1982-03-08 School Committee Minutes

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SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 8, 1982 Mrs. Gina Healy, of the Foreign Language Department, said the proposed program would be a studying and learning program but would be more experiential. No credits would be given for the program. She emphasized that host families would be screened very carefully, in conjunction with AFS screening. Among the guidelines would be having an adolescent about the same age, being receptive of new, ideas, understanding the problems of dolescents, an interest in American culture, and Thatched interests. Mrs. Healy pointed out the benefits to students studying French of an immersion in the language and culture of France for 15 days. She added that there was some evident that higher grades in a foreign language correlate with higher SAT scores. Addressing Dr. Wells' question, Mrs. Healy said that every student at the High School will be affected because 20 -25 French students will be in their regular classes with them and they would become more aware of the Franch language and cul- ture. She also pointed out that because they would need only air fare and spend- ing money, more students would be able to afford to participate, noting that many . students could earn all, or at least a portion, of the cost. Regarding a possible language barrier, Mrs. Healy said students, too, would be care- fully screened. One criteria would be an interview with a member of the foreign language department. Each student would also be required to keep up his /her per- formance level. Following the discussion Mr. Garroway moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously to approve the Short -term Cultural Exchange Program, as outlined in document B -3 -a, for a one -year period, subject to evaluation and final approval by the Administration and School Committee. Student Advisory Committee Chairman Landers welcomed members of the Student Advisory Council, who comprise the Student Advisory Committee. Mr. D'Orlando introduced past president Laurie Kiezulas, Phillip Daly, Kevin Daly, Marie Callahan and Cathy Pedi. President John Bashford was unable to be present because of illness. Each student spoke. Among the points they made were: -There is a very positive attitude on the part of both the student and faculty. -The Student Council has been reduced from 15 to 8, has a Focus Program member for the first time, and the constitution has been rewritten - Philanthropic activities this year included raising $2,200, $2000 of which was donated to the Globe Santa, and the remainder to the Jaycee Christmas Fund; participation in the "735" Program in conjunction with Harvard University, to present the dangers of smoking and drugs to students in the lower grades; and hosting a Red Cross Bloodbank, sign- ing up iO� donors among the students. Several students highly praised the teaching of Mr. Fred Wales, Head of the Industrial Arts Department. Mentioned too were various fund raising events sponsored by the School, and the outstanding achievements, in the academic, arts and athletic areas, of many students. Suggestions for areas neeing improvemnts included: - Smoking situation in girls lavatories -Need for more computers in the mathematics department -Use of Cable TV Studio and equipment for instructional purposes -Fund raising policies