East Hampton
Board of Education
East Hampton, CT 06424
MINUTES: November 10, 2008
1. The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson, Mr. Vasquenza, at 7:00 p.m. in the East Hampton High School Library/Media Center.
Members present: Mr. Vasquenza, Ms. Robinson, Mr. Laraia, Mr. Coolican, Ms. Barmasse, Ms. Wall and Ms. Pessoni
Member absent: Mr. Hurst and Mr. Gemma
Administration Dr. Golden, Superintendent of Schools
Present: Mr. Reich, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Jylkka, Finance Director
Mr. Reas, Director of Support Services
Ms. Asetta, Business Services Coordinator
Dr. Berry, Principal of East Hampton High School
Mr. Fidler, Principal of East Hampton Middle School
Ms. Turchi, Principal of Center Elementary School
Dr. Fitzsimmons, Principal of Memorial Elementary School
Dr. Ryan, Assistant Principal of Memorial Elementary School
East Hampton High School Student Council Representative: Walid Ahmad
East Hampton Middle School Student Council Representative: McKenzie Germaine
Center Elementary School Student Council Representative: Delaney Savage
Memorial Elementary School Student Representative: Samantha Zimmerman & Zachary Ninesling
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Inter-Board Liaisons - None
4. Audience of Citizens - None
5. Consent Agenda
5.1 October 27, 2008 Minutes
5.1.1 Motion by Ms. Robinson, seconded by Ms. Pessoni, to approve the revised minutes of October 27, 2008.
Vote Yes – Mr. Vasquenza, Ms. Robinson, Mr. Coolican, Ms. Barmasse, Ms. Pessoni, and Ms. Wall
Abstain – Mr. Laraia
Motion carried.
6. Student/Staff Recognition - None
6. 6.1 Mr. Wilkie and the Girls’ Cross Country Team were recognized for winning the Class SS State Championship on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at Wickham Park in Manchester. Dr. Golden, Mr. Vasquenza and Dr. Berry presented Mr. Wilkie and the Girls’ Cross Country Team with certificates of appreciation.
7. Committee Reports
7. 7.1 Student Council
7.1.1 Zachary Ninesling and Samantha Zimmerman, student representatives for Memorial Elementary School reported the following:
We are here to tell you about some exciting things that happened at Memorial School.
I like science. Last year we had a scientist come into our class and we made a volcano. It exploded and made a gigantic mess. We did the experiment in the court yard. We were learning about liquids, solids and gases. They poured in baking soda (a solid), vinegar (a liquid) and it made gases. They also put in bubble mix and green food coloring (liquids). The gases pushed up the bubble mix and food coloring. We had to clean up the mess.
I like science, too. We did another experiment. We were studying solids, liquids and gases. We got to have root beer floats because the ice-cream was the solid, the root beer was a liquid and the bubbles were the gases.
In second grade we had a big Thanksgiving Feast. We put our desks together to make a big table and we dressed up in Pilgrim clothes. We ate the food that the Pilgrim’s ate. I liked the apples, mine was red. We were studying about the Pilgrims and I learned that the Pilgrims had the first Thanksgiving in 1621 and it was to celebrate the first successful harvest in the new world, United States.
I use to hate to write, except now I found out it is a lot of fun. I like to write about Florida and what I do when I go there to see my grandparents. In second grade I wrote a piece called If I was Principal. I said that I would let howler monkeys come in the school. They would loudly howl. Sadly I say, I didn’t get to be principal for the day.
I always liked to write. I write about my life. I write in my school journal. In second grade I wrote a story about a dark and scary night. I used adjectives (it describes a noun, like ‘soft pink’ ballet shoes) in my stories. We write a lot and it is fun.
We have a new playground. My mom helped to raise funds to build the H.A.P.P.E. playground. My mom helped to build the float that was in the Old Home Day Parade. The playground allows all children a chance to play together. I like to climb on the blue bar and hang upside down.
Two weeks ago we went on a walk around East Hampton. We are studying our community. Did you know our town had a different name? Our name use to be Chatham. We got to see the Bevin bell factory and they gave the whole third grade bells.
We would like you to come see our new playscape. Zachary and I will take you out to the playscape. Memorial School is a great place to learn and have fun!!
7.1.2 Delaney Savage, Student Council Representative for Center Elementary School reported the following:
My name is Delaney Savage, and I am a fifth grader in Mr. Baine’s class at Center School. This year I serve as President of the Student Council. Our other officers are Marlena Martin, Vice President, and Maggie Cooke and Natalie Dash will serve as Co-Secretaries.
