School Committee Meeting Highlights – February 12, 2007
**School Committee Meeting Minutes are posted on the Scituate Public School website http://www.scituate.k12.ma.us/
Committee Members in Attendance: Maura Curran, Libby Michaud, Ed Tibbets, and Michael Hayes
Administrators Present: Mark Mason (Superintendent), James Kelleher (Ass’t Superintendent Curriculum), Judy Norton (Special Education), and Paul Donlan (Business & Finance)
Moment of Silence was held for past School Committee member Terry Gorman who passed away last week.
Special Matters:
Denis Kennedy, Director of Public Information, Office of Campaign and Public Finance spoke regarding the things individual can and can’t do regarding the upcoming override.
No legal restrictions regarding elected officials speaking in support of the override
Appointed officials such as the police chief and superintendent can speak in support of the override
Distributing of material is prohibited at the town’s expense such as a town wide mailing in support or against the override, but people can be reminded to vote
The town can not use resources such as copiers, paper, and time of personnel to distribute flyers in support of the override
There are no restrictions in groups using public buildings to discuss the override as long as it is approved by the appropriate town individual
The town website can be used to post a document that is supportive of the override, but it can not be sent out in a blast email to the town
Before Town Meeting officials can advocate and send out information
Things that can be sent home in student’s backpacks – reminders to attend town meeting, reminders to vote and information about child care available during town meeting
Video tape can be produced discussing the override and can be shown on the town cable channel
Principal’s newsletters can discuss an override and advocate for the budget before Town Meeting, but not after Town Meeting
The period between Town Meeting and the Election it is critical for full disclosure and non-use of public resources, except public buildings can be used for handing out flyers as long as equal access is provided and permission is requested
Public officials can always respond to questions and send out materials if requested
No one can solicit funds in a public buildings
Email can be used to remind people to vote, but not advocate a certain vote
The CSI: Scituate Newsletter was fully approved and did not break any laws
Wampatuck 6th grade teacher, Camille Wells presented a new initiative that involved Parents and Students in the report card process. Together the students evaluated their own strengths and weaknesses and set goals for themselves and then weekly reflected on their goals. The students are learning to take ownership for their own grades and not blaming them on others!!
Music Fee Discussion – As reported in the Patriot Ledger, Marshfield is looking into charging fees for their music programs. It was discussed that Scituate may have to do the same if the override fails. They want to enlighten people not threaten regarding the ramifications of a $553,000 cut in the school budget if the override fails. Scituate has an outstanding music program and we do not want to jeopardize it.
Elementary School Student Activity Account – tabled until March because the elementary principals did not have sufficient time to review
1.0 Special Education Teacher at the High School – Teacher requested to meet the needs of students with emotional disabilities, this teacher would allow the district to keep students at the high school and bring back others who have had to be placed out-of-district. There is no increase in funding because grant monies could be used. This position would save money in the future by keeping students in district and not having to pay for outplacement. Passed 4-0
“My Space” Policy – tabled because materials not sent to the School Committee for review
Scituate School District Website Policy – tabled because materials not sent to School Committee for review
Use of Building Rate – The rate was lowered from $40 to $30 per hour for all elections as requested by Town Hall. Passed 4-0
Superintendent’s Reports:
Congratulations to Kendall DiTommaso, Kaitlin Rivero and Mike Kaskiewicz for being invited to participate in the MMEA Allstate Music Festival in March
Recognition of awards received by students in the Art Department
Recognition of Tracy Johnston and Marynell Henry for all their hard work and success with C.O.R.S.E., a wonderful job.
$15,000 has been given to the district from the State to consider and draft a model for a full day Kindergarten program
The Communication Sub-Committee is working on a survey regarding the schools that will be designed and maintained on-line.
Congratulations to Lindsey Whelan winner of the Gates Spelling Bee and thank you to Cathy Hall, Beth Neice, Teresa Conroy and Mike Wankum for all their efforts to make it possible.
Requested a review of a letter that will be sent to the Scituate Mariner from Mark Mason regarding the Lock-down at the High School. The School Committee and Mark Mason acknowledged that the situation had been handled well and that the need to keep drugs and alcohol out of the High School is paramount, but they also learned from some mistakes that had been made. Mark Mason appreciated the feedback from the students.
Showing posts with label School Committee Highlights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label School Committee Highlights. Show all posts
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
School Committee Highlights - January 22, 2007
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS – January 22, 2007
**School Committee Meeting Minutes are posted to the Scituate Public Schools website, http://www.scituate.k12.ma.us/
Committee member in attendance: Maura Curran, Libby Michaud, Edward Tibbets and Michael Hayes
Administrators Present: Mark Mason (Superintendent), James Kelleher (Asst. Superintendent/Curriculum), and Paul Donlan (Business & Finance).
