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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-06 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: May 6, 2013 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Karen Janowski Chuck Robinson Hal Croft Chris Caruso Lisa Gibbs Visitors: Kristin Morello, School Nutrition Director Tom Zaya, RMHS Assistant Principal Erica McNamara, RCASA Coalition Director Kevin Higginbottom, RMHS Principal Mike Scarpitto, RMHS Assistant Principal Julianne DeAngelis, RCASA I. Call to Order Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent Patty de Gamvilla, Assistant Superintendent Corey Santasky, SRO Sarah Lennon, RMHS Health Teacher Alex Webb, RCASA Youth Crew Joanne Senders, Reading Advocate Geoffrey Coram, parent Tom Ryan, resident Chairperson Janowski called the School Committee to order at 7:06 p.m She reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests Mrs. Janowski opened the Public Hearing on School Choice and asked for input. There was no public input on School Choice. Dr. Doherty outlined the reason to opt out of participation was because of general enrollment. He shared that if the district participated we would receive $5,000 per student but it does cost more to educate a student in the Reading Public Schools. Mrs. Janowski closed the Public Hearing at 7:09 p.m. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Inout I) May 6, 2013 Mr. Tom Ryan addressed the School Committee about concerns about some grammatical errors in the budget document. He asked who was responsible for the oversight and asked for a solution. Mr. Caruso said that as a board the School Committee is responsible for the final product and assured Mr. Ryan that the Committee would be sure to be more diligent next year. He added that perhaps the focus was more on the numbers in the budget rather than the text. He apologized on behalf of the school Committee. Mr. Geoffrey Comm, Birch Meadow parent, expressed concerns over the district's new school lunch charging policy. He referred to an incident that occurred in another town where children that did not have enough money on their account were denied lunch. He asked about a low balance policy. Ms. DeLai assured him that there is a plan in place to provide an alternate lunch for students that do not have an adequate balance on their account. The charging policy was adopted by the School Committee upon recommendation from the DESE that district's establish such policies. Mrs. Morello uses an email notification system to alert parents of low /negative balances Re2grts I) (Out of Order) 1. Student 2. Liaison Mrs. Gibbs wanted to thank members of the RMHS Swim Team that accompanied the Reading contingent of the Special Olympics Swim Team to BU this weekend. Mr. Caruso shared that office hours were held this evening and a group of parents attended. 3. Director of Student Services 4. Assistant Superintendent 5. Superintendent Dr. Doherty shared that Reading students participated in the Special Olympics in Malden last week. The Reading Education Foundation Auction was held over the weekend as was the RMHS production of James & the Giant Peach. He recognized RMHS Science teacher for being honored as an exemplary science educator by the North Shore Science Supervisors Association. The Reading Memorial High School's Choral Department and the Terezin Music Foundation is proud to present this powerful program, this Thursday, May 9th, at 7:00 p.m. at the RMHS Performing Arts Center. May 6, 2013 Dr. Doherty updated the School Committee on the Barrows Principal Search. The four candidates were at Barrows today meeting with staff and students. The parent open microphone session will be held on Tuesday evening. B. Continued Business C. New Business RCASA Presentation (Out of Order Erica McNamara, RCASA Coalition Director, introduced RMHS student and RCASA Youth Crew member Alex Webb who presented "The Carnival of Tricks" outlining deceptive strategies used by Big Tobacco in getting youth hooked on their products. He said that cigarette use is down across the state but the use of other tobacco products is on the rise due to the marketing tactics. He shared several of the tactics which include attractive packaging, flavoring and cost. Youth are attracted to smokeless products because they are easier to hide. Chair Janowski thanked Mr. Webb for sharing this information. Ms. McNamara presented information on the Chemical Health Education program that serves RMHS youth that violate the Chemical Health Policy. She reviewed the policy in action. If a violation is suspected to have occurred, the RMHS administration conducts an investigation. If a violation has occurred, disciplinary action is implemented. Students and parents are provided with information on the terms of their violation and how to complete the requirements and finally, Mr. Zaya contacts RCASA for class scheduling and referrals. Ms. McNamara indicated that students are in class within two weeks of the violation. She continued her presentation