Keeping in mind our school focus of Kindness, Respect and Responsibility we have already begun to plan our community service projects. This month we will be running a food drive for the East Hampton food bank. After checking needs with the food bank, each classroom has been assigned items to bring in. All donated items will be brought to the food bank before the holidays. Student Council members are also signing up to work with their families as food bank helpers for the holidays.
We have already had two school spirit days. One was your favorite team day and the other was a red, white and blue day held the Monday before Election Day. We will continue to plan school spirit days throughout the year.
This year the Student Council has decided to recognize World Kindness Day which is on November 13th. A kindness quote will be read each morning during announcements. Each class is also being encouraged to promote random acts of kindness this week.
On October 29th Mr. Weybright brought the High School Marching Band to Center School. We all enjoyed watching them and listening to some familiar songs.
On Friday, October 31st, we held Senior Guest Day. We had many grandparents and seniors come and spend a few hours with us in the classrooms. My grandpa was one of the visitors. It was great to share our routines with them, and hear how things have changed or stayed the same over the years. We did a lot of fun activities with our grandparents. This is a popular day at Center School.
Things are in full swing at Center School. The Center School Press has begun to meet on Friday mornings, and is getting ready for their first edition. The fifth grade band and fourth and fifth grade combined chorus are practicing for the December 4th concert. Fourth grade instrument lessons have also begun, with fourth graders very excited about getting their new instruments.
The year is off to a good start at Center School. Thank you for inviting me to share our activities with you.
7.1.3 Mackenzie Germain, Student Council Representative for East Hampton Middle School reported the following:
· Hello – my name is Mackenzie Germain, and I represent the Middle School and the Middle School student council.~ The Middle school has been a busy place this fall, and here are some of the highlights:
· The cross-country teams had exceptional seasons, with both the boys and girls capturing the Rich LaFave trophies at the league meet.~ Runners placed well at the state meet at Wickham Park, where the girls came in 9th and the boys came in 15th out of more than forty teams.
· The boys’ soccer team ended its year with a record of 10 wins, 5 losses, and two ties.~ The girls ended with a record of 7 wins, 4 losses, and 5 ties.
· The student council put on a successful Halloween Bash on Halloween afternoon, with over 130 6th graders in attendance.~ Students decorated cookies and did arts and crafts while they cheered on their classmates in the toilet-paper mummy building contests and the pie eating contests.~ Prizes were given for the scariest, funniest, and most original costumes.~ Seven paper boxes of donations for the food bank were collected from students who attended the event.
· The student council is preparing for its first 7th and 8th grade dance of the year, on November 14; the dance will have a Disco and 1970s theme.~ Once again, donations for the food bank will be part of the admission price.
· The entire school attended assemblies put on by a group of students from Branford High School.~ These students performed music and skits about tolerance, understanding, and bullying, to help students toward goals of diversity and tolerance for others.
· The magazine drive raised approximately $6,000 for use for various school projects.~
· Many homerooms have started making posters for this year’s Red Ribbon Week celebrations, encouraging students to make good choices and to remain drug and alcohol-free.~
· The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge celebration recognized 82 students for their summer reading efforts.~
7.1.4 Walid Ahmad, Student Council Representative for East Hampton High School reported the following:
· The girl’s soccer team’s season finished off strong with a record of 7-9 going into the state tournament, and ending with a final overall record of 7-10. The returning players look forward to a solid season next year as well.
· The boy’s soccer team had a tremendous season, with a record of 13-1-2 after the regular season and a final overall record of 13-3-2. The boy’s lost in the states quarterfinals match on Friday against Somers, where the teams came back from a 1-0 deficit to tie it up, and unfortunately were scored upon in the final minutes of the game. The boy’s also look forward to a strong season next year as they prepare to train in the off season.
· The annual flag football tournament at the high school will be starting soon; so far eight teams have signed up and it should be a fun and competitive event.
· The music program held its first concert of the year this past Wednesday; and it was a success despite the absence of the macho voce and bella voce groups. Furthermore, the week before, the High School Marching Band took a trip down to the Middle and Center Schools to display their marching abilities in a field show, in an effort to promote further involvement in the music program at a younger age. The marching band also marched in the Veteran’s day parade in Hartford last Sunday.
· The student council is hosting a blood drive on November 17th; further information on that will come after it has occurred.
7.2 Personnel Committee
7.2.1 Mr. Vasquenza noted that the Personnel Committee met prior to tonight’s meeting and reviewed the Superintendent’s Goals, Extracurricular Appointments for the Winter, 2008-2009, and approved Middle School Assistant Coaches for Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball.
Mr. Coolican noted that there is a tentative agreement for the Nurses Bargaining Group that will be presented to the Board in Executive Session at the November 24th Board meeting.
