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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-09 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts A. Public Input CD School Choice Public Hearing Superintendent Schettini outlined school choice and recommended against Reading Public Schools from participating in the School Choice Program due to general district enrollment. There was no public input. Mrs Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs Webb, pursuant to the provisions of G.L.c. 76 & 12B, that the School Committee of Reading, following a public hearing, hereby withdraw from its obligation to enroll non-resident students in Reading Public Schools during the 2009-2010 school year for the following reason: General District Enrollment. The vote was 4-0. Regular Meeting of the. School Committee Open Session Date: May 11, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Lisa Gibbs David Michaud Arrived at 7:45 p.m. Karen Janowski Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb Visitors: RECEIVED CL~ F.PONG, }SASS. 2001 jUR - 8 A a` 114 Staff Members Present Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Steven Hagan, Reading Advocate Christine Lyons, Reading Chronicle Sean Musselman, Parker Science Teacher Norah Connolly, Parker Library Media Specialist Doug Lyons, Parker Principal Cathy O'Connell, Parker Teacher, New AP Laura Nichols, Parker Spanish Teacher Parker Costa Rica Student Travelers RMHS Department Heads Mike Scarpitto, RMHS Assistant Principal I. Call to Order Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He welcomed the guests and reviewed the agenda. Chair Robinson informed the committee that Mr. Caruso would be coordinating the Superintendent's Evaluation process. He also mentioned that.the Scholastic Awards Night was this Wednesday and the production of Hamlet was this weekend. II. Recommended Procedure May 11, 2009 B Reports 1. Student 2. Liaison Jesse Downing introduced new student representative Patrick O'Sullivan. Patrick O'Sullivan reported on the current AP testing, the Spring Awards breakfast, Arts fest, hamlet and the recent Amnesty International Coffee House Benefit for Darfur which raised $800. Ms. Webb reported the Day on the Hill event that she, Karen Janowski, Chuck Robinson and Superintendent Schettini attended. Superintendent's Report C. Superintendent Schettini introduced Cathy O'Connell as the new Parker Middle School Assistant Principal and Patricia Puglisi as the new RMHS Assistant Principal. He also stated that our principals have started reviewing resumes to fill upcoming teacher vacancies. 4. Sub-Committee Continued Business 1. Parker Eco-Club Trip to Costa Rica Sean Mussleman, Norah Connolly and three students from Parker shared the highlights of their trip to Costa Rica. The Eco-Club met every other week for the year with the trip to Costa Rica being the culmination of the student's hard work. The visited many sites including the Monteverde Cloud Forest National Park, Arenal Hot Springs and went white water rafting. The also were fortunate enough to see many species of wildlife including sloth, monkeys, lizards and the rare Quetzal. Ms. Connolly and Mr. Musselman hope to come before the School Committee at a future meeting with their proposal for next years trip. They hope the future trip will be more hands on/service oriented. Ms. Nichols also spoke in support of the future trip. Mr. Michaud arrived at 7:45 p.m. Mr. Robinson called a 2 minute recess at 8:00 a.m. The meeting was called back to order at 8:05 p.m. 2. RMHS Schedule and Advisory Update Superintendent Schettini thanked the high school department heads and administration for their hard work on the proposed schedule change and advisories. Jane Darveau, Guidance Department Head, gave an overview of the schedule changes that will take effect in the fall of 2009. The department heads reviewed several models and felt that the model they chose with meet the needs of our students and teachers. The redesigned schedule will May 11, 2009 include a 7 day cycle, 6 period days. The class length will be increased from 47 to 56 minutes. Mrs. Darveau explained that this will allow for more instruction time, it will maximize scheduling and also allow students to access electives more easily. Carol Galvin, Science Department Head, added that the increased class time will allow teachers to incorporate technology to a greater degree to enhance instruction. The department heads feel that this is a positive necessary shift to help increase the cohesiveness in classes and instruction. Sharon Burke presented information on Freshman Advisories. This will be a pilot program for incoming freshman. This program is a result of the work of the Smaller Learning Communities group and is academic in nature. The Advisories would have 12-14 students focusing on easing the transition from middle school to high school, enabling our freshman to develop a personal relationship with an adult in the building as well as teaching time management skills, personal discipline and goal setting. The students would develop a portfolio that reflects their learning over the course of the year and will be presented at student led conferences in May. Student Representative Jesse Downing raised some concerns about the schedule which were addressed by the department heads and Superintendent. Mrs. Janowski asked why the program was only at the ninth grade level. Superintendent Schettini told the committee that it is a pilot program and there are some contractual issues that need to be addressed in order to expand the program. 3. Spanish Exchan e Program Joanne Alvarez shared with the committee the start of a Spanish Exchange Program. Reading has had a French exchange program since 1995 and was excited to be able to facilitate the start of the Spanish program. While in Spain with our students this past April, Mrs. Alvarez was able to establish a sister school relationship with a school in Madrid. The students were able to visit that school and develop relationships with the Spanish students. The Spanish. exchange is scheduled for late September. D. New Business Parker Field Trip Superintendent Schettini outlined the annual Parker Canobie Lake Park field trip for the band and chorus students.. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to approve the Parker Middle School field trip to the Canobie Lake Park in June 2009 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 8, 2009. The vote was 5-0. 2. Coolidge Field Trip Superintendent Schettini outlined the Coolidge trip to Quebec in the fall. This is an annual trip for the students taking French. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the Coolidge Middle School field trip to Quebec in the fall of 2009 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 8, 2009. The vote was 5-0. May 11, 2009 III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes The committee voted on a motion by Mrs. Gibbs, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the open session minutes of April 27, 2009. Motion carries 5-0. The committee voted on a motion by Mrs. Gibbs, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the open session minutes of April 28, 2009. Motion carries 5-0. • Bids and Donations Donations Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to accept donation of $624.92 from the Wood End PTO to be used to purchase agendas for the 4th and 5th graders as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 8, 2009. The vote was 5-0. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to accept donation of $750 from Mr. & Mrs. Carl McFadden to be used to purchase RMHS Football team uniforms as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 8, 2009. The vote was 5-0. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to accept donation of $500 from Patrick Schettini to be used for technology maintenance and upgrades as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 8, 2009. The vote was 5-0. 4. Calendar IV. Information III. Adjournment Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to enter executive session to discuss negotiation strategies for non-represented personnel, approval of minutes and not to return to regular session. The roll call vote was 5-0. Mrs. Janowski Mrs Webb Mr. Michaud Mr. Robinson and Mrs. Gibbs. IV. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. NOTE: reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D. Superintendent of Schools