# of attendees: approximately 10
Special Matters:
a. School Committee Student Representative - Scituate High School Student Representative, Charles Powers and Alternate, Melanie Collins were introduced to the Committee. Their input is appreciated and valuable.
b. English Language Arts Pilot Program was presented by Dr. Kelleher, Ms. Wells, Wampatuck, and Ms. LeBlanc, Gates. The Task Force of over 30 teachers has been working on this project for 3 years. 60 teachers in grades K-12 have been piloting various programs and the Task Force has unanimously selected Prentice Hall for grades 6-12 while they are piloting both Harcourt and Houghton Mifflin for grades K-5. The English Language Arts Program (ELA) is critical to our schools. We have been using the materials in grades K-5 since 1993 and 6-12 since 1994. The books are older than many of our students. This new program offers a balanced approach of phonics and whole language skills. In the younger grades 50-60% of a typical student’s day (up to 3 hours) is related to reading and writing. These new programs will offer consistency across the entire system and allow our teachers to be more efficient and effective in the classroom, no more copying, borrowing and creating their own materials and tools while spending their own out-of-pocket money.
The ELA program accomplishes the following:
Consistency across all 4 elementary schools
Literature Centered with a variety of genres for different types of comprehension
Meets Federal requirements for English as a Second Language
(ESL) development (50-75 students/year in Scituate require this type of service)
Materials for gifted and talented
Adapted Readers for lower reading levels
Writing Lessons – grammar and writing workbooks
Bench marks in place to measure success
Meets MCAS Standards
Comprehensive K-12 program, all students at all levels benefit
The publisher has been loaning the materials to Scituate for the past 3 years, but the time has come for us to invest the $500,000 to purchase the ELA program. The cost of textbooks keeps going up every year and the longer we wait the more expensive it will be, also the old materials from 1993 are no longer in print and can not be purchased.
Routine Matters:
a. SCAMPS Overview – Joanne McIntosh the Director of the SCAMPS program for the past 11 years presented the plan to get the program back in the black by year end. Unfortunately, the program did not receive $9,000 worth of funding and several accounts had become overdue. There are 135 children involved in the after-school program, a 30% increase in enrollment. The self-supporting program is very successful. The board approved the plan.
b. FY’08 Budget Cycle – Paul Donlan reviewed the School Budget that has been presented to the Selectmen and Advisory Committees. The $27,006,187 budget would include 20 staff members (including 5 Teachers at SHS, 4 Special Ed Teachers a result of No Child Left Behind, 3 Reading Specialists, and 2 Teachers at Gates), and $500,000 for the ELA Program for grades K-12. The Gates position would reinstate the Industrial Technology Teacher which was cut last year. Industrial Technology is covered on the MCAS test. The budget did not include Assistant Principals or Librarians.
The $300,000 for desks and furniture, language lab upgrades and technology and equipment were not part of the total budget and would be part of a Town wide Debit-Exclusion Override figure. These items have been part of the budget for the past 6 years, but have always been cut. The Board approved unanimously to keep the $500,000 for the ELA program in the Operational Budget and put the $300,000 for equipment in the Debit Exclusion Budget. Dr. Kelleher presented an overview of the curriculum maintenance budget for the future which would be possible with the $500,000 for curriculum in the school budget. The increase to curriculum would help us to become as competitive as our neighboring school districts and allow the schools to reinstate programs that have been eliminated or not implemented.
c. Out-of-State Field Trip Request – Madame DuFault, Gates French Teacher and Dick Blake, Gates Principal, requested that 28 8th graders be allowed to travel to Quebec City for a cultural learning experience. The Board unanimously approved the request.
Superintendent’s Report:
Mr. Mason is scheduling a community meeting with Denise Kennedy from the State Office of Campaign and Political Finance to provide guidance to public employees and officials as well as citizens on the application of the laws governing override campaigns. Time and date to follow.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
**School Committee Meeting Minutes are posted to the Scituate Public Schools website, http://www.scituate.k12.ma.us/
Committee member in attendance: Maura Curran, Libby Michaud, Edward Tibbets and Michael Hayes
Administrators Present: Mark Mason (Superintendent), James Kelleher (Asst. Superintendent/Curriculum), and Paul Donlan (Business & Finance).
# of attendees: approximately 10
Special Matters:
a. School Committee Student Representative - Scituate High School Student Representative, Charles Powers and Alternate, Melanie Collins were introduced to the Committee. Their input is appreciated and valuable.
b. English Language Arts Pilot Program was presented by Dr. Kelleher, Ms. Wells, Wampatuck, and Ms. LeBlanc, Gates. The Task Force of over 30 teachers has been working on this project for 3 years. 60 teachers in grades K-12 have been piloting various programs and the Task Force has unanimously selected Prentice Hall for grades 6-12 while they are piloting both Harcourt and Houghton Mifflin for grades K-5. The English Language Arts Program (ELA) is critical to our schools. We have been using the materials in grades K-5 since 1993 and 6-12 since 1994. The books are older than many of our students. This new program offers a balanced approach of phonics and whole language skills. In the younger grades 50-60% of a typical student’s day (up to 3 hours) is related to reading and writing. These new programs will offer consistency across the entire system and allow our teachers to be more efficient and effective in the classroom, no more copying, borrowing and creating their own materials and tools while spending their own out-of-pocket money.