discussing the differences in the RPS Chemical Health Policy and the MIAA policy. First violations of the Chemical Health Policy will result in the following steps being taken: parental notification followed by a parent conference. The student would miss 25% of games or performances and is required to attend the Chemical Health Education class. Once all steps are completed the student meets with Mrs. Sarah Lennon, RMHS Health Educator, to discuss what they have learned. Once this meeting has taken place the student will receive a Letter of Completion. A fast violation of the tobacco policy follows a similar progression. The punishment for each subsequent violation has more severe consequences. The role of RCASA and the administration is to provide information and education to not only the students in violation but to the parents m well. Ms. McNamara continued sharing information on the Chemical Health Education team and the program. The class is offered monthly and is one 2 hour session. The focus is on substance abuse education, risk behavior, individual accountability and responsibility. At the beginning of each class the students are asked to write a Statement of Accountability which included the events that have brought them to the class. Many times the students apologize to the people that this risky behavior has impacted. These statements are anonymous and are collected. Participants in the class are referred by school administration or law enforcement and are first time offenders ranging in age from 14 to 19 years old. Results of a survey taken by participants of the classes were shared next. May 6, 2013 Mrs. Lennon provided additional information on the Statement of Accountability. Students write everything that led to the event and are asked to circle the choices that put them at risk. Results of the surveys indicate as the students' progress through the education program they tend to take responsibility for their actions and learn that is important to avoid placing themselves in the same situations. Dr. Doherty shared that Reading has been approached by other communities about the Chemical Health Education Program. The presentation continued focusing on the Court Diversion program. SRO Corey Santasky shared information of the zero tolerance policy issued by the Chief of Police in September of 2012. Officers will address underage drinking using this policy and Massachusetts General Laws on alcohol to ensure fair and reliable handling of youth encountered. SRO Santasky said that he meets with the high school administration weekly to review incidents. He reviewed the consequences for students found in possession of alcohol and all other scenarios. The students are in violation of not only the Chemical Health Policy, they also face sanctions from the Registry of Motor Vehicle and the courts. If a student completes the Diversion program which includes the Chemical Health Education Program, the violation will not be reflected on their court record. He next reviewed the consequences for possession of marijuana. This is a civil violation and does violate the Chemical Health Policy. He reviewed what happens for possession of controlled substances. These violations are a misdemeanor or felony offense if the following elements are me: knowingly, possessed (except less than 1 oz. of marijuana) and without lawful reason. Penalties for possession are diversion, probation, jail/prison or fines and loss of license. Students in violation are ordered to attend the RCASA Chemical Health Education program through the police diversion program. They only have to attend the class one time per the school /police collaboration. SRO Santasky feels that the education piece is key in preventing repeat violators. Mrs. Janowski asked what the impact of the program has been. Ms. DeAngelis said the program has made an impact preventing further ramifications. Students take the information they have learned into adulthood. Ms. DeAngelis found that is a challenge to make parents understand that these actions are not acceptable. The reasoning portion of a high school student's brain is not fully developed enough to make correct decisions. Mrs. Janowski thanked the RCASA group for providing this important information School Nutrition Presentation Mrs. Kristin Morello, Director of the School Nutrition department presented information on the happenings in her department. She said that the start of the school year was challenging this year because of the implementation of a new charging system, 4 new managers and the federal and state guidelines that have been put in place. She complimented her staff on the great job they did to ease into the new school year. May 6, 2013 She reviewed the federal regulations that the department must adhere to and the challenges being faced by School Nutrition Programs statewide. The new guidelines encourage the use of a wide variety of fresh produce, which is more expensive, the use of whole grain rich foods, reduced fat or fat free milk and items with reduced