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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-04-14 RMHS School Council MinutesReading Memorial High School School Council Minutes April 14, 1997 Members Present: F. Orlando, H. Shannon, C. Perletz, D. Porter, A. DaSilva, D. Laabs, A. Fedele (Recorder). * Review minutes from joint PTO, School Committee, School Council meeting (3/18/97) minutes accepted. School Improvement Plan * Mr. Orlando submitted an outline and facilitated discussion on the School Improvement Plan. Building * 1.85 million: Mrs. Porter asked for specific areas of improvement. Areas include: science labs, heating system, ADA issues, electrical, locker painting and cleanliness. * Cleanliness: Mr. Orlando noted that students and staff as well as janitors are responsible for the cleanliness of the building. H. Shannon commented on the poor state of the girls' bathrooms noting graffiti and smoking. Discussion of incentives to classes to improve cleanliness. Mrs. Porter commented on the current success of the senior lounge. She noted that her office is near the lounge and she has observed a quiet, relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. Re-Structuring * Schedule 1998-99 Directed Studies: State Director of Education stated that directed study halls could be situated in a computer lab or library. He also noted that study halls are not periods when students are herded into a cafeteria or lecture hall. Mr. Orlando noted with concern the ability for students taking 6 or 7 classes _a, day to access library and computer labs. Five or six teachers will be assigned a duty for each directed study. Students would have access to teachers, but this time would not be an additional teaching assignment and, therefore, would meet teacher contract requirements. Extended Day or Differentiated Day Two sessions: 7:30am-2:15pm and 8:30am-3:15pm Pros: ability to schedule six classes that meet everyday and flexibility for student and staff. Cons: Parents difficulty with drop and pick up of students due to scheduling conflict with other schools in the district, sports schedule, teachers who are coaches. Six 56 minute classes and One 70 minute class with morning and afternoon rotation: Pros and Cons not discussed due to further study by the Restructuring Committee. Mr. Orlando noted that the School Committee needs to approve new schedule. Mr. Orlando asked Department Heads what their respective departments "optimal educational setting" would be. With the exception of entry level foreign language and math courses in addition to basic skills classes, all agreed that 60 to 70 minutes is the best amount of time for optimal learning. Student Council students responded to the same question by stating that period longer than 60 to 70 minutes are too long and become boring. The students commented on the difficulty for students to attend for too long a period. Mr. Orlando noted that the Teacher's Union and Superintendent would most likely support a 7 classes 6 per day schedule. * Graduation Requirements Increase credit requirements, specifically science &math. Teacher training this summer English & Science, possibly math. Question posed about 8th grade math for credit. F. Orlando explained presently credit must be earned within the high school program due to state colleges not accepting outside credits. D. Laabs noted that Reading's rating is lower than Stoneham's due to lack of math and science classes. Staff Development * Math/Science Initiative: $75,000 to Math and Science "beef-up" level 3s & 4s * Harassment: Lowell Green, national authority on issue of harassment from BU, will train a small group (3 students, 3 staff METCO tutor, clergy) during a day long seminar. In turn, this group will train student leaders who will help implement a school wide program to recognize and deal with harassment. * Developmental Guidance: Money (School to Work Grant) and time set aside for curriculum development. Programmatic * Raise Standards: Math levels 3 & 4 Developmental Guidance Student Services Department Special Education Adopt an Assessment Model (committee to examine and develop model for system) Programmatic (What's Important) * RAD H. Shannon discussed the RAD self-defense training that she and Ms. Fedele participated in noting the benefits. Benefits include: confidence, self-esteem, safety, pro- active behavior and confidence. Mrs. Porter stated she took a similar class and found it very valuable. H. Shannon * Community service vs. Academics Where should community service fit in? Developmental Guidance, Student Council, classes (ie, senior) and/ or courses. Should community service be a graduation requirement or a voluntary commitment of an individual or group? Discussion of Newburyport High School's commitment to service and their awards ceremony. College letters should include specific accomplishments of students. General Discussion of Role/Responsibility of Student Council * Role/Responsibitities of School Council C. Perletz asked for clarification of the goals and objectives of the council. F. Orlando responded that the council as a diverse group sets the tone, determines priorities for the principal. The council responds to the question, what should the school be doing? Next Meeting May 12th 7:30 pm Agenda: Specific goals and objectives for School Improvement Plan, tardiness policy, honor role. June 20th end of year gathering at F. Orlando's.