The ELA program accomplishes the following:
Consistency across all 4 elementary schools
Literature Centered with a variety of genres for different types of comprehension
Meets Federal requirements for English as a Second Language
(ESL) development (50-75 students/year in Scituate require this type of service)
Materials for gifted and talented
Adapted Readers for lower reading levels
Writing Lessons – grammar and writing workbooks
Bench marks in place to measure success
Meets MCAS Standards
Comprehensive K-12 program, all students at all levels benefit
The publisher has been loaning the materials to Scituate for the past 3 years, but the time has come for us to invest the $500,000 to purchase the ELA program. The cost of textbooks keeps going up every year and the longer we wait the more expensive it will be, also the old materials from 1993 are no longer in print and can not be purchased.
Routine Matters:
a. SCAMPS Overview – Joanne McIntosh the Director of the SCAMPS program for the past 11 years presented the plan to get the program back in the black by year end. Unfortunately, the program did not receive $9,000 worth of funding and several accounts had become overdue. There are 135 children involved in the after-school program, a 30% increase in enrollment. The self-supporting program is very successful. The board approved the plan.
b. FY’08 Budget Cycle – Paul Donlan reviewed the School Budget that has been presented to the Selectmen and Advisory Committees. The $27,006,187 budget would include 20 staff members (including 5 Teachers at SHS, 4 Special Ed Teachers a result of No Child Left Behind, 3 Reading Specialists, and 2 Teachers at Gates), and $500,000 for the ELA Program for grades K-12. The Gates position would reinstate the Industrial Technology Teacher which was cut last year. Industrial Technology is covered on the MCAS test. The budget did not include Assistant Principals or Librarians.
The $300,000 for desks and furniture, language lab upgrades and technology and equipment were not part of the total budget and would be part of a Town wide Debit-Exclusion Override figure. These items have been part of the budget for the past 6 years, but have always been cut. The Board approved unanimously to keep the $500,000 for the ELA program in the Operational Budget and put the $300,000 for equipment in the Debit Exclusion Budget. Dr. Kelleher presented an overview of the curriculum maintenance budget for the future which would be possible with the $500,000 for curriculum in the school budget. The increase to curriculum would help us to become as competitive as our neighboring school districts and allow the schools to reinstate programs that have been eliminated or not implemented.
c. Out-of-State Field Trip Request – Madame DuFault, Gates French Teacher and Dick Blake, Gates Principal, requested that 28 8th graders be allowed to travel to Quebec City for a cultural learning experience. The Board unanimously approved the request.
Superintendent’s Report:
Mr. Mason is scheduling a community meeting with Denise Kennedy from the State Office of Campaign and Political Finance to provide guidance to public employees and officials as well as citizens on the application of the laws governing override campaigns. Time and date to follow.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
School Committee Highlights - January 8, 2007
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS - January 8, 2007
**School Committee Meeting Minutes are posted to the Scituate Public Schools website www.scituate.k12.ma.us
Committee Members in Attendance: Maura Curran, Jamie Strobino, Libby Michaud, Edward Tibbets and Michael Hayes
Administrators Present: Mark Mason (Superintendent), James Kelleher (Asst. Superintendent/Curriculum), Judy Norton (Special Education) and Paul Donlan (Business & Finance).
# of Attendees: approximately 20
Special Matters:
Request for Waiver of Local Residency Requirement was discussed for family doing construction on Scituate home but temporarily living in Marshfield (during construction). Voted to approve waiver unanimously.
Proposed policy for ‘My Space” was given to the School Committee by Mark Mason for their review and discussion at the next school committee meeting.
Proposed Policy regarding “The Scituate School’s District Website” was given to the School Committee by Mark Mason for their review and discussion at the next school committee meeting. Policy is the same as that used for the Town website.
A district-wide Flyer Distribution Policy will be drafted and presented to the School Committee members at the next school committee meeting. A letter was sent to Mr. Mason by a concerned citizen about what is being sent home with the students from both the private and public sectors. In total, 42 flyers have been sent home from the district (more from each individual school) and approximately 18 requests for flyers have been turned down.
Comments were made about how many flyers are going home on non-school related matters and that a policy needs to be put in place to ensure that only value added information is sent home with the students. Additional comments were made that the school website should be considered as a place where parents can go to get things that interest them vs. having them sent home. An elementary principal pointed out that the number of flyers can allow for important information to be lost – like a principal’s newsletter.
