All right. Are you all ready? >> Yes. >> Okay. Great. Good. Good evening everyone. Today is Tuesday, August 4th, and the time is 6:31 p.m. And I'd like to call this meeting to order. First up on our agenda is the consent agenda. And
our first vote is meeting minutes from June 23rd. There's a hyperlink in the agenda. Any questions or comments on the minutes? >> I make a motion to approve. >> I'll take a second. >> Second. >> All those in favor?
>> I. >> Next, um the warrants and they've gone around for signature. It's warrants 82 83 235 6 and 8. Any questions or comments on those? >> Um the I I like it that the receipts are
on the back of it. I think I mentioned this. So, I like that cuz then I can look at it just not just to keep an eye when I'm signing off on things when I'm signing off. I appreciate that. >> So much fun. I looked at all those this afternoon.
>> That's riveting. >> So, I'd make a motion to approve two. Excuse me. 08283 triple 0235
and 06 and sign to the double and triple 08. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> I Okay. Visitors comment. Any citizen wishing to speak before the committee must sign in with the administrative
assistant prior to the opening of the regular session of the school committee. The visitor will identify themselves by name and address and shall speak for no longer than 3 minutes. For anyone unable to sign in ahead of time, we ask that you clearly state your name and address so that this information can be included in the record for the meeting. No
visitors that don't already have a part of the agenda. So, moving right along. Next, um I'd like to introduce our new student representative, Tessa Healey. >> Thank you. Um you want to tell us about yourself before you jump right on in? >> Oh, sure. Um my name is Tessa Healey.
I'll be a senior in the fall. I have been going to Grandby since kindergarten. Um, and I work at Maple Valley in Deer Creek right now. I have two dogs, two black labs, and a cat. I love to like travel, go to the Cape,
spend time doing all sorts of fun stuff like that. >> Excellent. What do you got for us, Tessa? >> Um, schedules will be released mid August for all the students. The MIA student advisory council orientation for
Brena Marino is on August 20th. And for the student advisory council, they plan to revise academic, civic, and behavioral expectations. >> That is everything. >> That's it. >> Yeah. >> Well, what about something that I just saw on Instagram that's coming up?
>> Oh, yes. The senior class is planning a um senior sunrise um the morning of >> first day. the first day of school. Yeah. >> And what time is that at? >> I believe 5:30. Yeah. I had to double check with it pretty early in the morning.
>> So, you don't go exactly time with Wayne. >> Yeah. Uh >> yeah. >> What will you be doing that day? >> Oh, what will we be doing? >> Yeah. >> Um kind of just hanging out where you have parents like donating like food,
drinks, um taking pictures, just >> seeing the sunrise. >> Yeah. That's a kind of a neat little tradition that a lot of schools do around here. We started it here for the class of 2023. >> Um and I can say that with confidence because it was my older daughter that
started um SAP and uh it's just fun. They paint their car windows and do the whole >> the whole thing. It's kind of a neat little uh thing that and they I think >> there's also senior sunset. >> It's nice. I like their bookend bookends. It's sometimes it's not always
possible to do the sunset depending upon what's happening, but um it's kind of a cool >> cool thing. >> And it'll be the first day classes which will be the next. >> Yeah. So, we'll just basically get to school earlier. We're going to do it out in the basketball courts and then Yeah.
>> Yeah. Thank you. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> All right. Any questions or anything? >> Thanks for taking the time to be here. >> Yeah, of course. Yeah, no problem. >> We're glad to have you, Tessa. >> Thank you guys.
>> You're welcome to stick around if you'd like or you can run far away. >> Okay, Mike go. >> We'll see you in a couple of weeks. >> Yes. >> Thank you guys. >> Byebye. >> Thanks for coming today. >> Yeah, I will make this. Okay.
>> And listen, remember, you feel welcome to bring any concerns, questions, anything you hear from the student body to us. We're happy. >> Yeah, I will. Thank you, Lucy. >> Okay. Um, next is new business. First item is to vote on obsolete materials.
The first are some from East Middle School, uh, presented by Principal Sykes. >> We're so glad you came out tonight to talk to us about this. >> So, well, thank you for having me. Let me find the correct one that I'm speaking
about tonight. I have a few. So, we have some materials here that have been just stored. We We don't have a lot of space and right now we have um we can bring you on a tour if you'd like if we have
time for that. But we have um very limited storage space here. And what we're using on our stage in the cafeteria is also housed for our after school program, what they're calling juicy grapes. And what we have on there are some materials that are broken. Um
we don't know if the school purchased them, the district purchased them, or if teacher purchased them, but we wanted to air on the side of caution. So we have um those dividers that are stained or torn that are just taking up space. Uh, we
have an outdated dollhouse that has a broken roof that nobody wants. Again, we don't know if the school purchased that or if a teacher did. Um, there's a mirror there that is unsafe. It's got a broken edge. It doesn't stand correctly. Um, miscellane miscellaneous outdated
prek materials from 2003 that we're no longer using called Owl. Um, nobody uses them. They have their updated curriculum now. miscellaneous furniture, small table, chair, um, storage items, worn, damaged, and beyond its useful life. I
do have some photos I didn't include in that, but if you really would like to see what this looks like, I can certainly share them with you. Um, so you get a more accurate picture of them, have some. So, we're just looking to dispose of them the correct way. Make a motion to
approve disposal of the materials as outlined in this communication. Do we have >> I'll take a second. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> I. >> Excellent. I'm embarrassed that we've had stuff hanging around since 2003.
That's >> Yeah. >> I'll just make a comment. I >> have a woodworking shop and I do furniture and with friends and family and big furniture, small furniture. If you ever had something you wanted fixed that you wanted to keep, I
>> Oh, thank you. just I'd be happy to give it a look and see and you know and repair it boy. I try I try give them my best effort. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> People like you are worth your weight and gold. >> All right. All right. Thanks very much. That's luck. >> Thank you. See you in a couple minutes.
All right. I'll be back. >> All right. Next is technology department. Uh presented by Mr. Laz. Uh I always get it wrong. >> He said erase. >> This my husband's number. >> Sorry Dave. Not just cuz he could fix anything but
>> and everything. >> I have technology assets that I'm asking um permission to uh dispose slash recycle. It's it's different than the items you voted on back in the late spring. These
items have a little bit of residual value, like a few dollars per unit, as I indicated in my notes, and we will be compensated for that. Um the we purposely retained these for a
separate vote. Uh I did at least because um I I voluntarily submitted the district for uh an audit or uh specific IT assets. And if they found assets that need to be deprovisioned and taken
offline and they flagged it in audit, we can then use that audit report to apply for grants next spring. And that's what that's the process that has happened. I already got the first part of the report here. Uh it's not complete yet cuz
they're they're doing another section, but it specifically tells us that the um we have one model uh in the closet which has not been used for several years. They were just there as spares, but they said they should be removed um and
recycled responsibly immediately um because of a risk of uh battery problems and and uh thermal issues. But and I just want to let everyone know they they we had not been assigning these to students for uh several years. They were on standby and then when we learned
about issues um I took appropriate action. What did catch us by surprise is we have another model that we were not aware had problems. There were approximately 58 of those. Those were in use last year. those have been taken
offline and those will also be um um properly um sent away. And what's going to the process will happen is that they will get to this warehouse. They're going to assess them for salvageable parts. So, one unit might have multiple
parts that can be salvaged. The other one might not have any parts. So, they'll do an assessment and they'll say, "Okay, you know, uh this this has a $400 value. We'll give the school or whatever that is." So, so that's what I'm asking uh you to vote on, please.
>> Any additional questions? If not, I'll take the motion. >> You no questions from you, Tom? >> I'd make a motion to approve as uh David spoke about and as provided here in the communication we received. >> I have a second.
>> I'll second a motion. >> All those in favor? >> I I >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> We don't need those batteries hanging around. No, no, that isn't >> request and that's principal sex again. >> You're going to get your steps back and
forth. >> The next item, um, I have a fairly new teacher. This is her second year. Um, and she did not know of the policy. So, she requested this. So, we had a conversation and we said we had to bring it to the superintendent and the school
committee for this approval. So, she is requesting some items. Some items we talked about, but I did put it in here as she requested. Certain things we can provide her. Paint brushes and watercolor supplies. They're in the art room. We can borrow them. But other things, um, dramatic play toys, the
dollhouse. We did look at the one that we have that is broken. She cannot use that one. Um, puzzles, um, things like flexible seating. Those are above and beyond what our our supply budget can get for her. So she wanted to put this
out to donor's shoes. So we have to get permission for that. And she is one that doesn't have this is her second year here. She doesn't have a lot of materials herself already stored up as veteran teachers do. So explain to me donor's choose. Does this mean she's sending a note home to parents or
there's going to be something on like at the beginning of school like how does the donor choose? Like how did the donors know to choose? So she doesn't put it out here. She puts it out on a platform. It's a public platform that people from all over can go on donor's shoes and they can choose to donate to her class.
>> Okay. >> And I did take a look at our policy. I talked to attorneys and it does fall fall under the I can send that. I was going to put it in there, but Genie is much better about putting things in into the document, but it it can go with online fundraising and crowd
>> crowdfunding. So as long as the um staff member uses everything through the school, can't be delivered to her house, cannot be used to her personal email, everything has to be used through the school, it will suffice through our the crowdfunding um policy that we have. So
again, it has to be, you know, her through the school 100%. She can't have things delivered to her house, >> right? >> Absolutely. It cannot be used as a personal. So it has to be directly related to school. So that would be okay. It would fall within the parameters of our crowdfunding policy. and she'll she'll understand that. And
when it's posted, can we get just a copy of what that ad looks like when she when she as long so I'm ahead of I put the cart before the horse. As long as the committee approves that, I'd just like to have a copy of what um that looks like just to go with it. >> Absolutely.
>> Yeah. And and any of us can go on donor's shoes and look it up. But um >> so you're familiar with this? >> I am. It's very very common. And I think so the only thing I would add to it is the requirement of law is that at some
point she keeps a running tally and then that tally comes to us and we accept it as a donation to the school so that it becomes school property and I'm completely fine with this. I think it's um fabulous that so many people do this
type of fundraising. I think donor's shoes is so successful because it's uh it cast such a wide net. >> Um and there are people with lots of money trying to figure out and people who love education and prek education and and all that good stuff. Um so kudos
to her. Um again, as long as she understands that eventually a running list has to come here for acceptance. >> Absolutely. >> I'm completely fine with it. >> All right. If there's no additional questions, I'll take a motion. >> I just um it was t What was that?
Logan's project. That's Logan. Who did it? Yeah, >> Logan Denny. She is a preschool teacher here. Yes. I just l Logan's project. >> Who's the keeper for sure? >> We'll check this out later. I'd make a motion to approve uh the request for the Logan's project um
donor's shoes um with the caveat that at some point um a listing of materials acquired through donor's shoes through this project comes to the committee for final acceptance. >> Can I have a second? >> Second.
>> All those in favor? >> I >> I >> Thank you. >> All right. You don't have to leave cuz now you're going to do handbook changes. All right. I'm not getting my steps in though. >> You're welcome to walk back and down. >> So for this year's handbook, um I believe you have the one-page document
in front of you, which is easier to update this instead of going through the handbook. The things that were in red, um obviously the update the cover page when the school committee approves. When and if the school committee approves, we'd have to update the date there. Page five, I added the updated welcome letter
from myself and Mr. Rosenberg. Uh, again in red, update staff. Page seven and nine, we need new emails. So staff that are starting don't really get those emails towards till the school starts or closer to when school starts. So we're waiting on those. The calendar
has been updated for this school year. Page 12 to 14, we're adding info about parent letters. Um, so there's a lot of confusion or there's a there is a lot of confusion about absences and what Desi says. So what we put in there is all
absences from Desi accounted um towards absences cuz what we have here is excused and unexcused. But Desi doesn't care. So we're trying to explain that to parents a little bit more. So when they come in and they say they're going to a doctor's, it might be excused here or they're sick, the nurse sends home, it's
excused. But when Desi comes back and they get that letter from us that they've been absent 3 days or 6 days, that's what we're looking at for from Desi's wording. So, we want to explain that a little bit more. >> So, this Can I just ask now since we're here? This is not the exact wording
that's going in. >> No, I'm just putting notes of what I changed. Everything else is the same except for the wording that I'm adding to it to try to make it a little bit more clearer for me, >> understandable to parents because they wouldn't know what Desi is, for example. >> Right. And we we have those conversations when we follow up with the
the three day letters or the six day letters. We have these conversations with them, but it's always the same conversations. Well, it's it's excused. >> Well, it's not. It's excused with the district, but it's not excused through Desi, which is why we're trying to make it a little bit more clear.
Page 15, security of the building. Change the language about 2:00 pickup time unless it's an emergency. So, as you can imagine, between 2 and 2:40 is very busy in the office, and we have a lot of families coming in. Um, they're trying maybe trying to get out for an
appointment. Maybe they're trying to avoid the car pickup line, but they're coming in at 2:15, 2:25. Just trying to put it in there. Just please try to avoid that time because the office is a very busy place unless it's an emergency. We did leave that in there.
Page 16, parent drop off pickup procedures, language around tardy time. Um, I'm usually at the front door and parents had asked they're coming in at 8:30, which they're on time, but they asked me many times, when are we tardy? Well, it would be 8:31. So, I just put
that language in there. Also, we have different types of pickup areas. So, the buses come over here, the older kids come back here, which is not a problem. Where there's confusion is the front. So we have that front lane and we have the parking lane. So we want
parents who are dropping off kids just to drop them off to come to the front and we want parents that are going to walk their children to the door to park. A lot of preschool families do that. Um so we're just trying to distinguish that a little bit more just to make it a little bit safer because we have children out there. We have cars parked.
Um it can get a little sticky out there if parents are pulling out and there's children walking it. Nothing's happened so far but we're going to try to prevent that. So, it's just streamlining that little area out front. Uh, bus policy and rules. Um, this is
something we wanted to put in the handbook cuz I believe we would have to change the policy around this. Right now, it's just um cell phones. What we noticed is we all have them. Um, children last year were texting each other in school. By adding it to the handbook, we don't necessarily have to change the policy. That might be
something we look at. um and adding a smartwatch or Bluetooth device cuz who knows what they're going to come up with next. But we had students texting their families last night and year to pick them up from the nurse's office, texting each other, sending things because it
was well, it only says smartwatch. It says um phone on the handbook. So, we're trying to add some language around that. Bus guidelines for parents. uh adding langu language around other than parent or emergency contact is picking up
child. It needs to be in writing. I'm forever a safety person. I don't want them to just call me. It can be anyone calling me. I want to know it's in writing whether it's a note or an email. And we're going to check IDs. Page 22. School days academics take out
language um about the assignment book. We don't use that anymore. So, we just wanted to take that out. We changed the dates for the marking periods to match this year. Page 24, classroom visitation. We're adding language that the administration,
it says will here. I put may attend. We typically do just to give another set of eyes if a parent or a visitor is coming in to observe a classroom. Page 24, school accommodation plan. We used to meet one day for a month. We are
now meeting weekly once a week. Page 27, title one language. It had the West Street School in there. I didn't notice that last year, so we took that out. Page 32, um, health policies and procedures. Uh, the nurse is on the
teachers contract, so she's not going to be in at 8:00. So, we wanted to make sure that she was in with the teachers time, changing that time. Uh, there was also language in there about we will provide masks. we have them available as needed, but we don't want to put in there that we will give
them to them because we don't we have a limited amount of masks. So, we don't want to say that we're always going to give them out. So, we kind of just changed that. And that was with the nurse. Her and I worked on that. And then the next part, page 35, there was an area in there that was communicable versus non-communicable, and we had that
language wrong. So, we changed that up a little bit um to make sure it was correct. Um I did invite her to come here and she could not make it to talk about that a little bit more but the way it was being used was not the correct
way. Uh add educate to nursing interventions. There was a piece there about um working with staff and it's to educate staff and then just changing the title. Page 38, cell phone recording device
policy, adding smartwatch language in there because you can record with this communing with parents via the nurses um or the front office. Again, they were texting their parents. I don't feel good. Please come here. Next thing you know, we have parents at the door. No one knows why they're here. My child was
sick. We'd have to double check. Did you call? Nope. Oh, they they texted me through their smartwatch. They do not use their phones here. They're in their bags. They bring them, but they're in their bags. So they're starting to use these >> sixth graders. So
>> and fifth graders and fourth graders. If it's there, they're going to use it. >> Yep. My third grade has one. >> I guess it was easier when I was raising kids to just say no until you're 16. Yeah.
>> Children are coming in younger with smartwatches and phones, >> but they we don't really have an issue with the phones. I mean, I know the state is looking to do something with the cell phone policy, so that might be something we're definitely going to have to keep on our radar. >> Well, that's that I mean, eventually
they're going to work it out and have some suggested regulation. >> So, when you mentioned policy, I appreciate you doing that, but I'm not willing to move forward that yet because we'll have to move change it at some point in the next maybe next week. Who knows? You never
know how fast or how slow these are moving. So, I appreciate you putting that in there. Thank you. Page 98, remove information regarding Swiss. We do not use this program anymore. We track our data on teacher. And then in red, update the table of
contents after all edits to make sure that each page is correct. Any questions? >> Thank you for putting this together. I appreciate it. >> You're welcome. >> I don't have any specific questions on this. Looks mostly like housekeeping. Um but after going through it I just want
to ask in the policy manual um about affordability of field trips it says um all parents and guardians will be advised as to cost and then in the staff manual it says um access um field trips
will be regardless of family's ability to pay which is good. I mean I like all this. What is a mechanism for somebody who might be having difficulty um paying for a field trip so a child doesn't get left out? >> So, we find a way to pay. We we don't
broadcast it, but we find a way. Usually, a teacher will pay if they usually divide it up by what the you know cost is per child, but a teacher usually chips in a >> or PTO sometimes will do. >> Okay. My wife is a teacher. I'm familiar with that. I didn't know if we had a
form without embarrassing someone >> been able to make that work out. >> And then there's also that we still have people fill out forms for like free lunch and things like that and sometimes that cuz you no we don't do that every >> state does direct certification.
>> Those paperworks >> they're the forms are optional. Um, we use direct certification uh for some of our ver verification. Um, but not using them the way that they were prior to universal uh
>> and I think that um our principles and admin team really have a good handle on what students really are the ones in need and and we have a great resources with the adjustment counselors and and the um social workers and such. And so I I do know that the they're pretty
familiar with the the students that that need support and things like that. And most of the times it's the teachers and administration and and just a random person chipping in and helping out. >> Okay. Very good. Thank you. >> You're welcome. So now I have a question. Thank you for
bringing that up. >> Um I knew we always found a way. Um but I thought that meant the school side, the district side. Um I I am concerned that teachers um
many of whom already aren't making what we might consider a living wage um paying. And I'd like to know if there's a way we consider um putting aside a small amount of money maybe in the school choice funding or
some other way you might recommend for this kind of thing. I mean, it really shouldn't be up to teachers to fund this. >> First, I'd like to make sure that it's clear that no one's asking the teachers to pay. >> I know this. >> So, I'm just Well, people that might not watch this don't know that. >> Nobody's asking the teachers to pay. I
get it. They love our They do love the children that come here. >> So, I know that we've had it come up before where, you know, we're looking to adjust funds or the um we approve a donation from the PTO to cover that. So, I don't think that it's something that is out of control or that happens super
regularly. I know sometimes we've seen, you know, there's someone has come up with something and there's a donation or whatever. So, I I don't think it's a a a huge problem and I I don't think that we need to spend a lot of time discussing about how we're going to do something
because it comes up when it comes up. So >> yeah, I just think it would be a good idea for the district to be aware that there should be some identification of a source in case it does come up so that teachers aren't teachers should not be asked to pay for that. >> I don't think anyone is um is asking the
teachers to pay. >> Well, okay. So they're volunteering, >> right? >> Teachers should not be volunteering to pay for that. >> Well, okay. >> The district should I think, you know, I know that there's a lot of things. Um, but I know that our and I know that the
teachers heartstrings are pulled to make sure that the most needy children get everything other children get. Um, I would be the same way if I were a teacher. Um, but I would love it if the district could maybe rethink some possibilities of small set aside
somewhere. I don't think it would turn into big dollars over the course of a year and maybe make a recommendation to us. I'm not saying we have to take a look, see what's possible. >> We get we get a lot of um whenever there's a field trip, there's I'm going
to say 95% of the time, not long after we find out about a field trip, there's a donation from the PTO that covers. >> So there's a it's a very small it's a >> the to be clear, we're not talking about hundreds of dollars for a field trip, right? Like it's like >> that's what I mean.
>> Yeah. So, um I I hear what you're saying, but I think that's not appropriate for right here. We can have we can add that for >> future discussion. That's exactly where I'm going. Yes. >> I I and I agree. It is. I mean, I used
to coach basketball and I didn't do it for the money. I usually spent all my money on paying kids who couldn't pay for their athletic fees >> and um and that does get expensive. I didn't care because coach I didn't more
money had no no issue why I was coaching but that is significant that I I like the idea of at least exploring the possibilities of having some mechanism. I just don't want anybody left out. I don't want anybody embarrassed that that's that's where I'm coming from >> at a future meeting.
>> Yes. Thanks. I know we did the same thing. We were always the parents that other parents left our kids with for the weekend. So, we would travel with them, feed them, put them up in a hotel. I get
it. I get it. Not that we had the money to do it, but >> All right, let's bring it back. Um, is there any further questions related to this? No, I thank you. >> Okay. If that's case, if there's no
further question, I will take the motion regarding the updates. >> I make a motion to approve the changes as specified. >> Thank you. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Excellent. Thank you. Thanks so much. >> And one thing you do, you got in touch
with me regarding the read aloud me. >> Yes, we're going to do that again this year. I'm planning it way ahead. Yeah, I got scheduling or so I didn't have >> a snow day. Snow day delay. You were planning that even bigger this year, but I'm already planning it for >> Well, I look forward to participating.
>> Thank you. I will be in touch. >> Okay, we've got high school updates presented by Principal Jordan. >> Hello everyone. >> Hello. >> Right. So the you have this blue and
white document. >> I didn't realize that the 25 26 was still on there, but for 26 27 we have very minimal changes. Um a lot of work have been done in the handbook in the past few years. Um from the top I'm talking about for tardies um this was
something that we had changed. Previously it was every three tardies equals an absence from school and I felt strongly that we needed to undo that. Um hard to track and very punitive um to gig kids for tardiness and then
attaching it to classroom. Um so we took a different approach and did every five tardies equal um for this past year a Saturday school. We learned rather quickly that the students were
attentive. Um they were making it to school on time. We were quite impressed. Um a lot had changed about midway through the year. Um we noticed that our because it's one of our accountability ratings um for like chronic absenteeism um tardiness. It's something we pay
attention to. And we noticed that it had improved a significant amount. And we were like, "This is working. This is great. We love it." We started to get some feedback from parents as the numbers started to increase. So you have one tardy, two tardies, three, four, five. Now you're starting to add up a little bit. Now
kids are starting to feel it. So they were getting their Saturday schools and they didn't like it. We're on the street. They were like, "This is awful." Parents gave us some feedback. Is there anything else you can explore? We're like, "All right, it's new for us. Let's entertain this. What are your suggestions?" Um, we did have some
parents suggest community service. Still holds the kids accountable. They can work on skills. they can give back to their community. We're like, "Okay, we're open to it. Let's try it." Um, so we ended up adjusting the chart um to reflect that five tardies is 5 hours of
community service. We didn't want to start with one, right? We didn't want to start It's really hard for a kid to do 1 hour community service once they lock into a project. It's nice to have them for a good amount of time. Um 10 hours. And so what that looks like is it really
is a running log. um we'd give them either one week, two weeks to do it, but we encourage them to do more multiple hours um if once they start the project and then we noticed some of the kids wouldn't complete it. So, and then some
kids were skipping, intentionally skipping. Um it's hard to track that, too. And we get it. It's a lot. It's a lot. Um puts it on the parent, guardian, um caregivers to come to school, pick up the kids. Um, but we're always very
flexible and worked with the students. >> So, clarification because I'm um So, five hours is for five tardies. >> Yep. >> And 10 hours is for 10 tardies. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> I have my >> I wanted to make sure my math was mapping.
>> Yeah. On page 22, it's in red and green. I'm not sure if you have a colored copy. So, then 15 tardies. >> We only have the sheet. You only have the student. >> It's in the handbook. >> The handbook itself. Oh, I didn't pull up the handbook. I was just looking >> for 15 tardies. Then we started to lock
into a Saturday school and then 20 because it's starting to get excessive. Um was a Saturday school. Um we interestingly enough, we had some parents say we can't do a Saturday school for whatever reason. They're away
family. Okay, what else can we do? We're at this point. We're beyond 5 hours. We're beyond 10 hours. It's progressive discipline. Um, and parents started suggesting, well, here we go in-house. So, we learned quickly that some students were skipping intentionally
because they didn't like the idea of going to a Saturday. So, they opted for, I'd rather just do an in-house a day in in house. We don't want the students inhouse because they're with us all day. And that really impacts our day. You know, they're either with the assistant
principal or in my office they set up shop and it really has an impact. Um, I want to say we had maybe two all year, which wasn't it wasn't bad at all. Um, and they were optins for it. >> Okay.
>> So, we do look at our overall suspension numbers and we that's the it's last resort. We never want to go for a suspension. We really try to work on alternative ways and modes other than suspending kids from school. We want
kids in school. And when I looked at our data and the fact that our tardiness had dropped significantly, I'm talking like 90% midyear, it was the number was crazy how much it dropped cuz we were curious if it was working. Um, and so I forget
where I was going with the second part of my point, but u we landed on um taking the feedback from the parents and adjusting it for this upcoming school year. And I'm always open to an alternative to inschool suspension. and we're just running out of ideas of what else it could be if it's something that
gets to that point. So having 20 targets is pretty significant um for a school year. >> Can I go over that chart because you've confused me a little bit. >> I'm good for doing that. >> Okay. Five tatties is five hours of community service.
>> Yes, sir. >> 10 tatties is >> 10 hours. >> 10 hours. >> Mhm. >> What's 15 tidies? >> Saturday school. That's going to be Saturday school >> and 20 is Saturday. >> 20's going to Saturday school.
>> What What is this? 4 hours after school. 2 >> 4 hours after school. >> Failure to attend. >> A failure to attend. So >> I don't know if that's reflected down there. >> No. >> No. It's probably not. >> 25 plus tardies one day in house. Failure to attend any of the assigned consequences will result in 4 hours
after school serving detention from 2 to 3. Oh, that's for any of them. >> What? To act 25 plus tardies. >> Where are you reading that? >> That's at the top of page 23. >> Oh, I don't have that on my page 23.
>> Oh. >> So, and I'm glad you're here to explain this to us cuz some of what is I just got this. >> There's a 25. I didn't make to my chart. >> Oh, it's probably wasn't changed. >> Cime probably. Yes. Oh, >> okay.
>> Yeah. I think what what I was saying is we had students um skipping skipping out on the assigned. So, we would set up the projects for community service and they wouldn't show cuz then we coordinate our time after school and that really impacts us too because then we have
after school meetings um leadership meetings. So, I think we put something in there. Um, I can certainly clean that up and make sure that it aligns from this is just the summary page, but to make sure that's still in there. So, I think I I must have forgot to put it the
25 on the chart. >> It didn't change. >> Okay. So, that is still that's in the electronic copy of the handbook. I have >> I got a joke. >> Yeah, I want to say that changed three times in the last two hours.
But it didn't the tar chart didn't change. >> Are you guys you guys were saying 22 page 22 and 23? >> Okay, I see the red and green now. >> It's red and green. >> Got it. >> All right, >> it's red and green. Okay great.
