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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-17 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: June 17, 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 Rob Spadafora Visitors: Kevin Higginbottom, RMHS Principal Craig Martin, Coolidge Principal Doug Lyons, Parker Principal Karen Callan, Barrows Principal Karen Feeney, Eaton Principal Jake Barnett, Parker teacher Kim Boole, Parker teacher L Call to Order Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services Patty de Gamvilla, Assistant Superintendent Conner Traugot, Student Representative Joanne Senders, Reading Advocate Cathy Giles, Killam Principal Joanne King, Wood End Principal Geoffrey Comm, Parent Tom Ryan, Resident Chairperson Croft called the School Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. 11. Recommended Procedure A. Public moot (I) Mr. Croft opened the floor to public input for items not on the agenda Mr. Tom Ryan asked the School Committee to make an effort to be sure that information regarding the Woburn Street Project gets out to all residents. Rhonda Holt, middle school parent, voiced concerns over the lack of communication regarding 2 significant curriculum changes proposed for next year. She feels that informing the parents of the changes in the Social Studies and English groupings a week and a half before school closes for the year is inexcusable. June 17, 2013 Dr. Doherty apologized for the timing of the notification and pointed out another email was sent today indicating this change will not be put into place next year. Marianne Downing, elementary parent, asked that the district look at what other comparable towns are doing with the course groupings. She shared some research she had done and said many of our surrounding communities have 3, 4 and 5 grouping options. Thomas Loughlin, RMHS parent, feels that communication could be much better when informing parents of proposed changes. Margaret O'Sullivan, middle school parent, agreed that communication has been poor. She referred to the Future Freshmen Night where Mr. Strout presented information on the math curriculum changes, two weeks later it was decided that the Math 2017 plan was no longer being pursued. Parents received no notification of this decision. Mrs. O'Sullivan continued to address her concerns over the math track changes. Dr. Doherty provided clarification. He indicated that there has been a line of communication to parents regarding the new tracks. He said the district is working with parents to create assessments and tutoring opportunities. He also shared that there is information on the Edline site regarding the testing options. John and Natalie Gill expressed concerns over the lack of communication addressing the high school reduction in sections of course offerings. Mr. Gill was also felt that using the term "pilot" to describe the decision to offer only honors and strong college prep sections without informing the parents is not fair to the parents or students. Reports I (Out of Order) 1. Student Student Representative Traugot wrapped up the school year. Final exams begin on Thursday. He shared that move -up day for incoming freshmen was successful. 2. Liaison Mrs. Janowski reported on the recent Recreation Committee meeting. 3. Director of Student Services 4. Assistant Superintendent 5. Superintendent Dr. Doherty shared information on the spring athletic accomplishments. Common Core Curriculum State Standards (CCCS) Update Dr. Doherty reviewed the presentation that has been prepared for the Middle School Math meeting on Wednesday evening. He reiterated that every district in the Commonwealth is adopting the CCCS for math and are also deciding how to implement these standards. The June 17, 2013 standards are vastly different than those previously used. Students were tested on CCCS during the MCAS testing period this year. The curriculum in mathematics included increased instruction in algebraic concepts and increased rigor in mathematics grades Prek -S. He went on to share the eight standards for mathematical practice. The standards include the student's ability to make sense of the problems and persevere in solving them, the ability to reason abstractly and quantitatively, the ability to construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others, to model with mathematics, strategic use of appropriate tools, attend to precision, look for and make use of structure and look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. These standards did not exist in the old frameworks. Teachers will need to adapt their instructional practices. The Superintendent continued by reviewing the new middle school math model and the Progression through high school. He pointed out that placing a child in Algebra 1 before they are ready is not in the best interest of student learning. Many students are not ready for the rigors of Algebra 1 after grade 6. Students will be offered the opportunity to accelerate in high school by taking CCCS Geometry and CCCS Algebra 11 in grade 10, take CCCS geometry in the summer between grades 9/10 or between grades 10 /11. The summer course would be at no rest to the student and would begin in the summer of 2014. Dr. Doherty