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1/13/2010



Minutes
Meeting Type: Board of Education Meeting
Location:
Terryville High School Cafeteria
 Date:
1/13/2010 7:00:00 PM

United In Our Commitment to Excellence in Education

The Plymouth Public Schools’ mission is to ensure that all students learn to the best of their abilities. We support their growth into knowledgeable, skilled, and contributing citizens capable of succeeding in their work, personal, and family lives.

Plymouth Board of Education

Regular Meeting

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Terryville High School Cafeteria

MINUTES

Present: Board: Mr. Raymond Engle, Mr. Anthony Orsini, Mr. Martin Wetzel, Mr. Gerard Bourbonniere, Mr. Daniel Santorso, Mr. Mark Berube, Mrs. Roxanne Perugino, Mrs. Karen Kulesa and Mr. Patrick Perugino

Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent; Mr. Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction; Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager; Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education and Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

Mr. Perugino called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. The group joined in the Pledge to the Flag.

2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

MOTION: To adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded
Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 18, 2009. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.

4. PRESENTATION

Harry S. Fisher Elementary School provided a presentation on Spring Mathematics Literacy night which took place in March of 2009.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 January 13, 2010 Minutes

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None

6. COMMUNICATIONS

None

7. OLD BUSINESS

None

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Energy Education Specialist

Mr. Martin Sandshaw, Energy Education Specialist for the district, provided a presentation regarding the new Energy Education Program that was put in place at the end of this past summer. He provided the Board with an overview of how the program is progressing. A formal release showing an overall savings will be forthcoming.

B. Childbearing/Childrearing Leave

MOTION: To approve the extension of Childrearing Leave for Jennie Fowler from January 4, 2010 through the end of the 2009 – 2010 school year. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the extension of Childrearing Leave for Katie Breitkreutz from on or about March 31, 2010 through the end of the 2009 – 2010 school year. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

C. Appointments

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Anthony J. Sirianni to the position of Varsity Baseball Coach at Terryville High School for the 2010 spring season.
Motion Anthony Orsini, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Nicholas Libera to the position of paraprofessional at Terryville High School effective January 14, 2010. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 January 13, 2010 Minutes

D. Out-of-State Field Trips

MOTION: To approve a field trip to Boston, MA for Friday, April 2, 2010 for the Leo Club at Terryville High School for approximately 30 students. Motion Anthony Orsini, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve a field trip to Washington, D.C. for February 10 – 15, 2010 for ten grade 12 students at Terryville High School which is part of a $2,000 grant from ING for work on the World War I Memorial restoration. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.

9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair

The Curriculum Subcommittee met on December 2, 2009. By unanimous vote, Mrs. Kulesa was elected chair. The following items were discussed: (a) Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology, requested that three new courses be included in the technology department at Terryville High School, “Information Technology Research and Development, “E-Commerce Entrepreneurship” and “Digital Media and Movie Making”. After a brief discussion, the subcommittee agreed to forward the request to the full Board for their approval.

Mrs. Kulesa called for the following motion:

MOTION: To approve the following three new courses in the technology department at Terryville High School, “Information Technology Research and Development”, “E-Commerce Entrepreneurship” and “Digital Media and Movie Making”. Motion Karen Kulesa seconded Daniel Santorso motion passed unanimously.

The Curriculum Subcommittee met on January 6, 2010. The following items were discussed: (a) Mr. Lovely led a demonstration on a Mimio, (b) Kindle Reading, and (c) the new TEAM (Teacher Education & Mentoring Program) which replaces the BEST (Beginning Educator Support & Training) Program.

B. Facilities – Mr. Engle, Chair

At the subcommittee meeting, Dr. Distasio read a letter from Mr. Joseph Sekorski, President of the Mike Glowa Babe Ruth League requesting the name of “Bullett” Bob Harris be placed on the monument located at the Ray Malley Field behind Harry S. Fisher Elementary School. After a brief discussion, the subcommittee agreed to submit the request to the full Board for their approval. Therefore, the following motion was made:

Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 January 13, 2010

MOTION: To approve placing the name of “Bullet” Bob Harris on the monument located at the Ray Malley Field behind Harry S. Fisher Elementary School. Motion Raymond Engle, seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.

