Okay, >> good evening and welcome to the Pasc Valley Regional High School District Board of Education uh meeting uh today this evening. [snorts] Call to order and roll please. Mrs.
Miss Guzman here. >> Miss Keller >> here. >> Mrs. Martin >> here. >> Mr. S >> here. >> Miss Steph >> here.
>> I'm here too. >> Mr. Bever >> here. >> And Mrs. >> here. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it
stands nationy andice for all. [clears throat] Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by mailing copies of said notice to the record, filing copies of said notice with the municipal clerks of Hillsdale, Montville, Riverdale, and
Wood Lake, and publishing said notice in the record on July 2nd, 2025. Next, we'll have our monthly reports. First, we will have the interim superintendent report by Mr. Derek Phillips.
>> Thank you. Um, the 2026 27 district calendar is on the agenda. We did adjust the AM professional days back down to seven days, which is what we've had for the last two years. Um, Dr. Russo will be speaking tonight about professional
development days um to give the board members and the community a better understanding how the district utilizes those days. Um the first week of November, we administered the NJSLA and NJGPA adaptive testing. Uh this is a new test
ran by a company that hasn't run state testing in New Jersey. So, uh we were a little worried about it. Um sure enough, on day one, we had some bumps. A lot of districts did. There were some technical issues. Day two went much uh smoother
for us and I want to thank the tech team for helping us out day one and for actually everything they did to setting up the test. I want to thank the administration, the staff and the students for just being patient as we work through out um the problems [snorts]
as a pilot pro uh program. The students test results will not be shared with the school or the students. So just please be aware of that. The state will use those results to help develop future test questions. Our construction projects are slowly
progressing. Um the valley's HVAC project in the cafeteria is moving along. We have heat in the cafeteria, which is a good sign, especially this time of year. Uh and we're nearing the finish line of getting that project done. We're pushing the contractor just
to get those um final few items finished. uh in the auditorium um the flooring where the audience is is uh completed and some electrical work is is um on the
is about done. Um once that is completed then they'll start doing the work on the stage. So we're moving along with that. the U NJ Department of Education paid us a visit uh last week just to check in on
empowering education grant um and that was that meeting was led by uh Pasc Hills assistant principal Christine Ballinger and she led the discussion while the teachers are participating in that grant uh shared their experiences and um talked about the classroom
outcomes so far. It was a very productive meeting, very positive and um the department of ed representative left very impressed with what we're doing so far. Uh the building administration and I met with local police chiefs last week for
our annual review of the member of agreement between the schools and the police department. We are provide uh we provided the chiefs with an update of our safety features and procedures and we we discuss our ongoing procedures as far as communications. This meeting um
This meeting happens every year just to talk about um what we um are allowed to share and not allowed to share with the police department. Every school district in the state of New Jersey has to have a meeting with um the police departments
that serve that school district. Um so and I will say um we have a very positive rapport with our local uh um police departments and we're very collaborative with them. So it was a it was a very productive meeting.
Um although November is a short month, uh there's a lot of outstanding events that are happening in the school. There are several food drives that are currently going on and volunteer opportunities to work with organizations that provide um food to food and secure
families at both schools. Uh PV last week had its celebration of culture which was a terrific event. Uh uh students were enjoying everything. There's a numerous booths, a lot of dancing going on. I did not any dancing. Just so you know, um I I know my
strengths and weaknesses. Uh the fall drama was performed or performed at this time. Hills had their drama last week. Uh radio um radio uh girls um and um Valley will be having their production this week. I want to encourage just
everyone to stay updated on everything that's happening in the schools. Please get on to our social media accounts and and uh just what's happening as far as events are going on throughout our school. Um, and the last thing I want to mention, we are
in the beginning stages of of our 2627 school budget. Um, so you'll be hearing more from us about that process and the impacts uh that we're facing as we're looking at the 2627 budget. Thank you. [snorts]
>> Thank you, Mr. Phillips. Next, we have the finance committee reports from October 30th, 2025 [snorts] and November 13, 2025 by Mrs. Kristen Martin. >> Hello. Um I think we updated the last one, but the most recent meeting we had was November 13th. Uh we had three major
agenda meeting items. Uh one was again that um there was a negotiation request. Um so that was addressed. We did talk about u the bid results that were coming in for the HBAC project and then um more
information about the park academy um and the plans moving forward with park academy. >> Thank you Mrs. Martin. Mrs. F did you want to go now?
