School Improvement Council (SIC)

Members Present

• Jennifer Bates
• Leanne Fuller
• Reeves Goettee
• Chris Bornfieth
• Amanda Hess
• Kara Greer
• Katie Cook
• Jerica Loving
• Montez Aiken
• Jennifer Robinson
• Crystie Stewart

Members attended both in-person and virtually.

Good Things Shared

• Pine Trace Park opened next door to the school.
• One member is transitioning to a new work position.

Introduction to SIC

• Overview of what the SIC does
• Emphasis on goal-focused collaboration

Public Comments

• Brochures shared about Pine Trace Park and future field trips aligned with SC State Science standards.
• Parent suggested sharing summer camp information; offered to compile a local camp list.

Goal Setting Discussion

1. Empower every student to be their best.
2. Enhance the outdoor classroom:
   • Includes goats, chickens, and crops.
   • Grass regrowth due to summer rains and recess relocation.
3. Grow students academically.
4. Start car rider dismissal earlier.
5. Install buddy benches at recess and teach their use.
6. Increase awareness of SIC and its initiatives.
7. Host a health and safety event:
   • Coordinate with district nurse.
   • Promote CPR awareness.

Top 3 Priority Goals

1. Enhance the outdoor classroom and integrate outdoor learning.
2. Install and educate students about buddy benches on playgrounds.
3. Increase visibility and awareness of SIC initiatives.

Additional Updates

• Student council will be launched by Mr. Case.
• Student panel proposed by Mrs. Bates.
• PTA has painted rocks for a rock garden near the bus entry doors.
• PTA interested in partnering with SIC to improve the outdoor classroom.
• Suggestion to explore Project Green Heart for sustainable agriculture.
• School already works with Katie’s Crops on the school farm.

Day of Caring

Date: November 21, 2025

Planned volunteer activities:

• Work on the school garden
• Set up a Backpack Buddies program to provide weekend food support for students
• Organize teacher workrooms

SIC Elections

Nominations and vacancies were discussed. Election details and additional nominations will be addressed in the next meeting. SIC member composition expectations (parents, teachers, administrators, community members) were also reviewed.

Principal Updates – Mrs. Bates

• Interim reports were distributed this week.
• New Special Education classroom added for 3–4-year-olds due to growth.
• All teaching positions are filled; Adult Support positions remain open.
• SC READY data will be shared with the district soon, followed by presentation to SIC.
• Academic growth goal: track student progress from 3rd to 4th grade SC READY assessments.

Closing Thought

Start wherever you are. Start small.

Next Meeting

Date: October 9, 2025

Members Present

• Jerica Loving
• Chris Bornfleth
• Amanda Hess
• Jaylyn Irving
• Courtney Threatt
• Morgan Venters
• Kara Greer
• Jennifer Robinson
• Jennifer Bates

Good Things Shared

Good things were shared by those who wanted to share.

• Arts Night is tonight and we are excited for the FA team.

Public Comments

An opportunity for public comments was shared. No public comments were made.

Update on Goals

• Buddy Benches for the playgrounds
  • Discussed the timeline of the litter picker and bench project. Asking if it needs to be pushed to next year, possibly. The scouts must have it done by their 18th birthday, so it varies from scout to scout.
  • Buddy Benches is trademarked. Looking at renaming them as the “Ray of Friendship” benches.
  • Also looking at possibly purchasing benches from the playground equipment company so that they’ll last long term. May look into purchasing them with PTA instead.
  • Looking at seeing if there are other Scouts that are interested in doing the project.
• Outdoor Classroom
  • Waiting on the facilities walkthrough with the district to push for the playground in the courtyard.
  • Hoping the district will be helping with the “big” things for the playground/courtyard.
• Awareness of SIC
  • Posts to parents on ParentSquare have been made for updates.
  • The brochure was posted on Facebook, ParentSquare, and in the staff newsletter for feedback.
  • Some suggestions were made to additions and amendments for the brochure.
  • Report to parents will be sent out after approval.

Review of Sires 5 Year School Improvement Plan

• Emailed out January 25 to review.
• No comments or questions at the time.
• Reiterated that the goals do not change until five years are up. Data gets updated yearly to show progress.

Principal Updates

• We were quoted to receive 150–200 students. This may change as some students are moving to Oakbrook. The number of teacher allocations is currently unknown, and we are waiting for a meeting next week to determine that information.
• Facilities and Special Services will conduct a walkthrough soon to consider classroom locations and student safety.
• Bates requested help with behaviors in the building and shared how behaviors are distributed among students. More than 90% of students are doing the right thing. The district will review where they can provide support and possible improvements.
• Positive referrals increased after a challenge given at the faculty meeting yesterday. The number of referrals will be announced at the end of the day, and those students will be entered into a drawing for a prize or reward. The goal is to keep the positive momentum moving forward.

