5-29-18 Groton Board of Education Meeting

001I'm gonna call the meeting to order >> and I'm going to I'm going to call the meeting to order at whatever time it is. >> Can Can you hear? >> Yeah. Something's wrong. Oh, now it's on. >> I'm calling the meeting to order. Okay. And I'd like to ask >> I'd like to ask Mrs. Schwarzkov to lead us in the pledge because of all the work she does for this to make this night a success and she does it every year. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty [clears throat] and justice for all. >> So, I'm going to turn the meeting over to Dr. Graner. >> Okay. Well, we're we're going to do uh a little

002a little bit different uh order tonight because uh some of our teachers uh have another event. Uh but I know they they certainly wanted to attend this one. So, I think what we're going to do is uh in in alphabetical order by by school, uh I'm going to ask uh Mr. Danner of P is here. Uh if if he would uh come up and and read a citation for a very distinguished teacher uh who has been selected for teacher of the year for Charles Barnard School, Mr. Danner, >> it's on. >> Okay. Thank you. Mrs. Jennifer Herren is a well deserving is well deserving of the recognition given to her by her peers as Dr. Charles Barnham's teacher of the year. Jen has earned the respect of her colleagues due to the outstanding job she

003does in all areas in the building and beyond. Mrs. Herren is a standout in our profession. She is a team player that is an invaluable resource for her peers, administrators, parents, and most important, her students. She makes it a priority to help others and does so with an innate spirit of enthusiasm and drive. As a special education teacher, Jen realizes that once students feel connected, they become involved in their learning and are able to extend their confidence to all aspects of their life. This connection is her central is central to our creativity, innovation, flexibility, and communication both in the classroom and throughout the building. Jen's hands-on approach to teaching and learning is designed to maximize student engagement and differentiation. Her high personal expectations are transcended to her students, guiding each child to their highest potential.

004Most importantly, Jen is a reflective teacher who supports change, professionalism, and collaboration. As a certified life is good playmaker, she goodifies her re excuse me. >> Okay, it's true. She goodifies her resource room, making her students emotional health as important as their academic achievement. She can often be seen having lunch with her students or sharing a homemade treat with them. Jen is also an adviser for Charles Barnum's Anchored for Life program. In this role, Jen is committed to providing direct ongoing support to transitioning youth in our school community. As an active member of the safe school climate committee, she works above and beyond ensuring all students are recognized monthly for demonstrating the six pillar six pillars of character. Jen is someone who leads by example. She not only teaches her children about the pillars, but

005she models trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizen citizenship in her daily life. Her hard work, dedication, and professionalism have made Mrs. Mrs. Herren, a role model for all. We are very fortunate and proud to have Mrs. Jennifer Herren as Dr. Charles Barnham's teacher of the year. And we couldn't be more proud of Jen. [applause] And now uh if Miss Girardano would come up and present the Claude Chester award. >> Great. So Claude Chester is proud, honored, and thrilled that Emily Caukins has been recognized as the school's teacher of the year. Emily Caukins is a compassionate, caring, collaborative teacher who creates a nurturing, respectful climate in her classroom. She greets every student every morning with a smile, a joke, a song, and a booming good morning, making her classroom one of the most inviting and

006comfortable places to be. She tirelessly dedicates herself to making sure her students basic needs are being met. If a student is without a backpack, a lunch, a snack, a coat. She goes to great lengths to provide these to ensure to remove any barriers that might prevent a learner from reaching their full potential. Emily is an outofthe-box thinker. Her room is an colorful explosion of personality and shows her commitment to the learning process for each student. One year, she brought in laundry baskets to make cozy sitting areas for her students during independent reading time in order to further engage them. She creates songs, displays dynamic visuals, designs learning games, incorporates team building activities, all to help meet every one of her students learning styles, and to help build a cohesive community. Emily's committed, vibrant personality is

007felt throughout the entire school community on a daily basis. Emily's can do attitude is contagious. She co-hosts schoolwide bingos, prepare prepares fun little diddies for the cultural committee when helping to organize donation drives, plans exciting staff events on the sunshine committee, and brainstorms original ideas to accompany the chosen book as part of the one book, one read committee. Thank you, Emily, for all that you do to make Clchester School an amazing, positive place to be. Congratulations. [applause] Who has the plas? [applause] >> Good job. [applause] And now, uh, Mrs. Dalphane, principal of Katherryn Konowski School. When you look up the word kind in the dictionary, it says having or showing benevolence, the desire to help others for benefit, not profit. Lee Sammons is the definition of kindness. When asked to talk about Lee, colleagues use

008the words warm, understanding, enthusiastic, caring, creative, funny, and generous. But by far the most common descriptor is kind. Lee is kindness personified. Katherryn Kolnowski Steam Magnet School is honored to have Lee Sammons represent our school as CK's teacher of the year. Lee is a leader in our school community, her church, and our town. She brings a strong sense of kindness and community spirit to CK to CK. She works tirelessly not only to care for our children in her classroom, but also to take care of the staff and the Grten community. She teaches her students the academic skills they need, but also teaches and models for them what it means to have strong character and to be someone who can make a difference in the community. She never gives up on anyone and inspires students to

009want to do their best. Everything she does, from the little things like unlocking doors for people when she gets to school first to the big things like organizing events both inside and outside of school to support those in need are done with her attitude of gratitude. She reaches beyond the walls of the classroom to form relationships with parents in the community. She always has everyone's best interest at heart. Lee is not only an exceptional educator, but she's an exceptional human being. Lee is first and foremost a great mom and family member. She is great at time management, although I'm pretty sure she has some kind of time turner that gives her 36 hours in her day and makes the most of her hours by supporting her family, their friends, her friends, church, school, community, and