Ms. Barmasse noted that negotiations with the Paraprofessionals is moving forward.
7.3 Policy Committee
7.3.1 Ms. Robinson noted that the Policy Committee met and will be bringing several policies to the Board for their review at the November 24th Board meeting.
7.4 Curriculum Committee
7.4.1 Ms. Barmasse noted that the Curriculum Committee met and reviewed Class Rank, the High School Honor Roll and Certified Staff Collaboration Time. A discussion followed.
7.5 Transportation, Buildings and Grounds Committee
7.5.1 Mr. Reich had no report at this time.
7.6 Financial Reports
7.6.1 Ms. Pessoni noted that the Finance Committee met prior to tonight’s meeting and reviewed the Budget 2008-09 overview, discussed the 2009-10 Budget and discussed and approved the Assistant Coaches for East Hampton Middle School Girl’s and Boy’s Basketball. Mr. Jylkka reviewed the Financial Report for the Board. He noted that he should have a financial forecast for the Board in January.
7.7 East Hampton Education Association – None
7.8 Liaison Reports
7.8.1 Mr. Vasquenza noted that the Facilities Implementation Task Force meets every Thursday and anyone is welcome to attend. He and Dr. Golden were asked to attend these meetings. The Town Council is scheduled to meet Wednesday night regarding the contract with Friar Association. He also noted that there will be a Tri-Board meeting December 1st.
Ms. Robinson noted that she attended a CABE workshop entitled Getting the message out - How the Board can help with the budget process and get the budget passed at the first referendum.
8. Communications
8.1 Dr. Golden reviewed the student enrollment figures as of November 3, 2008.
8.2 Dr. Golden reviewed the following communications for the Board:
· Memorial’s Bulletin Board, November 7, 2008.
· The Center School Chronicle, November 7, 2008 and October 31, 2008.
· The Middle Ground, November 2008.
· There will be a Recognition Ceremony on Monday, November 17th at 6:30 p.m. at the Middle School.
· A letter to Mr. O’Keefe, Town Manager, noting that in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes, Section 10-153d(b), enclosed is the recently negotiated successor collective bargaining agreement between the East Hampton Board of Education and the East Hampton School Education Association.
9. Program Presentation
9.1 The 2007-2008 Final Strategic School Profiles
9.1.1 Dr. Golden noted that the enrollment appears to be stable. Special Education transportation is high but will come down as students come back to the district. Dr. Golden clarified that these figures are for the 2007-08 school year and that some were for the 2005-2006 school year. A discussion followed.
10. Unfinished Business
10.1 Approval of the 2009-2010 Proposed School Calendar (Second Reading)
10.1.1 Dr. Golden noted that there is a critical need for teachers to have time to collaborate on student assessment data and to revise their instruction accordingly. The Administration requested that the Curriculum Committee consider approving the addition of two late arrival days to the calendar for the current year and for subsequent years. The Curriculum Committee supported this request and the changes have been made to the calendar for the Board’s consideration. Dr. Golden also noted that she may send out a reminder call to parents the night before the first delayed opening.
10.1.2 Motion by Ms. Robinson, seconded by Mr. Laraia, to adopt the 2009-2010 Proposed School Calendar as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools. Voted unanimously.
11. New Business
11.1 Review of the Superintendent’s Annual Goals and Objectives for 2008-09
11.1.1 Mr. Vasquenza noted that the Superintendent’s goals are set earlier in the school year to set direction for the school district. This allows for periodic updates with the Board of Education on the process of the goals and objectives prior to the evaluation period in May or June. Dr. Golden reviewed the goals and objectives for the Board. Dr. Golden will give a monthly report on where she is with the goals. Mr. Vasquenza noted that the Personnel Committee will meet with Dr. Golden and then at the end of the school year the full Board will meet with Dr. Golden for evaluation in Executive Session.
11.2 Revisions to the 2008-2009 School Calendar
11.2.1 Dr. Golden noted that the Curriculum Committee approved the addition of two late arrival days to the calendar for the current year and for subsequent years for teachers to collaborate on student assessment data and to revise their instruction accordingly.
11.2.2 Motion by Mr. Coolican, seconded by Mr. Laraia, to approve the 2008-2009 calendar as revised as recommended by the Curriculum Committee and the Administration. Voted unanimously.
12. Future Business - None
13. Personnel Actions - None
14. Goal Report - None
15. Audience of Citizens - None
16.Adjournment
16.1 Motion by Ms. Robinson, seconded by Ms. Barmasse, to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Barmasse
Secretary
JB/JAG/rs
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