The Out of State Fieldtrip request to NY by the Music Department was approved for March 27 & 28th. The students will get to go back stage of a Broadway show and perform at Carnegie Hall. 125 students will go with a teacher to student ratio of 1 to 10.
Update on the Budget Cycle for 2008
Mark Mason discussed a revised budget proposal to cut down from the $28.9 million the School Committee had voted on in December based on a meeting with selectman, advisory, financial forecasting and members of the School Committee. Despite wanting to stick with the original number, his proposal was based on the sense that the Town’s financial situation would not support the proposal with all of the other Town needs.
Members of the school committee expressed that, while they understand that the schools may not get the entire amount in the end, the amount is for what is needed to restore (not improve) the level of education the Town deserves. The Committee members want it to be the responsibility of the town leadership to scale the number back and let the community know that the Town cannot support this level of education or funding.
Mason had sent an email to the selectmen requesting a meeting of the entire Board of Selectman, School Committee, Advisory and the financial forecasting prior to the Jan 16th Selectman meeting. A meeting of these groups was held last year and was very effective. All agreed it might require more deliberations but it was well worth the time spent by all.
The school budget proposal goes to the Board of Selectman 1/16 and the Advisory Board 1/25. It needs to be finalized by the first week in February to be discussed at the March 3rd Town Meeting and voted on at the March 31st Town Election.
Maura Curran shared an article from Boston Business Journal, dated 12/29/2006 citing that Scituate ranked 46 among the top wealthiest 50 zip codes in Massachusetts. Recognizing that many are on a fixed income and a tax increase could require adjustments to a resident’s budget, it would appear the community should be able to afford an increase in taxes as we have one of the lowest tax rates on the South Shore.
Donations and Letters – refer to the School Committee minutesThere were no Other Business, Communications from School Councils or Sub-Committee Reports agenda items for discussion.
**School Committee Meeting Minutes are posted to the Scituate Public Schools website www.scituate.k12.ma.us
Committee Members in Attendance: Maura Curran, Jamie Strobino, Libby Michaud, Edward Tibbets and Michael Hayes
Administrators Present: Mark Mason (Superintendent), James Kelleher (Asst. Superintendent/Curriculum), Judy Norton (Special Education) and Paul Donlan (Business & Finance).
# of Attendees: approximately 20
Special Matters:
Request for Waiver of Local Residency Requirement was discussed for family doing construction on Scituate home but temporarily living in Marshfield (during construction). Voted to approve waiver unanimously.
Proposed policy for ‘My Space” was given to the School Committee by Mark Mason for their review and discussion at the next school committee meeting.
Proposed Policy regarding “The Scituate School’s District Website” was given to the School Committee by Mark Mason for their review and discussion at the next school committee meeting. Policy is the same as that used for the Town website.
A district-wide Flyer Distribution Policy will be drafted and presented to the School Committee members at the next school committee meeting. A letter was sent to Mr. Mason by a concerned citizen about what is being sent home with the students from both the private and public sectors. In total, 42 flyers have been sent home from the district (more from each individual school) and approximately 18 requests for flyers have been turned down.
Comments were made about how many flyers are going home on non-school related matters and that a policy needs to be put in place to ensure that only value added information is sent home with the students. Additional comments were made that the school website should be considered as a place where parents can go to get things that interest them vs. having them sent home. An elementary principal pointed out that the number of flyers can allow for important information to be lost – like a principal’s newsletter.
The Out of State Fieldtrip request to NY by the Music Department was approved for March 27 & 28th. The students will get to go back stage of a Broadway show and perform at Carnegie Hall. 125 students will go with a teacher to student ratio of 1 to 10.
Update on the Budget Cycle for 2008
Mark Mason discussed a revised budget proposal to cut down from the $28.9 million the School Committee had voted on in December based on a meeting with selectman, advisory, financial forecasting and members of the School Committee. Despite wanting to stick with the original number, his proposal was based on the sense that the Town’s financial situation would not support the proposal with all of the other Town needs.
Members of the school committee expressed that, while they understand that the schools may not get the entire amount in the end, the amount is for what is needed to restore (not improve) the level of education the Town deserves. The Committee members want it to be the responsibility of the town leadership to scale the number back and let the community know that the Town cannot support this level of education or funding.
Mason had sent an email to the selectmen requesting a meeting of the entire Board of Selectman, School Committee, Advisory and the financial forecasting prior to the Jan 16th Selectman meeting. A meeting of these groups was held last year and was very effective. All agreed it might require more deliberations but it was well worth the time spent by all.
The school budget proposal goes to the Board of Selectman 1/16 and the Advisory Board 1/25. It needs to be finalized by the first week in February to be discussed at the March 3rd Town Meeting and voted on at the March 31st Town Election.
