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Home My WebLink About2010 Annual Report - Part 4 READING PUBLIC LIBRARY Services & Programs Record numbers of adults and teens came out for established favorites and many new classes, activities, guest speakers, and program series in 2010. Programs like inter-generational nature walks in the town forest, band concerts and picnics on the library lawn, book-clubs, and Sit `n Knit series that continued to attract participants of all ages and interests. A new monthly Drop-Ill Chess program, using teen volunteers to provide guidance and help, enhanced weekends for many Reading families. We launched a new REWIND Film Discussion series of screenings and monthly fihn discussions led by an expert facilitator. Cool Cats Craft Night attracted many to the library on a hot summer night, and the staff-led Summer Sizzlers - Speed Book Reviews was a smash hit as we made it easy for everyone to reserve books reviewed that night on the spot. Forty-five people enjoyed a new Holiday Arts & Crafts night featuring staff and volunteers sharing their special talents and interests. Several new marketing efforts resulted in boosts to circulation of selected collections as displays featured new media and a new emphasis on different formats. The library took to the streets to serve .everyone: from summer into early fall, librarians once again provided books, recipes, and more,to shoppers and busy commuters at the Fanners' Market/Train Depot. Several librarians made the most of the successful Reading Fall Street Faire to spread the word about library services and partnered with Reading Public Library Foundation and Friends to promote library resources and services. The Library hosted an informational table at Friends and Family Day and signed up participants for summer programs. Librarians tools a new Library Myths presentation to PTO meetings and reached out to parents and faculty at several schools. There's also a colorful new library services brochure entitled"Did You Know?" and Information Emergency business cards available at the Information Desk as a fun and easy way to keep library contact information. New in 2010 are eight Grab and Go kits - book bags that have five books in them on a similar topic. The highest circulating kit is the cozy mysteries followed by historical fiction. The other bag titles are: Baseball,'Beach Reads, Local Color, Laugh Out Loud, Non-Fiction Page Turners and Thrillers. We've also added a new quick pick up for Book Clubs! So far we offer six Club Kits and a few more on the way. These are the book club kits in a bag with a variety of formats of the same title for book club members to enjoy. If you have thought about starting a book club in your neighborhood or workplace, grab a "Club Kit" next time you're in the library and find out how simple it is! 452 The Library subscribes to a new online service called`Bookletters"which provides reading lists directly to patrons and allows librarians to create a variety of custom lists of new materials to which patrons can subscribe. We now offer Ebooks, connecting to a whole new group of users. Ebooks are downloadable titles users can read on devices such as Sony Readers and the Nook. We created a new Too Hot to Trot collection of bestselling paperbacks to ensure a greater selection for walls-in users. The library looked for new ways to connect people to enriching activities for all ages and engage families in learning and worthwhile experiences at home and on vacation. Every week from spring through summer, a different Museum Pass was featured on a "Monopoly" board display. We used bookmarks, displays, and weblogs to enrich and extend commiuzity interest in Afghanistan and global issues, reminding us all that all kinds of learning activities are available and no matter what age we are,we are still learning! Adult Services The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners approved an environmental literacy grant entitled "Change makes a Difference" to offer programs and resources to engage the public to make informed decisions on environmental issues. In 2010 we created a new grant website and revitalized our green collection. Attendance was solid and interest was high in the first of several planned classes, local information on home energy. As soon as we learned about a new digitization project through Internet Archive at Boston Public Library, we hastened to add some of our local history books to it. We hand-carried eleven volumes of rare and out of print books of local historical significance to Boston to have them digitized. You can now find them online for the very first time! Also newly available online are several podcasts developed in partnership with local historians and Walkable Reading that provide a walking/bicycling tour of some historic houses in Reading. Plans are afoot to do more podcasts of Bare Meadow and other local places to explore while listening to experts describe some special features. One of the most successful program series the library has ever offered is the twice-monthly LiveWires program, lifelong-learning programs that attract people who bring their curiosity and interest in everything from Pleasure Island to charitable giving to Cape Ann artists and more. This program series was originally established through a special grant and has been continued through generous private donations. A Job Search Skill Series provided resources for people looking to change careers, find employment, or learn how to update their job seeking skills. Attendees from previous years who succeeded in their job search returned to tell their stories and share their successes and special tips to the newest group. Librarians shared their enthusiasm for lots of new books at the annual Reading Women's Club Booktalks program. 60 people attended their very entertaining presentation. For the first time, the Reading Public Library is offering a Foreign Affairs discussion series. This monthly group is led by a former state department employee who provides readings and insights for the participants during their in-depth discussions of hot topics and controversial issues. The program is held in 453 the conference room and is currently running at maximum capacity. A spring Book Group Night featured author Randy Susan Meyers and attracted sixty-five participants from local and area book groups. Reading Public Library Foundation/Helen Nigro Speaker Series supported a third season of The American Voices book discussions led by Ann Murphy. New in 2010 were two evenings of dinner and discussions which attracted enthusiastic crowds for Indian and Chinese foods and books. Website Web highlights include the launch of our Twitter presence and Facebook page, and development of an"Adult Service"page, a need-to-know-now"In the News"page and completion of the RPL Foundation page. Many new additions & enhancements were made to the IT section of the library website, notably the highly-visited For Babies & Toddlers page and bi-weekly lists of new children's books & media. Customers can subscribe to these lists. A parents' page which highlights our new Autism/Spectrum-related materials was also a useful new addition. We introduced our new reader's advisory page Books, Movies and Music, offering users: easy access to booklists from award winners to hot new titles; the ability to check our catalog and reserve titles; links to great reader resources; and multiple options to receive automated updates. Young Adults Teen Summer Program: Teen librarians visited twelve sixth-grade classrooms to promote summer reading activities at Reading Public Library. 199 teens joined the program and read a total of 755 books. Teens also enjoyed a Pizza Taste Off and a Summer Survivor event that had them competing in special events throughout the library! Volunteens: 27 teen completed 355 volunteer hours. Volunteen work included: Scanning, indexing, updating statistical databases, compiling evaluations, collating handouts, inputting summer reading forms, and assisting at all teen programming. Teen Librarians facilitated a successful two-day middle school visit with author Kathleen Benner Duble, including an evening visit to Reading Public Library. Children New services were added in 2010 in addition to the established round of story times, school visits, vacation programs, films, and book'discussion groups. Babytime Playgroups meet twice monthly and offer opportunities for learning, resource sharing and socialization. Something on Sundays targets families on a day when there can be more time spent together. Family Storytimes and the LEGO Creation Club have been drawing enthusiastic crowds. French for Kids was a new series run as a Girl Scout .Gold Award Project. As part of the huge Summer Reading Program, "It's Reading Cats and Dogs," we added two new programs which were a howling success! 454 100 children signed up for Paws to Read, to read to therapy dogs; increasing their enjoyment with books and skill in reading. The Art Contest encouraged young artists to create their perfect pet. In all, over 1000 children participated in the Summer Reading Program,reading for a record 16,252 hours,with 5277 children attending 91 programs during the 10 week period. Reading Library is a partner in a federal grant to enhance resources and services to Families with Autism. The grant provided funding for staff training that we offered to other Town departments who serve the public. The library also added Autism/Spectrum-related resources to our Parents Collection that have been well-received by special education professionals and parents. We expanded the Graphic Novel collection and created a cozy seating area where children could enjoy those materials. The new Playaway format finally released children's book titles and we purchased a nice collection which flew off the shelves! With a nice donation from the Reading Co-operative Bank, we expanded our extremely popular collection of Picture Book Backpacks. These convenient collections are almost always checked out! Building Study The Library commenced a comprehensive building analysis and feasibility study in 2010. The study was the result of a long-range planning process that identified several pressing needs associated with the current condition of the Library. The Library Trustees were unanimous in their commitment to improving conditions while preserving the landmark building for future generations. At the same time the Trustees were concluding their planning, in January 2010, the State announced a new and enhanced round of grant funding for library construction projects, including funding for renovations and additions. History The Highland School Building was built by Reading architect Horace Wadlin in 1894 and served as an elementary school until the 1960's. In 1984, after a major redesign by Mark Mitchell Architects, the building was converted for use as a library. The building is on the National Historic Register. Study Several steps were undertaken to identify present and future needs and provide sufficient information for developing a plan for the building. A Programmer was hired and produced a preliminary report. An architectural team was selected to analyze existing conditions and develop ideas and schematic drawings based on the information gathered from expert analysis, engineers, geotechnical study, and the Programmer's report. Trustees & Building Committee While the architects and their consultants were working, the Trustees met regularly with representatives of the community to review plans and set priorities. 455 The members of the Library Building Committee are: Sharlene Reynolds-Santo Historical Commission Joseph Huggins Facilities Director Vicki Yablonsky Trustee Karyn Storti Trustee Nancy Aberman Reading Public Library Staff David Hutchinson Trustee Richard Curtis Trustee Cherrie Dubois Trustee Jeffrey Doucette Trustee Bill Hecht Reading Public Library Foundation President Ruth Urell Library Director John Brzezenski Past President,Reading Public Library Foundation Advisory: Dennis Smith Reading Memorial High School Kaitlin Menzie Reading Memorial High School Goals of Library Building Program Create Space for • Children's programs and learning areas • Children's general&special collections • Teens for studying,reading, gathering, computers, and books • Increase in resource sharing/delivery/outreach/homebound • Volunteers work spaces • . Space for Friends &Foundation official activities and archives • Meeting room is too small and not equipped for multi-purpose functions • Conference room is too small and not equipped for multi-purpose -unctions • Need silent study, small group spaces, and tutoring areas • Need more places for people to sit,work on laptops, sit at desks/study carrels FIX • Building envelope repairs: masonry, chimneys, downspouts, gutters, windows,roof • Lighting (interior and exterior) • HVAC—poor distribution,hot and cold areas,inefficient& ineffective • Safety and accessibility issues • Technology infrastructure and power distribution . • Solve adjacency problems—e.g. —teens next to elders currently • No staff presence in some large areas of current building • Address security/growth issues,improve sight lines,more browsing and seating space • Parking/pedestrian and car traffic issues • Make library accessible from front(Middlesex Avenue) • Out of date and inadequate staff work spaces 456 VALUES • Sustainability and Low Environmental Impact • Preservation - - • Community: The library is a destination - people visit with one another, they meet, they discuss, parents bring toddlers, tutoring for adults, children, and after-school and summers • Marketing collections and services: display spaces, make it easier to browse and to see; more books need to be displayed cover-out • Flexibility: collections change,need more flexibility in design and furnishings • Welcoming & comfortable "Shabby chic" not stuffy and polished — just like home atmosphere • Neighborhood feeling,bright, daylight, open views • Efficient and practical, smart use of space,not elaborate,not fussy, and easily maintained • Build for growth and increasing usage Proposal At the conclusion of the Building Study, the Library filed a grant proposal to seek state fielding for a 7,596 SF addition and an extensive renovation to the existing building to provide full access, updated lighting, traffic flow, security, HVAC, and wiring and to build in more flexible spaces for future growth, changes in services, and increasing usage. The Library Trustees will make a proposal to Town Meeting in April, 2011, to support the plans for the design and, if successfiil, will ask for a full vote from the community in the Fall, 2011. 2010 Highlights • Job Search Skills Series draws record participation • First-ever Podcasts recorded and mounted in partnership with Walkable Reading for self- guided walking tours of several historical homes in the area • Environmental Literacy"Change Makes a Difference"federal grant awarded • Corinne Fisher inducted into the Massachusetts Library Association Hall of fame for her outstanding leadership in Children's Services • Allison Sloan named Paralibrarian of the Year by.Library Journal for her work on advocating for recognition of the contributions of Paralibrarians throughout the profession • Two beautiful old trees on the library lawn were destroyed by disease and removed • Staff Day tour of the new Cambridge Public Library and the Print-on-Demand service at the Harvard Book Store • Ashley Waring had an article published in the well-respected children's ,reviewing journal, The Horn Book. • Mary McIntire celebrated her 25t" anniversary with the Reading Library! • We said sad goodbyes to : Mary DeSisto in Technical Services, Jackie Storti, longtime Friend and loyal Book Store manager, and Nancy Smethurst, who retired as Administrative Secretary 457 The Number Story Volunteer Service Hours (In-house, i.e., excluding Friends,Foundation, etc.) 2,020 Magazine subscriptions 305 Collection: Books 107,992 Video, DVDs, CDs 19,200 Meeting Room Bookings 1,324 Reference Consultations 62,904 Program Attendance Adults &Young Adults 4,541 Children's 13,704 Circulation 506,594 Registered borrowers (90% of Town population) 21,672 E-Statistics RPL website: 91,861 Visitors 187,360 Visits (sessions)to our websites 336,253 Pageviews (viewed pages) 5 most popularwebsites: 189,763 Home page(www.readingpl.org) 20,830 Patron's account(www.readingpl.or�yaccount) 12,835 Children's website(www.readingpl.orgA rids) 12,167 Teens website (www.readingpl.or /tom egns) 9,935 Library resources website(www.readingpl.org/research-leaniing)a- 5 Most Popular Websites, 2010 Children's Library Website Resources 4/ Website 7rz Patron's 3% Accountyrs 6% r r a Ai r ..°fc Teens Webs�te � Ham`ex-age mss" r 458 Number of!Volunteer Hours, 2010 ---__ . . ...._._..-_.---_..._....._........__..........._........................ —_._._........... ---...... 400 . 300 200 t / �sx�� `�_� ��m J .fir � ^.,. E•, '.`i '..._ 100 � � �y p of i tr1 tD to Ln n, O 1ti to jh DO ei h N N tD Cn tD VY o z°' o Museum Passes, 2010 Y,,._...._.,..._....____..__ +R(C'L�'! .i 'SSA• _ � 200 b I (G C - 3 150 �� i ' 100 � m�,as x,:�' #� � iY fit «� 2� r „j �• �__ 10 00 00 � so N N 0 LL Financials State, trust income, grants, and other sources of outside support for the library comprise 6% of the library budget. Municipal funding accounts for 94%. The library is part of a consortiiun that is supported by state aid for technological infrastructure, licensing, and continuous upgrades. The library relies on the state for many electronic resources, professional development and essential staff continuing education in all facets of technology and evolving services. The library relies on other libraries for a substantial portion of its lending(interlibrary loan). The library relies on private donors and its Friends and Foundation for 100% of its programming budget and many major improvements (computer lab, meeting room a-v system, .additional computers, etc.). As income from the state, trust interest, gifts, and grants become less reliable, we turn increasingly for support from the Reading Public Library Friends and Reading Public 459 Library Foundation to support all the important programs and classes and special initiatives that make the Reading Public Library a valuable and relevant community resource. We trust that our support groups and town funding will see us through this lean time so that we can remain a strong and solid source for adult enrichment, family literacy, and cluldren's education and entertainment. Library Revenue FY2010 Municipal $1,225,328 Appropriation State Aid $23,472 Friends & Foundation $14,500 Trust & Endowment $1,972 Income Gifts $11,552 Grants $21,199 Revolving Fund $8,760 Capital(Building $85,000 Study) TOTAL $1,391,783 Library Expenditures FY2010 $963,683 $12,021 $195,024 $8,863 $8,731 $85,000 460 $21,445 $47,278 $26,046 : 1 $23,692 ® $1,391,783 Reading Public Library Board of Trustees Richard H. Curtis, Vice-Chairman David P. Hutchinson, Chairman Karyn A. Storti, Secretary Jeffrey J. Doucette Cherrie Dubois Victoria Yablonsky Friends of the Reading Public Library Johanna Anderson,House Tour Suzy Axelson, President Jean Clark,Recording Secretary Eleanor Delaney, At Large Jenny DiMuzio, Music Series Cherrie Dubois,House Tour Lynne Freeman,Music Series Terry Hale, Photo Contest Cathy Hoodlet, At Large Beth Klepeis,Treasurer Karen O'Connell, Book Sale Room Anne Schofield, Membership Carol Silva, , Ass't Treasurer Dorota Socha, Staff Liaison Joanne Swanson, At Large Shari Therrien,Newsletter Reading Public Library Foundation Inc. William Hecht, Sr. President Robert Nordstrand,Vice President .Amy Coumounduros, Treasurer Bruce Austin, Secretary 461 John Brzezenski Lynne Cameron Neil Cohen Richard Curtis Gerald Fiore Russell Graham Eugene Nigro Maria Silvaggi Reading Public Librgy Staff Director—Ruth S. Urell Assistant Director— Dorota Socha Administrative Assistant—Kathryn Melesciuc Reference Division: Division Head—Lorraine Barry Adult &Eider Services Librarian—Nancy Aberman Local History Librarian—Rachel Baumgartner Young Adult Librarians—Susan Beauregard,Amy Lannon Promotional Services Librarian;Kathleen Miksis Reference Librarians—Eileen Barrett, Danielle Kimerer Technical Services: Division Head—Jamie Penney Senior Library Associate—Allison DaSilva Senior Technician—Dawn Colford. Page—Judy Newton Circulation Division: Division Head—Michelle A. Filleul Senior Library Associate -Patrice A. O'Donnell Technicians— Donna Beaulieu Dawn Didham Colford Maureen Conwell Mary Ellen Downey Susan R. Haggerty Louise Hetherington Carol Macomber Joanne H. Penta Christine Rutigliano Danielle Kimerer Pages— Neftali Gonzalez Patrick Holland Nancy Hunt 462 I Lisa Li Rebecca Maitland Children's Room: Division Head—Corinne Fisher Children's Librarians—Brenda Wettergreen,Rachel Baumgartner,Ashley Waring, Carol Bender, Kathryn Geoffrion Scannell Library Associate—Mary McIntire Pages Kathleen Bowe Meaghan F. Kinton Judy A. Newton Ellen Garrison Meredith Lawrence Teresa Teixeira Custodian—John Davis 463 COMPOST SCHEDULE Oct. and Nov. 2011 0 8:00am - 2:30pm. ��A. Pasquariello '781-944-4212 IM 0 8:00am.- 2:30pm A.Speranza 781-872-1088 • r i 1 am - 2:30pm r Rizzo . �781-944-0099 101% 8:-00am - 2:30pm 8:00am - 2.30pm 1 mro 8:00am - 2:30pm Dick Rizzo i781-944-0099 wrq��IOTZSEM'8:00arn - 2:30pm —'Dave Guarino MEONG 8:00am - 2:30pm 781-944-4212 jjyj Me , s�NMNM,8:00arn - 2:30pm p 781-872-1088 q • 8:00am -_?-30pm Dick R_Izzo 781-944-0099 NFA 8:00am - 2-.30pT_iDave Guarino - 2:30 pm 'A. Pasquariello 781-944-4212 FIM�M 1 11 lm__8�2-1088 IsmF M.* l:W,T, - Dick Rizzo 1781-944-0099 1781-944-6032 Ml�_Dave Guarino 1:01IM-MMMI *�FIIWW��1781-944-4212 11 . 11 if Helena Tibbo 1781-944-8439 8:00am - 2:30pm 00am - 2-30pql_ Dave Guarino �781-944-6032 I M ST MA �8:00am - 2:3Opm_ 781-872-1088 1 N 0=1 0 8:00am - 2:30pm IN 7 81-_9 44-4212 8:00am - 2:30pm �1A.Speranza 781-872-1088 jjlj!F. �VMTMIM18:00arn - 2:30pm Dick Rizzo 1781-944-0099 10,reva r-, 8:00am - 2:30pm 'Dick.Rizzo �781-944-0099 • • , „VMTZIM 8:00am - 2:30pm '7--81-944-4212 1XI 104, • 8:00am -�=._30p IS410S. LIMMATIM18:00am - 2:30pm :1,Dave Guarino �1781-944-6032 1 M STIN 0 8:00am - 2:30prn_ I Dave Guarino 781-944-6032 limema ;8:00am - 2:30pm PRIM I* V1-I 15. MIOM� 8:00am - 2:30pm A.Speranza 781-944-4212 M18:00am - 2:30 Dave Guarino �781-944-6032 _FTM 8:00am - 2:30pm Dick Rizzo 781-944-0099 of . I -M 111P.1119 -1 ll�rl READING FIRE DEPARTMENT The. Reading Fire Department is responsible for four major functions: fire suppression, fire prevention, the emergency medical system and emergency management. This Department is also responsible for coordinating and applying for all reimbursements for State and Federal disaster declarations.In 2010 we have been able to expand the level of service we offer to the community and this has been achieved by aggressively pursuing grants and through the capital plan. The Reading Fire Department provides emergency medical treatment at the Advanced Life Support level (ALS) of care to sick and injured patients. This is the highest level of pre-hospital care available and we are continually expanding this program as the budget permits. In 2010 we added ALS equipment to the fire apparatus that responds out of the Main Street Fire Station. This has enhanced our ability to treat patients who are acutely ill or injured. Emergency management continues to expan d in importance. The primary goal for Emergency Management is to identify areas of vulnerability to the community, to prepare for all disasters whether natural or manmade, to coordinate the response of a wide range of agencies and assist in the recovery phase. A secondary goal is to ensure the Town of Reading is in compliance with all Federal and State requirements to enable the community to remain eligible to receive reimbursement for Federal and State disaster declarations. The Town of Reading is and always has been in full compliance with all Federal and State requirements. Regional Initiatives The Reading Fire Department is participating in a study that is examining the feasibility and cost factors associated with creating a regional public safety dispatch facility. The communities involved' in the project include the Fire and Police Departments of Stoneham, Wakefield, Melrose and the Middlesex Sherriff's Office. We also have personnel who are members of regional response teams. Two Lieutenants and two Firefighters serve as members of the Essex County Technical Rescue Team and one Firefighter serves on the State Hazardous Materials Team. Emergency Activity In 2010 this Department responded to2,768 emergency incidents of which 1,808 were requests for medical assistance and 958 were requests for fire and other emergency responses. We responded to 284 fire incidents that were required to be reported to the State Fire Marshal, of these, 159 were classified as structure fires. The leading fire cause in Reading was cooking related and this is consistent with State data. The Department responded to 1,808 requests for emergency medical treatment and transported 1,024 patients. On January 25, 2010 just after 6:00 PM we responded to an explosion in an occupied home located at 22 Manning Street. One occupant was injured and was treated and transported to a local hospital. Our investigation determined the explosion occurred as a result of a buildup of natural gas in the home due to a gas leak in the street. As a result of this incident, National Grid has replaced approximately 2,200 feet of gas main on Manning Street, Pleasant Street from Gardner to Manning, Smith Avenue and Eaton Street from Smith Avenue to Pleasant Street. 464 Emergency Medical Services The Reading Fire Department provides an Advanced Life Support Level (ALS) of care to the community and this allows Reading Firefighters to treat patients with a wide variety of medications and sophisticated treatment techniques. This level of care is essential to patients who are experiencing a medical emergency that is an immediate threat to their lives. Our emergency medical program is coordinated by Firefighter Joseph Lapolla and Firefighter Scott Myette. The Reading Fire Department responded to 1,810 medical incident's in 2010 and transported 1,022 patients. Of the patients transported, approximately 60% required Advanced Life Support treatment. A review of emergency medical response by category indicates the four highest medical responses are for trauma, general malaise, cardiac disorders and respiratory disorders. In 2010 we implemented several advancements to improve our ability to deliver emergency care to acutely ill patients. With a$60,750 grant from the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program we were able to purchase three new 12 lead defibrillator monitors and replace all our semi automatic defibrillators. The new 12 lead defibrillator monitors have allowed us to complete our expansion of our ALS program to all our fire apparatus. This expansion of ALS equipment to our fire apparatus at the Main Street Fire Station gave our personnel the tools they needed to revive a 49 year old woman was who was in cardiac arrest on the morning of December 21, 2010. The 12 lead defibrillator monitor on Engine 1 was used by one of our Firefighter Paramedics to diagnose the patient's condition and administer two shocks. The ALS level treatment restored a normal rhythm to the patient's heart. Patient care was transferred to our ambulance and treatment continued enroute to the hospital. Our follow up with the receiving hospital two days later indicated the patient was awake, orientated and was not experiencing any deficits as a result of the cardiac arrest. We have added new medications on the ambulance such as nebulized epinephrine for pediatric croup and implemented new EMS reporting software. The new system has allowed us to expand our oversight of our EMS program. This will to improve quality control and patient care and will allow us to comply with mandatory EMS Reporting to the State. Fire Prevention Lieutenant Paul Jackson is assigned the position of Day Officer. The Day Officer is responsible to ensure all life safety systems for new construction and renovations are designed and installed properly. This requires pre-construction meetings, plan review, code research and continual site visits to ensure proper installation. In 2010 several building renovations were monitored and 976 inspections were completed including. Building renovations and construction projects receive a code review and construction monitoring. In May 2010, Town Meeting accepted MGL 148 Section 26I. This law requires residential buildings with four or more units which are constructed new, or substantially altered to constitute the equivalence of new construction, to be equipped with automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code. Acceptance of this statute will improve the life safety of the occupants in new and renovated large residential buildings. 465 For existing buildings, the Day Officer is responsible to ensure all life safety systems are maintained properly. Other areas of responsibility include ensuring the safety and code compliance of flammable and combustible product storage and coordinating the maintenance of Department vehicles. Lieutenant Jackson is involved in school safety initiatives. He is an active member of the NEMLEC (North East Metropolitan.Law Enforcement Counsel) Stars Program. This program is designed to assist school systems to prepare and respond to a wide variety of threats to the school environment. SAFE and Community Education Firefighter John Jenks coordinates the Reading Fire Department's S.A.F.E. Program. This fire safety education program is delivered in the Reading Public School System and continues to receive a high level of support from School Administrators and children. This program is funded by a$4,500 grant provided by the State. Our SAFE program features an in-house developed age appropriate curriculum for each grade level K through 5. Reading Firefighters trained as S.A.F.E educators visit each school classroom of kindergarten through grade 5 to deliver the fire prevention and anti-smoking,message. Firefighters use a new specially designed trailer that is shared by the Metrofire District to present a very real fire scenario to the students. Using this training aid,the children are taught life saving skills in a controlled setting that is not possible to duplicate in the classroom. The S.A.F.E. Trailer is available to the Reading Fire Department and 33 other communities in the greater Boston area free of charge. Reading Emergency Management Agency Emergency Management is an active component of the Department. Housed within Reading's Emergency Management Agency are two separate functions: Emergency Management and the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Reading is also part of the North East Homeland Security Region (NERAC). NERAC is one of the 5 Massachusetts homeland securityy regions created by the Executive Office of Public Safety. Federal and State legislation requires every community in the country to have a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The LEPC identifies areas where the population is most at risk from a hazardous materials release, facilities and transportation routes that contain hazardous materials and resources that would be used to mitigate an incident. The Reading Fire Department has developed a Hazardous Materials Emergency Plan to meet both Federal and State statutory planning requirements. The Fire Chief is the Local Emergency Planning Committee Chairman for the Town of Reading. To pool resources, the Town of Reading has joined with eleven other communities and formed the Mystic Regional Emergency Planning Committee. The Mystic Regional Emergency Planning Committee is designed to facilitate the sharing of resources.in the event of an emergency and has attained Full Certification Status by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. 466 This year we completed a planning initiative to develop a Town wide Continuity of Operations Plan and a Continuity of Govenunent Plan. These plans are designed to assist all Departments of the Town to recover from a disaster that impacts our operations. The plan identifies a secession plan and key areas of operation for each Department. In 2010 we improved and strengthened our ability to provide emergency shelters to our residents. Through a $17,490 grant from the Northeast Homeland Security Council we purchased emergency supplies that improve the speed and efficiency in which we can move our emergency supplies to the shelter. Additionally we had all our emergency shelters surveyed by a member of the Red Cross. This action allows us to be able to use Red Cross Staff in the event we need to open a shelter and predetermines the number of people the shelter will handle and the amenities offered. Emergency Management was involved in the boil water order that was issued by the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority on Saturday, May 1, 2010 that lasted until Tuesday, May 4, 2010. In response to this incident, representatives of all Town and School Departments met together and developed a plan to distribute bottled water for residents and School buildings. The response placed the Town of Reading's emergency response planning into operation and required participation from all Town Departments. The response, participation and cooperation from all Departments was excellent. In March of 2010 severe rainstorms struck the Town and damaged several Town and School Buildings. The Reading Fire Department coordinated the request for reimbursement from FEMA for damages to Town and School buildings and as a result received a reimbursement of$56,555 from FEMA for the cost of the emergency response and damages to public buildings. Fire Alarm The municipal fire alarm system in Reading is in excellent condition. This is a direct result of the planning, care and maintenance given to the system by our dedicated Fire Alarm Technicians, Brian Ryan and Bruce Ayer. When appropriate,we are connecting new and remodeled buildings to the municipal fire alarm system to ensure a rapid response to an incident. Personnel Firefighter Robert Loring was recognized as the Reading Firefighter of the Year at the Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce Citizen Awards Dinner held on Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Firefighter Loring was selected by Department members for his response as an emergency medical volunteer to victims of the Haiti earthquake. Firefighter Loring serves as a volunteer with Medical Teams International and he spent two weeks in Haiti providing medical treatment to the victims of the disaster. Other Initiatives Firefighter Scott Myette coordinates the Reading Fire Department's Muscular Dystrophy fund raising efforts and he was notified that the Reading Fire Department has won the Per Capita Award for Muscular Dystrophy Association this year. The award was given because the Reading Fire Department raised the most money per capita in the State. 467 Conclusion Over the last year we have strived to make advancements in all areas of the Department. We have increased the level of training for our personnel, introduced new technology and equipment and aggressively pursued resources through public safety grants. The Advanced Life Support Program has been expanded to all fire apparatus and continues to provide Reading residents with the highest level of emergency medical care in this area. The condition of our fire apparatus is excellent and this increases our efficiency and capability at the scene of emergency. I would like to thank all Town Officers, Boards, Departments,members of the Reading Fire Department and especially the citizens of Reading for their continued high level of support and assistance. Respectfully submitted, Gregory J. Burns Chief of Fire Department Reading Fire Department Roster- Chief of Department Gregory J. Burns Captains Kenneth N. Campbell Philip B. Boisvert Paul F. Guarino Peter L. Marchetti Lieutenants Paul D. Jackson Richard L.S. Nelson David T. Ballou Marls F. Dwyer Richard A. Puopolo Firefighters Matthew McSheehy David Gentile Sean Devlin Daniel Cahoon Michael Belmonte Scott Myette Michael Holmes William VanHorn Bruce Ayer David Roy Lisa Palermo Paul Dalton Robert McCarthy Michael Wood Ryan Buckley Patrick Wallace Scott Dole Joseph Lapolla Brian Ryan John Jenks Paul Damocogno Stephen Pelrine Eric Blackman Garrett Antanavica Robert Beck Paul Roy David Ferreira Stephen Murphy Derek Loftus Christopher Germain David Robidoux Dana Ballou Robert Loring Anthony Delsignore Thomas McCarthy Stephen Binari *Robert Drake Secretary Cynthia M. Keenan Resigned position *Hired to fill vacancy ^Retired 468 Fire Department Statistics for 2010 Permit Fees collected $11,979 Ambulance Fees Collected $506,783 Fire and Emergency Responses 958 Emergency Ambulance Calls 1810 Inspections 976 469 READING POLICE.DEPARTMENT Mission and Value Statement The Reading Police'Department is coma-Atted to providing the highest level of public safety and service to the citizens and business people within the community. The members of the Department are empowered to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the By-laws of the Town of Reading to ensure that the peace and tranquility of our neighborhoods are maintained and that crime and the fear of crime are reduced. We emphasize and value integrity, honesty, impartiality and professionalism from our members in order to create an environment that values differences and fosters fairness and flexibility in our mission. We encourage citizen input and interaction that will assist us in developing sound partnerships between the community and police. Working together we can protect our,future and enhance the quality of life for everyone within the town. The Reading Police Department, and the community as a whole, experienced growth, change and transformation in calendar year 2010. More personnel changes occurred within the Police Department including one new Command Staff promotion and one new police officer was hired to fill an existing opening. This report summarizes the participation, activities, sponsorships, enhancements, accomplishments, and other notable events of the Reading Police Department in Calendar year 2010. Personnel Changes The following personnel changes and adjustments were experienced by the Police Department in calendar year 2010. February 2010 ■ Sgt. Richard Abate was promoted to Sergeant, assigned to the Night Patrol Division. March 2010 • Officer Corey Santasky was assigned as the School Resource Officer. • Officer Justin Martel was assigned as Acting Safety Officer. Apri12010 • Officers Michael Lee and Christine Amendola deployed with their Army National Guard Military Police Unit to Afghanistan. • Recruit Officer Mark Mullen was hired and began training at the META Police Academy in Quincy, MA. October 2010 ■ Officer Mark Mullen graduated from the MBTA Police Academy. Awards and recognitions March 2010 ■ The following police officers and dispatcher were honored as the Reading Police Departments "2009 Officer of, the Year" at the Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce Dinner; Officers Matthew Edson, David Savio, Sean Wilson, Ian Nelson, Corey Santasky, Robert MacHugh and Dispatcher Debra Haynes. This group award was 470 presented for the life saving actions taken when they manually lifted a car off its owner after it fell off car j acks while he worked under it. May 2010 ■ The Board of Selectmen recognized National Police Memorial Week. Community Policing The Reading Police Department continues to work closely with the community and other Town. Departments, as well as State and Federal Agencies. The Police Department strongly promotes the philosophy of"working with the community". The Department sponsors or participates in a number of community events and/or programs,the following are a number of those. ■ The Police Department continues to be an active member of the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA). Chief James Cormier and School Resource Office Corey Santasky are active members of the RCASA. ■ The Police Department was able to collaborate with the RCASA to be awarded grant funding that enables the Department to conduct alcohol compliance checks. The Detective Division has worked closely with the RCASA to be trained and implement alcohol compliance checks throughout the community. The Police Department, working with RCASA, is able to boast 100%compliance in our checks. ■ The Police Department is represented on the Human Relations Advisory Committee. (HRAC) Chief Cormier. The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program which is a self defense course designed specifically for women, has been and continues to be one of the Reading Police Department's most successful programs. Two Basic Adult RAD classes were held, graduating 52 women. The Police Department in partnership with The Reading Public Schools expanded the RAD program by offering RadKIDS. This course is designed specifically for boys and girls in the 5 to 11 year range. Both programs cover a multitude of topics including stranger danger, internet safety, good touch and bad touch, bullying, gun safety, and anti abduction techniques. Two radKIDS classes were offered, graduating 27 boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 11 years of age. Sgt. Clark, Sgt. Abate, Detective Iapicca, Detective Halloran, Officer Lavita, Officer Nelson, Officer Amendola and Officer Stasiak are the dedicated instructors ■ In June, police officers & their families participated in the Challenger Softball game, where they are afforded an opportunity to interact with children with special needs in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. • Also in June, the Department participated in Friends and Family Day held at Birch Meadow. Officer Collins. • The Department participates annually in the Library's Vehicle Day in August, where children of all ages get to enjoy the Town vehicles of the community. Officers Collins, Picco. ■ Throughout the year, the Department participated in the Governors' Highway Safety Bureau's "Click-it or Ticket"program. This program is an intensified traffic enforcement effort subsidized by a grant that targets specific traffic issues, such as seat belt use, or impaired operation. Lt. Stamatis, Sgt McKenna. ■ In October, the Department, in conjunction with its labor unions, organized its annual Senior Ham and Bean Supper at the Senior Center. Officer Collins. 