Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES
Present:
Board: Daniel Gentile, Patrick Perugino, Lisbeth Leonhardt, Jennifer Zalaski, Martin Wetzel, Michelle Spencer and Raymond Engle.
Excused Absence: Leonard Morgan and Velma McConnell
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Gerry Perusse, Keith Rafaniello, Carol Doiron and
Peter Lovely
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 Daniel Gentile, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
3. . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 11, 2006.
Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Daniel Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
4. PRESENTATIONS
Prior to the presentation, Dr. Distasio welcomed Mrs. Aiudi and members of the Student Council of Terryville High School.
Dr. Distasio introduced Mrs. Worhunsky, Principal of Main Street/Prospect Street Schools who in turn introduced Ms. Simonsen, Ms. Cumiskey and Ms. Galpin-Barker, all teachers at Main Street who took part in tonight’s program.
This month’s presentation to the Board of Education was made by the Grade 5 Team of Main Street School. Information was provided on the modifications made to the fifth grade mathematics program; discussions on how these changes assisted with
differentiated instruction; and the meeting of the new academic standards required for the Fourth Generation Connecticut Mastery Test.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 February 8, 2006
The PowerPoint presentation provided the following: (a) rationale for changes in the mathematics program; (b) major differences in teaching from previous years;
(c) how students are divided into academic groups; and (d) the growth students have exhibited through various assessments of skill.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
None
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Appointments
MOTION: To appoint Reyes Mabasa to the position of Drama Club Advisor and Sylvia Cancellieri to the position of Producer for the 2006 school play at Terryville High School. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt, motion passed unanimously.
B. Childbearing/Childrearing Leave
MOTION: To approve a request for childbearing leave from on or about March 1, 2006 to April 28, 2006 and childrearing leave from April 29, 2006 to October 2, 2006 for Jennifer Blekis, Paraprofessional at Plymouth Center School for the Apple Program. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
C. School Calendar 2007- 2008 & 2008 – 2009 School Year
Dr. Distasio provided Board Members with a first reading of the proposed calendars for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 school years for their review. He explained, the times for the state standardized tests are relatively assured and approving calendars 3 years in advance provides the opportunity to plan for future professional development days as well as for parents to plan future vacations.
D. Out-of-State Field Trip
MOTION: To approve the trip to New York City for selected grade 9 – 12 students in the Leo Club at Terryville High School for Tuesday, April 18, 2006. (This trip takes place over the April vacation) Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Daniel Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 February 8, 2006
MOTION: To approve the trip to the Bronx Zoo, New York for selected grade 9 – 12 students in the Science Club at Terryville High School for Saturday, May 13, 2006. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the trip to Spain for selected grade 10 – 12 students at Terryville High School for April 14 – 21, 2007 (April vacation) for students in the World Languages Class. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt, motion passed unanimously.
Before moving on to Board Member/Committee Reports, Mr. Perugino questioned why Business of the Board was eliminated from the Agenda. Mr. Engle’s responded some members felt uncomfortable for lack of anything to report. Replacing it with Board Liaisons to Schools would help the Liaison Program. When Mr. Perugino questioned if the Mayor’s office suggested Business of the Board be eliminated, Mr. Engle indicated it did not. Mr. Perugino suggested in the future the entire Board be included on any decisions of this type.
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum – Lisbeth Leonhardt, Chair
The Curriculum Subcommittee met on February 1, 2006. The subcommittee members were presented with a Power Point demonstration which provided: (1) an overview of the changes to the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT), i.e. mathematics problems in relation to curriculum; reading comprehension; changes and effect of the new requirements on special education and non-English speaking students; (2) an overview of the types of questions on the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) given to grade 10 students; and (3) some of the relations and requirements and how the new grades 3 – 5 inclusive testing will effect the reporting of student achievement of No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
B. Facilities –- Daniel Gentile, Chair
Since Mr. Gentile was out-of-state when the Building Committee meet, he deferred his report to Mr. Perusse, Business Manager.
Mr. Perusse reported that the Building Committee met on Wednesday, February 1, 2006. Bids were awarded for roofing and waterproofing, aluminum framed glass, gypsum wall board and ceiling systems, painting, flooring and tile, food service equipment, fire protection and sprinkler systems, and electrical work. Bids are still being reviewed for masonry work. There will be a rebid for cabinets and case work.
C. Finance – Daniel Gentile, Chair
The accounts by facilities report for January was reviewed by the Finance Subcommittee and will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance. The Finance Subcommittee approved two transfers to cover a shortage in the Diesel Fuel Account.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 February 8, 2006
D. Negotiations – Velma McConnell, Chair
No Report – Excused Absence
E. Personnel – Patrick Perugino, Chair
Mr. Perugino reported the Personnel Sub-Committee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting and approved of all of his appointments.
F. Policy – Jennifer Zalaski, Chair
No Report
G. Safety & Transportation - Michelle Spencer, Chair
No Report
H. Education Connection - Velma McConnell, Liaison
No Report – Excused Absence
Mrs. McConnell asked Dr. Distasio to mention the following: Three free on-line courses will be offered to our students. Mr. Lovely is to speak with the guidance department at the high school to see if any of our students can take advantage of these courses.
I. Student Representatives
Jennifer Dutkiewicz – Berkshire Tournament for Wrestlers is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 11th at Northwestern High School in Winsted; there will be a Pep Rally on Thursday, February 16th; and food is being collected for the food drive for the Food Pantry and may be dropped off at the ambulance building.
Sean Link – Career Aptitude Test will be offered at the high school to juniors on February 16th and the next Fresh Start Program will begin on February 9th.
