Hesse School Council
Herman Hesse K-8 School Council
The Herman Hesse K-8 School Council serves as an advocate for the school, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, comprehensive education for all students. The Council is committed to upholding the core values of Herman Hesse K-8: fostering intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning; promoting respect, diversity, and a positive school culture; encouraging responsibility and stewardship; supporting student independence and academic achievement; and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
The Herman Hesse K-8 School Council fully supports the school’s mission to educate the whole child, preparing students for continued academic success and responsible citizenship.
All community members are welcome to attend school council meetings.
Members of Hesse K-8 School Council:
Principal:
- Alonna McMullen
Teachers:
- Kristi Bissell
- Katie Broderick
- Jennifer Giddens
Parents:
- Michelle Adams
- Katie Kellogg
- Isamar Santos
Community Partners:
- Justice Maxey (Musical Explorers)
- Skyler Lanier (Dan Vaden)
Officers:
- School Council Chair: Katie Kellogg
- School Council Vice Chair: Kristi Bissell
- School Council Secretary: Jennifer Giddens
Minutes
September 2024
Meeting date | time 9/20/2024 7:30 AM | Meeting location Hesse K8 Conference Room
Attendees:
|
Chairperson |
Sarah Torres |
|
Principal |
Alonna McMullen |
|
Teachers |
Bryce Bielec, Deonnah Davis, Ditoria Garrett |
|
Parents |
Michelle Adams; Candace McCray, Stephanie Talley, Sarah Torres |
|
Business/Community Partners |
Drew Humphreys, Justice von Maur |
AGENDA TOPICS
|
Opening: Pledge Allegiance/Inspiration |
Sarah Torres “Education is the key to unlock freedom.” -George Washington |
|
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: |
n/a |
|
OLD BUSINESS: |
n/a |
|
PRINCPAL’S REPORT: |
Next meeting we will release the CCRPI data. McMullen explained it as our school report card (content master. Progress points-how well our students have grown, attendance, Lexile scores). We just received our preliminary math data. Middle school students received a tough conversation that Hesse K8 falls in the last quartile of the state of Georgia. They couldn’t understand they were done there with other local schools. Our mindset for middle school is that the culture does not match deficient scores. EOY iReady Data: Overall 49 percent was considered on grade level in Reading. Our previous SIP goal stated that 45.5-50 percent would be on grade level. Overall, 44 percent of our students were considered on grade level in Math. Our previous SIP goal stated that 37.5-42.5 percent would be on grade level. Schoolwide Reflection: Based on discussion from the May 7th Leadership Team meeting. Strengths for the school: effective leadership and professional capacity. Effective leaderships: -builds, and sustains relationships to foster the success of students and staff - -builds leadership capacity through decision making and problem solving -establishes and supports a data driven school leadership team that is focused on student learning. -aligns professional learning with needs identified through analysis of a variety of data Areas of Growth: coherent instruction (establishes and communicates clear learning targets and success criteria aligned to the curriculum standards, uses research based instructional practices that positively impact student learning, differentiates instruction to meet specific learning needs of students, provides feedback to students on their performance on the standards or learning target, implement a process to collaboratively analyze assessment results to adjust instruction, implement grading practices that provide an accurate indication of student progress on the required standards), effective leadership (uses protocols to maintain the school campus and equipment providing a safe, clean and inviting learning environment), family and community engagement standard (the school occasionally develops the capacity of families to use support strategies at home that will enhance academic achievement, creates an academically challenging learning environment, establishes a culture of trust and respect that promotes positive interactions and sense of community, support the personal growth and development of students) *Shared Action Step: There will be engagement meetings where parents will receive more information about the science of reading and the alignment of the new curriculum HMH. *Understanding our demographics are changing but our expectations should not be changing. New Goals We will look at this 45 Day SIP Action Plan throughout the year. Leadership will provide feedback, and McMullen will share with the school. Reading will increase from 49-52 percent where strategies include: HMH, using the Science of Reading/LETRS training for strong phonics instruction, ability-based classrooms (we understand there are personality barriers between students, but we are working on the cohesive classroom environments), I Ready usage is using 30-45 minutes of I Ready max per week, AMIRA weekly usages in K-3. Breaking Down Subgroups: Gifted Learners, Special Education, EL, and Economically Disadvantaged Using Data Notebooks-Teachers are conferring with students about their data Students are eager about the glow party as motivation. Coteaching model- Teachers working together to enhance Arts Now Integration: Social studies and science middle school classrooms will have the art infusion. Making those classes more desirable to be in and allow students to have the opportunity to show what they learn in a new way. Music, Visual Arts, Theater, Dance POW-Problem of the Week, WOW-Word of the Week -dedicate the first 5-7 minutes of every DIG block for vocabulary instruction. -Mrs. Cebollero is our new title 1 parent engagement facilitator. She is working with McMullen to bring parents in. Discipline Goal Teachers are contacting 20 parents quarterly for a positive outreach. Mentorship program: every staff member (130) will meet at least monthly with one assigned student within mentor mentee relationship. Title I Plan Review Baseline Data Review-iReady 28 percent of students on grade level in reading 18 percent of students on grade level in math The beginning of the year, i-Ready data was reviewed. We noticed that data declined in middle school for reading and math. School Culture: Plans of Support Visibility from administrators, goal setting for students, establish motivation for learning, recognize culture cultures within the building mentorship, creating culturally responsive classrooms Instructional Practices: Vocabulary and problem of the day to support foundational skills Maximizing human resources (3 academic coaches, two title 1 reading teachers) Designated instructional focus blocks for each grade levels Established meeting days (collaborative planning, data meeting, vertical team planning, professional development) Tiered coaching cycle Induction support for new teachers Q/A: -End goal of developing middle school teachers -Conversations with the principal at Jenkins High School -Teacher resources from Justice for the Science of Reading strands for the elements that connect the Musical Explorers and connecting it to HMH. Looking for feedback on the resource before pushing it out. McMullen mentioned that this would be true arts integration. We have people in the building willing to support this initiative. |
|
NEW BUSINESS: |
Establishing Meeting Dates and Times |
||
|
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: |
N/A |
||
|
UPCOMING EVENTS: |
Title I Parent Meeting- October 8th Hispanic Heritage Night- October 10 Trunk or Treat- October 26 Book Fair Family Night- October 29th Math Night- November 11th |
||
|
Other: |
|
||
|
NEXT MEETING DATE: |
November 15th at 7:15 AM February 7th at 7:15 AM April 17 (Thursday) at 7:15 AM |
ADJOURNED: |
Ending our meeting at 8:26AM |
November 2024
Hesse K8 School Council |MINUTES
Meeting date | time 11/15/2024 7:30 AM | Meeting location Hesse K8 Conference Room
Attendees: (List Name)
|
Chairperson |
Sarah Torres |
|
Principal |
Alonna Curry |
|
Teachers |
Bryce Bielec, Deonnah Davis, Ditoria Garrett |
|
Parents |
Candace McCray,, Sarah Torres |
|
Business/Community Partners |
Justice Von Maur |
AGENDA TOPICS
|
TOPIC |
DISCUSSION and Summary* |
|
Opening: Pledge Allegiance/Inspiration |
Sarah Torres |
|
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: |
n/a |
|
OLD BUSINESS: |
n/a |
|
PRINCPAL’S REPORT: |
Principal's Report: Overview: The meeting began with an explanation of the Title I program. Title I is a federally funded initiative that provides additional resources and support to schools, helping ensure that all students receive a high-quality education, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Key Points Discussed:
Conclusion:
Title 1 Funds Overview:
Key Points Discussed:Before & After School Programs:
Materials and Supplies:
Parental Involvement:
Literacy Night:
Book Vending Machine:
Conclusion:
Goals were reviewed:
Assessments:iReady, DRC Beacon, GMAS, Progress Learning, GKIDS, Amira, Access
|
|
NEW BUSINESS: |
