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, September 8, 2010
TERRYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
MINUTES
Present: Board: Raymond Engle, Patrick Perugino, Roxanne Perugino, Karen Kulesa,
Martin Wetzel, Gerard Bourbonniere, Mark Berube, Anthony Orsini and Daniel Santorso
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent of Schools, Thomas Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education, Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Michael Santogatta, Business Manager and Richard 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 Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of August 18, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 September 8, 2010 Minutes
4. PRESENTATIONS
This evening there were three presentations: Dr. Distasio introduced the following new certified staff to the Plymouth Board of Education: Marie Cleaves – Special Education, Eli Terry Jr. Middle School; Stephanie (Fasulo) Michaud – Pre-K, Harry S. Fisher Elementary School; Stephanie Konopaske – Physical Education, Eli Terry Jr. Middle School; Alexander Maslak – History, Terryville High School; Erica Nodine – Grade 3, Harry S. Fisher Elementary School; Diane Richards – Family & Consumer Science, Terryville High School; Jeremiah Regimbald – Music, Harry S. Fisher Elementary School; and Tara Sullivan – Language Arts, Grade 6 – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School.
At this time Mr. Perugino entertained the following Motion:
MOTION: To recess at 7:05 p.m. in order for the Board Members to meet the new certified staff members. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Daniel Santorso motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Perugino entertained the following Motion:
MOTION: To resume regular session at 7:17 p.m. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded
Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
After a brief discussion regarding the CABE Recognition Award Application, the following motion was made:
MOTION: To authorize the Superintendent to make application for the CABE Recognition Award on behalf of the Plymouth Board of Education. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Anthony Orsini, motion passed unanimously.
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 September 8, 2010 Minutes
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Board of Education Goals
The following are a continuation of the Board of Education Goals from the previous year.
Goal 1: Systematically improve student performance and accelerate academic achievement for all students.
Goal 2: Promote collaboration among parents/school/community through proactive, ongoing, and open communication.
Goal 3: Integrate technology to enhance instruction, information systems, and resource management.
Goal 4: Develop a business plan that effectively manages district personnel and operations while improving fiscal responsibility.
Goal 5: Implement Scientific Research Based Intervention (SRBI) to ensure that all students are receiving the necessary support and services in the classroom and outside the classroom to achieve mastery of the state and district standards.
After a review of the same, the following motion was made:
MOTION: To approve the Plymouth Board of Education Goals for the 2010 – 2011 school year which are a continuation of the Goals from the previous year. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Anthony Orsini. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Presentation
Mr. Nave updated Board Members with regard to the funds he received from ING. He also presented a signed book by Senator Lieberman which he donated to the library. Also, an American Flag, which was flown on top of the capital on July 27, 2010 in honor of Terryville High School and an accompanying certificate were presented to Mr. Falcone, Principal of Terryville High School.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 September 8, 2010 Minutes
During the summer, Mr. Nave, History Teacher at Terryville High School, spent a week in Washington, D.C. Last year, Mr. Nave was named a U.S. House of Representatives Fellow. As a result of this, Mr. Nave spent a week during the month of July in an intensive program learning about the history and function of the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. Nave shared some the experiences with the Board Members during the evening meeting.
C. Appointments
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Stephanie Fasulo Michaud to the position of Pre-K Teacher at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School effective September 9, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointments of Jennifer Christiana and Traci Oakes to the position of paraprofessionals at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective September 9, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
D. Board of Education Meeting Dates for the Calendar Year 2011
The Board of Education Members received in their packets the schedule of the meeting dates for the Board of Education calendar year 2011 for their review.
MOTION: To approve the Board of Education Meeting Dates for the Calendar Year 2011 as presented. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
.
E. Tobacco Products In Schools
Our schools, along with the district’s School Resource Officer will be enforcing Connecticut General Statute 53-344. This is a law concerning the possession of tobacco products by students under the age of 18. This bill prohibits the possession of tobacco in public places by any individual seventeen years of age or younger. A violation of this law is punishable by a fine of up to $50 for the first offense and a fine of $50 - $100 for the second and any subsequent offenses. The use of tobacco is prohibited from Board of Education Properties with Board of Education Policy 1331.
F. Stimulus Funding
Dr. Distasio informed Board Members this year the district will be receiving Federal Stimulus Funding of about $569,000.00. Since the budget is set and staffing is in place, Dr. Distasio recommends these funds not be expended during this fiscal year. His reasoning is, since we cannot predict the future with respect to the State Educational Cost Sharing Grant, it would be wise to wait until the budget season to make a decision on how to use the funds. He explained the Board has until September of 2012 to expend the funds. Therefore, it would be prudent to wait before making a decision how the funds are to be used.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 September 8, 2010 Minutes
G. Out-of-State Field Trips
MOTION: To approve a trip to New York City for School-to-Career and Drama Club students from Terryville High School for Saturday, November 20, 2010 to see the Broadway production of “The Addams Family”. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Daniel Santorso motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve a trip to Tuxedo, New York for 20 students from Terryville High School to attend the Renaissance Fair on Sunday, September 12, 2010. This trip is part of the Multicultural Federal Grant in conjunction with Opportunity High School in Hartford. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
H. Sexual Harassment Regulation
Dr. Distasio indicated the Sexual Harassment Policy 4118.112/4218.112 was approved in 1977. This policy remains recommended by CABE, but there are recommended changes to the regulations of this policy. Dr. Distasio is asking that the Policy Subcommittee schedule a meeting for later this month, review the suggested regulation changes and make a recommendation to the full Board at the October meeting. Approval for the changes would be requested at the November Board Meeting.
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum – Karen. Kulesa, Chair
No Report
B. Facilities – Mr. Engle, Chair
The roof replacement at the middle school is progressing and should be completed in approximately 3 weeks. The fields and track are moving along. The buildings are in good shape due to Mr. Dennis and the custodial staff.
C. Finance – Mr. Bourbonniere, Chair
The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting and reviewed the August accounts by facilities report and moved that it be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 September 8, 2010 Minutes
D. Negotiations - Mr. Wetzel, Chair
Mr. Wetzel reported that negotiations with the Nurses Association will begin sometime after the first of the new year.
E. Personnel – Roxanne Perugino, Chair
The Personnel Subcommittee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board Meeting and all items were addressed under New Business.
F. Policy – Mr. Berube, Chair
Items were addressed under new business.
G. Safety/Transportation – Mr. Orsini, Chair
Bus transportation is running smooth, no complaints, hope this continues to be positive.
H. Education Connection – Karen Kulesa
Education Connection met on the week of September 1st. Before Mrs. Kulesa went further, she explained Education Connection is a RESC (Regional Educational Service Center). RESC provides services to their district, i.e. training, transportation, special education services and grant application. The presenter for the evening was Mr. David Low from New Haven who is a representative from the teachers union. Some of the items discussed were: (a) measuring student growth; (b) teachers for instructional practice and (c) professional values.
I. Student Representatives
Michael Mastracchio – excused absence
Tyler Tarnowicz – Tyler reported on the following: (a) all clubs at the high school have been set up; (b) October 25 – 29 – events are being set up for Spirit & Red Ribbon Week which is sponsored by the Plymouth Local Prevention Council; (c) October 26 – Junior & Senior football game after school; (d) October 27 – Soccer night at Muzzi Field; (e)October 28 – Bond Fire – Band and Athletes to be introduced; and (f) October 29 – Pep Rally during school & Home Coming Dance.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 September 8, 2010 Minutes
Events at the Elementary Schools: Plymouth Center School – (a) September 9 – Open House and (b) September 13 – Grandparents Day for Kindergarten will be held at 9:30 a.m. & at 1:30 p.m.
Harry S. Fisher Elementary School – (a) September 13 – Open House at 6 p.m. and
(b) September 10, Welcome Back Picnic.
Bryan Kamens – Bryan reported on the following: (a) the athletic teams are beginning their season; (b) the track will be rubberized soon and will be ready for track season in the spring; (c) as President of the Leo Club this year, Bryan thanked all of the individuals that helped out at the Terryville Fair; and (d) September 17 – Terryville High School open house at 6 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. Mrs. Farrington will have a meeting for student athletes.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mr. Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction and District Administrator In Charge
Mr. Lovely’s report focused on (a) on opening day and the presentation given by Mr. Costa and (b) professional development days.
(a) Mr. Costa is from Education Connection – his presentation focused on how technology changes will have an impact on education in the future and how technology has changed the world. For example: Digital Immigrants – remember vinyl records, party lines and transistor radios while Digital Natives – have never lived without CD’s, cell phones or computers. The top ten in demand jobs in 2010 did not exist in 2004. The number of text messages sent each day, exceed the population of our planet. New technology information is doubling each year.
