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10/14/2009

Minutes
Meeting Type:
Board of Education Meeting
Location:
Terryville High School Cafeteria
Date:
10/14/2009 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, OCTOBER 14, 2009

TERRYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA

MINUTES

Present:

Board: Raymond Engle, Patrick Perugino, Karen Kulesa, Martin Wetzel, Roxanne Perugino, Daniel Gentile, Gerard Bourbonniere, and Leonard Morgan,

Absent: Jennifer Zalaski

Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent of Schools, Michael Santogatta, Business Manager, Thomas Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education, Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction and Richard Trudeau, Director of Technology

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

Mr. Engle called the meeting to order at 7:01p.m. The group joined in the Pledge to the Flag.

2. ADOPTON OF THE AGENDA

MOTION: To adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Daniel Gentile motion passed unanimously.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of September 9, 2009. 

Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

4. Presentation

Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager for the Plymouth Public Schools introduced Mr. Tom O’Donnell, District Manager at Chartwells and Matthew Rivers, Food Director for the Plymouth Public Schools.

Mr. O’Donnell provided an overview of the cafeteria program in our schools.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None


Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 October 14, 2009 Minutes

6. COMMUNICATIONS

None

7. OLD BUSINESS

None


8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Out-of-State Field Trip

MOTION: To approve the trip to the Great East Festival in Massachusetts for the seventh and eighth grade choral and band students at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for May 28, 2010. 

Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Daniel Gentile motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the trip to downtown Boston, Massachusetts YMCA for grade 9 – 12 students of the Terryville High School Leo Club for November 16, 2009 to work on a service project with children and visit local sites. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Leonard Morgan motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the trip to Nature’s Classroom in Charlton, Massachusetts for grade 10 & 11 students of Terryville High School participating in the Interdistrict Grant from October 23 – 25, 2009.

Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the trip to Salam, Massachusetts for grade 10 & 11 students of Terryville High School participating in the Interdistrict Grant for October 30, 2009. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.

B. Appointments

MOTION: To appoint Karen Robitaille, to the position of Special Education Teacher at Terryville High School retroactive to September 28, 2009. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To appoint Kelly Vitale, Girls’ Soccer Coach at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for the fall of 2009 andPaul Schwanka, Boys’ Track & Field Coach at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for the spring of 2010. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To appoint Dawn Alarcon and Mary Marrone, volunteer Dance Team Advisors for Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for the current school year. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Leonard Morgan motion passed unanimously.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 October 14, 2009 Minutes

MOTION: To appoint the following advisors at Terryville High School for the 2009 – 2010 school years: Robin Gudeczauskas, Jr. Class Advisor; Kristina Padelli & Timothy Keane, Co-Advisors for the Flag Team; and Sherry Dawson, Advisor to Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

C. Resignation

Dr. Distasio accepted the resignation of Paul Helenski, Varsity Baseball Coach; Brooke Matuszczak, Advisor to Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA); and Mark Magas, Special Education Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective November 7,2009.

D. Energy Management Conservation Policy – 3525

Prior to the Board Meeting, the Policy Subcommittee met with respect to a new policy entitled: Energy Management Conservation Policy 3525. After a brief discussion, it was decided to bring the policy to the full Board for their approval. At this time, Dr. Distasio recommended the approval of Policy 3525, an Energy Management Conservation Policy.

MOTION: To approve Policy 3525, an Energy Management Conservation Policy which governs the new Energy Education Company that was hired by the Board of Education to help develop an energy conservation and savings program for the district. The policy will be used by our Energy Education Specialist and also provide guidelines for the staff in regulating energy in our school facilities.

Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Leonard Morgan motion passed unanimously.

9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum – Mrs. Kulesa, Chair

Due to her absence, Mrs. Kulesa deferred the curriculum report to Mr. Lovely.

The Curriculum Subcommittee met on October 7, 2009. The following items were discussed: 

(1) Connecticut Mastery Test and Connecticut Academic Performance Test – Mr. Lovely presented an overview of both tests indicating the district has made steady progress over the past four years. Positive strides have been made with our students compared to those throughout the state. Areas in need of improvement have been identified by school and grade level and each school is in the process of developing a school improvement plan to address these areas.

B. Facilities - Mr. Perugino, Chair

Mr. Perugino reported: (a) The new sign has been installed at Terryville High School due to the generosity of the Laurentano Sign Group; (b) the new Energy Management Conservation Policy will help to tighten up to conserve on energy; (c) a meeting will be scheduled in the latter part of October to discuss the soccer fields at Prospect Street School; (d) an Temporary Certificate has been issued for Terryville High School until June 30, 2010. There are still some minor items to be resolved.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 October 14, 2009 Minutes

C. Finance – Dan Gentile, Chair

Mr. Gentile informed the full Board that the Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting, reviewed the September accounts by facilities report and moved that it be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.

D. Negotiations – Mr. Perugino, Chair

The Negotiations Subcommittee met on October 7, 2009 to begin negotiations with the Plymouth School Administrators Association. The next meeting will be held on October 22, 2009.

 E. Personnel – Mrs. Perugino, Chair

Mrs. Perugino reported that the Personnel Subcommittee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting and all matters were taken care of under new business this evening.

F. Policy – Mrs. Zalaski, Chair

In lieu of Mrs. Zalaski’s absence, Dr. Distasio reported the following: The Policy Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting to discuss two policies. (a) a revision to the regulations regarding the Pediculosis (Head Lice) Policy 5141-221(a); and (b), a new policy to govern the Energy Educator’s Company that was hired to help our district with an energy savings plan.

G. Safety/Transportation – Mr. Wetzel, Chair

No Report

H. Education Connection – Mrs. Kulesa, Representative

Mrs. Kulesa attended a meeting on October 1, 2009. Some of the items discussed: (a) housekeeping items; (b) Annual Report 2009 and (c) the fall newsletter with upcoming events. 

I. Student Representatives

Alexis Cordone – Excused Absence

Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 October 14, 2009 MINUTES

Lindsey Bordeau – (a) Senior Class of 2010 sponsoring Haunted Hallway @ Terryville High School on October 24 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. – admission $5 – arts & crafts, food, raffle & more;

(b) Lions Club annual Halloween Party & Haunted House @ the fair grounds on October 31st – admission free to the public – Leos will be assisting; (c) Annual Leo Installation Night – December 7;

 (d) National Honor Society @ Terryville High School has formed an after school study group which meets every Thursday for any student needing extra help; (e) Ecology Club Field Trip to restock fish is scheduled for October 15; (f) Berkshire Music Festival @ Terryville High School October 16 at 8 p.m.;

(g) announcements have been running live on the projection screen thanks to Mr. Trudeau, Mr. Oleksiw and his class; (h) Leo Club – Costume Ball – November 6; (i) THSA/PTSA After grad – Fundraiser – Project Truck on Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with a rain date of October 18;

(j) PTSA sponsoring Comedy Night in November; and (k) PTSA Meeting on October 15 @ 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.

Karrick Lee – (a) Berkshire League Music Festival – hosted by Terryville High School –

October 16 @ 8 p.m. – admission $8; (b) the soccer field now has lights & “thank you” to

Mrs. Farrington for rescheduling some games to be played at night; (c) volleyball team – 9 wins/1loss, 1st place in the Berkshire League and 3rd place in the state; (d) girls’ soccer team – 5 wins/2 losses/1 tie;

(e) boys’ soccer team – 2 wins/6 losses/ 1 tie; (f) Congratulations to Megan Skidmore & Tyler Raymond – Athletes of the Week; (g) banner is up in the gym; and (h) ski club will begin soon. 

10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION

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

WAMS (Waterbury Arts Magnet School- grades 6 - 12) – Applications for admission will be available beginning on November 24, 2009 through January 14, 2010 at 2 p.m. Open House: Saturday,

November 14, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. or Wednesday, November 18, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Meehan – Director of Pupil Personnel

No Report

Mr. Trudeau – Director of Technology

Mr. Trudeau thanked, Connor Raymond, Mr. Oleksiw and Laura for making it possible to televise tonight’s meeting live on Channel 16. Terryville High School morning announcements are now shown live on Channel 16. Mrs. Barbara Camp has been helping to provide announcers to read each morning. We are looking to increase our offerings of videos with Dan’s Club as well on Channel 16.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 October 14, 2009 MINUTES

Mr. Santogatta– Business Manager

 Mr. Santogatta reported that financially the district is in good shape. There are no major issues. The boilers are being fired up in the a.m. due to the cold weather. There is a problem with one of the boilers at Plymouth Center School. The snow blowers are being tuned up for the winter. The town crew was very helpful and did a nice job in preparing the soccer fields.

Dr. Distasio – Superintendent

Dr. Distasio reported on the following: (a) Due to the generous donation by Laurentano Sign Group, Terryville High School has a new sign that not only beautifies the grounds but is equipped with a marquee that provides the community with announcements of school events and programs; (b) thank you to Mr. Rostowsky and students for planting and landscaping around the new sign;(c) He attended an Inhalant Training Workshop on September 30thwhich was sponsored by the Substance Abuse Action Council. A workshop for adults only will take place on November 5th at 6 p.m. at Terryville High School. The program will share information about the dangers of inhalant abuse; (d) A flyer created by the School Resource Officer describes his duties and how individuals may contact him. The SRO is now included on the district website with additional contact information; (e) Congratulations to Sarah Casola and Julia Salinger who performed at the Advanced Level on the 2009 Connecticut Academic Performance Test in Mathametics, Reading, Writing, and Science. Both students will be recognized for their achievement at the annual Terryville High School awards ceremony; and (f) The Thomaston Savings Bank Awards Program was held on October 6th at the Thomaston Opera House. Due to the generosity of Thomaston Savings Bank, one of our business partners, we are able to fund a number of very worthwhile projects. 

11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

None

12. Board Liaisons to Schools

Mr. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School

(a) October 20 Parent Conferences, Evening 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

(12:45 p.m. dismissal)

(b) October 21 Parent Conferences, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

(12:45 p.m. dismissal)

(c) October 22 Parent Conferences, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

(12:45 p.m. dismissal)

(d) October 23 PTA Halloween Party, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

(e) October 30 Officer Phil Safety Program

Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 October 14, 2009 MINUTES

Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

(a) October 13 Bingo Program, 6:30 p.m. Free (chairs needed)

(b) October 19 Dunking Tank, 1:30 p.m.

(c) October 24 Hayride, 11:00 a.m. – Septa Program

(d) October 27 Cookie Dough Pick-up (yielded $30,000)

(e) October 30 Back 2 Rock Enrichment Program

(f) Garden Club

(g) Science Club

(h) Recycling Program – off to a great start -

12 bags decreased to 2 bags a day

(i) Visitors to Plymouth Center School commented on how

well they were greeted and treated by staff during their

visit. Great compliment to Mrs. Collins

Mr. Wetzel– Eli Terry Jr. Middle School

(a) October 1 PTA meeting in the library at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is

welcome and new members are needed.

(b) Pie Fundraiser – 1,836 pies sold. Great prizes

(c) October 8 Ice Cream Social – 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. - $3.00 charge for

a Sunday.

Mrs. Zalaski – Terryville High School

Absent

Mr. Gentile – SEPTA

No Report

Dr. Distasio – PTA Council

Next meeting is on Wednesday, October 21th and will be attended by Mr. Lovely in lieu of

Dr. Distasio’s absence.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 October 14, 2009 MINUTES

13. Final Board Comments

Mr. Wetzel – It’s been a please working with those Board Members that will not be returning in November.

Mr. Perugino – It has been a pleasure working with Mr. Morgan for 8 years. Mrs. Zalaski “thank you” for your 4 years on the Board. Welcome aboard to Mr. Rivers. Very happy with Chartwell’s numbers and the numbers will improve with time.

Mr. Gentile – Thank you to Mr. Morgan for his years of service on the Board of Education. It has been a pleasure working with such excellent administrators, volunteers and teachers.

Mr. Engle – It’s been great, it’s been a pleasure, “thank you” Mr. Morgan for your 8 years of service. “Thank you” to the class of 2009 for a CD of your graduation.

Dr. Distasio thanked Mrs. Denski for attending the Board Meetings and for bringing back information to the Town Council.

14. Next Regular Board of Education Meetin

Mr. Engle stated that the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on November18, 2009 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.

15. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Motion Leonard Morgan, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

___________________________

Patrick Perugino

Secretary

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