fat, trans fat and sodium. The Massachusetts regulations also provide a challenge. These regulations pertain to the a la carte options. Districts must make water available to students throughout the day at no charge, and offer for sale fresh fruits & non - fried vegetables at any location food are sold. Mrs. Morello next reviewed what is included in a student's lunch. She has concerns regarding the quantity of food for students. She has surveyed students regarding different aspects of the new program and students have echoed Mrs. Morello's concerns as well. Mrs. Morello has been an active member of the School Nutrition Association and has attended the National Conference to advocate for the programs. She reviewed the impact of the new regulations on the lunch program. She shared that sales are down 2% which is not a much as they expected. Reading is part of a statewide purchasing program that helps in controlling costs. In an effort to boost sales and education, Mrs. Morello has been actively marketing her department participating in several activities. She has also sent a parent survey and received approximately 800 responses. The survey revealed that parents do seem aware of the changes in the law and believe it will have a positive impact. The parents also expressed concerns over the portions of grains and proteins. Mrs. Morello shared that she has increased educational opportunities for her staff, introducing new recipes, holding knife skills trainings and webinars on school nutrition. Mrs. Janowski thanked Mrs. Morello for providing the information. First Reading of the Revised Chemical Health Policy JICH Mr. Croft began the reading of Policy JICH and JICH -R Mrs. Gibbs moved to waive the full reading. Mrs. Janowski suggested that Mr. Croft read the highlighted items. Mr. Croft read the revisions. Mrs. Janowski appreciated the addition of the definition of possession as well as the added educational component regardless of activity. Mr. Zaya shared that the district is trying to be proactive and not reactive by educating students. May 6, 2013 First Reading of the Revised School Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy — ADF Mr. Croft began the reading of the policy. Mrs. de Garavilla provided and overview of the policy changes and recommendations of the Wellness Committee. She handed out a copy of the Committee's recommendations. Once the policy is approved it will be sent to staff and school PTO groups. Inter - municipal Agreement — Regional Food Service Director Ms. De Lai provided information on the proposed agreement. She has been approached by Wakefield Public Schools for assistance. Wakefield is losing their Food Service Director and inquired about possibly creating a regional agreement. Mrs. Morello would oversee both Reading and Wakefield for a term on one year. Mrs. Morello is very willing to take on this challenge. She indicated that she is very happy in Reading and this agreement would allow her to grow professionally without leaving Reading. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) b. Approval of Minutes Mr. Croft moved seconded by Mr. Robinson to approve the open session minutes dated April 23, 2013. Mrs. Gibbs pointed out a correction. The motion carried 5-0 with correction. c. Bids and Donations Donations May 6, 2013 Mrs. Janowski would like the high school to investigate other options. Dr. Doherty said that the purchase of agendas has already been authorized but would discuss with the high school administration an effort to phase out the paper agenda. The motion carried 5 -0. Mr. Croft moved seconded by Mr. Robinson to accept a donation to the RISE Preschool in the amount of $150 from the Mr. & Mrs. Sanohy. The motion carried 5 -0. Calendar IV. Information V. Future Business VI. Adiournmen[ Mr. Croft moved seconded by Mr. Caruso to adjourn. The motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. Handouts: District Health & Wellness Committee Recommendations J F. Doherty, .D. S�Jerintcndent of Schools District Health and Wellness Committee Recommendations These are recommendations made by the District Health and Wellness Committee that were discussed during committee meetings. They are based upon observations of the implementation of the current Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy. These are made as separate recommendations and are not part of the formal policy. 1. Present policy to all district staff for consistent implementation 2. Present policy to all PTOs for consistent implementation 3. Develop materials for all parents to explain and provide resources for the recommendations made in the Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy 4. Review the allergy guidelines at all levels S. Investigate expanded hours for the RMHS Fitness Center 6. Continue the ban on latex balloons in all schools 7. Provide information from MIIA to promote good health for all staff members R. Include information in Student Handbooks that is consistent in all schools 9. Establish a partnership with the local YMCA