May 23, 2006
Wellesley Public Schools
School Committee Meeting - Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Wellesley High School Library
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:34 pm. Ms. Jablonski, Ms. Allen, Ms. Littlefield, Ms. Newman, and Mr. Young were present. Also present were Dr. King and Ms.Wong. Representing the Student Congress was Kelsey Woerner.
WORLD OF WELLESLEY RECOGNITIONS
Dr. King acknowledged World of Wellesley Chairman Richard S. McGhee. The fifth grade essay assignment is part of the core curriculum. Student essays about multiculturalism and diversity are evaluated by faculty of the Wellesley Public Schools and members of the World of Wellesley board of directors. The following students received certificates of achievement for their compositions • Alexandra Azzam • Lauren Baltrus • Sophie Bucci • John Dakin • Sadie Flood • Andrew Gartley • Grant Kaplan • Emma Lloyd • Grace Miller • Jessica Parker •Hannah Horobin Price • Ian Speers • Emily Stabnick • Lee Wickham Dr. King thanked Betsy Kamio , PTO liaison to World of Wellesley, for coordinating the essay project and student recognition.
PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Appointment
Elizabeth Aceti, 1.0FTE English Teacher, Step M-7, effective August 24, 2006
Retirement
Marsha Rogers Canick, School Psychologist, effective June 30, 2006
Resignations
Andra Denny, Elementary Teacher, effective June 30, 2006
Christine Vasko, Elementary Music Specialist, effective June 30, 2006
Leave of Absence
Cheryl Condon, Elementary Special Educator, 1.0FTE leave for the 2006-07 school year
Molly Zuckerberg, Elementary Teacher, 1.0FTE leave of absence for the period May 5 - June 30, 2006
CONSENT AGENDA
Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Ms. Allen, it was unanimously VOTED:
Minutes:
To approve minutes of Regular School Committee Meeting dated May 9, 2006
Acceptance of Gifts:
Contribution ($2,497), 50% of funds raised by Street Sign Auction, for purchase of library books at the high school, from the Wellesley High School PTSO
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
This first year of environmental education for fifth grade students at Thompson Island has concluded very successfully. Thanks to the exceptional preliminary preparation of teaching assistants from Sprague, Ellen von Wert and Shane Kaplan, with direction from Kathy Rielly, who heads the ISS Program at Sprague School, two wheelchair students were able to participate fully in the experience. Dr. King thanked Schofield principal David Wilkins for enabling the original pilot experience of the Thompson Island environmental education curriculum. The Wellesley High School Jazz Band, directed by Steve Scott, was selected by audition for the second consecutive year to participate in the prestigious Ellington competition in New York City. The Massachusetts School Building Authority has issued its proposed regulations for new school building construction. As was reported to Town Meeting, the district applied for extraordinary relief for special education expenses under the circuit breaker program. Dr. King announced that the Town will receive an additional $272,051 through this process. Dr. King reported news of the death of Felix Juliani, who has served the community in many capacities, including as Town Meeting Member since 1938.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE’S REPORT
Project liaison Suzy Littlefield reported that six new music practice rooms will serve the community well in the renovated middle school. Suzi Newman reported on progress to have modular classrooms in place next fall at Schofield and Fiske. School Committee marched in the Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend parade on May 21. Ms. Jablonski thanked the town for its tremendous support of the override question in last week’s election. At the senior awards ceremony on May 22 the breadth and range of impressive accomplishments and capabilities of Wellesley High School students was readily evident. Kelsey Woerner reported that Student Congress is drafting revisions to the new school improvement plan, including suggestions for ways to enhance the safe and welcoming culture of the school for all. In considering how to make the school more secure students do not support locking the school doors during the day.
CITIZEN SPEAK
There were no citizens present who wished to speak.
DISCUSSION ITEM
Technology Update Lynn Moore Benson shared examples of the use of technology in classrooms to support learning. Students are increasingly communicating with various technologies from home. Technology in schools not only enhances students’ learning experience but also inspires teachers to think in new ways about their pedagogy skills. New technologies which are integrated into the Wellesley classroom experience include podcasts, teacher web sites, iMovie videos over blue screen, streaming videos, ActivBoard, and ActivSlate. The pilot laptop initiative, involving 72 grade six students, will be expanded in its second year in 2006-07. Graphic organizing software, e.g. Inspiration, is available to all students. Eight schools are now connected into the town’s wide area network, which allows for the preparation of progress reports through PowerSchool.
ACTION ITEM
WEF/PTO Proposal for Elementary Mathematics Professional Development School Committee discussed a proposal involving provision of funds byWEF and the PTO’s to underwrite a math specialist position to provide professional development to elementary teachers. The committee concluded by consensus that the intent of the proposed gift is distinct in supporting professional development, not a teaching position for delivery of ongoing regular curriculum. Acknowledging the long history of both WEF and the PTO’s in their generous support of the schools, the committee also agreed that it is important for the town to acknowledge its responsibility to provide professional development and not to depend on funding for that purpose from outside sources.
Upon motion made by Mr. Young, seconded by Ms. Littlefield, it was unanimously
VOTED: To support the proposal by WEF and the PTO’s to fund a math specialist position to provide professional development to elementary teachers.
The motion CARRIED (5 - 0)
Education Planning Contract Project liaison Michael Young reported that conversations are ongoing with Dr. Frank Locker, of DeJong, Inc., regarding approaches to the visioning and programming component of the high school project. The committee has checked references and continues to be impressed with the credentials of this firm. A draft contract is under development. A community kick-off event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 14, to which the school committee has invited a wide representation of town citizens to attend and participate in a dialogue about what the Town wishes to achieve in this project. Other meetings with faculty and students and parents to involve them in the visioning process have also been tentatively established for late June and late August.
Upon motion made by Mr. Young, seconded by Ms. Littlefield, it was unanimously
VOTED: To engage DeJong, Inc., as educational advisor to the high school project, subject to completion of successful contract negotiations.
The motion CARRIED (5 - 0)
CITIZEN SPEAK
There were no citizens present who wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 pm.
Executive Secretary
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