471 • In December, the Department, in conjunction with its labor unions, organized the 30th annual Children's Holiday Party at Austin Preparatory School. Again collaborating with the Free Masons (Reading Lodge) to offer the Child Identification Program (CHIP) providing over 80 identification kits. Officer Collins. • The Department's Web Site http://www.ei.reading.ma.us/Pages/ReadingM�A Police/index is very successful and offers a variety of information for the public. Lt. Stamatis. • Safety Officer Martel gave safety talks to the following schools and groups: • Joshua Eaton School; Topic-Safety Day. • Barrows School; Topic-Summer Camp Safety Day for children with autism. • Birch Meadow School; Topic-Safety Talk. • Coolidge Middle School; Topic-Career Day; Summer Camp Safety, Summer Camp Bullying. • Little Treasure's School; Topic-Safety Tally on Notifying People Where You Are Going, Halloween Safety and book reading with the children. • Elderberry Lane complex; Topic-Senior Safety and Telephone Scams ■ In response to the community's ongoing concerns with traffic enforcement, the Police Department utilized grant fielding to augment specific traffic enforcement efforts throughout the year. ■ The Police Department was actively involved in the planning and successful implementation of the second annual Fall Street Faire in September. The downtown was cordoned off to provide a street festival in the square and down Haven St. The event was declared a huge success and is expected to be repeated going forward. Patrol Division The Reading Police Patrol Division is the core of policing services in the Town of Reading. The Patrol Division falls under the command of Lieutenant David Stamatis during daytime operations and Lieutenant Peter Garchinsky on nights. The Patrol Division is comprised of 2 Sergeants and 10 Patrol Officers during the day; and 4 Sergeants and 12 Patrol Officers on nights. The Patrol Division is the most visible section of the police department, providing around the clock service to the citizens and visitors to Reading. They are the uniformed Officers who provide the first line of defense for the public's safety. Each law enforcement patrol officer works to protect life and property, uphold the civil rights of individuals, preserve public peace, provide citizen assistance, enforce criminal and motor vehicle laws, and respond to emergency situations. These are dedicated and committed professionals who place their lives and well being in jeopardy for the citizens of Reading on a daily basis. The Patrol Division currently consists of 8 supervisors and 22 sworn officers. It currently operates a fleet of 5 Ford Crown Victoria's as well as a Ford Explorer and Expedition. In addition to standard patrol the Reading Police Department's Patrol Division also employs a, motorcycle and 7 pedal bikes. The men and women of the Patrol Division are responsible for enforcing state and municipal. laws and regulations designed to protect life and property; maintain order in an assigned district or beat; patrol the community to preserve the peace and to prevent crime; take criminal reports 472 and interview witnesses and suspects; apprehend fugitives and criminals; collect evidence and give testimony in court; conduct investigations for all misdemeanor and many felony cases; direct traffic, issue traffic tickets, investigate accidents, and make arrests; participate in crime prevention, public information, and safety programs. Patrol officers maintain closer contact with the public than any other section of the police department. Most likely, the first person you will see when you are in need of the police will be the patrol officer. The men and women of the Reading Police Department's Patrol Division tale great pride in serving the citizens of Reading. It is important to realize that in a split second, the most inconsequential and routine activity can develop into a potentially hazardous situation. Without question, the Patrol Division is the backbone of the police department. In 2010, the Patrol Division issued 4,496 moving violations, made 213 arrests and answered 12,576 calls for service throughout the Reading Community. Detective Division The Detective Division is the liaison of.the Police Department with the Reading Public Schools as well as the Northeast Regional Vocational School in Wakefield. School Resource Officer Corey Santasky was the Division's primary liaison in 2010. SRO Santasky was selected as SRO in March of 2010, to replace Richard Abate who was promoted to thexank of Sergeant. Outlined are a number of the Detective Division's activities for 2010 ® Actively participated in the Criminal Based Justice System; this system brings together the Reading Police Department, Reading Public Schools, Austin Preparatory High School, The Middlesex County District Attorneys Office and the Probation Department to share information. ■ Member of the Middlesex Partnership for Youth-Project Alliance. This is a program sponsored by the Middlesex County District Attorney's office that provides educational opportunities for law enforcement, schools and other professionals in the areas relative to school and juvenile issues. ■ Member of the Woburn Court Substance Abuse Initiative, linking the seven communities that fall under the jurisdiction of Woburn District Court to combat the substance abuse issue in the area. Through this initiative, the Heroin Education Awareness Task Force (H.E.A.T.)was developed. ® Member of the NEMLEC Detective Group, a regional detective group incorporating over 40 cities and towns in the region, that freely exchanges information of interest. ■ Participating member of the Domestic Abuse Roundtable; a meeting of the Middlesex District Attorney's office and the seven Woburn District Court police agencies to exchange and update information regarding domestic violence. ■ Participating member of the Juvenile Fire Setters, educational information regarding juvenile fire setters. ■ Worked in conjunction with the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse to conduct many alcohol compliance checks of all pouring establishments and liquor stores in Town. ■ Members of the Detective Division attended many training programs in the areas of alcohol compliance enforcement, search warrant preparation, domestic violence, criminal, drug and narcotics investigatory techniques and prosecution. 473 ■ Detectives worked in conjunction with Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse Director Erica McNamara to develop and maintain the "RX Round-tip" prescription collection program. ■ Sgt. Detective Segalla and SRO Santasky attended a weeklong "CADCA" (Community Anti-Drug Collations of America) conference on Drug Free Communities in Phoenix, Arizona. ■ The Detective Division is exploring many options in utilizing social media to distribute information to the public: Public Safety Dispatch The Reading Public Safety Dispatchers provide, through communications, a lifeline for the community, Police Officers and Firefighters. Eight full time dispatchers and one per them dispatcher are under the direct supervision of the Head Dispatcher and under the command of the Day Shift Patrol Division Commander Lt. David Stamatis. Dispatchers receive requests for information and services, then triage those request based on available resources, and disseminate those request to the emergency personnel in the field. Dispatchers greet the public entering the police station and provide a valuable service to our community. Each year, Dispatchers attend various training seminars to expand their knowledge and'provide a higher level of service. Dispatchers recorded 32,703 calls for service in 2010 and issued 3713 Community Access Stickers. The Dispatch Corps are the face of Reading Public Safety. In most cases they are the first interaction the public has with a Public Safety agency. Over the past year, there have been no changes in the staffing level of the Communications Center which builds on the stability of the division. Crossing Guards The school crossing guards are part-time civilian personnel. Currently there are twenty, permanently assigned crossing guards and eight spares that fill in when a regular crossing guard is unable to cover their post. They are under the direct supervision, coordination and control of Acting Safety Officer Justin Martel while Officer Michael Lee is deployed in Afghanistan. Each crossing guard plays an essential role in ensuring the safe commute of children to and from school. They also serve as an extra set of eyes and cars for the police department and the community as well. These crossing guards have proven to be devoted to their duties and are a great asset to the Town of Reading. Animal Control The Animal Control Officer is Ronald Bums. He works 13 hours per week and is on call for emergency situations. There were more than 350 calls for service received by the Animal Control Officer. There were 9 dog bites over the year resulting in injuries to humans. There were 5 dog to dog bites resulting in veterinary care. There were 6 bites over the year resulting from animal of unknown ownership (5 dogs and I cat). There were 7 cat bites to humans reported. Those that tested negative for rabies were quarantined for 10 days. There were over 30 coyote sightings and missing cat calls reported. Over 271 fines and citations were issued to residents for failure to keep their dog on a leash, failure to license their dog, and for biting. The majority of the calls were received for neighbors complaining about other dogs. 474 The Animal Control Officer is authorized to isolate and confine domestic animals suspected of being exposed to rabies. Acting according to state regulations and guidelines, Animal Control Officers must: ® Investigate reports of domestic animals exposed to rabies. ■ Determine if the domestic animal has or may have been exposed to a rabid animal, and if the domestic animal has been properly vaccinated. ® Make an evaluation of the exposure of the vaccinated animal and prescribe the appropriate action according to state regulations. ■ Obtain permission to euthanize exposed, unvaccinated animals from their owners or from the Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture(MDFA). ® Carry out euthanasia permitted by the animal owner or MDFA. Collect the head of the euthanatized animal and deliver or send it to MDPH State Laboratory Institute if the animal has bitten or otherwise exposed a human or domestic animal. ® Inspect residential kennels that house 4 or more dogs. • Ensure that vaccinate domestic animals receive a booster vaccination if needed, and that the animal remains under appropriate strict confinement or isolation. • Contact local officials when exposed domestic animals have exposed humans. Although the Animal control Officer is not responsible for handling wildlife calls, he evaluates such calls and assists where possible. He provides contact numbers for the appropriate State or private agency to handle wildlife issues beyond the Town's control. Parking]Enforcement Officer The Parking Enforcement Officer is Ronald Burns. He works 18 hours per week. The major responsibilities of the Parking Enforcement Officer are: ■ •Identify and cite motorists who violate Readings parking regulations and reduce opportunities for violations to be committed through preventive patrols of all parking areas. ■ Tally and inventory tickets daily. ■ Identify parking problem areas within the town and forward this information to the Safety Officer. ■ Perform related duties as required. Total citations issued by the Parking Enforcement Officer in 2010 are 1,582. ■ Total income from parking citations is $43,540. ■ 84% of the citations were paid. ■ 11% of the citations were marked for non-payment. The following is the Department Roster, a statistical analysis of our enforcement efforts and a record of revenues generated by our department for calendar year 2010. 475 READING POLICE DEPARTMENT-2010 ROSTER Chief James W. Cormier Lieutenants Executive Officer Lt. Richard W. Robbins Lt. David M. Stamatis Lt. Peter C. Garchinsky Sergeants Bruce F. Russell Mark J. O'Brien Francis G. Duclos John T. McKenna David J. Clark Richard P. Abate Detective Division Sgt. Detective Mark Segalla Detectives: Michael D. Saunders; Derek Holmes,Pasquale Iapicca,Michelle Halloran School Resource Officer Corey P. Santasky Support Services Community Service Officer Safety,Officer Armorer James P. Collins Justin Martel(Acting) Christopher Picco Michael R. Lee (Military Leave) Patrol Officers Christine Amendola Joseph Belmonte Michael C. Bouvier Kevin M. Brown Jr. (Military Leave) Anthony F. Caturello Erik Drauschke John C. Edson Matthew C. Edson Michael P. Fitzgerald Keith D. Hurley Christopher E. Jones Savvi Lavita Robert MacHugh Jr Justin P. Martel Mark Mullen Ian A. Nelson Corey Santasky David,Savio Patrick Silva Kristen Stasiak Christopher Voegelin Sean M. Wilson READING POLICE DEPARTMENT 2010 ANCILLARY PERSONNEL Business Administrator Andrew Scribner-MacLean Clerks Administrative Assistant Victoria Cummings 476 Principal Clerk Joanne Power Dispatchers Head Dispatcher Victoria Avery Dispatchers Christopher Finnegan Debra Haynes Ryan Mahoney Joseph Pagnotta John Rawcliffe Regina Saunders Susan Tapley Matthew Vatcher School Crossing Guards Cindy Asci Dick Baker Mildred Barton Cheryl Buclanan Doug Cowell Bob DeWolfe Art Dickensen Peg Faulkner Gerry Intonti Lucy hltonti Tina Lantz Leon Leighton Marsha Leighton Joe Lopiccolo Louann MacKinnon Kris McNeil Don Pierce Dick Prudente Patricia Tilton Rosemary Violante Spare School Crossing Guards: Bob Bent Maryann LaFleur Allan Sletterink George Snow I Richard Stoez Lynne Upton I Joe Veno Animal Control Officer/Parking Enforcement Officer Ronald Burns Service Statistics calendar year 2010: • Arrests 213 • Protective Custody 32 • Motor Vehicle Citations 4496 • Parking Violations 1582 • Detective Criminal Investigations 162 • Automobile Crashes Investigated 446 Fees Collected calendar year 2010: • License to Carry Permits $ 1,687.50 • Firearm Identification Cards $ 337.50 • Police Reports Copied $ 1,942.50 • Parking Fines $43,540.00 • Administrative Fees for details $31,914.86 , • Community Access Stickers $79,680.00 • Parking Space Rentals $36,950.00 ■ Civil Motor Vehicle Infractions $50,449.20 ■ Community Room Rental fee $ 190.00 Motor Vehicle Lease Surcharge $ 2,178.00 477 Conclusion: To summarize our Mission Statement, we are empowered to enforce the laws of our land, but in order to do this appropriately and adequately we have to work with the community. Providing the community with the highest level of police service is a goal than will require dedication, hard work and a strong commitment to and from our community. I want to thank the citizens of our community for their support and cooperation. Working with the community, your police department will accomplish its mission. Respectfully submitted, James W. Cormier Chief of Police 478 READING COALITION AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE Key Milestones Expanded the youth leadership crew and engaging local parents. Y Strengthened police enforcement to reduce minors' access to alcohol. • Modified policies implemented on school issues. • Launched,prescription disposal program. • Passed Town by-law to prohibit public consumption of marijuana. • Improved local data collection. . o Increased understanding amongst youth,parents and residents of environmental strategies and multi-sector collaboration to reduce substance abuse. Board of Directors The board met monthly at the Reading Police Department Community,Room throughout the fiscal year. Board members grappled with challenging issues this past fiscal year and worked to raise the profile of the coalition. RCASA leaders provided support for School Policy changes which led to the implementation of the School Breathalyzer/Search & Seizure Policies by the School Committee. Student Representatives provided valuable status reports on their tobacco prevention project and other Youth Crew initiatives. Board members served on a variety of workgroups and committees to accomplish critical tasks including data gathering, outreach, and leadership development. Coalition leaders appointed the nominating committee to fill vacant slots and recruit members. A report of the roster changes and motions related to by-laws was provided at the FY2010 Annual Meeting. We mourned the loss of Patrick Schettini, charter member of RCASA and former Superintendent of Schools in January 2010. Youth Crew leaders delivered a moving speech in honor or Mr. Schettini's valuable contributions to the coalition. Awards RCASA Underage Drinking Town Hall Event, April 2010, the "Outstanding Youth Advocate" awards were presented to three coalition leaders including Sgt. Richard Abate, Elaine Webb and Pastor Pam Paquette. Northeast Regional Tobacco Prevention Advocate Award, May 2010 - Timothy O'Sullivan, RCASA Youth Crew, was presented with an award for regional youth leadership by the 84 -MA Tobacco Control Program. The event was televised on Channel 5-WCVB. Reading Memorial Hiyh School Ceremony for Senior Awards, May 2010 - The awards for "Outstanding Youth Leadership were presented to six RCASA youth leaders including Taylor McLelland, Dan Pomerleau, Tim O'Sullivan, Alex Grizzell, Courtney Farrar and Will Cunningham. 479 Reading MHS Graduation Ceremony, June 2010- The awards for"Outstanding Contributions to Reading Memorial High School Health & Wellness" were presented to Maxwell Lawton and Shawna-Leigh Morton by Tom Zaya, Chair of the Wellness Department on behalf of RCASA. President's Volunteer Service Awards, Annual Meeting, September 2010- The awards for President's Volunteer Service were presented by the Board of Selectman and School Committee at the RCASA Annual Meeting in 2010. • Nancy-Linn Swain was honored with "The President's Volunteer Service Bronze Award" and the"The President's Volunteer Service Silver Award". • Barbara Meade, the Chairperson for the Board of Health was honored with "The President's Volunteer Service Bronze Award." Official town proclamations for the 2009 Red Ribbon Week and 2010 Recovery Month were issued by the Board of Selectman. Committees/Workgroups The Executive Board comprised of the Town Manager, Police Chief, Superintendent and RCASA President met bi-weekly with the RCASA Director to provide guidance. The Data Workgroup (DWG) The workgroup included sector representatives from school, police, and evaluation. The DWG . worked with the Director and met quarterly to support data collection. The leaders created pathways for staff to access additional school, police and town data. The table below outlines new data collected: . __.._........_......................_..._......_.._........._.._..... _.._._-__...........-...._.._.........._..._....._...------.._........_....._:.........._.. ..._:_...__..............__._.___.. .__.:....__..........w..._......._....._..............._....._......_..._............................ 3 Type Source Comments Death Health Dept/ Director conducted a manual review of 1,600 death Certificates Cleric's certificates from 2005-2010 Records ' School High School Principal Freedman provided all substance abuse Disciplinary related incidents from 2005-2010 Records Police Data Reading Detective Halloran ran all substance abuse and Police related incidents from 2005-2010. Manual review of Detective's key cases. Division .........................................__................................................._......................................_...............__.__....._..........:_.............................._..............._._-.._..--------- ......_...._......................_--_._. _.......................... _._.._.__._ Fire Data Fire Dept. Pvt. Lapolla and Capt. Guarino gathered data for all overdose calls and any cases involving Narcan i.e. indicator of opiate overdose. 480 .......... .............................. School Data School Dept.- an Tom Zaya d wellness teachers administered the 20 09 YRBS survey and shared results sults w. i th RCASA. SA 1......._........._....._._........._............................................................. ..............................._I ............. ..................... .......... .......I.-........................................__............ Tobacco MA Tobacco Ron Beauregard,regional representative provided Compliance Control compliance rates for the last 5 years. Program i Other Youth Crew Youth Crew leaders conducted a survey of 40 stores Tobacco regarding availability of other tobacco products. Products 'Survey .................................... ................... ...................................... The DWG obtained permission to host a joust meeting of the,Board of Selectman, Board of Health and School Committee to receive the final DWG report on September 30, 2010. Special thanks to Chief James Cormier, Sgt. Det. Mark Segalla, Det. Michelle Halloran, Sgt. Richard Abate, Supt. John Doherty, Principal Elinor Freedman, Sara Grinnell, Chris' Caruso, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Nancy-Linn Swain, Erica McNamara, Officer Corey Santasky, Thomas Zaya, Darlene Foley, Ron Beauregard, Larry Ramdin, Capt. Paul Guarino, Pvt. Joe Lapolla, Connie DeBenedetto and the RCASA Youth Crew Leaders. The Risk Behavior Workgroup (RBW) The focus of this group was to develop ways to educate the school community on multiple risk behaviors including substance abuse. The RBW presented the results of the 2009 Reading Youth Risk Behavior Survey to the School Committee M' the fall of 2009. A series of smaller presentations were conducted with PTOs in the school district. The 2009 state and national results were compiled into comparison charts. The RBW included adults and students from the high school. The group sponsored an in-service training for faculty on Sexual Assault & Children in the last fiscal year. An experienced panel of speakers from law enforcement and SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program) provided valuable information for adults that work with young people to better identify and refer victims of childhood sexual assault. Information Was also shared on the links between childhood trauma and substance abuse. Special thanks to Sgt. Detective Mark Segalla, Detective Michell& Halloran, and Sgt. Richard Abate-for their expertise in developing this training. The workgoup also planned the lst Annual Health & Wellness Day at the Reading Memorial High School in the spring of 2010. This special day featured in-service training, student workshops, and health fair. The project also included an evening parent presentation on Social Host Liability. The event reached over 900 high school students and 200 8th grade students. Special thanks to Tom Zaya, Event Chair and RCASA youth, leaders for their hard work in 481 planning and executing this event. The Reading Public Schools and"Middlesex Partnerships for Youth''provided the parent presentation. The Youth Crew comprised of 35 members focused on youth leadership, media campaign development, outreach, and prevention products. The Youth Crew launched a Student Club at Reading Memorial High School in November of 2009. Youth Crew representatives conducted a speaking engagement at a local elementary school for Red Ribbon Week. They conducted an in- depth. research project on "other tobacco products" and presented their research to key town stakeholders. They participated in local, regional an'd state-wide training with the Mass Youth Against Tobacco and M-ADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). They established connections to state and national networks by developing student chapters. The Student Club earned chapter status with the Mass Youth Against Tobacco's '84' Initiative in the fall of 2009. The "84" represents the eighty-four percent of Massachusetts youth that choose not to use tobacco. The Student Club also established a SADD chapter in the fall of 2010. In addition to special events, the Youth Crew leaders met every other Sunday for five brs throughout the school year and two afternoons a week during the summer to develop their projects. The Student'.Club met every Tuesday at Reading Memorial High School throughout the school year. They conducted a tobacco prevention project and co-organized the first Health &Wellness Day. The club was featured in the high school yearbook for the first time and ended their school year with an ice cream social. The advisors for the club included RCASA Staff, Chair of the Wellness Department and the School.Resource Officer. Staff: Erica McNamara, RCASA Director, and Connie DeBenedetto, RCASA Outreach Coordinator. Personnel/Consultants: JBS Professional Services (municipal and law enforcement training) - Sara Grinnell(Evaluation Services)-Youth(dialogues,prevention campaigns and underage operatives) Coalition Progress and Highlights Objective. # 1: Implement strategic plan and mobilize the community to support the RCASA mission. Results: • RCASA staff and Youth Crew reached 2,351 individuals compared to 868 people in FY09. Objective#2: Monitor fiscal and reporting obligations Results: • Completed federal Drug Free Communities reports and all required reports for the Health Resources in Action mini grant on tobacco research. Objective# 3: Coordinate community needs assessment and data collection Results: 482 • Reviewed more than 2,500 surveys and/or evaluations to expand the RCASA community needs assessment. Objective.#4: Facilitate meetings, community forums, and groups Results: • Co-sponsored the 1"Annual Health&Wellness Day and Social Host Liability workshop, 1,140 students, faculty and parents. Objective#5: Communicate progress of coalition activities Results: • Staff generated 40 press releases, news features, or fact sheets which yielded 18 articles. • Staff worked with youth leaders to develop 4 e-newsletters for coalition members. 90% of content developed by youth leaders. 483 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Director's Report I would like to thank the Board of Selectmen and Town Manager for their help and support this past year. In these times of dwindling resources, and ever increasing expenses, it certainly is a challenge maintaining the current level of services we provide to the residents of Reading, yet in 2010 we were, for the most part, able to do just that. In addition, I would like to thank all department employees for their continued support, cooperation, hard work, dedication, and demonstrated pride, which is evident in the excellent daily service and programs they provide and projects they complete. Department personnel continue to be actively involved as members, liaisons, or staff consultants to a number of boards and committees, including the Fall Faire Committee, Municipal Building Committee, Town Cemetery Board, Town Forest Committee, etc. We provided support and assistance to other Town Departments with various projects and programs throughout the year, several of which are outlined in this report. The department had another busy year in 2010 with numerous projects and programs, while still providing outstanding customer service that has become a trademark of the department. Specific goals that were realized include the renegotiation of a new multi-year solid waste rubbish/recycling contract with current contractor JRM, 5-ye4r extension to our contract with our disposal contractor Covanta, and revision of our snowplow contract hiring procedures from a bid to a set-rate process. Over the next year we will continue to look to make improvements and efficiencies,with specific reference to the 2008 DPW Management study as an outline guide, issues to include vehicle maintenance,project tracking, and employee training. All this work requires major teamwork/group effort to accomplish. It is a credit to ALL employees that these major, high profile, projects and programs were completed in a timely, cost effective manner, while at the same time providing the daily, routine type tasks needed and expected by our residents, our customers. We are confident, that in the year ahead, this department will continue to build upon its established foundation of excellence. Administration Comment The Administration Division supported the Department with procurement administration, water and sewer billing, budget preparation and coordination, departmental personnel and payroll 484 services, accounts payable processing, cemetery administration services and responses to public inquiries and concerns over all Public Works areas of responsibility. Significant projects included ➢ Procurement and management of over 25 contracts throughout the public works divisions including highway projects and supplies, water and sewer main projects, rubbish/recycling and snow removal. ➢ 2010 was the fifth and final year of a five year contract for our Town-wide solid waste collection and curbside recycling ending in July 2011. The Town chose to extend the contract for an additional 5 year term with our contract vendor, JRM. The new contract will terminate in 2016. The town's vendor, JRM, offered new program changes beginning in October 2010 featuring mandatory recycling with a 4-barrel limit, free bulk- waste pickup, and TV/CRT and appliance pickups arranged through their office. ➢ The town renewed its contract with Covanta for rubbish disposal through June 2015 at a competitive rate. ➢ Coordinated two Household Hazardous.Waste Day collection events with the Town of Wakefield. ➢ USI Services completed the first year of their contract with an option year to install new water meters. This is. the fourth year of the water meter replacement program. All residents will receive new water meters by 2012. ➢ Provided- procurement assistance to other.Town Departments and Divisions including quotes/contracts for the Library Services, Community Services, and the Technical Division. ➢ Overall facilitation of the Water Conservation Rebate Program: Appointment scheduling, rebate processing and tracking of high-efficiency washing machines, low-flow toilets, and irrigation system rain sensors, and rain barrels. Coordination of program was brought in-house, allowing greater flexibility, and saving thousands of dollars for the town. ➢ Coordination of The Street Sign Lottery— a unique opportunity to sponsor, purchase, or take a chance on a piece of Reading memorabilia. ➢, Increased recycling efforts through continued media and educational initiatives have resulted in additional residential, condominium, and school groups joining in our recycling efforts, thereby reducing our disposal tonnage. In 2010, every Reading school joined the recycling effort with red bins in every classroom,and du mpsters for cardboard and paper. This has led to significant savings for the town. Emphasis continues on providing public information, responding to inquiries and concerns, and improving all areas of public communications. 485 Cemetery Division Interments— 100 Interments for all years— 14,626 Markers set_ 13 Foundations—25 Monuments.re-set 40 Sale of Lots Forest Glen—5 lots sold in the Urn Garden. Total for all years—2056 lots, 798 single graves. Charles Lawn— 3 lots, 6 single and veterans' graves—Total for all years — 492 lots, 253 single and veterans graves. Wood End—22 lots and 4 single grave—Total for all years—372 lots, 31 single graves. Cooperation from other divisions of Public Works was outstanding and much appreciated. The Board of Cemetery Trustees has been very supportive of all the numerous programs and goals of this division Custodian of Veteran's Graves Interments—WWII— 19 Korea—3 Vietnam—2 Peacetime- 1 Total of all veteran's interred- 1,736 As has been the custom for many years, all veteran's graves were decorated with a flag and a potted flower for Memorial Day. Engineering Division The Engineering Division provides engineering services to all Departments within the Town of Reading. The Division is responsible for preparation of plans, contract documents, specifications and estimates; survey layout, inspection, design, and construction management of Town construction projects; upkeep of traffic markings; review of subdivision plans and site plans for accuracy and conformance with the subdivision and site plan rules and regulations; review of conservation submittals, preparation of subdivision and conservation bond estimates, inspection of subdivision construction and the administration of the pavement management program and the Chapter 90 roadway improvement program. The Division also provides technical assistance and guidance on various Town projects, performs traffic studies, regulates and inspects private construction activities within Town roadways; and is responsible for the maintenance of all records concerning the subdivision of land, roadway, water, sewer and drainage construction, town maps and the issuance of various permits. During the year the following construction projects were completed: 486 Roadway Improvements Pinevale Avenue, Juniper Circle, Bear Hill Road, North Street, Temple Street, Harrison Street, Haverhill Street (Timberneck Drive to Wakefield Street), Marla Lane (Forest Street to Spruce Road), Arlington Street and Killam Elementary School., Parks &P1ayffounds Memorial Park Improvements. Sewer: California Road sewer replacement. Railroad Quiet Zone Compliance Installed traversable medians on New Crossing Road and Willow Street. Sidewalks and Curbs Temple Street, Washington Street adjacent to Park Street, Bancroft Avenue and Woburn Street handicap ramps,High Street Train Depot island expansion and Morgan Park curbing. Project designs field surveys plans and studies developed by the staff included . Wood End and Charles Lawn Cemetery lot layouts; 41-43 Wilson Street detention basin improvements for Reading Housing; Colburn Road drainage extension; Causeway Road roadway acceptance and improvements; Birch Meadow Drive\Arthur B. Lord school zone alterations; property rights plans at Birch Meadow Drive\School Complex, Symonds Way, Suimner Avenue and Bear Hill Road; playground improvement master plans at Joshua Eaton,Barrows Elementary School and Washington Park; Joshua Eaton field grade improvements; Cemetery Garage Site Evaluation Report; Walkers Brook Drive roadway and Parker Turf Field conservation compliance as-builts; Haverhill Street water improvements; Harrison Street and Temple Street roadway projects; Library site plan; and Mattera Cabin septic system evaluation. Drain studies were performed at 22 Pasture Road, 10 Hillside Road, 252 Haverhill Street, 6 Hemlock Road, and Beaver Road; and secured$7,100 MAPC grant for the installation of 12 bike racks at 10 locations within the Town. Survey for initial lan preparation and construction layout was also performed for the following ro'ects California .Road Sewer Improvements; Memorial Park Improvements; Temple Street and Harrison Street Roadway Improvements; Killam School Pavement Improvements and the Causeway Road Street Acceptance Improvements. Contract documents were developed for the annual loam and seed, traffic markings, roadway crack sealing, pavement restoration projects and the California Road Sewer Improvement project: Traffic studies were performed on Ash Street and Franklin Street. A consultant was also hired to develop conceptual plans to extend the downtown streetscape improvements to Haven Street, High Street and Washington Street area. Plans were reviewed and recommendations were submitted to the state consultants on the Safe Routes to Schools sidewalk and curb improvement project. 