HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-17 School Council - RMHS Minutes�N Or R(♦�
Town of Reading 'RECEIVED
' Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2022 JUN 14 AM 11: 58
School Council -Reading Memorial High
Date: 2022-03-17 Time: 4:00 PM
Building: School - Memorial High - Location: School Library
Address: 62 Oakland Road Session:
Purpose: Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
principal Kevin Tracey as member ex Officio; parent members Eileen
Manning, Marianne Downing, RMHS Staff: Tim McIntire, Laurie Donahue
Members - Not Present:
student members Connor Patterson, parent Member Michelle Greenwalt,
Staff member Sherilla Lestrade
Others Present:
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Marianne Downing
Topics of Discussion:
The group discussed generally the teacher in service day and K-12 integration and how it is helpful al the HS
level.
Discussion followed on classes to be offered next year and who is teaching. For example Sean McGowan,
who currently teaches math, will be teaching Intro to Computer Science. The principal indicated he was hoping
to model a computer science pathway after what Medford offers.
Principal mentioned that the PTO has given a grant to RMHS for 3D printers. Also mention was made that
Robot may have some involvement with RMHS and/or the middle schools as part of its community service
hours.
One member asked if we are adding "Project lead the way" classes. Principal explained that it is not optional
for us to choose to do it or not, because if we do it we have to collect and provide data for them, and the
curriculum we have is not a match. Thus, we no longer partner with Project Lead the way. We may use more
of its general ideas for the Principles of Engineering course, less for intro to engineering.
The group discussed more dual enrollment Gasses for next year and how the current dual enrollment are
going. It was mentioned that some current dual enrollment classes had students drop out (e.g., going from 25
to 12 kids) because students found it hard to work the dual enrollment class in their flex block during second
semester of senior year. Principal noted Tewksbury High school has so much dual enrollment that some kids
can graduate with an associate's degree.
Principal stated we may try to pilot one AP class as being equivalent to a college class, where if the student
pays $300 it can count towards a college credit.
The group continued to discuss "innovative pathways" at RMHS. We are one of the first schools to try to work
in dual enrollment courses with Endicott and are trying to get caught up with what other schools do. The state
has five defined 'innovative pathways" that we can look into, the five that can lead to an internship. We need to
look at our course of study and see if there are internships with which we can be paired. One member
mentioned that "Mass Hire" maintains lists of companies that could have opportunities for students.
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The principal discussed maybe looking into room for internships during 2023-204 school year. He noted the
scheduling committee needs to look at our elective requirements. For example, we are pursuing MassCore,
which has 2 defined electives and 4 undefined/free electives — how can we work with that.
Principal indicated he could probably think of eight different pathways we could offer in Reading as well as
more elective offerings. He indicated that we are seeking a $50k planning grant on this. We may try to pilot
some pathways next year, but we would need a scheduling change. One parent noted that there are RPS
parents in town who may be able to help with some internship placements. Principal also noted another future
idea is for students to present capstone projects at community forums.
The group adjourned at approximately 5pm.
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