HiCap Parents Council
April Meeting
04/01/2025 - 10 AM - 12 PM
In Person Attendance: Liz P, Amity, Angie, Elizabeth, Carson, Ashley, Holly, Allen
In Person Late: None
Zoom Meeting Attendance: Jen C, Mairead, Terra, Hong Zu, Nikita
Zoom Late: Sean Q
Secretary: Liz P.
Zoom Liaison: Allen
Next meeting date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 10 AM
Discussion:
Inglemoor
Math Pathway Explanation - Amity has a chart spelling out potential HiCap math paths at IHS. They do not line up directly with similar AP classes due to IHS following IB guidelines, but there are path available with plenty of rigor, and a couple of off-ramp options for students that want them.
Off-Ramp: Yes, there are options including AP Stats.
North Creek
People have been posting a petition about an upper level math course; Calculus 4 is possibly going to be pulled
4 years of math are important; Amity feels there is a commitment from the district to supply a course
An alternative for these kids would be Running Start; however, not all kids are ready for Running Start even if they are ready for high level math
NSD is worried about being able to afford classes that are under 25 kids (some classes are 35-40 kids, especially with the upper level math course)
Counselor/Guidance
Within the math discussion, we are noticing and bringing up the issue with gifted students that are receiving conflicting guidance.
Additionally, teachers and counselors often put off HiCap students
Procedural changes for students who want to opt out of HiCap services
Kids who have typically tried the coursework and then want to stop receiving services. This is mainly elementary-aged kids.
There is an existing exit policy that is required by state law
If a kid has opted out for two years, NSD will have them test in again
Every parent who choose to opt their kid out, they will be required to sign a form that outlines this information
Add a voluntary field about WHY so office can be informed about reasons and can connect with the family
High School Senior Survey
It is going out very soon, likely right after Spring Break
We may want to continue with the parents survey
Council Questions/Updates
Skyview - night for discussion of Social Studies and Science. How did it go?
They did not communicate that 6th grade was mixed classes; they did not disclose that they are field testing curriculum
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - it can be different levels and modalities
Kids like to work in groups and they enjoy working in groups although can cause frustrations at times.
Amity has been interviewing kids about their experience in these integrated science and social studies and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from the kids. Many though want to be able to pick their own groups. Unclear: is this because hicap kids want to work with hicap kids? Or kids want to work with their friends? Or could be a lot of overlap since often their friends are the ones they were in EAP classes with in elementary school. These dynamics should shake up at least a little as the integrated model phases upward.
Math middle school
How do we handle the 6th grade math students being clustered with 8th graders; leave them more open/vulnerable to bullying
Are there schools that are managing this better
There seems to be one school that was attempting to put 6/7 and 7/8 classes together
A real limiting factor is the master schedule and these are very independent for each school
Leota 5th grade math misinformation
Sent out inaccurate information to the parents
They communicated that 8th grade math would be eliminated; that’s not the case. It’s just that most 8th grade students will be prepared for Algebra.
This misinformation has not been corrected yet
Election timing
In the election information, we need to put date and time of mandatory transitional meeting (Liz is doing a doodle for this)
Open voting on Monday, May 12. Voting closes on Wednesday, May 21 at 8 pm.
Email reminder for voting on Tuesday May 20th,
Election Results need to be in by Thursday, May 22
Fundraising Event
May 8 at Woodinville HS
Grit and Growth topic - particularly helpful for parents
Eventbrite will automatically suggest donation
By April 11, we want this info to be on all our discussion boards
Superintendent Selection
Do we want to do a statement to the board or something else?
Can we reach out to the school board and ask if we can be part of the interviewing process? We are aware that in the last superintendent search, different community groups were able to be part of the interview process. We want the HiCap Parents Council to be part of this.
Statement at April 28th meeting.
Action Items
ALL: We need someone to help Holly with election. (Allen will respond within the week.)
ALL except those listed below: We need to know if you are continuing. Here’s what we know so far:
Staying in - Mairead, Ashley, Carson, Sean Q
In first year - Allen, Jenn C, Mairead
Leaving/Not running - Liz P, Holly
Unsure - Terra
Liz: Will create a poll for Transition meeting for week of May 27.
ALL: Reps need to block their own calendars for May 8th event; you need to promote to community week of April 14
Liz to connect with Mairead to discuss sliding scale/donation language, and supplies/collateral needed for event night
Carson will reach out to the school board
Next month Agenda/Meeting
Amity to provide update on North Creek math course selection
Superintendent Search Discussion/Updates
Coffee meeting
What needs to happen at transition meeting and June meeting so new reps are ready and feel good
November meeting work groups discussion
