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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-04-08 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING OPEN HEARING MINUTES APRIL 8, 1993 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Matthew Cummings called to Open Hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Parker Middle School Auditorium. All School Committee members were present. Also present were Superinten- dent Robert J. Munnelly, Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Y. Wheltle, Parker School Principal Dr. Jack Delaney and approximately 30 members of the public. SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Delaney thanked the School Committee for coming to Parker Middle School and introduced PTO President JoAnn Rulison who described PTO contributions to the schools for activities such as field trips, Junior Great Books, partial funding of a week long self - esteem workshop and the purchase of a CD Rom player and software. Dr. Delaney noted that the parents had contributed both time and money to make up for the 25% reduction in the supplies budget. Parent Debbie Wilson then described her volunteer work as a Junior Great Books discussion leader at Parker. For the second part of the Parker Highlights, Dr. Delaney introduced guidance counselor Diane Ketlak and grade seven students Bobby Cincotta, Greg O'Leary, Annie Cuff, Kara Mirarchi, Geneise Israel and Mary Von Euw, who discussed their experiences in the week -long self- esteem training conducted by Margo Rutledge for the whole class of 150 seventh graders. Students said the workshops helped them set goals and be more responsive to their peers. A parent commended the staff for their cooperation in the program. The School Committee praised students for their presentation, and thanked them for participating. PUBLIC COMMENT School Committee member Thomas Stohlman asked the audience for comments on what works well at Parker. Members of the audience spoke about the sense of community at Parker, the importance of team /parent conferences on each child,. the careful transition activities from elementary to middle school, and the involvement of students in the annual musical. Mr. Stohlman then asked what the school lacked. Dr. Delaney spoke of staffing needs for grade eight electives, and Dr. OPEN HEARING MINUTES 2 APRIL 8, 1993 Munnelly described the preliminary planning the School Building Committee had done with staff to improve the 66 -year old building. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Cummings thanked parents and staff for attending. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.