade <[email protected]>Subject: RISE Up/ attrition

Hi JudyDo we track the RISE up students after they get to college? I'm interested to know howmany drop out. Unfortunately, I'm familiar with two who've already returned home and amwondering about the others. Do you have a way to keep track?ThanksTerry


From: Camille TownsendTo: Matthew HamiltonCc: Max McGeeSubject: Re: School Board MeetingDate: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 2:43:17 PM

Hi Matthew,

Many of our meetings focus on specific strategies for raising achievement, including thosegenerally referenced when discussing the achievement gap. For example, during our ourtwo hour meeting of our middle schools yesterday. the principals highlighted specificstrategies for tutoring, after school programs, math groups, english language groups, all alsoaddressing the achievement gap and intervention. Similarly these kinds of discussion areintegral to our overview of our elementary, and our high school programs. We discuss theachievement gap when deciding offerings for summer school for example. The conversationthreads through multiple areas.

Dr. McGee, our superintendent, chaired our Minority Achievement Gap committee and youmay want to direct specific questions to him directly or your Gunn principal. If you wouldlike to follow up more directly with me, please feel free to call me as well. There may bedifferent aspects of our meetings that may be of interest, but Dr. McGee is probably in abetter position to know which specific meetings.

Thank you for reaching out.

Warm regards,

Ms. Townsend

From: Matthew Hamilton <Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 12:12 PMTo: Camille TownsendSubject: School Board Meeting Ms. Townsend, My name is Matthew Hamilton and I am a News Editor for The Oracle. I was wondering when the school board wasgoing to discuss possible solutions to the achievement gap. This is something we would like to cover in The Oracle and Iwould like to make sure I am in attendance. I talked to Gunn's school board representative, Grace Park, and sherecommended I ask you when the school board planned on talking about the topic. Could you please let me know of anydates that I should be aware of, or any other people what would know of any dates? Thank You,

Matthew Hamilton

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Matthew HamiltonCc: Max McGeeSubject: Re: School Board MeetingDate: Thursday, November 19, 2015 8:23:10 AM

Dear Matthew,Thank you for reaching out and for covering this important issue. I've copied Dr.McGee, who may be able to help with what's scheduled for future board meetings.Best,Ken Dauber

Sent from OWA on Android

From: Matthew Hamilton <Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 12:12:52 PMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: School Board Meeting Mr. Dauber, My name is Matthew Hamilton and I am a News Editor for The Oracle. I was wondering when the schoolboard was going to discuss possible solutions to the achievement gap. This is something we would like to coverin The Oracle and I would like to make sure I am in attendance. I talked to Gunn's school board representative,Grace Park, and she recommended I ask you when the school board planned on talking about the topic. Couldyou please let me know of any dates that I should be aware of, or any other people what would know of anydates? Thank You,Matthew Hamilton

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: tech questions from MelissaDate: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:50:26 AM

I need permission to look at this doc. Can you provide that?

________________________________________From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:38 AMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Fw: tech questions from Melissa

Hi Melissa,

We will be putting this into a different format to send to all Board members, but I wanted you to seewhere we are now. Please let me know if we are not on the right track.

Max

________________________________________From: Derek MooreSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:20 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: tech questions from Melissa

Hi Max-

I asked both Gunn and Paly to chime in on the questions from Melissa, and have the attached Googledoc with responses. Maybe we can chat about how I could shape this before publishing.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JPliMEUTm1to5tNqKXIfT6y2YU4on7ioRxB6O3jAqZQ/edit

Thanks,Derek

--Derek MooreChief Technology OfficerPalo Alto Unified School District

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: tech questions from MelissaDate: Monday, November 23, 2015 8:06:26 AM

We need to talk about this before you send these response out to the board. The way administrationhas responded, seems to be defensive ( we are doing the right thing), rather than a discussion aboutwhere we have issues that we need to talk about and address. In order to response on that topic theadministrators need to have some discussions with their staffs about this in an open and nonjudgmental way.

In addition to many queries from parents on this topic, as a parent at Paly I have received writtenrequests from teachers in two different departments this year and have heard that in at least one otherdepartment students are being asked to use their phones if they can if do not have a textbook. Thewritten requests were about not having enough devices and needing students to bring in somethingfrom home to bridge the gap, not "your child can bring a device if your child would rather use thedevices that we provide." Rather than chastising teachers for doing this ( I think they are just trying towork within their means), lets have a discussion and see if there is a way to address potentialchallenges in this area.