>> All right. So, what do you want me to put in the new language? Are you me to put that in there somewhere? I think I just not in the >> the chart reflects what it's supposed to be. What we were noticing was that kids were failing to attend.
>> I see. Okay. So I think we were what we were doing was trying to shift what it would be in lie of we also like if a kid couldn't do a Saturday say for instance the the parent I want to say we have it tracked I
should have counted the amount of that we assigned over the course of the year that if a parent called and said hey we can't make it we have this going on we'll be like okay how about after school Monday to Thursday from this time to this time to the equivalent of
because Saturday school was 4 hours. So if they had something that came up, maybe the parent caregivers working or the students working, but we tried to give plenty of notice as well. So we really do make a concerted effort to work with families and it's believe or the last thing that we want to be doing
is, you know, and asking our teachers to come in on a Saturday. Um we did have two teachers that came in on Saturdays. They found it helpful because they could play catch-up with some of their schoolwork. Um however um I would say with the change in it I I appreciate the
feedback from parents and the families um to suggest something lighter. I know a Saturday is a big jump. It was something we did here years ago and to bring it back. It was threatening in nature. Um and to be honest, it worked
to a point where it got our kids in school um on time. So, a lot of the some of the, you know, the stop at dunks, what we were kind of talking about earlier, a lot of that they were planning accordingly,
>> you know, um, and how to manage their time a little bit better. So, >> there's still, we are aware that we will still have excessive tardiness for some, but, our numbers did um, and just a note, I appreciate the fact when the weather's bad that you put a note out
right away. >> Tardies are waving everything for a certain time because all these kids driving, >> right? >> Um and after Meredith's accident um last year, I appreciate it cuz I know that she is a lot more concerned about um driving in the crap. So,
>> right. And that's another thing that came up too that we put in place. The students um the student athletes need to be in school on time. >> It was really unfair. They can make it to practice on time. They can make it to games on time. They're not showing up to school on time. And so we stole one of
the rules from another school and it teaches them teaches them a lot and they're on school they're on on school property on time as if they would practice in games >> you know and so it works but yes we are if there's any inclement weather
of course >> right >> we'll wave it actually I try to wave them and be nice and every now and again be like all right random wave day here we go because if not out in the office, it's really hard to do attendance without her. >> Mhm.
>> And so we're just like, "Okay, >> free day." Yeah. >> Free day. So we're good for those. Um we draw the line of the leaves falling and hitting the ground, but sometimes leaves can be slippery. >> Mhm. >> So we just want our kids to be on time and safe.
So does anyone have any questions about the tardies? I will clean the chart up a little bit if um to make sure it's not red and green. We tried to make it easy like green is new or updated and red is gone.
>> So I do and thank you for explaining that because I know I am from the old school. I'll acknowledge that. Um and I didn't understand the red and green um highlights I would have understood straight through and you know but um in
any case thank you for explaining that. Um, I did talk to Mary Jane and quickly to Ally. I'm not a fan of punitive consequence for kids. Uh, when I say kids, I mean students, but most of our
students are under 17. I would think most of our students are not driving themselves. Although we do have students who drive themselves. Um to your point, I would not want a student who does drive rushing in inclement weather cuz they haven't had the experience to
understand how to navigate inclement weather if something happens. Um I am not opposed to the community service. I know that people in this school work hard to understand uh what a child is
bringing to school. I think I've been around at least long enough to get pick that up. Um, and I I um I don't like the in-house suspension. I don't like what that says to other students about that student even at 25
plus days. I would imagine, you know, whether it's the parent or the student at that point. Um, but I think in a school like this in particular, it singles somebody out. Um, to be disciplined like that.
Um, I don't know what other possibilities are available. 25 plus is a lot, but whose fault is it? Does it mom or dad that's just not getting them here on time, or is it their fault? >> Well, I think either way, someone I mean, you're not going to be able to
hold a parent accountable. Um you you can't give a parent a detention or give a parent an in-house suspension and it is a parent's responsibility to get their child on uh to school on time. >> It's parents responsibility to do a lot of things they don't normally do and then folks deal with them at school
unfortunately and I guess my now that I fully understand the community service thank you for explaining that um and taking out the other consequences. I'm okay with that. I I do have a big concern about the the one day in-house
suspension um as a blanket statement um because again and maybe it's my experience uh that tells me that it's often not the student's fault and I don't want to see them punished
for something they have no control over. >> 25 is excessive though. >> It's pretty excessive. I admit it. But again, um I bet it's the same students and the same parents by and large. You know who's stopping at dunks cuz they're coming in
>> or you've heard it and you know who's not getting here because >> sure >> the parent isn't getting them. >> If they're commuting issues, if there's school choice or coming from further, right? >> If they're dropping somebody else off before coming to school. Um so it could
be for a variety of reasons. And the kids will tell us if it's straight up their parent guardian. You know, they'll say, "Hey, it's my mom's fault. Dad's fault." But we do have some of the students that, >> right, >> I said to you once.
>> They might have been part of that club back in the day. It might have been the breakfast club, but >> um yeah, I I would be open to alternatives and I'm big on alternatives, you know, um restorative, you know, >> right?
As a lot of what we do in practice is all restorative. I'm just out of ideas for what's next after that if it is progressive because the only >> other is consequences already in classes to take you out of a class to do the consequence >> right and you can't do external
suspension because you need three other ways of remediation. >> You cannot do external suspension and you know I mean as hard as that is on people in schools >> Mhm. >> Um it's so good for kids. Um, I would love to hear uh if your
leadership team um had some ideas about something other than an in-house suspension for a student. Again, in a high school that has what do you got 300 kids over here? >> Two. >> Um, yep. >> Everybody knows who's in an in-house
suspension. But at the same time though it plays out those kids know who's consistently late because it's you know I I I appreciate what you're saying but I also feel like because it's a small school I can tell
you from my experience I can almost know which kids are are late because you you know I drive my same route to work every day and I see the same kid driving by me late every day either with their parents or without. So it bec it's the nature of
living in a small town. It's like it's pretty. >> I get it. My kids went to school with fewer than 250 kids 7 through 12. I know. I know. And it it's typically the parents. >> Um I from my experience
um I don't have a problem uh giving consequences to a young person um who understands and is still breaking the rules. But I I really do in my heart of hearts I would not vote yes for this because I would not want to give that
suspension to a young person who had no control over getting here on time. >> And I think that's too where our discretion comes in >> which we exercise which we exercise quite often >> in our role. We have the ability to do
that. Um I think when you get to that point where it's beyond some of the external right factors um >> there's probably discussions that are happening along the way. I mean 25 >> good that's a lot of tardies. I 100% agree. >> I mean I think we have public buses that
run around. If someone's being consistently dropped off to school that's not a school choice student. That's someone that lives in town. Then perhaps they need to adjust and they need to get themselves on the bus that drives by their house. Maybe if they're a junior or senior, I can see that. Maybe even a sophomore.
>> 7 through 12. >> I mean, the buses are for grades 7 through 12. >> The school buses? >> Yeah. >> Oh, I see. Okay. >> We don't have public transportation. >> I was going to say I haven't seen it yet. >> No, I'm talking the public school bus that's provided, >> you know. So, >> and so this would be a a conversation
you would have with a student that's approaching this level. >> It happens that there's not >> you give them the bus schedule and say, "Jump on here." >> Well, conversations. You know, if if a student has the excessive tardies, we're having multiple conversations with them. You know, it's not something that we
just bring on them. The kids are well aware. We meet with kids a lot. Um and >> and you and you did say when you had that in the two in school suspension that you had, those were discussions you had with the parent, >> right? And they chose it because they got to that point. Um, I will say
though, in-house suspension is So, I know this the word suspension usually comes with like a negative connotation, right? >> Well, they're out of their classrooms and in a separate space doing the schoolwork they would normally do. >> Yes. And you're not wrong. The way that we design it is that they're with either
the assistant principal or myself in one of our offices, sometimes with the air conditioner running with their meals. They get snacks and all the things. It's not like watching paint dry. We're very good with the kids. Sometimes we even sit down and work one-on-one with the
kids. The teachers come down and see the kids. If they're on an IEP, the special ed teacher comes down to see the kids. So, it's not like the old school staring at the wall 3 in from the wall kind of in-house suspension. Like the kids, it's
a very nice day and they catch up on a lot of work if they need to. But you are not wrong. They are out of the class. Um, however, the teachers do come down and see the kids. Um, the assistant principal does do a nice job for the limited amount of kids that we had in
suspension this year. Our suspension was cut in half this year. Our numbers were really low. Um, which is great. But the kids, they sometimes they enjoy it saying that and like they enjoy coming in. >> I am open to facilitating a meeting,
even asking the student advisory council, the students that we meet with >> and see what they have ideas for. And if they come up with it, I'll report back. >> Thank you. >> I just don't have answers right now to what could be progressive after that >> off the top of my head. >> It's very difficult to >> Yeah. Sure.