010strangers who might need her help. She lives a life of service, a trait passed on to her from her mother and father. There are no empty words with Lee. When she says something, she not only means it, but she lives it. She is all heart and cares deeply for everyone she comes in contact with in her school and community. Always looking for a way to brighten up someone's day. She inspires me and I'm confident in saying she inspires many of us to be a better person each day through her example. Lee CK is truly blessed to have you and our family. [applause] And uh Mrs. Miner, if you would join us, please. Principal of Mary Morrison School. Jackie Ree has been an outstanding member of the Mary Morrison staff for the past four years. Her

011kind, patient way with students allows her to reach all of the children she works with. The students in her room know that she cares for them, believes in them, and will do whatever it takes to ensure their success. If you walk into her classroom, you'll see Jackie integrating a variety of subjects into every activity. She engages her students with hands-on learning, and her own love of learning inspires her first graders. She also finds a way to connect with each one of her students. Jackie is also seen as a teacher leader by all at Mary Morrison. She is an incredible teammate who always supports her fellow staff members. She maximizes support for her students by collaborating with her colleagues and helping to build our school's professional learning community. Her ultimate goal is to make our school

012a place for all students to be successful and happy. To that end, she contributes to many school committees, including the math committee and of course the sunshine committee. Jackie approaches every situation from the most challenging to the most fun with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She believes in each of her students and sets the highest of expectations. The faculty and staff were delighted to nominate Jackie and she in turn is so proud to be nominated by her colleagues as our teacher of the year. Jackie is an outstanding Mary Morrison teacher and we feel lucky to work with someone who creates such a positive learning environment for her students and works so collaboratively with both parents and colleagues to make our school the best it can be. Thank you, Jackie Reggae. [applause]

013>> [applause] [applause] >> Mr. Espazito. >> Oh, >> well, the the better looking administrator, [laughter] >> right? Thank you, Stephanie. Thank you. >> Northeast Academy is pleased to honor Miss Maggie Dwey as our teacher of the year. Maggie best represents all of the important attributes every one of us strives to live by each and every day. When you combine Maggie's love of learning along with her genuine enthusiasm, great things come to fruition for all of our students and staff. Her passion and desire to strive for her personal best with whatever needs that surface makes her a role model for all members of the Northeast Academy school community. A public school is a a microcosm of society. Like society, a school is a living, breathing entity made up of many, sometimes competing components all trying to

014meld together to achieve success. The key to achieving that success in schools is the quality of the people who work there. Maggie Dwey is a person of the highest quality. She exemplifies what it means to be a member of a team. Always deeply concerned about the people her work will impact. This becomes her guiding light and is the reason why she she is revered by her colleagues at NEA. Because we all know she always puts us first. Maggie's skill level is unsurpassed. Her creativity and innovation played an integral role in Northeast Academy becoming an arts magnet school. Her influence reverberates across all grade levels with remarkable project-based research and learning activities, advanced technological applications, and fun-filled special events and assemblies. Maggie Dwey is a most valuable asset to Northeast Academy with a heart full of

015love and caring for all students and staff. She brings a passion and joy to our lives each and every day. Thank you, Maggie, and congratulations on behalf of the parents, students, and staff at Northeast Academy. [applause] >> [applause] >> She's really [applause] M >> [applause] >> Mr. Bass, if you would uh be so kind, principal of Collar Middle School, so I didn't get a folder today, but that's okay. Oh, no. Yeah. [laughter] I'm going to talk about Cutler's outstanding teacher of the year. Our teacher of the year is Miss Katie Lucy, grade 8 mathematics teacher. She embodies truly embodies what it means to be teacher of the year. When you think of the teacher that you would want to have your son or daughter in her classroom for math, she is it. Let me tell

016you, if I had kids in our school in this system, hands down, I would never think twice about having them at Katy Lucy's classroom. She teaches classes. She's teach she's taught classes over the years from pre-alggebra, algebra, algebra, algebra 1, and algebra 2, as well as intervention classes for those students in need. When you talk to students from her classroom, they will tell you it is a safe and caring environment, one in which they are willing to take risks, which is ever so, so important, particularly when it comes to learning math. I don't know about you, but math was not my best subject in school. However, had I had Miss Lucy as a middle school teacher, I'm sure that would be different. I know from living with my wife, who is also a math teacher,

017how difficult and tedious the hours can be for preparation for hands-on learning and following up to make sure that any gaps in the students learning are covered. Let me tell you, if I could clone Kitty Lucy, I would do it in a heartbeat. Congratulations, Miss Kitty Lucy, on being Cutler's outstanding teacher for 2018. [applause] [applause] >> Congratulations. I don't know. >> No, not yet. But that last >> It doesn't look like we actually know what we're doing. [laughter] >> Uh Mr. Keki, if you would uh please join us. Uh Mr. Jeff Ketchi, principal of Westside Middle School. >> Laura Iris has been teaching math at Westside Middle School for the last nine years. six as a remedial math teacher and three as a member of the seventh grade red team. Over her nine-year tenure, she

018has been selected twice as the Westside Middle School teacher of the year. Laura has served as the co-advisor for the student council for the last several years and has been instrumental in organizing the following schoolwide events. the Veterans Day ceremony, multicultural dinner, talent show, dances, fundraising, and worldwide local charities in spirit weeks. She serves on the school's instructional leadership team and magnet committee. For the past three years, she has participated in the very popular PTO staff student basketball game, having made 100% of her shots attempted. [laughter] Okay, so it was only one, but who's counting? [laughter] Laura had the highest scores on this year's Algebra 1 midterm in the district. She works very hard preparing relevant, engaging, real world math lessons for her students. Her students participate in many engaging classroom activities such as shock

019tank, forensic anthropology, and car buying. It's no surprise her scores were so high. Laura's personal interests include beekeeping, cooking, do-it-yourself projects, and gardening. She is often seen participating in many area road races, the last being the Mystic 10K. Laura lives in Grten with her husband Mike and dog Eddie. This summer, Laura plans to travel to Israel. The staff and students at Westside are very lucky to have a teacher of Laura's talents and abilities. She truly cares about her students and works very hard every day to meet their needs. It's my honor to recognize Laura Iris as the 2018 Westside Teacher of the Year. [applause] >> [applause] >> Mr. Arice, high school principal. >> Good evening. Stacy Norica is the Fitch High School teacher of the year for 2018. She has spent 22 years in Grten

020Public Schools, all as a special educator in the New Beginnings program, as a resource teacher, and now with the all-inclusive classroom. Stacy has done a remarkable job teaching her students life skills. She is well connected to her students families and with the Graten community. As a resource teacher, Stacy always gave her students opportunities to succeed, realizing that little successes lead to much bigger ones like graduation. Yeah, >> the faculty at Fitch state that Stacy is always willing to do whatever it takes and she's very, very energetic. She's a team leader, always thinking of her students before herself. She relates very well with people and makes her students and everyone else feel welcome at all times. Along with Miss Scalla, who's our art and photography teacher at the high school, Stacy has built and promoted our

021unified sports program into a powerhouse. During the past four years, the basketball team has sustained only one loss. The volleyball team remains undefeated, and the soccer team has a 20 and3 record. Not bad. The unified basketball team even had the honor to perform at halftime at a state championship game a few years ago and I was fortunate to accompany the team at that game and you if you saw their faces performing at halftime it was an un unbelievable experience. This past year Stacy has started a coffee club called Norica's Brew Crew. They sell beer and wine every morning to the teacher. No, no, I'm sorry. [laughter] Only to the principal. Will I need it? Every week, teachers place their coffee, their orders with Stacy. Her students make the coffee to order and then they deliver

022the coffee to the teachers. With the money collected, Stacy purchases things needed for her classroom. Her students are truly playing the role of young entrepreneurs. It is clearly evident that Stacy has a huge heart. Whatever her students need, she goes out and gets it for them. Fitch High School is extremely lucky to have you, Stacy, and we're very proud and honored that you are Fitch High School's teacher of the year for 2018. [applause] Congratulations. [applause] [applause] I'm sure you're thinking we have exhausted our supply of superstars, but there's one more. Mr. Wheeler, a principal of SP Butler, is going to make a presentation uh to uh a young woman who will be going on as the not just the schools teacher of the year, but Graten Public Schools teacher of the year. Mr. Wheeler. [clears

023throat] SP Butler Elementary School proudly chooses Megan Casper as our distinguished educator for the 2017 2018 school year. Megan serves as one of our speech and language pathologists. She is truly get uh excuse me, truly dedicated to the success and growth of the children that she services. Megan's professionalism and innate sense of commitment to students, parents, and staff has earned her a genuine and well-deserved regard. Megan is a versatile educator, demonstrating her ability to instruct a wide variety of students, including those challenged by ADHD, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other health related conditions. She can uh she can assess each student's unique needs and tailor her teaching to accommodate diverse interests and provide individual support. Megan is regularly consulted as she assists our child study team in developing effective tier one and tier 2 speech

024and language interventions that are designed to meet the individual needs of each student. She also works very closely with students at SP Butler in our ABA applied behavior analysis classrooms. Her talents are showcased as she works with students that are non-verbal, providing deliberate strategies that are specific to the needs of the individual. She incorporates assisted technology like magic that allows her students to access the curriculum with success. Megan is also a member of our school crisis team. Her expertise is often called upon to assist with students that may present with often demanding physical and emotional needs. It is impressive to watch as she can assess a potentially elevated situation quickly direct staff members to assist and create a proactive plan that ensures a child's safety. Most importantly, she is very effective in deescalating a child

025to help them get back to the task at hand in their classroom depending upon the specific situation. She cares deeply about and is respectful of her students and they respond to her in a respectful and caring manner. Parents also respond positively to her ability to provide open, clear, and frequent communication. Megan provides parents with concise and specific academic expectations, learning objectives, and linguistic strategies that can be utilized at home to empower parents to assist their children. Megan Casp is truly one of a kind. I look to her teacher leadership as a means to grow our school climate, stretch our teachers to seek professional growth, increase student achievement, and integrate our families as part of the whole school community. Her impact upon our school staff and students is great. Megan's tremendous work ethic, commitment to her

026craft, and genuine positive energy is truly contagious. We are very fortunate to have Megan as a member of the SB Butler School community. Congratulations, Megan. Heat up >> [applause] [applause] >> here. All right, I'll be quick. All right, so it's truly a team effort to be named district teacher of the year and I would not be standing here today without them. So I want to thank the ABA teachers at SP Butler, Mary Beth Franco, Shira Sabbo, Caitlyn Fry, and Julie Field Field. They are all amazing teachers and I'm so thankful to be part of such a strong team. Also the other sped members at SB Butler, Mara Harris, Linda Salvitz, Liz Hutchkins, Nandy, Nancy Anderson, Rita Manglings, the OT's, PTS and BCBAS. We always bounce ideas off of each other. And absolutely the pair of

027professionals who are instrumental in carrying over the speech and language skills their students learn during their speech sessions. I couldn't do it without all your help. Um, and of course my administration at Butler, Steve Wheeler and Pam Porter, you guys provide great support to our sped programs and we thank you. The classroom teachers at SB Butler, they're so accepting of our ABA students and our sped students. Uh, to my supervisor, Denise Dittle, she always stands up for our program. and to the other speech and language pathologists around the district. They're always there to offer ideas and bounce ideas off of each other and offer therapy tips. And lastly, to the teacher of the year committee for recognizing the hard work that our whole team dedicates to our unique special education population at SB Butler. Thank

028you. [applause] >> [applause] >> Why don't we go to the top? >> Okay. So, do you want to come up? Do you have Do we have anything? >> We do. >> Okay. >> I I did want to mention I I know there are some teachers if they haven't already had to leave early, feel free. This would be a good time if you want to uh make your exit. If not, you're stuck staying here forever. Thank you all for coming and I apologize for being late. Unfortunately, sometimes my job does not allow me to get out in time. Um, but I'm glad to be here and I was sad that I was going to miss the first 15 minutes because this is truly my favorite favorite time of the year. Um, we never get this type

029of showing. Um but also just to to see some of my friends who um I hang out a lot with um of the administration and the teachers, but also just of for the families and for the people that were recognized. Um [snorts] I have been um I've had the privilege of being on the board for several years now and um we have always had um these two we've always had two students that have kind of come to our board me member uh meetings and kind of spend about 5 10 minutes kind of doing you know the download about what has happened for the high school and I have always struggled and I think Reed and I have always had this conversation of like how How do we blend them more? How what do we do?

030Well, you have to have the two that we have right now. Um Cindy and Dan, um they um they just they have blended so well with our board. They don't just come to our regular board meetings, which this is one of them. Um where they give a report. They are now actively involved in our committee of the whole meetings, which is rather a discussion where they have insight and they add conversations. Um they also give us feedback from other students. So like if we are talking about something, they'll go back to the high school and talk it up and see what the kids have to say. Um and so it's just been a wonderful way of um helping us who are not always um in foot. Um, but you guys are living it on a

031day-to-day basis and um, we're just so appreciative and I I get the honor of being able to say that, but I know that I speak for the board about how fortunate we feel that your voice has been. Um, and it's going to be for Cindy, it's going to be a hard act to follow. Um, because once again, you have you have started the charge and Dan, great job and I'm glad that we have another year with you. Um, but the two of you have been one have been really wonderful. These two awards um come actually from CABE. CAB is the Connecticut Association of Boards of Ed. Um and they actually helped us recognize um leadership student leadership award. Um and so Cindy, this is for you if you would like to come up. [applause] >>

032[applause] >> So, let me read the letter and it says, "Congratulations for being chosen to receive Cave Student Leadership Award. Leadership is a quality that is hard to define but remains critical to our society. CABE, which is the Connecticut Association of Board of Ed, has developed criteria that help to define leadership. Your principal received a list of these criteria and was asked to name Fitch High School students who met them. Your principal considers you such a school leader. We are pleased to present you together with other student leaders across Connecticut with CAB's 22nd annual Cape Student Leadership Award. You should take pride in this recognition bestowed upon you. We encourage you to continue to think and act like a leader. Again, our congratulations and all the best to you in your future endeavors. Sincerely, Dr.

033Grineer and myself. [applause] >> [applause] >> Yes, Cindy is a senior and I I believe is headed to the University of Connecticut. Uh, but one of the things that I I'm not sure everyone understands is that uh Cindy came here uh not speaking a word of English as a as a preschool uh student. And sometimes when I think about what public schools do for for this country and the in extraordinary students that that come from a system like this, uh, every time I I hear her chatting with her mom in in fluent Mandarin, I I just say to myself, and of course she's a a brilliant speaker of English, uh, it is just been a delight to to serve with you, Sydney. So, thanks so much, [applause] My man Dan, come on up. What I

034love about Dan, [applause] one of the many things I love about you. Is that when he raises his hand, part of me goes, "Oh, darn. What did I just do?" Because I know he's going to find that I've done maybe something a little bit or I needed to think about something different. But actuality, your leadership um I think has made me a better person. Um because I get to hear your voice. You're not afraid to give your voice. Um and it's fun to listen to and um I am just really looking forward to being able to celebrate um your next your senior year with you um and watch you grow and continue to keep the board um in line um including me. Um but let me just also read this because I think it's only

035fair. So congratulations for being chosen to receive Cabe Student Leadership Award. Leadership is the quality that is hard to define but remains critical to our society. CAB has developed criteria that helps to define leadership. Your principal received a list of these criteria and was asked to name Fitch High School students who met them. Your principal considers you such a school leader. We are pleased to present you together with other student leaders across Connecticut with Cave's 22nd annual Cave Student Leadership Award. You should take pride in this recognition bestowed upon you. We encourage you to continue to think and act like a leader. Again, your congratulations and all the best to you in your future endeavors, which really is just to keep the board in line for another year. Um, sign Dr. Grineer and myself. Yay.

036[applause] Uh, Cape also has student leadership awards uh at the middle school level. So, I'm going to ask uh Mr. Bass to uh identify the two students that who will receive this certificate. >> I'm going to go ladies before gentlemen instead of going alphabetical order this evening. It's my pleasure to um the first student that we're going to recognize from Cutler is Miss Elena Wood. Miss Elena, would you please come forward? [applause] Elena is an outstanding student and she has consistently achieved high honors throughout her middle school years. Her teachers report that she shows a maturity beyond her years in the classroom. I too have witnessed this in class. She helps others, comes prepared, is organized, and is a leader in group discussions. She is an outgoing individual who is involved in many extracurricular activities.