Just for clarification, the Mike Glowa Babe Ruth League will fund the cost of engraving.

C. Finance – Mr. Bourbonniere, Chair

The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed the accounts by facilities reports for the months of November and December and will forward them to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.

MOTION: To approve the transfer discussed at the Finance Subcommittee Meeting which was held prior to the Board Meeting. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

D. Negotiations – Mr. Wetzel, Chair

No Report

E. Personnel – Mrs. Perugino, Chair

All items were discussed in subcommittee and were handled under New Business.

F. Policy - Mr. Berube, Chair

No Report

G. Safety & Transportation - Mr. Orsini, Chair

No Report – One of Mr. Orsini’s goals is to maintain a safe school district

H. Education Connection - Mrs. Kulesa

No Report

Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 January 13, 2010 Minutes

I. Student Representatives

Alexis Cordone

Ms. Cordone reported on the following: During the holidays, students participated in a Toy Drive; December 3 – THS Guidance – Financial Aid Night @ 6:30 p.m.; December 15 – Winter Concert (Band & Chorus)& holiday craft fair; January 7 – Alumni Day sponsored by School-to-Career; January 27 – 8th grade chorus selection; Library Automation System; National Honor Society (leaf raking during the fall); March 20 – Academic Bowl @ St. Paul’s High School (St. Paul’s, Bristol Eastern, Bristol Central, Lewis Mills and Terryville High School) February the World Language Club will have a salsa night to take place in February; World Language Week February 22 – 26; and March 27 Academic Bowl Competition @ Yale.

Lindsey Bordeau

Ms. Bordeau reported on the following: Scholarships may be obtained through the guidance department; look for the Flamingos to begin as the weather warms up;
t-shirts and sweatshirts are still for sale with the kangaroo logo; Sr. Lounge to open soon; PTSA after grad meeting is lacking attendance; business donation letters to be sent out at the end of the month, Bingo Night sometime in March; PTSA After Super Bowl Bottle Drive to take place the middle of February; reflection entries –
1 music entry and 130 literature entries. All winners were notified. There will be a Town Wide Ceremony in the Terryville High School Auditorium; exams begin on January 14th; and Leo Conference was held on January 6 at a hotel in Southbury.

Karrick Lee

Mr. Lee reported on the following: Leo Installation Night took place on December 7th; Boy’s Varsity Basketball lost the last 3 games, record 2-4-4; Jason Pranulis was named athlete of the week; Girls Basketball record is 7-3; Wrestling Team is 5 -3; Basketball Games against Thomaston will take place on January 15th all 4 teams will play at Terryville High School; and on February 11th & 12th Career Center at THS will be open.

10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION

Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology

Mr. Trudeau thanked Josh, Conner and Jeff for televising tonight’s meeting.

The close circuit system is available in the auditorium if there were an overflow of spectators wanting to attend an event. But this would entail hiring a site supervisor
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 January 13, 2010

which would not be cost effective, since in the past only approximately 6 individuals were turned away because the gym had met its maximum occupancy.

Basketball games will be broadcast live on Channel 16 and will also be available on tape for showings on various days.

Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel

The group audit for Special Education will begin sometime next week.

Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction & District Administrator in Charge

As a reminder, WAMS (Waterbury Arts Magnet School) applications are due Thursday, January 14, 2010 by 2 p.m.

Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager

Mr. Santogatta reported there were no major concerns. The Budget looks okay and the utilities are holding their own.

Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

Dr. Distasio reported on the following: (a) Plymouth Public Schools participated in a number of civic activities and food drives over the Thanksgiving Holiday;
(b) school closings, delayed openings and early dismissals will be broadcast over cable Channel 16 and the major television and radio stations. Parents and staff will also be notified through the AlertNow automated emergency systems. Staff will be called at approximately 5:15 a.m. and parents approximately 5:45 a.m.; (c) the first budget workshop will be held on Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at 6 p.m.in the conference room at the Board of Education; (d) February 10, 2010 will be a ½ day for students which is the day before the winter break which will run February 11, 12 & 15th with students returning on Tuesday, February 16th; and (e) elementary conferences will take place on February 16, 17 & 18, 2010.

A Happy New Year to All.

