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12/13/2006

Minutes
Meeting Type:
Board of Education Meeting
Location:
Terryville High School Cafeteria
Date:
12/13/2006 7:00:00 PM

Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Terryville High School Cafeteria

MINUTES

Present:
Board: Ray Engle, Patrick Perugino, Jennifer Zalaski, Lisbeth Leonhardt,
Lenny Morgan, Michelle Spencer and Martin Wetzel

Excused Absence: Velma McConnell and Dan Gentile

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 7:03 p.m. The group joined in the Pledge to the Flag.

2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

MOTION: To adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded, Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 8, 2006. Motion Lisbeth Leonhardt, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

4. PRESENTATIONS

The Terryville High School Leo Club Officers, Becky Wilcox, Brian Mamrosh, Crystal Velez, Lisa Jablon, Tracie Pina, and Bobby Petrovic, gave a ten minute presentation on the Leo Club. They spoke on the history, its members, mission and the reasons why they have been personally involved in this club. They spoke to Board members about the importance of the Terryville Lions Club who are the sponsors of this international organization.

Mr. Cerruto presented the three student representatives on the Board who attended the CABE/CAPSS Convention on November 18th with a book written by Lou Ann Johnson.

Dr. Distasio welcomed members of the Student Council who were in the audience this evening.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 December 13, 2006

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None

6. COMMUNICATIONS

None

7. OLD BUSINESS

None

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Appointments

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Rosa DeJesus, Dance Team Advisor at Terryville High School for the 2006 – 2007 school year. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Robin Gudeczauskas, School-to-Assistant at Terryville High School beginning on or about January 2, 2007. Motion: Patrick Perugino, seconded Lenny Morgan, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of the following individuals as part-time paraprofessionals beginning December 14, 2006 and Cheryl Strahowski, Prospect Street School; Beverly Strasser, Prospect Street School. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

B. Resignations

Dr. Distasio accepted the resignation of Mrs. Robin Gudeczauskas, Secretary at Main Street School effective December 22, 2006.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 December 13, 2006

9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum – Lisbeth Leonhardt, Chair

The Curriculum Subcommittee met on December 6, 2006. The following items were discussed: (1) Terryville High School CAPT initiative – Mr. Rafaniello presented ideas on how to raise CAPT scores. A CAPT rally will be held for all 9th and 10th grade students to promote academic excellence on December 15, 2006 at 8:45 a.m. Elementary schools will be hosting a CMT night for parents of grades 2 – 5 students in the near future; (2) Elementary Math and Science Partnership Grant – In partnership with ACES, thirteen school districts, Central Connecticut State University and Quinnipiac University, grant money was received for a three year period to train one teacher as a district math coach; (3) NEASC – (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) Terryville High School student academic expectations for English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science and Information Technology were discussed; and (4) Other – Computer generated elementary report cards were discussed.

B. Facilities – Dan Gentile Chair

Mr. Perusse reported the roof at Prospect Street School is 98% complete; the temporary heat has been installed at the new building site; and he will be meeting with the Building Committee next week regarding the replacement and installation of the oil tanks.

C. Finance – Dan Gentile, Chair (excused absence)

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

D. Negotiations – Velma McConnell, Chair (excused absence)

No Report

E. Personnel – Patrick Perugino, Chair

Mr. Perugino reported that the personnel sub-committee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting and approved all of his recommendations.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 December 13, 2006

F. Policy – Jennifer Zalaski, Chair

Mrs. Zalaski called on Dr. Distasio for a report on Policy. Dr. Distasio reported the Policy Subcommittee met on November 20, 2006. The first reading of the following policies were presented to Board Members in their packet. Communication with the Public, Policy 1101.1; Hazardous Materials in Schools, Policy 3524.1(a); Internet Acceptable Use: Filtering Policy 6141.323; Migrant Students, Policy 6141.312; and Comparability of Services, Policy 6161.3. He asked that Board Members review these policies in anticipation of their adoption at the January10th Board of Education Meeting. Dr. Distasio explained that these policies are mandated by the State of Connecticut.

G. Safety & Transportation – Michelle Spencer, Chair

No Report

H. Education Connection - Velma McConnell (excused absence)

No Report

I. Student Representatives

Kaitlin Palance – FBLA (Future Business Leaders of American) went to Cook Willow and decorated pine cones and students from Technology Education, Music and FBLA spent time with seniors making holiday figures, etc.

.

Anna Plotnikova – on behalf of the student representatives, Anna thanked the Board Members for the opportunity of attending the CABE/CAPSS Convention. AP English students took a field trip to Yale to see the play entitled “Black Snow” and also attended the British Art Museum.

Robert Lutters – the Leo Club collected over 400 toys; student council collected over 400 teddy bears and on December 18th the Band and Chorus will present a concert at
8 p.m. at Terryville High School.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 December 13, 2006

10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION

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

Mrs. Doiron, Mr. Perusse, Mrs. Zalaski and two staff individuals will be attending a Wellness Policy In Service Workshop on December 14th. In January or February the Annual Wellness Committee will take place. Students will be invited to discuss how our Wellness Policy can be implemented in better ways with our school system.

Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Mr. Lovely reported that applications for Rotella and Maloney Magnet Schools are available. Applications will be accepted up through March 16, 2007. Open house at Maloney Magnet School was on December 13, 2006. Open house at Rotella Magnet School will take place on December 20th. Evening open houses will be scheduled for sometime in January and February. Information for applications can be found on Channel 16; the Plymouth Board of Education website or may be picked up at the Board of Education Office. One may request an application be mailed.

Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology

Mr. Rafaniello presentation a video on the new features of the website; getting CAPT scores higher; what the CAPT test is; how a student can improve on his/her scores, what to expect of the test. To promote the CAPT test, on December 15th from 8:50 a.m.- 9:45 a.m. a Pep Rally will be for 9th and 10th grade students at Terryville High School, community and Board Members are invited to attend; there will be an open mike and a performance by the dance team.

Mr. Perusse, Business Manager

Mr. Perusse reported the New Point of Sale Machines will be installed on January 10th, 2007 at Plymouth Center School. Parents will now be able to monitor and see what their child is eating for lunch through the internet. At the beginning of the program, debit cards will be used but there will come a time when a parent can pay for lunch using a charge card. Eventually, parents will be presented with a daily total every month of what has been spent.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 December 13, 2006

Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

ALL SCHOOLS

Dr. Distasio reported the Plymouth Public Schools participated in a number of civic activities, i.e. Toy Drives and Food Drives over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Items were provided to some of Plymouth’s local families. Many thanks to all who organized participated and donated to these worthy causes.

Congratulations to Mrs. Aiudi who was honored at the Annual Substance Abuse Action Council Meeting on November 16th, 2006 at Nuchies Restaurant for her work in organizing the Local Prevention Council in Plymouth. Under the direction of Mrs. Aiudi, Plymouth’s Local Prevention Council is the model LPC used in the State of Connecticut.

According to a report entitled, “State of Connecticut Public Education: A 2006 Report Card for Elementary & Middle Schools” developed by ConnCANN, Main Street School was ranked 3rd in the State in Performance Gains on the 2006 Connecticut Mastery Test and the Plymouth’s Elementary Schools were ranked 6th in the State on Performance Goals. Congratulations to the teachers, Mrs. Worhunsky, Mrs. Collins and Mr. Lovely.

On Thursday, December 7th, Mr. Perugino and Dr. Distasio met with Senator Tom Colapietro regarding the educational funding that Plymouth received from the State of Connecticut. They also met with Senator Don Williams, President Pro Tem. He and Mr. Engle will be meeting with Representative Bill Hamzy on Friday December 15th to discuss the same issue. The discussions focused on the waning support for educational funding that has been coming to the Town of Plymouth from the State of Connecticut.

Report cards were issued to elementary school children on December 5, 2006.

As a reminder, in preparation of winter, Dr. Distasio informed parents that school closings, delayed openings, and early dismissals will be broadcast on Channel 16 as well as the major television and radio stations.

For parents, the holiday break begins on December 25, 2006 and will run through January 1, 2007. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2007.

The Plymouth Board of Education would like to extend sincerest best wishes for a happy holiday season.

11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

None

Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 December 13, 2006

12. Board Liaisons to Schools

Mr. Perugino – Main Street/Prospect Street Schools

December 14th Grade 1 students went to Indian Rock
December 14 Student Council Meeting at Main Street School from 3 – 4 p.m.
December 15 Kindergarten Gingerbread Jamboree

Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

Board Liaisons for SEPTA and PTA Council are needed. Please contact Mr. Engle. Plymouth Center School participated in Food Drives, Parental Involvement Committee and the Ornament Sale were a big success. If any one has any questions on the Board Meeting(s) or PTA meetings, board member phone numbers and e-mail address may be found on its website. Please do not hesitate to contact any board member with any questions you may have.

Dr. Distasio - Harry S. Fisher Middle School

No Report

Mrs. Zalaski – Terryville High School

No Report

Mr. Gentile – SEPTA – (Special Education Parent Teacher Association) (Excused Absence)

No Report

13. Final Board Comments

Mr. Perugino: Thank you to Mrs. Aiudi, the Leo Club and Mr. Cerruto. It was a pleasure to have the student representatives attend the CABE/CAPSS Convention. The meeting with Senator Williams was very productive and hopefully we can focus on funding. Congratulations to Scott Mamrosh for making the Holy Cross Honor Roll.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 December 13, 2006

Mrs. Zalaski: Prospect Street School is looking for parent volunteers for their Flash Card Program. Your volunteer time, one hour a day for as many days as you have free. This program helps students with word recognition and reading.

Mr. Engle: Both he and Dr. Distasio attended the Consortium for Fiscal Responsibility. The discussion was to pursue certain types of prevailing wage laws. The speakers and workshops are the CABE/CAPSS Convention were great.

14. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Engle stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on January 10, 2007 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.

15. Adjournment

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

Respectfully submitted,

____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary
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