>> Um it's not on the agenda but routine matters uh we are going to have uh Mrs. Stephanie about the curriculum and technology. Um, Dr. Russo ran a great curriculum and technology
committee meeting. I guess it's an annual meeting >> by >> by annual meeting and I just wanted to highlight some cool things that are happening. So, Tracy Lee, the director of technology, presented the strengths connecting between creativity of the
curriculum and technology. And just something to highlight is um They've worked on ensuring the reliability of equitable access to educational technology and cyber security. So in case the internet goes down or if they
have a disaster recovery plan. I don't know. I care about that. I thought you you would care about that. Um they are working on some filtering for blocking certain websites and Google sites because they're evaluating and auditing some sites they have found that
need to be vetted. So, there's eyes looking on what you guys are looking at. Um, the Pasc Valley Region District is fully embracing AI, in case anyone was wondering. Fully embracing it. And, um, it's only been
three years working with AI. So, Tracy and the team are advancing the responsible and ethical use of AI. So, they have a district philosophy and it's not a policy yet because they want to allow the teachers to clarify how much
AI is used or not in the classroom. Some assignments teachers will um instruct that there's no AI to be used and some other um instruction will be you can use it to brainstorm and other students can use it maybe with citations.
um they're piloting tools with um the use of VR and AR devices in the classroom and in two to three months they're going to be deciding which ones they're going to want to share, want to use, want to purchase. And um this I found really interesting
too. There's the family and consumer science survey um that they did in the spring 2025. 121 students responded and 64 parents. And it showed that culinary arts and culinary arts was something very
important that there was high interest for practical life skills. And we've been caring last year, well, it was our goal last year about not just the four-year school, but to have essential employment skills to ace their
interview, land the job. these skills that we want them to have not just to get into college but for life for jobs. So that was interesting and this is the first year for um Mrs.
For music, there's an honors band and honors chamber choir. That's really cool. And also with world languages, there's Spanish conversation and culture. That's new. And um for the social studies, um Mr. orac
shared that we're a little bit on a holding pattern for this year because we're waiting on the department of education with the new governor and whatever the new mandates will be and new revisions for science. Uh Mrs. Graziano shared
that there are new um name changes of the classes. Is that interesting? >> Oh, you already know. Okay. It's not that big of a deal, but biological sciences changed to biology, 1800, like just the number and chemistry
in the community to chemistry. I thought that was interesting. Um, and then there's broadcast and TV production is now honors broadcast and TV production. Um, That's it. Um the last thing is um Miss
Rossi, Miss Angela Rossi. Um they're doing a new unified related arts and unified culinary arts um program. That's the only Thanks. >> Thank you, Mrs. Swan. Uh next we have a student reports. The first one will be
uh from Stephanie uh Young from Pasc Hills High School. I hope everyone's having um I hope everyone's having a wonderful day. I'll be going over the student
um I'll be the class in Dr. Holoc story. to the safety of his poetry serves as people as she stands up to the patri
on Tuesday November 1153 visited hills teachers students to helpful commitment to this country. These discussions are conversations every future generations leadership and patriotism.
This moves so start the season at the competition that was high school students [snorts] and producing thoughtful as a result of these efforts
and were able to receive award at this competition. Sorry. The junior team successfully [snorts] pass students came together after school to practice their analysis and
communication tomorrow. [snorts] From 14th, 202 is a nonprofit that empowers students to become global citizens. and social entrepreneurship by providing
resources to schools across the glove 16000 support. So it first it ended their regular season on Wednesday as third seed in our statection.
ended with competing against 2005 after last with her helped it first title match since the NJA instituted section in 2010.
For my second athletic soccer season with game on Monday, November 3rd, 2025 against Asosing team. Many parents and students came to support the girls soccer team. Cross
country had a season full of medicine. The JB freshman season ended on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025. the freshman girls and boys as a team respective races as a team. The varsity season ended on
Saturday, November 1st, 205, but not without personal but not without course of both as 13th overall and moves on to the Sorry about that. Um, and for my foot
back, why did the turkey get a timeout? They used foul language. [snorts] >> Thank you, Stephanie. Next, we have Maline Woo from Pasc Valley High School. >> This is Valley's monthly student report for November 2025. Starting with classroom items. Classroom item number
one. On October 30th, PB Choir hosted its annual Halloween talent. Students took the stage with impressive performances including singing instrumental solos, beatboxing and a dance act. The night also featured refreshments and a costume contest. In other news, under the mentorship of Dr.
Safari, several PB valley choir students were selected for the precidious NJ all state mix and all state jazz. The students performed on November 7th to 8th in Atlantic City and November 14th and 16th at the NJ.
Vasquez performed at the All State Jazz Choir where she was also featured as a soloist while students represented passing valley as members of the all state mix Julia Del Matthew Kovac Eric Mortoni and
Emma Tripart. Um we are incredibly proud of these performances and their contributions to the success of these distinguished ensembles. Classroom item number two on November 14th. Um I know Mr. Phelps actually said a little bit about this but 14 Pacific Valley hosted its annual celebrations
and cultures. Um now in its fourth year the day was organized by dedicated team of students and supported by teachers from the world language and music departments. The event featured live performances from our chamber choir and band students as well as um interactive
cultural displays, international cuisine, games and hands-on activities representing more than 30 cultures and countries. Um my old Spanish teacher actually Awesome. Um adding to the festive atmosphere,
faculty participated in a schoolwide during [snorts] contest and international music was broadcasted between class periods. Um overall the celebration of cultures once again brought our school community together raising the spirit of collaboration, camaraderie, empathy and understanding
uh values that make this event such a meaningful part of our school. Um moving on to cocurricular items. Co-curricular item number one, the PB Executive Council held its annual fundraiser for troops, an organation dedicated to helping our returning wounded veterans. Uh thanks to the extreme generosity and
community, we were able to donate $500 to our troops. all donated for ad number two, the history collabor $850 with money going to disable vets and set up a field of flags to honor those veterans.
Uh for cocurricular egg number three, the just about curing club in collaboration with pass Latino Hispanic culture club wanted to extend their sincere gratits and staff who supported their clothing drive. Thanks to their contribution,
they collected 22 bags of clothing and donated to the guiding hands guardianship services. A special thank you to Blanca, a pass who connected us to this wonderful cause. And we also want to thank the Spanish club of Indian Hills
and the advisor Sharon for donating four bags of winter clothing. Co-curricular number four, members of the PB National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society raised over $1,100 at their which was deposited into the Dr.
Sapiensza scholarship fund. In addition, over 30 members of the PB National Honor Society volunteered for time and energy on November 1st to partner with the Hillsdale Environmental Commission and clean up trash in the center of Hillsdale. Lastly, the National Honor Society is running its annual
Thanksgiving food drive between now and November 21st. The [snorts] National Honor Society is committed to feeding 12 local families this Thanksgiving. So donations of Thanksgiving related foods including turkeys is welcome. Please reach out to the National Society Advisor Valerie for more information on
how you can donate to this worthy cause. For athletic items all [snorts] winter teams that kick off your season and wish them the best of luck. My fun fact today accepted council will be hosting the second valley cup week of the year beginning November 24th where grades
will compete each day for Valley Cup points. will culminate with a valley club assembly on [snorts] Wednesday, November 26. Events include speedball, a speedball tournament, a relay, and a game of basketball. So, good luck to all the grades involved in the second cup.
And for my joke, who isn't hungry at Thanksgiving? The turkey because it's always my Thank you, ladies. Next, we have the minutes from October 27th, 2025 for the regular meeting and
for the executive session. Can I get a motion, please? >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. Mrs. M. >> Yes. >> Miss Buzzma. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Wong.
>> Yes. >> Miss Kell, yes. >> Mrs. Martin, >> yes. >> Mr. Yes, >> Miss Stephen. >> Yes, >> Mr. Weaver. >> Abstain. >> Mrs. Hughes. >> Yes. >> Next, we have a presentation about the
district uh professional development development days uh by Dr. Mark Rouso. I'd like to thank the board of education and Mr. Phillips for this opportunity and I'm delighted to speak briefly about a very important topic, professional
learning. We all want to serve our students as best as we can and our most valuable resource in doing this important work is our faculty and staff. Teaching has changed in the 20 years I've been in education and it is critical that we stay not just up to date but on the
leading edge of best practices in education. This includes, but is not limited to a consistently growing list of state standards, effective and purposeful technology use, helping students know when to use, when not to
use, and when they use, how to use artificial intelligence, supporting students with disabilities, supporting students [snorts] mental health. Learning best practices around school safety. Supporting our rapidly growing multilanguage learner population.
Differentiating and individualizing instruction based on student needs, interests, and future goals. Ensuring that we understand the rapidly changing and phenomenally confusing post-secondary landscape. And staying up to date with the most current research
on how students best learn. Investing in our faculty and staff so that they can be best prepared to serve our students well is the hallmark of our professional development plan. Our PD plan, which was approved at the August board meeting and is available on the
district website, has three primary goals, and I'll go through them one at a time. Goal number one is to build the capacity of faculty to engage in continuous growth through collaborative professional learning communities. A
professional learning community or PLC is a group of educators who meet regularly to collaborate, share expertise, and collectively analyze data to continuously improve teaching practices and ensure all students and groups of [snorts] students are
learning. Unlike what you might think of as stereotypical professional development, PLC's provide job embedded ongoing learning that focuses on measurable student results and fosters collective responsibility [snorts] and sustainable schoolwide improvement all
under the umbrella of individual, department, school, and districts. This year we have 26 different PLC's ranging from subject specific like world language placement assessments, the transition between algebra 2 and
pre-calculus, ELA text selection, the relationship between gardening and as previously mentioned culinary. We have pedigogy focused PLC's such as student skills assessment strategies, interdisciplinary approaches or peer observations. We have grant focused
PLC's that would be around AI and [snorts] technology, our classroom green houses and neuroeducation and other important areas including chemical storage for chemistry teachers, goals and objectives development and the selection and support of student passion
projects. In [snorts] some our PLC's provide the space to do deep work around teaching and learning. They help us explore new areas of inquiry. They allow us to thoughtfully implement new state standards and they give us space to
attend to other new mandates. We are attending [snorts] to this goal in the following way. We provide a full district introduction followed by an initial PLC meeting during our full day PDS before students come in. We use five
delayed openings for PLC's. And this is how it will break up this year. We have three working days in September, November, and December. We have a working slashsummary day in March or we we plan to and then we'll have a whole district share out in April where each
PLC will share the good work that they've done and their findings and they will also learn from one another. Please see the image on the right of this slide for an example as was previously mentioned of last week's PV celebration of cultures. I don't want the TL PLC's to take all the credit for this. It was
primarily student driven but it was supported by the connected classrooms connected community PLC uh at Pascat Valley. Goal two is to provide targeted professional growth opportunities to help faculty differentiate instruction
and meet the needs of diverse learners. We work towards this goal in several ways. We use those full PD days at the beginning of the school year to help us meet this goal districtwide. faculty meetings to support school level and time-sensitive items. [snorts] Our
PLC's, which I previously mentioned, they all attend to student learning in different ways. And we also offer lunch and learns throughout the year. But we also provide targeted opportunities including training around sheltered instruction, intervention and referral services, support for teachers of
students with disabilities and multi- language learners, uh technology and AI. We have a regional curriculum office which works not just with our faculty but also coordinates and collaborates with our sending districts and then the grant-f funded projects uh I mentioned
previously. Uh on the right of this slide you can see an outcome of our grantf funded climate change PD where honors biology students at Hills are working on a planting activity with our prek students with a little bit of help from Peppa Pig.
Departmentally, we work towards this goal through full department meetings, smaller department teams, and the remaining two delayed opening days. February is a particularly crucial one. It allows the entire department to spend additional time on first half of the
year data analysis and making adjustments for semester 2. The second one takes place in May, which allows for a second half reflection, professional development around standardized assessments and then dedicated time to collaborate on student placement.
Goal three is to empower faculty to foster a school culture and climate that promotes engaging and purposeful learning, strengthens interpersonal skills, and promotes community of mutual respect and understanding. Our building administration dedicates a substantial amount of time both at the beginning of
the year and during faculty meetings to promote a positive school culture and climate. In [snorts] addition, our clubs and teacher groups engage in culture and climate activities throughout the year like the two previously mentioned celebration of culture. Valleys just took place. Hills will take place in the
spring. Districtwide, we have worked towards this goal through our beloved community initiative which is now in our fourth year. And I'm very uh grateful to have just a couple minutes to talk a little bit more about this incredibly impressive impressive work. This initiative was inspired by Dr. King's
vision for a beloved community. And our goal is to is to honor and work toward Dr. King's vision by learning about ourselves, our community, and our world, fostering collaboration and relationship building among faculty, staff, students, and members of the community, and
engaging in service. To work towards the learning about ourselves goal, we utilize Columbus Day, Indigenous People's Day, uh, in the following way. So, it's a half day. In the mornings, we encourage teachers to focus on developing continuing to develop
classroom community, which is essential for learning. [snorts] Sample activities include journaling and and sharing out collaborative problem solving, storytelling [snorts] in relation to course content, and student artifact sharing. Afternoons, there's a continued focus on
relationship with students as well as a focus on connections among faculty. In even years, we have used the afternoon to read student writing prompts and brainstorm strategies for engaging and better including our students. In odd
years, including this year, we have used the afternoon to offer teacher-led community building activities with the goal of prioritizing teacher wellness and providing opportunities for faculty members to collect to connect with colleagues in different departments. [snorts]
Just to share a bit of data. When we uh uh put out our school climate survey, one of the three consistently lowest rated items by faculty is the following. I am provided with effective
resources and/or training to manage my stress. Staff wellness and staffto staff connections are essential. We have an incredibly talented faculty and staff and by investing in them they are best positioned to invest in our students. So
that was learning about ourselves, learning about our community, we take advantage of MLK day which is a full professional development day. Students are not in but they are in because last year we had 185 students sign up to participate in MLK day on and off day. I
will brag about that as much as I can. Um, in addition to the students who participate, we have members of the community. In [snorts] the past, we've had um students and families participate through Project Lionus. And this past year, we had students uh from the community participate in our sensory
carnival. If you look at the two images on the right, you can see many students and faculty involved in our blankets and bagels activity at the image at the top that is primarily supported by our uh TAC program. and our sensory carnival is on the image on the bottom which is
primarily supported by our unified club. The third component to work is uh our learn the learning about our world goal. Uh and we encourage interdisciplinary lessons during regular classes on or around Earth Day.