________________________________________From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:52 AMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Re: tech questions from Melissa

I think it gets transferred to Derek since he originated the document, but here's a pdf of it.

________________________________________From: Melissa CaswellSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:50 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: tech questions from Melissa

I need permission to look at this doc. Can you provide that?

________________________________________From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:38 AMTo: Melissa CaswellSubject: Fw: tech questions from Melissa

Hi Melissa,

We will be putting this into a different format to send to all Board members, but I wanted you to seewhere we are now. Please let me know if we are not on the right track.

Max

________________________________________From: Derek MooreSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:20 AMTo: Max McGeeSubject: tech questions from Melissa

Hi Max-

I asked both Gunn and Paly to chime in on the questions from Melissa, and have the attached Googledoc with responses. Maybe we can chat about how I could shape this before publishing.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JPliMEUTm1to5tNqKXIfT6y2YU4on7ioRxB6O3jAqZQ/edit

Thanks,Derek

--Derek MooreChief Technology OfficerPalo Alto Unified School District

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Thanks for your workDate: Saturday, November 28, 2015 5:48:40 PM

Max,

I'm concerned that Denise get the support that she needs to be and feel effective,particularly if there are some Gunn teachers who are organizing to undermine her efforts. AsI said, she has enormous support among Gunn parents. I'd like to discuss the situation thenext time we meet.

Thanks,Ken

From: Max McGeeSent: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 9:19 AMTo: Kenneth DauberSubject: Re: Thanks for your work Thanks for writing this note, Ken. It means a great deal to Denise and to me.

From: Kenneth DauberSent: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 9:01 AMTo: Denise HerrmannCc: Max McGeeSubject: Thanks for your work Dear Denise,

Thanks for the good work that you are doing at Gunn. As I talk to Gunn parents I'm struck bytheir overwhelming enthusiasm for the changes that you have made -- the block scheduleand support for Schoology implementation chief among them -- and the progressive andinclusive spirit that you are bringing to the school.

Best,Ken

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Cathy MakCc: Max McGee; Connie NgoSubject: Re: Tier 1 budget requestsDate: Tuesday, November 03, 2015 2:01:46 PM

Cathy,

So ongoing costs are not necessarily repeating annual costs?

Melissa

From: Cathy MakSent: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 1:31 PMTo: boardCc: Max McGee; Connie NgoSubject: FW: Tier 1 budget requests A board member asked the following question. I am not sure I fully understand the cost categories in the 2015-16 Proposed Programrequests summary page in the packet. How are the Ongoing costs related to the 2015-16 and 2016-17 costs that are listed? If the2016-17 tier I costs are $150K, how are the $884K in Ongoing Costs related to this? Thanks for clarifying. The total amount of Tier I requests is $884K + $205K which equals $1,089,305. Out of that,$$939,305 will be implemented this year (with 734,305 ongoing and $205,000 one-time) and$150,00 will be implemented next year. If all of these Tier 1 requests are approved, the impact to 2015-16 budget would be a fraction of the$734,305 ongoing costs (since it is implemented partial year) plus the full $205,000 one-time costs.For 2016-17, the full amount of $884K ongoing costs need to be included in the budget. Hope this is clear. Thanks,Cathy

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Monica Sanchez LopezCc: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Time with MaxDate: Thursday, November 12, 2015 8:52:54 PM

2-3 works for me. Thanks tg


On Nov 12, 2015, at 8:47 PM, Monica Sanchez Lopez <[email protected]>wrote:

Hi Terry,

It looks like he has some availability on Wednesday, November 18 from8:15 a.m.-9:00 a.m., or 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., please let me know if eitherof these times would work for you.

Kindly,

Mónica Sanchez LopezExecutive Assistant to SuperintendentPalo Alto Unified School District25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306Ph: 650.329.3737www.pausd.org

-----Original Message-----From: Terry Godfrey Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2015 5:27 PMTo: Monica Sanchez Lopez <[email protected]>Cc: Max McGee <[email protected]>Subject: Time with Max

Monica I'd like to get a meeting with Max. Can you check his calendar andsuggest some times in the next few days or later next week. Thank you in advanceTerry

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Titan Strong meetingDate: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 9:29:10 PM

Is Paly doing something similar?