By-laws Amendments

By-laws were shared after the last meeting. Many of these by-laws came directly from the state website, and recommendations for changes were discussed.

• Edits were made to change the name to Dr. Eugene Sires Elementary School throughout the document to match Article 6. The group agreed with this change.
• The minimum number and type of SIC members were highlighted. It was recommended to return to the minimum required number of members since attendance has been difficult to increase. The group agreed with this change.
• Adding number five as ex-officio members: the current Teacher of the Year and the current PTA President. If unavailable, a substitute will be named by the organization the individual represents. The group agreed with this change.
• Article 3D was discussed and agreed upon.
• Article 4 change: Nominations and Elections should be completed by August 31 to meet the September 15 deadline. Elections are planned for May 2026 in preparation for the new school year.
• Article 7B change: Vice-Chairperson was changed to Co-Chairperson. The group agreed with this change.
• Updates will be sent to SIC members, and changes will be voted on at the next meeting by a two-thirds vote.

Launch

The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.

— Mark Twain

Next Meeting

March 23, 2026 at 2:45 PM

Good Things Shared

Good things were shared by those who wanted to share.

• Our school wrote the most positive referrals in the past month out of all DD2 schools. The positive referrals have impacted our school culture as well.
• One of our students has been accepted into an orchestra, and the parent attributes that to our wonderful music teachers.
• Career Day was a wonderful success.

Public Comments

An opportunity for public comments was shared. No public comments were made.

Update on Goals

• Benches for the playgrounds:
  • These are on hold for the time being. We have reached out to the Girl Scouts again; no one has responded yet.
  • We may possibly end up purchasing them ourselves.
  • The issue with getting them to hold up in the weather was discussed.
  • We may also reach out to the local high school to see if any of their classes need a project to work on.
• Litter Picker:
  • This was discussed. Students could use the buckets to collect trash and then dump it in the outside trash can.
• Outdoor Classroom:
  • We do not currently have an answer from the district. They are aware of what we would like to do with that space.
  • The district discussed putting out turf instead of grass, but that will be costly and we do not have a timeline yet.
• Awareness of SIC:
  • SIC was included in the monthly ParentSquare posts.

Review Sires Title I Plan

• Each year we have two planning meetings. We reviewed the Title I Plan currently in effect for this school year.
• The purpose of Title I was explained.
• Federal funding was explained, including how allocations are determined for each school.
• School allocations also affect the amount each school receives.
• Our district and school operate as a schoolwide program rather than targeted assistance; all resources are available to all students.
• Our goals for the school and plans for students influence the Title I Plan.
• Our two largest goals focused on math and ELA, based on data from FSS and MAP assessments.
• Title I strategies this year included salaries and benefits for intervention teachers, instructional supplies and technology, staff development, and parent involvement. Total expenditures for 2025–2026 were $197,693.
• 2025–2026 school data was shared. FSS and MAP data showed an increase in CORE students and a decrease in Intensive students each quarter.
• The district offers a Summer Reading Camp. MAP scores determine student eligibility.
• Feedback sheets were provided for attendees to share input on what worked well and suggestions for next year’s plan. The budget for next year is not yet known.
• The current Title I Compact and brochure were reviewed. Suggestions can be submitted for revisions.
• Parent events funded by Title I for each grade level were discussed.
• Parents have the right to know if their child is taught by a teacher who is not certified or qualified for four or more consecutive weeks.
• Additional feedback was requested from attendees.

SIC Bylaws

• Edits and changes were shared and discussed. No new suggestions or questions were raised.
• A motion was made to accept the changes to the bylaws. The motion was seconded.
• All members present were in favor. No opposition was noted.

SIC Brochure

• The SIC brochure about Sires was shared.
• One typo was identified and noted for correction.

Principal Updates

• We are following the five-year renewal plan with no major changes.
• Test training is upcoming for SC READY.
• This is our final quarter.
• SIC member nominations:
  • Typically held in September, but planned for May this year to prepare earlier.
  • Current elected, appointed, and ex-officio members were discussed.
  • Potential future members were identified, including possible participation from Lowes as a business partner.

Closing

Launch: The school year has been busy, and we all have many responsibilities. We will continue to take care of everything “one bite at a time.”

Next Meeting: April 23, 2026 at 2:45 PM

Members Present

Bailey Hogan, Leanne Fuller, Madison Nauert, Jaylin Irving, Amanda Hess, Chris Bornfleth, Connor Jackson, Thomas Jackson, Stormi Kerchner, Jennifer Bates, Jeff Case, Jerica Loving, Jennifer Robinson, Kara Greer, Annelise Gruppi

Members were welcomed. We had members present both physically and virtually.

Good Things Shared

Good things were shared by those who wanted to share.

• Dr. Robinson will be the Principal of Sires Elementary next year.
• Dr. Robinson won an award of merit at the PTA meeting.
• This is Volunteer Appreciation Week. Our volunteers are all very “good things.”

