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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-07 School Council - Birch Meadow Elementary Minutes0� Orq�
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes RECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
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READING, MA.
Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2022 JUN 13 AH 8: 27
School Council -Birch Meadow Elementary
Date: 2022-06-07 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: School - Birch Meadow Location: Zoom
Address: 27 Arthur B Lord Drive Session: Open Session
Purpose: School Council Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Stephen Burnham, Lisa Connell, Gina McCormick, Stacey Shimkus, Arielle
Mucha, Heather Sullivan
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Stacey Shimkus
Topics of Discussion:
1. Reviewminutes—
a. Space issues— started construction of building, conference room turned into 2 smaller
spaces, turn closet near SOARS to become cool -down space, create space in gym, Jackie
Patons current office turning into collaborative work space
b. Health updates— covid numbers continue to vary; in-person events were held this year
for first time in 3 years. Due to continued covid —5'^ grade events to be held outside as
much as possible. Back up plan will be to consider moving some activities inside
depending on weather.
c. Restorative Pilot— program is wrapping up with last meeting on Thursday June 16.
d. Composting Pilotprogram—group at high school looking to start this as well. High
school and elementary school may collaborate on this program neat year. Magina is
incoming head of garden committee who may have some ideas as well.
e. Attendance policy updates— last meeting is on 6/8/2022 — district wide policy being
reviewed. Attendance has been an issue since pandemic and student attendance has
decreased. Recommendations will be public after next meeting.
f. METCO Site Coordinator— hired and will start over summer— will have dual role as
METCO Coord and adjustment counselor. Will help plan community events.
g. Core Values — Dr. Burnham reached out to 50 grade for input. May do a Restorative
Circle to address values. Consider including 0 grade students since they will be 5`h
graders next year. Also consider gathering information from other school's core values
Class size information —district decided to go with school choice — numbers assigned to each
building— most elementary schools were given 3-5 slots and BM has 18. Every class will be
approximately 22 students. Unclear how process will work. Question —was BM's role in district
wide programming considered? Unknown. Central office and Principals were considered.
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District wanted to pursue school choice. Clues about potential 18 students will be in addition to
METCO enrollment. Discussion about implications of school choice.
3. Budget Updates—purchased additional bravo (?) and Wilson kits. Purchased add'I PE items.
4. Staffing Updates— hired new 3'd grade teacher for 2022-2023. Will also be hiring para-
professional roles.
5. Staff survey—feedback on the year and areas for improvement. Ideas include pro-active
communications prior to events instead of as events are occurring. Increase visibility
throughout the school year in building.
6. Teacher Reimbursement still available. Restorative practice leaders—feedback focused on level
of teacher's expertise and engagement. Enrichment Survey will be circulated by enrichment
liaisons. PAIR committee— 2 Site Council members and 1 BM faculty.
7. Schedule— PD impacts classroom instruction— consider enrichments to coincide with PD's so
students are occupied with productive learning while teachers busy with PD's.
8. School Site Council —question terms of service —typically each member is on the council for 2
years. However due to covid terms are not clearly set.
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