Laserfiche WebLink
223 <br />READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVaMBER 22; 1983 <br />During the School Committee discussion it was noted that physical education in <br />Middle School could be handled by the present staff, but elementary art and music <br />teachers' schedules would have to be rearranged so that they will spend some time <br />in the Middle Schools. Also, Dr. Wells told the Committee that, while it is not <br />yet definite, they hope that some members of the Staff of Fitchburg State College <br />will assist in designing a consolidated practical arts course for the Middle Schools. <br />He added that one of the possibilities he is excited about is combining the use of <br />metal, plastics and wood. Chairman Coco said he feels that learning to work with <br />metal is important as students don't usually have that opportunity to work with that <br />material at home, as they may wood. <br />Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, that <br />the School Committee instruct the Superintendent to extend high praise to Dr. Munnelly, <br />the Junior High Principals and their colleagues for their spirit of professionalism <br />in relation to formulating the curriculum for Middle Schools, as presented. <br />Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to accept <br />the curriculum proposal for Middle Schools as shown on Document B - 3 -a (1), entitled <br />"Curriculum Priorities for Middle School." <br />Regarding personnel, Dr. Munnelly told the Committee that because of the language <br />they had adopted last year regarding Middle Schools, although as yet there is no <br />side letter, the Administration has proceeded to brief staff on Middle Schools and <br />asked teachers who would be willing to transfer to Middle School to be a part of the <br />planning team. He added that ten volunteered and have been tenatively assigned to a <br />Middle School and, also, have been interfacing with the faculty on the plans <br />(Documents B -3 -a (2) and B -3 -a (3) as part of an effort for smooth transition. <br />Mr. Nigro said he would like the School Committee to have briefings on various <br />parts of the above mentioned documents. Chairman Coco agreed these matters should <br />be on future agendas, possibly in February and May. <br />Financial Statement <br />Noted for the record was the Cafeteria Statement for September. <br />Elementary Schools - Review of Policy and Practices <br />Chairman Coco noted that the review of Elementary School Policies and Practices was <br />a part of a continuing series, following similar reviews at the Senior and Junior <br />High levels. <br />Joshua Eaton School Principal Mr. Donald Farnham and Killa. School Principal Mr. <br />Herbert Baron were present, representing the Elementary School Principals. <br />Mr. Farnham spoke on the student progress reporting system, including parent - <br />teacher conferences, promotional guidelines, and home - school relationships, stressing <br />the importance of communication. He noted home - school relationships start before the <br />child enters school, through the kindergarten screening and orientation processes. <br />Following his presentation Mr. Farnham answered questions from School Committee members. <br />Mr. Baron then spoke about rules and regulations and homework, noting that he was <br />giving a consensus of the five Elementary Schools. he said rules and regulations were <br />kept to a minimum, with the emphasis being on self- discipline, i. e., that students <br />respect others' feelings and be able to work and play without disrupting others. <br />