>> figure out. >> Sure. But I will do those things and report back. >> Okay. I got a more of an editorial comment. >> Mhm. >> I think um you bending over backwards, which I appreciate um what you're doing and the efforts that you're doing. Um I
think life has consequences. We're not we're not talking about little kids here. We talk about high school kids. I coached for a number of years. It was a minute a lap. Didn't happen more than once or twice because I said, "I know you don't drive." This was seventh grade on up, but you better stop pestering
your parents. I'll just be ready to run a minute a lap. And I ran with them every single time. So sometimes it was 20 laps. That's a mile in the gym. What happens is if you don't have consequences, so they don't learn consequences, then they come to work for me. I had a number of employees and then
I have to fire him. I think it's good that they learn his consequences. I think what you're doing is trying to give consequences while adjusting to his circumstances. There's no easy answers here and there's no black and white answer because you would have had it long before. I applaud you for your
efforts, but I'm not opposed to consequences. Thank you. >> Okay. Do you want to finish going through the chart? >> Sure. Um there was some language that came out um this year around tardies and dismissals from the state primarily. Um
in red though on 23 the state students dismissed before 11 will be >> documented as school days absence. zone red I thought was out >> but then in the chart
>> right the state came back and said for reporting issues for our SIMS data >> I think I was just taking it out of that one >> okay >> dismissals in particular and just doing the targets to school >> I know that they had some language around the dismissal piece too
>> 3 hours of learning says they must have 3 hours of learning >> right >> to be considered present for the day >> correct so that goes against what's in the chart So, >> so the students need to be present in school until 11:00
in order to be considered. >> Okay. >> A full day. >> Tardy after 11. Isn't there still 3 hours left in the day? >> It's not that's not how they reported to the state. So, it really even though it is 3 hours, you can continue to and we do give them credit when they're in
school. We don't mark them absent in our realm of things because they're able to take their their lessons. when it comes >> only. Got it. >> That correct? >> Yeah. So, there's teacher grade book and then there's a sentence report. >> Got it. >> Right. And >> I wasn't understanding the the
distinction. I apologize. >> I mean, so they technically are absent, but they're they're here in school. We're not going to say don't come, you're not going to get credit for the day. That's not what we're saying. But we have to be reported to the state as absent. And Mr. Dorman before he got here, he was telling me that the kid
that students do go to their classrooms and they get their work done. So, they're not doing work for nothing. They're still getting that work. >> Yeah, they do get credited for their work. Um, >> it's just that there's no other way for us to record it because we have to report that to the state because that really goes to our accountability and
time on learning. So, that's how they they count those. >> Yes. It's the state doesn't care if like they care a lot about if you're in school or you're not in school, >> right? >> And so, we're left in a place where we have discretion too. And that's
something that we exercise quite often if students have something going on. Um we have had other like new codes created you know where we do can use that discretion especially with tardies too. So, as principal, I can say, um,
Natalie, go ahead and tar excuse the student so they don't get, if you will, gigged for it, right? >> Or, um, a student had a loss of a pet that morning or the night before, >> go ahead and admin excuse it, >> you know, um, if they're going to be
tardy. And so, we do the dismissals, the tardies, and full day absences that way. >> That's good. >> You know, so we do use that discretion. It's the nice thing about it. and Desi won't come knocking on our door asking us questions about that. That's where we have the ability to write. But when you
record it in the system, the state only gives us certain options, >> right? There's no half days for them. Fuller, it's full or all or nothing. That's the way it is. >> But same thing with attendance >> and that's very new this year. That wasn't the case before. >> Um but it's new this year. So,
>> but just we have a discretion. So, just know that. And we exercise it quite often. We again we want kids in school. We do >> and we're we understand we're all human. Um so we try to treat the kids. >> You are. >> Yeah. Sometimes >> I'm actually nervous. Thank you.
>> Sometimes. Um so visitors, this was something that came out. We just tried to align with elementary school and visitors coming in almost all the we know these parents. If someone comes in and we don't know who
they are, we're asking them. You know, we're not trying to give people a hard time, but like I said, most of the time we know who they are. We're just trying to be consistent with what elementary is doing. If they're asking for IDs, then we're asking for IDs. Um, but if I know it's Miss Bartos, I'm going to say, "Miss Bartos, show me your ID." Like,
that's a little silly in my opinion. Um, so we just put that in there as more of a CIA kind of thing. Just it's in there. It's documented. If parents um a lot of parents appreciate that if we do call if they're not on the pickup list that we'll call and say, "Hey, can you give us a call? Sometimes if you live in the
same home, they're not communicating or even if you live in separate homes, they're still not communicating." And so sometimes we have students that pull fast ones. So we do like to ask for ID, call home, and make sure that the kid is going with the right person. And that applies for anyone coming in for like
DCF and we're not just releasing kids. Um, so we just updated that to include it. And this was a fun one. Um, recording glasses went in here this year. We had some. They're really cool. Love them. We tried to play with them. However, I didn't really quite
understand them until I saw one of the Kardashians in her commercial on TV that they can record you. It's a little awkward. Um, you never know when they're on. So, when we spoke with a student, we were like, "Hey, what do you use these for?" Um, you know, I'm not using them for anything. We're like, "That's really
interesting. Why' you bring them to school?" I mean, we had our blender brought to school this year. Um, we had this >> marks. >> Yeah. Just things. So, they're wearing them. And so, when we sat the student down, we're really asking cuz it was curious. Um, which is why it made it into the handbook. They use them for um
games for baseball. And we're like, "Well, that's really interesting. How are you not getting in trouble for that? Cuz that seems like you're cheating." >> He's like, "No, >> because they're studying." >> Yeah. So, I had no clue. Um, so we had a really nice conversation about it and then we said, "Give them to us. If you
want them back, you can get them after." But do >> they look like regular glasses? >> Yeah. Black rimmed glasses. >> How do you They're Ray-B bands typically or you can go police. >> They're really cool. I mean, you can >> The Ray-B band met has a light, but they're able to drill that out >> light
>> so you don't get that light anymore. >> Yeah, it's so cool. I We were so intrigued by it that they were wearing them and we had no idea. We had to look it up. um >> and really research it. But we learned a lot that day, so we added it in there. I don't think teachers would appreciate it
if they were being recorded. Um >> yeah, Massachusetts is a two >> two party consent state for recording. So you're right about that. >> No, not for public not for public employees. Yeah. >> Employees is not >> can be recorded in the performance of
his students, their fellow students. >> That's a privacy issue. But >> what are you going to what are you going to do? >> It's really tough there. We learned a lot that day, I will tell you. Um, we didn't have any language, of course, because new things happen all the time. And so, we didn't take it any further
than just saying, "Why don't we just add this in? I'm sure something else will come up. It'll be like meta rings or meta something, but meta necklaces." But, it just was really cool. We learned a lot um that needs to be in there. >> Yeah. Yeah. because I think it's this is something that's going to becoming a
bigger project because um I I think it's ridiculous being able to just go in and record people like that especially when we are a two party state but the thing is that somebody came in advocating for them because that they used as an assisted device >> they were hard of seeing they were an
artist so they used those glasses to help them do it so I mean it's something that's going to be u growing and more and more discussion >> yeah sure and I know you can talk to it. Like I have a hard time with people walking and talking on speaker phone, but when you ever saw the commercial, I
was like, "Who's she talking to? She's talking to her glasses." >> With my grandkids now without having to pull out a phone and take a picture, I will tell you that. >> So, um, >> do you like blink to take a picture, don't you? >> You just say, "Hey, Meta, take a picture. >> Take a picture."
>> I don't I'm waiting behind the curveball on this. I'm really intrigued. We'll ask the student to bring them back in, but so have show and tell that. >> Yeah. So th that went in there. Um I didn't change on page 54. I'm sure it's not a big to-do. Uh we have to update
the school nurse's name um because Miss Lozig is no longer here. So I just added that quick change and our work on mids and finals. It we finalized everything as a staff. So that language really should come out. Um we're shifting to
the performance assessments which you're probably all aware of. That's something that we've been doing for a couple years now. um the mids and finals um really isn't a true reflection of how we will be approaching our assessments this year. So, I think that's something
that is still in there that um on page 15 that needs to be uh removed. >> So, you're going to take it out or are we going to wait another year? >> Um we could really wait a year. I don't I don't anticipate shifting, but we could just play it safe and keep it
there for now. I think in case something goes south with performance assessments, I don't envision that, but you never know. Um it's trending the way the state is pursuing, you know, all this studentbased, you know, work-based,
inquiry based phenomenas, um and assessments being hands-on and things of such. And I think we're ahead of the game, but we could probably just sit pretty and leave that in there for now for another year. I >> mean, technically those mid and final are performance assessments. So they
are. So the trouble as to why I wanted it removed is our new teacher system, the wording on the columns can't change. It's so frustrating. So the word midterm can't be changed to performance assessment. So it's misleading in a way
where it's there but the idea is that the mid it's a performance assessment and the end of year is it's no longer a final >> the average like the mid so you have first two quarters >> so no longer we're changing it to 25 equally across the board. Okay. So the
performance assessments will be sprinkled in now. It's no longer 10 and 10 >> because it just but I mean even the way it calculates in teacher even unless you're changing it because you have the first two quarters then the midterm and then the last two quarters and then the final and then the final grade takes the
full average. >> Yes. So we had to change that so for next school year we were able to set up the grade book behind the scenes and then teachers have the autonomy to go in and populate. So we agreed 25% all four quarters with a performance assessment
sprinkled in. >> Okay. >> So the kids won't be gigged right for their overall >> like midterm and final schedules then. >> So yes, we're still going to run it for presentations because there's a part of performance assessments where it's really important that they do that final
piece kind of like capstones where they present out. So yes, we will still need that because we're trying to push that part of the presentation. So it's like a gallery walk. That would be the expectation is that the teachers allow that time for that work to be done.
But yes, we can leave it for now um in case it goes south this year and then we can just remove it next year. Um teachers did great work. >> There's still a lot of work happening around the whole issue. >> Yeah. Yeah, we're definitely we're in
fine tuning year. I would say that's really it. Was there any questions or anything else that stood out that I can speak to? I >> have one question if I may. I did not go through every page of this um but I did
get as far as the health services information on page uh 23. And the only thing that struck me as not positive, certainly not positive facing language is that last bolded
sentence under health clinic medication policy. Students who use their cell phone to contact parents or guardians will not receive a medical dismissal. Um, I would say it's just negative language. Um, I could
see an incident where maybe a nurse is attending to another child. Could be a child with a medical history, for example, that um or social anxiety, what have you. That would just pick up the phone and say, "Hey, mom," or "Hey, dad,
I I'm going I'm waiting to see the nurse, but you need to come and get me." type of scenario. Um, and you know what I mean, cuz there's more social anxiety now than there ever has been. >> And say you have a student with,
oh god, any number of stomach or intestinal issues that just starts to freak out cuz they can't be seen immediately. Right. It just struck me as difficult cuz you do say in bold students are not to use their cell phones to contact
parents. Boom. Yeah, that shouldn't be in there cuz they do. >> Yeah, >> they do contact their parents and if students are sick that we almost all the time excuse them. >> Thank you. But can we take that sentence out? Do you want to take them right out of there? So, >> yeah, we can leave it out and we can uncap that whole other line.
>> Great. Wonderful. >> I think what we have sometimes we get, you know, kids that um take advantage of it. >> Oh, yeah. >> And try to get out of a test. Yeah. >> And all of a sudden they'll do the watch thing that Miss Sykes was talking about. text on the watch and be like, "We have a test next block. I'm really sick. Can
I go home?" >> Because if they're far up on the arm and covered by a hoodie, how do you >> We allow them to have it. Like, that's not something we police in our building. It's impossible. Kids have all the forms of tech, right? >> But they don't really get out of a test. They have to take it anyway, right? >> Well, they get out of it. Yes. The next
block they're gone. I was dying. >> But those are those are some of the reasons that come up that we'd rather have it in place or if kids try to play the system and teenagers, teenagers, it happens. Um kids will try to right and
you know what almost all the time that if they're sick. It's just um we've noticed an increase in it. Um it could be for any reason. >> It could be for any reason. >> Could be for any reason. So we can remove it. >> No. Pay me now, pay me later. That's the
one thing I played the system a lot in high school, but I never tried to get out of a test. Do it now or do it later. >> Well, a lot of our tests are shifting to performance assessment. So, maybe we'll see a drop next year. >> Okay. Thank you. That's all. >> Yeah, I can do that.
>> Fascinating meeting. >> Any other questions or comments? Appreciate your time, Al. >> Yeah, no problem. Hearing none, I will take the motion. >> I make a motion to accept as changes
exist explained. >> Maybe >> as explained. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> I don't know. Only because I'm still unsure about the tardy thing. >> Um >> I'll come back to you with those. I'm
>> looking forward to it. >> If you want to. >> It passes anyway. >> Well, why don't Okay. I like that because I feel like if the kids come up with something, I'm open to it. I'd love to hear what they have to say. >> I'm really interested. >> So, I always held up the approval, but
since it's going to pass anyway, >> and once we have the kids feedback, we'll meet with them in September. Then I'll send it to Mary Jane and then she can forward it to you guys. >> Thank you. >> So, I don't need to come back to report out. >> Sounds good. >> Do you have other better things to do for
>> tonight? Just kidding. It's a beautiful mic. Go ahead. >> I got some Amazon packages. >> Are you doing the donation for the little craft team? >> Okay. >> All right. Thanks, Todd. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, everyone. >> Thank you, Cindy, for coming. Appreciate
it. >> All right. Next is donation to the lacrosse team. So there is a letter in the uh school committee folder a donation on behalf of the brother um
Craig for of our girls lacrosse team that's passive and then he's making a donation. Um, we have the athletic revolving account where it'll be donated or be deposited and we earmark donations for specific programs so that it can be
used uh by the team for equipment or things that would support their program. So, we're looking for the committee to accept that monetary donation. >> Do we is it how much is it does it say? >> No, it didn't say. >> No, it didn't say doesn't say how much it is.
>> Maybe we didn't he didn't want it out. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Okay. Usually if it's not put in, it's because they don't like the amount to be a click. So, um that's excellent. If there's a thank you that goes around, let me know. I'll come
in and sign it. >> Um we'll get thank you for that. And then, um any additional questions on the donation hearing? None. I'll take the motion. I make a motion to accept the donation on behalf of coach Gary
O'Grady's brother Craig. >> Um, can I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I I All right. Next, theou to maintenance director stipen. Uh so this is the third year that we've
had uh theou for two of our maintenance technicians to take on part of the role of our we had a full-time maintenance director's position. Um when that position was posted 3 years ago, we were unable to
fill it. Um couple of the qualified candidates were well outside of our budget restrictions. uh to fill that position. Uh so we came up with this um sharing of
responsibilities with the two maintenance technicians and myself uh to meet those tasks that were done by our former maintenance director. >> Any uh questions or comments?
Hearing none, I'll take the >> I had a quick question on the overtime. I I know what call backs are. if something's going on in the building that somebody needs to address, right? Um and so they wouldn't get a contracted two two hours or four hours or whatever
it might be in the contract, but are they still getting overtime for those? >> They are getting overtime um because they're wage rate employees um they have to be paid uh the overtime. That was uh one of the questions when Mary Jane and
I were working on this with our attorney. We had originally thought that that >> the stipen would cover that, but because it's a wage-based um they have to um be paid you over time. >> Um >> and it's minimal. I mean
>> it right. I think last uh fiscal year there was less than five times that they were u called in. These are boilers shut down. Um something's going on with the alarm systems in the building. >> Power goes out. Um yeah,
>> hit by a tree. >> Um so it it's been very rare and it is um what what they do in terms of snow removal is they are very rarely is there overtime for that unless it's a snowing
it's snowing over the weekend. they come in early uh and do their eight hours so they're here well before so that the lots and everything are prepared for students and staff. Um and then um so they're not adding extra hours uh for that. Um and then obviously if we've
canceled because of weather they're coming in at a time that facilitates clean up for the next day. >> And anything else beyond the 40 hours would be something that goes through you and Mary Jane first. >> Yeah. I I think I I initially had a concern about that and as I thought it
through it, it made sense. So, thank you. >> Any additional questions? And this is our second or third year doing this. Yeah. Um if there are no additional questions, I'm not hearing any. I'll take the
motion. >> I may make a motion to accept the memorandum of agreement for custodians, the facilities work stipen. I >> have a second. I second it. >> All those in favor? I >> So we have G and H look like the same thing to me.
>> No, one was a second read and the next one was a vote, but um because um we did this at the last meeting, the seclusion policy. >> Okay. >> So Jeannie thought it was a second read and then she then we're going to vote in a second read because she wasn't at the last meeting. >> So what do we we don't need to do G&H
errors and the correct agenda? >> The agenda. Yes. >> Okay. All right, school choice discussion. >> Just wanted to give you an update on that. We had a a great turnout for school choice. However, some of our local school districts uh came through
with their funding. So, our school choice numbers are not as robust as we'd like. Um right now we have seven fully accepted, only seven. We still have a couple more we're waiting on. The deadline was last week. Um and Jeannie's not here this week, so you know, I should have a better update for you um
next week. Now, when you say seven fully accepted, those are seven new. >> Yes. >> Cuz the returnee we >> those we don't count those. These are just new. The other ones were already in there. The school choice or school choice. These are seven. >> I just wanted to make sure that you were saying that we didn't lose all of them and we were only down to >> Oh, no. We didn't No, what I'm saying
the ones that applied for school choice. >> I just my heart just everybody left. No, we had a very robust group of folks that applied because of South Hadley and East Hampton and and unfortunately their budgets got resolved. So, >> well, not unfortunately. We're
>> East East East Hampton East Hampton passed an override in 40 days. >> Oh, 40 days notice. >> So, we do have seven new students. So, that's that's something. We may have a couple more. Like I said, Jeannie's out this week and the dead the deadline was last week. So, um but was out Friday and
she's not here today. So there maybe a a couple were straggler, but I'll let you know. But we do have seven new students. >> Excellent. Better than none. Well, yeah, there's that. >> How many positions were up? >> We had a lot. Yeah, I just looked up. I think we had uh 34.
>> Oh, jeez. An old seven, huh? >> Yeah. Well, they were all filled. We had waiting lists and everything. >> Yeah, >> it was nice. They look at us. But so, yeah, unfortunately, but we'll take the seven that we have and and uh it's going to be uh really exciting.
Some of the um what's really good about some of the school choice students that are that we accepted were some of our employees. >> Oh, nice. >> So, that's a nice u employees and uh you know, we went to the lottery that so we were very fair about it and it was unfortunate that you
know one didn't get in but then we didn't get a uh response back because they were going to other districts. So, all of the teachers um students got in. So, so you know, that's going to be a sustainable school choice as well. So, that's nice.
