HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-05 School Council - RMHS Minutes RMHS SCHOOL COUNCIL
MINUTES
Date: March 5, 2019
Time: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
Facilitator. Principal Kate Boynton
Faculty Reps.: Kara Gleason and Shelley Lynch
Parents: Audra Cashin,Anne Korwan, Rebecca Liberman, Pocja Parsons, Lauren Ream,
and Julie Talbot -4
Students: Anthony DiSpensa and Meredith Korwan Tr OX''
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Absent: Brian Snell N _Z rn
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The Board, new principal,and new members were introduced. Session goals,outcomes,and
responsibilities of School Council were reviewed by Principal Boynton. Meeting agenda was also
reviewed. Review and discussion of The School Improvement Plan is the key topic for this meeting.
News for Good of Group
Late Start Working Groups: There are a couple of Late Start Working Groups at RMHS with goals to
establish priority areas and recommend modifications to balance the late start change. One group is
working on homework guidelines and another group is working on the current bell schedule.
Principal Boynton indicated we are looking at two years out with planning and implementation.
NEASC report update: Principal Boynton stated a draft of the report was shared with staff for
feedback. This report is not ready for public consumption. Late April the NEASC report will be
shared with School Council followed by sharing the report with the School Committee in May of this
year.
School Improvement Plan
The 2018-2021 School Improvement Plan was distributed and reviewed by the group for feedback.
The plan will be used to prioritize areas that were identified by the NEASC report. Parent Laura
Ream mentioned the importance of having,for example,the history curriculum include who we are
as a community,country and global world. Faculty member Kara Gleason supported this comment
added the benefit to making connections with the real world. Principal Boynton indicated curriculum
reviews are happening and every department is on a review and renewal cycle. Student Anthony
DiSpensa mentioned he would not want changes in history to take away from what students are
currently learning.
Parent Rebecca Liberman asked if Goal 1 in the School Improvement Plan addresses student stress.
Faculty member Shelley Lynch added the importance of a balanced life style which is part of the
Health and Wellness program. Student Anthony DiSpensa commented on all students having an
awareness of services provided by guidance and for students to seek support.
Faculty member Kara Gleason referenced Goal 1 Action Step stating the use of the "School Culture
Triage Survey and PRIDE"survey should be a more targeted survey.
Principal Boynton mentioned the upcoming March 22 Reading Institute at RMHS with a focus on
equity,diversity,and inclusion.
Principal Boynton also commented that Needham Public Schools has a portrait of the graduate
which was developed by a committee consisting of business owners,a college in their town,
members of the clergy, parents,students,staff.... Faculty member Shelley Lynch mentioned the
Needham Public Schools produces and sends to all residents an annual Performance Report
consisting of their mission,core values,achievements,standardize test results, per pupil
expenditure,salaries and so forth and compares this information to similar schools like Needham.
Parent Rebecca Liberman requested intermediate or progress updates of the goals in the School
Improvement Plan. Principal Boynton stated this should be done by the end of the school year.
School Council members will continue to review the RMHS School Improvement Plan and provide
feedback at our next meeting.
Meeting Adjourned: 6:3013M. Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday,April 2, 2019. Location
will be RMHS library conference room.
Upcoming RMHS 2019 School Council Meetings
April 2 May 5 June 4
Meeting location: Library Conference Room
Respectfully Submitted by Shelley Lynch, Faculty Rep.