Um just to briefly wrap this up and then I will wrap this up. I'm sorry miss I'm very excited. Uh so culture and climate they are important considerations as mentioned districtwide in faculty meetings they come up in department meetings as well uh and in addition our PLC's which have varying fosi uh two in
particular the class advisors PLC and the connections through the visual and performing arts they have more explicit goals to support teaching and learning through a a focus on culture and climate. Uh we consistently survey faculty after the completion of our
professional development activities. So I'd like to provide just a few examples of the feedback from our learning about ourselves day which was this past October 13th. So this is some feedback. I connected with my colleagues who I've known for many years on a different level. I wish
we had more opportunities for such connections. We were able to hold deep and meaningful conversations and the afternoon activities can easily be done with students. I appreciated the opportunity to spend meaningful time with my students and get to know them on a deeper level. This is a really
worthwhile focus for our PD and community building. Makes me feel like we take our community and the welfare of faculty seriously. It sets the right tone for the year and serves as a nice connection to the beloved community work we do in January, which I think is a tremendous part of our district focus.
In order to accomplish these things, not to mention the state compliance related items which are quite numerous and the general work of preparing to work with students, time is required. Over the past several years, uh, as I mentioned previously, we analyze staff
responses on the New Jersey school climate improvement survey. There are two additional items I'd like to share that also consistently rank in the bottom three. The first one is I have adequate time for collaboration with other staff. And the second one is
professional learning opportunities or trainings that I am provided with are sustained over time. Stepping into this role, I was eager to address these two concerns and provide some additional time and support towards our growing list of needs. Just as an
example, since the last board meeting, uh, two additional professional development requests have arisen. Uh, one revolves around comprehensive training, more comprehensive training for teachers of multilingual learners and the second is more comprehensive training for collaborative partnerships
for general education and special education teachers particularly uh at the beginning of the year. After listening to the conversation at the last board meeting and drawing on the experience and wisdom of colleagues and members of the board of education, uh we thought creatively about how to still
address these critical needs without further impacting instructional time. I'm passionate about professional learning. I'm proud to serve in a district that is continually invested in this important work. After the adjustments that Mr. Phillips mentioned earlier, I think we've arrived at an
appropriate and effective calendar that finds the right balance. professional learning and student seat time took a little longer than I was anticipating. I'm so sorry, but I'm happy to attend to any questions you might have. >> Uh, first I'd like to comment and say
thank you for giving all of us this information. As a board sometimes, uh, feel a little distanced from, um, staff. We don't see staff as much as, you know, it would be nice to. So, we appreciate
uh your presentation and I I hope you and everybody listening as far as staff do understand that we want to support teachers. Uh our goal is to have a
balanced district and a happy district. And so that includes students, but it also includes staff very much. And staff wellness is certainly something that we believe in
and that we want to foster. So I hope that everyone does understand that. Um and then on the flip side you have balance, right? So you know I think there is we're trying to [snorts]
we're trying to balance instructional time with professional development. I suppose just you know thinking If you go from uh if you have from 8 to 10 in the morning there's that disruption for the
day. Um so you know no matter what it is a break in instructional time. So we are trying to balance that and I appreciate your presentation um on this. So we have seven days on the
calendar. Uh what do other districts around us have? Do you have do you know? >> Yes. So we did some analysis of nearby districts whose calendars we were able to obtain. >> Um so at least one district has really leaned into the delayed opening model
and has two or three more than we do. Most have fewer. Um but many have three or four delayed openings. Uh not and that doesn't include of course the PDS potentially or full day PDS which we
also have. >> Just out of curiosity, which district had three more than we did? Because I did try to pull all the high school districts in the area. >> Uh Northern Valley had more delayed opening days than we did. They had either nine or 10, I believe.