>> All right. Um, next one. >> And that'll start appearing on our agendas moving forward, too, just as we're getting to the beginning of the year, right? Once a month or whatever. >> Absolutely. All right, you're up. Superintendent report. >> I've got to find it now. Just had it up
and now I lost it. Sorry. Okay. Um just I want to give some highlights to the governor's budget. There's a little bit of good news for us. Um minimum aid is up to $160 per pupil. Um they're looking at some new foundation
budget reform commission. So maybe it'll include some findings from um local contribution study. Ral aid um is now being funded at 20 million. I think it was at what 12 before? >> 12 million last year. >> So now it's up to 20. So that that's exciting. It's not the best, but you know it's better than 12. better than
12. >> Exactly. >> Um it's not the 10 million that the House proposed, but 4 million was approved to offset dramatic decrease in ELLL student enrollment in districts. We don't have a lot of ELLs, but um that that's good news. And then circuit breakers now is at 75% for instruction,
but transportation went down 68%. Overall, it will add about $53,000 to our budget, uh which is much needed because we have some new students coming in through the preK um who may need some pair professional support. So that money may offset some of that. We're hoping.
Well, Mr. Dorman keeps giving me the evil eye, but you know, we're there's only so much we can do. See, I'm getting it right now as we speak. You You see that? Um u I just want I said there's a letter in here of a cyber
security grant that Mr. Lucresvich was talking about. um that audit uh we were able to um get uh I think it was $20,000. I >> think about $22,000. >> Yeah. Um so we got that and that grant will allow us to offset uh town expenses
by paying for an upgrade to the school's file server so that they comply with future security requirements. It also paid for a public announcement display panel for the East Metal lobby which also now meets the security requirements. Um this summer we had two administrative retreats to get us ready
for the school year. Uh the first one took place on July 7th. We reviewed our district accommodation plan. This is the plan that helps us guide our regular ed students um and teachers to support our diverse learning styles um and the needs within the regular classroom. And actually we took some time to work on
our three-ear strategic plan which is a road map to help us guide continuous improvement which defines our core goals and aligns resources to help students. Um, and I'll share that with you at our September meeting. Um, and after that that you'll hear from the principles about what their school improvement plan
looks like based on our district plan. So, we're looking at that as well. Um, and our focus for FY27 really is an inclusive practices. We there's been a motto here since a couple superintendents ago, every student, every classroom, every day. and is at the bottom of all of our
um letterhead and and our and and our um and I want to be I want to be true to that that motto and that mantra. So I really want to make sure that we are adhering to that. So a lot of the uh school improvement plan and the district improvement plan is going to be talking about that and and we talk about every student not just special ed students
which is we we do that very well but we have students who are talented and gifted and our and our and our students who are just middle of the road students. We want to make sure that everybody is getting the supports in need. So when we talk about inclusive practices, that's what we're trying to get every student, every day, every classroom. And I'm going to continue to
talk about that as we move forward. New teacher orientation takes place on August 20th and Friday, August 21st. Um and to date, almost all the teaching positions have been filled. Um we're currently hiring for pair professionals. Uh we did really lose our occupational
therapist today. Um so we're going to be looking for that. Um, we do have one position that we're quasi filling. Uh, now with the, uh, regulations, it's very difficult for us to find a special ed
prek through preK through 2, Todd, having a dual certification as along with um, regular early childhood. You have to have both those certifications now for the state. And so we talked to the department of ed and they said, well, you really need two teachers if you can't find somebody who is not uh,
dual certified. So, we couldn't find a second teacher. So, we have um somebody in the district who is going to be help us support that. So, we should be able to get what we need on that. So, that is a position we don't have quite, but we're continue to post for that. And then, um all the staff come back on
Monday, August 24th, and we'll be holding convocation in the East Meadow cafeteria. Jen, I know you usually come to that, so we want to put that on your calendar. And Tom and Liz and and Trevor, um more than welcome to join us. that begins at 8:00 and >> that's really nice. I like the way you
guys do that. >> So, we'll be doing that. Um I did want to mention I thought I thought Tessa would, but there will be um seventh grade is it orientation? >> Yeah, >> it that's going to be on August 19th. So, for the families that they should have gotten information from u Mrs.
Sykes on that for the high school. So, that is taking place um I think at 10:00 on the morning on the 19th. So, um I don't have that in here, but I thought Tessa would talk about that. But so students will return back on the 26th. Our prek and K students start a week later on the 31st.
And then finally, we have been in contact with first student, our busing contractor. Um, and we've been informed that bus routes will be coming out soon. So stay tuned for that. We'll put it on our website. We'll send it in in the newsletters and I will also send a connected message out to the families to
let them know that those things are available. Um, and I'll be touching base again next week because it's getting close. And I'm sure you're probably getting called on it, too. >> We really haven't, Ben, honestly. We have not. Well, that's great. >> Yeah. Well, I think after next week, perhaps. It's really just the first
week. >> One more week. One more week. I'll be >> call um any questions for Mary Jane. >> Thank you. Um for uh convocation, do you want me to say a few words? I would love you to say a few words.
Every student, every day, every classroom, I can say those. >> I can say those. 246 words at the end. >> Um, anybody have any questions for Mary Jane? >> All right, Todd, you're up.
>> Um, I don't have too much for you today. Mary Jane covered uh the changes that have come with the budget uh at the state level. Um, the maintenance team and custod staff are well on their way to getting the buildings ready um
>> for uh our opening of the buildings. Um, we concluded our our summer programming last week. Um, so that will free the spaces up for the team to finish this building. There's one more classroom left next door. Cafeteria, some larger
spaces. Um, but we'll be ready to go. Sports fields will be ready >> for opening day of practices on August 24th. So, that's all that I have for you. >> And I do want to commend our custodian maintenance staff. Uh they I I they have
done such an incredible job this year. It I'm not saying that I haven't done in the past, but this year I've noticed a a really big difference. They're really doing a very nice job. Today we were in here today and I saw a custodian um very good. She was using a brush on the floor
along the >> getting the I was like what >> the corner the wall just working it the whole way down. >> So they don't ever get enough. Um that's fantastic. notice and I really want to let them know that I really appreciate what they're doing and they're doing a type
of type of stuff. >> Definitely taking pride in their >> They really are. >> That's great. I feel like when the building is nice and squeaky clean and shiny and they come in, the kids are all they all feel it, too. You know, they're wearing their brand new shiny shoes sneakers and make them run fast.
>> I mean, even when you're at the high school, I mean, even though, you know, it's a little tired in places, you can tell that it definitely is for sure. The rugs look nicer and for sure. That's nice. >> Uh, any questions for top? >> Is the sports schedules out yet?
>> Uh, they're mostly photo finalized. There's some tweaking. They are on on Arbiter Live, so they will be okay. So, I can check that. >> Yep. They I think they have a When do they start? They can start practice 20 >> 24th. >> 24th.
>> Yeah. And when you know the first game >> um I think our game is the Tuesday after Labor Day. Right on. I'll be there >> if it's home. I got to check and see if it's home. >> I The girls are away the first couple games, I think. Um, all right.
>> I'm looking forward to it so much. It's going to be great to see some stuff. >> I'm ready. >> Ready, but also set. >> She's already starting. It's only Louise. >> Funny. All right. I'll probably be crying from like May till the end. It's
fine. It's fine. Um, any other questions? All right, Liz. >> So, CES has been um I guess there's a couple things. Dr. Porsche Bonner, the new executive director, has begun work
and the interim director, Morin Bernend, has um moved on to to other work. >> Can I interrupt? >> Yes. >> Do you have um besides being our rep, are you also working for them to doing something else? Okay. You were on a
committee. You policy sub. All right. That's what I was thinking. Yeah. >> Along with uh four other school committee members and two principles. Mary Jane is one and Cheryl Stanton is the other. Um so the policy work is um
as you can imagine staff policy work hasn't gone through the board of directors in many years. >> Yeah. You were saying that. How long has it been? Do you know? >> It's been a long time. >> Been a long time. And so, um, staff is a little unclear on on how they're
presenting materials to us, um, and what they're doing with the materials after they go through the policy subcommittee. Anyway, it's an adventure. I think we're getting there, Mary Jane. >> I think the last meeting was much more productive than the first. So, I think I think we're
>> fingers are crossed that the third gets even better. So, because of various vacation schedules, I can't believe people still take vacations, but you know, my life is babies, babies, and more babies. Um, we'll be meeting, I think it's around the 17th of of August,
and we'll be looking at the handbooks for Mountain Academy and two of the private schools that they run um to be sure they're ready to go. So, it's it's been busy. Yeah,
that's it. >> All right. So, for next time, which is the 26th, 25th, day before school, >> we want to see if there's any um updates
from Ally, or is that going to be a September thing for the students? Are you okay with waiting till September? >> Yeah. Do you really want to meet 2 days before school starts? >> It's the day before school. the day before school starts. >> It was the date we had put on the calendar. If anyone has an idea, I'm
certainly open to it. >> Yeah, I would just say given what folks in the buildings will be doing, including both Todd and Mary Jane, if we don't need a meeting, um I'd say let's meet in September. >> It's not like you're going to be walking
around looking for things to do the day before school starts. to find I none of the dates that I put in my calendar are there. So I have to find Hold please. I have to find the uh I am right here.
>> All right. So we have August 25th and then >> September 9th is the next one. September 8th. >> Oh, I have 9th on here. What? >> Yeah. See, we we have an odd schedule that around the beginning of school. Can we can we >> Sure. Why do I have the ninth on this?
>> Tuesday, September 8th. The 9th is a Wednesday. Is there a reason we have it on a Wednesday? >> Was someone on vacation or something? >> Maybe just the days got into ruin. >> I also wonder if we wouldn't want to push that into the middle of September so that staff has those first couple of
weeks free, like the week of the 14th. >> I don't mean free. I mean free to be working like a white tornado. >> Folks, I'm in the wrong ear. She's looking. She's looking at me. Never mind.
>> So, we have se forget the lady behind the curtain and September 22nd are the two scheduled dates right now. >> Can we can we make the does it make sense Jen and Mary Jane and Todd to say
let's do the 14th or the 15th rather and leave the other two dates off September. I know how it is coming back to school whether you have 600 and some odd students or whether you have 6,000 students. It's crazy.
>> Typically, I'll just say typically I don't I don't know that it matters. Just there's um there's usually been a lot of discussion around school choice and other things. So, it's why we've tried to have them. They're typically very quick meetings. Um, I'm certainly open to not doing one on the 8th and the 22nd
and doing one on the 15th, but that's really up to administration if they need us for um for anything. So, why don't we just run through the date real quick while we're talking about it? Make sure that we've got them >> where we're feeling good as we're talking about it because I lost
everything. Um, we have Yep. The 8th and the 22nd, the 6th and the 20th. Yep. >> The 10th of November. >> Just one in November. >> Yep. One in December. >> 12. Yeah. >> And one in January.
The 10th, 8th, and the 12th. >> Yep. >> And then only one in February. >> I have two February 9th and the 23rd. >> Yep. Yep. >> And then three in March, the 9th, the 23rd, and the 30th. >> My dates out. And those are not just because of school committee meetings. Those are starting
in budget. We have to have that. Yep. April 6th and April 27th, May 11th and the 25th and June 8th and the 22nd. I mean, I'm okay with one meeting in September. Honestly, the first day before school, it probably will be
frantic. >> Yep. >> Um, well, I will be frantic, but you know, >> I'd be frantic if I were you. Um, I am okay with that. And if something um >> the 15th only. Sure.
>> So, we're we're just going to do not September. We're not doing Are we doing ne are we doing the 25th? >> No, just the the 15th of September. Okay. No. 2825. We had this one. No. 8 and no 9:22. Just 9:15.
>> Yeah. I think that's good because we're not I'm not going to have much to say between now and the end of the month. And then >> it's the 15th the um back to school night thing. >> I don't see a game scheduled yet, but that doesn't mean it won't change.
>> Same. >> Um 17th is the junior senior high school parent night and the 24th is >> I don't have anything. >> Okay. Still >> Thursdays. >> All right. So 9:15. So no 98 9:22. Do we We don't need to vote because it's
scheduling. Is there um Do we have consensus? >> Right. Sure. >> Yes. >> Um I know there were some vacation dates or something. >> The ETH I was out of >> He couldn't do the eth anyway. So that works. >> I couldn't do the ETH, but the 15th I should be back. >> All right. Fabulous. All right. I'll just move my hair. No worries.
Um I had to do that too. Shoot. All right. So the 15th regular time and that means no 8 and 22. >> What did we do with the 25th of August? >> We said no meeting. >> Great. >> That's what I thought was Thank you.
Sometimes I make these things up in my mind. >> Okay. So nothing 8:25 nothing September 8th. >> Our next meeting is September 15. >> September 15th. Then nothing22. >> Are we good with the two dates in October 106 and 10:20? >> I think so. That's going to be a lot
going on end of the sports and Yeah, I think I think that's good. >> Yeah. And then that'll be um good because we'll have to start um budgets and stuff. >> Budget stuff and start having conversations. >> Yeah, I'm good for the two in October. The rest of them are fine. I think I think those are the >> Yeah, I think that's fine. But
>> all right. Is there any from the committee? Anybody have any um concerns with the two dates in October? >> My calendar keeps getting better and better. I'm just waiting. someone to be hired.
>> All right. Okay. November 10th. Just one in uh November. One in December. December 8th. Okay. One in January. January 12th. >> Mhm. Okay.
February. Two in February. And those are hard and fast because we start having >> we need those. Yeah. >> Um budget discussions >> February to June. I maybe June we can do one but everybody else we definitely need two. >> Okay. February 9th and then February
23rd. I'm putting them in now so I won't forget. Uh March 9th. Okay. March 23rd, >> budget hearing and school committee. >> I'm sorry, what? >> It says budget hearing and school
committee for the 25th. >> Yep, we have that still. And then um March 30th is another budget thing >> but also a meeting and then April 6th, April 27th. And that's more than a
couple weeks because of April vacation. And then uh May 11th, May 25th, which is the not you may want to look at the May and June calendar. They're kind of close apart, those two. >> Well, and at those May 25th, June 8th, and June 22nd are after elections. So,
it depends upon what the NECA committee looks like. I don't know who's up. I know I am. Um, so I don't know if I'll what what that looks like for me at this point. >> There's not much time between June 25th and the 8th. That's all.
>> Yeah. But that we usually have those scheduled out so that the new members coming on. >> That's a good point. >> At least know when the next meetings are. >> Um, okay. So, we got the dates done. Then we
wanted to make sure that we have um school choice as a tickler on those. >> It's a September meeting. So, just follow up on um Liz's concerns about >> uh >> she may have some information by that
meeting parties or just the handbook stuff in general for the junior senior high school. >> There was I thought there was something else. Was there something else? >> No, I guess. >> Okay. Um, is there anything
else? >> I um was just, you know, going through the stuff today and um I missed the deadline for the superintendent evaluation. >> Oh, I was going to mention that separately. Thank you. >> I Well, >> I also did. >> It's all right. We
>> I didn't actually see the email because I was on vacation. >> Me either. No, I didn't. As long as it's on your radar, I think we can get to it. Um, you know, maybe we'll get to it at the September meeting, but if not, certainly the 1st in October, right? >> But we can fill it out. Y
>> I'll get I'll get it done tonight or tomorrow and tomorrow and get it to by the next Thursday. I can just drop it. That's >> you'll get >> All right. Um, I appreciate that because
I was also going to say that. Is there anything else before we um >> I just had a general question. People were telling me that about clubs. The students have clubs. >> Oh, we have lots of clubs. >> I was I was told there's no clubs in the schools. >> No.
>> Well, there's something in which >> Oh, can you give me an example of a couple clubs we had? >> Skate club, art club. >> Sure. Right. Because I couldn't believe I'm like and I'm on the school committee. I was going to give you some um >> on the ski club. I remember I mean
>> and the art club I I'll I'll go back and correct the public many at the elementary school because transportation's an issue >> and I understand since co >> transportation's an issue at the elementary school but Cindy has tried to find more ways to to do things with those folks. But >> were you talking I'm sorry. Were you
talking about this school or the high school? >> I'm just talking about the schools in general. >> Yeah, we do have at the high school it's pretty robust because the offerings are student participation I would say. I would agree >> that not as many clubs are as active as
once were you said post >> post maybe I'll check it but that was just something I was dumbfounded when somebody just spouted that at me and I again I don't have direct knowledge of it and I said well I'm going to have to >> and I think I think that's what Mr. Dorman said, "I we have lots of clubs.
Maybe we need to re uh engage in in the interest of what the clubs the students actually want. I don't know if if that's something we certainly should revisit with the principles >> because we do have some clubs that have been long-standing." Um like we have the newspaper and literary and some people
students aren't interested in that. So, you know, that it's worth a shot. Maybe maybe they're thinking that because there's no club they're interested in perhaps. >> Was it a student or a parent? >> No, it was an adult retiree. Oh, we have we do have clubs. So, yeah. >> They said, "Oh, there's no clubs in the school." I'm like, "Where are
>> I said?" I said, "I'll check into this." But they >> I'll check into this. >> But, and then I mean there's different offerings besides athletics, right? There's um yearbook for one and then there's student council, student advisory, >> there's a position. Is there still
student position on at the advisory thing? >> Yep. We still have a regional >> and state student advisory council. And and now that you mentioned too, I mean I even was in a bit of a fog too because I went to the Arab show. >> Right. You did >> and I didn't occur to you say even that.
So I um yeah like I said I'll correct that information folks. >> And then I don't is um is it hope or something? >> Yeah. I don't think we have that anymore. We use this ski club money for that. >> Right. But there was and then there's an um that project 351.
>> 351. Yep. Mhm. >> Um and then I don't know if it's considered a club, but is there student still student participation for Grammy to go? >> Not directly schools. >> Okay. >> Then that one's not. >> So you have students that help.
>> I'm just saying that there is >> some community service. They they can get hours for that. Yeah. >> I'll follow up and just you know >> pull it up. There are clubs and if anybody's interested in creating clubs within the school correct community, they should propose them to the principal.
>> Exactly. And that's what they do. >> Thank you. >> I'd say there's uh about seven or eight stipended clubs in the budget. >> Okay. >> Uh I said not all have run because of waning interest in things, but uh the
availability is definitely I >> I can look at then what we've have there offline. Uh I can send it to him. >> Yes. Yeah. Just send me it to him. That way I can Yeah. You want to pass this down? Thank you.
>> The magic folder. >> All right. If there's nothing else, I will take the magic motion. A magic >> to >> Yes. that. >> Yeah. So made. >> And I have a second. Second. All those in favor. All right.