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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-12 School Council - Killam Elementary MinutesOFRFgOIy N %I s39`1NCORQ~~P ~ ~ s f Reading Public Schools John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent Patricia A. deGaravilla, Assistant Superintendent P 112,02 Mary C. DeLai, Director of Finance and Operations ft ( Elizabeth Conway Human Resources Administrator J. Warren Killam School 333 Charles Street • Reading, MA 01867 (781) 944-7831 • Fax (781) 942-9186 Catherine A. Giles, Principal J. W. Killam School Council Meeting Minutes October 12, 2010 Attendance: Claire Golden, Gina Herlihy, Rosalee Scozzari, Dr. John Doherty, Cathy Giles, Lucille Kaloyanides, JoEllen McGinnity, 3:30 - 4:30 PM Dr. Doherty is visiting schools, talking to administrators, school councils, PTO, etc. gathering perceptions about Reading Public Schools as part of his transition plan: a data gathering mission to see what is valued, will help with budget. There will be an online survey component. What are we most proud of in RPS?: reputation is backed up, not just hype, meeting students' needs and programs, services and the ease of use, level of technology, curriculum re-evaluation, supportive parents, dedicated staff. What do you want to preserve most?: Focus on the students - not always just the test scores, look at the child as a whole - continuing progress of technology - professional development opportunities. Strengths of school system: Staff, college bound graduates of the system, good administration, technology, compassion among the employees (from top down) and commitment to the Town. Cohesiveness and synergy during superintendent transition. What do we need to improve in?: Money and time. Time on learning, trying to fit in and teach what is essential. Money to support technology. Parent exposure as to what your child's day is like so you can relate to what type of learning is going on, additional dialogue opportunities. Curriculum nights in various content areas. PTO specific workshops to increase home-school communication. Continuously move forward. What must be maintained at all costs?: Children first. Safe feeling of the school. Class sizes. Commitment and funding of programs. t The Reading Public Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability. What ideas do you have on how to improve the schools?: Breakfast programs for our students, day care for employee children, early childhood education, structured summer programs for students (Club Killam, Club Invention), structure of school day and school year (later starts for teenagers, afternoon programs - longer school day). What issues should be the highest priorities for the school district in the next two years?: Alignments with national standards, maintain and replace technology, building safety, relevant world languages at a younger age, emphasis on global preparedness, physical activity emphasis, keeping the arts. Dr. Doherty opened up for questions after gathering information. Cathy asked Dr. Doherty to explain district simplification of goals. Building Professional Learning Communities: Working smarter, not harder in order to be better for our students. Reflect on mission and create a bumper sticker for our purpose. District has three broad goals with measurable outcomes: Teaching & Learning goal, Safe Environment goal, Community goal. Time and energy needs to be focused and School goals must be aligned with district. In November there will be community forums for budget and the bullying plan (draft to be released November 1St). Dates: Nov. 9th, Nov. 16th, Nov. 29th. Dr. Doherty left the meeting at 4:05 PM. Cathy noted that School Council is seeing information before staff has had a chance to process it. Parents on school council can share the "playground buzz." Teacher representatives can balance how the staff responds or concerns they may have. A community member is also welcome. The school mission must explain the end result. The vision is how we are going to get there. Cathy reviewed both our Mission and Vision with the council. Cathy also explained the District Goals and introduced the S-T-R-E-T-C-H goals (based on the district goals). Cathy also explained the teacher goal-setting process as well as what goes on out-of-pocket for teachers to continue professional development. That being said, Cathy asked parents to see if parents have additional ideas for components of school improvement plan. "What would you like to see happening here at the Killam School?" Cathy also clarified components of the new Anti-Bullying legislation. Staff will also review the writing curriculum and are working on learning walks. We would love to have a M.I. Career Day and will need parent support to achieve that goal. Perhaps February/March meeting could focus on that. November 9th meeting will have the final draft of school plan. The Reading Public Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability.