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12/8/2010

Minutes
Meeting Type:
Board of Education Meeting
Location:
Terryville High School Cafeteria
Date:
12/8/2010 7:00:00 PM

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, December 8, 2010

Terryville High School Cafeteria

MINUTES

Present: Board: Mr. Raymond Engle, Mr. Mark Berube, Mr. Anthony Orsini,
Mr. Patrick Perugino, Mrs. Karen Kulesa, Mr. Gerard Bourbonniere,
Mrs. Roxanne Perugino, Mr. Martin Wetzel and Mr. Daniel Santorso


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 November 10, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

4. PRESENTATIONS

This month’s presentation was made by Terryville High School students, Brenda Carobini, Kevin Littau and Bryan Kames and focused on the job shadowing internship program.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None



Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 December 8, 2010 Minutes



6. COMMUNICATIONS

Dr. Distasio informed Board Members that congratulatory letters were mailed to Anna Schmidt and Erica Stokes for receiving All State and All Berkshire League Honors in Volleyball, and Tyler Raymond for receiving All Berkshire League Honors in Cross Country. Copies of these letters were placed in each Board Member’s packet.

Mr. Perugino reported that the Town of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Dinner at Wood Acres on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. The dinner and program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The following individuals, organizations, and businesses will be recognized for their community dedication and involvement:
“Leadership Award” – Dr. Distasio; “Distinguished Citizen Award” – Phyllis Worhunsky; “Community Service Award” – Terryville Public Library; “Business Development Award” – Prestige Salon; “Special Service Award” – Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps – and “Distinguished Business Award” – Wood Acres. The cost for the dinner is $45.00 per person. For more information, please contact Mrs. Joan Fowler at Thomaston Savings Bank in Terryville or Mrs. Lisa Aiudi at Terryville High School.


7. OLD BUSINESS

None


8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Appointments

MOTION: To appoint Adam Machen to the position of Science Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective December 9, 2010. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To appoint Mary Norrie to the position of English Teacher at Terryville High School effective December 9, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously,

MOTION: To appointment Jeff Foulds to the position of Indoor Track Coach for the current school year. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.




Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 December 8, 2010 Minutes


B. Childbearing/Childrearing Leaves

MOTION: To approve childrearing leave for Jennifer Chasse, grade 1 teacher at Plymouth Center School until January 3, 2011. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino, with one abstention from Raymond Engle, motion passed.

MOTION: To approve childrearing leave for Amy Battisto, grade 4 teacher at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School for the remainder of the 2010 – 2011 school years. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

C. First Reading of Policies 4118.51/4218.51, 5131.82 and 5131.913

The Policy Subcommittee met on December 1, 2010 to discuss the above 3 policies which address social networking for staff and students. The following are the changes made in the first proposal: (a) Policy 4118.51/4218.51 – this policy would add to the Acceptable Use Policy concerning the use of computers and electrical equipment in the district. The significant addition addressed the use of social networking websites such as MySpace, Facebook, etc. Staff is discouraged from socializing with students outside of school and prohibits staff from posting district information on personal social networking websites; (b) Policy 5131.82 – this policy provides guidelines for students in using school sponsored publications and websites, non-school sponsored publications and websites accessed or distributed at school, and student-created or distributed written or electronic materials including blogs; and (c) Policy 5131.913 – this policy prohibits all forms of harassment using the Internet (commonly referred to Cyberbullying).

The full Board will review these policies during the month of December and provided there are no objections, they would be brought to the full Board for their approval at the January 12, 2011 Board Meeting. If any Board Member has a question(s) they may contact Dr. Distasio, Superintendent, Mr. Berube, Policy Subcommittee Chair or any member of the Policy Subcommittee.

D. 2011 – 2012 School Calendar Adjustment

MOTION: To modify the approved 2011-2012 School Calendar to include January 2, 2012 as a holiday and to adjust the end of the year day to June 5, 2012.
Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.

E. Request for Certificates of Occupancy

MOTION: To authorized the Superintendent of Schools to formally request the Mayor, on behalf of the Plymouth Board of Education, to provide them with Certificates of Occupancy for Plymouth Center School and Terryville High School. Motion Daniel Santorso, seconded Raymond Engle motion passed unanimously.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 December 8, 2010 Minutes


9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa
Mrs. Kulesa reported the Curriculum Subcommittee met on December 1, 2010. The following items were discussed: (a) District Common Assessment – overview presentation by Mr. Lovely and Mrs. Holleran which included types of assessments


used at all three levels, elementary, middle and high schools. Members were shown assessments that would be completed three times per year and how the assessments correlated to the Connecticut Mastery and Connecticut Academic Performance Tests; and (b) ED Helper – a demonstration was provided which included the types of materials the teachers use to provide “snapshots” of student understanding. This information is used by teachers to provide direct instruction which is targeted to specific areas of a student’s needs.

B. Facilities – Mr. Engle

No Report, however, Mr. Engle with be e-mailing subcommittee members with respect to scheduling a time and date for a meeting.

C. Finance – Mr. Bourbonniere

Mr. Bourbonniere reported that the Finance Sub-Committee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting. The November accounts by facilities report was reviewed and will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.

D. Negotiations – Mr. Wetzel

No report at this time, however, negotiations with the Nurses will begin shortly.


E. Personnel – Mrs. Perugino

Mrs. Perugino reported all matters were addressed under New Business.


F. Policy – Mr. Berube

Mr. Berube reported the Policy Subcommittee met on December 1, 2010 and the Social Networking Policies were addressed under New Business.


G. Safety & Transportation - Mr. Orsini

All transportation modes are moving smoothly and safely.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 December 8, 2010 Minutes


H. Education Connection – Mrs. Kulesa

No report at this time. A conference call meeting was held rather than a formal meeting which Mrs. Kulesa was not able to take part in.

I. Student Representatives

Michael Mastracchio reported on the following events:

December 09 Financial Aid Night – 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Progress Reports to be mailed.
December 10 Last day to bring in an unwrapped toy for the “Leo Toy Drive”
December 16 Music Department Concert (Band/Choral)

Thank You to all the Lions who helped out at the Leo Club Breakfast with Santa. The breakfast raised $600 which will be donated to St. Jude’s Hospital.


Tyler Tarnowicz reported on the following events:

December 03 Terryville High School “Midnight Madness” took place to kick off the winter sports season (approximately 250 individuals attended along with approximately15 staff members. Some of the activities were, Tug of War (Seniors v. Faculty – Seniors won); musical chairs; relay races; obstacle courses and basketball competition between the boys and girls.

Celebrating the beginning of the winter sports season are Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, Wrestling, Indoor Track, Cheerleading and Majorettes.

As special “thank you” to faculty and staff members who attended ‘Midnight Madness”, Mrs. Farrington, Athletic Director, Mrs. Sherwood, Local Prevention Council and Mrs. Aiudi, School-to-Career.

Dr. Distasio also commended the 15 -20 staff members who volunteered at “Midnight Madness” along with approximately 250 students. This was a showing of great school spirit at the high school. Students were well mannered and polite. But credit must be given to the parents for the support they give to their children.

Bryan Kamens reported on the following:

Try outs are now complete for winter sports. The season has begun. Today, December 8th, is the first game for Girls’ Basketball and the Boys’ Basketball had their first scrimmage. Bryan recognized Tyler Raymond, 1st team Berkshire League for Cross Country; Anna Schmidt and Erica Stokes, 1st teams Berkshire League for Volleyball and All State Winners.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 December 8, 2010 Minutes



10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION


Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction & District Administrator in Charge

The Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5 Application Packet for Rotella and Maloney Interdistrict Magnet Schools are available at the Board of Education Office. Closing date for applications is March 15, 2011

WAMS (Waterbury Arts Magnet School) applications are due on January 13, 2011.


Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel

Mr. Meehan indicated it has been a quite month and had nothing to report.

Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology

Thank you to tonight’s crew for making tonight’s live broadcast possible. The Technology Department is working hard to increase the number of videos that are shown on any given day. Parents were reminded to tune to Channel 16 for delayed school openings and closings.

Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager

Mr. Santogatta reported: (a) we are 5 months into the 2010 – 2011 Budget with no foreseeable problems. (b) Building & Grounds reported that the new roof at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School performed well during the recent rainstorm. and
(c) preparations are taking place to put together the 2011 – 2012 Budget.

Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

Dr. Distasio reported the following: (a) report cards were issued to elementary school students on November 30th; (b) Mr. Bourbonniere was presented with the Low Vision of Sight Award on November 29th by the Terryville Lion’s Club;
(c) as a reminder to the upcoming winter, school closings, late openings and early dismissals will be broadcasted over cable Channel 16, the major Television and Radio Stations, and through the AlertNow automated emergency system. Staff will be called between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. and parents at approximately 6:00 a.m.;
and (d) the holiday break will be from December 24, 2010 – January 2, 2011. Classes will resume on Monday, January 3, 2011.

