United In Our Commitment to Excellence in Education
The Plymouth Public Schools’ mission is to ensure that all students learn to the best of their abilities.
We support their growth into knowledgeable, skilled, and contributing citizens capable of succeeding
in their work, personal, and family lives.
Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES
Present: Board: Mr. Raymond Engle, Mr. Anthony Orsini, Mr. Martin Wetzel, Mr. Gerard Bourbonniere, Mr. Daniel Santorso, Mr. Mark Berube, Mrs. Roxanne Perugino, Mrs. Kulesa and Mr. Patrick Perugino
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent; Mr. Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction; Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager; Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education and Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
Mr. Perugino called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. The group joined in the Pledge to the Flag.
2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: To adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 9, 2011. Motion Raymond Engle, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously
4. PRESENTATION
This month’s presentation was provided by the School-to-Career on Mentoring. The program has been in existence for 14 years and is sponsored by the Plymouth Board of Education, the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, and the Local Prevention Council and managed by the School-to-Career Program. Currently, there are 59 mentors in town, 37 adults and 22 high school students.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 March 9, 2011
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
None
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Retirement
Dr. Distasio has accepted the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Theodora Skoczylas, English teacher at Terryville High School effective June 30, 2011. Ms. Skoczylas has been teaching in the district since 1972.
B. Out-of-State Field Trips
MOTION: To approve an out-of-state field trip to Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Patriots Place Massachusetts for band students at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for June 10, 2011. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve an out-of-state field trip to Boston, Massachusetts for Band and Concert Choir students at Terryville High School from May 7 through May 9, 2011. Motion Anthony Orsini, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
C. Addendum to Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs (ED-099)
MOTION: In accordance with Public Act 06-63 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Plymouth Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent to execute the ED-099 Addendum to Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs and to execute any claims for reimbursement. Motion Daniel Santorso, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 March 9, 2011 Minutes
Certification Statement
MOTION: Pursuant to Section 10-215f of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Plymouth Board of Education hereby certifies that all food items offered for sale to students in the school(s) under its jurisdiction, and not exempted from the Connecticut Nutrition Standards published by the Connecticut State Department of Education will meet said standards
during the period of July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. Such certification shall include all food offered for sale to students separately from reimbursable meals at all times and from all sources, including but not limited to school stores, vending machines, school cafeterias, and any fundraising activities on school premises, whether or not school sponsored. Motion Daniel Santorso, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
Exemption Statement
MOTION: Pursuant to section 10-215f of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Plymouth Board of Education will permit the sale of items excluded from certification as long as such sale is in connection with an event occurring after the end of the regular day or on the weekend; such sale is at the location of the event; and such food is not sold from a vending machine or school store. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
Amendment to Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs (ED-099)
MOTION: Pursuant to section 10-215f of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs (ED-099) with the Plymouth Board of Education is hereby amended to include the Certification Statement of compliance with the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and application for funding related to those standards. This addendum covers the period of July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. Motion Martin Wetzel seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
D. Policy 3250
Under the Plymouth Board of Education Policy, 3250 Materials/Service Fees, Fines, Charges, the policy is as follows:
Any person who applies in writing will receive a plain or certified copy of any public record. A fee will be charged for the service as provided by law.
As a point of information, the charges are as follows: 50 cents per page for copy requests and charges of $10 or more must be prepaid in cash or by certified check. An estimate of the charges will be provided following the written request for information.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 March 9, 2011 Minutes
E. Appointments
MOTION: To approve the appointments of the following coaching positions at Terryville High School: Anthony Sirianni, Varsity Baseball; Anthony Norton, JV Baseball; Thomas Morgan, Golf; Jeff Foulds, Boys Track; Stephanie Konopaske, Varsity Softball; Brianna Kleckner, JV Softball; and Christopher Perkins and Anthony Blekis, Co-Girls Track. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointments of the following coaching positions at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School: Paul Schwanka, Boys’ Track & Field; and Matthew Brintle, Baseball. Motion Anthony Orsini, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair
The Curriculum Subcommittee met on March 2, 2011. The following items were addressed: (a) an overview of the proposed high school schedule for the 2011 – 2012 school year was presented by Mr. Falcone, Principal of Terryville High School. The schedule is changed from a stagnant 7 period day to a rotating 8 period day. Classes will rotate through a four day cycle which will allow elective offerings to increase; (b) Benchmark Assessments – the subcommittee members were presented with the District Common Assessment Schedule Kindergarten through grade 10. This information is used by teachers to provide direct instruction, targeted to specific areas of student needs.
B. Facilities – Mr. Engle, Chair
No Report
C. Finance – Mr. Bourbonniere, Chair
MOTION: To approve the transfer discussed at the Finance Subcommittee Meeting which took place prior to the Board Meeting. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed the accounts by facilities report for the month of February and will forward it to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 March 9, 2011 Minutes
D. Negotiations – Mr. Wetzel, Chair
The first meeting with the nurses was held on February 24, 2011. The next scheduled meeting is on March 10, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. in the conference room at the Board of Education.
E. Personnel – Mrs. Perugino, Chair
Mrs. Perugino reported all items were discussed in subcommittee and were handled under New Business
F. Policy - Mr. Berube, Chair
No Report
G. Safety & Transportation - Mr. Orsini, Chair
Hopefully all the snow and ice is behind us and we can continue with the things running safety and smoothly.
H. Education Connection - Mrs. Kulesa
Mrs. Kulesa attended a meeting at Education Connection on March 3rd. A presentation was given by Attorney Chris Smith who works with Educational Issues. Some of the hot topics at the Legislature are: (s) to return vocational schools to the district where they are located or the possibility of RESC running the vocational technical schools in order to save money; (2) early childhood education – currently in order to enter kindergarten a child must turn 5 by January 1st – looking at the possibility of pushing the date back to October 1st. and (3) parents to be required to register a child when the child reaches the age of 6. For more information one may refer to the Connecticut General Assembly Website – cga.
I. Student Representatives
Bryan Kamens – the following information was provided:
Winter sports have concluded. Spring sports will begin in about 2 weeks.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 March 9, 2011 Minutes
Recognitions
Alyssa Roland – (indoor track) placed 3rd in the 55-hurdles at the Class S indoor meet.
Daryn Russo – (wrestling) 5th place – State Class S Tournament
Corie Scharpf – (indoor track) performed at the Connecticut State open Track Championship in New Haven on February 2, 2011 and represented Terryville High School at the New England Interscholastic Indoor Track & Field Championship in Boston, MA.
Josh Rivard – (wrestling) – 5th place in the State Class S Tournament
Scott Lamarre – (wrestling) – State Champion and Outstanding Wrestler – State Class S Tournament
Vincent Clancy – (wrestling) placed 2nd at the Berkshire League
Thomas Bergeron – (wrestling) placed 3rd at the Berkshire League
Ben Russo – (wrestling) place 3rd at the Berkshire League
Dominic Polino – (wrestling) placed 1st at the Berkshire League and 3rd at the Class S State Tournament
Avery Ellegard - placed 3rd at the Berkshire League
Bryan Kamens – named Scholar Athlete (Republican-American)
Events
March 10 Leo Club Installation
March 26 Leo Club Pasta Supper
April Lions Pasta Supper
Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt
MS Walk
ARC Walk
May Rotary Club 5K Run
Block Party
Mother’s Day Breakfast
June Relay for Life
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 March 9, 2011 Minutes
Tyler Tarnowicz – the following information was provided:
March 10 Leo Installation @ 6:30 p.m.
March 19 Academic Bowl @ Bristol Eastern High School @ 1 p.m.
March 18 – 20 Youth & Government Weekend Trip
March 24 College Knowledge Night
March 26 Play “Sleeping Beauty” and Leo Pasta Supper
March 29 Internet Safety Presentation
April 12 United Way Youth Board Forum hosted at Terryville High School
Michael Mastracchio – the following information was provided:
March 8 CAPT Testing for 2 weeks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
Motivational Money Bag
March 13 Band to participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Haven
Celebratory Picnic – all students who improved practice testing in their junior year.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology
Mr. Trudeau thanked tonight’s crew.
Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel
The task force that came in to do an assessment on special education will be returning at the end of March for a follow-up.
Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction & District Administrator in Charge
Mr. Lovely reported that the CMT (Connecticut Mastery Test) and CAPT (Connecticut Academic Performance Tests) are taking place.
Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager
Mr. Santogatta reported that this year’s budget continues to look good and the buildings are in good shape despite the recent windy and rainy weather.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 March 9, 2011 Minutes
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
Dr. Distasio reported on the following: (a) the Academic Bowl will be held on Saturday, March 19th at Bristol Eastern High School; (b) on March 24, 2011 @ 7 p.m. at town hall, there will be a joint meeting between the Board of Finance and the Board of Education to discuss the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. The Board of Education approved an increase of 0% for the next year. (c) March 9, 2011 – “Day On The Hill”, attended by Dr. Distasio, Mr. Perugino, Mr. Orsini and Mr. Bourbonniere; (d) Award Winning Author, Suzy Kline’s visit to Harry S. Fisher Elementary School in November of this school year; and (d) Congratulations to Bryan Kames for receiving the Republican American honor of Scholar Athlete.
A Happy Board of Education Week to all of our Board Members. Much appreciation goes out to each and every one of you for all the work you do throughout the year on behalf of the students and community of Plymouth.
11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
None
12. Board Liaisons to Schools
Mr. & Mrs. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School
March 18 Choose Character Over Bullying Assembly
March 22 – 24 Parent Conferences
March 25 Family Game Night
March 31 Fire Prevention County Winners Awards Dinner at the Aqua Turf – 2 students from Harry S. Fisher
Elementary School to attend.