Public Comments

An opportunity for public comments was shared. No public comments were made.

Update on Goals

1. Buddy Benches for the playgrounds
   • PTA shared this goal on the school Facebook page. A student’s great grandfather made a donation of $100 to help with the benches.
   • PTA will continue to share this goal on Facebook.
2. Litter Picker
   • Troop 725 was represented at SIC today. Their troop is working towards helping us reach this goal.
   • The troop leader will reach out to local businesses to seek contributions for materials. The school already has litter pickers; the structure and buckets are still needed.
3. Outdoor Classroom
   • This is a long-term goal.
   • The district helped clean the area and planted grass seed to improve growth.
   • Current crops include radishes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and green peppers.
4. Awareness of SIC
   • Posts on ParentSquare have shared information about meetings and projects.
   • The report/brochure is ready to share with families.
   • A dinner event may be helpful next year to explain SIC to families.

School Renewal Plan

• The plan was shared by Principal Bates and is based on previous state testing data for grades three through five.
• It also incorporates MAP data for grades kindergarten through five.
• Mathematics remains the primary area for growth.
• The three main goals are outlined in the school brochure available to parents.
• The plan aligns with the Title I plan discussed at the previous SIC meeting to ensure funding supports these goals.

Nomination and Election Planning

• There are enough teacher nominations.
• There is a need to increase parent nominations and attendance.
• Nominations will be held earlier this year to prepare for the next school year.
• Three nominated parents have agreed to serve on SIC next year.
• Positions such as President will be decided at the first SIC meeting next year.
• A Microsoft Form for nominations will be sent prior to the May meeting.
• A Microsoft Form for elections will be sent after the May meeting.

Principal Updates

• The school is preparing for state testing.
• Spann students who will attend Sires next year visited last week, and the visit was successful.
• A parent event for families of future Sires students from Spann will take place tonight at 6:00 PM.

Launch Message

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

Next Meeting

May 14, 2026 at 2:45 PM

Members Present

Victoria Peets, Stormi Kerchner, Leanne Fuller, Jaylyn Irving, Crystie Stewart, Brittany Hewett, Chris Bornfleth, Amanda Hess, Courtney Threatt, Bailey Hogan, Lisa Craven, and Dr. Jennifer Robinson

Meeting Opening

Members were welcomed. We had members present both physically and virtually.

Good things were shared by those who wanted to share.

• SIC has accomplished so much this year.
• New Assistant Manager from Dorchester Parks was present today.
• We met our Booster goals and will record some of the celebrations for the students this week.

An opportunity for public comments was shared. No public comments were made.

Update on Goals

1. Buddy Benches for the playgrounds

   • The benches are currently paused. We will carry this goal over to our agenda for SIC next school year.

2. Litter Picker

   • The paperwork has been finalized with the Scout Troop.
   • District Facilities has marked the area where they can be installed.
     • They will be on the back playground and side playground.

3. Outdoor Classroom

   • This is a long-term goal. We will hopefully hear soon about the items on our wish list.

4. Awareness of SIC

   • We have more staff participating.
   • We hope to build up parent involvement next year.

Parent Nomination Review and Election Planning

• A post was made on May 1 to allow nominations. One person was nominated.
• We will reach out to that family to see if they would like to attend meetings next year, but currently that family would prefer not to serve as a member of SIC.
• We will share the names of all of the nominations soon so that the election can occur.

Title I Plan

• This is a follow-up meeting after our previous meeting.
• This plan was created based on the funds available in addition to the feedback provided at the previous meeting.
• A PowerPoint of the plan was created by Leanne Fuller, Sires Elementary’s Title I Facilitator, and shared on screen for both digital members and physically present members to see as she discussed the new Title I plan.

Updates Based on Feedback

• Employ a certified reading interventionist.
• Employ a certified math interventionist.
• Provide substitutes for professional development.
• Purchase supplies for parent events.

Instructional Materials Update

One difference is that Title I will not provide instructional materials next year. This will impact technology subscriptions such as Generation Genius and Brain Pop.

Teachers can apply for funding for these programs in other ways, and the Title I Facilitator is willing to share all of the information needed to complete those requests more easily.

• 2025–2026 goals were reviewed once more.
• Data showing whether the plans to meet the previous goals were successful was reviewed.
• Feedback regarding the Title I School-Parent Compact was shared.
• A revised version of the School-Parent Compact was presented.

Principal Updates

• Principal Bates is attending a meeting for induction teachers (first-year teachers).
• Dr. Robinson shared principal updates. Next school year, Fridays will be data days so that students can also take ownership of their goals.
• Dr. Robinson welcomes feedback and will be available this summer during summer hours.

Launch

A motivational quote was shared with members present.

Next Meeting

During the 2026–2027 school year.