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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-11-01 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 1, 1993 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the regular School Committee session to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Superintendent's Con- ference Room. All members were present including Student Representative Allison Bastiani. Also present were Assistant Superintendent Dennis A. Richards and a reporter from the Chronicle. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES There were no minutes for approval. GIFTS On behalf of the Killam School and the School Committee, Assistant Superintendent Richards thanked Reading citizen Thomas O'Rourke for the donation of binders and notebooks. BILLS AND PAYROLLS BILLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: October 25, 1993 - Bills - $251,672.21 November 1, 1993 - Bills - $140,074.09 The warrants for Payrolls were as follows: October 22, 1993 - Biweekly - $113,714.07 October 29, 1993 - Teachers - $437,618.96 CITIZEN INPUT There was no citizen input. LIAISON REPORTS School Committee Liaison Susan Cavicchi to the 766 PAK reported that Angelica Sawyer of College Bound is a con- sultant to special needs students who are considering a college education spoke recently at their meeting and in REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 NOVEMBER 1, 1993 November Shirley Colby of Children with Attention Disorder (CHAD) will be the speaker. Ms. Cavicchi, who is also a liaison for the Recreation Committee, noted that there will be open recreation for young adults on Mondays and Thursdays from 7 -9 p.m. She added that they will be discussion of the Bradford Ski Program at the next meeting. At the last Teen Center Committee meeting Senator Tisei attended and advised that he is looking into 3 - 5 separate grants that maybe eligible to the Teen Center. She added that the Teen Center will have a musical performance on Friday from 7 -9:30 p.m. SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Mr. Richards informed the School Committee that Reading Memorial High School seniors, Jennifer Massa and Nancy Lape, have been selected as winners in the University of Massachu- setts/Amherst's Chancellor's Talent Award Program. The award is given to students who have demonstrated high academic achievement both in high school and on standardized tests. He added that the award entitles them to $5,000 per year for four years if they enroll in the University of Massachusetts/ Amherst. P7Rq(1NNF.T. The Assistant Superintendent updated the School Committee with the resumes of new professional staff in the system as follows: Eaton Elementary Resource Room Specialist, Maria Rotondi a 1992 graduate from Boston College with a B.A. in Education, at the Bachelors Level, Step 1. Reading Memorial High School Part -time Physical Education teacher, Paula Graham a 1977 graduate from Boston Bouve- Northeastern with a B.S. in Education, at the Bachelors Level, Step 1, paid through the Smoking Cessation Grant. REPLACEMENTS Mr. Richards advised the School Committee of other staff changes: Priscilla Osterlind, Secretary at Killam Elementary School effective August 24, 1993 Mary Ellen Begonis, Secretary at Coolidge Middle School effective October 12, 1993. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 NOVEMBER 1, 1993 RESIGNATION Thomas Musgrave, Custodian resignation effective October 15, 1993. RETIRED Jean Kirby, Secretary retired effective October 8, 1993. vrgrmnuq Chair D'Antona invited School Committee Student Representative Allison Bastiani to introduce the members of the Reading Memorial High School Student Advisory Council who were present. Ms. Bastiani acknowledged Senior Class Members - Rob Bennet, Sean Daly, Jen Massa; Junior Class Member - Joshua Platt; and Freshmen Class Members - Marissa Freitas, Jarrod Petkewick and Jill Rickershauser. The Student Advisory Committee discussed the Activities'Fair and noted Channel 3 had aired a student commercials regarding nutrition and abstinence from drinking and smoking. They informed the public that the high school drama club will be presenting "Arsenic and Old Lace" on December 10 and 11. This year the band is performing music from the movie "Hook ". Reading citizens were invited to attend the finals for the Reading Memorial High School Band on Sunday afternoon at Nickerson Field. Other recognized accomplishments of the band include 19 awards and 4 silver medals. They reminded the public that they will also perform at the Christmas Tree Lighting celebration in Reading Square. It was reported that the Athletes for a Healthy Lifestyle is continuing with the Captains of each sport encouraging them to be a positive role model. They noted that the "Health and Wellness" class is a gym unit for Juniors and Seniors and a continuation of the middle school "Decisions Course ". School Committee thanked the students for their information and reminded them that this is a great time for them to ask questions. Principal Mirkin shared that senior Erika Baumgartner has been recognized by the National Council of Teachers of REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 NOVEMBER 1, 1993 English and that they also sent a commendation to the Reading Memorial High School English Department. Ms. Mirkin also congratulated Science teacher Leo Kenney who was recently recognized as the Conservation Teacher of the Year by the Audubon Society. Ms. Mirkin stated that the Evaluation Committee from NEASC will arrive on Sunday, November 7. Ms. Mirkin announced that the Reading Memorial High School Council met last week, student representatives are Mike Thompson and Heather McDonald. They chose Stan Nissen as their Co- Chair, also consisting of 2- Students, 2- Teachers, 2- Parents from the PTA and 2- community members. She added they discussed a needs assessment for the high school. READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND CHAIR OF THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT The Foreign Language Department Anthony DiSanzo identified the teachers who helped prepare the Foreign Language Curriculum Evaluation for Grade Eight through Grade Twelve. At the high school level Robert Donovan, Susan Fritz and Susan Hennessy, and from the middle schools Joan Clifford and Susan Killian. Mr. DiSanzo noted the high scores achieved by students in the Foreign Language Achievement Tests from 1988 -1992. He added that 70 percent of the students in the high school are enrolled in Spanish, French or Latin classes. He stated that 41 percent are taking their third, fourth or fifth years of a foreign language. He continued with the department's Philosophy and Goals: 1. Proficiency in the 4 skills 2. Language outside of classroom 3. Cultural awareness 4. Language study for vocations and avocations. The goals of the Latin program are as follows: 1. to develop an ability to read and understand Latin; 2. to develop a historical and cultural background of the classical world; 3. to develop literacy appreciation; 4. to develop an elementary knowledge of general principles of language study; and 5. to increase the ability to learn other languages, especially the Romance Languages. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 NOVEMBER 1, 1993 Mr. DiSanzo stated the Foreign Language Department maintains cultural awareness through: I. Active chapters of the Spanish, French, Latin Honor Societies. 2. Cultural Exchange Program 3. Travel Programs - yearly trips to France, Canada, and or Spain. 4. Field trips to area cultural events. 5. Presentations by guest native speakers. 6. Adoption of child, i.e. Adoption of a Bolivian student through the Christian Children's fund. 7. Elementary enrichment programs where Foreign Language teachers offer an early foreign language experience to students in K -5. The Department Head outlined the concerns of the Foreign Language Department: 1. Declining French enrollment 2. Foreign Language offerings at middle schools Reading is in the minority by offering Languages in the eighth grade, he added. A survey of 26 local communities show that Language options are offered as early as fourth grade. He also stated we are among the minority of these communities for not having a Language Lab. He continued with their concerns: 3. Cultural exchanges 4. Lack of A -V equipment 5. Articulation among three secondary schools When asked about their Recommendations and Future Directions, Mr. DiSanzo replied: 1. Full immersion in oral proficiency 2. Middle school offerings 3. Additional staff 4. Flexible schedule 5. Language Laboratory 6. ACTFL Guidelines In discussion with the School Committee, Mr. DiSanzo stated that a two -year introductory sequence, beginning in grade 7, would allow students to lay the proper foundation for further study. Mr. Stohlman noted that early education is important in developing language skills. Mr. Shannon reminded the audience that the grade 7 language program was among the first cuts made when Proposition 2 1/2 went into effect. Mr. Stohlman questioned why Spanish, French, and Latin were chosen REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 NOVEMBER 1, 1993 as the three language offerings and not others. Mr. DiSanzo stated that a recent department hire does have the ability to teach Russian should the schools decide to offer it. The School Committee thanked Mr. DiSanzo for his presentation. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business being discussed this evening. NEW BUSINESS Assistant Superintendent Richards introduced Mary Williams, the School Committee's Liaison to Readings 350th Anniversary. Ms. Williams stated that the Fire Chief Don Wood and his wife Ponny along with Janet Guenther will host "Country Comes to Reading" on Sunday afternoon at the First Congregational Church. She added that all proceeds from the cost of tickets as well as from the present cost of Reading's 350th history book, will 'be used to defray the costs of the 350th celebration, that will take place in eight months. She continued by letting the public know that there will be a 350th Ball where everyone is invited to dress in period attire. Ms. Williams added that a warrant at Town Meeting will ask for a waiver in order to serve wine and beer at the ball. Susan Theophanis, Chair of the Ball, requested the use of the Field House in order to keep cost down. Matthew Cummings moved to approve the 350th Committee to use the Field House for the Grand Ball and offered School Committee's permission to serve beer and wine. Thomas Stohl- man seconded the motion. A brief discussion followed. The vote was 5 -0, Mr. Shannon was not present for the vote. Ms. Theophanis stated that they plan to serve hors d'oeuvres and that there will be a clean up crew afterwards. Matthew Cummings moved to waive the policy for food in other than the designated areas of the Field House for the 350th celebration Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The following discussion stated that the details need to be worked out with the School Department. The vote was unanimous. Town Clerk and 350th Committee member, Cathy Quimby, noted that there would not be a Town Meeting on November 8th. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 NOVEMBER 1, 1993 INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH GRANT ACTIVITIES Marc Alterio, High School Physical Education Department Head and Comprehensive Health Grant Coordinator, reviewed the objectives and components of the Smoking Cessation Grant Reading received from the State Department of Education for $112,075. He informed the School Committee that two part -time people have been hired and will be paid through the grant. Paula Graham will work as a physical education teacher and Eleanor J. Laino will work as the consultant for the Smoking Cessation Program. Mr. Alterio said Ms. Laino will have 6 classes of 18 -20 students to make them better debaters of the health issues. She will educate them on the Prevention/ Intervention Protocol and Support Services /Smoking Cessation. Ms. Laino will di- rect students, staff, faculty and families involved with smok- ing who need professional assistance to New England Memorial Hospital for "stop smoking" support. Mr. Alterio advised that there would be a quarterly Health and Wellness Newsletter along with other grant budgeted informa- tion. . Instruction Materials Teacher Training /Workshops Latchkey Activity Programs Support Opportunities /Peer Leaders School /Community Wellness Initiatives . Comprehensive Coordination K -12 He added the aim of the program will be to have a No Smoking - Smoke Free Environment that will include: Students, Faculty and Staff . Visitors to Buildings . During School Sponsored Events Including Rental Facilities Drug Free Zone Mr. Alterio stated that accountability will be for students, faculty and other staff members. Smokers will be encouraged to join the Smoking Cessation Program. School Committee members asked how behavior can be monitored on school grounds, such as at a Thanksgiving Day Game and Pop Warner games. This needs to be addressed, Mr. Alterio said. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 NOVEMBER 1, 1993 Other issues covered by the Comprehensive Health Grant the coordinator pointed out are: 1. Training for handling of toxic waste - blood born pathoagens. 2. Enhance the peer leadership program. 3. Ethnic and other tensions will be addressed with workshops on cultural differences. 4. Workshop District Wide - setting tone for Education Reform. School Committee members appreciated the information that Mr. Alterio provided. ADJOURN At 9:35 p.m. Timothy Twomey moved to adjourn from Regular Session. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Mattnew c:ummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey Respectfully Submitted Robert .l. MunLl y, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee