Laserfiche WebLink
READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS <br />Reading, Massachusetts <br />SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING <br />OPEN HEARING MINUTES APRIL 8, 1993 <br />CALL TO ORDER <br />Chairman Matthew Cummings called to Open Hearing to order at <br />7:30 p.m. in the Parker Middle School Auditorium. All School <br />Committee members were present. Also present were Superinten- <br />dent Robert J. Munnelly, Interim Assistant Superintendent <br />Susan Y. Wheltle, Parker School Principal Dr. Jack Delaney and <br />approximately 30 members of the public. <br />SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS <br />Dr. Delaney thanked the School Committee for coming to Parker <br />Middle School and introduced PTO President JoAnn Rulison who <br />described PTO contributions to the schools for activities such <br />as field trips, Junior Great Books, partial funding of a week <br />long self - esteem workshop and the purchase of a CD Rom player <br />and software. Dr. Delaney noted that the parents had <br />contributed both time and money to make up for the 25% <br />reduction in the supplies budget. Parent Debbie Wilson then <br />described her volunteer work as a Junior Great Books <br />discussion leader at Parker. <br />For the second part of the Parker Highlights, Dr. Delaney <br />introduced guidance counselor Diane Ketlak and grade seven <br />students Bobby Cincotta, Greg O'Leary, Annie Cuff, Kara <br />Mirarchi, Geneise Israel and Mary Von Euw, who discussed their <br />experiences in the week -long self- esteem training conducted by <br />Margo Rutledge for the whole class of 150 seventh graders. <br />Students said the workshops helped them set goals and be more <br />responsive to their peers. A parent commended the staff for <br />their cooperation in the program. The School Committee <br />praised students for their presentation, and thanked them for <br />participating. <br />PUBLIC COMMENT <br />School Committee member Thomas Stohlman asked the audience for <br />comments on what works well at Parker. Members of the <br />audience spoke about the sense of community at Parker, the <br />importance of team /parent conferences on each child,. the <br />careful transition activities from elementary to middle <br />school, and the involvement of students in the annual musical. <br />Mr. Stohlman then asked what the school lacked. Dr. Delaney <br />spoke of staffing needs for grade eight electives, and Dr. <br />