(b) During the two professional days, all staff were trained in Inform Data Warehouse; there were workshops to bridge the gap between certain types of learners and workshop focusing on education benefit and perception – understanding IEP Development – goal setting and modification.
Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel
Mr. Meehan discussed professional development days for his staff: (a) special education teachers had twelve hours of intensive training in order that special education and general teachers bridge more closely; and training on IEP Direct – new IEP Management Tool.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 September 8, 2010 Minutes
Mr. Trudeau – Director of Technology
Mr. Trudeau discussed the following items: parent access to PowerSchool is ready to go with letters being sent to parents with their login information and password.
He also thanked Tyler and Dave, part of Mr. Oleksiw’s video club and Jeff Telke for tonight’s broadcast of the Board Meeting.
Mr. Santogatta – Business Manager
Thanked Mr. Dennis and the custodial staff, the buildings are all up to par.
Dr. Distasio – Superintendent
Dr. Distasio thanked Mr. Santogatta, Mr. Dennis, the custodial staff, administrators, principals and staff members for one of the smoothest openings we’ve had in years.
The opening staff meeting was held on August 23 in the cafeteria of Terryville High School. Some of the events which took place were: (a) introduction of Mrs. Bellantuono, teacher of the year; (b) welcoming speeches from Mr. Lovely; Mrs. Jobbagy (PTA Council); (c) announcement of 12 staff members with perfect attendance last year; and (d) keynote speaker, Jonathan Costa from Education Connection who focused on technology changes and its impact on education in the future.
Dr. Distasio thanked Mrs. Aiudi for organizing our students who worked at the Terryville Fair. Over three hundred students, staff, teachers, administrators and support staff helped out this year. Thank you to: Mrs. Gudeczauskas, Mr. Perkins, Mrs. Sherwood, Mr. Keane, Mr. Fowler, Ms. Konopaske, Mr. Falcone, Mr. Trudeau, Mrs. Worhunsky, Mrs. Morelli, Ms. Gath, Mr. McDermott, Mrs. Zagurski, Mr. Sandshaw, and Mrs. Aiudi.
Congratulations were in order for Board Chair, Patrick Perugino, for earning the CABE Certified Board of Education Member Award. Mr. Perugino participated in CABE workshops, programs and attended a variety of CABE sponsored events. He earned 20 credits in board relations, policy, curriculum, school finance, school law, labor relations, and board operations.
An annual request to parents, please review with your child the importance of bicycle safety and encourage him/her to always wear a helmet, be careful of traffic and to ride at manageable speeds. At the same time, drivers are encouraged to drive defensibly and to be cognizant of children riding their bicycles.
As we look forward to another productive school year, let us remember how fortunate we are as a town to have such dedicated and talented staff as well as the best students in the world.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 September 8, 2010 Minutes
11. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA OR NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None
12. BOARD LIAISONS TO SCHOOLS
Harry S. Fisher Elementary School – Mrs. Perugino
Mrs. Perugino began by welcoming everyone back to another school year. She reminded parents to join the PTA and to become involved in their child’s school.
Some of the events taking place during the month of September are:
September 10 Welcome Back Picnic
September 13 – 16 Book Fair
September 15 Open House
September 21 PTA Meeting
September 23 School Pictures
Plymouth Center School – Mr. Engle
No report – Meeting scheduled for September 14, 2010
Eli Terry Jr. Middle School – Mr. Orsini
2010 – 2011 Officers
President Linda Hotchkiss
Vice President Becky Therriault
Treasurer Jennifer Zalaski
Secretary Lori Cabrila
Corresponding Secretary Nancy Robinson
Membership Melanie Dunn & Rosalina Hunt
Fundraising Marissa Piper
Enrichment Dawn Benner
Hospitality Darlene Oakes
Spiritwear Shelli Tellier
Discussion took place with respect to offering childcare during PTA Meetings.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 10 September 8, 2010 Minutes
September Events
September 2 1st PTA Meeting with an excellent turnout
September 7 Open House/PTA Membership Drive
September 9 – 20 PTA Fundraiser – Grandma’s Gourmet Country Pies
(Delivery November 3)
September 20 School Pictures
September 24 6th grade dance (2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
7th & 8th grade dance (6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
October Events
October 3 – 9 Fire Prevention Week Activities (more information to follow)
October 25 – 29 Red Ribbon Week (Drug, Alcohol Awareness Program)
Items discussed by Mr. Travers, Principal of Eli Terry Jr. Middle School: (a) working on improving the PA System in the gym; (b) mention of progress of roof project; (c) reviewed PowerSchool on line program; (d) reviewed the Stay on Track Drug/Alcohol Program for 6, 7 and 8 grade students; (e) reviewed AlertNow notification system; (f) reviewed academic grading system;(g) reviewed the on going beautification program and (h) procedures for grade 8 Washington D.C. trip.
Terryville High School – Mr. Bourbonniere
Terryville High School PTSA/After Grad Party meeting took place on September 1st. Officers: President – Alison Mitnick; Treasurer - Cheryl Nottbohm, Secretary – Bernedette Polino; Student Representative – Todd Mitnick; The PTSA is seeking membership chairs; they are currently 40 members strong; Mr. Falcone, Principal of Terryville High School spoke about establishing traditions, i.e. homecoming, homecoming dance; and midnight madness for the wrestling team.
Some dates to remember: September 9 – pictures for freshmen, sophomores and juniors and
September 16 – Open house 7 p.m. – there will be a table set up for parents to joint the PTSA – the fee is $5 per person students are encouraged to join also. A committee has been formed with respect to Touch a Truck which will take place sometime in October. PTSA is looking to hosting 2 bingo nights, one in November and the other sometime in April. Flocking will also take place sometime in 2011. The next PTSA meeting is scheduled for September 15 at p.m. in the high school cafeteria.
SEPTA – Mr. Berube
The first meeting is scheduled for September 16th in the Town Hall Community Room at 7 p.m.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 11 September 8, 2010 Minutes
PTA Council – Dr. Distasio
Thank you to the PTA representatives and co-PEA representative for attending tonight’s meeting.
Dr. Distasio reminded everyone that the beautification began when Mr. Orsini was assistant principal at the middle school. Mr. Orsini would organize people to come down to the school on Saturdays to help.
September 22 Bring back the Spelling Bee and exploring the possibility of JoAnn Freiberg to speak with parents about developing a healthy climate in our schools. Focus on bullying issues relevant to our society.
CABE – Mr. Orsini
Meeting is scheduled for September 15 at 5 p.m. at the CABE office in Wethersfield. Just as a reminder, Mr. Orsini is the Area 1 Coordinator for CABE which encompasses 34 schools in this area. He will be the representative for Plymouth.
13. FINAL BOARD COMMENTS
Mr. Berube – Best of luck to the new teachers and congratulations to Mr. Nave.
Mr. Engle – Congratulations to Mr. Nave, Congratulations to Mr. Perugino, well deserved, and to all the new hires “Good Luck”.
Mr. Orsini – Best of Luck to all of our new hires. It’s nice to see that we are hiring local people and people from within. Congratulations to Mr. Nave.
Mrs. Perugino – Welcome Back Everyone. Congratulations Mr. Nave. Thank you to everyone for all of your hard work at the Terryville Fair. Mr. Perugino will be celebrating this 50th High School Reunion this Saturday.
Mr. Santorso – There were many examples this evening of what a great school system we have in Terryville, i.e. Mr. Nave, hiring locally, new teachers, new student representatives and our audience.
Mr. Wetzel – Congratulations Mr. Nave and Best of Luck to all of our new hires.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 12 September 8, 2010 Minutes
Mr. Bourbonniere – Congratulations Mr. Nave and to you Mrs. Aiudi from the Lions for without your help their would be no fair.
Mrs. Kulesa – Indicated how she has been inspired by tonight’s meeting and will continue to be inspired by this Board and everyone that works here in Plymouth.
Mr. Zagurski – The Capitol Improvements Committee met with the Town Council and scheduled 2 public hearings regarding the 19 million dollar bonding package of which the Board of Education has an interest of $642,000.00. The public hearings will be held on the following dates: September 20th and October 4th both at 7 p.m.
Mr. Perugino – Welcome to all our new staff and teachers. Congratulations Mr. Nave. As new student representatives you will learn a lot during you tenure on the Board. The schools look great. As for the CABE Award, it comes with longevity.
14. NEXT REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Mr. Perugino stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on
October 13, 2010 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.
15. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Gerard Bourbonniere
Secretary