037She was selected as a member of the Eastern Connecticut Regional Chorus this year. She is a member of the Cutler Drama Club, Stamp Club, and the Morning Announcements TV crew. She loves reading and volunteers each summer at Gren Public Library. She has performed community service with her True Truth Group. Elena enjoys making and selling jewelry. Get this. Through this endeavor, she was able to fund most of the cost of her field trip last month to Canada. She is truly a welldeserving candidate. Congratulations, Elena. [applause] Colin. Colin Anderson, would you please come up? I've known Colin a long time. [applause] He didn't used to be this tall. Colin's an outstanding student and he has consistently achieved high honors throughout his middle school years. His teachers report that he is an individual who goes out of his

038way to help others in class. This is not something that's easy to do in middle school. It's just not what is typical. Colin is always prepared for class and excels at learning, especially in mathematics. He is a violinist in the Cutler Orchestra. Colin is also involved in many extracurricular activities. He's a volunteer student leader and sings in the choir at his church. He's an avid basketball and baseball athlete, having played for Cutler's basketball team the past three years. He also plays baseball with the Connecticut Clippers, and he really is a fantastic student and is also very well deserving of this award. Congratulations, Colin. [applause] >> [applause] >> And now we have two award winners from Westside Middle School, Mr. Geek. >> First student I'd like to recognize is Elvianis. Elvani Konis. Is she here? Elvani,

039why not? >> [applause] >> Elviani is an eighth grader at Westside Middle School. Her parents are Common Be and Elvis Kioras. She has three half siblings. Her father lives in a Dominican Republic and she grew up with her mom. She went to Katherine Konaski Magna School. She participates in chorus, band, and student council, also the Westside Singers. In sixth grade, she participated in soccer and in a musical the school did which was Peter Pan. In seventh grade, she had the opportunity to participate in the Eastern Regions, which is an audition choir for all the Eastern Regions of Connecticut. She played Little Red Riding Hood in the play The Ever After. This this eighth grade year she has participated in cross country, lunchtime book club, morning announcements, and fitness club. In the summer, she volunteers at

040the Grten Public Library. Each year of middle school, Elani has earned high honors. In all three years of middle school, she has been recognized as student of the month. She plays saxophone and also takes piano lessons. She grew up speaking Spanish. So she she decided to take French class at school so she could know at least the basics of three languages. After high school, Elvani plans to study to become a biomed engineer. Elvani is hardworking student whose leadership is a model for others. We are so proud of her accomplishments. The honor of being chosen as the CA winner is welld deserved. >> [applause] [applause] >> Thurman Banks. Thurman Banks is an eighth grader at Westside Middle School. Come on up, Thurman. [applause] Thurman lives with his grandparents, parents, brother, and three pets, all of whom

041he enjoys spending time. Thurman is an average sports and karate lover. He has participated in Graten Little League since he was 5 years old. [snorts] He was honored for the good sportsmanship in 2017 when he received the Graten Little League sportsmanship award. Thurman has participated in a graten rex department karate program for nine years and is currently the rank of Joe Cusan which is the means thirdderee junior black belt. Thurman aspires to become a lawyer with the goal of being able to help others through his future career. In addition, he plans to continue with karate and strives to become a firstderee black belt. Thurman is described by his teachers as kind, helpful, and a caring student. He works hard to do well academically. And during his time at Westside, Thurman has participated in many different

042school activities, including chorus, the 2017 drama club production of the Ever After, and most recently the student faculty basketball game. Thurman would like to thank his teachers, friends, Mr. Kotki, Mr. Davis for supporting him in school. He would would also like to thank his sensei Ralph Batty for always showing him the correct path to follow in and out of the dojo and for being a positive influence in his life. Most of all, Thurman would like to thank his parents and grandparents for giving him the confidence to continue to move his life in a positive direction. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you. [laughter] >> Congratulations. >> So good that we can show that we're human. Welcome to our world. Um, so we have the next on our agenda is the O'Neal annual playwright. Um, but

043we we don't know if this is a um just sort of a block that we kind of put on put on recognize. But if there is a student here who is who has been recognized for that, have you been? Come on up. [applause] What's cool? That's cool. >> Have you been Have you been recognized? No. >> Uh, what do you mean? [laughter] >> for the O'Neal Theater Theater Award. >> No. Okay. Sorry. So, I didn't mean to call you up. So, >> okay. >> All right. Sorry. Once again, [applause] this very kind gentleman We have a list. >> So I I I just want to be clear. Uh we >> we we know what Oh, we have at least one. >> Do you know what school? Can you tell me what school? >> Westside. >>

044West Side. >> Mr. Kentucky. Mr. Kentucky, are you familiar with Yeah. >> Oh my goodness. >> You know what? Come on up, please. [applause] as a playwright. Could you write me a better script than this? >> Thank you. Welcome. Welcome. >> Well, you know what? Let me let me let me explain a little bit. Tell me your name. First of all, >> Ansley. So, uh what happens every summer and uh as uh Chairman Watson said, correct us if we're wrong. Uh but there is this very distinguished institution in our in our southeastern Connecticut region uh called Eugene O'Neal Theater and uh there is a playwright contest uh every summer and uh and we have students who have entered it and so could you just tell us a little bit about your experience there and uh

045and hopefully you received some acknowledgement from them and we just wanted to acknowledge you here publicly. So, just tell us a little bit about your experience this past year. >> Um, sorry. um quarter quarter one of my first year in 8th grade only you um my teacher said there's this play thing and she had us submit a play and they send you a letter and if you don't get in they explain to you what you did and how to improve on it and if you did get in they send you a letter of congratulations there this year there were 200 participants from the United states and I want to say 20 people got in as a young playwright and then five people got in as Jesse would know what it's called. Um five there were

04620 who just got a smaller award and then five who got a larger award. Uh, the five got to use, not use, participate with actors, directors, and stage directors to make their play come to life on an actual stage. The 20 young playwrights got to have the plays cold read and then experience what it's like to go through the writing experience in a professional play and how to improve on the ones they've read in mostly character development because that's very important in plays. It was three days very long but it was very worth it. Thank you. [applause] [applause] >> Yeah. Okay. We now >> we now have figured out our mistake. Uh I I would like to introduce another playwright that we have uh in our school from from Fitch High School uh Jesse Zaminsky

047and and Jesse participated in the Eugene O'Neal Theater also and actually if I understand correctly had a a play produced. So, can you tell us a little bit about this? [applause] >> Uh, I submitted a play uh two years ago and I was a guest playright as uh Addie was. Uh she uh engaged in uh activities and watched rehearsals and uh you know uh yeah it's it's a very hectic weekend for the guest play rights and then uh I was uh selected this year uh with my third play. Uh we uh uh worked on it pretty much all the way through the weekend and it was a great time. We uh uh put together sets uh met actors that were very accredited. Uh a director that's mentioned in several newspapers. Uh it was uh she

