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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-07 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: February 7, 2011 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Coolidge Middle School Multi -Purpose Room School Committee Members Present Chuck Robinson Arrived at 8:09 p.m. Karen Janowski Chris Caruso Lisa Gibbs David Michaud Hal Craft Visitors: Craig Martin, CMS Principal Laura Warren, CMS Teacher Sarah Marchant, CMS Teacher RECEIVED TOWN CLERK READING, MASS. 2011 APR -b A 9: 2U. Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Patty deGaravilla, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Finance and Operations Kim Oliveira, Director of Pupil Services Matt Casey, Reading Patch Bob Mooney, RTA President RPS Budget Parents I. Call to Order Chairperson Caruso called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. The Chair reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Inout (I) Re its Student Mr. Conway reminded the School Committee that the RMHS Drama Club will be presenting "The Grapes of Wrath". He also reported on the presentation by Edgar Krasa that took place last week as part of the Freshman Advisory class. Mr. Beaulieu shared information regarding a meeting with the HS principal and the student leaders about the possibility of showing Race to Nowhere again. 2. Liaison Mrs. Gibbs announced the Chinese exchange students arrived today and that her family was host family. She said her children were very excited. Mrs. Janowski reminded the public of the Bullying presentation taking place on Thursday evening. February 7, 2011 3. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty also updated the committee on the snow days we have used and what the DESE requires of school districts. Te Superintendent does not believe the Commissioner of Education will be granting waivers for days missed due to snow removal. He shared that the high school field house will be the site for the Yankee Brigade Deployment sendoff on February 15'. The Yankee Brigade is based at Camp Curtis Guild. He followed up on Mr. Conway's comments regarding "The Grapes of Wroth" regarding the recent presentation by a Dust Bowl survivor that had come to speak to the students. He said that Mr. Endslow uses the winter drama productions to awaken social awareness. A 4. Director of Finance and Operations Ms. DeLai updated the committee on the snow removal from the roofs. She indicated that Wood End and Joshua Eaton were currently the priority. She also indicated that the structural engineer that designed would end has inspected the roof and indicated that the roof is structurally sound and working as designed. The cost for the roof clearing will be approximately $40,000. She went on to thank Chief Greg Bums and his staff as well as Joe Huggins, D.J. Cacciapuoti and the custodial/maintenance staff for their hard work. Assistant Superintendent Mrs. de Garavilla followed up on Mrs. Gibbs comments regarding the Chinese exchange students. The students arrived today and will be in Reading until Sunday. She thanked the 30 host families, administrators and staff The students visit to Reading will be the only school experience while they me in this country. She invited the community to a reception on Thursday at 5:30 pm in the RMHS cafeteria B. Continued Business Naming of Facilities Sub -Committee Report Chair Caruso opened discussion on the three recommendations. Mr. Michaud feels this is the perfect place to remember Pat. Mrs. Janowski agreed and went on to say that the Library is the heart of the school. February 7, 2011 ® Mrs. Gibbs thanked Linda Snow-Dockser for making the nomination. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Michaud said that after hearing the presentation of this nomination he was impressed with what Mr. Damn had contributed to our students beyond the classroom. Mr. Croft asked if the plaque could include "Teacher & Coach" Mr. Robinson is hesitant to name a facility after someone that is still living. The motion carried 5-1. Mr. Robinson abstained. Mr. Robinson moved seconded by Mr. Michaud to approve the naming of the RMHS Football Field the John Hollin sworth Field in accordance with the recommendations of the naming sub -committee and Poliev FF. Although there was much support for the nomination, Mr, Caruso had concerns naming such a + large facility after one person. He indicated that there may be other coaches that had similar f`'IA impact. Mr. Michaud felt the School Committee should trust the procedure and policy. Mr. Croft reiterated his desire to name the field "Veterans Field". He indicated that the naming of the field is deeply emotional and more attention should be spent discussing the nominations before making any decisions. The motion failed 1-4-1 Mr. Michaud voting for and Mr. Croft abstaining. Mr. Michaud inquired about the 9/11 Memorial nomination. Mr. Caruso indicated that a meeting will be arranged with Mr. Dywer to discuss the plans. B. New Business Coolidge Middle School Presentation Chair Caruso thanked Mr. Martin and turned the meeting over to him. Mr. Martin introduced teachers, Laura Warren and Sarah Marchant who would be participating in the presentation. Q The presentation focused on the social/emotional needs of the middle school student. Mr. Marlin feels it is very important to address these needs in addition to the academic rigors of middle school. He feels by addressing the whole child the obstacles to student success are removed. He outlined the methods to address the needs of the students which include creating a community of February 7, 2011 ® learning where teamwork is a major factor, address sociallemotional as well as academic concerns and establish strong relationships with the parents and community. Ms. Warren shared information on the Coolidge Learning Community. She described what makes up a team at Coolidge. The teachers of the team are able to meet and set goals and expectations for the students and planning of common programs. The teachers are able to work with the same students for two years in a row because of looping grade 7 to 8. She stressed that teamwork is a key component to the success of the students at Coolidge. A welcoming non hostile environment induces learning and open sharing. Another key component to the student success is the easing of the transition from grade 5 to 6. Coolidge includes the incoming 6" graders in there school mailings and newsletters in the second half of the year, grade 5 meetings at the elementary schools, spring parent outreach and the Welcome to Coolidge program. Mr. Robinson arrived at 8:09 p.m Mrs. Marchant discussed the Homeroom Advisory & Morning Advisory programs. This program provides a safe environment where students can discuss a wide range of topics in small groups. This program also affords an opportunity for the teachers to connect with students. Mr. Martin described additional ways to address adolescent needs including the 7`s grade Nature's Classroom trip. This trip not only provides for academic instruction but provides a great way to develop social/emotional connections and team building. Mr. Martin discussed homework. It is a battle to mange the types and amounts of homework to give to students. Each student knows the homework expectations. This helps take the stress out of homework. There are several programs in place to help students succeed including the "Homework Hangout", Homework Policy Referral and the P.A.S.S. program. In addition the Library is open until 4 pm daily. Mr. Martin is grateful for a very supportive PTO. They provide funding for the after school access to the Library and several after school activities. Ms. Warren described the after-school mentor program which pairs high school students with middle school students. She said the middle school students get more than the academic support from the high school students. The high school students share real life occurrences and how they handled the situations. The middle school students really listen to these mentors. Mr. Martin concluded by saying that they will continue to build on student successes to ensure all students continue to excel. He discussed the anti -bullying initiative underway statewide. He feels by creating a trusting atmosphere in school students are more apt to come forward to report bullying incidents. Coolidge will continue to reach out to the community and parents so the whole student is reached. ® III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mr Robinson moved seconded by Mrs Gibbs to approve the open session minutes dated January 31 2011. The motion carried 6-0. February 7, 2011 • Bids and Donations Calendar IV. Information V. Ad*oumment Mr. Michaud moved seconded by Mr. Caruso, to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. JF. Dohe Ed.D. S ruttendent of Schools