And then just out of curios just out of curiosity um how many days [snorts] do we have u for exams where students are um either at the midpoint or the end of year >> standardized assessments or our
assessments or both any time where we're on a uh an alternate schedule because of testing. >> Yep. So Mr. Phillips and I have been talking this through. This year is a particularly challenging year because of the field testing that just took place. The two primary windows for standardized
assessments are the NJ GPA, which typically takes place in March, uh, and that's for juniors, and that's the graduation requirement that they need. Uh, and then the NJSLA typically takes place in May. Uh, and that could impact
freshman or sophomores depending on math or ELA, uh, as well as juniors taking science. So those are the two state assessment the large state assessment windows we have in March and May. And then our own assessment periods take
place in late January and June. That's midterm exams and final exams. Um so we have a special midterm and final exam schedule. Um the state assessment schedule uh also impacts instructional time uh so we can allow students to
test. >> So how many days is that? We have four days for the NJ GPA in March. That's two for ELA and two for math. And then we have four days for the NJSLA in May. Also two math, two ELA
with all four overlapping science. >> And then for our own internal, so >> that's a four- day schedule for the midterm and the final. >> So that's a total of 16 days. We're on an alternate schedule for testing. Yes.
So just to elaborate on that a [snorts] little bit more uh as far as in the state testing. >> Yes. >> What does the schedule look like? So so they take the test in the morning and then uh the classes are just all
shortened times. Correct. >> Yes. >> Okay. And then for our own assessments uh kids are allowed to come in. It's a [snorts] Can you explain that schedule a little bit more? >> Sure. So, we have eight periods. Um, so
during the midterm and final exam period, two of those periods will meet each day for a 2hour block of time. If the uh teacher is giving a midterm or final exam during that period, it will take place during that time. If there's
no exam given during that time, class will meet as regular uh or as normal. The way the schedule works is there is a uh a work period um where teachers can make themselves available for extra help from 8 to 9. Uh that first period of the
day will meet from 9 to 11:00. Uh we'll have an hour lunch. Uh the second period will meet from 12 to 2. Uh and then there is an additional work period from 2 to 23 during the midterm exam period for those four days and the final exam
period. So during those work periods, are students expected to be in school? [snorts] >> Students have the option of attending extra help if that's what they would like to do. They can also sleep in >> or go home >> or go home.
>> Okay. So during that week, they essentially meet with each class just twice. >> So they'll meet on Monday and then they will meet for the twohour block of time, one of [snorts] those four days. Yes. Just a quick thing here. Allow me to be
the historian somewhat here. Um, way back in the day when I was on the board, um, now I remember our uh, move towards block scheduling, modified block. And as I recall, one of the
reasonings, I could be wrong about this, but you let me know. Uh, one of the reasonings was to provide more collaborative work among the faculty that they could work together on PLC's
or whatever, mentoring relationships, things like that. Um so I know that we have been moving towards you know more >> [snorts] >> uh professional development or figuring
out ways to fit it in. Um I also know as being an educator that the state has continually tried to put more [snorts] into the same bag than we've got. So you know it's it's getting to the point where it's
overwhelming. So I'm just wondering if you have an idea of the amount of increase that we have seen as far as requirement of you know different professional developments that we have to go through
uh the amount of hours that we have to put in [snorts] as educators. >> Sure. I I can't comment on that. >> Yeah, I can't quantify it. uh I can say that we continually are getting new standards and not just revised standards of individual courses
but additional standards that are asked to be layered into all of our courses. [snorts] So that's difficult work to do thoughtfully and to do well. Uh and it requires collaboration and it requires time and as I mentioned some of the names of the PLC's some of the PLC's are
focused on this work. We have grants out to try and attend to this work. So those things are certainly difficult. I would say that as that's been happening um our student population has also been changing um and we are working
diligently and exhaustively to try and make sure that we are giving our full best to all of our students and groups of students. And we've spoken, you know, a number of times at board meetings about our growing multi- language learner population. That's just one subset of students that we're trying to
support. um but students with disabilities um trying to to navigate a constantly changing technological world uh and maintain one of the pillars of this school district which is the incredible relationships that are developed between faculty and students.
It is getting a little bit harder. So, we're putting our heads together to try and um respond to the students that are in front of us and also respond to the the mandates um of the state board of education.
>> I'd also like to just uh give a little bit of a side thing on the amount of instructional time versus testing. Um, I think midterms and finals are a little different than state required
testing. I don't think there's necessarily a loss of instructional time because [snorts] midterms and final assessments are based upon instruction if done [snorts] right. So, it's a reinforcement of instruction. So, I
would not quantify that as uh a loss of instructional time. I think that is a necessary part of instruction. Mark, >> is it still though the case that not every class is giving midterms and if I
understand maybe just the math, science, maybe foreign language are giving actual finals. Is that >> it is true that not every course is giving a midterm and final exam. Those decisions are made departmentally. um in ELA or social studies, they might be working on a project or conferencing or
uh benchmarking or things of that nature. >> So they would come in [snorts] during that final block and use that time. So they wouldn't be staying home during that block of time. >> During both the midterm and final exam block, students are required to [snorts] participate in meaningful instruction if they're not assessing.
>> How long does a typical midterm or final take? [snorts] >> Are students for two hours. I don't know. That's why I'm asking the question. >> For like as a student, for me, we have the two hour block, but usually like
maybe 30 minutes are a lot for maybe checking over your answers. Like teachers don't usually make the test like we're taking for the full 2 hours, but more like we have time [snorts] to look over it. We also have time to review for the next class. Like most of my tests last like an hour and 30 minutes. >> Um [snorts] yeah, I'd say most of my
tests were 2 hours. This isn't my class, but I know that one of the tests actually extended beyond the 2our mark, it actually three hours. Um, I think yeah, it was a lot. Um, I think that a lot of my classes at least like if
you're taking but a lot of the teachers that actually take Can I answer any other questions? >> I just absolutely love having the students here. >> Anyone else have any questions or
comments for Dr. Russo? >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you so much. We appreciate you and we appreciate all of our teachers and staff. Thanks. Thank you for your [snorts] input. Next, we have comments from the public. Citizens are invited to make comments
[clears throat] regarding agenda items and are limited to three minutes according to the Pasak Valley Regional High School District Board of Education policy number 0167. Persons wishing to speak must, upon being recognized, rise, sign in, and state their name, town of
residents, and which agenda item they are referencing. Would anyone like to speak? So, you just go to the podium and if you would just please sign in and write your name, your town of residence. [snorts] >> Just state your name for us.
>> Hi, my name is Kend Rose. I'm from Riverbell and a student at Pasc Valley and um I believe this is on the agenda. You stated uh the Lar project at Valley being put on
>> you can speak. >> Okay. All right. Thank you so much. So yeah um I'm a representative of the state validator department. I'm a company manager. Therefore I go out to the board of ed meetings and I and I request humbly request if you if you all
go and see it. Um because of our auditorium status, we are currently doing our production in the cafeteria yet. Um Love Crews have done such a great job of working with the situation that we have and putting on an amazing
production in the cafeteria and we would love to invite you all to go see it. Um, from within 24 hours of this conversation, you all will receive um a discount code if you so choose to see uh
the play with um two free tickets which will allow you uh to for you or to or anybody who you choose to accompany you. And yeah, thank you very much. >> The tickets are already available. We thank you. So, thank you.
>> What are the dates? >> Uh, the dates are November 20th. So, th this week, Thursday, and uh last show is Saturday 2000. Uh, Saturday 22nd. Yeah. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, M. >> Anyone else? Next we have policy for which we have four consent agenda items. Can I get a motion please? So move >> second. >> Any discussion? >> I think just just a note on the the
calendar. I think what we have here just uh has the two dates that for the the I think were taken off. It's listed at the bottom. Yeah, I actually corrected that already. So, it will be corrected before [snorts] it's posted.
>> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Uh, any other further discussion? >> Roll call, please. Mrs. Kirk, yes. Most Miss Keller, >> yes. Mrs. Martin, >> yes.
>> Mr. >> M. Yes. >> Mr. Weaver. >> Yes. One, two, four. Stand three. >> Mrs. Yes. Next, we have education for which we
have four consent agenda items. Can I get a motion, please? Any discussion? Roll call, please. Mrs. K. Miss. >> Yes. >> Miss. >> Yes. >> Mrs.
