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4/13/2011

Minutes
Meeting Type:
Board of Education Meeting
Location:
Terryville High School
Date:
4/13/2011 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, April 13, 2011

Terryville High School

MINUTES

Present:

Board: Mr. Raymond Engle, Mr. Patrick Perugino, Mr. Martin Wetzel, Mr. Mark Berube,

Mr. Daniel Santorso, Mr. Gerard Bourbonniere, and Mr. Anthony Orsini

Excused Absence: Mrs. Roxanne Perugino and Mrs. Karen Kulesa

Administrators: Dr. Anthony W. Distasio, Superintendent, Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager; Mr. Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education Services 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 March 9, 2011. Motion Martin Wetzel, secondedRaymond Engle, motion passed unanimously.

4. PRESENTATION

Tonight’s presentation to the Board was provided by Plymouth Center School concerning reading. Information was provided about Prime Time Reading Nights for students in grades kindergarten through grade 5; their recent Reading Spirit Week experience; their book fairs, and the “Ethiopia Reads” Program to benefit the Donkey Mobile Library in Ethiopia.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None


Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 April 13, 2011 Minutes

6. COMMUNICATIONS

Dr. Distasio shared with the Board letters he wrote to both Representative Betts and Senator Welch concerning a number of bills before the Legislature. He also shared numerous letters that he wrote congratulating students for outstanding achievements.

7. OLD BUSINESS

None

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Resignations

Dr. Distasio accepted the following resignations: Denise Fidiam, English Teacher at Terryville High School effective June 30, 2011, Daniel Oleksiw, Technology Education Teacher at Terryville High School effective June 30, 2011; Cynthia Crosby, Social Studies Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective June 30, 2011; andBrianna Kleckner, Junior Varsity softball Coach at Terryville High School effective immediately.

B. Appointments

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Catherine Donnelly to the position of Speech and Language Pathologist beginning on or about July 1, 2011. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Tyson Stoddard, Summer School Program Coordinator for this summer’s program. Motion Anthony Orsini, seconded Daniel Santorso motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the following coaching appointments of Susan Leigh, Junior Varsity Softball Coach at Terryville High School for the 2011 season; Tara Sullivan, track coach;

John DiSanto, softball (co-coach); and Dawn Alarcon, softball (co-coach) at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for the 2011 season. Motion Raymond Engle, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.

C. Out-of-State Field Trips

MOTION: To approve an out-of-state field trip on May 9, 2011 for students in the School-to-Career Program at Terryville High School to UMASS in Lowell, Massachusetts to visit the School of Engineering. Motion Anthony Orsini, seconded Daniel Santorso motion passed unanimously.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 April 13, 2011 Minutes

MOTION: To approve an out-of-state field trip on June 1, 2011 for grade 5 students at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School to Old Sturbridge Village. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Raymond Engle motion passed unanimously.

D. Nurse’s Contract

The following Motion was made by Mr. Wetzel, Negotiation’s Subcommittee Chair:

MOTION: To approve the negotiated contract for the Nurse’s Association as follows: The contact is for 3 years; 2011 – 2012; 2012 – 2013 and 2013 – 2014 with a 0% increase for the 2011 – 2012 year, a 2% increase for the 2012 – 2013 year and a 2% increase for the 2013 – 2014 year. Additional, there are increases in the insurance co-pays for the 2012 – 2014 school years. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.

E. Energy Educators Program

Mr. Marty Sandshaw, Energy Education Specialist, provided a presentation concerning the Energy Education Program for the school district. Mr. Sandshaw showed a short video which is part of a grant he and students from Terryville High School have written to build a greenhouse.

Mr. Sandshaw provided the Board Members with an update wherein he compared the savings from November of 2009 to March of 2011.

10. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum  - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair

In lieu of Mrs.Kulesa’s absence, Mr. Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction reported the following: The Curriculum Subcommittee met on April 6, 2011. The following items were discussed: an overview of the technology hardware and software provided throughout the district to support curricula and an overview and rationale of the specialist positions (4 Instructional and 1 each Reading and Mathematics) for the next school year. These positions will be paid through the educational stimulus money provided by the federal grant to schools.