048like my director came from uh California uh all the way from California to uh work at this festival. So it was a it was a very nice time. uh get to meet a lot of creative people, get to meet uh and >> yeah, sure. [applause] >> Uh places to go, people to be. >> Places to go, people to Wow, that's incredible. Thank you very much. [applause] Okay. So, now >> there's one. >> I'm sorry. >> One more. >> Well, there's one more. >> I'm so sorry. >> So, who is that one more player? >> Come on down. >> Yeah. Oh, Claire. >> [applause] >> Claire Gar. So, can you give us a a little bit? Uh, no. [laughter] You're you're the you're the playright, not the actor. >> Yeah. >> So, but but anyway, so

049we the three of you were part of this uh remarkable event this summer, and we just wanted to uh to acknowledge you. So, so thank thanks so much for coming. [applause] >> So, we're now at the place where we're we are going to recognize the friends of education and support personnel. And so the first um people that I would love to come up to the podium would be um uh someone from Katherine Konowski and I believe Andrea. Are you >> CK? >> Who who has the CK? You have CK. Okay. >> Right. Not reading it. I'm just asking for the pres um the principal. >> Chris is going to uh Chris. Thank you. CK's non-certified personnel award this year goes to our secretary Deb Baldwin. [applause] If we were to list every attribute that makes

050Deb Baldwin the ideal choice for this award, we would all have to rearrange our schedules as this would constitute no short task. Deb is a consumate professional whose knowledge and diligent attitude allows her to perform her job with unequal deficiency. She wears many hats as the ambassador for our school. She greets guests, calms anxious parents, comforts frightened children, and helps frantic teachers. She will laugh with you, cry with you, support you, and also let you know when you need to dial it back a bit in her charming Long Island way. When anyone asks Deb a question or needs guidance, they are guaranteed an instant response. Her ability to balance a multitude of responsibilities with grace and civility is amazing. Deb's caring and compassion for our students shines throughout each day. She knows each child by

051name, not an easy task with over 400 students. She goes above and beyond her duties every day. She's kind, empathetic, and thoughtful. She makes all of us better. She is the heart and soul of our school. On a personal note, Deb makes every day a great day for me. She makes my job easier. She makes me laugh. And I know I can count on her anytime I need to ask for something. She is a very talented individual. [applause] >> [applause] >> I have to throw in she's one heck of a party planner, too. >> Seth >> [clears throat] >> All right. Michael Gore works as a paraprofessional in the academy program at Charles Barnum Elementary School. He comes to work every day with a positive attitude and a willingness to help above and beyond the

052requirements of his position. He displays genuine kindness and interest toward every child and me he works with, striving to help him or her achieve success. Michael also shows tremendous flexibility and patience to help create a supportive atmosphere which is integral to the challenging work required by his position. Michael's dedication to the children he works with is one of his best qualities. He will put his best effort into anything he does. Michael is a pleasure to have as a colleague. He is wellliked by his co-workers and the children in our school and does a fantastic job of connecting with even the most guarded or difficult children. Michael is one of those employees that you can count on in a time of crisis as he is willing to jump in and help a child or a staff

053member or me in need. He always stays calm and demonstrates a great deal of patience. He truly is an asset to our Charles Barnum family and we are pleased to have him receive this award tonight [applause] still there. >> Seth, do you have one more >> for Friends of Education? Sure. >> Yes, I can do that, too. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> On a roll. All right. It is a privilege to nominate Rita Katie Kiner for the Graten Friends of Education Award. Mrs. Coiner has made an outstanding contribution to the quality of education and the educational environment in our school. She's right over here. No, that's not it. Run out of hand. Katie plays a key role in the Charles Barnum School community. As a volunteer, she keeps herself busy. She may frequently be spotted in

054a variety of places at Charles Barnham. In the library, helping students select or check out books, organizing, re-shelving, maintaining, and repairing the library collection. In the second or third grade classrooms, where she helps out with special projects or assignments. She can be spotted in the workroom making copies, hanging artwork, or working on any other volunteer job. No matter what the task is, she is always willing to lend a hand. would like to also point out that she volunteers at the Westside Middle School media center a couple of days each week. She's everywhere. [laughter] Katie's dedication to the Graten Public School community is inspiring. She is reliable, friendly, helpful, competent, and caring. Our school is a better place because of Katie. We truly appreciate that this busy mother of two right there and Navy wife willingly

055shares her time and expertise with our school community and are very pleased to have her as part of our family. We want to thank you Katie and congratulate you on your nomination tonight. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> Mrs. Gerardano. Okay. So, Claude School is thrilled, honored to have Heather Cobb as the non-certified personnel award recipient. Miss Cobb is an extraordinary paraprofessional who contributes immensely to the College community and serves as a role model for all. She demonstrates positivity with a bright smile and a friendly ho hello to greet everyone every day. Miss Cobb has an important part play sorry Miss Bob has been an important part in helping students make tremendous strides in both academic and social situations. She has a great talent for helping students self-monitor and build independence. She provides proactive strategies

056to allow students to reach their full maximum potential across all settings of the school day. She consistently communicates with team members in order to ensure that students individual needs are being met. She does this not only for students she is assigned to, but for all students who may just need some extra support. In addition to her work as a dedicated paraprofessional, Miss Cobb is a leading go-to talented member of the Claude Chester PTO. Thank goodness. Miss Cobb's kind and caring demeanor is a sensational asset to Claude School. Congratulations, Heather. Thank you for all that you do to make Claude truly a great place to be. [applause] >> [applause] >> I often say that Heather has wings that just like sprout these angel wings that just come out. It's amazing. [applause] Thank you, Heather. So, I