487 The division continued its efforts to elevate the West Street Roadway Improvement Project to the funded project list of the States Transportation Improvement Plan through meetings with Metropolitan Planning Organization and MassDOT officials. Comments from all divisions of Mass. Highway Department have been received and work continues in obtaining temporary rights of entry from property owners along the project corridor. The division worked with the Town's consultant in completing the sewer station evaluation study, the final sewer.I/I study report and made recommendations of future sewer improvements to be performed under the MWRA I/I Local Assistance Program. Work continued with the NPDES Phase II Storm Water program with the preparation and submission of the annual compliance report; mapping, inspection and updating of the outfall database; distribution of storm water awareness information, and flyers, via the Town newsletter Your Community Connection, Weekly Notes,Newsletter,RCTV and the Town's website. The Engineering Division performed inspections of utility installations and repairs; dig safe mark outs Town wide; and for gas main installations on Manning Street, Pleasant Street, Eaton Street, Smith Avenue, California Road, Pennsylvania Avenue, Virginia Road and Indiana Avenue. Performed site inspections of private development projects at 11 Oak Street, Sam's Bistro at 107 Main Street, Perfecto's Cafe at 285 Main Street, Grumpy Doyle's at 530 Main Street, One General Way, Oak Tree Development at 30 Haven Street; and Sailor Tom's Way, Benjainin Lane and Kylie Drive subdivisions. The Division also witnessed 10 soil evaluations for private proj ects. The Engineering Division issued permits and performed construction inspection for 24 new sewer connections, 13 new water connections, 11 permits for the disconnection, repair or reuse of existing sewer.connections, 9 permits for the maintenance or repair of water services, 109 street opening permits to National Grid for repairs, new gas services and main installations, 30 street opening permits within Town right-of-ways, 2 curb cut permits, 1 street/sidewallc occupancy permits and 49 of the new Jaclde's Law trench excavation permits. Highway Division The Highway Division at the Public Works Facility consists of fifteen employees, three. are Mechanics one is a Dispatcher and the eleven that are left maintain the infrastructure of the Town of Reading. The regular projects such as street sweeping, catch basin repairs (59), roadside cutting, sidewalk and street maintenance, tree lawn repair, mixing and sifting loam and compost, traffic control, and cleaning of catch basins and ditches continued by priority and need. Street sweeping was started on March 22, 2010 and finished on May 7, 2010. Miscellaneous Placed and filled planters for Adopt-An-Island program, placed mosquito control tablets in the catch basins and detention areas for the Health Department. Held Hazardous Waste Day, Adopt- A-Family distributions in November and December, Equipment Day at the Library and the 488 Town's annual Friends & Family Day. Picked up TV'S/CRT'S once a month, provided support for the annual Fall Street Faire, did traffic control for Christmas on the common and the Halloween Parade. Vehicle Maintenance Repaired and serviced the equipment from Police, Fire, School, Building Maintenance, Council on Aging, and Public Works Departments. Also continued to take waste oil from the public during the week and on Saturdays, and did emergency in-the-field repairs as needed. Snow and Ice During the winter season of 2009 -2010 DPW plowed five storms and sanded seventeen times. Special Projects ➢ Installed drain line and catch basins on Colburn Road and Memorial Park. ➢ Did fieldwork and drainage at Eaton School. ➢ Installed drainage, sidewalks, and hot top berm at Killam School. ➢ Paved Lewis Street and Hancock Street. ➢ Skim coated sections of Van Norden Road,Wakefield Street, County Road,Forest Street, and the entrance to Birch Meadow School. ➢ Dug test pits for engineering ➢ Did trail work for the Trails Committee ➢ Worked at Mattera Cabin. ➢ Installed hot top berm at Grainger Avenue, Shelby Road, Perkins Avenue, Longview Avenue and Prospect Avenue. . ➢ Raised the structures on Pinevale Avenue for paving. ➢ Reworked the Detention Area at Wilson and Pleasant Streets. Forestry-Tree Warden's Report Ninety-seven hazardous trees were removed. These trees were dead or in a dangerous condition as to be a threat to public safety. Seventy hazardous tree stumps were removed from the tree lawns, parks, schools and playgrounds for public safety. One hundred and one trees were trimmed. Dead wood and low branches were removed from the public trees as requested or observed. Twenty-one trees were planted by the town as street trees. The varieties included Zelcova, and Linden. Thirty-seven trees were planted as part of Memorial Park renovations. Varieties included Pear, Cherry, Magnolia, Plum and Dogwood. The Compost Center on Strout Avenue continues to accept brush and leaves from residents. 43,141 cars entered the Compost Center in 2010. Residents are required to purchase stickers for use of the compost center. The holiday lighting put up by the tree crew in the Downtown was once again very successful. There were 20,000 colored bulbs installed on the common. RMLD donated 40 strands of the new LED lights. 489 The Town of Reading was awarded "Tree City USA" for the Twenty-fifth consecutive year by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Five hundred Colorado Spruce trees were purchased and distributed to all the fifth graders. Thanks to the Reading Rotary Club that has sponsored and assisted in this program to make"Arbor Day 2010" a success in Reading. A special thanks to all the committees and commissions. working toward the preservation of Reading's public shade trees. Parks The division continues to maintain 80 acres of grassed area throughout the town, as well as the facilities within the parks and schools. This includes the renovation as well as continued maintenance of all the ball fields on school or parks grounds. The division maintains sixteen tennis and basketball courts, the tot lots, and the skating rinks. The Division maintains the grounds for all municipal as well as school buildings. The division also assists all Town departments, committees and commissions with tree maintenance, snow and ice removal and election set-up. Water Distribution A total of 10 new water services were installed, 13 old water services were replaced, repaired 29 water service leaks, repaired 10 broken water mains, replaced 5 old fire hydrants, repaired 12 broken fire hydrants, rebuilt 52 fire hydrants, a total of approximately 500' of new water mains were added to the distribution system, disconnected 5 water services for house demolition, replaced 2 water main gate valves, replaced 65 old water services from the water main to.the sidewalk shut off for Chapter 90 road reconstruction, installed meter vault bypass and new water meter for Summit Towers complex,replaced 1 pump at Lothrop Road booster station. Responded to boil water order issued by MWRA, assisted Wakefield. Water Division with temporary water feed at Brook Street, assisted with Friends & Family Day and Vehicle Day at Reading Library, inspected the installation of water mains at Johnson Woods project, continued cross connection control program, flushed water mains in northern section of town, all drinking fountains and town irrigation systems turned on in spring and turned off and winterized in fall, 2 seasonal laborers painted and lubricated hydrants over 1/4 of the Town, completed annual water inventory, loamed and seeded all water jobs, hot topped water and sewer trenches, checked and maintained 2 water booster stations daily, cleaned and maintained the grounds, cutting grass, etc. at the Auburn Street tank site. Lowered and raised water gate boxes for construction jobs, conducted a leak detection survey, assisted Highway Division during snow plowing operations, removed snow from business district, churches and schools, shoveled snow from fire hydrants. The Town's water conservation program awarded rebates for 275 energy efficient washing machines, 42 water saving toilets, 2 irrigation rain sensors and 60 rain barrels. 490 Meter Room The regular quarterly water meter reading cycle was supported, 436 work orders were received and completed, 231 bill to dates readings were taken, 3 meters were removed, 2 meters were reset, 11 meters tested correct, 1 meter tested incorrect and 1,372 old meters were replaced with new water meters. Sewer Distribution Approximately 20,285 feet of sewer mains were cleaned and T.V. inspected, 406 sewer main joints were tested and 115 sewer main joints were sealed, 26 sewer laterals were tested and sealed, performed root control treatment on 13,385' of sewer mains, replaced 4 sewer manhole frames and covers, removed corroded catwalk and installed new gate valve at Charles Street sewer station, repaired 1 broken sewer main, removed grease buildup in sewer mains on Salem Street and Bay State Road, responded to numerous sewer backups due to heavy rainstorms on March 14th and March 29th Cleaned wet wells at all sewer stations, checked and maintained 12 sewer stations daily, cleaned approximately 1/4 of the sanitary sewer main system, cleaned and maintained the grounds, cut grass, trimmed bushes, etc around the sewer stations, completed work orders regarding leaks, broken gates etc., exercised emergency generator weekly, completed the annual sewer inventory. Also assisted Highway Division during snow plowing operations, removed snow from business district, churches and schools, shoveled snow from fire hydrants. Water Supply Division General The contract for construction services for the deconstruction of the water treatment facility and construction of the emergency water supply awarded to S E A Consultants, Inc. of Cambridge, MA for$91,400.00. Project was 100% completed. The contract for the deconstruction of the water treatment facility and construction of the emergency water supply awarded to McConnell Enterprises, Inc. of Essex, MA for $1,164,000.00. Project was 100%completed. Required lead and copper sampling continued for the second year of the current cycle of yearly sampling for a three-year period. Thirty specifically targeted homes were again sampled with all results falling below the lead limit of 15 parts per billion(ppb) and 1,300 ppb for copper. The DPW Water Conservation Program continued with great success. In 2010, there were over $63,000 in rebates to residents and over $404,000 since the programs inception. The program incorporates emphasis on rebates for low flow washing machines, toilets, irrigation system rain sensors, and rain barrels, along with free home and irrigation system water use audits and reports and home water saving devices for residents available at the DPW office at no additional charge. The school educational programs phase continued with Meg Tabasco, Education Coordinator for 491 ' the MWRA, making presentations to all 3rd grade classes in Town focusing on water supply and conservation. The Town received final payment of the $125,000 settlement in the litigation against AGFA Corporation for reimbursement of expenditures related to the investigation of the low levels of chlorinated volatile organic contaminants found in the Revay Well, which were suggested to have been attributed to the AGFA facility on Industrial Way in Wilmington. As required by the August 6, 2006, Administrative Consent Order(ACO) the Town entered into, with(DEP), the Town continued to retain ownership and control of the Zone I (400' radius) and protection of the Zone II (well recharge area) of the emergency water supply wells and well field. As a condition of the DEP ACO, the water supply wells and well field continued to be maintained as an emergency water supply to pump water to the distribution system with disinfection capabilities. Supply Operated and maintained water supply valve, vault, SCADA and security systems, and emergency water supply wells,pump station and all.emergency power equipment. Collected and delivered to laboratory for analysis over 500 water system water quality samples. A total of 641.7 million gallons of water was purchased from'the MWRA and delivered to the distribution system in 2010. The highest,single days' consumption was 3.15 million gallons on July 8, 2010. The highest weeks' consumption was for the period July 4, 2010 to July 10, 2010 an amount of 19.57 million gallons, and the highest month was July with an amount of 73.9 million gallons. Average daily usage for 2010 was 1.76 million gallons. The average daily per capita use (use by each individual) for 2010 was 51 gallons per person per day. The MWRA in conjunction with the Water Supply Division compiled and mailed the twelfth annual drinking water report to all customers in June. Continued working with the MWRA on the first phase of their Northern Intermediate High service area redundancy pipeline to the Reading water supply system. 492 2010 MWRA WATER PURCHASED MILLION AVERAGE MONTH GALLONS DAYS DAY JANUARY 48.36 31 1.56 FEBRUARY 42.55 28 1.52 MARCH 46.68 31 1.51 APRIL 46.34 30 1.54 MAY 57.36 31 1.85 JUNE 61.94 30 2.06 JULY 74.54 31 2.40 AUGUST 69.77 31 2.25 SEPTEMBER 57.57 30 1.92 OCTOBER 47.75 31 1.54 NOVEMBER 43.80 30 1.46 DECEMBER 1 45.06 31 1.45 TOTAL 641.72 365 1.76 2010 RAINFALL RECORDS hqp://www.mass.gov/der/watersLip-pl`Y"``/rainfall/ MEASURED ACCUMULATED DCR POSTED MONTH RAINFALL & RAINFALL & NORMAL RAINFALL MELTED SNOW MELTED SNOW &MELTED SNOW JANUARY 3.87 3.87 3.62 FEBRUARY 6.01 9.88 3.25 MARCH 18.02 27.90 4.01 APRIL 2.05 29.95 3.76 MAY 2.90 32.85 3.56 JUNE 2.91 35.76 3.51 YULY 2.80 38.56 3.51 AUGUST 4.46 43.02 3.57 SEPTEMBER 3.23 46.25 3.60 OCTOBER 5.31 51.56 3.68 NOVEMBER 3.92 55.48 4.03 DECEMBER 4.06 59.54 3.88 TOTALS 59.54 59.54 43.98 Total precipitation in 2010s measured at the DPW, 75 New Crossing Road was 59.54", which is 15.56" above the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) composite normal for the northeast region as posted on February 10, 2011. Monthly normal values computed by DCR are based on averages for the entire period of record for northeast region stations having the longest period of record and are located in Concord, Lawrence and Waltham. 493 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & RECREATION DIVISION Mission Statement The mission of the Reading Recreation Division is to provide the community with year round recreational activities. Recreation programs are broad based to meet the recreational needs of all segments of the population. The Recreation Division must continually update and modify its programming to meet the current needs of the community. As the community's participation and awareness of local recreational programs increase, so does their expectation of Recreation Division programs. The Recreation Division must be ready to anticipate and adapt to these growing expectations and trends. Division Overview 2010 saw many successes for the Recreation Division, its staff and the Recreation Committee. For the second consecutive year the full-time staff has remained constant. Therefore there were no breaks in the progress of continuity. In the Recreation industry, this is a pretty big deal for the public to recognize the faces of the Town Recreation Staff. It provides residents with comfort of familiar faces and the confidence that the staff is invested into the community. The Recreation Division continues to offer a high level.and volume of programming each year. Spread over three seasons, Reading Recreation is offering programs that suit almost any demographic. The division watches trends closely, trying to match the needs of the public to the hottest programs available. There are still many challenges awaiting the Recreation Division in 2011, some are old challenge's that changed their form and others are new challenges that must be met with open eyes, creativity and perseverance. Projects The Memorial Park project was started in the early part of 2010, featuring a reshaped skating area and newly renovated basketball and tennis courts. The project was completed in October with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Nelson and Rita Burbank, who donated virtually all.of the:fimds for the big project, doing the ribbon cutting honors. The park now features a walkway around most of the park, a paved parking area on Salem Street and sidewalk and curbing on Harrison Street. Through the cooperation and donation of. Reading Cooperative Bank and resident donors, several cast iron benches, sport benches and 35 +trees were installed around the park. In August, Killam. Elementary School received a much needed face lift to their playground. The new playground featured green rubber mulch for safety, a teeter totter and some great slides. It also boasts play equipment that encourages young kids to use upper body strength. The playground was funded mainly by the Capital Improvement Fund with the PTO donating approximately$12,000. Two small baseball diamond infields were renovated in November as well as the Tennis Court Field and the A Field at Joshua Eaton. For many years these fields have had lips and edges created by the years of over use. Reading Youth Baseball paid entirely for the renovations. 494 A master plan for Joshua Eaton School was developed. The plan features an extended parking area, better defined play areas and handi-cap accessibility for the lower fields and play area. A batting cage was proposed and approved, however it was removed from the plan once an engineering plan was drawn and estimates were received. The cost of the cage was greater than the use value. Progress continues to move forward with the Mattera Cabin at 1481 Main Street. The Conservation Administrator has worked closely with the North East Regional Vocational School students on renovation projects. The Town is supplying the funding and the students are supplying the labor. As we open 2011, the Cabin is close to being finished. It is anticipated that the Cabin will open sometime in Spring 2011. Programming and open hours are currently being worked out. Programming Winter/Spring, Reading Recreation highlights the following programs for the Winter/Spring season: • Spring Soccer Doctor Clinic ® "Spring Ball"Basketball Clinic with high school Basketball Coach Kim Penny ® Reading Baseball School—Pitching and Hitting with Coach Pete Moscariello Spring Tennis Clinics for Youths and Adults ® Challenger Biddy Basketball for Children with Special Needs • Saturday Morning Sports Series a Challenger All-Sports • 4th Season of the Junior Baseball League ® Kids Just Love Crafts ® Top Secret Science ® Baby Sitting Course ® Crafts programs for Adults • Fencing for Youth -Adults The Winter/Spring season featured many great programs for participants of all ages. The 4th season of Junior League Baseball (formerly known as Itty Bitty Baseball) proved again to be successful with over 200 participants. This program continues to grow each year and has become a mainstay and integral part of the Recreation Division's programming line-up. The Recreation Division has partnered with Reading Youth Baseball to offer the participants a program suitable for 5, 6 and 7 year olds. Reading Youth Baseball will handle the"older" young kids while the Recreation Division will take the 5 and 6 year olds. This program was previously run privately. One of the major acquisitions for the year was landing the Reading T-Ball program. The spring season also saw many successful programs including the popular Reading Baseball School which is run by Peter Moscariello as well as Rocket Volleyball.with Coach Michelle Hopkinson. 495 The Egg Hunt had to be postponed due to poor weather on two occasions, and was ultimately cancelled altogether. The Recreation Division continues to offer programs such as a baby sitting class from the staff of Winchester Hospital as well as Fencing for all ages. The Recreation Division believes that recreation is more than just the typical four major sports and can include enrichment type programs. One of the programs that really picked up steam was in our adult programming area. Zumba and Cardio, Core and More busted onto the scene in 2010. Headed by certified trainer Jennifer Tortalano,these two programs broke 40 students with out a sweat. Reading Recreation also brought back two old favorite programs: Horsemanship for adults and youth and Golf for Kids. These programs had taken a hiatus approximately two years ago and have returned. Saturday AM Sports is still dominating SAT AM's for most kids. This program is led by Jim Sullivan, John Bruno and our high school and .college staff. The program offers one hour sections for T-Ball, Soccer and Basketball. Summer The Summer Camp program averaged approximately 70% capacity in summer 2010. This was down approximately 5% from the previous year, however careful staffing saw the Recreation Division actually generate commensurate revenue to the prior year. The program was still a great success with over 600 kids taking part over 9 weeks. Thanks to Program Coordinator Jim Sullivan, and the hard work of the summer camp staff, the program was a success. The Recreation Division introduced theme weeks for each week of camp which were very popular. Jamie Walsh continued as camp director of the 4th— 8th grade participants and staff. John Bruno served as the director of the K — 3rd grades. Working under the guidance of Jim Sullivan, they steered the program in its many directions. This year's camp staff saw approximately 90% returning staff. The paraprofessional staff was as strong as ever this year and did a great job. We continue to look for students that enjoy working with children. We hope that the Recreation Summer camp will begin its rise to 80 and 90 percent capacity again in 2011. The Recreation Division continued with the Lego Robotics course. This program was designed and run by three local high school,students. The course fused the popular building toy Lego with an engineering computer program to create robots that could be programmed to stop and turn based on calculations and sensors. The Recreation Division saw virtually exact parallel numbers in many of the sports clinics from the previous year. These sport clinics continue to thrive. Successful clinics and programs included: • Challenger Little League Baseball • Volleyball Clinics • Tiny Tot Soccer 496 • Basketball Clinics for Boys and Girls • Reading Baseball Clinics • Super Sports (3 Sessions) • Kids Crafts • Tennis Clinics The Recreation Division introduced some new afternoon programs and used signing-up for camp as a discount opportunity tied into the new programs. Event-ful hosted several one-day programs including Jedi Training, Legos and American Girl. Each of these programs were well attended and very popular. The Recreation Division also offered discounts for those that participated in camp and our afternoon street hockey and basketball leagues. The Recreation Division hosted Wednesday Night All-Comers Track Meets again this past summer. Participants were happy to have this fun, yet inexpensive, program back. Each week there were 25 plus participants. One of the great traditions in Reading continued this past summer with the "Theater on the Green" and"Touch of Class"concert series. "Theater on the Green"had a successful turnout this summer each Wednesday afternoon, five concerts highlighted by "Wayne from Maine", and Prop.Comic Lucky Bob. These concerts were very well attended by approximately 75 — 125 people each Wednesday. Due to Memorial Park being under construction, the kid concerts were held at Welch's Island at Birch Meadow. This is a shady grove of trees in the center of the Birch Meadow complex that worked out nicely. The "Touch of Class" concerts included Reading staple "Bob Bachelor's Totem Pole Orchestra", "Four Guys in Tuxes" and Reading's own "Steven Savio" among the five concerts. The concert series also featured the Classifieds and the Reading Civic Concert Band. Between donations that were collected during each of the concerts and sponsorships from Friends of Reading Recreation, the Recreation Division was able to run these concerts at minimal cost. The concerts were moved to the Common and front lawn of Town Hall. This turned out to be a very good location and attracted more people than the remote. location of Memorial Park. The Summer also featured Fireworks in Reading. On Friends and Family Day, Reading Recreation partnered with Friends of Reading Recreation for the second consecutive year to put on a great display of fireworks. Working closely with the Reading Fire and Police Departments, the show was enjoyable for all. The fireworks were shot from the outfield at Morton Field and could be seen for miles around. The estimated crowd was approximately 3000 — 3500 people. A spectacular event! Finally, the Reading Recreation Division sponsored its 20th Annual Reading Tennis Open. The Tournament was a success once again this year with over 100 players participating. All proceeds go to the RMHS tennis program and new equipment for the Town courts. For the first time, the Tournament was held on the new "Reading Community Tennis Courts at Bancroft Ave". The program is run by Kate Kaminer and Lorraine Salter from Friends of Reading Tennis. Gregg Luongo again served as the Recreation Tennis Professional for the 8th year. Gregg did a good job working with both kids and adults as well as working without the major tennis court 497 area. Tennis enrollment increased by approximately 60% for the year. We attribute this new enthusiasm for.tennis .with the new courts. Many kids enjoyed the clinics so much that they signed up for more than one week. Fall/Winter The Fall/Winter season for the Reading Recreation Division produced many programming opportunities.hies. The Recreation Division offered a host of programs such as Baseball, Basketball, Flag Football,Video Game Creating,Karate and an Art program among others. The Recreation Division again offered a Junior/Senior Volleyball program`for 4th — 8th grade students. The program had close to 70 participants and seems to grow each year. The program was run by RMHS Varsity Coach Michelle Hopkinson and several high school volleyball players. We will continue to look for ways to enhance this program and take advantage of its popularity. The Recreation Division continued to offer a Fencing program with Olympic Coach Michael Tarascio. The program was open and populated by students from 3rd grade—adults. The program is offered on Mondays and Fridays allowing students that owned their own equipment.to participate on both days. The Recreation Division continued the Fall sections of the Saturday Morning Sports Series..This program continues to be a very important program to the Recreation Division as it gives young families exposure to what they can expect from the Town's Recreation program. It is truly a building block for a strong base of participation. These programs are for 3 - 5 year olds. All the typical Saturday AM sports programs were generally filled. The classes are,run by Recreation Program Coordinator, Jim Sullivan along with John Bruno and seasonal staff. The Halloween Parade had over 250 participants this year and was hosted by the Recreation Division in conjunction with the Friends of Reading Recreation at Coolidge Middle School. Jordan's Furniture donated popcorn for the event and The Goddard School sponsored the pizza and gave away trick or treat bags. The Travel Basketball program in 2010 featured over 180 participants with. 15 travel teams competing in three different leagues. These teams are selected by coaches with input from the Recreation Staff and Recreation Committee after a two-day competitive try-out. Virtually every player that signs up makes a team, unless there are not enough coaches and players. The teams are coached by volunteer parents and friends of the Recreation Division. Supplementing this program is the middle school in-town basketball program on Sunday Nights. This is an intramural program that features kids of all ability. The In-Town program is staffed by various high school students and is supervised by Lauren Dodge and John Bruno. The numbers of the Travel Basketball program were up this year by 3 teams. Sunday basketball underwent a change for the 2nd year in a row. The program added a K— l't Grade developmental division in addition to the already popular 2nd grade - 5th grade players. John Bruno and Lauren Dodge were hired to be the supervisors of Sunday Basketball. They have done an outstanding job showing the ability to handle parent questions, work with kids and 498 supervise the referees. Twelve high school students were hired to work this program. Sunday Basketball had approximately 380 participants this year. This is a jump of approximately 65%. Sunday Basketball continues to be one of the most important programs for the Recreation Division. The Recreation Division will continue to look for ways to enhance the program. The "After School Learn to Ski Program" was cancelled this year for the first time since its inception in the early 90's. This program has been trending down for the past 5 years. Skiing has been cut from many follcs' budgets. Special Needs Programming Special Needs programming this year was offered by The Arc of East Middlesex Recreation in conjunction with the Recreation Division. Programs such as aquatics, social club and social dances were offered. The Arc offered successful programs such as Special Olympic training, bowling, teen groups, and social clubs to name a few. The participants are asked at the end of each session to fill out an evaluation form to give feedback. Margaret Veronelli ran the Challenger Little League and Bowling programs this past summer and fall. The programs both did very well with participation..Challenger Soccer was managed by Ralph D'Amico once again and had a very successful run in the Unified Olympics with a 'huge come-from-behind win! Challenger Little League will be taken over by Katya Farrel in Spring 2011. The Recreation Division also continued offering Special Skates at the Burbank Ice Arena. This program is headed by Karen Ghirardi. The Division continues to look for other programming areas to expand into. The Recreation Division also runs continuous sections of Challenger All-Sports. This program is run by Lynn Mahoney. She lines up groups each week. to volunteer. The program is run for free and Ms. Mahoney does all of the coordination. Brochure and Advertising Reading Recreation continues the mailing of Reading Recreation Magazine to every household in Reading, three times a year. The magazine features Adult and Community Education programming in the back as a flipbook,in the fall and winter publications. Participating agencies include Recreation, Police Department, Fire Department, Library Services, Elder Services, YMCA, Creative Arts, RCASA, Friends of Reading Recreation and various in-town organizations. The magazine also features interest articles for the community to keep them connected to what's happening around Town. The Recreation Division staff has worked hard to put out a quality magazine that the public will look forward to receiving and reading each season. Reading Recreation continues to post all of its programming and important information on www.readingma.gov/recreation. There is information on all current programs, up-coming events, and contact information, including links, to many of the sports organizations websites. There is also a news link that follcs can sign up for and receive any new items posted. The site is generally maintained by the Recreation Division Clerk and is updated on a daily/weekly basis. This will become even more important as the Recreation Division decides how to move forward with on- line registration. The Recreation Division continues to have success with "Notes from the Reading Recreation Division" that is placed on Ed-Line to the schools seasonally. These flyers have received a 499 positive response from the community. We will continue with this undertaking as well as continue to send press releases to our local media outlets. Another source of media we will look to take advantage of is Facebook, an excellent way to get info out quickly and at no cost. Personnel Jim Sullivan begins his fifth year as Program Coordinator. "Coach Jim," as his participants refer to him, in a short period of time, has become a vital part of the Recreation Division's operation. Jim's leadership and diligence has helped programs such as Sunday Basketball, Summer Camp and Junior League Baseball prosper. He continues to look for new programs and ideas to enhance the division. Jim's work with the SAT AM sports series is.the chief reason the program has become so successful. The feedback we get indicates how much the kids and parents appreciate Jim's hard work Clerk Sue Simeola enters her third year with the Recreation Division and has made a positive impact on the operation of the Recreation Division. She has successfully managed the deposits and accounts receivables for Recreation, making that process virtually seamless. She has done an excellent job keeping the website up-to-date with programs, news and notes as well as Recreation Committee meeting minutes and agendas. Sue handles much of the face to face customers for the Recreation Division/DPW as well as serving as the frontline for our phone system. Sue has quickly become the backbone of the Recreation Division. Administration John Feudo begins his ninth year as Recreation Administrator. John, under the direction of the Recreation Committee, continues to manage the scheduling of all town fields and oversees the everyday operations of the Recreation Division. Permits are issued for every field in Town. .Reading Recreation will continue to work with the local Youth and Adult sports organizations in maximizing field space. Over the past four years, Capital and Master Planning have become a very high priority for the Recreation Division and the Town. John has worked with many volunteer groups to design master plans that are functional and advantageous for the Town. It should be noted that having a full service engineering department on site has made this process possible. There is a constant flow of information streaming from Recreation to Engineering to make these plans possible for public viewing. Reading Recreation is continuously looking for available land for the development of new recreational facilities. A comprehensive capital plan has been developed to include tennis courts, basketball courts and backstop replacement over the next twelve years. The Recreation Administrator continues to work with leaders of the sports organizations to develop other field opportunities with what is already provided. The Reading Recreation Division and the Recreation Committee continue to develop policies that will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of each of Reading Recreation's programs. Reading Recreation has been glad to offer the public over 200 recreational programs throughout the past year. Reading Recreation hopes to meet the communities changing recreational needs while providing them with a combination of safe, fun, and educational programs. Suggestions of new programs are welcomed and encouraged. . 500 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2010 ANNUAL REPORT John F. Doherty,Ed.D. Mary C.DeLai Superintendent Director of Finance & Operations Patricia de Garavilla Elizabeth Conway Assistant Superintendent Human Resources Administrator School Department This report represents the activities, accomplishments and events of note that occurred in the Reading Public Schools during the 2010 calendar year. Leadership Change • Superintendent Patrick Schettini.passed away in late December 2009 • John Doherty appointed Acting Superintendent and formally appointed Superintendent of Schools in January • Chris Caruso was elected Chair of the Reading School Committee for the 2010-2011 school year. • Chuck Robinson was elected Vice Chair of the Reading School Committee. • Patricia deGaravilla was appointed Assistant Superintendent. • Kimberlee Oliveira was appointed as Director of Pupil Services • Karen Feeney was appointed Interim Principal at the Joshua Eaton School Notable Events • Reading Public Schools hosted the 2'd Annual Blueprint for Educational Excellence National Institute attended by over 800 teachers and administrators from all over the country. All district staff participated — Many teachers presented workshops in all areas i of curriculum. • Reading Public Schools held the 5th annual Artsfest which showcased student artwork, drama and musical performance • The Reading Public Schools is in the second year of the Federal American History grant totaling $999,818 over three years. The district is in partnership with Danvers, Dracut, Haverhill, Lowell,North Reading, Stoneham,Wakefield and Wilmington. • The Class of 2010 experienced an extraordinary level of success in their efforts to matriculate into our nation's most academically challenging programs. The following is a report on their plans: 83.3 % - Four Year Colleges, 6.4% - Two Year Colleges, 1.4% - Business/Technical/Prep Schools, 4.0% -work, 0.7%Armed Services, Undecided—3.4% and 0.3%- Other. 