Maura Curran shared an article from Boston Business Journal, dated 12/29/2006 citing that Scituate ranked 46 among the top wealthiest 50 zip codes in Massachusetts. Recognizing that many are on a fixed income and a tax increase could require adjustments to a resident’s budget, it would appear the community should be able to afford an increase in taxes as we have one of the lowest tax rates on the South Shore.
Donations and Letters – refer to the School Committee minutesThere were no Other Business, Communications from School Councils or Sub-Committee Reports agenda items for discussion.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
School Committee Highlights - Nov 13th
November 13, 2006 School Committee Meeting Highlights
Did you know that Scituate Public Schools has an in-school band program for woodwinds and percussion but no program for string instruments?
Did you know that Scituate Public Schools has submitted a Letter of Interest to the MA School Building Authority for financial assistance with renovations to Gates School?
How secure are our schools? Are the students and staff as safe as they should be?
All of these questions plus others were addressed during the November 13th School Committee Meeting. Read on for a summary of the meeting…
SPECIAL MATTERS:
String Music Instruction Grades 4 and 5 - - Mr. William Richter, Program Specialist for Music K-12, asked the Board to consider adding a formal in-school program for string instruments. Currently, only wind and percussion or “band” instruction is offered during school hours. Speaking along with Mr. Richter in support of this request were Ben Strafe, 11th Grade Scituate High School Student and Lynn Donnelly, a parent. Lynn presented a petition signed by 87 Scituate residents and also read a letter from Joyce Barthold, a parent in support of this request. Supporters feel that students who choose to play a string instrument are being discriminated against for the following reasons:
· Band is offered as part of curriculum but orchestra is not.
· After-school string music instruction is offered but the students/parents pay a fee for this instruction and need to make arrangements to provide transportation to and from this instruction.
· Some students have left Scituate schools to pursue string music instruction.
· Norwell, Hingham, Duxbury and Marshfield all offer string music instruction.
In order to run this program, Mr. Richter estimates needing five or six part-time staff people and instruments.
The Board responded by stating that, as much as the program is needed and should be supported, there are no funds for it at this time. If Mr. Richter and Mr. Mason will put together a financial proposal for the program, it can be included in a future proposed budget. The Board cautioned, however, that due to the limitations of Proposition 2 ½, it could only be included in a budget that would require an override.
Additional Commentary: Board member, Ed Tibbets, commented that if we fund the system with an override, we would all have what we need. He addressed the audience pleading with them to attend not only committee meetings but also advisory committee meetings. Other board members supported his statements. Communication within the school community and to the public is essential.
School Building Authority Requirements and Deadlines - - Mr. Robert Murray, Facilities Manager presented the status of and requirements for funding from the MA School Building Authority for renovations to Gates. A Statement of Interest has been filed with this authority and is pending. Mr. Murray hopes that the authority is pushing it along to prepare for Town Meeting this spring. Then, there are at least another 10 steps to complete. This is at least a 12-month process.
Safety Concerns for Schools - - Board members, Michael Hayes and Libby Michaud are meeting to discuss security issues within and outside the six schools. All agree it needs to be addressed. They will prepare a full spectrum of needs from state of the art to what is currently in place. They need public support because we can’t afford not to upgrade security. They are concerned not only with the physical safety of the students but also the emotional safety of the staff and students. They need to feel SAFE! The Board will work with Mr. Mason to produce a list of priorities. Improvements will be added to the proposed capital-planning budget.
ROUTINE MATTERS:
October Enrollment - - Mr. Mark Mason, Superintendent stated that there was not much fluctuation in enrollment last month. The October 1, 2006 numbers broken down by class/building remain relatively flat. Projections call for a 1% annual increase.
Out-of-State Field Trip Request - - Ms. Nadia Swartz, Gates Teacher, requested permission for an annual trip on June 1, 2007 to Canopie Lake, NH for 190 Gates Band & Chorus members for educational critique and workshop. She considers the trip a motivational and educational reward. The Board approved the trip.
Full-Day Kindergarten Grant - - Mr. Mark Mason, Superintendent stated that, for the second year in a row, he would like to apply for a $15,000 grant from the State to pilot full day Kindergarten. The Grant is typically awarded to urban areas and not likely to be given to Scituate. The Board approved the application.
Acceptance of Gifts – The Board accepted the following gifts to the schools:
(1) A donation of 2 Overhead Projectors from Mr. Kevin Sparks to the Gates
Intermediate School Media Department
(2) A donation of $75.00 from Mrs. Janet Travers, President of Scituate Health
Services to the Cushing School Nurse’s office. The School Nurse plans to
purchase a vision testing system.
(3) A donation of an Orion Telescope from Mr. William Luzader, South Shore
Astronomical Society, to the Cushing School.
