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 10, 2010

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 Roxanne Perugino, seconded Raymond Engle, motion passed unanimously

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 17, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed with Karen Kulesa abstaining.

4. PRESENTATION

This month’s presentation was provided by the Technology Department on how the Board of Education Goal 3 is progressing in our district. It will show an integration of technology, an overview throughout the district and an examination of how the students and staff utilize technology.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 March 10, 2010 Minutes

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None

6. COMMUNICATIONS

None

7. OLD BUSINESS

None

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Presentation

Mrs. Holleran, District Reading Specialist, provided a presentation to the full Board concerning the Title I Program and the Pearson Information Program that is being used in our district. She provided the same presentation to the Curriculum Subcommittee at its February meeting.

B. Out-of-State Field Trip

MOTION: To approve a field trip to Ocean City, Maryland for the Terryville High School Band and Concert choir to perform in a music competition at the University of Maryland on April 22^nd – April 25^th, 2010. Motion Anthony Orsini, seconded Roxanne Perugino 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 Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

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

Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 March 10, 2010 Minutes

during the period of July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. 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 Raymond Engle, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere 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 Martin Wetzel, 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, 2010 through June 30, 2011. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.

D. Amendment to the Board of Education Calendar

MOTION: To change the August 11, 2010 Board of Education Meeting Date to

August 18, 2010. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Raymond Engle motion passed unanimously.

E. Appointments

MOTION: To approve the appointment of the following coaching positions at Terryville High School: Anthony Norton, Jr. Varsity Baseball; Anthony Blekis,

Co -Girls’ Track; and Christopher Perkins, Co-Girls’ Track. Motion Anthony Orsini, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

F. Resignation

Dr. Distasio has accepted the resignation of Lorraine Bergantino, Language Arts Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective June 30, 2010 for the purpose of retirement.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 March 10, 2010 Minutes

9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. A. Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair

The Curriculum Subcommittee met on March 3, 2010. The following items were addressed: (a) SERC – Curriculum Content & Assessment- Mr. Lovely presented a PowerPoint presentation on the State Education Resource Center’s work with the middle school and high school Mathematics and English Teachers. Under the guidance of the SERC professional their efforts have been directed to enhancing the curriculum through the following structure: (a) Prioritize CT standards and Grade Level Expectations; (b) Assessment writing training; (c) Creating Formative Common Assessments; (d) Evaluating and Revising Assessments as necessary; (f) Creating Curricular Maps; and (g)Linking formative Assessments/Instruction/Student Engagement. The process will continue over the next two years and will cover all grade levels and content areas. & (b) TEAM – Teacher Education & Mentoring – a second PowerPoint presentation outlining the districts responsibilities, as directed by the Connecticut Legislature, in developing a master plan implementing the Teacher Education and Mentoring Program was presented to subcommittee members. This program was developed for the purpose of providing support and professional development to beginning teachers for continued certification. The program covers five teaching modules (1) classroom environment; (2) planning; (3) instruction; (4) assessment & professional responsibilities. Beginning teachers must complete the five modules, with mentor and administrative supervision, over a two year period to be eligible for continued certification.

1. B. Facilities – Mr. Engle, Chair

The roof at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School is progressively getting worse. There are new replacement chairs in the cafeteria at Terryville High School.

1. C. Finance – Mr. Bourbonniere, Chair

The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed the accounts by facilities reports for the month of February and will forward it to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.

D. Negotiations – Mr. Wetzel, Chair

No Report from Mr. Wetzel.

However, Dr.Distasio reported a certified letter was mailed on February 3, 2010 to the UAW Chairperson with respect to the Board’s desire to negotiate a new contract. Since there was no response, a second letter requesting a desire to negotiate was mailed certified to the same individual on March 11, 2010.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 March 10, 2010 Minutes

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

No Report

H. Education Connection - Mrs. Kulesa

Mrs. Kulesa attended a meeting on March 4, 2010. The following items were addressed: (a) a vote was taken to have Executive Director Dr. Thibodeau participate in the RESC (Regional Educational Service Center) Alliance; and

(b) a presentation was given by Attorney Chris Smith regarding new legislation, i.e. the seat belt issue; transportation requirements and special education “Burden of Proof on the Applicant”.