April 1 Town Meeting
April 5 Friendly Restaurant Fundraiser Night
April 7 Spelling Bee
April 14 Reflections @ Terryville High School @ 7 p.m.
June 10 New Britain Rock Cats Baseball Game – Tickets $5
Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 March 9, 2011 Minutes
Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School
March 7 Eli Whitney Program – Kindergarten – houses of straw, sticks and bricks
March 8 Eli Whitney Program – Grade 2 – hands on stories and life stages
March18 Enrichment Program – sponsored by the PTA – bullying assembly @ 2 p.m. in the gymnasium
March 22 – 24 Parent Conferences
March 24 & 25 Kindergarten Registration
March 25 Terryville High School Drama Club Visit
March 28 Family Math Night
March 29 Internet Safety Program @ 7 p.m. THS
April 13 Board Presentation by Plymouth Center School
Read-a-Thon month to benefit the Donkey Mobile Library in Ethiopia was a success.
Volunteer Appreciation was cancelled.
Mr. Orsini – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
March 3 PTA Meeting – 7 p.m.
March 4 – 18 CMT Testing
March 22 CMT Testing for Grade 8 Science Section
March 7 3rd Quarter Progress Reports
March 18 7th & 8th grade dance (6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
March 23 Science Fair (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.) cafeteria
March 29 Internet Safety Program – THS (6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.) (parents only)- Scott Driscoll, law enforcement
officer and author will facilitate the seminar on internet awareness for parents. Grade 7 & 8 graders will be bused to THS during the day to view a program geared for them. (babysitting available)
April 1 & 2 Annual CT PTSA Convention @Crowne Plaza,Southbury
April 7 Next Meeting @ 7 p.m.
“Breakfast for Buddies” – big success
Thank you to the PTA for providing snacks during the CMT’s
Plymouth Board of Education Page 10 March 9, 2011 Minutes
Mr. Bourbonniere – Terryville High School
March 2 PTSA After Grad Meeting @ 7 p.m.
April 7 Spelling Bee
April 8 “Reflections” looking for baked goods
Bingo
Car Show @ THS (more information to follow)
Flamingo’s are coming
Sports Center for the After Grad Party (Donations letters are being set to businesses and parents.
Both monetary and volunteer help is welcome)
Mr. Berube - SEPTA
February 10 Meeting – question regarding 0% increase. Mr. Berube informed parents that all programs we have now
will be in place next year with a few enhancements.
March 17 “Life Mapping Workshop” – presented by Melissa Johnson, Thomas Meehan and Hedwig Koenig. Maps
are used to help you all to think about your child’s future and plan ways for their dreams to come true.
Informative, creative and fun.
(Town Hall 7:00 p.m.)
March 25 Pick-Up - Fundraiser – Nodine’s Smokehouse (place order on line) Orders will be accepted until March
18th.
March 29 Enrichment Program on Internet Safety for parents only.
June 5 Walk for Autism
Children’s activity gymnastics – last Saturday of each month – opened to challenged children.
Dr. Distasio – PTA Council
A meeting took place on February 15th. The PTSA is sponsoring a Principal Kiss A Pig Contest in all of the schools. The Spelling Bee is planned for April 7th, more information will follow. The next meeting is scheduled for March 16th at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School.
13. Final Board Comments
Mrs. Perugino – congratulations to Bryan Kamens and thank you to Mrs. Aiudi for all you do with the mentoring program.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 11 March 9, 2011 Minutes
Mr. Santorso – congratulations to Bryan Kamens; great mentor program; and to
Ms. Skoczylas who will be retiring at the end of this school year may you continue to grow and learn during your retirement.
Mr. Wetzel – congratulations to Bryan Kamens and thank you Mrs. Aiudi for all that you do for the students.
Mr. Bourbonniere - congratulations Mrs. Aiudi for a job well done. Students who graduate with a 3.0- or 4.0 average are a benefit to the educational process. Congratulations to Corie Scharpf who performed at the Connecticut State Open Track Championship in New Haven. Indoor Track & Field is a pilot program but hopefully will end up to be a permanent program.
Mr. Berube – congratulations to Bryan Kamens. Tonight’s presentation showed the types of programs we have in the district. These programs are a success due to all of the outstanding teachers, administrators and students.
Mr. Engle – wonderful presentation. It was nice to meet the mentors and mentees and see how things are done with the program.
Mr. Orsini – thank you to Mrs. Aiudi and mentors for all the work they do. Congratulations Bryan Kamens.
Mr. Perugino – congratulations Bryan. Some the goodies provided to students during the CAPT are provided for by our teachers. Terryville is fortunate to have wonderful staff members who care about our students. Thank you to Mr. Bourbonniere for taking the day off to attend “Day on the Hill” to help us to argue what we believe in. The bottom line is “no more unfunded mandates”. Thank you to Mrs. Aiudi for asking me to mentor.
14. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Perugino stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on April 13, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.
15. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Gerard Bourbonniere
Secretary