HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-13 School Council - Birch Meadow Elementary MinutesTopics of Discussion
Meeting called to order by Dr. Steve Burnham at 305pm. Introductions took place. Dr.
Burnham then asked for volunteers for Co -Chair and Secretary. Leana Gagnon asked if the
co-chair would need to create agenda and lead meeting in his absence. The answer was we
would reschedule meeting if he could not be present. Leana offered to be chair. Nomination
was made by Dr. Burnham and voted unanimously by all members. Dr. Burnham asked for
volunteers for secretary, Amanda Haley volunteered, was nominated by Dr. Burnham and
voted unanimously by all members.
No one from public present for comment
Dr. Burnham discussed Open Meeting Guidelines and Conflict of Interest Law; reminded
members that both forms must be completed and submitted to him and he will submit to
Town Clerk. All in agreement and understanding.
Dr. Burnham presented the Birch Meadow Elementary School Plan Overview 2023-2024;
discussed that the 1 -Vision of Reading Public Schools, 2 -Reading Public Schools' Statement
of Equity, 3 -Mission of Birch Meadow Elementary School, and 4 -Core Values of Birch
Meadow Elementary School would remain the same with no changes to take place. All in
agreement.
Strategic Objective 1: Supportive, Equitable and Safe Learning Environments
In activity goal discussed was the roll out of the new position for Reading Public
School Attendance Coordinator. Birch Meadow has the lowest attendance rate out
of all elementary schools in town. Discussed possible reasons why;
illness/vacation vs chronic absences and how/what that affects at the state and
district level. Lisa, our new asst principal will collaborate with the central office
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Meeting Minutes
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Board - Commission - Council:
Date: 2023-09-13 Time: 3:05 PM
Building: School - Birch Meadow Location:
Zoom
Address: 27 Arthur B Lord Drive Session:
Open Session
Purpose: School Site Council Version:
Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Stephen Burnham, Lisa Azzarito, Leana Gagnon, Cindy Marte,Kate Hersman,
Amanda Haley, Cerise Rabb
Members - Not Present:
none
Others Present:
none
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Amanda Haley
Topics of Discussion
Meeting called to order by Dr. Steve Burnham at 305pm. Introductions took place. Dr.
Burnham then asked for volunteers for Co -Chair and Secretary. Leana Gagnon asked if the
co-chair would need to create agenda and lead meeting in his absence. The answer was we
would reschedule meeting if he could not be present. Leana offered to be chair. Nomination
was made by Dr. Burnham and voted unanimously by all members. Dr. Burnham asked for
volunteers for secretary, Amanda Haley volunteered, was nominated by Dr. Burnham and
voted unanimously by all members.
No one from public present for comment
Dr. Burnham discussed Open Meeting Guidelines and Conflict of Interest Law; reminded
members that both forms must be completed and submitted to him and he will submit to
Town Clerk. All in agreement and understanding.
Dr. Burnham presented the Birch Meadow Elementary School Plan Overview 2023-2024;
discussed that the 1 -Vision of Reading Public Schools, 2 -Reading Public Schools' Statement
of Equity, 3 -Mission of Birch Meadow Elementary School, and 4 -Core Values of Birch
Meadow Elementary School would remain the same with no changes to take place. All in
agreement.
Strategic Objective 1: Supportive, Equitable and Safe Learning Environments
In activity goal discussed was the roll out of the new position for Reading Public
School Attendance Coordinator. Birch Meadow has the lowest attendance rate out
of all elementary schools in town. Discussed possible reasons why;
illness/vacation vs chronic absences and how/what that affects at the state and
district level. Lisa, our new asst principal will collaborate with the central office
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position to identify patterns and create individualized support plans between BM
and the student's family.
• 2nd activity -discussion around students' sense of belonging in our school/district-
composting program will begin in K/1, restorative circles, assemblies, and
student council. Leana suggested after school programs such as staff lead
activities and local host families for our Boston residents. Amanda suggested
having the METCO bus be available after programs so the Boston students can
participate in programs such as GOTR. Cindy Marte stated that there are some
collaborations in the works for our Boston Families. Possibly these extra activities
would increase attendance.
3rd activity -principal, asst principal and special ed team chair will continue to
work on the SOAR program which will expand from 2 classrooms to 3 classrooms.
In addition, the special ed staff will work continuously to address student needs
as they evolve.
4'h activity- Dr. Burnham will work with the data team through faculty meetings
to develop a school wide professional development plan to increase student
engagement and achievement. Dr. Burnham and Lisa will be more present In
classrooms on a regular basis.
5° activity- define roles and responsibility of our new asst principal.
o Lisa will take the lead in the attendance initiative, SST process, 504
meetings and student engagement. (Change discipline to engagement or
other applicable word). Leana offered to assist her in activities and
presence within all classrooms throughout the year.
Strategic Objective 2: Coherent Instructional Systems
Due to lack of time Dr. Burnham asked members to review this objective and send
all comments, changes, suggestions to him by next week. Amanda asked when the School
Improvement Plan was due to the School Committee and who would be presenting it. Plan
is due early October and once finalized he will submit to SC and Dr. Milachewski. Dr.
Burnham will present at SC meeting.
All members discussed the date for the next meeting; Leana asked for it to stay on
Wednesdays at 3pm, Amanda stated she will need to take time off of work but can make it
happen for the 4 meetings of the year. Rest of board in agreement for next date of Nov 8d'
3pm.
Meeting adjourned - 403pm
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