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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-11-18 RMHS School Council Minutes R GIEIVED TOWN CLERK c QlFiG. MASS, RMHS School Council Minutes: 11/18/96, 7:30pm. ~ p Members Present: Mr. Orlando, Ms. Shannon, Mr Cap s $~i Jr Perletz, Mr. Hines, Mr. Meharg, Ms. DaSilva, Ms. McCoy, Mrs. Laabs, Ms. Fedele Recorder: Ms. Fedele 1. Review of minutes from 10/21/96 meeting: correction made to minutes regarding "Guidelines and Procedures of RMHS School Council" addition on 5th purpose of the council. 2. Review of updated "Guidelines and Procedures RMHS School Improvement Council": a.) name of council changed to "Reading Memorial High School School Council"-agreed by consensus. b.) add new member to represent high school support staff; Mr. Orlando presented Darlene Porter's name, maintenance secretary, as an interested future member of the council-agreed by consensus. c.) "Guidelines and Procedures" approved and adopted by consensus. 3. Discussion of Restructuring Committee: a.) Restructuring AD HOC Committee (hereafter RC), under the direction of Eleanor Harden, invited a school council member to participate in "Change Game', (how to build teams that effect change 11/20/96 ) Ms. Fedele volunteered. b.) Mr. Orlando shared two concerns expressed at recent RC meeting- 1. need for understanding and agreement of restructuring goals between PTO, RC and School Council- 2. need of RC to reach out beyond meeting room to community and school. ' 4. Discussion of Finance Committee informational tour of building 12/4/96 6:00pm.: a.) Tom Capasso volunteered to attend tour and report back to council. b.) discussion of inviting a Chronicle reporter and an architect; Mr. Orlando pointed out there are two architects on School Committee board. 5. Budget update: a.) Mr. Orlando reported that his proposed 8 new positions are still on the table. b.). discussion of exemption from one core subject as a graduation requirement for seniors who want to double up on a particular subject. c.)1/4 million cut to $55,00-$20.00 needed for new kitchen floor. d.) Superintendent wants front foyer roof fixed. e.) Principal's account $10,000-2 to 3 sets of classroom furniture, cafeteria tables, black & whiteboards etc.needed. f.) Superintendent's budget 1.2 million- discussion of things need to be done right & now vs. "band-aid" approach. g.) discussion of School Building Committee and the School Bureau Assistance Fund-$500,000 to $600,000 a year on top of tax rate. 6. Discussion of new physical education law;:a.) discussion of old law-60 hours up to grade 10 and the new law which allows communities to develop own program. b.)discussion of law's impact at RMHS-possible exemption for athletes and/or seniors. 7. Discussion of Restructuring a.) discussion of Breaking Ranks written by the National Association of Principals, practitioners in the field working on restructuring America's schools and how to take a national document and make it meaningful to Reading. b.) Brainstorming activity facilitated by Mr. Orlando- "What valued skills, knowledge and abilities do we want graduates of RMHS to possess?" Effective written, verbal, listening and technological communication skills, team player, compassion & empathy, responsibility, organized, critical thinkers, analytical thinkers, citizenship, leadership, life-long learners, tolerant, global citizenship, historical perspective, self-awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses (self -actualization), valued based set of beliefs, ability to handle change, computational skills, decision making skills based on a rationale, independent living skills, conflict resolution skills, understanding interconnectedness of skills as they apply to real life situations and an appreciation of the arts. C.) discussion of "What instructional strategies we want our teachers to be able to master and employ?"; portfolio assessment-depth vs breadth, thematic instruction-delving deeply into a theme; authentic assessment- alternative ways of assessing student work, but in direct conflict with standardized testing; co-operative learning-everyone has a role and a responsibility; critical skills teacher in addition to a lecturer and a coach/mentor/guide; acceptance of diversity, peer tutors, knowledge of technology, strategies to match learning style, teachers as life-long learners, respected as professionals. d.) discussion of inclusion and its fairness to motivated students and the growth potential for students in all levels. e.) Mr. Orlando will share council ideas with RC. 8. Discussion of Guidance Department: a.)Mr. Orlando commented on the comprehensive nature of the department and members agreed after a review of guidance materials. Mrs. Davreaux, Guidance Department Chairperson, expressed to Mr. Orlando concern as to how to communicate many functions of the department and guidance sponsored activities (i.e., college visitations) to the community. b.) Mr. Orlando reported to council Channel 3 now has guidance listings. c.) Problems discussed-students seeking guidance rather than guidance seeking students, where in a student's schedule do they have time to see their counselor, confidentiality should be defined and stated in guidance package, student support groups, and the high percentage of time on the part of some counselors spent on individual therapeutic counseling. d.) A brief discussion of crisis intervention protocol and the importance/pros/cons of a personal adult advocate for every RMHS student. 9. Principal's sounding board: a.) Mr. Orlando asked council about past non-school sponsored Montreal Trips and ways to inform parents that the school does not sponsor such trips. The council recommended Mr. Orlando give Ms. Mirkin a call in order to gather more information. b.) discussion of school dances and if the lack of student interest in dances is due tq tIdance contract." Mr. Orlando and the school electrician resolved the "lights" issue in the cafeteria in response to student concerns. Next meeting : December 9, 1996 at 7:30. Ms. Perletz, recorder and Ms. Fedele, snack.