Here's an update for you.

________________________________________From: Denise HerrmannSent: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 9:00 PMTo: Brenda Carrillo; Max McGeeSubject: Re: Titan Strong meeting

The meeting is a student forum, entitled: TITAN STRONG - Aconversationabout moving forward. It will take place on Thursday night from 7:30 -9:00 pm at Gunn’s library. The meeting is designed to give voice toGunnstudents in response to recent press and to listen to their ideas on tobest support them moving forward.

The target audience is students, but trusted adults from the Gunncommunity will be present to listen and respond.

Best-

Denise


On 11/17/15, 5:31 PM, "Brenda Carrillo" <[email protected]> wrote:

FYI-Thoughts on how to best respond?

Brenda

On 11/17/15, 4:58 PM, "David Alexander"<[email protected]>

wrote:

Hello,

My name is David Alexander. I am a reporter atthe Daily Post. I am

writing an article about the response to the article in ³The Atlantic²

today about the suicide clusters. I was directed toyou by Claudia Keith

who told me I could get the details of the TitanStrong meeting on

Thursday.

If you could give me a call, I would like to talk toyou if possible

today. The number at the Post is 650-328-7700.

Thank you,

Dave

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: Titan Strong meetingDate: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 9:46:35 PM

I will be there.

Melissa

________________________________________From: Max McGeeSent: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 9:27 PMTo: boardSubject: Fw: Titan Strong meeting

Here's an update for you.

________________________________________From: Denise HerrmannSent: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 9:00 PMTo: Brenda Carrillo; Max McGeeSubject: Re: Titan Strong meeting

The meeting is a student forum, entitled: TITAN STRONG - A conversationabout moving forward. It will take place on Thursday night from 7:30 -9:00 pm at Gunn’s library. The meeting is designed to give voice to Gunnstudents in response to recent press and to listen to their ideas on tobest support them moving forward.

The target audience is students, but trusted adults from the Gunncommunity will be present to listen and respond.

Best-

Denise


On 11/17/15, 5:31 PM, "Brenda Carrillo" <[email protected]> wrote:

>FYI-Thoughts on how to best respond?>>Brenda>>On 11/17/15, 4:58 PM, "David Alexander" <[email protected]>>wrote:>>>Hello,

>>>>My name is David Alexander. I am a reporter at the Daily Post. I am>>writing an article about the response to the article in ³The Atlantic²>>today about the suicide clusters. I was directed to you by Claudia Keith>>who told me I could get the details of the Titan Strong meeting on>>Thursday.>>>>If you could give me a call, I would like to talk to you if possible>>today. The number at the Post is 650-328-7700.>>>>Thank you,>>>>Dave>

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: WEEKLY: Nov. 20, 2015Date: Monday, November 23, 2015 12:22:04 PM

Hi MaxWe have a call scheduled for 3:10 today. I will call your cell phone.

I was surprised to see in your weekly and on Facebook that you were part of the request toXQ.

An application with your smiling face that says "We must do something to create aschool culture that values the mental health of our students- not just pay lip service toit....." was a disappointment. Do you really believe we just pay lip service to themental health of our students?Building a funding request on the backs of two suicide clusters feels like panderingand the stats about our kids mental health may or may not mimic the rest of thecountry (I don't have time to look it up right now) so quoting the stats without contextseems disingenuous. The grant app says PAUSD has "sent out a citizen's committee that will survey 4000students...." and do focus groups, etc. What is this? Is this EMAC and is part ofEMAC's charter to apply for a grant for a charter school? And if this isn't EMAC, whoare we sending to talk to our students? I don't want more surveys of our students ontop of what we've already commissioned via EMAC.Our MOU with PiE says we will "communicate with PiE (a) before initiating any giftsolicitation or (b) upon learning of any solicitation, planned or actual, by anotherfundraising organization for donation(s) to PAUSD by individuals or organizations." Didyou give PiE a heads up on this?I feel a little blindsided by this grant.

Talk to you at 3:10terry


From: Vicky LaoSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 10:33 AMTo: board; leadershipteam

Subject: WEEKLY: Nov. 20, 2015 Good morning, Here is the weekly for Nov. 20. http://www.pausd.org/news/weekly-nov-20-2015. Have a great day!

Thank you, Vicky LaoAdministrative Support Specialist to the SuperintendentPalo Alto Unified School District25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306D: 650.329.3983E: [email protected]

PAUSDwww.pausd.org

Search . Explore PAUSD. Our District; Strategic Plan; News; Events; Superintendent.Message; Board of Education

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: WEEKLY: Nov. 20, 2015Date: Monday, November 23, 2015 12:54:38 PM

I love your smiling face. I just don't love it attached to a grant application that implies thatPAUSD pays lip service to mental health and that a new and better school will decrease oursuicide rate.

Talk to you later,tg


From: Max McGeeSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 12:42 PMTo: Terry GodfreySubject: Re: WEEKLY: Nov. 20, 2015 Hi Terry,

1. I look forward to the call, and I am not following the Facebook page so I'm not aware ofwhat is on there. As for the smiling face, if the photo offends you, I'll take it down. I tookthat on Veteran's Day as I was escorting 18 high school kids on a walk across the GoldenGate Bridge. It was a nice, joyous day.

2. My role in this was to provide 5- 10 minutes of an overview of the purpose, meaning andjoy of project based learning during a phone call and 20 minutes of editing comments onanother phone call during the intermission of the Odyssey followed by a one page summaryand I don't recall the verbiage you site about lip service. I didn't ask to sign off on the finalapplication since I was not part of the authoring process. In retrospect I should have. We(and I as part of that we) value and fund mental and social emotional health.

3. I assume the survey refers to the one was sent to students last week and that closestoday.

4. I sat down with PiE and shared what I had heard about various fund-raising activities

regarding a potential new school that some members of the group had expressed to meearlier - I can't recall if I mentioned this grant - but I had told them and they were aware ofKevin and Molly's efforts as well as another potential fund-raiser for Paly's MAC that anotherfoundation wanted to sponsor.

5. We'll talk about this. As you read, my point of view - rightly or wrongly - was not todiscourage a grant application to meet a deadline as a placeholder for a possible - thoughfar from guaranteed - future project.

Talk to you soon.

From: Terry GodfreySent: Monday, November 23, 2015 12:22 PMTo: Max McGeeSubject: Re: WEEKLY: Nov. 20, 2015 Hi MaxWe have a call scheduled for 3:10 today. I will call your cell phone.

I was surprised to see in your weekly and on Facebook that you were part of the request toXQ.

An application with your smiling face that says "We must do something to create aschool culture that values the mental health of our students- not just pay lip service toit....." was a disappointment. Do you really believe we just pay lip service to themental health of our students?Building a funding request on the backs of two suicide clusters feels like panderingand the stats about our kids mental health may or may not mimic the rest of thecountry (I don't have time to look it up right now) so quoting the stats without contextseems disingenuous. The grant app says PAUSD has "sent out a citizen's committee that will survey 4000students...." and do focus groups, etc. What is this? Is this EMAC and is part ofEMAC's charter to apply for a grant for a charter school? And if this isn't EMAC, whoare we sending to talk to our students? I don't want more surveys of our students ontop of what we've already commissioned via EMAC.Our MOU with PiE says we will "communicate with PiE (a) before initiating any gift

solicitation or (b) upon learning of any solicitation, planned or actual, by anotherfundraising organization for donation(s) to PAUSD by individuals or organizations." Didyou give PiE a heads up on this?I feel a little blindsided by this grant.

Talk to you at 3:10terry


From: Vicky LaoSent: Monday, November 23, 2015 10:33 AMTo: board; leadershipteamSubject: WEEKLY: Nov. 20, 2015 Good morning, Here is the weekly for Nov. 20. http://www.pausd.org/news/weekly-nov-20-2015. Have a great day!