Ideas for Parental Involvement:
|
||
|
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: |
|
||
|
UPCOMING EVENTS: |
November 21st-Thanksgiving Feast for grades PK-2 December 9th-18th- MOY iReady December 17-19th- School Wide Glow and Grow Parties December 10th - Winter Showcase December 17th- Winter Athletic Banquet Math Night (rescheduled) |
||
|
Other: |
|
||
|
NEXT MEETING DATE: |
Our next meeting will be February 7th. |
ADJOURNED: |
Meeting was adjourned at 8:35AM |
February 2025
Meeting date | time February 7, 2025//7:30 AM
Attendees:
|
Chairperson |
Sarah Torres |
|
Principal |
Alonna Curry |
|
Teachers |
Bryce Bielec, Deonnah Davis, Ditoria Garrett |
|
Parents |
Candace McCray,, Sarah Torres, Drew Humphries |
|
Business/Commu nity Partners |
Justice Von Maur |
AGENDA TOPICS
|
TOPIC |
DISCUSSION and Summary* |
|
Opening: Pledge Allegiance/Inspir ation |
Sarah Torres |
|
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: |
Davis review and approved minutes. |
|
OLD BUSINESS: |
We reviewed notes from our last meeting and were able to celebrate and reflect on the growth and action steps to improve student growth in our building. |
|
PRINCPAL’S REPORT: |
Savannah Musical (Musical Explorers) – Change of Pace
CCRPI (College and Career Ready Performance Index) ReviewThe CCRPI scores have been officially released. These scores are calculated using various metrics, including:
Historical Data:2018 CCRPI Scores:
Current Observations:Subgroup Performance & Equity Focus:
Elementary School Data:
Middle School Data:
Post-COVID Enrollment and Demographics:
Academic Trends:
Support for Black Subgroup:
Curriculum and Language Support
MOY (Middle of Year) i-Ready Data
Athletics Department
|
|
OTHER REPORTS: |
N/A |
||
|
NEW BUSINESS: |
Ideas for Parental Involvement: A suggestion was made to plan for a Family Engagement Day, taking into account the possibility of bad weather. It was noted that there is still a gap in communication and connection between the PTA, parents, and the school. Additionally, a Volunteer Meet and Greet will be organized to invite parents to learn more about volunteering opportunities. We also discussed ways to make the school more inviting and welcoming for parents, encouraging them to visit and engage with the school community. |
||
|
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: |
|
||
|
UPCOMING EVENTS: |
April 7th- E-Learning Day April 10th- Romeo and Juliet Dinner Theater April 14th- GMAS Pep Rallies ( 9:15-10:00 AM- Grades 3-5); (1:45-2:30 PM- Grades 6-8) April 15th- Leadership Team Meeting April 15th- Spring Concert April 18th- No School April 21st-May 9th- GMAS Administration May 5th-9th- Teacher Appreciation Week May 9th-16th- Field Days/ Classroom EOY Celebrations May 15th- Kindergarten Ceremony (AM) May 15th- Fifth Grade Ceremony (PM) May 16th- Eight Grade Ceremony |
||
|
Other: |
|
||
|
NEXT MEETING DATE: |
Our next meeting will be April 17th |
ADJOURNED: |
Meeting was adjourned at 8:35AM |
April 2025
Meeting date | time 4/17/2025 7:30 AM | Meeting location Hesse K8 Conference Room
Attendees:
|
Chairperson |
Sarah Torres |
|
Principal |
Alonna Curry |
|
Teachers |
Bryce Bielec, Deonnah Davis, Ditoria Garrett |
|
Parents |
Michelle Adams; Candace McCray,, Sarah Torres |
|
Business/Community Partners |
Drew Humphreys, Justice von Maur |
AGENDA TOPICS
|
TOPIC |
DISCUSSION and Summary* |
|
Opening: Pledge Allegiance/Inspiration |
Sarah Torres |
|
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: |
|
|
OLD BUSINESS: |
n/a |
|
PRINCPAL’S REPORT: |
State of the School Discussion: Data Perspective Principal’s Report – School Council Update 1. GMAS Pep Rallies & Preparation
2. i-Ready Data Review (EOY – March)
3. Considerations for GMAS
4. SY25 GMAS Content Mastery Data
5. Ongoing Schoolwide Initiatives
6. Instructional Practices
7. Feedback & Reflection
8. Performing Arts and PE Pathways
9. School Council Elections – Next Steps
|
|
OTHER REPORTS: |
Performing Arts Progress |
||
|
NEW BUSINESS: |
Next Step for School Council |
||
|
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: |
|
||
|
UPCOMING EVENTS: |
April 22nd- May 9th- GMAS Administration May 9th- May 20th- EOY Celebrations and Field Day May 15th- Kindergarten and Fifth Grade Ceremony May 16th- 8th grade Ceremony |
||
|
Other: |
|
||
|
NEXT MEETING DATE: |
|
ADJOURNED: |
|
October 2025
Hesse K8 School Council Minutes-October 9, 2026
Attendees:
- Principal: Alonna McMullen
- Teachers: Dr. Kristi Bissell, Katie Broderick, Jennifer Giddens
- Parents: Michelle Adams, Katie Kellogg, Isamar Santos (Penelope Huynh was absent.)
- Community Partners: Justice Maxey from Musical Explorers and Skyler Lanier from Dan Vaden
- Guest: Charles McMillan from McMillan & Associates
- (*For questions regarding School Council, Mr. McMillan can be reached at 912-604-1192 or cmcmillan42@gmail.com.)
Minutes:
- Today is Mrs. McMullen’s last day until February. She will be out on maternity leave.
- Hesse has earned a third AP who will cover K through 2nd grade. Hiree can not start until possibly November, when approved by the board.
- While Mrs. McMullen is out, Dr. Wright and Mrs. Larroude will take on further leadership.
- Dr. Wright will be in charge of October and December.
- Mrs. Larroude will be in charge of November and January.
- During school council meetings, the school principal or assistant principal will give updates on regular school operations.
- Mr. McMillan presents school council training to the group with a presentation.
- Georgia schools are obligated by a law established in 2000 by the Georgia Legislature to have a school council.
- School council is an advisory board made up of parents, teachers, and community partners.
- School council may advise (not direct) the principal and the superintendent.
- Parents MUST make up the largest portion of the council.
- School council is not a private group. Meetings are open to the public, unless the council is conducting interviews for principal candidates.
- ONLY members of the council may vote on council agenda items.
- The school council session runs from July 1st through June 30th.
- School council must meet 4 times per year.
- Officers are required. Must have, at minimum, a president/chairperson, a vice president/vice chair, and a secretary.
- The president of the school council must be a parent.
- In the absence of the principal, an AP can sit in, but won’t be able to vote.
- Section S on last page of law outlines the roles and duties of the school council.
- Minutes must be posted within 20 days of each meeting.
- Katie Kellogg is voted 2025-2026 School Council Chair.
- Dr. Kristi Bissell is voted 2025-2026 School Council Vice Chair.
- Jennifer Giddens is voted 2025-2026 School Council Secretary.
- Meeting dates for the year are set as follows:
- February 11, 2026 @ 7:30
- March 11, 2026 @ 7:30
-
May 13, 2026 @ 7:30
- Meeting is adjourned at 8:35 a.m.
February 2026
Meeting date | time 2/11/2026 7:30 AM | Meeting location Hesse K8 Conference Room
Attendees: (List Name)
|
Chairperson |
Katie Kellogg |
|
Principal |
Alonna McMullen |
|
Teachers |
Kristi Bissell, Katie Broderick, Jennifer Giddens |
|
Parents |
Michelle Adams Katie Kellogg |
|
Business/ Community Partners |
Justice Maxey |
Agenda topics
|
TOPIC |
DISCUSSION and Summary* |
|
Opening: Pledge Allegiance/ Inspiration |
Katie Kellogg |
|
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: |
Katie Kellogg
|
|
OLD BUSINESS: |
n/a |
|
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT: |
Principal’s Update from Mrs. McMullen:
|
|
OTHER REPORTS: |
|
|
NEW BUSINESS: |
Feedback for next school year |
|
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: |
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS: |
|
||
|
Other: |
|
||
|
NEXT MEETING DATE: |
Mar 11, 2026 |
ADJOURNED: |
8:21 a.m. |
March 2026
Meeting date | time 3/18/2026 7:30 AM | Meeting location Hesse K8 Conference Room
Attendees: (List Name)
|
Chairperson |
Katie Kellogg |
|
Principal |
Alonna McMullen |
|
Teachers |
Kristi Bissell, Katie Broderick, Jennifer Giddens |
|
Parents |
Katie Kellogg |
|
Business/ Community Partners |
Justice Von Maur |
Agenda topics
|
TOPIC |
DISCUSSION and Summary* |
|
Opening: Pledge Allegiance/ Inspiration |
Katie Kellogg |
|
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: |
|
|
OLD BUSINESS: |
|
|
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT: |
|
|
OTHER REPORTS: |
|
|
NEW BUSINESS: |
|
|
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: |
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS: |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Other: |
|
||
|
NEXT MEETING DATE: |
May 13, 2026 @ 7:30am |
ADJOURNED: |
8:27am |