501 • Once again the Reading Memorial High School students have attained scores that place the school within the top echelon of all high schools in the Commonwealth. Once again all of the seniors in the class of 2010 met the MCAS graduation requirement. • Several faculty and staff members were recognized by local and national educational and professional organizations for outstanding achievement. • A group of teachers/administrators traveled to the Blue Ribbon Conference and participated in several presentations. • Reading Public Schools and RCASA host first annual Health&Wellness Education Day. • Middle School students successfully compete in local, state and national competitions including National Science Olympiad, Wordmasters Challenge, District Music competitions and writing contests. • The district continues to upgrade technology with the addition of Smartboards and other forms of technology. • Our elementary students participate in the LEGOS Robotic League competition. • Safe Routes to school program sponsored by the MA Department of Transportation is adopted by several schools. • Birch Meadow is focusing on 21St century slulls with Smartboards in every classroom and the use of technology to communicate with parents via a principal's blog and twitter. • The Barrows School continues with the "STARS" Program Students that Act Responsibly Shine. • Several schools continue the Curriculum Initiatives — Open Circle and Differentiated Instruction with many teachers participating in professional development activities and workshops. • The Joshua Eaton School hosted a Technology Showcase where parents and educators were able to see technology at work in the building. • Pillars of Character Program continue to be strong in the Killam community—TRRFCC Walk-a-thon and Citizenship Assembly honoring WW II veterans. • Killam holds "A Day at K lam"for parents designed to familiarize parents with several programs. • Wood End School continues to focus on character development and positive student 502 decision through consistent positive reinforcement. • Technology at Wood End continues to expand with the addition of Smartboards and dedicated computers • Several students participated in the School Games Day sponsored by the Special Olympics • The Pupil Services Department continues to work, in conjunction with regular education, in the creation of internal programs and supports to assist students access the curriculum, and on their goal of controlling out of district costs by developing new programs. Reading School Committee Chris Caruso, Chair Leadership There were several changes in leadership of the Reading.School Committee. Chuck Robinson was re-elected for a three-year term. Hal Croft defeated Elaine Webb and was elected to his first three year term. At the committee's annual reorganization in June, Chris Caruso was elected as Chair, and, Chuck Robinson, Vice Chair. Other members of the committee are Lisa Gibbs,Karen Janowski, David Michaud and Hal Croft. Budget The School Committee engaged in a comprehensive process of establishing FY11 budget. Numerous meetings were conducted to discuss the various priorities and how the budget should support the District mission and goals. The final budget, while below the initial recommended budget put forth by the Superintendent, met the guidelines as proposed by the .Finance Committee. At the Annual Town Meeting that commenced in April the following school department budget was approved. Reading Public Schools Budget Summary Fiscal Year 2010 Recommended Budget Administration $835,401 Regular Day $21,533,335 Special Needs $9,245,257 Other School Services $1;200,744 Custodial/Maintenance $3,575,550 Total $36,390,308 503 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System(MCAS) Reading's statewide prominence in the MCAS rankings continued in 2010 as Reading placed in the top 20% of all Massachusetts districts in MCAS performance. This represents a significant accomplishment for a system that continues to spend below the state average on per pupil spending. This achievement continues to define Reading as a school system that always gets more performance for less money. We continue to be a frugal district that sets high expectation, and achieves these goals through a collaborative effort of the administration, the teachers, the students, and the parents. This is certainly a model to be envied throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The School Committee is very proud of our accomplishments in this regard and sees this as the standard for accountability...high scores, low cost. Student Enrollment As students returned to school in September of 2010, it is apparent that with the construction done our students are staying in the school system. We have seen increases at all levels this year. Student-enrollment in the fall of 2010(FY201 1) stood at 4,418 students. See chart below. Reading Public Schools Student Enrollment FY2011 Elementary Schools K-5 2,040 Middle Schools 6—8 1,083 High School 9- 12 1,246 Special Education *49 Total 4,418 This is the number of enrollees in our"substantially separate" Special Education classrooms. Reading students who receive fall- time Special Education services outside of Reading are not counted in this chart. Achievements Reading Memorial High School graduated 298 young men and women in 2009. While many of our graduating seniors are attending some of the most prestigious universities in the country, all are moving into the future with a solid portfolio of skills, which will help their success in any environment they choose. While we naturally point to acceptances at schools like Tufts and Amherst as an indication of our system's success, it is the goal of the School Committee, and a better measure of success that we find appropriate placements for all of our students, that will further prepare them to be productive, contributing citizens of our country. In addition to the success of our graduates, we can continue to take pride in the success of our students at all levels. Our athletic programs continue to be one of the best in Massachusetts,with our student athletes demonstrating athleticism, academic achievement, and above all, sportsmanship. Our students take part in a number of statewide competitions, including the Science Olympiad program, National History Day, Drama Fest, and numerous Band competitions. Our,success at all levels is almost too numerous to repeat but continues to reflect on the efforts of the students, staff, and parents. We are always indebted to those in the 504 community who provide the additional support when the school department cannot. It is this support from our PTO's, the Boosters, the Band and Drama Parents support organizations, the Reading Technology and Educational Fund,just to name a few, that provide that added support and encouragement that fosters a sense community and promotes participation and success. Reading Memorial High School Principal,Elinor A. Freedman Reading Memorial High School continues to thrive under the strong leadership team of Principal Elinor k Freedman, Assistant Principal Patricia J. Puglisi, and Assistant Principal Michael J. Scarpitto. The process of school improvement is on-going at RMHS. The following goals were identified as areas of focus in.the 2010-2011 RMHS School Improvement Plan: • Through ongoing curricular team collaboration and examination of data, teachers will develop educational opportunities that will advance student learning of curricular content and 21 st century skills within a challenging standards-based curriculum. • Educate the school community about factors contributing to a safe,healthy, respectful and socially responsible school environment. • Increase opportunities for the school's connection to the community and student volunteerism within the community. Faculty have devoted numerous professional hours to integrate class lessons with a school rich in technological resources including SMART Board expertise and an ever growing array of technological tools as a way to help students develop critical thinldng shills and creative abilities to meet the demands of the 21st century. Learning within and outside of the classroom continues to flourish with the expanded use of online resources, presentation tools, databases, and collaborative work spaces. RMHS students also take advantage of online learning opportunities through our association with Virtual High School. RMHS continues to dedicate use of professional development time to facilitate sustained collaboration both within and,across disciplines. As a. result, exciting academic opportunities respond to student needs and interest including a co-taught History of Epidemic Disease course connecting social studies and scientific curricula, science offerings in Conceptual Physics, Honors Engineering and planning in progress for Environmental Science, enhanced Web 2.0 Computer Applications as a course offering and embedded across the curriculum, and an exciting new Computer Programming elective. An Advisory Program and the.Upper Connections (peer mentoring) Program for freshmen have enhanced the transition of our newest students to the high school. Project-based assessment strategies are employed across the curriculum with corresponding school wide standards based assessment rubrics designed to enhance student learning. Global awareness has been highlighted with ongoing French and Spanish exchanges; faculty led cultural study and service learning travel opportunities, and an*anticipated new connection in January 2011 with visitors from Beijing, China. In its 3rd year of operation, the Reading Cooperative Bank FJVIHS branch provides our students with an authentic learning opportunity that connects academic study with real world experiences. An expanded Career & Community Service Internship Program takes students beyond the 505 physical walls of our school to apply their learning. Partnerships with local cable station RCTV and RISE Preschool provide internship opportunities with real curricular connections. A unique Senior Project pilot program couples travel to Iceland with advanced investigation into ecology and geography. Expansion of Senior Project opportunities are planned for implementation for next year. RMHS PROUD HIGHLIGHTS: HONORS &DEPARTMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS Reading Memorial High School has many proud highlights academically and in extracurricular activities. Reading students and staff are busy in and outside of the classroom. • In February 2010 the Reading Schools, Project Challenge, and the Celebration of Inclusive Schools presented a powerful school and community presentation by Dr. Michael Fowlin psychologist, actor, and poet. This presentation contributed to. the ongoing efforts of the school community to build a safe and healthy school climate for all students. • The Anti-Defamation League's A World of Difference program, a peer training initiative for the sustenance of positive school climate, was introduced at RMHS in the fall of 2010 with 30 students chosen to pilot this educational initiative in both freshman advisory classes and middle schools. Graduation 2010 Valedictorian: Nathan Tyrell Salutatorian: Eric Pratt National Merit Scholars 2010 James Collins Eric Pratt National Merit.Commended Scholars Fall 2010 for 2011 Scholarship Competition Jared Beaulieu Matthew Conway Ellen Garrison Hanhee Jung Meredith Lawrence Mark Mauriello Micayla Oniskey David Tyler Matthew West Samuel Wilson Class of 2010 College Placement Four Year Colleges (245) 83.0% Two Year Colleges (26) 09.0% Prep School (4) 01.3% Technical School (2) 00.7% 506 Work (9) 03.0% Undecided (8) 02.7% Armed Forces/Service Academy (2) 00.7% • 1801 applications were processed by the Guidance Department for the Class of 2010. • Class of 2010 acceptances numbered among-the following: Bates College Johns Hopkins University Boston College Princeton University Boston University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Brandeis University Smith College Colby College Tufts University Colgate University University of Pennsylvania Cornell University University of Rochester Dartmouth College Villanova University George Washington University ... and many others. Guidance • A very successful 27th annual College Fair was held in October 2010 at the Shriners Auditorium. Representatives from 200 schools, colleges and universities attended to present information to students and parents from ten school communities, including RMHS. • Evening meetings for parents of seniors and juniors were hosted by the Guidance Department covering topics such as graduation requirements, standardized testing dates . and deadlines, financial aid information, post-secondary application process and a timetable of important events. Attendance numbered over two hundred parents/guardians at each evening. • A large group of students tools one or more Advanced Placement Examinations in May of 2010. In total, 123 students tools 262 exams. The College Board recognizes the percentage of students who score a "3" or higher as a good indicator of both the equity and the excellence of the AP program at RMHS. The percentage of those students who scored a"3" or,better were: Biology . 79% French Language 100% Calculus AB 100% Physics (E and M) 30% Calculus BC 100% Physics (Mech.) 88% Chemistry 95% Spanish Language 82% English Literature 97% Statistics 88% European History 87% Studio Art 100% • Eighty-four RMHS students qualified for free tuition to.a Massachusetts state college or university for their achievement at the Advanced.and Proficient levels on MCAS exams in the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Program. 507 • The Senior Developmental Guidance Program took place in January 2010 in the format of an alumni panel. Fourteen members of the.RMHS graduating Classes of 2008 and 2009 returned to RMHS to speak with the seniors about their college experiences. Issues such as time management, workload, roommate concerns,.homesickness, free time, and many others were addressed. • The first annual Career Day was held in May 2010 at RMHS. This day, planned for members of the Class of 2011, provided each student with the opportunity to hear from professionals about what kinds of roles exist in different career fields,required education, current hiring trends and future demand, and workplace environments. Welluess • The first annual Health and Wellness Education Day, co-sponsored by the RMHS Wellness Department and the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse, was held last March for all students in grades 8-12 with a variety of age-appropriate health and wellness related presentations and exhibitions. A parent component featured a Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney presentation on Social Host Liability Laws. English • Teachers of English 11: The Power of Narrative led students in an ambitious journalism project. Using a grant from the Reading Technology in Education Foundation, the teachers engaged their students in producing audio broadcasts focusing on some aspect of life in Reading. Five professional journalists came to RMHS to consult with students about their projects. The best projects were shared on a website. • One hundred students in grade nine attended a performance of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The performance was funded by Reading Cultural Council and held at Austin Prep. • Two students were recognized as winners of the PEN New England writing competition hosted by the New England Institute of Art. ® Two students had work selected by the American Society of News Editors for online publication in the National Edition of my.hsj.org - a prominent scholastic news website. The school newspaper The Orbit continues to be published online. • The New Currency, the RMHS literary magazine, debuted an online edition in fall 2010. Foreign Language • Cultural exchanges continued with French students traveling to Rouen, France and Spanish scholars visiting Madrid, Spain. The Spanish Club took a cultural tour of Hispanic culture Chemed events in New York, and plans were made for a February 2011 trip to Puerto Rico • Saturnalia celebrations were held for Latin classes, with projects presented annually in December and January. 508 • RMHS Foreign Language teachers presented on topics relating to technology integration at the EduCon 2.1 Conference in Philadelphia. • 110 students took the National Latin Exam in March, winning many medals. ® 6 AP French and 28 AP Spanish students took AP exams in May; it was a record number for the Spanish exam. • Hispanic Heritage Month was celebrated in October 2010, with guests of honors including consuls of Spain, Dominican Republic and Venezuela and guest speakers from local universities.. • A chapter of the National Spanish Honor Society, the Mario Llosa Vargas Chapter of Sociedad Hispanica Honoraria,was established in the fall of 2010. Science Department • The RMHS Science Club took 4th place at the Massachusetts Science Olympiad held at Framingham State in March 2010. • The Young Engineers Club finished a two year project during which they built a working biodiesel reactor which converts waste vegetable oil into diesel fuel. The group travelled to Russell Orchards in Ipswich and was able to successfully test their product in the farm tractors. • The Honors Field Biology and Ecology courses visited the Audubon Center on Plum Island where they were able to observe both a salt marsh and a maritime forest and the Rockport State Park to complete tidal pool studies. • 'A.C.E (Alliance for Climate Education) visited RMHS for a multimedia presentation discussing climate change and suggestions as to how to make a difference in your community. • Biology classes attended Boston University's City Lab to participate in lab experiments using gel electrophoresis techniques. • Fifteen students went to the Eastern Shore of Virginia for a Habitat for Humanity Service Leaning Project. • Faculty accompanied a group of students to explore Southern Iceland this stunner as part of a pilot program supporting a Senior Project Based Course. The group was able to visit geothermal and volcanic locations associated with Icelandic geologic hot spots and tectonic plate boundaries. Social Studies • A historical and cultural guided tour tools RMHS students to Greece and Italy in the summer of 2010. 509 • The Field Seminar Program in Elementary and Early Childhood Education was enhanced by the addition of a monthly speaker series, introducing students interested in the field of education to a range of topics from professionals in the field. • The Teaching American History Grant provided rich professional development for members of the social studies department. • A RMHS sophomore was selected to participate in the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Program at Bentley University in spring 2010. • RMHS students represented the school at the statewide Student Government Day, the regional Student Advisory Council to the Board of Education, and the James Otis Lecture Series at the State House. • RMHS History students.continue to participate in the National History Day pro-gram. One National History Day project advanced to state and national competition in 2010. • A RMHS faculty member was a lead teacher for a Primary Source class for Teaching American History. • The RMHS Social Studies integrated world and American history model served as a model for the Hudson MA school system's adoption of a similar curricular model. Fine and Performing Arts • Outstanding plays and musical performances highlighted the year. During the winter of 2010 the Drama Club presented The Boys Next Door and The Elephant Man, a spring performance of Into the Woods, and during the fall of 2010 the Drama Club presented The Scarlet Pimpernel. • In spring 2010 Artsfest highlighted the talents of RMHS visual artists. . • Sixteen RMHS artists earned recognition as Boston Globe Scholastic Art Competition honorees. • The Marching and Jazz Bands earned medal recognition in NESBA and MICCA competitions for musicianship,visual effects, and color guard performances. • RMHS students were accepted to All-District and All-State events in both vocal and instrumental categories. • Improvisation, playwriting, and Shakespeare groups enhanced creative venues for the talents of RMHS students. • RMHS photography students were invited to exhibit their work at the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester. 510 Business and Technology • The Business and Technology curriculum continues to be enhanced to include current concepts supporting 21"century skills. • Web 2.0 applications are featured in course offerings which included a new Computer Programming elective. • RMHS students studying marketing took top honors in the online fall Stock Market Game. RMHS continues to provide online learning opportunities for students through their association with Virtual High School. Twenty-seven RMHS students took advantage of this educational option in the fall of 2010. Among the courses opted for by RMHS students were Mandarin, AP Computer Programming, Journalism in the Digital Age, Forensics, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine. • The RMHS branch of the Reading Cooperative Bank continues to provide RMHS students with authentic career skills. • Internship opportunities for RMHS students to connect academic learning with real world applications have been enhanced with a Career/Community Service Internship opportunity for seniors. Library Media Center • In November 2010, the Media Center offered "Web 2.0 is About Verbs: Create, Collaborate, & Connect," a workshop for parents which examined the characteristics of what we now refer to as "Web 2.0," specifically how social networking, user-generated content, and the personalization of the world wide web is transforming teaching and learning. Mathematics • RMHS students continue to excel on perform at high levels on state and national assessments. • Technology integration continues to infuse mathematics instruction with faculty professional development in such applications as use of the SMART Document camera, Autograph, and TI-NSpire graphing calculators. • A RMHS math teacher presented a workshop on the use of the SMART Recorder in the Classroom at the national Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence National Conference in December 2010. New Faculty Joining the RMHS community in September 2010 were the following faculty members: Kent Hatton Physics Elaine Picard Physics 511 Giulio Binaghi Foreign Language Martin Stibolt English Leia Richardson English Magalie Rowe Foreign Language Patricia Banda Special Ed Teacher Elizabeth Dalby Biology Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School Principal, Craig Martin Introduction The mission of Coolidge Middle School is to create a challenging and respectful environment for all students and to provide the varied experiences necessary for'becoming confident, independent learners. The Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School continues to strengthen this mission by fostering a "learning community" for all, including staff, students, and parents. Our school community is characterized by a shared mission and vision, collective inquiry that accompanies a constant striving to improve, an organizational structure of collaborative teams that share a common purpose, a willingness to try new approaches, and annual self-assessment to examine results. As we continue striving to successfully address the social, physical, intellectual, and emotional needs of all our students, we look forward to accomplishing the new goals set forth in our School Improvement Plan - while at the same time; we celebrate our successes of the previous year. Below are just a few of the highlights. Student Activities and Programs After School Activities With the support of the PTO, Coolidge continued this year to such a wide range of before and after school activities for students. In addition to activities such as peer leaders, Rag football, chime choir, and newspaper,we also added a before school"fitness club" and a"library advisory . board." The "A.M. Fit Club," created by Paula Graham and open to all students, is a supervised open workout, including cardio-fitness, strength and conditioning training, Wii, and DDR activities. The Coolidge Library Advisory.Board (Coolidge LAB for short) was created by Christine Steinhauser and is a student group that writes book, movie, TV and music reviews for the Coolidge Middle School Library blog (http://coolidgems.wordpress.conl/). They also create Book Trailers (30-60 second commercial-like videos) to upload to the blog as well. Thanks to all the Coolidge staff members who helped make all the student extracurricular activities possible! And thanks also to the continued support of the Coolidge PTO. Holocaust Survivor, Edgar Krasa,Visits Coolidge In November, Coolidge was honored to welcome Holocaust survivor, Edgar Krasa, to Coolidge to speak with our Stn graders. Mr. Krasa presented his personal story to students, as told in the anthology I Refused to Die: Stories of Boston Area Holocaust Survivors and Soldiers who Liberated the Concentration Camps of World War I.I. Susie Davidson, editor of this anthology, also attended the assembly at Coolidge. To supplement this program, Coolidge also borrowed 12 posters from the Simon Wiesenthal Courage to Remember collection. These works included 512 Kristallnacht: The Night of Broken Glass, The World Turned Upside Down: The Warsaw Ghetto, The Final Solution: 1941-1945, The Enduring Spirit:Art of the Holocaust, Bitterness and Hope: The Legacy of the Holocaust, Remembrance and Vigilance, and others. We'd like to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Krasa and Ms. Davidson for visiting Coolidge and sharing this very important story with our students. Our thanks also to Coolidge English Teachers, Erica LeBow and Jennalee Anderson...and to Coolidge parent Linda Snow Dockser for coordinating this wonderful opportunity. "Welcome to Coolidge"for Incoming 6th Grade In August, we once again offered our acclaimed transition program, "Welcome to Coolidge," for incoming 6th grade students. This program prepares students for a stress-free start to the school year. Participants get to know some staff members,become comfortable with the building layout, locate their locker (and learn how to open a combination lock), and know what is expected of a sixth grade student. They get to review their middle school schedule, participate in team building activities, and learn important study skills. Over a hundred students were enrolled, and students not only learned useful information...also (and most importantly)had a great time. "Nature's Classroom" at Prindle Pond Over 100 Coolidge 7th graders participated in our 18th annual Nature's Classroom program at Prindle Pond during April break. Many thanks to Mr. Sprague (who coordinated the five day trip) and to all the staff and parent chaperones who helped make this such.a wonderful experience for all the students. Walk to School Day Coolidge promoted walking, biking, and carpooling to school by again participating in the international "Walk to School Day." On this day, students all over the world were walking to school. Walls.to School events strive to create safer routes for walking and bicycling, and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among ,children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, concern for the environment, and building connections among families, schools, and community. In addition to eliminating the safety concerns and congestion on Birch Meadow Drive, these efforts can help to promote both a cleaner environment and healthier children. "Understanding Disabilities"Presentation In March, Coolidge was proud to welcome Karen Gaffney, an accomplished long-distance swimmer and president of the Karen Gaffney Foundation, who gave a talk titled "Re-writing the Data," about how people can overcome limitations. Ms. Gaffney, who has Down syndrome, made a historic 9-mile swim across Lake Tahoe,has swum the English Channel as part of a relay team, and recently swam Boston Harbor. Through the work of her foundation and her talks around the country, she is changing attitudes and helping to change lives. We are grateful to Ms. Gaffney for sharing her experiences and for inspiring our students. Meteorologist Bga Burbank Visits Coolidge In October, Coolidge's Team Pegasus welcomed guest speaker, Barry Burbank, a WBZ-TV meteorologist. Mr.Burbank spoke with students about weather forecasting, extreme weather, and 513 weather instruments. Thanks to WBZ and to Mr. Burbank for making this possible for our students! Student Mentors Marie Pink, our Assistant Principal, coordinated and expanded a very successful student mentor program. This program consists of high school volunteers who come to Coolidge at dismissal time, one or more days a week, to mentor Coolidge students. This program has helped many middle school students achieve at a higher academic level and has promoted great connections between the two schools. Coolidge Volunteers Coolidge has also created a core group of student volunteers who assist with various tasks throughout the school. Tasks include such items as shelving books in the library, organizing various meeting spaces throughout the building, watering plants, cleaning fish tanks, making sure computers are shut down each day, posting announcements on the school sign, tutoring younger students, and many others. Thanks to Assistant Principal Marie Pink for coordinating this great program! y Coolidge Drama Presents "Willy Wonka" This year, Coolidge Drama produced the musical Roald Dahl's Willy Wonlca Junior, and it was a great success. Congratulations to Director Lori Mandolese and to all the cast and crew. Their impressive talents brought the Wonka magic to life for all of us! "You Don't Know Me Until You Know Me" In February, Coolidge participated and supported the program "You Don't Know Me Until You Know Me" by Dr. Michael Fowlin. This powerful program became a centerpiece of the Coolidge's "Project Challenge" initiatives, and it prompted enormous discussion and reflection throughout the year. Coolidge's "Project Challenge" initiatives are designed to encourage students and all members of the school community to promote a positive and accepting school climate. The Coolidge Challenge, as indicated in our School Handbook is as follows: "As members of the Coolidge Middle School community, we shall promote, in both our words and actions, a climate of acceptance, kindness, and respect for all; a safe learning environment, free from violence or unkind words, and filled instead with civility and teamwork; a commitment to community and to serving our fellow citizens; a responsibility to develop. our skills and to commit our efforts to solving challenges faced by our community, by our nation, and by our world; and an understanding that our daily choices can shape our attitudes, our achievements, and our future." Programs such as Dr. Fowlin's "You Don't Know Me Until You Know Me" inspire everyone to strive to meet that challenge every day. Annual"Olympiad Day" In February, Coolidge once again held our school-wide Olympiad. This day has become a wonderful tradition at Coolidge for many years, and brings the entire school community together. Thanks to all the parent volunteers, to all the students, to all the staff, and to Mr. McCarthy and his committee for once again coordinating a very successful and enjoyable day! 514 Family Math& Science Night In March, Coolidge presented its 14th annual Family Math& Science Night for Grades 5, 6, 7, 8 students and their family members. Hundreds of students and parents enjoyed a fun evening of math, science, engineering, and technology activities. It also provided an excellent transition activity for the fall's entering 6th graders. Special thanks to Coolidge teacher Andrea Bruno for coordinating this night, and to all the parents who volunteered their time and efforts to make the evening a success. Career Day In June, the Coolidge community participated in its 4th annual "Career Day" for our students. It was a great day, and we'd like to thank the parents who coordinated the entire event as well as the many community volunteers who gave up their time to present to students. Over thirty jobs were represented, giving students the opportunity to learn more about many professions. Our hope is that students were inspired to think more about certain career fields and that all kids made the important connection between their present education and their future aspirations. Advanced Problem Solving&Applications Coolidge(and Parker)Middle School enhanced the Math program by again offering Algebra 1 to the strongest 7th grade Math students and then, this year,by developing a new"hybrid" advanced math.course for 8th graders, "Advanced Problem Solving&Applications." . Student Honors Coolidge was proud that many students were again recognized for their various talents in various programs and/or competitions throughout the year. Just a few examples include... Science OlMnpiad Team: State Champs At the annual state Science Olympiad tournament in March, the Coolidge Science Team earned First Place and successfully defended their title as Massachusetts State Champion. As a result, the Coolidge Science Team earned the honor of representing Massachusetts in May at the National Science Olympiad competition at the University of Illinois. At the National Tournament at the University of Illinois, the team earned a 16th place finish, placing the Coolidge Science Olympiad Team in the top quarter of the top 1% of all Science Olympiad Teams in the country. Congratulations to Head Coach Paul Guidetti and assistants John McCarthy and Karawan Meade, to all the event coaches, to all the parents, and to every student of the Coolidge Science Olympiad Team! . Jazz Band Receives Gold Medal Congratulations to the Middle School Jazz Band for receiving a gold medal at the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education's Middle School Festival, which was held at Reading Memorial High School in May. Three students, Ada Li, Greg McCrae, and Jon Asgeirsson were also recognized for outstanding musicianship, and Sam Powers won the award for most outstanding soloist in the festival. Members of the Reading Middle School Jazz Band were: Nathan Rose, Catherine Newell, Logan Katsoufis, Sam Powers, Chirag Patel, Noah Singer (saxophones); Alex Sahagian, Diana Le (guitar); Jisoo Choi, Ada Li (piano); Jon Asgeirsson, Walter Greeley, Ryan Freidmann, Andrew Costello,Peter O'Connor, Griffin Killian (trumpets); Dan Staffier, Nathan 515 Strack, Tim Kane (trombones);'Matt Holmes (bass); Greg McCrae, Maria Garbarino (drains). Congratulations to all the students and to director, Mr.Mulligan! Student Artists Several sixth grade students from Coolidge had their artwork on display at the Wenham museum in Wenham; MA. These students created animal paintings in their art class and were selected to have their work on public display. Congratulations to Adam Andrade, Olivia Cronin-Golomb, Michael Dente, Rachel.Doherty, Samantha Kramer, Melanie La, Juliann Leblanc, Kerry Lordan, and Cynthia Yang for their hard work and creativity! Junior District Music Festival After January auditions from more than 90 public and private schools, twenty-two Reading students (nine from Coolidge) were selected to participate in the Northeast Massachusetts District Junior Music Festival, a prestigious Massachusetts Music Educators' Association event. The program, for students in grades six through nine, is offered by the M.M.E.A. as an enrichment opportunity, providing a musical experience to talented young people. The students were selected to perform in the Junior District Concert Band, Orchestra, Boys' Chorus, and Girls' Chorus. They rehearsed with guest conductors and then performed in a concert at Lowell High School in Lowell, MA in March. Coolidge participants were: Jon Asgeirsson (8-boys' chorus), Jacob Camenker (8-boys' chorus), Marissa Lawrence (8-girls' chorus), Nick Miller (8- boys' chorus), Catherine Newell (7-band), Alex Percy (6-boys' chorus), Julia Sidman (8-girls' chorus), Nathan Strack (8-band), and Sydney Willwerth (7-girls' chorus). Congratulations to everyone on this achievement! Geography Bee Ten students qualified to participate in the annual Coolidge Geography Bee (Catherine Newall, Andrew Grottkau, Brett Blomquist, Patrick Baynes, Tyler D'Ambrosio, Julia Stackhouse, Stephen Carpinito, Julia Driscoll, Patrick Leverone, and Joseph Penna). Coolidge Geography Bee champion, Ryan Margossian, also qualified for the 2010 Massachusetts State Geography , Bee (sponsored by the National Geographic Society). "Make a Difference"Award Coolidge 7th grader, Brian Fogarty, was a recipient of the"Make A Difference Award" from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. The Kennedy Library recognized middle school students this year for malting a difference in their communities, and Brian Fogarty was nominated by a staff member for possessing strong leadership shills and for being a valuable team player. At the time, Brian was president of the seventh grade class, and he dedicated several extra hours a week performing various duties for the Student Council. He provided, for instance, the necessary leadership to coordinate the Student Council's tree donation to the annual Festival of Trees. He also helped to coordinate Coolidge's involvement with the annual Walk for Hunger, and he organized various fundraising activities to benefit such causes as Haiti Relief. These are just some examples of how Brian distinguished himself by going above and beyond in service of his school and community. The "Make A Difference Award"was presented to Brian in March at the 2010 Award Ceremony at the Kennedy Library in Boston. 