057don't think that Kenny's here tonight, but um I will still read. >> Please do. >> Okay. So, um, we're enthusiastic to honor Kenny Hall as our friends of Graten award recipient this year for Claudechester. Mr. Hall's first impact as a role model to Claude students was as a dynamic kindergarten aid. In addition to working with kindergarten students, Mr. Hall helped all students K through 5 during lunch and recess where he took time to build positive relationships and get to know each student. Mr. Hall recognized that one student in fifth grade often struggled during unstructured times. So, Mr. Mr. Hall devoted extra time to this student by playing games with him, discussing his day, and checking in with him throughout the day, which helped to develop a really strong bond. Mr. Hall left the Kaid position

058midyear to pursue his dream career. However, Mr. Hall didn't stay away long. He came right back to CC as a loyal volunteer in a kindergarten class. Every time Mr. Hall arrives, you can hear students excitedly shout, "Mr. Hall is here." He supports the classroom teacher and students with everything from tying shoes to working in centers to providing extra hugs for whomever just may need it. Moreover, Mr. Hall became a formal mentor for a kindergarten student and for that grade five student. Mr. Hall meets with each student weekly as a coach, a supporter, and a phenomenal role model, helping students continue to build self-esteem and set goals. Mr. Mr. Hall's dedication to all students is remarkable and is clear that he has a passion for guiding students to be the best that they can be. Congratulations

059to Kenny and uh we're really truly grateful for all that he does for our school. [applause] >> Mrs. Miner, there you are. Both of our candidates are not here tonight, but I would like to recognize our non-certified personnel award will go to Anne Monahan, who's been a dedicated employee for Graten for many, many years and will be retiring this year. Our volunteer of the year is one of our military moms, Susan Belchure, who also cannot be here tonight. and she's a great example of uh one of our military people who does so much and asks so little for our schooling. We appreciate all the work that all of them do. Thank you. [applause] >> Northeast. Do you have northeast? >> Okay. >> Oh, great. >> Okay. Good. >> Okay. Miss Wheeler, please. >> Thank you,

060Miss Wheeler. Northeast Academy is pleased um to recognize Tina Shine as our support personnel person of the year. Tina Shine is the type of person who finds positive and lovable aspects about every child and adult that she works with, no matter how challenging that might be. Mrs. Shine has a huge heart and an amazing and special ability of making everyone she interacts with feel welcome and important. Year after year, Tina partners with the classroom and special education teachers to help design and implement a program that is right for each child. She is always willing to offer help, suggestions, and extra effort when she feels it will benefit the students. She is kind, firm, and loving, which allows her to create a nurturing environment for students to learn and grow. The success stories of so many

061students at NEA are due to the time and level of commitment that Tina puts forth in her job day in and day out. She truly is our Mrs. Sunshine. Congratulations. [applause] Thank you. >> Thank you. [laughter] >> [applause] >> Um, NEA is also um pleased to honor uh Jennifer Milis as our for our friend of education award. Jen Milis devotes so much time and energy to maintaining our school's yearbook and photographing the students of NEA. We're so lucky that she shares her incredible talent for photography with our school community to capture students during some of their most memorable moments of elementary school. From professor's class photos, winter carnival and other PTO events, school plays, and concerts, Jen catches the joy, beauty, and innocence of our children's in her photos. She goes above and beyond to

062display the photos for parents in the community to see on bulletin boards, in slideshows, and is constantly updating the main entrance foyer of our school. The yearbook, which she spends countless hours editing and putting together, is a wonderful keepsake for students to look back on for years to come. Her photography and willingness to share her time and talent with our school helps to create an atmosphere that is always celebrating students in their daily school lives and at their most exciting moments. Congratulations and thank you. [applause] >> Congratulations for all you do, >> Mr. Wheeler. and Mrs. Porter. >> Hi. Thank you. Um, Bill Hers Schneider is being nominated for the non-certified staff um, award because he is such a valuable asset to the SV Butler school community. He's a valuable asset in the classroom as

063well. Bill works as a one-on-one um paraprofessional for students with severe autism. Every day, Bill comes to work with a positive attitude and eagerness to help kids learn. Whether it's in the classroom working with a specific student or at arrival time, greeting all the students in the school, Bill is a constant positive interaction for everyone. He constantly tries to improve himself and help students grow in their academics as well as everyday life skills. He's a positive adult role model for all students in our school. In addition to his classroom responsibilities, he also works in the afterchool treehouse program where he mentors students and works to foster positive play and social skills. No matter what you ask of Bill, he is always willing to complete the task. He will go out of his way to do

064more than is necessary for his love of students. He's an invaluable member of our school community and both the staff and the students are lucky to have him around. And I have to add he's also one of our coaches for Girls on the Run and he just completed his first half marathon. Congratulations, Bill. [applause] >> [applause] >> big time wrestler. >> Okay. It is my privilege to nominate Amber Hogatau as our 2017 2018 Graten Friends of Education from SP Butler Elementary School. Amber has served our school community as a member of our PTO for many years. She is by far one of the most organized people that I know. Once she commits her time to an event, she pours her heart and soul into ensuring that is very successful. Amber has volunteered countless hours helping

065to facilitate PTO sponsored family events at our school. Since I became principal at SP Butler in 2015, Amber has been the driving force behind our annual science and math night. Each year she organizes many local experts in the fields of science and math to donate two hours of their time one evening to share their craft with our students and families. Our children have fun as they learn about everything from virtual reality to polymers and slime. She even gets Mrs. Porter to dissect owl pellets. It is one of our most attended evenings and we are forever grateful to Amber for spending the time to ensure that it happens each year. Amber Hogato's dedication and commitment to our school community has truly enriched our students social and academic experiences at SP Butler. We are very fortunate to