Thank you, Vicky LaoAdministrative Support Specialist to the SuperintendentPalo Alto Unified School District25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306D: 650.329.3983E: [email protected]

PAUSDwww.pausd.org

Search . Explore PAUSD. Our District; Strategic Plan; News; Events; Superintendent.Message; Board of Education

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Judy ArgumedoCc: Max McGee; Holly WadeSubject: RISE Up/ attritionDate: Monday, November 16, 2015 3:08:21 PM

Hi JudyDo we track the RISE up students after they get to college? I'm interested to know howmany drop out. Unfortunately, I'm familiar with two who've already returned home and amwondering about the others. Do you have a way to keep track?ThanksTerry


From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: South Park Neighborhood parking issueDate: Monday, November 23, 2015 11:18:24 PMAttachments: Vlasic-Final.pdf

Hi Max,

Karen Holman sent this to me today.

Not sure if you are aware of the problem, but the City is looking into it. I am pretty surethat Paly will be asked to be involved in the solution.

Melissa

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Katherine Baker; Max McGeeSubject: SPSAsDate: Monday, November 16, 2015 7:28:57 PM

Hi KatherineI'm looking forward to going through the SPSAs tomorrow. Will you be doing a preamblebefore the principals get started? I'm interested to know where the SPSA requirementcomes from, how long we've been doing them and if the principals work together to dothem (and any other context setting you think is appropriate).

Also, do you keep a table of the goals over the years to see how they change and to look atthe overlap between schools? I'm thinking of making myself a "cheat sheet" that I canpopulate with 14-15 and 15-16 goals and then keep populating in subsequent years. However, if you have one already I'd love to have it to save myself some typing.

See you tomorrowTerry


From: Terry GodfreyTo: Max McGeeSubject: Suggestion from a parentDate: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 3:18:14 PM

A parent recently gave me a suggestion that I'm passing along as it seems like a good idea. He said that he usually watches our board meetings on play-back on the Media Centerchannel but that it's not always easy to understand the date of the board meetingbroadcast. He suggested that we have a time stamp of some sort so viewers know. Now Ihave no idea if this issue is pervasive but I thought I'd pass it along so you can let the MediaCenter know or so that we can request a time stamp of some sort if needed.My bestTerry


From: Melissa CaswellTo: Max McGeeSubject: Text book questionDate: Tuesday, November 03, 2015 4:21:28 PM

Hi Max,

A few years before I was elected to the board, there was a board decision to pay for twosets of text books at the secondary level for core subjects, so that students would not haveto carry books back and forth. I believe that this was done in response to community outcryabout the danger of kids lugging around really heavy backpacks after many lockers wereremoved from our sites.

Do you know if we have any board policy around this? If we do not, are we expecting toinvest in textbooks so that each student has one to bring home, and each classroom alsohas a set? If not, will we provide enough devices for all of our students to accessonline textbook materials in the classroom?

I ask because it appears that many classrooms do not have enough textbooks remaining inthe classroom to support all the students in a class (especially an issue for flipped learningclasses). Some classes have access to online versions of their textbooks, but often it appearsthat students are being asked to access these online textbooks on their cell phones.

Melissa

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Denise HerrmannCc: Max McGeeSubject: Thanks for your workDate: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 9:01:28 AM

Dear Denise,

Thanks for the good work that you are doing at Gunn. As I talk to Gunn parents I'm struck bytheir overwhelming enthusiasm for the changes that you have made -- the block scheduleand support for Schoology implementation chief among them -- and the progressive andinclusive spirit that you are bringing to the school.

Best,Ken

From: Melissa CaswellTo: Cathy Mak; Max McGeeSubject: Tier 1 budget requestsDate: Sunday, November 01, 2015 6:48:16 PM

Hi Cathy and Max,

I am not sure I fully understand the cost categories in the 2015-16 Proposed Programrequests summary page in the packet.

How are the Ongoing costs related to the 2015-16 and 2016-17 costs that are listed? If the2016-17 tier I costs are $150K, how are the $884K in Ongoing Costs related to this?

Thanks for clarifying,

Melissa

From: Kenneth DauberTo: Max McGeeSubject: Time tomorrowDate: Monday, November 16, 2015 10:47:47 AM

Hi Max,Do you have 10 or 15 minutes free either before or after the SPSA meeting tomorrow?Ken

From: Terry GodfreyTo: Monica Sanchez LopezCc: Max McGeeSubject: Time with MaxDate: Thursday, November 12, 2015 5:26:33 PM

MonicaI'd like to get a meeting with Max. Can you check his calendar and suggest some times in the next fewdays or later next week.Thank you in advanceTerry