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Home My WebLink About2011-10-17 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 17,2011 The meeting convened at 8:00 p .m .in the Superintendent's Conference Room, 82 Oakland Road, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Selectman James Bonazoli, School Committee members Chuck Robinson, Karen Janowski, Lisa Gibbs, Hal Croft, David Michaud, Chris Caruso, Superintendent John Doherty, Schools Director of Finance and Operations Mary DeLai, Director of Student Services Alison Elmer, RMHS Teacher Guilio Binaghi, RMHS Teacher Danja Mahoney, Health & Wellness Department Chair Tom Zaya, Barbara Jones from the Reading Chronicle, RCASA Executive Director Erica McNamara, Matt Casey from Reading Patch, Joanne Senders from the Reading Advocate. Youth Risk Behavior Survey Presentation Ms. McNamara and Mr. Tom Zaya presented the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results. Mr. Zaya reviewed the purpose of this voluntary, anonymous survey. The survey is used to monitor priority health behaviors of middle and high school students to help community leaders, make critical decisions about effective prevention strategies and use of resources, track progress of current efforts, evaluate programming and curricula and use data to acquire funding. Reading has done the YRBS on a two year cycle since 2005. The data collected also for the tracking of trends of our students over this period of time. HS Survey Presentation Students in grades 9.— 12 were given this survey in January 2011. The survey consisted of 113 questions and 81%of our students participated. The first section discussed was Communication. Mr. Zaya said that 7 out of 10 students felt they had a teacher or adult that they could talk to in school and 9 out of 10 felt their was an adult they felt comfortable speaking to outside of school. Ms. McNamara reviewed the results from the sections on Impaired Driving, Violence & Bullying, Behavioral Health, Disordered Eating, Sexual Behavior, Physical Activity, Asthma, Sun Safety, Screen Time, Extra-Curricular Activities, Sleep and Substance Abuse. This year questions were included on cyber-bullying. Reading's high school survey results are in line with the state and national trends. Mrs. Anthony asked if the results from the Disordered Eating section were broken down by sex. Ms. McNamara said they were not and the numbers are leveling out between male and female students. Mr. Zaya pointed out that sometimes male athletes use disordered eating methods to make or maintain weight. He also went on to point out that the district will hold its third annual Health & Wellness Day and discussion has taken place regarding upgrading the Health & Wellness curriculum. They went on to present a hypothetical classroom scenario based on the Reading YRBS high school results. Ms. McNamara presented the scenario sharing statistically the number of students, in this hypothetical classroom, that were under the influence of tobacco products, drugs and alcohol and the effect it has on learning. Tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse causes problems in the daily lives of young adults. They are preoccupied with obtaining and using drugs and alcohol. Students caught up in substance use are distracted, their memory is affected and they exhibit cognitive changes which all impact classroom.learning. Students are also affected by influences at home. Students that live in a chemically dependant family must deal with the stress Board of Selectmen Minutes—October 17, 2011 —page 2 of living with an alcohol/drug adult, usually a parent. They will have lasting consequences on their development. They may become a substance abuser or act out their anger with disruptive behavior in the classroom. Based on the YRBS statistics approximately one-third of the students in the hypothetical classroom are exhibiting behavioral problems in class or are experiencing problems learning that are caused or aggravated by alcohol and other drug abuse. The teacher thinks he has a discipline or motivational problem in his class. The fact is he doesn't know he has a drug problem. The results have shown that approximately 10% of the teacher's time is spent dealing with student's disruptive behavior. This scenario reflects the national average for alcohol and drug dependence. MS Survey Presentation The Middle School YRBS survey consisted of 73 questions focusing on violence, behavioral health and substance abuse. 86% of the Reading middle school students took the survey. Using the hypothetical classroom scenario the following information was discovered. The classroom is based on a typical 30 student 7th grade class and the information is from the middle school survey. The results pointed out that 2 students had tried inhalants or used over the counter medications to get high, 1 student tried cocaine, 4 students experienced cyber-bullying and 1 student had attempted suicide. The RCASA Youth Group provided parental tips for a healthy relationship with their middle school child. The tips included stay involved in the child's life, do not interrogate your child, and work on ways to develop a comfortable relationship. The Youth Group also pointed out that there is a difference between being a parent and being a friend to your child. Know when to step in, when to step back and when to meet in the middle. They suggested having private conversations to build trust and don't always assume the worst. Ms. McNamara provided information on substance abuse at the college level. Approximately 23% of full time college students meet the criteria for substance abuse and dependence. Information was also provided regarding adult substance abuse. The complete presentation can be seen at the link below: http://prezi.com/ewrfcu5y-po2/2011-reading-youth-risk-behavior-survey- results-school-committee-101711/ Mrs. Janowski asked about the current RCASA grant. The grant is in the last year and the town is applying for a second five year grant. We are also exploring other funding options. Mrs. Janowski feels it is very important to continue to fund the Executive Director's position. Mr. Robinson asked about health education at the middle school level. Mr. Zaya explained that the middle school curriculum does include health education but to the extent as it is at the high school level. Mr. Robinson wants to seriously address the addition of a more comprehensive health education requirement at the middle school level in the budget discussions. Mr. Goldy thanked RCASA and the school administration for all that has been done to educate our young people. He feels the next step is to educate and engage parents because, as pointed Board of Selectmen Minutes—October 17 2011 —page 3 out in the presentation, the substance abuse problem is not limited to young people, it affects adults as well. Mr. Bonazoli followed up on the same concerns. It is important to reach out to the adults in our community because risky behavior is not limited to school age people. Ms. McNamara said that adults are hesitant to seek help because of the stigma attached to people with abuse problems. The do not want to be judged by their peers. It is important to let them know it is okay to seek help. Ms. McNamara also stated that the Text a Tip program is up and running and is completely anonymous. Parent Donna Dudley asked if it was better to talk to students rather than at them. Student Representative Doodlesack said it is easier for high school students to seek out and talk to teachers because they have more opportunity to do so during the day and after school therefore they are able to have conversations rather than lectures. Chair Robinson thanked Ms. McNamara and Mr. Zaya for the information they provided this evening. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to adjourn the Board of Selectmen at 9.33 p.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0. jRecsrpec lly su miffed, etary