The Board commented about the generosity of parents and friends of Scituate Public Schools.
(Five Minutes) Comments or Statements from the Public
Superintendent's Reports -- Mr. Mason informed the Committee of the Grandparents Tea at the Wampatuck School and of a Target Corporate Grant that was awarded to the Wampatuck School.
Sub-Committee Reports—Libby Michaud, chair of the Communications sub-committee reports that the CSI Scituate blog is up and running. The organizers of the blog are looking for help screening and answering questions. A newsletter will be distributed introducing the blog and encouraging participation. She feels it’s a “good day to be in Scituate” with many changes happening. Anyone interested in helping CSI Scituate can contact Libby or Barbara Lydon.
The finance committee will wait for the capital planning meeting to provide a report.
Personnel: The board accepted various resignations, transfers and appointments. A full list can be found in the official meeting minutes.
Future Agenda Items – Mr. Mason will follow up with a financial proposal for the 4th and 5th Grade Strings Music Program and a vision statement for security for all six school buildings.
Did you know that Scituate Public Schools has an in-school band program for woodwinds and percussion but no program for string instruments?
Did you know that Scituate Public Schools has submitted a Letter of Interest to the MA School Building Authority for financial assistance with renovations to Gates School?
How secure are our schools? Are the students and staff as safe as they should be?
All of these questions plus others were addressed during the November 13th School Committee Meeting. Read on for a summary of the meeting…
SPECIAL MATTERS:
String Music Instruction Grades 4 and 5 - - Mr. William Richter, Program Specialist for Music K-12, asked the Board to consider adding a formal in-school program for string instruments. Currently, only wind and percussion or “band” instruction is offered during school hours. Speaking along with Mr. Richter in support of this request were Ben Strafe, 11th Grade Scituate High School Student and Lynn Donnelly, a parent. Lynn presented a petition signed by 87 Scituate residents and also read a letter from Joyce Barthold, a parent in support of this request. Supporters feel that students who choose to play a string instrument are being discriminated against for the following reasons:
· Band is offered as part of curriculum but orchestra is not.
· After-school string music instruction is offered but the students/parents pay a fee for this instruction and need to make arrangements to provide transportation to and from this instruction.
· Some students have left Scituate schools to pursue string music instruction.
· Norwell, Hingham, Duxbury and Marshfield all offer string music instruction.
In order to run this program, Mr. Richter estimates needing five or six part-time staff people and instruments.
The Board responded by stating that, as much as the program is needed and should be supported, there are no funds for it at this time. If Mr. Richter and Mr. Mason will put together a financial proposal for the program, it can be included in a future proposed budget. The Board cautioned, however, that due to the limitations of Proposition 2 ½, it could only be included in a budget that would require an override.
Additional Commentary: Board member, Ed Tibbets, commented that if we fund the system with an override, we would all have what we need. He addressed the audience pleading with them to attend not only committee meetings but also advisory committee meetings. Other board members supported his statements. Communication within the school community and to the public is essential.
School Building Authority Requirements and Deadlines - - Mr. Robert Murray, Facilities Manager presented the status of and requirements for funding from the MA School Building Authority for renovations to Gates. A Statement of Interest has been filed with this authority and is pending. Mr. Murray hopes that the authority is pushing it along to prepare for Town Meeting this spring. Then, there are at least another 10 steps to complete. This is at least a 12-month process.
Safety Concerns for Schools - - Board members, Michael Hayes and Libby Michaud are meeting to discuss security issues within and outside the six schools. All agree it needs to be addressed. They will prepare a full spectrum of needs from state of the art to what is currently in place. They need public support because we can’t afford not to upgrade security. They are concerned not only with the physical safety of the students but also the emotional safety of the staff and students. They need to feel SAFE! The Board will work with Mr. Mason to produce a list of priorities. Improvements will be added to the proposed capital-planning budget.
ROUTINE MATTERS:
October Enrollment - - Mr. Mark Mason, Superintendent stated that there was not much fluctuation in enrollment last month. The October 1, 2006 numbers broken down by class/building remain relatively flat. Projections call for a 1% annual increase.
Out-of-State Field Trip Request - - Ms. Nadia Swartz, Gates Teacher, requested permission for an annual trip on June 1, 2007 to Canopie Lake, NH for 190 Gates Band & Chorus members for educational critique and workshop. She considers the trip a motivational and educational reward. The Board approved the trip.
Full-Day Kindergarten Grant - - Mr. Mark Mason, Superintendent stated that, for the second year in a row, he would like to apply for a $15,000 grant from the State to pilot full day Kindergarten. The Grant is typically awarded to urban areas and not likely to be given to Scituate. The Board approved the application.