pointed out the six options to get to calculus. Wednesday evening's presentation will include teacher presentations, sample assessments and a look at the MCAS testing then and now. B. Continued Business C. New Business (Out of order) Staff Recognition Chair Croft turned the meeting over to the Superintendent. Dr. Doherty said tonight we will be recognizing staff members that have achieved Professional Teacher Status, retirees and 10, 20, 30 and 35+ years of service. Mrs. Cathy Giles presented gifts to the honorees in attendance from the Killam School that included Jennie Simopoulos. Mrs. Karen Callan presented gifts to the honorees in attendance from the Barrows School that included Heather Mustone, Rosemary Connor, Pam Boston and Sarah Lentz. Dr. Doherty presented a gift to Mrs. Karen Callan who will be retiring. He thanked her for her years of service to the Reading Public Schools. Mrs. Joanne King presented gifts to the honorees in attendance from the Wood End School that included Lisa Norcross, Lisa Finigan, Barbara King, Sally Mucica and Peter DiSalvatore. Ms. Karen Feeney presented gifts to the honorees in attendance from the Joshua Eaton School that included Tricia Stodden, Michelle Ofilos and Carol Sane. Mr. Doug Lyons presented gifts to the honorees in attendance from the Parker Middle School that included Christopher Twomey, Auriana Halsey, Andrew Spinali and Carmen Redfeam. June 17, 2013 Mr. Craig Martin presented gifts to the honorees in attendance from the Coolidge Middle School that included Ann Arington, Marianna Zanni and Marie Pink. Mr. Kevin Higginbottom presented gifts to the honorees in attendance from the Reading Memorial High School that included Giulio Binaghi, Joanne Alvarez, Dave Bunten, Kristin Killian and lane Darveau. Dr. Doherty presented a gift to Mrs. Patty de Garavilla who will be retiring. He thanked her for her years of service to the Reading Public Schools. Chair Croft called a brief recess at 7:15 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 7:19 p.m. Costa Rica Presentation Jacob Barnett and Kim Boole, Parker Middle School Science teachers shared information on the recent Eco -Club trip to Costa Rica. The shared a video highlighting the student's experiences. Julianne Mulvey enjoyed her experience at the local school. The school was in a courtyard, basically an outdoor school. She enjoyed interacting with the students. She shared that she had to communicate in Spanish and found the experience very rewarding. The Eco -Club raised money to purchase supplies for the school. Katie McLaughlin found the Costa Rican people very friendly and helpful. She pointed out that the people she met did not have much but were extremely happy. She took this message to heart and learned a lot from the Costa Rican people. James Avtges enjoyed the science aspect of the trip. He said it was an amazing experience. The guides were great and taught the Reading students about everything the encountered whether it was plant or animal. Katie added that she found the experience but educationally fulfilling as well as fun. Mrs. Gibbs asked how the students were able to communicate with their parents. Students used blogs, journal messaging and were able to communicate via Facetime when they were able to access a computer. Mrs. Janowski asked how the Eco -Club prepared them for the trip. James said the students did projects on different aspects of the ecosystem and country that allowed them to learn about the area before travelling. Julianne added the students had some lessons in basic Spanish as well. Chair Croft thanked the group for sharing the information on their trip. June 17, 2013 Approval of Parker Field Trio FY 13 Budget Update Superintendent Doherty reviewed the FY13 budget status and said that Ms. DeLai would provide a more detailed report in July. He asked the School Committee to approve the request for a budget transfer as outlined in the memorandum. Mr. Robinson asked if there would be supervision in the middle school fitness centers once the reconditioned equipment was placed there. Dr. Doherty indicated that the equipment would be used as part of the Wellness program. The motion carried 6 -0. Declaration of SgMius Property III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) b. Approval of Minutes Mrs. Janowski asked for clarification regarding the information provided by the Town Clerk on the Parent Advisory Council open meeting law concerns. Mrs. Gibbs felt the minutes reflected the discussion. The motion was tabled. c. Bids and Donations June 17, 2013 Award of Contracts Mrs. Janowski inquired in the disparity in the amounts of the submitted bids. The motion carried 6 -0. Accept Donations carried 6 -0. Calendar IV. Infommtion Dr. Doherty said there would be an informational meeting on the Woburn Street Project on June 26. We have sent letters to families with children ages 14 to inform them of the meeting. We have also sent letters to the abutters of the property and will be meeting with them once the traffic and site plans are further along. V. Future Business VI. Adiourrun Mr. Spadafora moved seconded by Mr. Caruso to adiourn. The motion carried 6 -0. Meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. V J F. Doherty, Ed.D. erintendent of Schools