>> Yes. >> Miss. Kelly. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Martin. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sus. >> Yes. >> Miss Sens. >> Yes. >> Mr. Weaver. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Next, we have human resources for which
we have 15 consent agenda items. Can I motion please. >> So second any discussion >> uh just just a comment with regard because I know it's come up previously because I brought it up. Um
it's on here tonight and I I would really hope that administration because it's one of the grow fastest growing sports in the county. um really looks to elevate girls wrestling to a head coaching position um for the district.
Um I don't know if it's we have assistance at both schools uh but I think it would show our commitment to it uh for the girls in the district and I think when you have someone who's the head coach leading it it can only grow participation. Um, and then the other
piece is the second fastest growing sport might be faster than girls wrestling now is also girls flag football. Um, I don't know if there have been any discussions within the district about girls flag football at Phil Valley. Um, even if we can do a combined
program, but u again if if there is that interest, my hope is that the board would be able to fund and support both given the the interest throughout the the county and the state. Just a quick question.
Do they have anything in the town? >> I think there are different flag organizations, >> right? >> He also has a girls organization. I think I think they it's for like elementary, middle school. They just created it recently. >> Like I said,
>> there you go. >> All right. Thank you. >> All the more reason to add a position at the high school, right? >> Roll call, please. Mrs. Miss Cder, >> yes. >> Miss, yes.
>> Mrs. Wong, yes. >> Miss, yes. >> Mrs. Martin, >> yes. >> M. >> Yes. >> M. Yes. Mr. Weber. >> Yes. Yes. Next we have finance for which we have
16 consent agenda items. Can I get a motion please? So second any discussion please miss Yes, >> Miss Steph. >> Yes, Mr.
>> Yes, >> Mr. Yes. Next, we have old business. Uh, I'd like to just talk about the search for the superintendent and uh where we are in that process. So,
on Friday was the deadline to hand in applications and resumes. So, we are in the process of actively looking through uh the resumes and um looking at what
is offered and what our uh district needs and try to put those together. Any other old business? Any new business? Okay, next we have comments from the public. Citizens are invited to make comments and are limited to three
minutes according to the Pasc Valley Regional High School District Board of Education. Policy number 0167. Persons wishing to speak must upon being recognized rise, sign in, and state their name and town of residents. Would anyone like to speak?
Good evening. Um I we were so excited this past weekend to welcome back the Pascat Hills Players to the Pascat Hills Theater, our newly renovated theater. Um the kids outdid all of their own goals and
expectations by selling more tickets than they even expected. more than 500 people came to see them in their premier show of Radium Girls. Um it was not only family but um their fellow students and
a huge number of the faculty came out to see them. Um, as a little aside, many of the faculty members, many of the teachers in the school invited a lot of our theater kids to come and teach lessons on um the history of the Radium Girls in this important story, but also
the science of Radium and some of the science that went behind it and a few English lessons, too. So, the integration of both the play into their everyday school life, which was really amazing. Um, and so not only parents and
family members, but fellow students and um, our faculty members, but the most important thing I want to say is a big huge thank you to all of you, the board of education for not only supporting the arts, but for supporting our theater kids and for supporting our theater
program. So, thank you, thank you, thank you. Um, and also now we're getting ready for our uh, spring production of Adam's Family. The kids will already this Saturday be in a master class um learning how to give an audition, how to
do an audition and um I think auditions start on December 1st. So we are getting ready for the spring already. So get ready everybody. Thank you so much. >> What are the dates? >> You know what? Shouldn't I know that right about the
>> in March? Dr. Russo, do you know the dates? March. March. March. March. But I we will make sure to let you know for sure. >> That sounds exciting. >> We're going to stick it to Wednesday watching the Wednesday. So >> this is a really really fun show and we
are so excited seeing the talent up there on that stage this week. I don't know how they are going to um pick because we have some amazing amazing talented kids here at uh Hills and Valley. and um also get your tickets for
Laramie Project with powerful powerful perform um play. So, >> thank you. >> I can't wait to see H. >> Well, I I don't want to give away too much and I don't really know too much because I'm just a parent, but I heard rumors that um our team is working with
the robotics team. >> That's awesome. >> So, just a little spoiler, they're doing something very exciting. So, spoiler spoiler. >> Nice. >> Yeah. Thank you so much. >> Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you.
>> Anyone else? >> Okay. Next, we have a motion to enter into executive session, please. >> Uh we will not be returning. Uh we will also not be voting on anything. So, My girls, thank you so much for your
input today. >> We had two seconds.