HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-06 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts r �: � rn V E D
Regular Meeting of the School Committee
g g RLD; HNG, MASS.
Open Session
2011 DEC -I P 12: 0 S
Date: October 6, 2011
Time: 7:00 p.m. Joint Meeting with RCASA & Board of Selectmen
Place: RMHS Fine & Performing Arts Center
School Committee Members Present Staff Members Present
Chuck Robinson John Doherty, Superintendent
Karen Janowski Patty de Garavilla, Assistant Superintendent
Lisa Gibbs
Hal Croft Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services
I. Call to Order
Chairperson Robinson called the School Committee to order at 7:06 p.m.
II. Recommended Procedure
A. Continued Business
RCASA Director Erica McNamara provided an overview of the evening's agenda. She introduced Chief
James Cormier who welcomed the audience and shared opening remarks.
Deb Gilburg provided a Community Dialogue review.
Ms. McNamara and Mr. Tom Zaya presented "A journey through the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Results ". The purpose of this voluntary, anonymous survey is 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.
HS Survey Presentation
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 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.
October 6, 2011
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 /by8wisuzpizo /2011- readinq- youth- risk - behavior - survey - results- data - release -on-
10611/
Mrs. Linda Goodemonte and her daughter Abby shared their story about family addiction and entertained
questions.
Members of the RCASA Youth Group then presented their Youth Group projects
Ms. McNamara asked the audience to work in small groups and then posed this question — "Thinking
about what you heard, what struck you from the data presentation ?" A question and answer session
followed.
Mr. Robinson and RMHS Principal then presented Youth Awards to members of the RCASA Youth
Group.
The evening concluded with the presentation of a Certificate of Commendation to David Pullo by Chief
Cormier and closing remarks by Amy Vendt, RCASA President.
III. Adiournment
Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Croft to adiourn. The motion carried 4 -0
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred
during the meeting.
F. Doherty, Ed.D.
-intendent of Schools