11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

None

Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 January 13, 2010 Minutes

12. Board Liaisons to Schools

Mr. & Mrs. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School

Mrs. Perugino reported the following: (a) Spirit Wear is still available and (b) the next PTA meeting will be held on January 19, 2010 at 6:45 p.m.

Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

Mr. Engle reported the following: (a) box tops are still being collected; (b) movie night has been cancelled; (c) Day on the Hill to take place on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 8:30 a.m.at the Bushnell, Autorino Great Hall in Hartford; (d) date of the National PTA Council is June 10, 2010.

Mr. Orsini – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School

Mr. Orsini reported the following: (a) first meeting took place on December 3, 2009; (b) second meeting took place on January 7, 2010; (c) Membership Drive to end on February 5, 2010 – there are 44 parent members and 66 teacher members; (d) there will be a pizza party for the class with the highest PTA Membership;(e) Enrichment Committee – March 26th Bulling Program to be held for 7th and 8th graders; March 28th – Drug Program for 8th graders.
(f) Holocaust – grade 6th – May 21st; (g) Reflection entries were judged in December and the names of the winners are forthcoming; (h) next meeting will be held on 1st Thursday in February; (i) Tuesday, January 19, 2010 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. McDonald’s Night (snow date, January 20th);(j) January 27th 8th graders to visit Terryville High School; (k) By-Laws were presented at the November meeting and were accepted at the December 3rd meeting and were approved by the Connecticut PTA on January 4, 2010; (k) Peer Internet Safety Program for grade 6, 7 and 8 graders- March 30th ; and (l) snacks will be served to all students taking the CMT’s.

Mr. Bourbonniere – Terryville High School

Mr. Bourbonniere reported: The PTSA needs some help with the after grad party and the next meeting will take place on January 21st 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Terryville High School

Mr. Berube - SEPTA

Mr. Berube reported the January meeting took place on the 6th and more information will be forthcoming after the next meeting.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 January 13, 2010 Minutes

Dr. Distasio – PTA Council

The PTA Council met on December 16th. A number of activities took place prior to the holiday season in all schools. The PTA Council is in the process of planning the Reflections Program for 2010. The town-wide ceremony will be held on
April 22, 2010.

13. Final Board Comments

Mrs. Perugino – Happy New Year

Mr. Santorso – Happy New Year and he is looking forward to reflections.

Mr. Wetzel – Thank you to all who participated and help during the holiday season drive.

Mr. Bourbonniere – Thank you to all of the organizations that helped during the holidays and to all the Leo members who assisted the Lion’s Club with gifts.

Mr. Berube – To Mrs. Worhunsky and all the teachers who took part in tonight’s presentation, you are to be commended. Please be assured that these types of programs take place throughout all of our schools.

Mr. Engle – (a) The PTA’s are in need of volunteers. (b) Remember to attend events, i.e. the Academic Bowl, it will enlighten you, and after all these are your children. (c) What is the Mustang’s name at Plymouth Center School? The answer will be revealed at next month’s Board Meeting. (d) our District Administrator for CABE is Mr. Engle. There will be a meeting on January 20, 2010; (e) CABE Breakfast January 21st; (f) Green Energy & Building Expo – February 19th & 20th; and (g) looking forward to the Flamingos.

Mr. Orsini – (a) Mr.Orsini and Mr. Santorso attended the New Board Member Orientation on December 10th and some of the items discussed were: 2nd school reform update, school finance, joint session on developing contracts, the future of public education in Connecticut, legal issues facing education, board policies. It proved to be very beneficial and rewarding to be networking with other new Board Members throughout the State. (b) articles “Why did you want to become a Board Member written by Mr. Orsini and Mr. Santorso appeared in the CABE Journal; and
(c) looking forward to attending more conferences;

Mr. Perugino – (a) as District Administrator for CABE, Mr. Engle has 31 towns;
(b) remember “Day on the Hill” will take place on March 3rd; (c) the district is in need of mentors; (d) presentation by Harry S. Fisher Elementary School was great and the presentation by Mr. Sandshaw was very informative.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 January 13, 2010 Minutes

14. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Perugino stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on February 10, 2010 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.

15. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________
Gerard Bourbonniere
Secretary

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