The superintendent of the Saratoga Union School District is putting a face on the professional development time used by teachers by giving it a new name: staff learning and collaboration time. The time, this year and next, includes a focus on scoring and analyzing student writing assessments and collaboration between teachers at every grade level, K through 8, and across grade levels.

During a May 10 school board meeting, Weiss presented his plan for staff learning and collaboration time and minimum days for the 2005-06 school year. His presentation included feedback from parents and staff regarding the school calendar and scheduling.

"Instructional minutes will not be decreased," he said. "The flip side of that is there are no proposed additional minimum days for staff learning and collaboration time, or for any other reason for that matter."

The current focus of the program is writing, since the school district's writing test scores need the most improvement. But this will be evaluated to see if another subject area may need development. Weiss will work with staff to try to make minimum day dismissal times and scheduling more consistent. He'll also review the use of instructional time by teachers and establish priorities in this area.

Weiss wants to accommodate families where both parents work. Parents voiced concerns during the meeting about the need for an affordable place for their children to go on minimum days, when school gets out early.

Board members, who were in support of Weiss' plan, gave him direction before he entered negotiations on May 11 with the Saratoga Teachers' Association. The proposal will not be finalized until negotiations are complete. Weiss hopes to complete the schedule and communicate the decision to staff and parents by the end of the 2004-05 school year.

Weiss is also expected to recommend a new principal for Saratoga Elementary School at the May 24 school board meeting.

A retirement celebration for Saratoga Elementary School Principal Marybarbara Zorio will be held June 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the school, 14592 Oak St. The event is open to the public. Former and present students, families, co-workers and community members who have known Zorio over the years are encouraged to attend.

The event will feature a BBQ dinner, remarks by Weiss, a memory book presentation, music by local country and western band the Skillet Likkers and more. About 800 people are expected to attend. Those interested in attending should call the school office at 408.867.3476.