B. Facilities Mr. Engle, Chair

The Facilities Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and we provided a presentation from Michael Laurentano, Sr. of Lauretano Sign with respect to two plaques to be displayed at Terryville High School. One of the plaques discussed would list scholarships provided to students along with the business and organizations who contribute to these scholarships.

C. FinanceMr. Bourbonniere, 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.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 April 13, 2011 Minutes

MOTION: To approve the transfer as discussed at the Finance Subcommittee Meeting which took place prior to the Board Meeting. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Mark Berube motion passed unanimously.

D. Negotiations – Mr. Wetzel, Chair

The Nurse’s Contract was addressed under new business.

E. Personnel – Mrs. Perugino, Chair

No meeting took place. 

 F. Policy – Mr. Berube, Chair

No Report – everything is moving very smoothly and safely.

G. Safety & Transportation – Mr. Orsini, Chair

No Report

H. Education Connection – Mrs. Kulesa

No Report – Excused Absence

I. Student Representatives

Bryan Kamens reported on the following:

April 9 Lion’s Pasta Supper raised $700.00

May 2 – 6 AP Exams

The beginning of spring sports has arrived and the first games and meets were last week. The majority of the track meets will take place at home and the first one is on April 14th.

Michael Mastracchio reported on the following:

March 19 Academic Bowl – Terryville High School took first place in the Quiz Bowl;

Congratulations to Senior, Robert Nottbohm for receiving second place

In Public Speaking and Junior, Lucy Hopko for placing second in Poetry Reading.

March 28 Student Council Blood Drive – 37 pints of blood were donated by students and

faculty. The next drive will be on December 19th.

May 3 Vocational Foods Class hosting a High Tea at the Lyceum

May 7 The Senior Class will hold a car wash at Advanced Auto Parts

May 19 Block Party Fundraiser by the Senior Class

The Senior Class Federal Relief Fund for Japan raised $1,500 with the proceeds going to UNICEF. 

Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 April 13, 2011 Minutes

Tyler Tarnowicz reported on the following:

March 26th Drama Club Musical “Sleeping Beauty”

March 29th Internet Safety Program (fears of not being cautious while on line)

April 6th Dangers of Bullying, Peer Pressure & Drugs Presentation

April 12th Annual United Way Youth Forum (unsafe teen driving and the effects they can have on the lives of many)

11. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION

Mr. Meehan -  Director of Pupil Personnel

We are currently preparing for the extended school year for the program in the summer for the special education children.

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

All items covered under the Curriculum Subcommittee Report.

Mr. Trudeau - Director of Technology

Thank you to tonight’s crew for making this evening’s airing possible. Best Wishes to

Mr. Oleksiw as he moves forward. After vacation, MIMO (interactive white boards) training for staff will be offered. Thirteen staff members have responded thus far. Just as a note, staff members taking part in this training do so on their own time.

Mr. Santogatta - Business Manager

The Financial Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed the March accounts by facilities report. The budget seems to be in nice shape. The athletic fields are being prepared for spring sports and summer projects are being planned along with comprising facility repairs and upgrades.

Dr. Distasio - Superintendent

Dr. Distasio reported on the following

  • Congratulations coaches: Mrs. Macinaus, Mrs. Ritchie and Mr. Keane for preparing the students who took part in the Public Speaking, Poetry, Art and Music portions of the competition at the Academic Bowl.
  • On April 7th the 1st Annual Spelling Bee was held at Plymouth Center School. Grade 5 students from both elementary schools competed in the spelling bee. Congratulations to: Jenny Miskin (1st place); Mikaela Corsi (2nd place); and Michael Tiscia  and Noah LeMere (3rd place). Thank you went to judges: Sharon Newcity; Cynthia Badenhop; Kim Priviteria and Jim Eschert, teachers; Board of Education Member,Gerard Bourbonniere, and Sara Dyer, Speech Pathologist for pronouncing the words. Also, thank you to the PTSA Council and Mrs. Jaworski and Mrs. Aiudi (School-to-Career) for organizing the event.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 April 13, 2011 Minutes

  • Terryville High School 2009-2010 year book, “Time after Time” was created by a group of Terryville High School students under the direction of their advisor, Brooke Matuszczak, has been recognized for excellence and featured in the 2011 Gotcha Cover Look Book, Volume 9. Congratulations to Ms. Matuszczak and her students.
  • On April 11th the Board of Finance conducted a presentation of the Town’s Budget at Terryville High School. Following the presentation, there was a joint meeting with the Board of Finance, the Town Council and the Plymouth Board of Education to set the budget for referendum. The referendum date has been set for April 26, 2011. Please vote.

12. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

None

13. Board Liaisons to Schools


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

  • May 6th Family Contra Dance for students and their families of Harry S. Fisher
School and Plymouth Center School. Event to be held at Fisher Elementary @ 7 p.m.
  • April 18th -27th Spring Break
  • April 27th 6th grade orientation for Fisher Elementary parents @ Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
  • May 7th Plymouth Historical Society, Inc. will be sponsoring Pack your Bindle and Head to
the Hobo Jungle at noon at Baldwin Park.

Mr. Bourbonniere – Terryville High School

  • April 8th BINGO – proceeds - $1,200
  • April 14th Reflections Awards Ceremony – THS @ 7 p.m.
  • April 11th Flocking Season – April 11th – May 23rd (Chair needed)
  • May 15th 2nd Annual Plymouth Car Show – Terryville Lions Club

The Sports Center in Shelton has been selected for the after grad party on graduation night.

Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

No Report

Mr. Orsini – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School – Meeting April 7th

  • March 29th Internet Safety Program @ Terryville High School
  • April 4th Grade 8 field trip visit to Welte Auditorium @ CCSU
  • April 7th PTA Meeting – nominations for officers for 2011 – 2012 school year
  • April 12th 6th grade orientation for students at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School
  • April 13th 6th grade orientation for students at Plymouth Center School
  • April 14th Reflections Awards Ceremony at Terryville High School
  • April 15th Nomination of Officers for 2011/2012 school year
  • April 26th Spring Pictures

Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 April 13, 2011 Minutes

  • April 27th Grade 6 parent orientation @ Eli Terry Jr. Middle School at 6 p.m.
  • April 29th Grade 8 Career Day Fair
  • May 5th Next PTA Meeting
  • May 9th Beginning of Bench Mark Assessments

The Fundraiser Committee is looking into other fundraiser options. The Hospitality Committee will be holding a teacher/staff breakfast in May. The CMT’s went well, there were no weather interruptions. Thank you to the PTA for providing snacks during Mastery Testing.

Mr. Berube – SEPTA

No Report


Dr. Distasio – PTSA Council

  • March 16th PTSA Council Meeting at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
  • April 14th Reflections Program @ Terryville High School
  • April 19th Chili’s Restaurant Fundraiser

Thank you to the Vocational Foods Service Group for the wonderful meal they provided for the Board Members and Administrators tonight.

14. Final Board Comments

Mrs. Perugino – Excused Absence

Mr. Santorso – Nothing to Add


Mr. Wetzel – Nothing to Add


Mr. Bourbonniere – In the Academic Bowl, Terryville students compete with students from much larger schools, and have placed 1st and 2nd in the last few years. This just goes to such you what a great school system we have in Terryville. Congratulations to our students, teachers, staff and administrators.


Mrs. Kulesa – Excused Absence


Mr. Berube – No Comment


Mr. Engle – Apologized for not being about to attend the Academic Bowl. Thank you to the Vocational Foods Service for a wonderful dinner.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 April 13, 2011 Minutes

Mr. Orsini – Commended Mrs. Collins and staff for their presentation on “Reading Across American Program”; Lucy Hopko for her essay on energy conservation; and Mr. Sandshaw, outstanding job on energy conservation and Happy Birthday to Mr. Engle.

Mr. Zagurski – No referendum date on the bonding issue. Referendum date for the budget has been set for April 26, 2011.

Mr. Perugino – Attended “Sleeping Beauty”, great time; Friendly Fundraiser was fun; great presentation by Mr. Sandshaw (you constantly amaze me); thank you to those Board Members who attended the budget hearing on April 11th; and great job by the Board of Finance.

15. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Perugino stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on

May 11, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.

16. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:12p.m. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Mark Berube, motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________

Gerard Bourbonniere

Secretary

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