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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-20 School Council - Wood End Elementary MinutesWood End Elementary School School Council Meeting RECEIVED TOWN CLERK READING, MASS. MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SCHOOL COUNCIL 1011 JAN -9 P 1: 3U October 20, 2011 A meeting of the Wood End School Council was held on Thursday, October 20, 2011, from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the meeting room of Wood End Elementary School, Reading, Massachusetts. Council Members Present: Richard Davidson, Joanne King, Barbara Sheehan, Sally Mucica, Debbie Hattery, and Maria Walsh Council Members Absent: Sandy Emery, Monette Verrier Call to Order Principal Davidson called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m. and Maria Walsh recorded the minutes. A quorum of Council Members was present, and the meeting, having been duly convened, was ready to proceed with business. Agenda, Minutes, and Introductory Business Principal Davidson reviewed the meeting's agenda. Council Members agreed in the absence of a designated Secretary, members will take turns recording meeting minutes. Principal Davidson and Debbie Hattery will not participate in the rotation, as Principal Davidson will lead each meeting, and Debbie Hattery recorded all 2010 -2011 meeting minutes. Principal Davidson distributed a copy of the Parents Place Bulletin outlining the mission and background of School Councils to all members. Packets of all the meeting's handouts were created for absent members. The Council reviewed and voted unanimously to accept the minutes from the June 91h meeting. Student Support Task Force Recommendations Joanne King and Richard Davidson presented findings of the newly formed Student Support Task Force, of which they are members. The task force was formed following the drug- related tragedies of the summer involving Reading residents, as well as the feedback from Reading's multiple showings of the film Race to Nowhere, and its goal is to improve the behavioral health of Reading students of all ages. The RCASA (Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse) Student Risk Survey results were reviewed, and RCASA provides more information on the subject on Edline (http: / /www. edl ine. net/pages /ReadingPubl icSchools /Community / RCASA). Bullying Prevention Plan and Elementary Bullying Survey The Council reviewed the Reading Public Schools Bullying Prevention Plan Information, as well as the results of last year's Elementary Bullying Survey administered to 3`a 0n and 5`h graders. The survey was given to students at all Reading elementary schools, but the Council focused on the results of Wood End students only. The Council discussed their concern that the term "bullying" is often misused, and children and parents alike need to remember that bullying refers to a repeated and unwelcome behavior, not just "annoying" behavior or an action you don't like. Principal Davidson agreed he could clarify the definition for both parents and students, but wants to be certain Wood End does not differ from the town of Reading's school -wide definition of bullying, and also that Wood End teachers continue to address each situation of unwanted behavior and do not minimize children's feelings even if a situation does not qualify as bullying. It was agreed that Open Circle continues to be a valuable program for Wood End students and it will be continued to be offered to all new teachers, including specialists, so they can reinforce messages and use consistent terms with students. Wood End 3`a, 4`h, and 5`h grade students are currently taking the bullying survey again, and Principal Davidson stated that one of his goals is that the number of children who say they have never been bullied will be higher this year than it was last (5 -09 -11 results, question 7, 52.4% of Wood End students responded they had never been bullied.) School Improvement Plan The Council reviewed the accomplishments of the 2010 -11 School Council and began to review the School Improvement Plan 2011 -2012 that has been submitted to the Superintendent's Office. Debbie Flattery questioned the basketball court that had been previously discussed, and was informed it is still in progress but had been delayed by forces outside of Wood End. Principal Davidson agreed to mention to Wood End students in his conversations with them that the idea has not been forgotten or dismissed. The Playground Pals program has not started up this Fall, but is still planned to resume. Feedback was provided that the efforts towards Health and Wellness have been well received by the students, including the physical challenges presented in P.E. classes (such as pacers), the FOODPLAY Enrichment program performed for al] students, and the salad bar in the cafeteria. Barbara Sheehan mentioned some guidance in grant writing would be helpful for teachers. It is believed Lisa Norcross might have that experience. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. The School Council will resume discussions at our next meeting on November 3, 2011. Respectfully submitted, Maria Walsh Recording Secretary 10/20/2011