Acceptance of Gifts – The Board accepted the following gifts to the schools:
(1) A donation of 2 Overhead Projectors from Mr. Kevin Sparks to the Gates
Intermediate School Media Department
(2) A donation of $75.00 from Mrs. Janet Travers, President of Scituate Health
Services to the Cushing School Nurse’s office. The School Nurse plans to
purchase a vision testing system.
(3) A donation of an Orion Telescope from Mr. William Luzader, South Shore
Astronomical Society, to the Cushing School.
The Board commented about the generosity of parents and friends of Scituate Public Schools.
(Five Minutes) Comments or Statements from the Public
Superintendent's Reports -- Mr. Mason informed the Committee of the Grandparents Tea at the Wampatuck School and of a Target Corporate Grant that was awarded to the Wampatuck School.
Sub-Committee Reports—Libby Michaud, chair of the Communications sub-committee reports that the CSI Scituate blog is up and running. The organizers of the blog are looking for help screening and answering questions. A newsletter will be distributed introducing the blog and encouraging participation. She feels it’s a “good day to be in Scituate” with many changes happening. Anyone interested in helping CSI Scituate can contact Libby or Barbara Lydon.
The finance committee will wait for the capital planning meeting to provide a report.
Personnel: The board accepted various resignations, transfers and appointments. A full list can be found in the official meeting minutes.
Future Agenda Items – Mr. Mason will follow up with a financial proposal for the 4th and 5th Grade Strings Music Program and a vision statement for security for all six school buildings.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
10/30 School Committee Highlights
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS - October 30, 2006
**School Committee Meeting Minutes are posted to the Scituate Public Schools website www.scituate.k12.ma.us
Committee Members in Attendance: Maura Curran, Libby Michaud, Edward Tibbets and Michael Hayes
Administrators Present: Mark Mason (Superintendent), James Kelleher (Asst. Superintendent/Curriculum), Judy Norton (Special Education) and Paul Donlan (Business & Finance)
# of Attendees: 12
Special Matters:
CORSE Funded Grants - Tracy Johnston and Marynell Henry updated the Committee on the CORSE Funded Grants. Over $16,000 were granted across all of the Scituate schools. See http://www.corsefoundation.org/ for a listing of grants. Johnston and Henry reviewed the grant procedures and explained the formation of the Philanthropic committee. The Committee thanked Mrs. Johnston and Mrs. Henry for their continued efforts and success on behalf of the Scituate Schools. Comments included “unbelievable – never seen a not-for-profit get up and running so fast and provide such value programming”; “speaks to the need for funds, services and programs”; “exemplifies what Superintendent Mason exemplifies that people matter and ideas count”. Johnston added that this was a collaborative effort with 100+ members and additional supporters.
Hatherly School Improvement Plan Mari-An Fitzmaurice, Principal of the Hatherly School, presented the Hatherly School Improvement Plan. The plan is included on the Hatherly Elementary School website (www.scituate.k12.ma.us/hatherly). Fitzmaurice introduced School Council members and gave the highlights: library mural, art kiln, lunch around the world, building-wide recycling program, new playground, increased after school programs, staff development using Thomalson book study and connection to town library. Organization of the students is a goal, including the binders that students use to transport information between school and home (i.e., FROG binders for 1st grade = Fully Responsible & Growing Students). Hatherly is short staffed as it does not have a math specialist. Teachers are finding math websites to assist.
MCAS Scores Dr. Kelleher reviewed the FY05-06 MCAS scores and provided a hand-out on the “New Textbook/Curriculum Program” Adoption Cycle for 1990 – 2006 (see www.scituate.k12.ma.us/curriculum). Hand-out demonstrated the need for new textbooks, particularly in the area of English Language Arts which has textbooks and materials from 1993 & 1994. Kelleher explained that textbooks which are 5 years old are old; 5-10 years old are out-dated and 10 years old are in need of replacement. Kelleher expressed concern that we need more money to adequately train teachers in the No Child Left Behind Curriculum.
Budget Timelines Paul Donlan, Director of Business and Finance, presented the 2006-2007 Budget Timeline to the Committee, as included athttp://www.scituate.k12.ma.us/ on the superintendent’s page. Key dates include:
11/7 – Capital Planning meeting 7 PM town hall
12/4 – Budget presented at School Committee 5:30 PM Gates
12/9 – Public Work session with School Committee (open meeting with public)
12/11 – Public Hearing on Final School Dept. Budget
TBD – Advisory and Board of Selectman
March 3, 2007 – Town Meeting
Bid - It was voted: To approve the recommended bid for the purchase of two vans in the amount of $54,322 combined.
Gifts - To accept with appreciation the donation of: (1) Books from the Scituate Historical Society to the Jenkins School3rd grade class and (2) office chairs and whiteboards from Mr. Jeffrey Lawson to the Hatherly School.
