Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-04-07 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING OPEN HEARING MINUTES APRIL 7, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the Barrows Elementary School open hearing to order at 7: 32 p.m. in the school cafetorium. All members were present with the exception of Matthew Cummings, who was expected to arrive later, and Timothy Twomey. Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards was also present. Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly was expected to arrive later. WELCOME Principal Charles Papandreou and Lynda Robbins, Barrows PTO President, welcomed the School Committee. HIGHLIGHTS Principal Papandreou introduced Richard Crump, Barrows School Psychologist, who explained some of the activities he and others at Barrows provide for students. He then introduced several present and former Barrows' students who spoke about their experiences in the Barrows' Students Helping Students Program. Joseph Cozzoli, Amanda Lanthier and Cara Russo talked about their current work in the program. Parker Middle School students Kerry Tansey and Daniel Foley explained how much they enjoyed and learned from the program. Sean Daly and Catherine Murphy, students at Reading Memorial High School, reported that their experience in the program was positive and encouraged them to join the Reading Memorial High School Peer Leadership Program. After questions and statements of praise from the committee and the audience, Ms. D'Antona thanked the Barrows' represent- atives. 350th LIAISON REPORT Mary Williams presented her report on the status of her work as School Committee Liaison to the Reading 350th Celebration. She outlined events that would take place at the schools and presented the Committee with a calendar of events covering May 29, 1994 - June 10, 1994. The School Committee thanked Mary Williams for all her work. OPEN HEARING SESSION 2 APRIL 7, 1994 George Shannon moved that students and staff of the Reading Public Schools be encouraged to wear the colors chosen by the Reading 350th Anniversary Committee, purple and white, on Reading Day, June 10 to celebrate Reading's 350th anniversary. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. PUBLIC COMMENT AND QUESTIONS One parent expressed concerns about health education in Reading's schools. She was invited to contact Jane Fiore, Department of Health or Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards for more information. A few of Barrows' parents expressed concerns about Administration plans to have two fifth grade classes at Barrows next year. After some discussion it was agreed that Mr. Richards would meet with Principal Papandreou and parents to listen to concerns and consider options. Questions were also asked about school choice and METCO. ADJOURN At 9:35 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of bargaining and negotiation dis- cussion. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Robert I MuMe11j E& D. S11pef of sKmt y To ft 3" Committee