I. Student Representatives

Alexis Cordone – the following information was provided:

March 5^th Battle of the Bands

March 7^h & 8^th Science Department – UConn Jr. Science Humanities Symposium

March 12^th SADD – Luau Theme Dance – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

March 20^th Academic Bowl – St Paul’s High School

Sophomores are just about to complete CAPS Testing and Senior Class Dues will be collected for the next 2 weeks during all of the lunch waves

indsey Bordeau - the following information was provided:

Nominations for PTA Council positions

February Bottle Drive – approximately 7,000 bottles & cans were collected

February 24^th McDonald’s Night – thank you to everyone that helped

March 6^th Bingo Night – sponsored by the PTSA after Grad Committee a success

March 11^th THS-PTSA After Grad Meeting – 7 p.m. Terryville High School Cafeteria

Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 March 10, 2010 Minutes

April 11^th – May 23^rd Flocking Season. Go to www.plymouth.k12.ct.us/ths for more details. Flock a Friend – all proceeds benefit the After Grad Party

May Car Show – more information to follow

Karrick Lee – the following information was provided:

March 20^th Easter Egg Hunt @ 12 noon @ Terryville High School

March 27^th Pasta Supper from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the Terryville High School Cafeteria. Proceeds benefit the Leo Club Programs in the community

April 2^nd Leo Club trip to Boston

Sports

Girls’ Basketball – The Girls’ Basketball Team lost in the second round of the Class S State Tournament to St. Pauls’.

Boys’ Basketball – In the first round of the Class S Tournament, Terryville defeated Somers. The Kangaroos are on the road tonight, March 10^th, heading for Deep River to take on Valley Regional in the second round of the State Tournament.

Spring sports are about to begin, i.e. Baseball, Softball, and Track

10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION

Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology

We are broadcasting tonight’s meeting Live on Plymouth 16. Thank you to tonight’s crew for their help with tonight’s meeting. Inform is moving along. We are in the second phase of training and set up.

Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel

With respect to the recent audit by Futures, the first week was spent interviewing staff taking data and reviewing records. The second phase: Is to begin processing information and to begin developing a document after collecting information.

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

(a) Although the CMT and CAPT testing is coming to an end. I would like to thank all of our parents. This year’s attendance was very good during testing; and

(b) The TEAM District Plan will be written and submitted to the State in June. A committee has been formed and we are through one-half of the plan.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 March 10, 2010 Minutes

When completed, the plan will be brought before the Curriculum Subcommittee for the approval, support and any recommendations.

Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager

The budget looks good. On March 18^th at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, there will be a joint meeting with the Plymouth Board of Education and the Plymouth Board of Finance. At this time, the Plymouth Board of Education will present its budget for the 2010 – 2011 school years.

Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

Dr. Distasio reported on the following: (a) March 16^th @ 6 p.m. - an informational meeting will be held in the Community Room at Town Hall concerning sidewalks that are proposed to be installed on Maple and North Main Streets; (b) March 18^th – Joint meeting between the Board of Finance and the Board of Education to discussed the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. The Board of Education approved an increase of 2.3% for the next year. Parents, teachers and community members are encouraged to attend the meeting; (c) March 3^rd “A Day on the Hill” at the State Capital attended by Mr. Perugino, Mr. Orsini, Mr. Bourbonniere and

Dr. Distasio. A few changes Legislatures were asked to make are in the following areas: Prevailing Wage – suspend or amend the prevailing wage law to increase the threshold for new and renovation projects, (b) Special Education – place the burden of proof in special education on the challenger not the defendant. Connecticut is the only state that places the burden on the district rather than on the parent(s) and (c) Purchasing & Regionalism – all the districts to use reverse auctioning to not only purchase goods but also services. Dr. Distasio urged the public that their help is needed. Municipalities cannot handle the passing of any more unfunded mandates. The state does not have the money to fund the mandates and neither do the local municipalities

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

No Report – Inclement Weather

Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 March 10. 2010 Minutes

Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

No report – Meeting Cancelled

Mr. Orsini – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School

The PTA met on March 4, 2010. Mr. Orisini reported the following:

