Those Present:
John Gillett, Principal
Carolyn Smith, Teacher Rep
Kaycie Sorenson, Committee Chair
Mark Willey, Parent Member
Amy Rasmussen, Parent Member
Michelle Dyreng, School Counselor (Non Voting)
Anne Olson, Secretary (Non Voting)
Those Absent:
Tresa Hanks

Welcome: Kaycie Sorenson, Board President welcomed everyone to the meeting @ 3:08. Minutes were discussed from our last meeting which was held on November 19, 2025. Mark Willey made a motion to approve the minutes, Carolyn Smith seconded the motion. All members were in favor.

Parent Teacher Conference: Mr. Gillett informed members of EMS Parent Teacher Conference which will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2026, from Noon to 7:00 p.m. Parents can sign up for appointments through School Bookings. Information and instructions were sent out to parents. Principal Gillett also noted that teachers would have professional development the morning of February 13th. Students will not have school on February 12th or February 13th due to our Parent Teacher Conference. School will not be held for teachers or students on Monday, February 16th in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Trustland Review for 2025-2026: Mr. Gillett went over the current Trustlands plan. Funding has been appropriated and spending plans are right where it should be to stay on schedule. Mr. Gillett was excited to report that Ephraim Middle School will receive an additional $19,851.85 to next year's amount. So, we are expected to receive $131,499.61 for the 2026-2027 school year.

School/Teacher Ideas for 2026-2027 Trustlands Plan
The Following Will Be the Areas of Focus:
a. ELL (2 Preps) - Mr. Gillett was also happy to report that our ELL students are no longer targeted in the ELL program as they have proven proficiency in English to exit targeted status.
b. STEM-Supplies
c. Scholastic/Aleks/IXL
d. Para-Professionals (Aides)
e. Classroom Projectors - This update will make equipment compatible with all other equipment that has been upgraded and installed.
f. Professional Development
g. Audio Enhancement Translators
h. iPads
i. Math (Preps)

Mr. Gillett showed graphs that showed results of EMS Rise testing from last year. These graphs show where we measure as well as our growth in comparison to other schools with similar demographics. Trustlands support has been key in helping students and teachers get these improvements in their testing.

Members were interested and impressed with things that are being done to support teachers and students to be more successful with their teaching and learning here at Ephraim Middle School.

Next Meeting: Community Council will meet again on March 18, 2026, which will be the last meeting.

Adjourn: Amy Rasmussen made a motion to adjourn the meeting until March 18th, Mark Willey seconded the motion. All Members present voted in favor and the motion passed.