HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-03-15 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Reading, Massachusetts
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
OPEN HEARING MINUTES MARCH 15, 1994
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Roberta D'Antona called the open hearing to order at
7:40 p.m. in the Coolidge Middle School Cafetorium. All
members were present with the exception of George Shannon who
was expected to arrive later. Also present were Superinten-
dent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis
Richards and 15 Reading citizens.
WELCOME TO THE READING CITIZENS
Chair D'Antona expressed pleasure at being able to be at
Coolidge Middle School and welcomed the citizens that were in
attendance.
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS - FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY
She introduced Principal Al Lahood, who, in turn, presented
staff who would explain how technology is used in the school:
Library /Media teacher Mary Hichborn discussed Interactive
Television and how she brings programs in by satellite to
Coolidge.
Foreign Language teacher Joan Clifford spoke on using the
computer with modem to link with overseas classes and the
Internet so as to create real language learning for the
youngsters.
Computer teacher Laura Peterson demonstrated the CD ROMS which
has both written and spoken languages on the Grolier Encyclo-
pedia. Mary Hichborn showed another machine.
English teacher Louise DeCarlo spoke about the Electronic
Bookshelf and the way computer enhances wide reading.
The question and answer exchange was about the need for major
equipment, whether computer turns off children's interest in
reading, if the school could use modems with Apple IIes, and
the need to learn keyboarding.
Roy Welsh, a member of Coolidge School Council, talked about
the difficult choice of trying to supply technology when
teachers are ready to use the machines.
OPEN HEARING MINUTES 2 MARCH 15, 1994
Principal Lahood presented the Coolidge School Profile to the
Reading School Committee and the public.
ADJOURN
At 8:50 p.m. Matthew Cummings moved to adjourn from the Open
Hearing. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was
unanimous.
Susan Cavicchi
Matthew Cummings
Roberta D'Antona
George Shannon
Thomas Stohlman
Timothy Twomey
Res e, tfulty Submitted
Robert I Munfielly, Ed. D. l
Superintendent Of Schools
Secretary To The School Committee