HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-02 School Council - Wood End Minutes Town of Reading
$ Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 5 1
School Council -Wood End Elementary
Date: 2020-03-02 Time: 3:15 PM
Building: School - Wood End Location: Conference Room
Address: 85 Sunset Rock Lane Session: Open Session
Purpose: Regular Meeting for 2019-20 Version: Draft
Attendees: Members - Present:
Lori Abelson, Nicole Cella, Andrea Freeman, Jessica Hester, Joanne King,
Michelle Mini, Jane Roberts, Kevin Sexton.
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Joanne King
Topics of Discussion:
The third monthly meeting of the Wood End Elementary School Council was held in the
Conference Room of the Wood End Elementary School on March 2, 2020.
Call to order:
A quorum of members being present, and the meeting having been duly convened at Wood
End School by the Principal, Joanne King called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m. and
proceeded with business.
Public Comment:
No public comments were shared.
Review and Acceptance of Minutes:
Minutes from the last meeting were emailed to the group. Members reviewed draft minutes
from the January 6, 2020 meeting. There were no corrections or additions.
Vote: Minutes Accepted B-0-0
Old Business:
Idling of cars: Student Council members are excited to be a part of this campaign and will
be creating posters to hold before/after school to inform families about"no idling" on school
grounds. Michelle Mini will forward the materials she has reviewed to Lisa Norcross, who is
advising the Student Council this year. In addition, students are interested in creating
informational videos to post on the school's website, Twitter and Instagram.
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Dr. King mentioned the police are currently understaffed and this is not a significant issue
for now. We do have police presence when requested, but parking will likely remain an
ongoing issue.
School Improvement Plans: Dr. King noted that several teachers would be presenting
curriculum information at the next PTO meeting (scheduled for March 3). It includes
professional development opportunities they have attended, and PTO has reimbursed
teachers for, including supports currently be implemented in reading, social emotional
learning (anxiety) and Flexible classrooms to engage students.
Attendance is still an area of concern at Wood End with the overall attendance rate currently
at 97%. This is fairly significant for a district like Reading and most significant for K-2
students in particular. Dr. King will continue to reach out to individual families to create
plans to improve student attendance.
New Business:
Fifth Grade Update: A new behavior support plan is being implemented for all students.
The goal is to earn "Power Paw Fridaysff which will consist of an extra time for all 5th grade
students to come together to socialize, play, enjoy outside time, etc. for demonstrating core
values throughout the week. This plan was introduced to and reviewed with all 5th grade
students and staff at a grade-level meeting. Students appeared encouraged and eager to
participate. We will continue to provide updates to families.
Doc Wayne Therapeutic Sports Program: Dr. King announced that due to low interest
among current 5th grade families, this program will not run this school year.
Project Adventure:
Information was sent out to families to highlight the events and activities taking place on
May 5th with students from Killam, Birch Meadow, and Wood End. The goal is to have 100%
participation.
Coronavirus Update:
Dr. Doherty sent out information to families over the weekend about this global outbreak.
He included information from the Department of Public Health as well as a number of
resources for families including precautions to stay safe. The Facilities Department is
initiating similar protocols used during cold and Flu season. Dr. Doherty will continue to
provide updates on any decisions impacting the schools.
Kindergarten Update:
Dr. King reported that 24 students are currently registered for kindergarten at Wood End.
No decisions have been made at this time about number of classes.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the School Council adjourned at 4:10 p.m. with plans to
reconvene on May 18, 2020.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joanne King,
Recording Secretary
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