Superintendent’s Correspondence Mr. Mason read a letter received by Mr. Frank Hynes, State Representative, congratulating the schools for their commendation by Standards and Poors.
Other Business – Annual Turkey Trot was held on 10/24. Grades 5 & 6 participated, with 150 students. Tradition began 31 years ago. Thank you to the physical education teachers, principals and school nurses for making this event a success. Mason congratulated all involved.
Sub-Committee Reports –
Facilities – Maura Curran provided a hand-out
Communications - Libby Michaud commented that the Communication Sub-Committee was discussed at the Joint PTO/School Council meeting on 10/23/2006. First official meeting is 11/6 – open meeting in Mason’s office 7PM. Discussing the future of district-wide communications with CSI Scituate (Central Source of Information for Scituate Public Schools).
**School Committee Meeting Minutes are posted to the Scituate Public Schools website www.scituate.k12.ma.us
Committee Members in Attendance: Maura Curran, Libby Michaud, Edward Tibbets and Michael Hayes
Administrators Present: Mark Mason (Superintendent), James Kelleher (Asst. Superintendent/Curriculum), Judy Norton (Special Education) and Paul Donlan (Business & Finance)
# of Attendees: 12
Special Matters:
CORSE Funded Grants - Tracy Johnston and Marynell Henry updated the Committee on the CORSE Funded Grants. Over $16,000 were granted across all of the Scituate schools. See http://www.corsefoundation.org/ for a listing of grants. Johnston and Henry reviewed the grant procedures and explained the formation of the Philanthropic committee. The Committee thanked Mrs. Johnston and Mrs. Henry for their continued efforts and success on behalf of the Scituate Schools. Comments included “unbelievable – never seen a not-for-profit get up and running so fast and provide such value programming”; “speaks to the need for funds, services and programs”; “exemplifies what Superintendent Mason exemplifies that people matter and ideas count”. Johnston added that this was a collaborative effort with 100+ members and additional supporters.
Hatherly School Improvement Plan Mari-An Fitzmaurice, Principal of the Hatherly School, presented the Hatherly School Improvement Plan. The plan is included on the Hatherly Elementary School website (www.scituate.k12.ma.us/hatherly). Fitzmaurice introduced School Council members and gave the highlights: library mural, art kiln, lunch around the world, building-wide recycling program, new playground, increased after school programs, staff development using Thomalson book study and connection to town library. Organization of the students is a goal, including the binders that students use to transport information between school and home (i.e., FROG binders for 1st grade = Fully Responsible & Growing Students). Hatherly is short staffed as it does not have a math specialist. Teachers are finding math websites to assist.
MCAS Scores Dr. Kelleher reviewed the FY05-06 MCAS scores and provided a hand-out on the “New Textbook/Curriculum Program” Adoption Cycle for 1990 – 2006 (see www.scituate.k12.ma.us/curriculum). Hand-out demonstrated the need for new textbooks, particularly in the area of English Language Arts which has textbooks and materials from 1993 & 1994. Kelleher explained that textbooks which are 5 years old are old; 5-10 years old are out-dated and 10 years old are in need of replacement. Kelleher expressed concern that we need more money to adequately train teachers in the No Child Left Behind Curriculum.
Budget Timelines Paul Donlan, Director of Business and Finance, presented the 2006-2007 Budget Timeline to the Committee, as included athttp://www.scituate.k12.ma.us/ on the superintendent’s page. Key dates include:
11/7 – Capital Planning meeting 7 PM town hall
12/4 – Budget presented at School Committee 5:30 PM Gates
12/9 – Public Work session with School Committee (open meeting with public)
12/11 – Public Hearing on Final School Dept. Budget
TBD – Advisory and Board of Selectman
March 3, 2007 – Town Meeting
Bid - It was voted: To approve the recommended bid for the purchase of two vans in the amount of $54,322 combined.
Gifts - To accept with appreciation the donation of: (1) Books from the Scituate Historical Society to the Jenkins School3rd grade class and (2) office chairs and whiteboards from Mr. Jeffrey Lawson to the Hatherly School.
Superintendent’s Correspondence Mr. Mason read a letter received by Mr. Frank Hynes, State Representative, congratulating the schools for their commendation by Standards and Poors.
Other Business – Annual Turkey Trot was held on 10/24. Grades 5 & 6 participated, with 150 students. Tradition began 31 years ago. Thank you to the physical education teachers, principals and school nurses for making this event a success. Mason congratulated all involved.
Sub-Committee Reports –
Facilities – Maura Curran provided a hand-out
Communications - Libby Michaud commented that the Communication Sub-Committee was discussed at the Joint PTO/School Council meeting on 10/23/2006. First official meeting is 11/6 – open meeting in Mason’s office 7PM. Discussing the future of district-wide communications with CSI Scituate (Central Source of Information for Scituate Public Schools).
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