516 Lego League Competition Coolidge again hosted Reading's annual competition of the FIRST Lego League. Sixteen teams participated, made up of 104 students from grades four through eight, including 5 teams this year made up of 32 middle school students from both Coolidge and Parker. There were also over 40 volunteer coaches and coordinators. Teams were given a challenge based on this year's theme "Smart Move," focusing on today's transportation challenges; and students were organized into teams who then designed robots to complete specific tasks. Each team competed in two rounds of robot missions and also presented a skit based on a completed research project. The winning . middle school team this year was the "Super Speedy Six" coached by Laura McDonagh, Niloo Hennings, and Doug O'Flaherty, and made up of team members: Meg O'Flagherty, Emma McDonagh,Noah Hennings, Tori Grimmer, Will Politano, and Parker.Webb. Congratulations to these students and to all the students who participated in the competition. Wordmasters Two students representing Coolidge Middle School won highest honors in the December 2010 WordMasters Challenge—a national Language Arts competition entered by approximately 220,000 students annually, which consists of three separate meets held at intervals during the school year. Competing in the difficult Blue Division of the Challenge, 7th graders Natalie Rotstein and Mary Beth Marcucella both earned perfect scores in the year's first meet. In the entire country, only 120 seventh graders (out of 27,000) achieved at this level. Others at the school who also achieved outstanding results in the meet included 7th graders: Jack Emilius, Mike Dente, Liam O'Neill, Parker Webb, Zach Forbes, Will Connery, Ryan Forbes, Dan Sullivan, Haley D'Entremont, Matt Garofoli, Morgan .Flynn, Emily McKenna, Noah Fandel, Jenna Goldman-McFail, Chris Fitzpatrick, and Cynthia Yang; and 8th graders: James Marcucella, Andrew Grottkau, Sharon Grosso, Catherine Newell, Jennie Dockser, Brian Kraft, Sean Hanlon, and Chris Pappey. Congratulations to these students! Charity and Community Awareness Coolidge students again participated in many charitable and humanitarian efforts, benefiting a variety of organizations. Below are just a few examples from the year... Thanks from Troops in Afghanistan For the past five years, Coolidge has collected items and sent "care packages" from Coolidge to our troops who are stationed overseas. Coolidge Teacher, Amy Kasprzak, and "Team Infinity" have coordinated the efforts; and Ms. Kasprzak'.s brother, Major Robert Pawlak, currently overseas in Afghanistan, has helped by giving her addresses of people stationed in remote locations. In November, we were surprised by a very long distance phone call from Captain Robert Williams, and in a follow-up email letter with photos, he expressed heartfelt and very enthusiastic thanks from all of his team in a very remote section of Afghanistan. Captain Williams wrote, "On behalf of)the Nagahan Village Stability Team I would like to express our deepest appreciation for your care package that we received on 26 Oct 2010. Your thoughts and well wishes have added a few more smiles to our daily routine, and possible a few more cavities as well! As deployed soldiers we always have our loved ones and family back home with us. We carry photos, email when we can, and make the occasional phone calls in order to feel just a little closer to those things we cherish and miss while we are deployed. These are things we plan for, and we accept as part of our duty. Unexpected, uncontrolled, unsolicited acts of kindness from 517 those friends we have yet to meet however are not planned for, and the impact is enormous. Your actions are truly reflective of a compassionate and caring School Staff and Student body." We have since received other emails and notes from U. S. troops who have received packages from Coolidge. In total, Coolidge shipped out twelve boxes,with a total weight of 568 lbs, to our troops in Afghanistan. Each box ranged from 40 – 50 lbs and had a little bit of everything in it. Major Robert Pawlak provided twelve addresses for remote locations along the Pakistan border and in the Helmand province. Thanks to all the teachers of Team Infinity for coordinating this effort, and thanks to all the students for such wonderful participation! Coolidge Earns 1st Place in"Coats for Kids" The Coolidge Peer Leaders coordinated a coat collection drive in the winter for the annual "Coats for Kids" program, sponsored by Anton's Cleaners; and they were all very excited a few months later to receive a letter from Anton's President, Charles A. Anton, informing us that Coolidge Middle School "led the School Rewards program with a 1st place win!" Winners were determined by the number of coats collected per students enrolled, and as the lst place winner, Coolidge received $1200 of furnishings from Jordan's Furniture, a $250 gift certificate redeemable at Paul's TV, a$250 cash prize, a sundae party for the entire school. Great job to all of the student.Peer Leaders and to Peer Leader faculty advisors Marlene Lifshin and Becky Mandell for their tremendous efforts in coordinating the drive...and also of course to all the students, staff, and families in the Coolidge community who made the drive such a success. With your help, we were able to provide a much needed coat to many people this winter...and to show all the students here.at Coolidge that their efforts continue to make a positive difference in people's lives. Coolidge's efforts for the "Coats for Kids" program were featured in the Globe North section of the Sunday Boston Globe in March. "Hoops for Heart" In March, Coolidge held its 2nd annual "Hoops for Heart" event and raised over $12,000 for the American Heart Association! Thanks to the many students who participated in the basketball tournament and to everyone who made the Coolidge day such a tremendous success! Special thanks as well to Mr. Huizenga who coordinated the event and to all the staff who helped make this a day full of school spirit. While encouraging community service, the "Hoops for Heart" day is also an educational program, with messages of staying tobacco free, eating right, and exercising regularly—all while raising dollars critical to the development of lifesaving research. "Pennies for Peace"Project At the beginning of 2010, Coolidge embarked on an exciting project, centered on the best-selling book by Greg Mortenson, titled Three Cups of Tea. The "Pennies for Peace"project is a service- learning program designed to broaden students' cultural horizons while teaching them also about their capacities as philanthropists – one penny at a time. Pennies for Peace is a program of Central Asia Institute (CAI), founded by Greg Mortenson, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Three Cups of Tea. CAI is a nonprofit organization that promotes and provides community-based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of Central Asia. All Coolidge students, along with staff members, read the critically acclaimed book Three Cups of Tea (young adult version) from January to March and collected pennies (and other donations) 518 to help build schools in Afghanistan. In February, we were then honored to welcome Congressman John F. Tierney to Coolidge,who met with a group of student representatives from all grade levels about Coolidge's current"Pennies for Peace"project. Congressman Tierney also presented a slide show of photos from his own visits to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Later in May, Coolidge was then invited to personally present the funds that we raised to CAI founder Greg Mortenson, when he visited Salem, Massachusetts to receive the "Salem Award for Human Rights and Social Justice." Several North Shore schools who had been conducting "Pennies for Peace" programs were invited to attend the event, and teacher, Mary Anne Cuscuna (who helped coordinate the Coolidge project) and Coolidge 7t1' grader, Sharon Grosso,proudly represented Coolidge Middle School at the Salem ceremony. The Salem Award is given each year to keep alive the lessons of the Salem witch trials of 1692 and to recognize individuals whose commitment to social justice and hWnan rights has alleviated discrimination and promoted tolerance. This year's recipient, Greg Mortenson, reminded us that "the greatest legacy we can give our children is a legacy of peace," and Coolidge was proud to support that mission. Thanksgiving Food Drive The Coolidge family once again supported the Reading Food Pantry as part of our annual Thanksgiving Assembly. Coolidge "Team Voyager" coordinated the food drive and assembly this year, and dozens of boxes of food and necessities were again donated to the Reading Food Pantry. Thanks to all the staff and students who made the assembly and food drive so successful, and especially for giving so many people something to be thankful for during the holiday season. Walk for Hunger Again this year, members of the Coolidge community participated in the annual "Walk for Hunger" in Boston. Congratulations to the Student Council (who coordinated Coolidge's participation) for walking over 10.5 miles and for raising over $600 for Project Bread. Approximately 42,000 people came to the Boston Common that day, and according to the Project Bread press release, raised '33.8 million to provide food for 400 emergency food programs in 135 Massachusetts cities and towns. These funds will provide a hot meal or a bag of groceries for out-of-work families next winter." We at Coolidge commend all who participated! "Mission of Deeds" Thanks Coolidge Coolidge received a letter of thanks from the Reading "Mission of Deeds," expressing their appreciation to Chorus Director, Jenny DiMuzio, and to the entire Coolidge community for the December linens drive at the Coolidge Winter Concert. As a result of the drive, the Mission of Deeds received seven large boxes of assorted linens,many of them new. For each new bed that is given to a client, the Mission of Deeds also provides a comforter, blanket, and set of sheets, along with other assorted linens for the home. The Coolidge linens drive was a great help to this effort. Thanks to all the Coolidge students, staff, and parents for making this drive successful. Professional Development and School Improvement Efforts The Coolidge community again coordinated and/or participated in many initiatives-as part of our annual self-assessment and continuous improvement efforts. Below are just a few examples from the year... 519 School Improvement Survey As part of our annual school improvement process and in effort to create a renewed improvement plan for our school, the Coolidge School Council again gathered input from the school community and this year also facilitated.an online survey among staff and parents. As topics for reflection in this process, the school traditionally examines all the various educational categories as set forth by Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, and this past year, we focused on one key category ("Challenging Standards and Curriculum") for the survey.The 10 question survey was easily completed online and prompted much valuable input. Participants were asked several questions, and they answered by indicating "strongly .agree, agree, slightly agree, slightly disagree, disagree, strongly disagree, or don't know/unsure:" Here is a brief sampling of results: When asked if overall, Coolidge's curriculum and academic standards currently promote high levels of achievement among students, 93.4% agreed at some level, 4.6% disagreed at some level, and 1.9% were unsure. When asked if Coolidge's curriculum and academic expectations effectively addressed the needs of struggling learners, 52.4% agreed at some level, 16.8% disagreed at some level, and 30.8% were unsure. When asked if Coolidge's curriculum and academic expectations effectively address the needs of more advanced or exceptionally strong learners, 60.7% agreed at some level, 21.4% disagreed at some level, and 17.8%were unsure. The complete breakdown of the survey results were posted on our Edline page. After the results were collected, we then incorporated this important input into the goals and action steps of our updated School Improvement Plan (also available on our Edli .e page). Weekly CMS Announcements In addition to the weekly "Coolidge Comet, which was published on Edline for the school community, Coolidge also began publishing the "CMS Announcements" every week, with updated news about the school, students, and upcoming school programs. In order to keep the entire school community well informed, Coolidge families receive an email each week through our Edline service, alerting them to the weekly updates and providing a link to the weekly online publications. RTEF Grants Awarded to Coolidge Coolidge was the recipient of two grants from the Reading Technology and Education Foundation (RTEF). Our gratitude is extended to RTEF for funding the purchase of an "iPod Lab" for our Library Media Center, which includes 15 iPod Nanos with docking/charging station, and also a Netbook computer for classroom online programs. Blue Ribbon National Institute and Coolidge Site Visit The Reading Public Schools was proud to again partner with Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and SMART Technologies, Inc. to present our second annual Blueprint for Educational Excellence National Institute on April 15th and 16th. The Institute featured local and national educators attending high quality professional development opportunities and visiting classrooms throughout the district. Along with the 500 staff members of the Reading Public Schools, approximately 300 other educators from around the-country attended. Coolidge was also proud to host a site visit to our school for approximately 50 visiting educators, and we received very positive feedback. 520 Mr. Smith Featured in Blue Ribbon Profile Coolidge Math teacher, Charlie Smith,was the subject of a Blue Ribbon Teacher Profile and was featured on the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence website: `Blue Ribbon School Zone." Mr. Smith's commitment to children and his enthusiastic style of math instruction is featured on the site, complete with an article, comments by former students, and a video about pi and Mr. Smith's annual celebration of "Charlie Brown Day." Congratulations, Mr. Smith! Be sure to check out the profile at the below link: http://wwW.brschoolzone.com/foram/topics/calculus-explained State Assessment Results When most middle schools in Massachusetts are now considered "underperforming" (according to established state guidelines), Coolidge was proud that MCAS scores remained strong and that the school once again even achieved AYP for all groups. While the school's goal has always been simply to help all students succeed and to continue to make personal progress (as opposed to achieving any particular status on a state test), it is gratifying to see that the school's efforts and initiatives have proven successful for so many children. Such initiatives as.our math support classes, our after-school "P.A.S.S." classes, and our various homework and mentoring programs have helped many struggling students and have even served as models for other schools. Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence: Coolidge Middle School was proud to again be featured at the 2010 Blue Ribbon Schools "Blueprint for Excellence" national conference. As a national "Lighthouse School," Coolidge gave three presentations at the conference, and Principal Craig Martin was the Master of Ceremonies for the conference. Coolidge staff members also had the opportunity to attend numerous workshops and to connect with professional colleagues from outstanding schools across the nation. Science D partment Receives Grant Congratulations to Coolidge Science Teacher, Sarah Marchant, who together with her Science department colleagues John McCarthy and Betsy Withum, were the recipients of a $2000 ING "Unsung Heroes Award" for Coolidge Middle School. ING accepted the team's grant proposal to support the development of an engineering initiative (Building for the Future)to be implemented during their 7"' and 8`l' grade team periods. The grant will fund the purchase of bridge-building supplies for the students and professional development for the teachers. At a fall PTO meeting, Alison Rayment, a representative from ING presented Sarah Marchant with the $2000 check. On behalf of all the students at Coolidge, thank you to Ms. Marchant, Mr. McCarthy, and Ms. Withum! Professional Conferences Coolidge staff members also attended'and/or presented at other professional conferences, such as the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) annual conference, the New England Social Studies conference, the National Middle School Association (NMSA) conference, and others. 521 Walter S. Parker Middle School Principal,Douglas Lyons Introduction The Walter S. Parker Middle School continually works to improve through a process which addresses three main areas of need; curriculum, instruction and assessment, school climate, and shared leadership. Staff,parents, students and community members are working together to build a school community which focuses on the needs of pre-adolescents and adolescents, educationally, socially and emotionally. Part of this process is to reach out to the Reading community and beyond as we continue the Parker tradition of being a school which values life- long learning, and service to the community. School Improvement Plan The School Improvement Plan (SIP) was written by the Principal and the School Site Council in the spring and fall of 2010. The School Site Council is comprised of five parents, three teachers, the assistant principal and the principal. The plan correlates directly to the new District Improvement Goals and the new district vision statement, "...Preparing Reading's Youth to Be Respectful and Productive Citizens of a Global Society..." The focus of the 2010-2011 Parker School Improvement Plans is: Improving Teaching, Learning and the Demonstration of 21st Century Skills; Communication, School Culture and Shared Leadership; including student's social/emotional safety and development. The school improvement goals are SMART Goals and are a product of the collaborative work completed with the Administrative Council and teacher leaders in the summer. The goals are as follows: 1. Teachers will collaborate to expand, share and teach engaging lessons that require students to develop and practice their creativity and innovation skills; their critical thinking and problem solving skills; as well as their communication and literacy skills. 2. We will continue to create and refine ways that demonstrate and communicate in a given interval of time, indicators, artifacts, student work and performances that exhibit student progress in all content areas. 3. We will ensure a safe, healthy, and sustainable learning environment where all members are expected to be respectful and socially responsible. The administration reviews and reports out monthly to the school site council on the achievement and the progress toward our school goals. Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Parker Middle School is a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, Lighthouse School. The award is given to schools that have scored in the distinguished category in all nine of the BR `Categories for hnprovement.' The nine areas .are: Student. Focus and Support; School Organization and Culture; Challenging Standards and Curriculum; Active Teaching and Learning; Technology Integration; Professional Community; Leadership and Educational Vitality; School, Family, and Community Partnerships; Indicators of Success. The Walter S. Parker Middle School administration and teacher leaders continue to use the Blue Ribbon Principles as a primary document to review and assess programs and structures annually. Parker teachers and 522 administrators continue to attend the Blue Ribbon National Conference. In addition, Parker teachers and administrators attend and present annually at the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence National Institute hosted in Reading in the spring. This year. Parker will host a visiting team of approximately 45 teachers and administrators attending the national conference where we will share and demonstrate our use of technology in the classrooms. Turning Points and School Reform Initiative The Turning Points report from the Carnegie Foundation is a result of over fifteen years of research done in middle schools on how pre-adolescents and adolescents learn best. The report has a list of principles and practices that middle schools should adhere to if they are to address the educational, social, and emotional needs, of students who are "in the middle" between elementary school and high school. Parker Middle School is in its seventh year of membership in the National Turning Points Network located at the Center for Collaborative Education in Boston, MA. Some of the changes that resulted from our collaborative work with SRI and the TP Network address the needs of student achievement, student assessment, school climate, classroom culture, shared leadership, collaboration, communication, and staff development. New England League of Middle Schools-NELMS As a member of the New England League of Middle Schools - NELMS, the Parker community has had many opportunities to go to conferences and workshops to increase the knowledge in our building around research pertaining to middle schools, and teaching and learning. In the fall of 2008, Parker was again determined to be a NELMS Spotlight School. As a result of this distinction, we continue to host visiting teams of teachers and administrators who hope to replicate some of the structures and professional learning practices to improve student learning in their home schools. In the spring two teams from Parker will again be presenting at the NELMS Conference in Rhode Island. Professional Development and Adult Learning A fundamental part of the professional development and the success that Parker Middle School has had, and will continue to have, is directly due to teacher learning, and teachers teaching one another. There are numerous opportunities for teachers to learn about Facilitative leadership, Critical Friends Groups, inquiry math, classroom discourse, differentiated instruction, project based learning, engaged learning, data analysis, literacy models, numeracy, Smartboard technology, blogs, wilds, podcasting, Moodle, Excel, Inspiration, MassOne, Kurzweil, United Steaming, health and wellness, pragmatics, Glogster, alternative assessment, Lab Classrooms, Edline, Gradequick, drug awareness, curriculum mapping, restraint, safety, as well as Bullying Training. The offerings listed above are professional development offerings at the school and district level. In addition, the district has stream-lined professional development to be completed during the school day when possible and to follow the cohort model to best utilize and support teachers while learning and incorporating new methodologies into curricula areas. A significant learning opportunity that has impacted technology integration into classrooms at Parker is the Expanding the Boundaries to Teaching and Learning Course taught by the Superintendent and teacher 523 leaders. This is a year long course where teachers and administrators learn and experience new technologies together. The Instructional Leadership Team comprised of teacher leaders and administrators have continued to lead, coordinate and plan opportunities for teachers to learn with one another. A focus for us this year continues to be helping students and teachers make their work and their practice public. Specifically in regard to student work we use the phrase "...creating work for an audience greater than one..." As students and teachers share their work with others they get feedback and gain a sense of clarity and confidence through the process. We have widened the. focus to include common language and opportunities for students to give and share feedback and also post the changes to the work that they are publishing or making public. In addition we have continued, developing in-house experts and opportunities for teachers to teach and learn from one another. We have developed a Professional Development Model called `Open Space.' where teachers, during early release time, faculty meetings and in-service days attend sessions or presentations to learn more about a topic they can incorporate into their lessons, or use to better engage or assess students. The concept of teachers teaching and learning from one another is invaluable because it allows teachers to make relationships and continually share and receive feedback as they work to integrate technology and make changes in their pedagogy. This professional learning model has had a profoundly positive impact on our school culture. Middle Schools and District Committee Work(Parker and Coolidge) District Curriculum, Safety, Diversity, Bullying, Special Education, and Data Committees meet on the first Wednesday of every month to map curriculum, to discuss what teaching and learning looks like at each school, as well as how we can collaborate to meet the social and emotional needs of our students. Committees commonly refer to and review, state and national standards and current research including 21St Century Skills to inform decision making and the agenda for each meeting. In addition, academic departments from both middle schools have been meeting regularly with elementary and high school teachers in vertical teams, to increase their knowledge-base in pedagogy. On-line learning has continued with the use of Moodle as our on-line learning platform for the Advanced Problem Solving Mathematics Course offered to eighth graders with teachers from each middle school communicating and collaborating.to refine the course. The 6th grade English Language Arts teachers and the District Instructional Specialist continue to share best practices to teach'and support struggling readers at the middle level. In addition, the teachers have fully incorporated Guided Reading, Wordly Wise and part of the new grammar program. The Social Studies teachers continue to refine their curriculum maps while the eighth grade teachers, having completed a second year of the new curriculum which focused on: World Civilizations from the fall of the Roman Empire through the Enlightenment. Other departments that meet regularly to improve curriculum and pedagogy include Math, ELA, Art, Wellness and Physical Education, Music, Foreign Language and Special Education. 524 The Instructional Leadership Team and Critical Friends Groups -CFG's The Parker Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) is in its seventh year advising the school in areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development and collaborative leadership. Every working team in the school has a representative on the ILT. Twelve staff members, and both principals, are on the team which meets monthly to plan professional learning opportunities for staff. We work to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the Blue Ribbon Standards for School Improvement and TP Principles as well as come to consensus on school change. The ILT has created opportunities for teachers to look at their assignments, student work and assessments and to share their work to better engage students in their learning. The ILT has helped us reach our goal of increasing leadership capacity within the building. In addition to the ILT,we have a Team Leader for every team and department in the building. An off-shoot of the ILT is the Critical Friends Groups (or PLC's) facilitated by teacher leaders who are trained CFG Coaches/Facilitators. The CFG's meet monthly to help members of the groups increase their knowledge of educational theory and research, and use protocols to help put what they know into best practices. Additionally, Team Leaders meet monthly, and as needed, to address issues of school and team management. Students are put into leadership roles by becoining Student council Members, Peer Leaders and Core Value advisors. Core Values We are in our sixth year focusing on our Core Values of Kindness, Community and Personal Best. The 2010 goal was to participate in the District Bullying Committee to work collaboratively to develop the District Bullying Draft Plan, which can be found at: http://www.edline.net/files/_KBE65 /e299c5640696cfbd3745a49013852ec4/Antibullying_Pl an_Draft.pdf Additionally, we have created a year-long curriculum that includes materials, lessons and training from the Second Step Program, the Aggressors, Victims and Bystanders Program, On- Line Safety Training as well as the Let's Get Real Curriculum. These lessons will be implemented during monthly, school-wide sessions where we could discuss and practice our Core Values as a community. Students and the Core Value Committee members meet monthly to analyze data, make suggestions for speakers, and reflect and revise activities as needed. Special Education and Guidance Procedures and Services Special Education continues to be a major area of focus for us at Parker. Currently, 20% of our student-population is on Individual Education Programs. The Language Based Learning Disabilities Program (the LLD Program) for the district is at Parker Middle School. Students in the special Education sub-group did not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in 2010 in ELA and Mathematics. We continue to individualize teaching and academic support in the LLD Program and Learning Centers for students with disabilities. To better meet the needs of students, the master scheduled was changed in September 2010, moving math teachers off-team to decrease teacher to student ratios and to also allow math teachers to meet the needs of students with disabilities. 525 Special Education Teachers have worked with regular education teachers to best create accommodations and modifications for students to allow them to access the curriculum. Based on data analysis and progress monitoring, additional classes and electives, teachers have been able to work more closely with students with disabilities. Student Goals, Measured Benchmarks and Service grids on Individual Education Programs are being revised to further meet the needs of each student. All 6th grade Special Education faculty met with their counterparts at the elementary level several times to assure a smooth transition for incoming 5th graders. And finally, a plan was created and implemented to train educational assistants in Special Education research and strategies, and the use of technology in the classroom. -The Guidance Department continues to test and support students with disabilities. Additionally, our School Psychologists continue to collaborate with teachers and parents to create and devise individualized plans for students to access the curriculum. The counselors also schedule individual and group sessions for students with special issues such as recently divorced families, school avoidance, anxiety, sickness, death, and social issues/pre'ssures. Technology Integration and Planning A balanced, District Technology Plan that supports hardware, software and learning opportunities for teachers and students has been the key to teachers learning new technologies and integrating them into the curriculum. A school-wide technology committee led by the school's technology Integration Specialist and the principal makes key decisions about the purchase and use of technology at Parker. A prioritized list of needs was developed and shared with the district and the PTO. Faculty have been integrating iPods,'cell phones, Smartboards, Edline, Web-Based Grade Quick, document cameras, Wiki's, Blogs, Quia, Moodle, Edmodo, Glogster and other video and media into the school day at Parker. Additional support from the district has allowed us to add one more mobile lab, and Special Education has added assistive technology to support Learning Centers and the LLD Programs. We have obtained through the regular school budget, Special Education, RTEF grants, and money from the PTO, new Smartboards, several document cameras, an iPod Learning Lab, Flip Cameras, and a dozen net books. Our Parker News Live Studio has been upgraded and is now using video streaming to broadcast daily notices and upcoming events to -our school every morning. Teachers continue to take the Expanding the Boundaries Course and we continue to use the Open Space Model to train each other and students in the use of these new technologies. Staff and students have learned skills including computer research, databases, Microsoft Ogce, Inspiration, Kurzweil, VHS, Glogster, blogs, wikis, podcasting, United Streaming, Advanced Smartboard, etc. Improved Home/School Communication With the help of the Team Leaders, School Council and the PTO, we have improved communication within the school and with community as large. For the sixth year, all teams held parent coffees, a chance for teachers to talk informally with parents. Student schedules were mailed to all homes and uploaded onto Edline in August. The PTO and School Council worked 526 together to communicate safety issues to parents, particularly in the areas Bullying and the development of the new District Bullying Plan. Edline, the Weekly Update to Teachers and Parents, the Parker PTO Facebook Page, the Principal's Blog have all expanded this year. We currently communicate with more than 93% of our parents electronically. Students all receive a school e-mail address and are trained on Edline, the Library page, databases to do research as well as teacher and class pages to access class information daily. Increased Educational and Enrichment Activities Summer programs were held at Parker this summer, some created and implemented by Parker staff, others as part of the Reading Enrichment Summer Academy. One was the Pragmatics Camp where students learned social skills for classroom use. Another was the Introduction to Parker, an activity based program where incoming 6th grade students learned about the school and its programs. Also, staff and parents met regularly to provide enrichment and health assemblies for students, and to plan and revise the annual field trips. The following enrichment activities and trips are planned and have taken or will take place in the 2010-2011 school year. • The French Trip - 8th Grade • Nature's Classroom-7th Grade • Eco-Club to Costa Rica- 8th Grade • Twain House Trip 7th Grade • Little Farm Trip—6th Grade • Challenger Trip—6th Grade • Merrimack Valley Repertoire Theatre— 8th Grade • Stoneham Theatre—7th Grade • Plum Island Trip—6th Grade e Washington D.C. —8th Grade Peer leaders and Student Council continued to work as key members of the school community who work to improve school climate and do community service. The after-school enrichment program expanded this year and includes Anime Art, Art Studio, Basketball, Board Games, Clay Club, Color Guard, Knitting and Crocheting Basics, Dodge Ball, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Flash Animation,, Floor Hockey, French Club, Gymnastics, Hip Hop, Jazz Club, Homework Club, Knitting, Math Team, Science Creativity Club, Scholastic Art Preparation, Eco-Science Club, SIMCity Science, Spanish Club, Stamping & Scrapbooking, the Talent Show, the on-line student newspaper(the Quill) and Whiffleball. New Staff We welcome seven new teachers to the Parker staff this year. Robyn Ferrazzani is transferring from Killam Elementary School to assume our Library Media position. Bethany Nazzaro will be teaching seventh grade LLD and she joins us from the Carroll School. Andrew Spinali will be teaching seventh grade ELA on the Costa Team; he joins us after a one year internship at the North Hampton Middle School in New Hampshire. Leanne Ebert will be our new half time special education teacher in grade eight; she joins us after being home for a bit of time raising her three daughters ages five, three and one. Grace Therriault will be teaching in the seventh 527 grade learning center and joins us from Lowell Community Charter Scho6l. Auriana Halsey will be teaching special education in grade six and seven. She joins us from Summit Academy in Worcester. And Jeff Zilch will be teaching Social Studies,joining the sixth grade Jordan Team. Jeff joins us from Birchland Park Middle School in East Longmeadow Mass. Each new teacher has experience in the classroom, and a demonstrated commitment to student learning. We are excited and think that our new teachers will complement our staff and contribute greatly to our school community. A.M. Barrows Elementary.School Principal,Karen Callan Through the guidance from the Massachusetts State Frameworks, Barrows students are taught a comprehensive curriculum that will prepare them for their future. Extensive work in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, as well as exposure to various topics in Science and Social Studies, has given the Barrows "Shining Stars" an excellent foundation for learning. Demographics Barrows currently has a population of 400+ students ranging from K_-5.There are three classrooms of each grade level, including one fall-day kindergarten class. In September,Barrows added a class of kindergarten children who are on the autism spectrum. With this additional class, Barrows now hosts 25+ spectrum children in all classrooms. With the population continuing to grow, Barrows classrooms and additional spaces are all being used on daily basis for teaching space. Staffing The Barrows School wished a sad farewell to one of our second grade teachers, Mrs. Adele. Pekins, who retired after 30+ years teaching in Reading. Ms. Heather Mustone was hired to fill Mrs. Pekin' second grade. Additionally, Ms. Kelly Atherton and Mrs. Leslie Scully joined the Developmental Learning Center (autism program). Through movement .within the system, Barrows also welcomed several new para-educators. Technology One of Barrows' goals is to work towards 1:1 computing. We began this process many years ago with the Writers. This year we were able, through the generosity of the PTO and additional sources, purchase 25 net books for classroom use. Students are able work in collaboration with others and individually on research projects with these mini-computers. Younger children are able to obtain needed practice in reading and math through the net books.Forty-five MP3 players began to replace outdated listening centers. Continued use of the -Smart Boards and various sound systems are continuing to expose our students to 21" century skills. Additionally, further development and use of wikis, and blogs have been added to each classroom as various communication vehicles. Students are able to obtain information, including homework assignments, long-range assigrunents and general information from their class wikis and web- sites. Finally, Edline, Reading's online web site, has proved to be vital as a means of communication with parents and the community. 