HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-14 Coolidge School Council MinutesA. W, COOLJDEiE SCHOOL COUNCIL
Minutes March 14, 1995
The meeting was called to order by Chair, John Carpenter, at 7:30 PM in the Arthur W. Coolidge
Middle School Media Center.
Attending: Lou Adreani, John Carpenter, Larry Chomsky, Peter Hichborn, Carol Perletz, and Roy
Welsch. Also attending: John Doherty Minutes by: Larry Chomsky
Minutes of February 28, 1994 were approved as written.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
• Documents Distributed:.
• Example computer bids (Lou Adreani)
• "New Ways to Learn" article from Byte Magazine (Carol Perletz)
• "Coolidge Middle School Community Core Values" draft statement (John Doherty)
• Copy of evaluation of the Coolidge prepared application for a technology grant (Lou
Adreani)
• School Improvement Plan:
As agreed at the previous meeting, the primary task for tonight was to make significant progress
towards completion of the School Improvement Plan. (The Plan is due on May l.) We began with
a discussion on whether a change to certain elements of the plan format should be considered, in
particular, on the content of the "Needs Objectives" section. It was suggested that this section
might convey a wider intent by being made less concrete and less like "action items". It was
determined that we would keep this in mind as we reviewed and updated the plan. We agreed that
the section would be titled "Objectives" and to remove the "Need to" phrase from before each
Objective line item. We also agreed to add a "Status" column to the Action Plan table and to move
the Rationale element before "Goal".
As we proceeded, Carol Perletz took detailed notes on the specific changes to plan elements.
Goal l: Core Values. We felt that the Core Values goal remains worthwhile and decided to update
the Action Plan by adding a task to Review the (Core Value) Committee draft statement.
(Following this we reviewed the draft statement see below.) Additional tasks added included
having the Core Value committee prepare an implementation plan focusing on a selected core value
area, and reporting on the progress of implementation. An objective to implement the Core Value
statement in the Coolidge learning environment was also added.
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Core Value Draft Statement. John Doherty distributed the draft of the "Coolidge Middle School
Community Core Values" statement. This draft was a product of the Core Value committee with
significant input by Mark Burton. The draft was discussed by the Council with only minor
comments offered and we approved the recommendation to implement this statement in an
incremental manner over several years. It was reported that the first effort would be to launch a
"politeness" campaign theme.
Goal 2: Meeting Diverse Learning Needs. Our discussion centered on the progress made this year
on Diverse Learning initiatives, in particular, "Limitless Learning". It was again stressed that our
intent in diverse learning is to cover all ability levels. It was noted that the Inclusion Plan supports
the legal requirements required of the school while Limitless Learning is a particular implementation
to enhance the learning opportunities at all levels. To this end we added goals to Implement the
Inclusion Plan and to Implement the Limitless Learning program. The related additional tasks
included a phase-in of the implementation of the Limitless Learning program, a report on progress
of the Inclusion Plan (with Council response) and a report on progress of Limitless Learning (with
Council response).
• Additional Progress Reports:
Technology Plan: We had a brief discussion on the efforts to define the systems appropriate for our
computer lab and discussed availability of quotations for the systems. Roy presented information on
new Macintosh systems that will soon be available which may have an impact on pricing of other
Mac systems.
Classroom Space: A great concern was expressed by several Council members at the potential for
overcrowding at Coolidge over the next several years. We determined that data should be compiled"
and presented to the PAC and well as individual contact made to School Committee members. It is
perceived that a significant inequity may be developing not only between middle schools but also
with respect to previous years at Coolidge.
ACTION ITEMS:
Continuation of Technology Planning (Roy, Larry)
Preparation for next Improvement Plan discussion (All)
SIGNIFICANT DATES:
• March 21: Technology Day
NEXT MEETINGS:
Tuesday March 28, 7:30 PM
Tuesday April 11, 7:30 PM
Tuesday April 25, 7:30 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
A.W. Coolidge School Council March 14, 1995 Page 2