Curriculum and Education Committee Meeting

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

5:30 P.M. – SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE

– HUSSEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MINUTES

Present: Chairperson, Richard Barnes

Members Present: Nathanael Rende, Jane Dennison

Members Absent: None

Other Board Members Present: Willie Emerson, Suzanne Allarie-Dowling, Darek Grant, S. Nash Callahan

Others Administrators Present: Dr. Cornelia Brown, Superintendent of Schools, Tina Meserve, Curriculum Coordinator, Jim Anastasio, High School Principal Barbara Nichols, Director of Food Service,

District Staff Present: Eleanor Gay, Carolyn Van Horn

Item 1 – Implementation Schedule for the 4X4 Schedule:

Principal, Jim Anastasio, presented the purpose and plans for the 4X4 Steering Committee that is being created at the high school. His plan included a timeline for meetings, parent forums, staff development and board updates. He shared that information will be on the district website and announced in the newspaper. No action needs to be taken but the timeline will be put before the full board as a discussion item.

Item 2 – Student Request for Change in Privileges at Cony High School:

Student, Nash Callahan presented a request to change the Privileges Policy. He asked that the school unlock the doors during lunch to allow students to utilize the front lawn for that block of time. He also requested that students with privileges be allowed to go out during study hall. Dr. Brown pointed out that this would over-turn the decision made by the full board in June. Mr. Anastasio said that he did not support the change. He felt the current policy increases safety and addresses the New England Accreditation recommendations for increased accountability for students. He also pointed out that the new policy encourages students to take more classes. Mr. Anastasio reminded the group that seniors, with privileges, could already choose this option with the current policy. The Education Committee denied the request.

Item 3 - Change of Meeting Date for Education Committee:

Dr. Brown requested a change of date for the Education Committee meetings from the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 to the first Monday at 7:00. This would mean that all committees would meet on the same day (5:00 – Finance Committee, 6:00 – Personnel Committee, 7:00 Education Committee) reducing the number of nights members are out. The new date and time was agreed upon with the option of moving the time to 6:00 pm when the personnel committee wasn’t meeting.

Item 4 - MEA Preliminary Data:

Tina Meserve presented the MEA Data. Committee members received an overview from each school by grade level and subject, including the percentages of students in each category: does not meet, partially meets, meets and exceeds. More in-depth information will be presented at the full board meeting on September 24^th.

Item 5 - AYP Data:

Tina Meserve presented AYP information for each school. Three of the four elementary schools made AYP with Gilbert being the lone school that did not make AYP. Gilbert missed AYP due to one sub-category (students with disabilities). Ella Hodgkin Middle School made AYP. The High School did not make AYP. They did not make AYP in the participation category or the sub-category of economically disadvantaged students.

Item 6 - Discussion: Second Reading File JL- School Wellness Policy

Jane Dennison requested a change in the Wellness Policy. She would like the committee to eliminate the wording on page two that states, fundraising activities that involve food will meet the guidelines for minimally nutritious food. The removal of this sentence would allow parent organizations to sell candy during fundraising campaigns at community events. They would continue to follow the guidelines against selling to children during the school day. Dick Barnes read the impact statements, which included one for the policy change and one against. There was discussion about the decision to allow the boosters to sell candy but not other parent organizations. Dr. Brown suggested continued focus on improving the nutritional value of the lunch program. Barbara Nichols shared the menu and pointed out the nutritional choices available to students. Sue Dowling discussed her concern that the School Health Committee was not consulted on the change. It was agreed that this issue should be discussed in front of the public. Nate Rende moved to pass this on to the full board. Dick Barnes seconded to send to the full board with recommended changes.

The Curriculum and Education Committee adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

The next meeting for the Curriculum and Education Committee will be:

7:00 p.m., Monday, October 6, 2008

Superintendent’s Conference Room at Hussey Elementary School.