Kailtin Palance – The PTA is sponsoring a combined Family Bingo Night for Prospect and Main Street Schools on February 10th from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Harry S. Fisher Middle School cafeteria; on Valentine’s Day the Leo Club will have a Valentine for all students to sign; and the Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Business Expo on February 15th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lyceum.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mrs. Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge
Mrs. Doiron discussed the Pre-K lottery for the District Program and Family Resource Center. The program is available to all Plymouth/Terryville children who are four years
old by January 1, 2007 and is free of charge. Transportation is not provided.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 February 8, 2006
Applications will be available on March 3rd at Prospect Street, Main Street, and Plymouth Center Schools as well as the Board of Education Offices. Lottery selection will take place on March 6th and parents will be notified by March 8th whether or not their child has been selected for the Preschool Program.
Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Applications for the Waterbury Arts Magnet School will be available on February 14th and can be obtained by either calling or stopping by Central Office. Applications must be returned by March 22nd. There are approximately 6/7 slots available. They are as follows: Grades 7 & 8 (1 opening); Grade 9 (2/3 openings) and grades 10/11/12 (1/2 openings). Open house is scheduled for March 4th from 10:00 a.m. – noon (no reservations are needed);
Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology
Tonight’s Television Production Crew: Christopher Casola, Text & B-Roll; Brian Luba, Director & Audio; Brian Mamrosh, Camera A; Connor Raymond, Camera C; and Kyle Konopaske, Camera B.
Brian Luba created a website for Channel 16 and with the help of other students created a website for Mrs. Aiudi of School-to-Career.
Thank you to Mr. Gerry Milne and the Terryville Parent Involvement Committee for their constructive suggestions for the Terryville High School website.
Update: Professional Development Workshop – February 21st– Power Point – 25 individuals have enrolled and February 23rd – Excel Level 2 – enrollment of 25. The response has been overwhelming.
A Community Conversation is in the planning stages. The topic will be Drug Awareness. It is schedule to take place sometime in March. More information will be forthcoming
Mr. Perusse, Business Manager
No Report
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
Dr. Distasio reported on the following: (a) the Finance Subcommittee will have its first budget workshop on Thursday, February 6th at 6 p.m. at the Board of Education Offices; (b) a second budget workshop will be held on Thursday, February 16th at 6 p.m. at the Board of Education Offices; (c) the new school project is moving along nicely. Please stop by the site, one will be amazed at how much work has been accomplished in just a few short weeks; (d) congratulations to Mycala Ferriere, Rotary Student of the Month for February; and (e) just a reminder, February vacation will be held the week of February 20th – 24th.
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11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
None
12. Board of Education Liaisons
Mr. Perugino– Main Street
Mr. Perugino attended the joint PTA meeting of Main Street/Prospect Street Schools on Monday, February 6th and reported the following: (a) Main Street School has 95 members; (b) Prospect Street School has 60 members; (c) an March 21st at
10:30 a.m. an enrichment program will be held at Main Street School featuring Slim Goodbody; the PTA is sponsoring a combined Family Bingo Night for both schools on Friday, February 10th from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Harry S. Fisher Middle School cafeteria; and Main Street School has an activity called “Book Buddy” where students from Main Street School go to Prospect School to read books together and get to know each other. Mr. Perugino urged parents to attend meetings. A reminder, Gentlemen are welcome.
Mrs. McConnell – Prospect Street School
No Report – Excused absence
Mrs. Zalaski – Plymouth Center School
Mrs. Zalaski attended the Plymouth Center School PTA Meeting and reported the following: (a) there will be a Valentine Day Dance on February 10th; (b) March 3rd is Family Game Night; (c) March 20th is Literacy Night; (d) March 31st , Bingo; (e) CMT’s were discussed and the PTA is organizing parents to provide snacks for each classroom; (f) the next two SEPTA meetings will be workshops; (g) there will be a PTA rally on March 1st at the Bushnell; (h) the PTA state workshop will take place on April 28th and 29th at the Clarion; and (i) PTA National Convention is coming up.
Mrs. Spencer – Harry S. Fisher Middle School
Mrs. Spencer reported no January meeting. Some of the events she highlighted from the newsletter are: (a) Math Counts competition will take place on February 11th; and
(b) Hat Day is scheduled for February 17th to celebrate the beginning of winter vacation. Students pay $1.00 to wear his/her hat for the day.
Mr. Engle – Terryville High School
Mr. Engle reported volunteers are needed to work on Career Day which is scheduled for April 13th. Speakers will be from all walks of life, i.e. ESPN; chefs; bakers; nurses; and doctors.
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Mr. Gentile – SEPTA (Special Education PTA)
No report – Mr. Gentile was out-of-state
13. Final Board Comments
Mr. Engle thanked the student council representatives for attending tonight’s Board of Education meeting.
Mr. Gentile thanked the Superintendent for providing the members with a disc that contained the Board Policies. He also explained, as did Mr. Engle previously, Business of the Board on the Agenda seemed to be getting redundant. By replacing it with Final Board Comments on the Agenda, the group was asked as a whole if anyone had a final comment rather than calling on each Board Member individually.
14. Executive Session
MOTION: To adjourn at 7:55 p.m. to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing the superintendent’s evaluation. Motion Daniel Gentile, seconded
Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To return to regular session at 8:25 p.m. Motion Daniel Gentile, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
15. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Engle stated that the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on March 8, 2006 at 7 p.m. Terryville High School cafeteria.
16. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Motion Daniel Gentile seconded
Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary