Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES
Present:
Board: Michelle Spencer, Velma McConnell, Martin Wetzel, Patrick Perugino, Jennifer Zalaski, Daniel Gentile and Raymond Engle
Excused Absences: Lisbeth Leonhardt and Leonard Morgan
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Carol Doiron , Gerry Perusse , Keith Rafaniello
and Peter Lovely
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
Mr. Engle 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 Velma McConnell, seconded Daniel Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
3. . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of March 8, 2006. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Velma McConnell, motion passed unanimously.
4. PRESENTATIONS
The presentation for the month of was provided by students of Plymouth Center School and was based on the annual celebration in the kindergarten classes for the Chinese New Year. The physical education teacher taught students some traditional dances. while the art teacher created props and costumes with the students. The program showed the way it is integrated with different subjects, showed the involvement of kindergarten students as they shared some of their work and showed the older students sharing their memories.
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5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
None
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Appointment
MOTION: To approve the following coaching positions at Harry S. Fisher Middle School for the 2006 spring sport's season:
Joshua Lamonte Baseball
Kelly Vitale Girls' Track (co-coach)
Brian Yerzak Girls' Track (co-coach)
Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Velma McConnell motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the following coaching positions at Terryville High School for the 2006 spring sport's season:
Paul Helenski Varsity Baseball
Anthony Norton Junior Varsity Baseball
Ray Lapinski Girls' Track
Jeff Foulds Boys' Track
Tom Morgan Golf
Angie Suffridge Tennis
Guy Tarantello Varsity Softball
Mark Sconziano Junior Varsity Softball
Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
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B. Out-of-State Field Trips
MOTION: To approve the trip to the Bronx Zoo, New York for grade 6 all-stars and dream team students at Harry S. Fisher Middle School as a part of their academic enrichment on June 7, 2006. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Daniel Gentile, motion passed with Mrs. McConnell abstaining.
MOTION: To approve the trip for grade 6 band students at Harry S. Fisher Middle School to perform at Quincy Market, Boston , MA for June 2, 2006. Motion Daniel Gentile, seconded Velma McConnell, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the trip to Ellis Island for grade 11 and 12 students at Terryville High School as part of U.S. History Immigration-Sociology Unit for May 15, 2006. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Daniel Gentile motion passed unanimously.
C. Budget
Dr. Distasio reported the Plymouth Board of Education met with the Plymouth Board of Finance on March 27, 2006. Following the meeting, the Plymouth Board of Finance reduced the proposed educational budged by $488,918. He indicated the school department was working on possible programmatic and staff reductions to come to this figure. He reminded everyone there will be a Public Hearing on Monday, April 17, 2006 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. Dr. Distasio indicated since the final budget will not be set until after the budget referendum in early May, no final decisions on the budget reductions will be made until after the town's budget is approved.
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Curriculum - Lisbeth Leonhardt, Chair
In lieu of Mrs. Leonhardt's absence, Mr. Lovely reported on the Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting which was held on April 5, 2006. The following items were discussed: (1) A demonstration on the new MIMIO (an interactive whiteboard teaching tool) projection system was presented to subcommittee members. The demonstration showed how a standard whiteboard is turned into an interactive computer generated story board. Five MIMIO were purchased for the district through a grant. (2) The Magnet School applications have been received. Maloney and Rotella Magnet Schools lottery was held on, April 12, 2006. The Waterbury Arts Magnet School (WAMS) lottery will be held on April 13, 2006. Parents will be notified within the next three weeks whether their child has been accepted or placed on a waiting list. (3) The elementary schools have completed kindergarten registration. Fifty-seven students registered at Prospect Street School and forty-four at Plymouth Center School . Kindergarten screening will take place on May 17 and May 18 at Plymouth Center and Prospect Street
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Schools; (4) There will be three regular education summer school programs (grades 3 - 5 will serve twelve to fourteen students in each grade and will run from Monday - Thursday, July 10 - July 27); (grades 6-8, Monday - Thursday, July 5 - August 3); and grades 9 & 10, Monday - Thursday, July 5-August 3). The high school program is offered to Thomaston High School , WAMS, Sacred Heart, Holy Cross and Watertown High School students as well as Terryville High School Students.
• Facilities - Daniel Gentile, Chair
Mr. Gentile reported progress on the new high school is on target. The footings have been installed. The next Building Committee meeting is scheduled for April 19, 2006.
All the fields at the town schools are looking great.
C. Finance - Daniel Gentile, Chair
The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed the Accounts by Facilities Report and will be forwarding the same to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
Mr. Gentile thanked the Finance Subcommittee Members, the Board Members, principals, staff and all involved in complying budget. An excellent presentation was presented to the Plymouth Board of Finance.
D. Negotiations - Velma McConnell, Chair
Mrs. McConnell reported negotiations have begun with the Cafeteria Workers Union, Central Office and Custodian Staff.
E. Personnel - Patrick Perugino, Chair
Mr. Perugino reported that the Personnel Subcommittee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting. All personnel matters were handled under new business.
F. Policy - Jennifer Zalaski, Chair
No Report
G. Safety & Transportation - Michelle Spencer, Chair
No Report
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H. Education Connection - Velma McConnell
No Report
I. Student Representatives
Jennifer Dutkiewicz - Excused Absence
Kaitlin Palance - Excused Absence
Sean Link - April 13 th , Career Day; April 13 th at 7 p.m. College Night for juniors and their parents; April 18 & 29, Beauty and the Beast; April 12, voter registration; March 11, Academic Bowl (Terryville High School placed second in the Quiz Bowl and Julie Cocca, took second place for her poetry); and in sports: Boy's Volleyball is 2/1; Gold 5/1 and the first track meet of the season will taken place after school on April 13 th .
• ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mrs. Doiron , Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge
Mrs. Doiron reported Mrs. Zalaski will be taking part in the Wellness Advisory Council. A committee was formed and met for the first time on April 12 th to explore an all day kindergarten program. The Wellness Advisory Council will study how other towns are approaching this program. Parents, committee members, Mrs. Zalaski and Mrs. Spencer, Board of Education Members will meet again on June 7, 2006.
Summer school will take place for pre-kindergarten - grade 2 students. This is just for special needs students and attendance is based on decisions made on an individual basis at PPT's. Mrs. Doiron has no figure yet as to the number of students who will be attending. For the most part, classes will run from Monday - Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., July 10 - August 3, 2006. However, a small group of children will begin on July 5, 6, and 7, 2006.
Mrs. Doiron thanked the custodian staff, principal and the Plymouth Center School for use of their school for the summer school classes.
Mr. Lovely - Director of Curriculum and Instruction
No report - everything reported under Curriculum Subcommittee Report.
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Mr. Rafaniello , Director of Technology
Mr. Rafaniello reported Community Conversation will begin airing on Channel 16 at 6 p.m. on April 13, 2006. The program will run approximately 4 hours. Topic, Underage Drinking and Substance Abuse. Mr. Rafaniello thanked the Police Chief, Officer Sulek, Mrs. Aiudi and Mrs. Tracy, Ms. Hayes, Mrs. Friedman, Ms. St. Lauren, Ms. Surreira, Mrs. Doiron, Mr. Perusse, Dr. Distasio, all the principals and staff, everyone who attended and the planning committee.
Tonight's crew for Channel 16:
Brian Luba Directing & Audio
Chris Casola Edited the Chinese New Year Video
Brian Mamrosh Quality Control and Camera C
Ms. Fran Block Camera B
Mr. Perusse , Business Manager
Mr. Perusse reported on the following: The fields: the dugouts have been completed at Harry S. Fisher Middle School and Main Street School; our staff installed the roofs; fields have been fertilized and seeded; a mixture of sand and clay has been ordered for the infield; the pitching mound and home plate have been covered with tarps; the two soccer fields have been seeded and fertilized and we are waiting for a price to complete the net installation at the high school on the left field, outfield and home plate sides.
Just a reminder, permission is needed from the Board of Education if any organized team wants to use any of the school fields.
Dr. Distasio , Superintendent
Dr. Distasio informed Board Members and the viewing public that the Public Hearing for the town's budget will be held on Monday, April 17, 2006 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. He encouraged all citizens and staff to attend. He also encouraged everyone to vote in the upcoming budget referendum.