On behalf of the Plymouth Board of Education, Best Wishes for a very Happy Holiday Season.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 December 8, 2010 Minutes



11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

None


12. Board Liaisons to Schools


Mrs. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School

Next meeting date is January 11, 2011.


Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

No December Meeting. Next meeting January 11, 2011.


Mr. Orsini– Eli Terry Jr. Middle School

December 2 PTA Meeting

November 23 1st Trimester ended, grades will appear on the 2nd quarter report cards

November 29 2nd Trimester Begins

December 8 2nd quarter progress reports

December 15 Holiday Concert at THS – grade 6 – 6 p.m.
grades 7 & 8 – 7:30 p.m.

December 22 Eli Terry Jr. Middle School Chorus & Band to perform at the elementary schools. Plymouth Center School – @ 9:30 a.m. and Harry S. Fisher Elementary School - @ 10:30 a.m.

Membership Committee – As of December 2nd, 90 members

Fundraiser Committee – Holiday Ornaments are being sold as a fundraiser. Approximately 40 ornaments have been sold so far. The committee is considering other fundraiser ideas for the spring.




Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 December 8, 2010 Minutes



Enrichment Committee – Ms. Suffridge, Assistant Principal at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School ,Enrichment Internet Safety Program is being investigated for the spring enrichment activity at the middle school.

Principal’s Report presented by Ms. Suffridge – the administration is in the process of development the 2011 – 2012 budget. Some areas of focus are: security, camera system, repairing student lockers, painting areas that need touch up and replacing old window curtains in classrooms. Mrs. Gagnon, grade 8th science, will now be at the high school to fill a vacant position.

January 6 Next Meeting

Mr. Bourbonniere – Terryville High School-PTSA/After Grad Committee

Unfortunately, Mr. Bourbonniere was unable to attend the December Meeting. The next meeting will take place on January 5, 2011 at Terryville High School in the cafeteria.

Mr. Berube – SEPTA – (Special Education Parent Teacher Association)

The December meeting was cancelled. SEPTA did a nice job on the Greenery Drive this holiday season.

Dr. Distasio - PTA Council

Dr. Distasio reported the PTA Council met on November 17th and is working on sponsoring a Spelling Bee this year for the end of March or early April;
Mrs. Kamens and Mrs. Aiudi are working with Mrs. Worhunsky and Mrs. Collins and their staffs on the spelling bee; and the PTA Council is working on the Reflections Program.

There will be no December meeting. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 3, 2011.


Mr. Orsini – CABE

Mr. Orsini reported on the CABE/CAPSS Convention which took place on November 19 & 20, 2010 at the Mystic Marriott in Groton, CT. Some of the seminars and discussions included; school reform, assessment and data, and restricting of schools. The convention proved to be an enlightening and rewarding experience. At the convention, congratulations were extended to the Plymouth Board of Education one of the first year winners of Level 1 – Board of Education Leadership Award. A plaque was presented to the Board and will be brought to the January Board Meeting for all to view.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 December 8, 2010 Minutes

14. Final Board Comments

Mrs. Perugino – Happy Holiday Season to All!!!

Mr. Santorso – commented on the importance of the Social Networking Policies .

Mr. Wetzel – Happy Holidays and looking forward to seeing everyone next year.

Mr. Bourbonniere – Thanked the Board for recognizing him as the recipient of the “Low Vision of Sight Award” by the Terryville Lion’s Club. A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to All.

Mrs. Kulesa – Happy Holidays, be Merry and Safe.

Mr. Berube – To the student’s who provided this evenings presentation on “Job Shadowing”, it was nice of all of you to share your experiences and what your plans are after high school. Thank you to Mrs. Aiudi for all the help and guidance you provide to our students. A good time was had by all at the Harry S. Fisher Elementary School Gingerbread House activity. To the town’s people, the Plymouth School System is truly amazing. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All.

Mr. Engle – Happy Holidays – A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mr. Orsini – Congratulations to Dr. Distasio, recipient of the “Leadership Award” presented by the Town of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce; Mrs. Aiudi, “thank you” for such a great job you do with school-to-career; great presentation on “job shadowing” by Brenda Carobini, Levin Littau and Bryan Kamens; and Happy Holidays to All.

Mr. Perugino – Congratulations to Dr. Distasio, recipient of the “Leadership Award” and Mrs. Worhunsky, recipient of the “Distinguished Citizen Award”; to the three students, wonderful presentation, and may everyone have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year.

15. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Perugino stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on January 12, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.

16. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Motion Raymond Engle, seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Gerard Bourbonniere
Secretary

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