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4/9/2008

Minutes
Meeting Type:
Board of Education Meeting
Location:
Terryville High School Auditorium
Date:
4/9/2008 7:00:00 PM

Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Terryville High School Auditorium

MINUTES

Present:
Board: Ray Engle, Patrick Perugino, Roxanne Perugino, Martin Wetzel, Karen Kulesa,
and Jennifer Zalaski

Excused Absence: Leonard Morgan, Michelle Spencer and Daniel Gentile

Administrators: Dr. Anthony W. Distasio, Superintendent, Gerry Perusse, Business Manager; Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Carol Doiron Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education Services and Keith Rafaniello, Director of Technology

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

Mr. Engle 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 Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously. 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 12, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

4. PRESENTATION

Tonight’s video presentation to the Board was prepared by staff members at Plymouth Center School and focused on a showcase of Family Literacy Night. Staff and students, via a video presentation, shared themes, activities, participants, give-always and various photographs.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None

6. COMMUNICATIONS

None.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 April 9, 2008
Meeting

7. OLD BUSINESS

None

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Appointments

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Brian Forman to the position of Baseball Coach at Harry S. Fisher Middle School for the 2008 spring season. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously. 

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Thomas Meehan to the position of Director of Pupil Personnel and Special Education Services for the Plymouth Public School System effective June 16, 2008. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino. At this time the chair called for a role vote: Patrick Perugino, Jennifer Zalaski, Karen Kulesa Roxanne Perugino, Martin Wetzel and the Chair unanimously approved the appointment of Thomas Meehan to the position of Director of Pupil Personnel and Special Education Services.

B. Out-of-State Field Trips

MOTION: To approve the trip to the Statute of Liberty/Ellis Island for grade 12 students at Terryville High School as an extension of the Sociology studies on immigration for
May, 2008. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the trip to the Boston Science Museum for grade 6 band students at
Harry S. Fisher Middle School to perform at the Museum of Science on June 6, 2008.
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

C. Policy Revision Community Relations Policy 1330

The Policy Subcommittee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting and reviewed a draft copy of the Community Relations Policy 1330. Dr. Distasio explained with the new high school equipped with an auditorium, there is a need of revising this policy to include the auditorium. He explained the policy focuses on the use of school facilities by organizations or groups within and outside of the school system. The Policy Subcommittee hopes to have this policy revised for use beginning on July 1, 2008.

D. Resignation

Dr. Distasio accepted the resignation of Mr. Gary Burnett, grade 8 geography teacher at
Harry S. Fisher Middle School effective June 30, 2008.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 April 9, 2008
Meeting

9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair

The Curriculum Subcommittee met on April 2, 2008. The following items were discussed:
 (1) New Middle School Schedule and Curricular Restructuring – (b) Mr. Travers, Principal and
Mr. Falcone, Assistant Principal presented a power point presentation addressing the proposed middle school schedule for the 2008 – 2009 school year to subcommittee members. The schedule provided for increased instructional time and the lowering of class size in the core academic classes. They explained that computers would be incorporated into the core class offerings and would be offset with Social Studies on an alternating schedule. (b) The Language Arts, Mathematics and Science curricula are being revised this summer to reflect the increased instructional time. Geography/Civics instruction time will be decreased by one-third. Both the middle school and high school staff are currently revising the curriculum to reflect the decrease in instructional hours and correlation to high school Social Studies offerings. (2) Kindergarten Registration – Prospect Street School – 45 students and Plymouth Center School – 41 students. The registration figures are of the norm and total registration will be between 100 and 120 students.

  • Facilities – Mr. Perugino, Chair

Some items discussed at the building committee meeting were: (1) sign on Harwinton Avenue (Terryville High School); (2) plaque on the wall at Terryville High School; and (3) the furniture at Terryville High School.

  • Finance – Mr. Gentile, Chair

The Finance Sub-Committee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting. The March accounts by facilities report was reviewed and will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.

Mr. Engle called for the following motion to correct the Finance Subcommittee Minutes of March 18, 2008.