To view the latest from our district, tune into the district website at Plymouth.k12.ct.us. Pictures of the new school project can be found on this website. Also, one can view the message board from Channel 16 on this site.
Monday, April 24, 2006 at 7p.m. at Terryville High School , there will be a DUI Awareness: "The Hard Truth" program. This program is recommended for all parents of students in grades 8 - 12. It is sponsored by the Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
Congratulations to Matthew Voltz a grade 6 student at Harry S. Fisher Middle School . Matthew received an award from the Fire Marshall for his Fire Prevention Poster.
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Dr. Distasio thanked Mr. Rafaniello for all the work he had done in preparing for Community Conversation.
Dr. Distasio wished a Happy 81 st Birthday to former Board of Education Chair, Felix Borkowski.
11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
None
12. Board Liaisons to the Schools
Mr. Perugino - Main Street School
May 4 Main Street and Prospect Street School students will be attending a Rocketts Game in the evening
May 7 - 13 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 22 Third grade orientation at 9 a.m. at Main Street School
May 22 Third grade orientation for parents of students attending
Main Street School in the fall at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium
Main Street School
On April 10, 2006 Dr. Distasio attended the Main Street School PTA meeting to discuss the 2006 - 2007 Budget.
Main Street School and Prospect Street School are in the process of a merger. Elections will be held at the May meeting. Main Street School grade 5 students started their DARE Program. They will meet every Thursday. The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony in June.
Mrs. McConnell - Prospect Street School
No report. Items for Prospect Street School covered under Mr. Perugino's report.
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Mrs. Zalaski - Plymouth Center School
April 5 PTA Council honored the Reflection Award Recipients at Harry S. Fisher Middle School .
April 26 Reflection Award Recipients at Plymouth Center School will be recognized during their assembly.
April 27 Annual Read Across America
April 28 National PTA Convention at Clarion Hotel
Mrs. Spencer - Harry S. Fisher Middle School
March 9 Sally Barnes addressed the PTA. She is trying to raise money for the new canine unit for the Police Department.
The teachers are working on revamping their scholarship applications and guidelines in
order to provide high school students the opportunity to receive a scholarship towards college; the PTA will be holding nominations for new officers; the eight grade students will be going to Washington, D.C. from May 2 - May 5, 2006; a mandatory meeting for parents will be held prior to that date; there will be a school book fair; and PTA Convention is rapidly approaching and the next PTA meeting will be held on April 13, 2006.
Mr. Engle - Terryville High School
Our student representative, Sean Link, covered most of the highlights of the events at Terryville High School . Mr. Engle thanked the students who attended his place of employment and shadowed some of the employees. He thanked them for their discipline, mannerism and professionalism. Mr. Engle reminded the seniors to begin getting their scholarship forms in to their guidance counselors.
Mr. Gentile - SEPTA (Special Education PTA)
Mrs. Doiron reported, they had an excellent meeting. There was a group from "Focus" in Canton who were on the Autism spectrum. Students spoke on who was important in education, which really helped them, what they were doing now and who were the most meaningful people in their lives.
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13. Final Board Comments (if any)
Mr. Perugino - Thank you to the Food Service Group for a wonderful meal. Tonight's presentation by Plymouth Center School was great; it's amazing what the teachers are doing. Mrs. Collins should be very proud.
Mrs. McConnell - Everything we do affects the entire community. Participate in the public hearing and referendum process; it's your role as a community leader.
Mrs. Zalaski - Main Street and Prospect Street Schools were unable to have parent volunteers. However, the Leo Club Members came to the rescue and helped out. Thank you for the time you give to our students.
Mr. Gentile - Thank you to the Food Service Group. The food was excellent. April 17, 2006 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall - Budget Meeting - It's important to support the Town's Budget. Get out and voice your opinion.
Mr. Engle - Get out and vote. This is a new process and a new beginning. Get out and support the Board of Finance. Everything necessary will be done to operate our school system.
Dr. Distasio - We have the best students in the world. As parents, you should be very proud. Our students are a wonderful example of what young people should be. Thank you to parents, students and teachers.
14. Executive Session
Not Needed
15. ACTION TAKEN FROM EXECUTION SESSION (if necessary)
Not Applicable
16. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Engle stated that the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on
May 10, 2006 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School in the cafeteria.
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17. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary