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, February 9, 2011
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 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 Gerard Bourbonniere, motion passed unanimously
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 8, 2010. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
4. PRESENTATIONS
The first presentation “What Peer Mediation is all About” was provided by Ms. Morley and Ms. Licata, guidance counselors and grade 7 and 8 Peer Mediators from the Eli Terry Jr. Middle School.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 February 9, 2011 Minutes
In the second presentation, Ms. Block, Library Media Specialist, presented an Encyclopedia to our library which Mr. Nave, our History Department Coordinator and teacher helped write. Mr. Nave will also present an autographed copy “Night” written by Elie Wiesel (winner of the 1975 Nobel Peace Prize) to our Library. Mr. Nave had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wiesel earlier in the school year.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
None
7. OLD BUSINESS
A. Policies 4118.51/4218.51, 5131.82 and 5131.913
MOTION: To approve the following policies as recommended by the Superintendent which address social networking for staff and students:
- Policy 4118.51/4218.51 – Added to the Acceptable Use Policy concerning the use of computers in our district. It addresses the use of social networking websites such as MySpace, Facebook, etc. It discourages staff from socializing with students outside of school and prohibits staff from posting district information on personal social networking websites.
- Policy 5131.82 – Provides guidelines for students in using school sponsored publications and websites, non-school sponsored publications and websites accessed or distributed at school, and student-created or distributed written or electronic materials including blogs.
- Policy 5131.913 – Prohibits all forms of harassment using the Internet (commonly referred to as Cyberbullying).
Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Daniel Santorso motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 February 9, 2011 Minutes
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Childbearing/Childrearing Leaves
MOTION: To approve an extension of Childrearing Leave for Julie Simonsen, grade 5 teacher at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School from January 31, 2011 through the end of this school year. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve Childbearing Leave and subsequent Childrearing Leave for Jennifer Briley, computer technology teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School beginning on or about April 25, 2011 through the 2011 – 2012 school year.
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve Childbearing Leave for Nicole Levesque grade 5 teacher at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School for on or about March 28, 2011. Motion Anthony Orsini, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
B. Announcement of Retirement
Dr. Distasio accepted the resignation, for the purpose of retirement, of Margaret Warren, paraprofessional at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective January 28, 2011.
C. Out of State Field Trips
MOTION: To approve a field trip to New York for the 7th grade team at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School to the New York Museum of Natural History on May 12, 2011.
Motion Anthony Orsini, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve a field trip to Agawam, Massachusetts for grade 7th and 8th grade music students at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School to participate in the Great East Festival on May 27, 2011. Motion Raymond Engle, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.
D. Early Retirement Notification
MOTION: To offer a one-time early retirement notification incentive for members of the Plymouth Education Association in the amount of $1,500 provided the Board is notified in writing by March 4, 2011 by the retiring individual. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 February 9, 2011 Minutes
E. Board of Education Budget
MOTION: To approve the 2011 – 2012 Budget at a 0% increase over the current year’s Budget. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino. At this time the Board Chair took a roll call: Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Santorso, Mr. Wetzel, Mr. Bourbonniere, Mrs. Kulesa, Mr. Orsini, Mr. Engle and Mr. Berube and the Chair all cast “yes” votes. Motion passed unanimously.
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Curriculum
No Report
1. Facilities –
The Facilities Subcommittee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting and discussed the following: (1) a plaque to be displayed at Terryville High School which would recognize Board of Education Members who were such an important part of the new school building project. (2) a scholarship plaque which would recognize the business, organizations and individuals who provide scholarships to the high school students. and (3) the custodial staff did a great job on snow removal from the roofs at our schools.
1. Finance
The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed the accounts by facilities report for the months of December and January and will forward the same to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
D. Negotiations – Mr. Wetzel, Chair
Dr. Distasio sent and letter on January 7, 2011 to the Nurse’s Association requesting to negotiate. Dr. Distasio received a letter from the Plymouth School Nurses Association requesting a meeting on February 24, 2011 for the purpose of negotiating a new contract.
E. Personnel – Mrs. Perugino, Chair
All items were discussed in subcommittee and were addressed under New
Business.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 February 9, 2011 Minutes
F. Policy - Mr. Berube, Chair
The Social Networking Policies were addressed under Old Business.
G. Safety & Transportation - Mr. Orsini, Chair
No Report – But a “thank you” to the Superintendent for his decisions during the unusual winter weather season. All of our schools are equipped with carbon monoxide units. Thank you to Dr. Distasio and Mr. Santogatta for keeping everyone safe and for thinking of the well being of our students and staff.
H. Education Connection - Mrs. Kulesa
No Report
I. Student Representatives
Michael Mastracchio
February 12 Terryville High School “Snowflake Dance” – 7 p.m. (sponsored by the class of 2011)
March 26 Terryville High School – Drama Club Play “Sleeping Beauty” (musical) 2 performances: 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Terryville High School – Leo Club Pasta Supper 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tyler Tarnowicz
April 14 United Way Youth Board of West Central Connecticut, Annual Youth Forum – “Teens in the Driver’s Seat” to be hosted at Terryville High School
To be presented by the Plymouth Local Prevention Council- “Teen Years, Cyber Fears”.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 February 9, 2011 Minutes
Bryan Kamens
Winter sports are coming to a conclusion.
February 09 Final home Wrestling Match
February 10 Indoor Track State Meet
February 11 Final home game for Girl’s Basketball
February 21 Final home game for Boy’s Basketball
The Booster Club is in need of some assistance for individuals to work the last few home games.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction & District Administrator in Charge
Mr. Lovely reported on the following: (a) the district is preparing for the Mastery Test. By the year 2015, the Mastery Tests, including mathematics, will be administered on line. (b) the staff is in the process of completing mid-year Bench Marks. (c) Opportunity High School Group trip to North Conway- Mt. Washington, snow shoeing, hiking, tubing, ice skating. A good time was had by all. This weekend the group will be going to Mid-Evil Times in New Jersey.
Mr. Trudeau - Director of Technology
Thank you to Mr. Oleksiw, Mr. Telke and tonight’s crew for making tonight’s live broadcast on Plymouth 16 possible. Also, thank you to Comcast for all of their support, especially Sharon Codeanne, Government & Community Relations Manager and also to Steve Mindera of Sky Cable for his guidance.
Mr. Meehan - Director of Pupil Personnel
Focus Monitoring Group (from the State) Task Force Analysis – Mr. Meehan indicated he was looking forward to all matters being wrapped up by June.
Mr. Santogatta - Business Manager
Everyone worked diligently to remove snow from the roof tops. Mr. Santogatta consulted with our engineer and architect. The town crew and DPW did a tremendous job in removing snow. Mr. Santogatta acknowledged help from the Building Inspector and Fire Marshall’s Office. He urged the Town’s People to please be aware of the children walking to and from school and those entering and exiting school buses.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 February 9, 2011 Minutes
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
Dr. Distasio reported on the following: (a) January was mentor month. He indicated if anyone had ½ hour a week of spare time to consider spending it with a child in our district. (b) Mrs. Sherwood and Dr. Distasio visited all of the establishments in Plymouth that either sell tobacco and/or alcohol products and invited them to a breakfast on March 1st at the Eagle’s Nest. The breakfast is sponsored by the Local Prevention Council. The program will address the laws concerning the appropriate sale of tobacco and alcohol products. A “sting” will take place, with law enforcement, in town to make certain the laws are being complied
with. This is in conjunction with the Drug Free Communities Grant. (c) Dr. Distasio
attended the Municipal Facilities and Capital Improvement Committee meeting on February 7. Plans are in place to move forward with a referendum to make improvement to the town. Between now and the referendum, which is scheduled to take place sometime in April, there will be 2 public hearings to discuss the plans for the improvements. Everyone was urged to support this referendum. (d) there will be a Breakfast for Buddies sponsored by the Eli Terry Jr. Middle School PTA at the Lucky Cup from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on February 12th and (d) The last day of school thus far is Wednesday, June 15, 2011. The Plymouth School Calendar is constructed in a manner where school cancellations are added to the end of the school year in June. Unless we incur an additional 7 school cancellations, we will not need to use April vacation.
11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
None
12. Board Liaisons to Schools
Mrs. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School
March 25 Game Night
April 5 Friendly’s Restaurant Fundraiser Night – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
April 7 Spelling Bee
April 14 Reflections Ceremony
Yearbook pictures have been taken.
Movie Night to be rescheduled. The 5th grade picnic is being planned.
Next PTA Meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2011 @ 7 p.m.
Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School
February 9 Character Counts
February 11 Movie Night – volunteers needed
Eli Whitney Program for grade 4 (Science Related)
February 16 Eli Whitney Program for grade 5 (create violin)
Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 February 9, 2011 Minutes
February 21 Recycling Bags on Sale
May 13 Enrichment Program – Bullying Issue
June 10 Rockcats Baseball Game - $5.00 per person
game time 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Orsini – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
No Report – However, the Eli Terry Jr. Middle School PTA will sponsor “Breakfast for Buddies” at the Lucky Cup from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on February 12th. Cost is $5.00 per person.
Mr. Bourbonniere – Terryville High School
Meeting cancelled due to the weather
Mr. Berube - SEPTA
No Report – Next Meeting to be held on February 10, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Dr. Distasio – PTSA Council
No Report – Next Meeting to be held on February 15, 2011.
13. Final Board Comments
Mrs. Perugino – No Comment
Mr. Santorso – No Comment
Mr. Wetzel – Everyone worked hard on the budget. With respect to snow removal, as a reminder, please make an effort to shovel a path on your sidewalk for children waiting at the bus stop and for those students who walk to school.
Mr. Bourbonniere – a great presentation by the guidance counselors, Ms. Lacata and Ms. Morley and peer mentors of Eli Terry Jr. Middle School. Thank you Mr. Travers. Congratulations to athletes of the week: Scott LaMarre and Kaitlyn Natzke and the Bristol Press. On a personal note, “thank you’” to the administration for a proactive to the challenges presented to them this winter season.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 February 9, 2011 Minutes
Mrs. Kulesa – No Comment
Mr. Berube – No Comment
Mr. Engle – No Comment
Mr. Orsini – Commended Ms. Licata, Ms.Morley, Peer Mediators and Administrators. Urged the town’s people to please maintain their sidewalks and help out to dig out the fire hydrants. Reminder, “Day on the Hill” March 9, 2011.
Mr. Zagurski – (Liaison to the Board of Education) Capital Improvement Committee meeting – February 24th. Dates have not been set for the public hearing.
Mr. Perugino – Mrs. Kulesa brought the CABE Award to the meeting. It was given to Dr. Distasio to display at the Board of Education Offices. Thank you to administrators, teachers and staff for their hard work on the budget.
14. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Perugino stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on March 9, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.
15. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Gerard Bourbonniere
Secretary