MOTION: To correct the following language: from Wollenberg Corporation to provide the in-town/out-of-town special education and magnet school transportation to Wollenberg Corporation to provide the in-town/out-of-town special education and elementary magnet schools transportation. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed with Jennifer Zalaski abstaining.

D. Negotiations – Mr. Perugino, Chair

No Report

E. Personnel - Roxanne Perugino, Chair

All matters were addressed under new business.

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Meeting

F. Policy – Mr. Wetzel

All matters were addressed under new business.

G. Safety & Transportation

No Report

H. Education Connection – Mrs. Kulesa

No Report

I. Student Representatives

Merissa Heslin

  • Flamingo Fundraiser to support the Terryville High School Class of 2008
  • Year Books will be on sale beginning April 20th, cost $55.00
  • Terryville High School is in its final term and reports cards will be issued this month.
  • Coming – Senior Prom Car Wash and Bake Sale
  • FBLA State Conference held on March 31st in Waterbury

Robert Lutters

  • Amnesty International
  • Band is preparing for their trip to Virginia Beach
  • Drama Club presentation “Caught In the Act” was a great success
  • Spanish Club Salsa Dance – good time had by all
  • Monday, April 7th Assembly – introduced a new mission statement to students – students are rewarded when they behave and earn good grades. Wearing a bracelet earns a student certain privileges, i.e. enjoying lunch outdoors, parking on campus or study time in a third floor lounge. 

Elyse Santorso

  • Boys Volleyball has potential
  • Terryville High School softball is looking forward to competing for the Berkshire League Title
  • Golf begins on April 16th
  • The Track Team is 70 members strong, the highest participation thus far.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 April 9, 2008
Meeting

10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION

Mrs. Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge

Welcome to Mr. Thomas Meehan. Please feel free to call Mrs. Doiron at 314-8003 or Plymouth Center School to receive information on the Summer School Program. You may place your child’s name on a wait list should there be any openings.

Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction

All matters covered under Curriculum Subcommittee Report.

Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology

Thank you to Mr. Kurt Moffett of the Republican- American for his media help. Board Members were shown the news clip that appeared on NBS on Tuesday, April 8th with respect to reading, writing and respect at Terryville High School. A bracelet program was implemented indicating the name of the school and included the engraving of the school’s mission statement. Students who wear the bracelets receive certain privileges, i.e. eating lunch outdoors or parking on campus. However, students can lose their bracelets and privileges if they violate the school rules, i.e. cutting class or arriving to school late. The length of the lost privilege is dependent on the type of violation. The students embraced the bracelet rewards wholeheartedly.

Thank you to students, Brian Luba and Chris Cassola, students and Jeff Telke from our Technical Department for all of their help; Mr. Cerruto, Principal of Terryville High School and Dr. Distasio, Superintendent for all of their support.

Mr. Perusse, Business Manager

Equipment is all ready on site for the removal of the oil tank at Main Street School. Removal will begin on Monday, April 14th and will take approximately 2 weeks.

Traffic will not be able to enter the school or Board of Education using Main Street. All traffic must enter and exit using the rear entrance. All traffic and buses enter by using Kearney Street.

Cafeteria – Easy School Pay. Parents will be able to access their child’s account anytime and will be able to pay on-line with a credit card. Information will be sent home to parents when we return from April break.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 April 9, 2008

 Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

Prior to the full Board Meeting, the Foods Class of Terryville High School treated the Board Members of a wonderful dinner. Many thanks to Mrs. Rioux, Mrs. Aiudi, Ms. Cox and Ms. Tracy and students for providing everyone with a delicious meal.

There will be a Budget Hearing on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 in the new Terryville High School auditorium. Parents and citizens will have the opportunity to voice their opinion concerning the town’s budget. Please attend. This is a very important meeting. Many thanks go out to the Board of Finance Members for the many hours and hours of work they put into planning the budget.

The yearly Academic Bowl was held on Saturday, March 15, 2008. Congratulations to this years participants: Ross Milne, Public Speaking; Emily Cescavich (1st place winner) and
Kari Squires, Poetry; Brittany Mulcahy, accompanied by Matt Miskin, Music; and members of the General Knowledge Bowl, Michael Malloy, Robert Lutters, Michael Budnick and Ross Milne. Terryville High School placed second among five schools participating. Many thanks to faculty coaches: Tim Keane, Music; Sandy Macinaus, Public Speakers and Quiz Bowl; and Gina Ritchie, Art.

The Substance Abuse Action Council will be sponsoring a program entitled, “How Can We Prevent Underage Drinking?” on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 @ 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend. There will be a panel discussion with our own Board of Education Chair, Mr. Ray Engle participating.

Spring vacation will take place from April 14 through April 18, 2008. Currently, the last day of school for our elementary and middle school students is Monday, June 16, 2008 and Thursday, June 19, 2008 for our high school students.

11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

Linda Hotchkiss, 15 Curtiss Road, Terryville CT

  • Great presentation by Plymouth Center School
  • PTA Members are needed
  • Facilities Use Charge – No Charge to PTA’s
  • Plymouth Center School PTA voted to support the Board of Education Budget along with all other PTA’s and PTA Council

Patricia Daigle, 27 Matthews Street, Terryville CT

  • PTA Reflections Winners – PTA Council to conduct a ceremony to honor this years winners – Ceremony to be held at Terryville High School at 7 p.m.

12. Board Liaisons to Schools

Mr. Perugino – Main Street/Prospect Street Schools

No Report

Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 April 9, 2008
Meeting

Mrs. Zalaski – Terryville High School

  • Items discussed: Foreign Exchange Student Program

Terryville High School Building Sign
May Meeting – college search process, selection, and admission, etc.

Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

  • April 25 Pioneer Living Enrichment Program
  • May 7 Staff Breakfast – Board of Education & Administrators are invited
  • Various Support Organizations are seeking volunteers and officers

Mr. Wetzel – SEPTA – (Special Education Parent Teacher Association)

  • Plymouth SEPTA hosted a program on April 3, 2008 that was designed to help educate parents, teachers and other individuals about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Training was provided by CPAC (Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center). For more information parents may call CPAC at its toll free number (800) 445-2722.

Mr. Gentile – Harry S. Fisher Middle School

No Report – Excused Absence

Dr. Distasio – PTA Council

No Report

13. Final Board Comments

Mrs. Perugino – Thank you to the Food Service Students for a wonderful meal; congratulations to the Academic Bowl Team; Welcome to Mr. Thomas Meehan; and thank you to NBC for their coverage on Terryville High School.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 April 9, 2008

Mr. Wetzel - Congratulations to our Academic Bowl Team; the play, “Caught In the Act” was fantastic; Leo Club Spaghetti Dinner was enjoyable; excellent coverage by NBC and parents please talk to your children about drugs and speeding.

Mr. Perugino – Mr. Brian Forman, new Director of Parks & Recreation, a very nice individual; Welcome to Mr. Thomas Meehan (great choice, positive attitude); thank you to NBC 30 for a great job; and most of all thank you to Mrs. Perugino for attending all of the meetings in light of her recent surgery.

Mrs. Zalaski – Thank you to the students for a wonderful meal and a special thank you to Eric who especially prepared my meal; April 22nd , “The Hard Truth – A DUI Program” to be held at Terryville High School; and fact: 50% or less children are likely to abuse drugs if spoken to by their parents.

Mrs. Kulesa – No comments

Mr. Engle – Congratulations to all of the Academic Bowl participants; thank you to Mr. Kurt Moffett, reporter for the Republican-American for his help and unbiased media coverage; April 23rd , 2008 Budget Hearing to be held at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the new high school.; Welcome to Mr. Thomas Meehan; parents/guardians, please speak with your child about drugs, driving and alcohol, talking to children is a family affair and lastly, please consider being a host family and opening up you home to an exchange student. Currently, Terryville High School has an exchange student from Italy.

Mr. Meehan – Thank you to the community for a warm welcome. He is looking forward to working with everyone and sharing ideas.

14. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Engle stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on May 14, 2008 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.

15. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary

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