• No new changes have been made with the PTA membership
• No spring fundraisers have been planned
• Drug/Alcohol Program to be re-scheduled
• Jackets, hoodies, etc. to promote school spirit week
• Teacher Appreciation Day to be announced
• Melissa Johnson to attend National PTA Convention in Memphis, TN –

June 10^th – 13^th,

• Nomination Committee to develop a slate of officers for next year
• PTA provided snacks during the CMT testing (March 1 – 16^th )
• January 19 – McDonald’s Night – proceeds to middle school PTA
• Enrichment Resource Class – on going class offered as a pilot program
• March 18 – Hope 4 Haiti Concert 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• March 16 – 6 p.m. Town Hall - Safe Routes to Schools Program – Maple & North Main St Sidewalks
• Student Handbooks – being developed – 550 to be ordered and paid for by PTA
• March 26^th Dance – Grade 6 – 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• March 26^th Dance Grade 7 & 8 – 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• March 26^th - Ice Cream Honor Roll Social
• March 30^th - Internet Safety Assembly for all students
• March 31 – Science Fair – Grade 7 – 6 p.m. – Cafeteria
• April 8 – Next Meeting – 7 p.m.

Mr. Bourbonniere – Terryville High School

Mr. Bourbonniere reported:

• PTSA After Grad is working hard for the Seniors
• March 11 – 7 p.m. – Terryville High School Cafeteria – PTSA Meeting – a discussion on which facility would be used to host the after grad party.

Mr. Berube - SEPTA

Mr. Berube reported:

• March 3^rd --- Movie Night at Terryville Library – 6 p.m.

“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”

• June 6^th – Autism Speaks – Walk for Autism

Walnut Hill Park in New Britain

Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 March 10, 2010 Minutes

Information for Plymouth SEPTA may be found on the following website: www.plymouth.k12.ct.us. For more information on Autism Speaks visit – www.autismspeaks.org

Dr. Distasio – PTA Council

Dr. Distasio met with the PTA Council on February 24^th, 2010. At this meeting, parents were given the opportunity to meet with the district’s food provider, Chartwells. There is a link on our website to the cafeteria manager, Matthew Rivers, if parents have questions regarding the lunch program. A link has been set up whereby parents are able to directly access their child/children’s cafeteria account. Parents are able to keep track of how much money remains in the account and what their child/children are purchasing for lunch from the cafeterias.

13. Final Board Comments

Mrs. Perugino – Enjoyed Bingo Night

Mr. Santorso – It was nice to see Mrs. Mazon, his second grade teacher and the student council members at the meeting.

Mr. Bourbonniere – Thank you to Mr. Trudeau and his staff. Mrs. Hollaran, Mrs. Mazon and Ms Rossi, you all did well with the funds you received. “Day on the Hill” was scary. The state is in a financial crisis. ECS Grants will eventually be cut 50% which equals approximately $5.25 million. Please call or write Representative Hamzy and/or Senator Colapietro and ask to stop unfunded mandates.

Mr. Berube – Being a teacher, he can appreciate the night’s presentation by

Mrs. Hollaran. The Title l presentation was very informative. Hopefully, the people of Plymouth realize the money spent in their town is put to good use.

Mr. Engle – Ladies, you can be proud of the program you presented tonight. As for the technology program, it has exploded within the last 10 years. Part of the competition edge is technology. We do the best we can with the money we receive from the state.

Mr. Orsini – Thank you to Mr. Trudeau and the technology department for a superb presentation. Mr. Trudeau the community is very fortunate to have your talents. Thank you to Mrs. Holleran for all you do for the children.

Mr. Perugino – Great job Mr. Trudeau. Thank you Mrs. Holleran. One of the many topics brought up on “A Day on the Hill” at the Capitol was the seat belt issue. Again, if passed, this would be an unfunded mandate. We need the publics’ support

put a halt to these unfunded mandates. Please contact Representative Hamzy and Senator Colapietro and voice your concern. This needs to be a group effort.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 10 March 10, 2010 Minutes

14. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Perugino stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on April 21, 2010 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.

15. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Raymond Engle motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________

Gerard Bourbonniere

Secretary