528 Lifelong Guidelines and Lifeskills We are in our third year of implementing our character education program entitled, Lifelong Guidelines and Lifesldlls. We continue to focus on the fifteen Lifeskills. This year the students took on the responsibility of preparing and teaching the other children about the Lifeskill of the month. Through songs, skits, poetry and literature, the third, fourth and fifth grade students taught their peers about Courage, Curiosity and Friendship. Each month long theme is carried out in day to day activities and recognition. This program helps to enhance the Bullying Prevention initiative at Barrows. All of the skills help our children to learn character traits that will benefit them throughout their lives. This program, developed by Susan Kolevik, is felt daily throughout our school. Safety and Security Barrows, like the other schools, continued to emphasize safety in daily activities. This year we added Shelter-in-Place and Lockdown drills to our regular Fire drills. Additionally, the Barrows safety committee continues to train staff in procedures and protocols that will benefit the school as a whole. Before/After School Program Barrows began a before and after school program in September. This program has provided a safe and enriching environment for child care for the Barrows children. The program is run by Barrows Para-Educators and other qualified personnel. Through games, activities, inside and outside play; the children are able to stay at school and not have to travel to another location for after-school care. We look forward to this program growing in the years to come. Community Outreach Barrows continues to keep Community Outreach as a primary focus for our all children. Our young students are learning to be future leaders through the Student Council. The advisors; Mrs. Pamela Boston and Ms. Tricia Harbour guide the students in many outreach projects including St. Jude Math-a-Thon, food drives, coat collections, and mitten drives. The major project of the Student Council was the Pajama Drive in January. Over 100+ pairs of pajamas and many books were donated to be given to the Pajama Program for children in need. The' excitement of the Barrows children of wearing pajamas to school on this special day was displayed on every child's face. The new event Season's Seating raised over$300.00 for Reading's Adopt-A-Family Program. Outreach is important to all of us at Barrows. In conclusion, Barrows has continued to be a vital and exciting learning environment. We embrace the teaching of the twenty-first century, but continue to hold fast to the basic philosophies of learning. We continue to strive for excellence in all we do and will continue to during the next year. Birch Meadow Elementary School Principal, Eric Sprung Birch Meadow Elementary School is pleased to present the many achievements from the past school year and certainly have much to look forward to in 2011. According to state testing data, the school has seen many student improvements in the past year. In addition, district testing 529 indicates students in Grades K — 5 are showing solid gains in reading fluency and comprehension. These positive gains are a credit to the Birch Meadow staff. We are pleased to have many new instructional staff in the areas of special education, classroom teachers, and tutors. Blue Ribbon Award Winner This year Birch Meadow had the privilege of being an award winner at the National Blue Ribbon conference. The schools participation in the Blue Ribbon survey and the Blue Ribbon improvement process allowed us to receive the Points of Light award. Parents, teachers, and students have been participating in the improvement process as we brainstorm and share ideas for continuous improvement. MCAS data Birch Meadow school spent.many hours working to improve overall student achievement. Birch Meadow staff showed a commitment to teaching and Birch Meadow students were engaged in learning opportunities. This allowed Birch Meadow to show high levels of improvement based on the MCAS growth model at the state level. We continue to offer students a challenging curriculum, enrichment opportunities, and remediation to support student learning and prepare students for the MCAS test. Summer Improvements Birch Meadow had the privilege of receiving a new heating and ventilation system due to the town-wide supported energy service contract. This new heating system has allowed improved heating, air-flow within classrooms, and comfort. New boilers and unit ventilators in the classrooms have proven to be beneficial during the winter months. In addition to improving the environment in the classrooms the cost saving for the town has already been significant. Along with the town support, this summer the PTO purchased a number of items to support Birch Meadow. The PTO purchased digital and flip cameras, Netbooks, and a Senteo response system. Character Education The staff, students, and families continue to believe in our school motto of "Learn, Achieve, Believe TOGETHER". The motto helps us focus on our monthly character traits. Each trait is presented. to the students during a whole school assembly. Subsequently, students observed following the traits during the next month earn a Birchie Bear as a reward for their positive behaviors. In addition, a book program titled "One School, One Book", highlights the character trait and provides a read aloud opportunity to reinforce our school values. Students at Birch Meadow also receive "Principal Superstar" awards as they display exemplary behavior or academic success. The Birch Meadow School Council is coordinating the Birch Meadow Cares program. The program involves matching grade levels with charitable organizations. Our school council members have assigned each grade level a charity partner. The program offers students an opportunity to learn about their organization and subsequently, to participate in hands-on experiences to support their cause. In addition, we believe this opportunity will help students see 530 the benefit of helping others. At the end of the year, each grade level will present their organization and charity work in ,an all school assembly. Currently each grade level will be working with the following organization or group: Kindergarten—Birthdaywishes.org; Grade 1 — Reading Senior Center; Grade 2 — Service Men and Women overseas; Grade 3 —Reading Food Pantry; Grade 4—Jimmy Fund and Children's Hospital; Grade 5 —Heifer Foundation. Technology Communication Technology continues to be an integral part of the Birch Meadow community. Parents are becoming more familiar with the use of Edline as a way to highlight school events. The principal and teachers use blogging, wikis, voice thread, photo story, and many other innovative technology features that highlight student work and school accomplishments. Students are engaged in 21" century learning as they use computers to share information and create projects for their classrooms. This year we are planning a technology showcase which will highlight how technology is used in the classroom. Parents will be invited to attend this event. Parent Support Parents are an integral part of Birch Meadow's success. We have an active PTO which sponsors a Spooky Fun fair, parent auction, Multi-Cultural Pot Luck Dinner, enrichment programs, author visits, and more. Each of these events is ran strictly by volunteers. It is a pleasure *to have volunteers in the cafeteria, library, classrooms, and the office. We feel lucky to have their support. The parent W.A.S.H. committee addresses issues related to wellness, allergies, safety and health. Members include the school principal, school nurse and parent volunteers. We discuss ways to provide "safe foods" and create food friendly environments so students with dietary restrictions are able to fully participate in school events. We promote the safety of the Birch Meadow Community in'and around the school area and we encourage the physical well being of students at the Birch Meadow School. Student Council The student council is made up of 4th and 5th grade students who lead us in programnung and- school initiatives. The council has sponsored movie nights, coats for kid's drives, they run a school store, have raised funds for charities, and have created a video describing Birch Meadow School. This group is run by the assistant principal meeting weekly to advocate for the student community. Joshua Eaton School Interim Principal, Karen Feeney The Joshua Eaton School is proud of its accomplishments during 2010. There has been a continuous focus on promoting excellence in all areas from academics to extracurricular activities to school community involvement. Curriculum and Instruction All teachers participated in a variety of professional development opportunities that supported school goals. This summer Jody Carregal and, Karen Feeney completed a graduate course for 531 Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). They are working with the entire staff to develop these learning communities within the school that will focus on teachers analyzing data to improve their instruction. A main focus for professional development was technology. Teachers attended SMARTBoard trainings and participated in courses and workshops to learn how to implement new technology such as blogs and wikis for instruction. The school was thrilled to receive funding from the PTO to purchase laptops and Netbooks. Our order of Netbooks will now be called the CALF,which is a smaller version of the COW (Computers on Wheels). These additional tools will allow more students to integrate technology to enhance their learning. This year a new grammar program was implemented district wide to support students' writing skills. Also, in grades 4 and 5, students are using a new spelling program this year. We are also able to obtain more accurate information regarding students' reading progress through the use of the updated DIBELS Next and a new benchmark reading assessment. The April Blue Ribbon Institute was held in Reading when over 350 educators from Massachusetts, and as far away as Texas, attended. Educators who took part in this institute visited district schools and attended learning workshops that were taught by Reading teachers, including many from Joshua Eaton. Community Outreach Our 12th .Annual Veterans Day Assembly was a wonderful tribute to our special guests. Over 75 veterans enjoyed the .performances of the Joshua Eaton students and the now retired "Singing State Trooper" Dan Clark. The students sang several songs and recited poems in honor of the veterans. Students Joshua Liberman and Olivia Ventola served as emcees and fourth grader Aymon Langlois sang"America the Beautiful" as a solo during the program. Over 200 grandparents and local senior citizens attended the 13th annual Senior Tea and enjoyed the performance of more than 100 students with an entertaining selection of songs as directed by music teacher.Alicia McKenney. The entire school community is proud of the wonderful spirit of giving at Eaton. Through the efforts of our PTO and Student Council, students supported the less fortunate in the community through contributions for Thanksgiving food baskets and other drives such as the coat drive. Over $1,000 was donated to the Northeast Veterans Outreach Center in Haverhill from the student penny drive and a family donation. Parental Involvement Joshua Eaton is most fortunate to have many dedicated parent volunteers. The PTO, under the leadership of Presidents Maura Rhodes (2009) and Kysa Lowoll (2010), raised thousands of dollars to support enrichment activities for student learning and provided many fun social events for families. Annual activities such as the Back to School Picnic, Halloween Howl, Ice Cream Social, and Movie Night were all big hits with parents and children alike. 532 The School Advisory Council (SAC), comprised of the Principal and parent and teacher representatives, focused on the School Improvement Plan goals,particularly for parental support. SAC sponsored a parent program to educate parents on Bullying. The District Attorney's office presented a workshop which included an overview on the anti-bullying law as well as the different forms of bullying. The members of the Council for 2010 were parent representatives Brian Snell, Leslie Raymond, and Heather Tenney. The teacher representatives were Maureen Lynch and Linda Lydecker. A Playground Committee was formed to work with the Town of Reading to design the new playground that is scheduled to be installed in July 2011. Students Joshua Eaton students showed great school spirit through their involvement in classroom and extracurricular activities. School community and student recognition were incorporated into all- school assemblies which featured monthly character goals. Parent Lori Hodin again coordinated the national Math Olympiad'program at Joshua Eaton. Over 60 3rd' 4', and 5' graders participated in the weekly team meetings and competitions. Student Eric Caligiuri was the first place winner for the school with Erik Bonnabeau finishing second. Joshua Eaton School finished in the top 20% of all schools participating in the country. Teachers Debi Kinton, Lauren Fusco, and Linda Lydecker served as coaches along with student volunteers from Parker Middle School. Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 also had the opportunity to participate in the weekly school chorus conducted by Mrs. McKenney. In March the students were invited for a second year to perform at a Lowell Devils hockey game at Tsongas Arena. Teachers'Anne Manna, Alicia McKenney, and Debi Kinton oversaw the Student Council. Our students were involved in school wide projects such as buddy reading, spirit days, fundraising and taking.on leadership roles within the school. A large number of students participated in the Lego Robotics program that was coordinated by Parent David Ventola. They enjoyed designing projects to meet the team challenge they received and participating in the first annual district-wide competition with students from other local elementary schools. Faculty and Staff All teachers participated in building committees that address various aspects of school improvement such as school culture,technology, and challenging standards and curriculum. Nichole Firmani obtained her professional status as a teacher. With Nichole's achievement, all the teachers at Joshua Eaton are recognized as professional status teachers in the Reading district. 533 Joshua Eaton teachers attended the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence National Conference. The National Conference was held in Orlando, Florida. Teachers Marie Kiley and Sarah Sansom presented a workshop for teachers from across the country. Joshua Eaton School is proud of its students, teachers and,staff, and parent community. Together we have created a wonderful learning environment for our students as we prepare them for their futures in today's global society. This year Joshua Eaton had several staff members move on to new roles both in and out of the district. Patricia de Garavilla was named the Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Karen Feeney will serve as Interim Principal for the 2010-2011 school year. Fifth grade teacher Christopher Heath was hired as the principal of the Clapp-Goodyear School in Woburn. Becky Flynn, Reading Specialist, accepted a teaching position in New Hampshire. Anne Manna, kindergarten teacher, was appointed Assistant Principal for this year. We wish everyone great success in their new roles. J.W.Killam Elementary School Principal, Catherine A. Giles The J.W. Killam Elementary School has enjoyed a very exciting and successful 2010 year. As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the year's highlights and all of our wonderful accomplishments. The Mission of the J.W. Killam Elementary School community is to support and motivate our students to achieve their personal best in challenging, relevant, and supportive learning environments that prepare them for future academic and social success. Trustworthiness, Respect,Responsibility,Fairness, Caring,Citizenship (T.R.R.F.C.C.) New Staff Members The additions to this year's staff include Ms. Kate Carlow and Mr. Jeffrey Clemons joined our Grade 4 team; Ms. Julia Paone, Student Support Teacher; Ms. Jennie Simopoulos, our library media specialist; Brittany Bauman, long term music substitute, and special education paraeducators, Mrs. Ann Marie Johnson, transferred from Wood End at the beginning of the year, and Erline Trites and Lisa Blasi both transferred back to Killam during the fall from Birch Meadow. Curriculum Night This year's Welcome Back/Curriculum Nights were scheduled for September 15th for all grades. This night was very informative and will help to get parents and students back into the swing of school routines! PTO In September parents welcomed teachers back to school with a Welcome Back Luncheon and in May a Teacher Appreciation Week was celebrated by a luncheon. 534 Last year the Killam PTO recognized the need to change the structure of its organization. We created 10 teams and grouped PTO events/activities together that share similar characteristics. This new organization chart is called TEAM T.R.R.F.C.C. — When we work as a TEAM, Together Everyone Achieves More! The idea is that each of the 10 teams will have a team leader — these 10 people share some of the responsibilities that used to fall to the-President/Vice President. Team leaders work to keep the PTO running smoothly, primarily by supporting committee chairs and communicating with the principal. October was the first of five PTO meetings this year. Dr. Doherty joined us for the first half of the meeting. The priorities obtained from these forums will help Dr. Doherty begin to build our fiscal budget for next year. In February Dr. Doherty was the guest speaker and discussed the impact of the FYI proposed budget and answer any questions parents had. In March the discussion included Blue Ribbon Conference Preparations, chair positions and calendar and event for next year. In April the discussion included the proposed calendar and budget for next year and the events at Killam for the Blue Ribbons Conference. Our second annual Halloween party hosted by PTO parents was held on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6-8 PM., and was a huge success. An end of year PTO picnic was held on June 4 and enjoyed by many families. At the final business meeting in May, the PTO was able to donate $5,000.00 to Killam to purchase additional technology as was prioritized by teachers and keep additional fiends in reserve for technology maintenance. ABCD Forms Our staff worked hard to develop school wide positive behavior plan for all staff members to use when students make choices that are unacceptable. This plan helps students to learn to be responsible for their actions and be proactive in an attempt to make a better choice or solving the problem. The document was created in the form of a letter that students will complete with the staff member who witnessed the unacceptable behavior. The letter A represents antecedent,the B represents the behavior, the C represents the logical consequence, and the D represents the do- about-it to fix the problem. Awards Three students, one in each of the Grade 3 classes, were winners in the annual Epilepsy Art and " Essay Contest for Benjamin and were awarded Savings Bond at a School Committee Meeting. Two students from Killam were honored as winners for their artwork encouraging students not to smoke in the Anti-Tobacco Poster Contest by the Massachusetts Medical Society at the State House in Boston. Beautification Day Our third annual beautification day was held in May at the Killam School. Classes reported outside to help clean up and "beautify" their assigned areas. So many parents volunteered their man or woman power to shovel mulch, deliver wheelbarrows full of mulch, garden and weed. Our school grounds have never looked better. 535 Bucket Filling Recognition This year we are excited to share a few new bucket filling recognition programs at Killam. The Golden Dustpan Award is presented to the classroom that demonstrated TRRFCC bucket filling behaviors by helping to keep their classroom extra clean. Mr. Ricardo will surprise this class by placing the Golden Dustpan in the classroom on Friday morning and displayed in the classroom for the next week. The Golden Centerpiece Award is presented to a Dining Hall table on Friday who displayed TRRFCC bucket filling behaviors in the Dining Hall during the week. Mrs. Giles' Bucket Filling Phone Call of The Week is made to one family each week to recognize a student who demonstrates TRRFCC bucket filling behaviors that week. It is important for our students and families to remember that principals can make positive phone call home too! Blue Ribbon Conference In April, we hosted a fantastic learning environment for the site visit for the annual Blue Ribbon Conference on April 15th. It takes a school community to prepare for something of that magnitude and we did it! Emails were received from administrators and teachers. from all over the country thanking us for providing them with one of the most meaningful professional development opportunities of their careers and for sharing all the great things we do at Killam with them. They were so impressed with the;high level of parental involvement, the home like environment of the school and classrooms, and the level of maturity of all our students. Two of our T.R.R.F.C.C. Killam teachers, Jo-Ellen McGinnity and Melissa Hotchkiss attended this year's Blue Ribbon National Conference in December. Since we have no funds to support professional development in our school budget, Jo-Ellen and Melissa funded the costs of this conference on their own! Book Fair Our annual Boole Fair was held in November with the theme of "Here's To Our Heroes! Reading Saves The Day!". The book fair presented a great opportunity to both expose children to a wide variety of books and raise approximately $3,000.00 for the Killam community with an additional$786.00 credit for Ms. Simopoulous to purchase more books for our media center. Box Tops for Education Students are encouraged to bring in box tops found on many packages household grocery items and cleaning products raising a total amount this year of$1,475.00! Many parents also supported our school through the Stop & Shop A+ Bonus Bucks program raising $421.51 in cash for the Killam School. Conferences Parent/Teacher Conference Day was held on Friday, November 19th. The home/school connection is essential for student success. Parents are encouraged to celebrate all of their school successes... as each day is a wonderful learning experience. 536 DR. Seuss/Read Across America Day! "The sun did not shine,. it was too wet to play," and our T.R.R.F.C.C. Killam students were ready for a Seussical Day! The week of March 2nd was celebrated all week for Read Across America Day. This year, in honor of this special day, staff and students dressed in "cat" attire (that is - red, white, and black or Seuss-wear) and read some of our favorite Dr. Seuss stories. We even had three character stuffed animals that visit and spend the day with classes every day. Enrichment Programs In January Grade 2 students welcomed the Native American Perspectives Program geared to promoting an appreciation and better understanding of America's natural environment and historic past, erecting a tipi and listening to a presenter dressed in clothing of the western plains of the 1800's. Grade 3 students welcomed rangers for the Army Core of Engineers who came in to talk about Lewis & Clark's expedition, the reason they came and how they lived. Grade 4 students welcomed author Steven Krasner. During their writing workshop they wrote a crime mystery while learning about visual words, creating characters, and writing revision techniques. Grade 4 students visited the Lowell Mills and enhancing their studies about Yankees and Immigrants. Grade 1 students welcomed Michael Bergen, Top Secret Science, to their classrooms for a program packed with learning, experimenting, and laughing. Grade 2 students welcomed Dan Cripps, Native American Perspectives to enhance their studies of Native Americans. In February Grade 2 students visited the Peabody Museum at Harvard University in Cambridge to explore cultural diversity and history among native peoples in the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest and the Arctic. Through guided discover, students investigated food, clothing and homes to understand how environment influences people and their cultures. Grade 3 students welcomed Meteorologist from WBZ TV, Barry Burbank, learning about predicting the weather and the different types of weather we experience in New England, showing all the weather maps on TV by standing in front of a green screen, and showed a video of examples of extreme weather. A picture of Killam students was shown on WBZ the next morning. In March the enrichment programs this month included Kindergarten students field trip to the Museum of Science exploring many mysteries of our natural world through touch, smell and sight in the Discovery Center; Grade 1 field trip to the Stoneham Theatre to see the Dinosaur Musical; and Grade 4 visited the vernal pool at Ruth Gosselin's house on Haverhill Street that is visited three times during the school year; and Grade 5 field trip to the Old South Meeting House at Faneuil Hall in Boston participating in an interactive National Parks Program at starting at Faneuil Hall. In April the Grade 1 students visited the Stoneham Theater to see The Dinosaur Musical, a musical about Quincy a 14 year old Tyrannosaurs who forms an unlikely.friendship with a Parasaurolophus who teaches him the power of working together. Grade 2 students welcomed New Hampshire based Hampstead Stage Company for a lively performance of Frances Hodgson Burnett's "The Secret Garden", an enchanting story about a young orphan girl, Mary Lennox, who comes to live with her uncle in the English countryside. Through her curiosity and determination, Mary finds a garden filled with memories that had been locked away for years. This heartfelt story shares its message of hope, healing and friendship. Grade 4 students 537 welcomed Techsploration and saw first hand how simple machines work. Grade 5 students performed "Tea is Brewing" for all parents recreating the debate portraying Patriots and Loyalists including Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adam, Nathaniel Noyes, Josiah Quincy and Francis Roth just to name a few. In May the enrichment programs for Kindergarten students participated in a tide pool Explore the Ocean World. Grade 1 students were visited by the Museum of Science Traveling Program an interactive presentation of animal behaviors and their habitats. Barbara O'Connor, author of How To Steal A Dog "visited" some Grade 4 and 5 students in our media center via Skype. The students went face to face with her live via the computer and internet to ask questions about her book. In June Grade 2 students welcomed Bugworks an educational company that specializes in science programs featuring live insects and other arthropods. Grade 3 welcomed Beekeepers; Grade 4 welcomed Museum of Science Animal Adaptations; Grade 5 welcomed the Launching to Legend Program-learning about the history, bravery and tradition that is the USS Constitution and also welcomed Paul Zambella, MA Crime Lab Forensic Scientist presenting hands on presentation of forensic science. In October our Grade 2 students took a walking field trip to the Town Hall, Reading Post Office, Police Station, and the Fire Station to get an up close look at how the different organization in our community work together. The Reading Fire Department visited our school on October 14th to talk to the children about fire safety. Children in Grade K-1 had a chance to go through a portable house to learn some fire safety tips for the home and Grade 2-4 had a general fire safety assembly. Grade 5 will have an outdoor fire safety program in the spring. In November Grade 3 students welcomed Michael Bergen of Top Secret Science for a fun filled program on electricity, and Grades 1 and 3 enjoyed a performance of the Prince and the Pauper at the Killam School. All School Anti-Bullying Assembly by Ooch Two separate assemblies for Grades K-1 students and Grades 3-5 students were held on October 18th. This was a very entertaining program relating important messages how students can handle bullying situations and have good self-esteem. Highlights The District Arts Festival was held for the Blueprint for Success National Institute; Kindergarten Screening was held for students entering in the 2011 school year; trees for Arbor.Day were distributed to Grade 5 students and Grade 3 students received thesauruses from Rotary members; and our students performed a first time choral musical concert directed by Brittany Bauman. Grade 2, students, once again this year, collected funds to be sent to an orphanage in Africa as part of their Caring unit; Girl Scouts troops collected can,goods and money for the Reading Food Pantry, socks for needy children, and pet supplies for an animal shelter. Kindergarten students collected pillows and blankets for The Mission of Deeds located in Reading for needy families, and coats were collected and sent to Anton Cleaners for the "Coats for Kids"program providing needy families with warm winter coats. 538 Killam News Live Again this year, the Killam News Live morning segments will be run through Ms. Simopoulos in the media center. Using a web-based program called UStream, all teachers will be able to log on and see the mini news show each morning. Fifth graders will begin by being our newscasters and we will move down through the grades during the course of the school year. Our news segments will include (depending on the day of the week) reciting our school pledge and the pledge of allegiance, singing a patriotic song, saying a T.R.R.F.C.C. piece of advice, announcing student birthdays, and sometimes, a"how-to" clip of a brain-based exercise for students to do in class! We hope that we,will be able to share some of our newscasts with parents who are activated on Edline, as all news shows will be set on private. KOALA The first session of KOALA began on November lst. There were many classes planned for the students such as Magic, Nature Journaling, Top Secret Science, Volleyball, Yoga, Spanish, Mural Design, Lego Mania, Chess, Keyboarding and Balloon Making. Three separate sessions were held during the school year. Learning Fair Our Annual Learning Fair was held in April that included our Blue Ribbon Photo Story Presentation in our Dining Hall created by our Grade 5 technology crew, classroom visitations of students' work and creativity, with jump rope skills demonstrations in the gym. Donations of one cent to fill our pickle jar counting your jumps were donated to the American Heart Association and concluding with a musical performance in the Dining Hall LEGO Robotics Everyone had a great time at the Lego Robotics end of season event held in January. Students learned a lot about this year's challenge on transportation and how hard but rewarding it is to program the robot. A number of Killam parents were thanked for all their dedication as coaches. Lockdown Drill During the month of November, we will hold our fist lockdown drill of the year. This drill helps to prepare staff and students for an emergency in the building that would require us to "lock down" the building by securing all classrooms and offices. We would use a lockdown if there. were an incident either within the school or in the neighborhood requiring these precautions. This drill was planned with help from The Reading Police Department (RPD) and The Reading Fire Department. RPD School Resource Officer Cory Santasky oversaw the drill. MCAS Testing started in March for Grades 3-5 in Reading and English Language Arts (ELA). This year staff members offered prep classes in the Language Arts Before School session that were so well attended and also offered the Math Before School session to help students prepare for MCAS testing. In May students in Grades 3-5 continued with this year's MCAS assessments in the areas of Social Studies and Science. 539 MI Theory As part of our brain-based school improvement project, we have done lots of research on the Multiple Intelligences Theory and various learning styles. Our teachers have been talking with your children about the various intelligences. This has been done so that we can stretch their learning and help them to understand that while learning comes so easy and natural, some learning can be a challenge,but with perseverance, it will be done! T.R.R.F.F.C. Monthly Assemblies Each month a different grade level hosted an all school assembly discussing and teaching all they have learned about Citizenship, Responsibility, Fairness, Respect, Trustworthiness, and Caring. There were invited guests in the community who were honored each month for contributing to society, essays written, video presentations, and songs. Pick Your Seat Day The last Friday of every month students can pay$25 for their choice to sit with a friend at lunch. The proceeds are being donated to the Food Panty this year. Playground Day The brand new Killam Playground was installed in late August and ready for all students to use and enjoy thanks to the purchase of a leaf for the Killam Giving Tree by many parents, students, staff, and the town's contribution. Recycling Students will continue to recycle paper,plastic.and books again this year to keep Killam green. School Council Our School Council held its first meeting on October 12th. Dr. Doherty joined the meeting to receive information for the upcoming school year. It is the goal of this committee to work closely with the Killam staff to be sure that we work towards accomplishing all of the goals in our School Improvement Plan. This is a great way for parents to learn about the school, its community, and its goals for the upcoming school year. At our last school council meeting, we determined that, as a school community, we had achieved approximately 95% of the goals we had set for ourselves this year in our school improvement plan. We also began to brainstorm future goals for the 2010-2011 school years. Our focus remained on improving curriculum and instruction, increasing parental involvement/PTO participation, moving forward with 21St Century technology, and school safety. Student Service Squad This year we are proud to offer our second year of our Student Service Squad Killam student program to our 3r , 4th, and 5th grade students. Our Service Squad replaced the existing Student Council as it allows for many students to participate in this program rather than just six per grade level. Killam Service Squad members must be very responsible. As a member of our T.R.R.F.C.C. Service Squad students will be assigned a "job" (which best suits their learning style) and be required to report as this job requires and carry out their specific responsibilities. Service Squad members are also required to attend monthly meetings, which will be held on the second Thursday of the month. 540 Some Service Squad jobs will include: sorting and distributing office mail, empting recycling bins around the school, watering plants, caring for WOW Center (weather pennitting), washing common area tables, delivering supplies, reporting important school-wide events to students, filming important events/activities at Killam School, being a Playground Pal, and whatever we can think of that will help to make Killam even more T.R.R.F.C.C.! Understanding Disabilities The Understanding Disabilities program continued this year with volunteers working with students in Grades 1-4 to help children see beyond people's disabilities and foe-us on the ways that we are all the same inside. Through the use of books, videos, and hands on activities, the program helps children gain a grater understanding of what it might be like to do things in a different way. The program stresses all that people with disabilities can do and promotes a culture of inclusion and acceptance. Understanding Disabilities recently received a grant from the Harpley Foundation for the purchase and development of an autism unit. Walk-For-Character or-Character A Success! In September we held our annual Walk-for-Character afternoon on September 22nd. The kids participated in six stations including TRRFCC Walk, Obstacle course, "Multiple Intelligences" Hopscotch, Finger printing, TRRFCC time with Simon and topped off by a refreshing Popsicle snack! The children also learned about giving and did a truly terrific job collecting coins for "Killam Cares!" to support Adopt-a-Family, Festival of Trees and Killam Beautification Day. As noted,many excited learning opportunities and events occurred during the 2010 calendar year at the J.W. Killam Elementary School. We are looking forward to 2011 to continue our journey on the Road to Excellence! Wood End Elementary School Principal,Richard E. Davidson Wood End Elementary School "officially" opened its doors in September 2005 for the first time as the fifth elementary school in Reading. It is hard to believe that we are now well into the middle of our sixth year as new elementary school. While we can no longer state that.we are a new school, it is important to recognize that this year will be the first year that all of our students will only have known Wood End as their elementary school. No longer will we be considered a "redistricted" school,but this year finally has become our own"community" school. Blue Ribbon Light House School Recognition It was a pleasure and privilege last year to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon Light House School of distinction. It is a recognition that goes to a school that has exbibitedprogramming excellence in providing student focus and support, organization and culture,providing challenging standards and curriculum, active teaching and learning, technology integration, leadership, professional development, and school community and family partnership. Wood End was one of four schools in the country to receive the recognition. 541 High Level of Parent Involvement We continue to be very thankful for the very high level of parent involvement throughout the school and while not wanting to offend anyone, I would be remiss if I didn't recognize our PTO and the support they have shown for our three year technology plan. This year, thanks to the generosity of our PTO all of our Special Needs programs have access to the latest instructional SMARTBoard technology by purchasing the board for our Learning Center last summer. They clearly recognize the importance of technology as a tool for learning. They continue to support outstanding enrichment programs and fund field trips for all out grade levels. Most importantly, they clearly understand that their sole purpose is to do what is best for the children and families of Wood End and it shows every day. I want to recognize our school based Safety Committee, who have continued to support our Walk to School Wednesday's, now in its fourth year. They also were instrumental in planning and helping to implement and launch our very successful Placard Pick-up System which greatly enhanced safety for everyone at the busiest time of day. They have been essential in helping us to keep safety our first priority at Wood End through their newsletters, bulletins, and simply through daily conversations. It is an understatement to say that one of the major strengths of Wood End, as it is with all the schools in Reading is the extremely high level of parent involvement and support. Our PTO is an outstanding organization, which contributes to the quality of live in so many ways here at Wood End. While they do raise significant funds for enrichment programs, field trips, library enhancements, and technology, they also enhance our instructional program by their involvement in their children's classrooms and by volunteering to be a part of our School Council and other important school based committees. They readily offer support to teachers whenever the need arises. Bullying Prevention Program As a school we continue to be committed to enhancing the physical and mental health of all children, which includes the prevention of any type of bullying and teasing. In order to hold true to this commitment we have continued a "Social Competency Skills Committee" at our school with membership that includes principal, teachers, specialists, and assistants. Our goal is to develop and oversee a program that supports, educates, and celebrates positive decision malting by students in a climate that practices zero indifference to bullying and teasing. Our responsibility is to keep the focus fresh and meaningful for all who work and learn here at Wood End. This year we have continued to expand our use of the Open Circle program in all of the classrooms. With the support of our PTO every teacher has now been trained in the Open Circle curriculum. We continue to meet our goal of providing training for all classroom teachers. The program continues to provide a common language and a common set of expectations for all students and adults. This year we will add a parent training component conducted by our School Psychologist. We have expanded our All School Meetings so that every Friday there is time to meet with smaller groups or individual grade levels to focus on trust building activities, and to further connect with the Open Circle curriculum which is being taught in each classroom through 542 regular class meetings. This year will continue that focus but will also expand student leadership opportunities and provide increased experiences involving community service. Curriculum As a district and as a school we continue to be pleased about our continuing curriculum enhancements. This year we are entering our fifth year of the Wilson's Fundation Phonics Program which has.proven to be helpful to beginning readers as well improve students writing and spelling skills. Further, the John Collins Writing Program continues to provide consistency in terms of expectations and a common language and common framework for writing. In.support of current research regarding the development of reading skills we have continued the Response To Intervention program (RTI) at the first grade level where struggling students are identified through assessments and a focused direct method of delivering needed skills is taught to them everyday and expanded it to the Kindergarten level. This year we have continued a flexible grouping model for first graders where all first graders at taught reading skills and engaged at their instructional level. This year.we have expanded the flexible group Reading model to grades two and three. Our math program continues to provide appropriate challenges for all students. It encourages students to think mathematically and recognize applications of math concepts to everyday life. It is also closely aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks. Five years ago we implemented a new Social Studies Program from Harcourt School Publishers called Horizons at the fourth and fifth grade level. It is a text-based program for these grade levels and is rich with resources and supplemental materials that strongly recognize the importance of technology in everyday learning. Our Science program is a hands=on "kit" based curriculum which teaches important concepts of physical, earth, and life sciences. The program, at all levels, stresses, observations,measurement, journal writing,teaming, and hands on experimentation. In an effort to continually review and improve our curriculum four years ago we began a system of review through a mapping of our math program and have now completed a similar effort with language arts program. The district has also continued its K-12 Vertical Science Team that has reviewed current science program and instructional practices and has developed the essential standards for K-12 science instruction. Last year we adopted an "Engineering is Elementary" module at the fourth and fifth grades with emphasis on exploration- and application of fundamental engineering concepts. Library Media As a new school we continue to be very excited about our library media facility. It is beautiful in its design and located in a central place in the school. Indeed, the library media center is seen as the hub and heart of our school setting. Reading is fortunate in that each school has its own full- time library media specialist and at Wood End we have continued the use of flexible scheduling, which allows all students and faculty access to the library when they have the need. At any time of the day, upon entering the library you will see students, library staff, teaching staff, or parent 543 volunteers interacting and supporting each other in various research projects, reading a story to. children, completing supervised internet searches, children reading books, or simply checking books in or out. It is a very busy place and quickly has become a central hub of learning at our school. We are also very proud of the technology that has been added to the Library Media Center. We currently have a very up-to-date computer lab and have added a SMARTBoard as a central focal point for integration of technology into the curriculum. Technology In April of 2006, Wood End received a very generous donation from The Pfizer Corporation of over twenty-five used computers, monitors, and related peripherals. The computers were used to establish a much needed computer lab for students in our Library Media Center. In addition we received a small grant from the Reading Technology Foundation which allowed us to purchase a digital camera and one Smart Board, which was placed in a fifth grade classroom. Four years ago we also received funding from the district for technology which allowed us to add additional computer systems to the fourth and fifth grade classrooms. Three years ago our PTO rose funding to support the purchase for three additional SMARTBoards and dedicated computers to be used in the two remaining fifth grades and one to be placed in the Library Media Center. Two years ago funding was provided by the school district to purchase three additional SMARTBoards that were placed in our fourth grades and the PTO funded the purchase of three dedicated laptops for each of the new SMARTBoards. We are very excited the continued support of technology by the central office and our very generous PTO. Last year, the PTO purchased two additional SMARTBoards and a very generous donation from a parent allowed us to provide SMARTBoards for all our second grade classrooms. Last year funding was provided by both our PTO and district to purchase three additional boards for our first grades next year. This means that currently all regular education classrooms have SMARTBoard technology available to them. This year the district and PTO purchases three additional SMARTBoards for our three special education programs. Our goal next year is to provide the same level of technology to our Are and Music programs. Professional Development As a district and as a school we are committed to the concept of continued learning. We are also committed to supporting our professional staff at all levels. Consequently, an enormous amount of energy, planning, and in-service is provided for teachers in Reading. The mentor program, for example, provides support for new teachers and is an essential requirement if new teachers are to succeed in Reading. In-service is also provided in all areas of the curriculum to all teachers on a regular basis throughout the year and as well as during the summer months. In December of last year and this year over twenty K-12 members of the teaching staff and administration attended the Blue Ribbon Schools Conference in Orlando Florida. The purpose of participating in the conference was to meet and talk with teachers from many different parts of the country. At this conference over twenty two states were represented and teachers from as far away as China also attended. Last year we were very proud of the fact that Wood End was honored at the conference by being named a school of distinction and selected as one out of four schools across the country to be a 2009 Blue Ribbon Light House School of Excellence. 544 A Celebration of the Art's Last May Wood End celebrated our fifth annual art and music night. Together over three hundred children, staff,parents, and school committee enjoyed an evening of program, song, and a display of student artwork that represented all the students in the school. Mr. Mosier and Ms. Papanikolaou and a small army of volunteers began in February to collect and organize student artwork from across the school. It was a wonderful celebration and tribute to the importance the arts play in the education of young children. Fifth Young Authors' Day Our fifth annual Young Authors' Day was held last June where students from all grade levels shared their original stories and poems that they had written during the year. Parents joined staff to create small groups of primary and intermediate age children in which the children shared their original and creative writings with peers.It was an outstanding to the importance of writing and creativity. Open Invitation In closing, I would like to extend an open invitation to'members of the Reading Community to visit our/your school. Please feel free to call me, Principal Richard E. Davidson at 781-942-5420 or email me at RDavidson @reading.kl2.ma.us with any questions, comments or to arrange a visit. Thank you for this wonderful school.and for your continued support. . Pupil Services Department Director, Kim_Oliveira The Reading Public School system is committed to the provision of quality education for all students and offers an array of support services and programs in all of our schools. The Pupil Services Department, including special education, guidance, nursing, and English language learners, offers a broad range of support services to students who meet mandated eligibility criteria. Staff, students and families have access to School Psychologists, Special Education Teachers,Therapists and Consultants. Our office is staffed with two secretaries, five Team Chairpersons, and one Director. A Team Chairperson is assigned to supervise, support and service the needs of students, staff, and families at each of the levels from preschool-age 22 in programs both in and out of district. At the conclusion of last year, Ms. Jean McGah retired from her position. We thank her for her many years of dedicated service to the families of Reading. We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Sarah Lanzo, former teacher in the DLC program at Barrows Elementary, has joined our staff as Ms. Mc Gah's replacement. Mrs. Lanzo brings a wealth of knowledge of autism spectrum disorders, best practices in special education, and State and Federal special education laws and regulations to our team. Program Development Due in large part to the extensive efforts of our Team Chairpersons, we are able to continue our efforts to create appropriate programs which allow students to be educated in their community and return from out of district placements. In the school year 2007-2008, 73 students were placed out of district. This year we have 53 students placed in programs outside of Reading. It is also 545 important to note that we have many students from other districts currently tuitioned into our programs. This is a testament to the high quality of services and supports we are able to provide in these programs while allowing opportunities for inclusion with same age peers. The summer of 2010 marked the beginning of our inclusive extended year program for students with and without disabilities. The program was well attended and plans are underway for another successful season ahead! Please look for information in the community beginning in early March. In fall 2010, the DLC (Developmental Learning Center) Program at Barrows School extended to kindergarten ndergarten level in order to improve continuity of services and to minimize transitions for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders who require more intensive services than their home school can provide. We are currently in the process of evaluating program needs and staffing for the 2011-2012 school year in an effort to provide early transition information to staff, students and parents. New for the 2010-2011 school year, the RISE preschool program has a satellite classroom within the Joshua Eaton Elementary School. This classroom is the first step towards a vision of inclusive neighborhood schools for even our youngest students. In January 2011, the RISE Preschool program also introduced a full-day pilot program which provides an inclusive educational experience for our youngest students. This program is co-taught in the afternoon by two special education teachers which allows for increased opportunities for individualized and small group instruction. The goal is to continue to offer this program in the fall with options of two, three, and five full days to parents in addition to the traditional half day programming currently in place. The District is in the process of hiring a behavioral health coordinator who will work with students, families and staff district-wide to further the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) Behavioral Health Initiative. his person will assist with the proactive planning and coordination of efforts focused on meeting the increasing social, emotional and behavioral challenges and needs of our student population. For our students with hearing impairments or central auditory processing disabilities,we have contracted with an outside consultant to oversee the equipment and services provided to ensure optimal use and effectiveness. This contract allows us to gain instant access to loaner equipment in the event that a device needs repair and eliminates the disruption to the student. Professional Development In order to build the capacity of our staff to improve the quality of services and programs, our teachers, therapists, and paraprofessionals participate in extensive professional development and training throughout the year. The goal of our office over the next 3-5 years will be to emphasize increased collaboration and partnership between regular education and special education staff in order to build unified systems of support. Professional development will continue to target the areas of inclusive practices, co-teaching models, and universal design for learning. 546 The Reading Public School System is currently partnering with CAST (Center for Applied Special Technologies). CAST has been provided with grant funded research opportunities and we are fortunate to be chosen as a host site to conduct these studies. Currently students and teachers in our DLC program are participating in "Building Comprehension through Social Understanding(BCSU)," a study which focuses on bringing together the work on theory of mind and emotion understanding, evidence-based practices for teaching students with ASD, evidence- based practices for teaching reading comprehension, and the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Teacher and therapists will partake in specialty trainings which further their knowledge and improve upon their practice. The Pupil Services Department offers a continuum of programs and services to ensure system- wide collaboration and coordination, Preschool through age 22. e, are committed to strong professional development and training and we take pride in innovative and creative program development. We are very proud of our organization, our schools and our students. If you need assistance from the Reading Public Schools Pupil Services Department, you are welcome to contact us at 781-942-9129. 547 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT LN FN POSITION SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT RETIREMENTS DALY MARC SCHOOL FACILITIES DISTRICT DRISCOLL PATRICIA PARAPROFESSIONAL BARROWS ELEM. SCHOOL HENNESSY SUSAN TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS HUGHES BARBARA SPECIAL EDUCATION DISTRICT MCGAH JEAN SPECIAL EDUCATION DISTRICT PERKINS ADELE TEACHER BARROWS ELEM. SCHOOL SHEA - CLAIRE SECRETARY READING MEMORIAL HS SOLOMON DOROTHY FOOD SERVICE KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL SWEENEY NANCY TEACHER KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL NEW HIRES AMICO SARAH EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT ATHERTON-RELLY TEACHER BARROWS ELEM. SCHOOL BANDA -PATRICIA TEACHER SUPPORT READING MEMORIAL HS BARIONE STEPHEN COACH ATHLETICS BARRAFORD. CHRISTINA FOOD SERVICE DISTRICT BAUMAN BRITTANY !TEACHER KILLAM ELEM.SCHOOL BEMISTER MARK COACH ATHLETICS BENNETT CAROLYN EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT BILODEAU KRISTEN TEACHER WOOD END ELEM. SCHOOL . ' BINAGHI GIULIO TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS CARLOW KATE TEACHER KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL CARROLL--MEGHAN TEACHER COOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL CARUSO ANDREA TUTOR JOSHUA EATON ELEM.SCH. CHAMPAGNE ALYSSA TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS CLEMONS JEFFREY TEACHER KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL COLLINS PAUL FOOD SERVICE DRIVR DISTRICT CRONIN NICOLE TUTOR BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. DALBY ELIZABETH TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS DECOLOGERO ADELE EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT DEYERMENJIAN KARA COACH ATHLETICS DIMATTEI COLLEEN PARAPROFESSIONAL PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL DOHERTY JOANN PARAPROFESSIONAL ICOOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL DONLON ALISON PARAPROFESSIONAL BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. DUNN MICHELE PARAPROFESSIONAL RISE PRE-SCHOOL EBERT LEANNE TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL FEELEY DIANE FOOD SERVICE PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL GARRITY KIMBERLY EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT GILLIS TIMOTHY FACILITIES PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL GUALTIERI AMY EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT HAGOPIAN JENNIFER EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT HALSEY AURIANA TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL HATTON KENT TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS HENNES§Y--KELLY COACH ATHLETICS JENNIE SIMOPOULOS- TEACHER KILLAM ELEM.SCHOOL JOHNSON COACH ATHLETICS JOHNSON ANNA PARAPROFESSIONAL KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL JOOS- , SUZANNE FOOD SERVICE PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL KAMINSKF--MATTHEW TEACHER BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. ,KANE MICHELLE COACH ATHLETICS 548 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT NEW HIRES, CONT. LN FN POSITION SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT KEEGAN LISA FOOD SERVICE KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL KOURBALF_ RACHID FACILITIES PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL LANDRY-WEBSTER CAROL EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT LANIGAN JILLENE EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT MAATTALk--JOHN TEACHER COOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL MAVROPOULOS SHEILA FOOD SERVICE READING MEMORIAL HS MCGOWAN KELLY EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT MCKENNA JILL EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT MOYNAGH JOHN TEACHER SUPPORT READING MEMORIAL HS MUSTONE HEATHER TEACHER BARROWS ELEM. SCHOOL NAZZARO BETHANY TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL NIHAN TIMOTHY PARAPROFESSIONAL WOOD END ELEM. SCHOOL NORCRO��_S__E_ISA TEACHER WOOD END ELEM. SCHOOL NORCROSS LISA MEDIA SPECIALIST - WOOD END ELEM. SCHOOL OLEARY SUSAN PARAPROFESSIONAL BARROWS ELEM. SCHOOL OLIVIERA KIMBERLY DIRECTOR PPS DISTRICT O'ROURKE JENNIFER TEACHER BARROWS ELEM. SCHOOL PAONE JULIA TEACHER KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL PERRINO JACQUELINE EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT PICARD _tLAINE TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS PIERCE KRISTA COACH ATHLETICS POTHIER RACHEL COACH ATHLETICS RICHARD§0__N _EEIA TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS RILEY AMANDA EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT ROBINSON JEFFREY PARAPROFESSIONAL READING MEMORIAL HS ROWE MAGALIE TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS ROY SCOTT COACH ATHLETICS SHOEMAKER JENNIFER EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT SIMOPOULOS JENNIE MEDIA SPECIALIST KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL SLADE LINDA FOOD SERVICE PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL SNOW -MA—RIANNE EXTENDED DAY DISTRICT SORABELLA MICHELE FOOD SERVICE JOSHUA EATON ELEM.SCH. SPINALI ANDREW TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL STEIN ZACHERY COACH ATHLETICS STIBOLT ARTIN TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS THERRIAGE—T —GRACE TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL TIERNEY LINDA PARAPROFESSIONAL RISE PRE-SCHOOL TWOMEY CHRISTOPHER TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL VERITY KRISTIN TEACHER BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. ZILCH JEFFREY TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL RESIGNATIONS/REbUCTIONS ACKERMAN EMILEE COACH ATHLETICS BACKLER ELIZABETH TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS BEAULIEU LAURA TUTOR BIRCH MEADOW ELEM.SCH. BEMIS BRIAN TEACHER BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. BENOIT EILEEN FOOD SERVICE DISTRICT BURCHILL ERIN TEACHER KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL ' ` � ' ' � � i SCHOOL DEPARTMENT RESIGNATIONS/REDUCTIONS, CONT. LN FN POSITION SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT BURKE KERRY COACH ATHLETICS CURLEY ERIN TEACHER SUPPORT BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. DOHERTY-LAURIE ADMIN. SUPP. DISTRICT DOLAN COLLEEN DIRECTOR PPS DISTRICT DRANE SYDNEY PARAPROFESSIONAL KILLAM ELEM.SCHOOL DRISCOLL CAITLIN COACH ATHLETICS DULL CHARMAINE TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL ERAMO ROSA TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS FLANDERS DEBORAH ADMIN.ASST. DISTRICT FLYNN REBECCA TEACHER EATON ELEM. SCHOOL FURBUSH DAN FOOD SERVICE DRIVR DISTRICT GALLIARD KEITH TEACHER KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL GAROFALO JOHN COACH ATHLETICS GEORGOPOULOS CONSTANTINE TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL HARRINGTON MARY COACH ATHLETICS HARRINGTON KRISTEN !SPECIAL ED SUPPORT WOOD END ELEM. SCHOOL HEATH CHRISTOPHER TEACHER EATON ELEM. SCHOOL HINTLIAN MARY TUTOR EATON ELEM.SCHOOL KENNEDY- KATELIN COACH ATHLETICS KOURBALI HOURIA FOOD SERVICE DISTRICT LANDAU ALISSA TUTOR BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. LINEHAN MARK TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS MALTZMAN SARAH TEACHER COOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL MARDEN HERBERT CUSTODIAN KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL MULLIGAN KRISTIN TEACHER KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL NICIEWSKY ELLEN TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL PAXHIA JORDAN TEACHER KILLAM ELEM.SCHOOL PEACH CHERYL FOOD SERVICE PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL PROULX LINDA TEACHER BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. RIO SANDRA PARAPROFESSIONAL EATON ELEM.SCHOOL ROBINSON JEFFREY PARAPROFESSIONAL READING MEMORIAL HS SCALFANI JANICE PARAPROFESSIONAL PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHWARTZ JULIE FOOD SERVICE DISTRICT SKINNER RENEE PARAPROFESSIONAL READING MEMORIAL HS SOLARI JOANNA PARAPROFESSIONAL ICOOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL SPRAGUE JEREMY TEACHER ICOOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL SPRY JESSICA COACH ATHLETICS STEMPECK SHEILA PARAPROFESSIONAL PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL SU VIVIAN PSYCHOLOGIST KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL TAYLOR JANICE FOOD SERVICE DISTRICT THOMAS CHRISTOPHER TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS WHITE JOHN TEACHER- READING MEMORIAL HS YOUNG RRISTINA LIBRARY MEDIA WOOD END ZANOWSKI LAURA TEACHER SUPPORT READING MEMORIAL HS LEAVES OF ABSENCE BLACK BRIENNE TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL BORSETTI ALICIA TEACHER WOOD END ELEM. SCHOOL BORSINI KERI SECRETARY ATHLETICS SECRETARY SPECIAL EDUCATION ,BRENNER JANE FSPEC 550 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT. LN FN POSITION SCHOOL/ DEPARTMENT BRUNO ANDREA TEACHER COOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL BURGOYNE AMY TEACHER KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL . CLOONAN DONNA NURSE BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. CONNOR HEATHER TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS DEBENEDETTO CONCHETTA TEACHER COOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL DIMUZIO JENNIFER TEACHER COOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL DION MARY CHRISTINE TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS DONOHUE PATRICE SPEECH/LANGUAGE RISE DOWNING ANNE MARIE TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS ENCARNACAO KARESA TEACHER BARROWS ELEM. SCHOOL ESTEVAO LISA FOOD SERVICE EATON ELEM. SCHOOL GILMAN MAUREEN TEACHER KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL GIROURAD PAMELA TEACHER SPECIAL EDUCATION GOLDNER MICHELLE OCCUPATIONAL THER. KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL GOODNOW MICHELLE TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS GRAY JENNIFER TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL GRIFFIN VICTORIA DIRECTOR RISE PRE-SCHOOL GRIMALDI JENNIFER TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS HART MEAGHAN TEACHER BARROWS ELEM. SCHOOL HILDRETH DARCY PARAPROFESSIONAL BARROWS ELEM. SCHOOL IRMER KAREN TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS KLEIN JANET TEACHER COOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL KWIATEK DEBORAH INSTRCTNL SPECLST DISTRICT LAMONTAGNE EMILY TEACHER WOOD END ELEM. SCHOOL LATIMER VERONIQUE TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS LEONARD JEANNETTE TEACHER BARROWS ELEM. SCHOOL MAHONEY KARLA TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS MAURO KARA TEAM CHAIR SPECIAL EDUCATION MAZIARZ MALGORZATA FOOD SERVICE READING MEMORIAL HS MCCARTHY JULIE TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL MCVETY BRIAN TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS MILES BRENDA TEACHER BARROWS ELEM. SCHOOL NATALE ANTHONY TEACHER PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL QUINLAN COURTNEY TEACHER BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. RANKIS CRYATAL TEACHER WOOD END ELEM. SCHOOL RAUCCI ELENA TEACHER KILLAM ELEM.SCHOOL REEVE JOAN PARAPROFESSIONAL PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL SLATER BETH TEACHER BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. SPANG ELISE READING SPECIALIST BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. STONE-WEINREB JULIE PARAPROFESSIONAL WOOD END ELEM. SCHOOL SWEENEY NANCY TEACHER KILLAM ELEM. SCHOOL TUREN DAVID CUSTODIAN BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. VACCARO PHILIP ATHLETIC DIRECTOR READING MEMORIAL HS WARSHAUER MARGARET LIBRARY MEDIA BIRCH MEADOW ELEM. SCH. ,WILLIAMS AUDRA TEACHER READING MEMORIAL HS 551 NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Outstanding Student Award Paul Manning from Malden, a student in the Graphic Communications program, was chosen as Northeast's nominee at the State Awards Dinner for Outstanding Vocational Technical Students. The event is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators and the Massachusetts Vocational Association. National Technical Honor Society The Northeast Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society held its annual Induction Ceremony in March. At the ceremony, 6 seniors and 48 juniors were inducted. These students joined the previously inducted members to bring the Technical Honor Society Chapter to 81 members for the 2009-2010 school year. National Honor Society The Annual Induction Ceremony to the Northeast Chapter of the National Honor Society"Artisans" was held in March.At the ceremony,6 seniors,24 juniors,and 8 sophomores were inducted for the 2008-2009 school year bringing the total membership to 58. Student Advisory Representative to the School Committee Mark Fonseca, a senior from Woburn, was elected as the Student.Representative to the School Committee for the 2009-2010 school year. Scholarship Committee The Northeast Awards and Scholarship Committee presented awards and scholarships to 69 deserving students at the Ninth Annual Senior Recognition Night.A total of$27,900 was presented to Northeast students who will be working in their vocational field, entering trade apprentice programs, or going on to one, two, or four-year programs at accredited colleges, universities, and trade schools.These awards and scholarships provide the students the opportunities to purchase tools and equipment, as well as to assist in offsetting the expenses of educational institutions. Peer Mediation Program Our Northeast Peer Mediation Center continues to help reduce problems at Northeast.The mediation process is successful in resolving conflicts concerning rumors, threats, name-calling, teasing, harassment,hazing, and physical fights.Northeast has a full-time coordinator and 35 trained junior and senior peer mediators. A trained mediator is a neutral person not involved in the dispute and through the mediation process,helps people come to their own agreement about how they want to resolve their conflict. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Plan Development The Professional Development Subcommittee of.the Perkins/Title I Local Plan Committee gives direction to the District for the planning of professional development activities.This Subcommittee 552 ensures that planned activities focus on the district goals and priorities.The members of this school year.2009-2010 Subcommittee included academic and career/technical teachers and counselors who served as the "High School That Work" (HSTW) Leadership Team.. This Team reported to the District Administrator responsible for professional development.They assist in the coordination and evaluation of these activities, aligning available professional development resources with district goals, and serve as a resource for the School Council for the development of the School Improvement Plan. In an effort to promote professional learning that is both relevant and sustained,this Subcommittee reviewed professional development models and activities recommended by the other Subcommittees of the Local Plan, the HSTW State Coordinator and the National Staff Development Council. Priority was given to professional development activities that address the needs identified by the core indicator data. Plan development priorities include: • Coordinating a professional development program that meets the needs of both beginning and veteran teachers and emphasizes content-based offerings while addressing the topics of teaching to your strengths, parental concerns, special education issues, English language learner strategies, classroom management techniques, and other effective practices that improve student learning and achievement; • Pursuing models for delivering professional development to best accomplish plan priorities, • Fostering a professional learning community that encourages teachers to work together, eliminates barriers to common planning time,and encourages educators to solicit feedback from each other to improve their practices; • Exploring activities that increase school-wide teacher knowledge of the educational activities occurring in each department within the school; The Subcommittee evaluates the success of their actions by evaluating the products and deliverables created during the professional learning activities; by evaluating the impact of the professional development activities on the core indicators for each subgroup and special population addressed; and by analyzing the follow-up data collected from teacher surveys, especially the 2010 HSTW survey. 2009-2010 Goals • Establish an on-line option for professional learning that will allow for increased availability and variety of topics. • Increase the technology skill level of the staff. • Provide strategies to improve student learning and achievement. 2009-2010 Objectives included • Enhanced access to the "Knowledge Delivery System (KDS)" of on-line professional development offerings in both the content and pedagogy areas. • Training of all staff for accessing IEP and 504 data via the school wide,online X-2 grading program. Continued X-2 training for enhanced on-line rank book, attendance, and conduct entries in preparation for the goal of opening the Student Portals during SY2011. • Increased access to and training for utilizing interactive technology in the classrooms 553 including but not limited to TI Inspire Math technology, Sympodiums, and smart boards. • Site-based staff trainings for integrating and supporting English language Learners in the classroom, including career-technical educational settings. • HSTW Leadership Team participation in their Feb. 2010 National Conference: Quality Teaching: Creating Schools that Engage Students Intellectually,Emotionally,Behaviorally, and Socially. • Revision of Northeast's Common Course Syllabi. • Literacy Goals for Higher Student Achievement. • Pilot implementation of"The Power of I" grading program. 2010 Summer Transition Program Over 200 members of the Class of 2014 took part in the 10th season of the 2010 Summer Transition Program. Incoming 9th grade students participated in English Language Arts and Mathematics academic programs daily as well as two career/technical programs per week.English Language Arts programming introduced students to writing autobiographical essays, poetry, and journal entries reviewing their career/technical experiences.Career/technical areas explored by incoming 9th grade students included:Automotive Technology,Automotive Collision Repair,Cosmetology,Design& Visual, Drafting &Design, Graphic Communications, Electrical, &Plumbing. Poetry submissions, complemented by student photographs, were compiled in the 2010 "Career Oriented Enrichment"publication that was then distributed to all participants and staff.Mathematics lessons included project-based assignments utilizing graphing calculators, motion detectors, and surveying materials.As in the past,an English Immersion Program was also offered to assist Second Language Learners with transitioning from middle school to our career/technical high school. Students also began their 4-Year Career Plan during a session in the Career Center. The Career Center offered our new students an opportunity to evaluate their skills and work values on the Kuder website(Kuder.com). This information,along'with discussions on the Exploratory Program and the Shop Selection Process, encouraged students to begin setting goals for a successful high school experience, including an introduction to considering career options. Funding for this program was provided through Title 1, IDEA, and the Carl D. Perkins Occupational Education Act Federal grants. Summer Enrichment Program Approximately 40 enrolled Northeast students from Grades 10, 11, and 12 participated in the 2010 Sumner Enrichment Program. This program offers supplemental preparation for the MCAS State Assessments. Students were actively engaged in Mathematics,English Language Arts,and Science curricula.A Team Building component also allowed students to enhance cooperative learning and communication skills necessary for negotiating secondary, post-secondary college and/or career experiences. Funding for this program was provided by the Academic Support Grant sponsored by the Commonwealth of MassachusettsDepartment of Elementary and Secondary Education. 554 SUPPORT SERVICES The Northeast Student Services staff offers support and counseling to all students through individual and group counseling, specialized workshops and presentations, health services, and mediation services. All faculty guidance counselors are certified as School Adjustment Counselors and are qualified to handle the wide range of student issues.One School Adjustment Counselor is bilingual (Spanish-speaking). The School Psychologist works to establish and provide psychological testing and maintains a small individual and/or group caseload. The Career Counselor and Career Teacher provide career awareness and career development services to students enrolled in non-traditional vocational areas. Two School Nurses provide health services and a Peer Mediation Coordinator implements a Peer Mediation Program. Support groups are established each year based on student needs.Groups for pregnant and parenting teens, grieving students, Latino students, Asian students, gay/lesbian students and others have all been offered at different times depending on need and student interest.Anger management support is offered by the School Psychologist in an effort to provide students with the ability to understand and manage anger appropriately. The School Adjustment Counselors provide individual counseling support and crisis intervention to all students as needed.They will provide support to homeless students,assessing their special needs and coordinating with the Homeless Liaison (Administrator of Student Services). They also are responsible for developing and monitoring Section 504 Accommodation Plans in conjunction with the Administrator of Student Services. School Adjustment Counselors collaborate with school personnel,family members,doctors,psychiatrists,outside therapists,social workers,police and court personnel, and others. A specific linkage is established with Riverside Community Care in Wakefield to refer families seeking outside counseling services.In addition,Tri-City Mental Health Services of Malden serves as our crisis intervention linkage for emergency mental health services in the community. The Bilingual School Adjustment Counselor provides native language support(Spanish)as needed to limited English proficient students and families across all issues. She provides specific support to the English Language Education program at Northeast,but supports other Northeast Latino students and families as needed. Translation services (oral and written) and interpreting services are often required for parent communication throughout the building, and as needed, this counselor coordinates with all departments to assist.Referrals are made to a Spanish-speaking Psychologist for testing as needed for Special Education evaluation. The School Psychologist supports the counseling staff on a consultation basis and works directly with the Special Education Department to assess all students in need of evaluation.The Psychologist also serves as a consultant to the Administration and to the teaching faculty regarding at-risk students,assisting with crisis intervention services and offering individual and group counseling and support on an as needed basis. Career counseling and the college application process are a large part of all of the counselors'roles. The Career Center is the focal area for a well-planned four-year career development program that 555 prepares all Northeast students for their individually chosen career paths.The curriculum focuses on career assessment; career information and requirements; employability and entrepreneurial skills; interviewing skills;portfolios;and resume preparation.By providing assessments to evaluate skills, interests, and work values,the Career Counselors work with the School Adjustment Counselors to assist freshmen in their vocational selection process and upper class students with linkages to post- secondary education and employment opportunities. The Career Counselor provides directed support to those students who are enrolled in career areas that are considered non-traditional for their gender. Students have the opportunity to participate in support groups,specialized presentations,and field trips that prepare them to understand the benefits of non-traditional choices,to manage challenges in each occupation and to understand the required post-secondary linkages to achieve their goals. The School Nurses have coordinated support services for pregnant and parenting teens with outside providers affiliated with local hospitals. In addition, they provide support to students with chronic medical conditions,coordinating with parents,doctors,nurses,etc.The School Nurses work closely with the School Adjustment Counselors to coordinate assistance when mental health needs arise. They also work closely with the Deans when emergency medical evaluations are required. The Peer Mediation Coordinator at Northeast operates a Peer Mediation Program where upper class students undergo twenty hours of specialized training in mediation skills and implement a program to work out arising conflicts between students. This is a very positive prevention program that contributes to the development of a positive school climate as students learn to come to their own agreements about how to solve their conflict. In addition to the support provided by the counseling staff,the Special Education Department offers a TEAM meeting process that promotes monitoring of student progress and educational support. Each Special Education student is assigned a Liaison who is a teacher in the Special Education Department who oversees progress in relation to the Individual Education Program,communicating with parents, teachers, and counselors to help all students achieve success. The KICK-OFF Mentoring Program is a freshmen transition program that matches junior and senior mentors with small groups of freshmen students. The KICK-OFF Mentors run the Freshmen Orientation day for freshmen and then meet with their groups throughout the year to offer support and to deliver positive lessons that promote a positive school climate. The mentors are trained in a leadership climate by the student services staff,developing a core of approximately 140 peer leaders from 11 th and 12th grades. The Peer Tutoring program provides educational assistance to students having difficulty with one or more academic subjects. Students who have been successful in specific subject areas and who have participated in training, volunteer their time to assist others in the library one afternoon per week. The tutoring program is designed to supplement after school assistance provided by the academic and vocational teachers. The program benefits go beyond the student achievement as the relationships formed by the tutors and students help to breakdown barriers between different grade and age groups and develop friendships that would not have had a chance to form. Academic and 556 vocational teachers offer support and assistance to the Peer tutoring program. Special school-wide workshops and presentations are offered through the year for different groups of students. Each year, all freshmen participate in group workshops focusing on harassment and bullying and gender equity issues. Large group assemblies and presentations have been offered focusing on goal setting and acts of kindness, substance abuse, teen dating issues, tolerance, character building, and others. Different groups in the building such as SADD have sponsored workshops. On a larger scale,the student service emphasis is on communication—communication with students and with parents.Mid-term progress reports are sent to parents each quarter and report cards are sent home four times per year. E-mail communication is welcomed and progress update meetings are held as needed. Parents are asked to be involved with all class scheduling activities.Post-graduate planning information is shared through career assessment and planning activities. Career Plans are sent home annually for parent review.Language development is communicated for limited-English proficient students through assessment data and parent meetings.It is our goal to service all students equitably while attending specifically to those who have specific life challenges. GRANTS RECEIVED IN FY 2010 Entitlement and Allocation Grants Title Hi Part A• Improving Educator Quality,Fund Code: 140 The purpose of this federal grant program is to increase student achievement through comprehensive district initiatives that focus on the preparation, training, recruitment, and retention of highly qualified educators. These initiatives should be aligned with Massachusetts' reform efforts and should help districts meet the NNCLB goals and requirements for highly qualified teachers, instructional paraprofessionals in Title I targeted assistance and school wide programs, and high- quality professional development. The goal is to improve the overall quality of all educators, including administrators,within the district. Title II Part D• Enhancing Education Through Technology,Fund Code: 160 Title H Part D: This federal grant program is intended to help school districts improve student achievement through the use of technology in their schools;-and encourages high-quality professional development that uses research-based instructional strategies to integrate technology effectively into the instruction. At least 25% of the grant fiends must be used for ongoing high-quality technology professional development for teachers,principals,administrators,and school library media personnel to further the use of technology in the classroom or library media centers.Other uses of grant funding include allowing school districts to participate in MassONE online professional development and using technology effectively to increase communication with parents and promote parental involvement. Federal Special Education Entitlement Fund Code: 240 The purpose of this federal entitlement grant program is to provide fields to ensure that eligible students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education that includes special 557 education and related services designed to meet their individual needs. The priority is to serve eligible students with special education services and activities deemed essential for student success in school. Services and activities must,ensure compliance with state special education laws and regulations and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act-2004 (IDEA-2004). Title 1,Part A,Fund Code: 305 Title 1, as reauthorized under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, provides resources to local school districts to assist low achieving students in high poverty schools to meet the state's challenging academic standards.Funds may be used to provide academic,instructional,and support services for eligible students, professional development activities for staff, support for parent, involvement activities,and the purchase of appropriate supplies and materials.The priorities of Title I are to strengthen the core programs in schools and provide academic and/or support services to low achieving students at the preschool,elementary,middle,and high school levels in support of NCLB goals;provide programs based on scientifically-based research that enable participating students to achieve the learning standards of the state curriculum frameworks;elevate significantly the quality of instruction by providing staff with substantial opportunities for professional development; and involve parents in the development of and participation in the program,activities,and procedures for parents and students to improve student achievement.Northeast maintains a School-Wide Title 1 designation. Perkins Act Allocation Grant Program—Secondary,Fund Code: 400 The purpose of this federal grant program is to assist *school districts in improving secondary programs that meet the definition of career and technical education under the Carl D.Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 P.L.109-270(Perkins IV).Perkins IV allocation funds must be used in accordance with Perkins IV and the Massachusetts Perkins IV Manual. Required and permissive allocation fund uses are identified in the Manual. A portion of allocation funds must be used for professional development. Academic SUport Services Allocation Grant(summer),Fund Code: 625 The goal of this state-funded grant program is to enhance academic support services needed to meet the Competency Determination required for high school graduation for students in the Classes of 2003-2013 who have performed in the Level 1: Warning/Failing(Scaled Score=Less than 220)or Level 2: Needs Improvement (Scaled Score = 220-238) categories on their most recent English language arts and/or mathematics MCAS or re-tests. Summer programs may serve students in the Class of 2014 trahsitioning into high school that have scored at Levels 1 and/or 2 on their most recent English language arts and/or mathematics MCAS.These services are to supplement currently funded local, state, and federal programs. Summer Academic Sport Enhancement Grant,Fund Code: 625-B The purpose of this state-funded supplementary summer program is to enhance academic support in English language arts(ELA),mathematics, and science and technology/engineering for students in the classes of 2003-2013 who are participating in MCAS Academic Support programs,in order to help these students meet the Competency Determination for a high school diploma.Programs will develop and pilot replicable models through Professional Learning Communities and/or additional, increased,or enhanced services. These services are to supplement currently funded local,state,and federal programs. 558 ARRA and SFSF Allocation Grants The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)—IDEA,Fund Code 760 ARRA Purpose:The overall purposes of the ARRA.federal grant programs are to fund activities that will advance ARRA's short-term economic goals by investing quickly to save and create jobs and to fund activities that support ARRA's long-term economic goals by: investing wisely; funding activities designed to strengthen education; drive reforms; and improve results for students. Activities funded through the ARRA-IDEA grant must be designed to help ensure that students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate education(FADE)to meet each student's unique needs-and to prepare each student for further education, employment, and independent living. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARM—Title I, Fund Code 770 ARRA Purpose: The overall purposes of the ARRA federal grant programs are to stimulate the economy in the short term and invest in education and other public services to ensure the long-term economic health of the nation.ARRA funds must be spent quickly to save and create jobs,and at the same time must be invested wisely in activities designed to strengthen education,drive reforms,and improve results for students. Title 1, as reauthorized under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB),provides supplemental resources to local school districts in order to help improve teaching and learning for students in high poverty schools most at risk of failing to meet the state's academic achievement standards.Activities funded through the ARRA-Title I grants must be designed to help improve education for at-risk students and close achievement gaps. Districts are expected to focus ARRA-Title I funds on strategic investments that will yield outcomes extending beyond the grant period. ARRA State Fiscal Stabilization Fund(SFSF),Fund Code: 780 The State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF) program, which is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act(ARRA)of 2009,is a one-time appropriation the U.S.Department of Education (ED) is awarding to Governors to help stabilize state and local budgets in order to minimize and avoid reductions in education and other essential services. Education Jobs Fund Code: 206 The Education Jobs Fund Program(Ed Jobs)is a new,one-time appropriation the U.S.Department of Education (ED) is awarding to Governors to save or create education jobs for the 2010-2011 school year. Jobs funded under this program include those that provide educational and related services for early childhood, elementary, and_secondary education. A school district must use its funds only for compensation and benefits, and other expenses, such as support services,necessary to retain existing employees, to recall or rehire former employees, and to hire new employees, in order to provide early childhood, elementary, or secondary educational and related services. For purposes of this program, the phrase "compensation and benefits, and other expenses, such as support services" includes, among other things, salaries, performance bonuses, health insurance, retirement benefits, incentives for early retirement, pension fund contributions, tuition reimbursement,student loan repayment assistance,transportation subsidies,and reimbursement for childcare expenses. 559 SUMMER PROGRAMS Northeast Metro Tech Summer Programs enjoyed another successful campaign since its inception in 1988. Over the years both the Summer School and Computer Program have experienced remarkable growth. This year the summer programs serviced approximately 300 students combined. The Northeast Summer School serviced high school students in six different academic areas including Math, Science,English, Social Studies,Language,and Vocational Related. The goals of promoting a positive learning atmosphere,retention, and promotion, as well.as providing skills to assist each student at the next grade level are paramount objectives behind the philosophical make- up of our summer school. Our summer program also continued to expand into the vocational enrichment and certification program areas,including Dental Assisting,Dental Radiology,and Basic Welding. These programs were not only extremely successful,but gives both students and adults an opportunity to explore and begin new careers. The popular Northeast Summer Computer Program completed a successful 22nd year.Its objective of malting learning fun had the counselors teach the participants skills that they can use during their school year while enjoying doing it.These programs can help strengthen reading and math shills,and expand their general knowledge of the computer. Outstanding Power Point presentations and the introduction of"Movie Matter Program" were an exciting part of this year's computer program, along with swimming and diving instruction. COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM The Community Education Program is a broad base collaborative community initiative assisting learners of all hinds complete their education and achieve economic self-sufficiency through empowerment shills,health care, support services and meaningful employment. Our vision is to deliver educational experience in a positive environment that will enable Northeast to reach new heights together with our lifelong learning community. The focus of the Community Education Program is to offer programs that meet the demands of our learning populations. In doing this we give people the opportunity to improve employment shills, fulfill life long goals,or enrich their lives with social activities.With the most qualified instructors, and state of the art labs Northeast strives to maintain the highest standards of education.During the summer of 2010 emphasis was placed on technology upgrades such as brochure modification,new state of the art web site construction, and the introduction of new programs. 2010 GRADUATES The 2009-10 school year represents the thirty-seventh class to matriculate at Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School.Northeast graduated 273 students in the class of 2009. Breakdown of graduates' status after graduation is as follows: Employed 73 Attending 4 year college 73 Entering Military Service 12 Attending 2 year college 99 560 Other 1 Apprentice school 15 * It should be noted that 68%of the graduating class went on to further their education either in a two or four year college or in an apprentice program. 272 members of the graduating class either entered military service are employed or seeking further education,that figure represents 99.6%of the class of 2010. SPECIAL NEEDS ENROLLMENT Special Needs enrollment for the 2009-10 school year continued to represent a fair share of the total school enrollment with students. The 330 Special Needs students represent 26% of the school population. DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTION OF OFFICERS At the Annual Organizational Meeting of the District School Committee on January 14, 2010 the following members were re-elected Officers of the Northeast District School Committee: Chairman Michael T. Wall, of Chelsea Vice Chairman Henry A. Hooton, of Melrose Secretary Peter A. Rossetti, Jr.. of Saugus Treasurer Paul L. Sweeney of North Reading Assoc. Treasurer Anthony E. DeTeso of Stoneham Northeast was saddened by the passing of Associate Treasurer Anthony DeTeso after many years of service to his community and the Northeast School Committee. Stoneham appointed Larry Means to fill the vacancy. North Reading Representative to the School Committee Paul Sweeney resigned effective 10/6/10 and Judith Dyment was appointed to fill the remainder of his term for North Reading. At the November 2010 elections Jeanne Feeley of Reading and Larry Means of Stoneham were both elected to fill the remainder of the School Committee term of office. Further organizational changes to the School Committee Officers were made: Larry Means, ' Stoneham was elected Treasurer and Vincent Carisella,Wakefield was elected Associate Treasurer. CONCLUSION As Northeast celebrates its fortieth year of Vocational/Technical Excellence to its twelve member communities,its aim is to continue to offer the latest in vocational/technical and academic education by maintaining a high level of performance. This high level of performance also encompasses continued improvement in academic achievement with regard to MCAS. The Northeast Class of 2010 had a 98% pass rate of the MCAS Test by graduation. Northeast is continually updating curriculum and continues to offer MCAS Enrichment Classes for those students in need of additional preparation for the MCAS,which included Science beginning with the Class of 2010.Northeast also provides a Summer Enrichment Program for the incoming freshmen.The school continues to offer students the finest education with which to build a successful career through the latest in equipment, 561 software, and technology offered in all vocational programs no matter which career path they have chosen. The Career Center which was added last year is where students have access to laptops to develop career plans, learn of all business aspects of their industries, prepare comprehensive portfolios, resumes, and college plans with the assistance of our Career/Guidance Counselors. This placed Northeast a step ahead of all other schools in Career Technical Education. Evidence of our past success is reflected in the students that have graduated from Northeast Metro Tech. The Alumni's stories of success and their readiness and willingness to help school officials by speaking at recruiting sessions at the local schools as well as recruiting graduates for employment is proof of their dedication to Northeast. Northeast currently,has 20 alumni employed at the school. Testimonials as to the success of our graduates continue to be received which makes us proud to have contributed in some small way to their accomplishments. Once again, I am proud to have represented Reading as a member of the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational District School Committee. I will continue to serve as the guardian of funds allocated from the community to this educational institution and assist in and provide counsel to the school in maintaining the highest standards.of educational excellence possible. Respectfully submitted, Jeanne M. Feeley Northeast School Committee Reading, Representative 562 T T Lo Lo N CD M 't w M Lr) ,t �' T }/� � O) NCOMNNO) LDOTLOLdp (y) MN m ° U) T T T N O OCflLoI- co00d NTTLOMICONI0o O c U) 00 ONd MN.N � LO07T (OLpNd N co N T T O C) CONCOI— COd' TCOd tiLOCDCOOLo co >- pp o N 't m N 't C t w Lo I`I O M d- N CO U) p N N N T N N M N T T 00 J 00 't ' 00 (o 00 cc) d' T c3) d t--I T MI d M a O OMCOMNMMd- (O It0) 0) Lf) d' M t- U)U) O T N N T T N M N T T V ti (/) M 00 d' O CD N I` CD LO C) LO I�-I N t -I O N o J 1- p OMCDd- Nd' Md' CO dt0 -r- d' CO It � U) p N N N T N N M N T T z O C TLOCO000TCOd- OI- TOICOMIC) O Q Lo NTLONTd d' MLO Itm (Od• O N cfl (� U) p N N N T T N M N O r T Lo J 00 Lo COO LOOOI`- CC) Co [I- tiIN00IO ti Z C0 d. Lo I-. MMNLf) MMM MOd- d' O 00 °d O = �A p N T N T T T T N N V�J T T W z d w W >: 00 ti O C)) N N 00 00 d' O O Lf)I N d•I Co LO c `n M CO LOItNNt�- d' NM d' 0OMd r- I`- M Q J U) O N T N T T T N N J T `- �_ o J w M O Z p OOOI�- N11- 0) (0C� CAOt` COOCO M 0. W N d' LOMNNf�-,MMM d 00IOd'IM Imo- °d O U) O N T N T O N N T T F W N n }; R (ONC3), M000T0OLnd 00 t- Lo t+7 I�- f` TNNI` Nd d' ce) I`IONIM M °� C0 U) O N T N �- r N N Q W T T CO CO 00 d M Il- 00 O N 00 Il ',I-I N I-I 0') d °MONTNCONMLO N (0 ) CON T- 04 N N T N N}; O O T T �- z Z W W J J J O 0 Z J Z W W Q r") U) W z J 0_ 0 W W Z J z J 0 cu Q O ~ aa)i cn Q. �— U) o � U) a - o -C cc > : O co � c O O UJ = M 0 o 0 0 m 0 UD C) � � z � ry U) U') ' s 'S z U) o NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT COMPARISON OF ASSESSMENTS BUDGET BUDGET VARIANCE VARIANCE FY2009 FY2010 $ % GROSS BUDGET $19,937;541 $19,074,606 $(862,935) -4.3282% LESS REVENUES Chapter 70 Aid $7,766,451 $7,611,122 $(155,329) -2.00% E&D $300,000 - $300,000 3000.00% Transportation $736,262 $504,348 $(231,914) -31.50% TOTAL REVENUES $8,802,713 $8,115,470 $(974,283) -11.07% NET ASSESSMENTS. $11,134,828 $10,959,136 $(175,692) -1.58% CHELSEA $735,495 $705,265 $(30,230) -4.11% MA:.L,DEN $1,466,650 $1,541,515 $74,865 5.10% MELROSE $819,540 $593,928 $(225,612) -27.53% NO.READING $398,445 $428,649 $30,204 7.58% READING $391,688 $306,776 $(84,912) -21.68% REVERE $1,829,999 $1,701,970 $(128,029) -7.00% SAUGUS $2,027,147 $2,213,601 $186,454 9.20% STONEHAM $632,978 $629,071 $(3,907) -0.62% WAKEFIELD $975,387 $1,127,514 $152,127 15.60% WINCHESTER $79,903 $93,132 $13,229 16.56% WINTHROP $569,241 $638;729 $69,488 12.21% WOBURN $1,208,355 $978,986 $(229,369) -18.98% TOTAL $11,134,828 $10,959,136 $(175,692) -1.58% STUDENTS STUDENTS PERCENT OF FY2009 FY2010 . VARIANCE CONTRIBUTION CHELSEA 205 206 1 17.081260% MALDEN 218 222 4 18.407960% MELROSE 68 48 -20 3.980100% NO.READING 34 37 3 3.067993% READING 33 26 -7 2.155887% REVERE 242 244 2 20.232172% SAUGUS 145 161 16 13.349917% STONEHAM 46 46 0 3.814262% WAKEFIELD 72 84 12 6.965174% WINCHESTER 6 7 1 0.580431% WINTHROP 51 55 4 4.560531% WOBURN 86 70 -16 5.804312% TOTAL 1206 1206 0 100.00% 564 Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District Combined Balance Sheet—All Fund Types and Account Groups June 30,2010 Fiduciary Account Groups Governmental Fund Types Fund Type Special Trust and General Fixed General Revenue Agency Assets Assets Cash $ 820,942 $ 23,838 $ 89,421 $ - Accounts Receivable 2,382,494 175,999 - - Fixed Assets - 6,733,392 Total Assets $3,203,436 $199,837 $89,421 $6,733,392 Liabilities Accounts Payable $ 173,359 $37,893 $ - $ - Claims Incurred Not Reported - - 446,483 Accrued Salary 879,380 37,538 - - Accrued Sick and Vacation 251,016 - - - Total Liabilities $1,303,755 $75,431 $446,483 - Fund Equity Investment in General Fixed Assets $ - $ - $ - $6,733,392 Fund Balances: Reserve for Encumbrances 207,856 - - Reserve for Insurance (496,157) - Undesignated 1,691,825 124,406 139,095 - Total Fund Equity 1,899,681 124,406 (357,062) 6,733,392 Total Liabilities&Fund Equity $3,203,436 $199,837 $ 89,421 $ 6,733,392 565 Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District Special Revenue Funds June 30,2010 Undesignated Fund Balance Amount Adult Education $(197,502) Building Usage 149,657 Athletics 4,750 Cafeteria (48,353) School Choice 169,123 Auto Body 221 Auto Tech 1,015 Shining Knights 1,914 Day Care 26,239 Culinary 933 Cosmetology (952) Graphics 14,855 Carpentry 2,352 .Metal Fabrication 154 Total $ 124,406 Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District Trust and Agency Fund June 30,2010 Undesignated Fund Balance Amount Student Activity $ 95,238 Scholarship 43,857 Total $ 139,095 566 APPOINTED AND ELECTED TOWN BOARDS, COMMITTEES & COMMISSIONS (December 21, 2010) Title #Positions Term Ori . Term A pt' Date Exv Auth Animal Control Appeals Committee 3 3 years DOS Susan Giacalone, Secretary 9 Orchard Park Drive (09) 2012 Tina Ohlson, Chairman 200 Forest Street (08) 2011 John Miles 532 West Street (09) 2013 Audit Committee 7 3 years David Greenfield .192 Woburn Street (09) 2013 FinCom Marsie West 3 Whitehall Lane (10) 2011 FinCom Stephen Herrick 9 Dividence Road (05) 2012 BOS Chuck Robinson 81 Prospect Street (06) 2011 Sch. Corn. Lisa Gibbs 9 Priscilla Road (04) 2012 Sch. Com. Phil Pacino 5 Washington Street (03) 2011 RMLD Camille Anthony 26 Orchard Park Drive (04) 2013 BOS Board of Appeals 5 +2 3 years BOS Associates John Miles 532 West Street (08) 2011 Robert A. Redfern 54 Prospect Street (01) 2012 John A. Jarema 797 Main Street (78) 2013 Jeffrey D. Perkins, V. Chr. 1 Coolidge Road (08) 2012 Clark W..Petschek, Chairman 659 Haverhill Street (06)- 2011 Kristin Marie Cataldo (Assoc.) 46 Sunset Rock Lane (10) 2013 Damase Caouette (Associate) 11 Field Pond Drive (09) 2011 Board of Assessors 3 3 years Elected Ralph Colorusso,V. Chr. 31 Enos Circle (00) April'13 Fred A. McGrane, Secretary 16 Catherine Avenue (09) April'11 Robert I.Nordstrand,.Chair. 384 Franklin Street (69) April'12 Board of Cemetery Trustees 6 3 years BOS Mary R. Vincent 17 Indiana Avenue (94) 2012 Olive B. Hecht 73 Martin Road (08) 2011 William C. Brown, Sec. 28 Martin Road (96) 2012 Janet Baronian, Chairman •75 Mill Street (99) 2011 Ronald Stortz, V. Chr. 538 Summer Ave. (04) 2013 Elise M. Ciregna 48 Pearl Street (07) 2013 BOS—Board of Selectmen;T. Mgr.—Town Manager;Mod.—Town Moderator;B.V. of O.—By virtue of office; Sch. Com.—School Committee;FChr.—Finance Committee Chairman; E.by E.—Elected by Employees. *All terms expire June 30 of year noted, unless indicated otherwise. 567 Title #Positions Term Orig Term Appt' Date Ex Aath Board of Health 3 3 years BOS Colleen Seferian, V. Chr. 56 Vine Street (99) 2011 Barbara A. Meade, Chairman 11 Ash Hill Road (01) 2012 David Singer 66 Prospect St. (03) 2013 Board of Library Trustees 6 3 years Elected Victoria V. Yablonsky 93 Grand Street (02) April'11 David P. Hutchinson, Chr. 41 Harvard Street (05) April'11 Jeffrey Doucette 30 Vale Road (09) April'12 Richard H. Curtis, V. Chr. 15 Holly Road (07) April'13 Cherrie Dubois 9 Meadow Brook Lane (07) April'13 Karyn Storti, Secretary 31 Green St. (03) April'12 Board of Registrars 4 3 years BOS 2 from eneh major party Harry Simmons 17 Pine Ridge Road (06) 2011 Gloria R. Hulse 107 Sanborn Lane (92) 2012 Krissandra Holmes 77 Redgate Lane (06) 2013 Laura Gemme 16 Lowell Street (09) Indef. B.V. of O. Board of Selectmen 5 3 years Elected Stephen Goldy 42 Berkeley Street (06) April'13 Ben Tafoya 40 Oak Street (05) April'11 James E. Bonazoli, Chairman 100 Grove Street (05) April'11 Camille W. Anthony, V. Chr. 26 Orchard Park Drive (94) April'12 Richard W. Schubert, Sec. 119 Winthrop Ave. (01) April'13 Bylaw Committee 5' 3 ears Appt..Com Philip B. Pacino, Chairman 5 Washington Street (86) 2013 - - Unit D6 Dolores S. Carroll, Secretary 37 Johanna Drive (87) 2011 John H. Russell 91 Spruce Road _(91) 2012 Vacancy (. ) 2011 Ronald T. O'Keefe,Jr. 44 Batchelder Road (06) 2012 Bylaw Committee Appointment Committee Philip B. Pacino 5 Washington St., Unit D6 Chair Bylaw Com. James Bonazoli 100 Grove Street Chair BOS Alan Foulds 9 Ide Street Town Moderator BOS—Board of Selectmen;T. Mgr.—Town Manager;Mod.—Town Moderator;B.V.of O.—By virtue of office; Sch.Com.—School Committee; FChr.—Finance Committee Chairman; E.by E.—Elected by Employees. *All terms expire June 30 of year noted, unless indicated otherwise. 568 Title #Positions Term OAR A apt, Date Ex Auth Celebration Committee 5 3 years Kurt Habel 832 Main Street (99) 2012 BOS Rita Robertson 9 Elm Street (02) 2011 Mod. Mark Cardono, Chairman 26 Boswell Road (99) 2011 Historical Bob McLaughlin 14 Galvin Circle (02) 2010 Library Everett Blodgett 99 Prescott Street (00) 2012 Sch. Com. Cities for Climate Protection 5 3 years BOS Program Committee Tony Capobianco 8 Gould Street (10) 2013 Joan Boegel 3 Highland Street (10) 2012 Stephanie Anderberg, Sec. 181 Lowell Street (06) 2011 Ronald Daddario 97 Summer Avenue (10) 2011 Ray Porter, Chairman 529 Franklin Street (07) 2012 Gina Snyder (Associate) 11 Jadem Terrace (06) 2011 David L. Williams (Associate) 258 Haverhill Street (08) 2011 Ronald K. Taupier (Associate) 51 Redgate Lane (10) 2011 Tracy Sopchak(Associate) 642 Haverhill Street (06) 2011 Michele Benson (Associate) 128 Eastway (06) 2011 Commissioners of Trust Funds 3 3 years BOS Elizabeth W. Klepeis, Chr. 68 Tennyson Road (05) 2011 Neil L. Cohen 73 Hillcrest Road (07) 2012 John J. Daly,V. Chr. 163 Woburn Street (95) 2013 Camille Anthony 26 Orchard Park Drive 2011 Nancy Heffernan 16 Lowell Street Indef. BVO Community Planning& 5 3 years BOS Develo meat Commission Joseph E. Patterson, Secretary 18 Granger (08) 2011 Paul Bolger 23 Lindsay Lane (10) 2012 Nicholas Safina 221 South Street (06) 2013 John Weston, Chairman 10 Winthrop Ave. (07) 2013 David B. Tuttle 27 Heather Drive (06) 2011 George Katsoufis (Associate) 9 Berkeley Street (06) 2011 Conservation Commission 7 3 yrs. BOS William Hecht, Chr. 73 Martin Road (03) 2011 Tina Ohlson 200 Forest Street (08) 2011 Brian F. Sullivan 145 Lowell Street (10) 2012 Jamie Maughan, V. Chr. 263 Woburn Street (10) 2013 Brian J. Tucker 9 Longwood Road (09) 2012 Annika Scanlon 3 Copeland Avenue (06) 2013 Barbara Stewart 52 County Road (06) 2012 BOS—Board of Selectmen;T. Mgr.—Town Manager;Mod.—Town Moderator;B.V.of O.—By virtue of office; Sch.Com.-School Committee;FChr.—Finance Committee Chairman;E.by E.—Elected by Employees. *All terms expire June 30 of year noted,unless indicated otherwise. 569 Title: #Po§itioias Term T 0ri� ` erm Appt' Date Exp Auth Constables Up to 4 3 years BOS Thomas H. Freeman P.O. Box 825 (93) 2012 Sally M. Hoyt 221 West Street (72) 2011 John Della Paolera 533 Summer Avenue (07) 2011 Alan Ulrich 55 Hancock Street (04) 2013 Contributory Retirement 5 3 years Board Frank Driscoll 7 Ordway Terrace 2011 E. by E. Joe Veno, Chairman l 1 Rock Street 2013 E. by E. North Reading Gail LaPointe, Town Acct. 16 Lowell Street Indef. B.V. of O. Richard Foley 68 Tennyson Road 12/11 BOS Thomas A. Clough 172 Summer-Avenue 2012 Board Council on Aging 10 3 years BOS Margaret Havey 23 Van Norden Road (06) 2012 Steve Oston, Chairman 68 Sturges Road (07) 2013 Sally M. Hoyt 221 West Street (04) 2013 Marguerite Bosnian 46 Putnam Road (06) 2012 Erica Lynne Deane, Secretary 124 Franklin Street (09) 2012 Carol Oniskey,V. Chr. 7 Strawberry Hill Lane (08). 2011 Carole N. Scrima 709 Gazebo Circle (04) 2013 Gina Nelson 6 Hurlburt Road (08) 2012 Stacy Bertocchi 250 High Street (05) 2011 Dorothy Derosa 1005 Gazebo Circle (10) 2011 Cultural Council 7 3 years 6 max BOS Lorraine Horn,Treasurer 99 Beaver Road (06) 2013, Vicky Schubert, Chr. 119 Winthrop Avenue (06) 2012 Margaret E. Caouette, V. Chr. 11 Field Pond Drive (08) 2011 Susan G. Fay 56 Grey Coach Road (08) 2011 Lynne A. Cassinari, Secretary 78 Hartshorn Street (08) 2012 Alice Armstrong 340 Summer Avenue (08) 2011 Joan Marshman 77 Ash Street (10) 2013 Custodian of Soldier's And 1 up to 5 years Sailor's Graves Francis P. Driscoll 7 Ordway Terrace (92) 2013 BOS BOS—Board of Selectmen;T. Mgr.—Town Manager;Mod.-Town Moderator;B.V.of O.—By virtue of office; Sch. Com.—School Committee;FChr.—Finance Committee Chairman;E.by E.—Elected by Employees. *All terms expire June 30 of year noted,unless indicated otherwise. 570 Title #Positions Term Orin Term Appt, Date ExA Auth Economic Development 5 3 years BOS Committee Russell Graham 68 Maple Ridge (06) 2011 George A. Rio . 11 Estate Lane (08) 2012 Sheila Clarke, V. Chr. 536 Haverhill St. (06) 2011 Michelle R. Williams. 31 Melbourne Avenue (07) 2013 Meghan Young-Tafoya, Chr. 40 Oak Street (06) 2013 Ben Yoder(Associate) 94 Oak Street (10) 2011 Michelle Ferullo (Associate) 46 Howard Street (10) 2011 Maria Higgins (Associate) 57 Avalon Road (10) 2011 John Russell (Associate) 91 Spruce Road (06) 2011 9 3 years Appointment Finance Committee (9 years max Com Paula Perry 40 Beaver Road (10) 2011 Barry Berman 54 Longview (07) 2011 David Greenfield, Vice Chair 192 Woburn Street (05) 2011 Kevin Leyne 34 Larch Lane (09) 2012 Bryan Walsh 58 Grand Street (09) 2012 Francis Fardy 55 Grand Street (10) 2013 Mark Dockser 11.0 Beaver Road (10) 2013 Harold S. Torman 77 Sunnyside Ave. (03) 2013 Marsie K. West, Chairman 3 Whitehall Lane (03) 2012 FinCom 3 1 year Appointment Committee Alan E. Foulds, Chairman 9 Ide Street Inde£ Moderator Marsie West 3 Whitehall Lane Indef. Fin. Chr. James Bonazoli 100 Grove Street Indef. Chr. BOS Historical Commission 5 + 3 years BOS Associates Virginia M. Adams 59 Azalea Circle (78) 2011 Mark Cardono 26 Boswell Road (98) 2013 Roberta M. Sullivan, Treasurer 76 Minot Street (96) 2011 Kathryn Greenfield, Chr. 192 Woburn St. (05) 2012 Sharlene Reynolds Santo, 46 Wakefield St. (99) 2011 Secretary (Associate) Angela Binda 10 Orchard Park Drive (08) 2013 BOS—Board of Selectmen;T. Mgr.—Town Manager; Mod.—Town Moderator; B.V. of O.—By virtue of office; Sch. Com.—School Committee;FChr.—Finance Committee Chairman;E.by E.—Elected by Employees. *All terms expire June 30 of year noted,unless indicated otherwise. 571 Title #Positions Term Orin Term Date. : Ex Auth Housing Authority 5 5 years BOS Kevin F. Mulvey , 67 Whittier Road (08) 2013 Karen Flammia, Chairman 19 Vista Ave. (00) 2015 Mary E. Connors 52 Sanborn St. Apt. 103 (96) 2012 Diane Cohen, Vice Chair 51 Redgate Lane (04) 2011 State Appts Timothy Kelley, Treasurer 84 Woburn Street (96) 2014 Human Relations Advisory 7 3 years BOS Committee Margaret Soli 19 James Road (01) 2011 Lori Hodin 385 Summer Avenue (07) 2013 Karen Janowski (School) 30 Azalea Circle (08) 2011 Charles McDonald (BOS) 41 Canterbury Drive (03) 2012 James Cormier(Police) 15 Union Street (05) 2013 Monique Pillow Gnanaratnam 873 Main Street (08) 2012 Margaret LeLacheur 47 County Road (09) 2013 Randall Jones (Associate) 1 Cross Street (07) 2011 Landbank Committee 3 3 years BOS Vacancy ( ) 2011 Vacancy ( ) 2013 Edward G. Smethurst, Chr. 86 Gleason Road (88) 2012 MBTA Advisory Board 1 Indef Town Mgr Bob LeLacheur 16 Lowell Street Metropolitan Area Planning 1 + . 3 years BOS Council Alternate Steven Sadwick 138 Prospect Street (05) 2011 Vacancy (Alternate) ( ) 2011 Moderator 1 year Elected Alan Foulds 91de Street April 11 Municipal Light Board 5 3 years Elected Philip B. Pacino, Secretary 5 Washington St. Unit (87) April 13 D6 Gina M. Snyder 11 Jadem Terrace (10) April 13 Richard S. Hahn, V. Chr. . 29 Buckingham Drive (05) April 12 Robert Soli, Secretary 19 James Road (02) April 11 Mary Ellen O'Neill, Chairman 125 Summer Ave. (06) April 12 BOS-Board of Selectmen;T. Mgr.—Town Manager;Mod.—Town Moderator;B.V.of O.—By virtue of office; Sch. Com.—School Committee;FChr.—Finance Committee Chairman;E.by E.—Elected by Employees. *All terms expire June 30 of year noted,unless indicated otherwise. 572 Title #Positions'. Term 0,rig Term Appt,� Date E xp Auth Mystic Valley Elder Services, 2 3 years Inc Dawn Foloupolos 16 Lowell Street 9/30/10 COA Rheta C. McKinley 4 Elderberry Lane 211 9/30/12 BOS .. North Suburban Planning 4 BOS Council . Ben Tafoya 40 Oak Street (07) 2013 George Katsoufis (BOS Alt.) 9 Berkeley Street (08) 2013 Vacancy ( ) 2012 CPDC Vacancy (CPDC Alt.) ( ) 2012 RCTV Board of Directors 2 3 years BOS & Sch Com Edward Smethurst 86 Gleason Road (08) 2011 BOS Chris Caruso 77 Hartshorn Street (08) 2011 Sch. Com. Joe Lachiana 8 Grove Street (10) 2012 BOS Reading Ice Arena Authority 1 3 years BOS Carl McFadden 33 Wakefield Street (10) 2011 RMLD Citizen Advisory 1 3 years BOS Board Vacancy ( ) 2011 Recreation Committee 8+.1 Sch. 3 years BOS Com. +Alt. Nancy Linn Swain 35-Minot Street (03) 2012 Michael DiPetro 23 Sanborn Lane (04) 2013 Christopher Campbell 12 Overlook Road (93) 2011 Mary Anne Kozlowski 16 Weston Road (03) 2011 Francis Driscoll, V. Chr. 7 Ordway Terrace (04) 2013 Beth Claroni 32 Emerald Drive (06) 2011 Sch. Com. Catherine R. Kaminer 37 Warren Avenue (88) 2013 Mary Ellen Stolecki, Chr. 33 Lewis Street (00) 2012 John Winne (Associate) 29 Clover Circle (97) 2011 Adam Chase (Associate) 8 Gardner Road (08) 2011 Joseph Rossetti (Associate) 4 Crosby Road (09) 2011 Eric Hughes 18 Small Lane (08) 2012 Regional School District 1 4 years Elected Committee Marie B. Ferrari 20 Crosby Road (09) Nov`.12 BOS—Board of Selectmen;T. Mgr.—Town Manager;Mod.—Town Moderator; B.V. of O.—By virtue of office; Sch.Com.—School Committee;FChr.—Finance Committee Chairman; E.by E.—Elected by Employees. *All terms expire June 30 of year noted,unless indicated otherwise. 573 Title #Positions Term Orig Tern! Date B.T.2 Auth Rules Committee 8 1 year Precinct No more than 6 Member consecutive ears Ronald T. O'Keefe (Precinct 1) 44 Batchelder Road (08) Peter G. Coumounduros 24 Smith Avenue (01) (Precinct 2) Francis P. Driscoll(Precinct 3) 7 Ordway Terrace (08) Nancy Graham(Precinct 4) 26 Holly Road (10) Janice Jones (Precinct 5) 22 Mount Vernon St. (08) James Mulvey (Precinct 6) 8 Palmer Hill Avenue (10) Denise D. Wyer (Precinct 7) 228 Forest Street (08) Karen Gately Herrick (Precinct 9 Dividence Road (10) 8) School Committee 6 3 years Elected Karen T. Janowski 30 Azalea Circle (08) April 11 Christopher Caruso, Chairman 77 Hartshorn Street (06) April 12 David Michaud 54 Hanscom Ave. (06) April 12 Charles Robinson, V. Chair 81 Prospect Street (07) April 13 Lisa Gibbs 9 Priscilla Road (04) April 11 Harold A. Croft 27 Linnea Lane (10) April 13 Sick Bank Committee 9 3 years Nancy Aberman 64 Middlesex Ave. 2012 T. Mgr. Margaret A. Campbell, Chr. 16 Lowell Street 2013 T. Mgr. Marie Ammer 16 Lowell Street 2011 T. Mgr. Vacancy(Dispatcher) 15 Union Street 2011 Union Peter Garchinsky (Police Sup.) 15 Union Street 2011 Union Tom Ward (DPW) 16 Lowell Street 2012 Union Peter Tassi 16 Lowell Street 2011 T. Mgr. Pat Iapicca(Police Patrol) 15 Union Street 2011 Union James D'Entremont(Eng./WTP) 16 Lowell Street 2013 Union Telecommunications and 5 3 years 130S Technology Advisory Committee Vacancy ( ) 2013 Vacancy ( ) 2011 Bill Cowie 110 Van Norden Road (05) 2012 Vacancy ( ) 2013 Scott Busnach 29 Gavin Circle (08) 2011 BOS—Board of Selectmen;T.Mgr.—Town Manager;Mod.—Town Moderator; B.V.of O.—By virtue of office; Sch.Com.—School Committee; FChr.—Finance Committee Chairman;E.by E.-Elected by Employees. *All terms expire June 30 of year noted,unless indicated otherwise. 574 Title #Positions Term OriS Term ApptIg Date. =E-6 Auth Town Forest Committee 5 3 years BOS George B. Perry, II, Chairman 230 Franklin Street (76) 2012 Louis deBrigard, V. Chr. 37 Auburn Street (02) 2011 Patrice A. Todisco 483 Franklin Street (08) 2013 Mark Wetzel 163 County Road (10) 2013 Thomas Gardiner (Associate) 182 Franklin Street (10) 2011 Trails Committee 5 3 years BOS Thomas S. Gardiner, Chairman 182 Franklin Street (08) 2012 Joan A. Hoyt, Secretary 89 Oakland Road (08) 2013 Susan Giacalone 9 Orchard Park Drive (08) 2012 David Williams 117 Oak Street (08) 2013 Alan,Rosh 232 Van Norden Road (08) 2011 Matthew DesMeules (Associate) 75 Green Street, Unit 1 (10) 2011 John E. Parsons (Associate) 3 C Street . (08) 2011 Volunteer Appointment BOS Subcommittee Camille Anthony 26 Orchard Park Drive (10) 2011 Stephen Goldy 42 Berkeley Street (10) 2011 West Street Historic District 5 3 years BOS Commission Virginia Adams 59 Azalea Circle (09) 2012 Priscilla Poehler 43 Bancroft Avenue (09) 2012 Richard Schubert, Chairman 119 Winthrop Avenue (09) 2011 Everett Blodgett 99 Prescott Street (09) 2013 Stephen O'Shea 257 West Street (09) 2013 Ilene Bornstein(Alternate) 80 Haystack Road (09) 2011 Sharlene Reynolds 46 Wakefield Street (09) 2011 Santo(Alternate) BOS—Board of Selectmen;T. Mgr.—Town Manager;.Mod.—Town Moderator;B.V.of O.—By virtue.of office; Sch.Corn.—School Committee;FChr.—Finance Committee Chairman;E.by E.—Elected by Employees. *All terms expire June 30 of year noted, unless indicated otherwise. 575