066have her as a member of our team. Thank you for all that you do. Congratulations, Amber. [applause] >> Congratulations, [applause] >> Mr. Bass. I'll start with a non-certified personnel award winner from Cutler this year and that is Joshua Spataphor. Josh started working at Cutler in April of 2016. It was truly amazing how well and quickly Josh fit in and embraced a special needs classroom to which he was assigned and how the students so quickly responded to him. Josh is reliable and exhibits consistent hard effort in both class in both classroom in which he works and the school as a whole. He is a very devoted he's very devoted to improving each and every day of all the students in the classroom and takes the time to fully understand their wants and needs. The perseverance that

067he shows with the students he works with through throughout difficult times is commendable. He really there there are times where you would think that he would deserve hazard pay for some of the things that he's gone through over the last couple of years has not gone unnoticed. Josh, he is knowledgeable about implementing behavior plans and his patience and calm demeanor allow him to work through very intense behavioral outbursts with grace. In addition, he pushes all to do their best by holding them to high achievement standards. Josh knows the abilities of the students and pushes them to surpass their individualized goals. He truly cares about the students and co-workers and his co-workers and is always more than willing to step in whenever needed at any time. Josh and is an extremely valuable member of Cutler School

068community. And after this was written, there was a an opportunity about a week and a half ago in the classroom which Josh works. And um we were able to have some people come in and work with students on music and motion and dance. And while I was not present, I got to see just a little bit of it. Um, and Josh actually helped one of the students in the classroom perform a waltz. And if you knew the situation, brings tears to your eyes. Welldeserving Josh Bataphor. Please come forward. [applause] Next, Cutler's friend of education. Our friend of education this year is Miss Alexandra Hubert. Alex is a former Cutler student. Um, and she was promoted from Cutler. She left us four years ago, but during those past four years, she decided to come back. Alex

069has volunteered her time after school to help Mr. Rob Ponucci with managing basketball, girls basketball, as well as helping to do clerical work in the guidance office. Alex was a valuable member of our girls basketball program. The players looked up there as a former basketball player at Cutler. She would keep score, take stats and photos during the games, and it was really well appreciated by all. As for Alex's help in the guidance office, she is a responsible, reliable young lady who has pro provided assistance completing many tasks asked of her. She has helped in getting things together for our eighth grade promotion ceremonies, open house, and other functions that we have had at Cutler. This includes decorating the bulletin boards, making copies, and setting up tables. No matter what job has been asked of her,

070she has completed each one with a smile. With her positive attitude and assistance, Alex has helped make the clerical chaos of school life that much more enjoyable. Alex clearly has made a positive impact at Cutler, and we are honored to recognize her as our friend of education. Alex, [applause] [applause] >> thank you very much. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Kotaki. I will start with the non-certified award and follow it up with the friends of education. The staff at Westside Middle School has had the privilege of having Melissa Bby work as a paraprofessional in our school for the past two years. This year she has been working with the academy program, working with students with serious and emotional difficulties. Melissa comes to school each day with a smile and positive attitude that reflects her kind heart

071and a true love for her work. Melissa is able to help the most challenging of students with her ability to encourage without demanding, listen without judging, and by providing assistance when it is needed. Her positive words are important in the day-to-day school experiences for our students. students rely on her academic, emotional, and behavioral assistance and often seek her out for support. This honor is given to a very special employee who makes a difference in the lives of our students. Melissa Bbeby represents not only her work but the work of many. She cares about students. She has the best interest in mind at all times. Melissa not only is not only there for the students but also her colleagues. She is supportive, collaborative, and a true team player. No matter the challenge, she is up for

072it. She wants to make the school and our students the best they can be. Melissa is welld deserving of this award. She sets the bar high for all non-certified staff. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Friends of education, Westside Middle School. It [clears throat] is an honor to introduce to you the Westside Middle School friend of education award winner, Miss Christine Cabra. Christine Cabraw was a key component in the drive to resuscitate the PTO at Westside Middle School. She has been the president of the Westside PTO and is one of the current co-presidents of the Westside PTO even though her oldest daughter roams the halls of Fitch High School as a freshman. Christine consistently seeks out new parents of Westside and encourages them to get involved in the PTO. She attends every PTO meeting despite having

073four children of her own to get from practice to practice and ball field to ball field. With unyielding determination, Christine persistently makes connections with members of the community and local businesses to get both monetary and physical donations for many events. hosted by the PTO and rarely takes no for an answer. She was an asset in making the staff versus students basketball game happen, an event which celebrated its third year this year and is loved by both students and staff. In the fall of 2017, Christine gave up her own time to serve on the committee to select a new principal of Westside. She frequently advocates on behalf of her children and fellow students of Westside to ensure they receive the credit they deserve for the advanced courses they take at Westside. When the budget struggles at

074the end of two 2017 year happened, she attended most town council meetings advocating for students and teachers. Christine was instrumental in helping the PTO host a graduation party for eighth grade students in 2017 and is hard at work preparing for this year's one. And somehow she managed to do this all while working a full-time job herself. As you can see, Christine Kra is a true friend of education. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you. [applause] The non-certified personnel award for Fitch High School goes to Marquy Satevich. We are very honored to give this award to Marquy who has been a nurse practitioner in the school-based health center at the high school since 2003. Her colleague Lori Felosa says that Marky is a wonderful person, very attentive to the Fitch students and always concerned about their

075well-being. Marky serves as the liaison between students and parents and does an outstanding job. She is thorough and follows up with parents in a timely manner. Everyone, parents, students alike, are very happy with the treatment they receive at the health center. This year, Marquy is involved with securing a grant for the school-based health center and for the high school. As part of the grant, Marky has to ask difficult questions around anxiety and depression during routine physical exams. These are unfortunate topics but real issues in teenagers lives. When students need help, Marquy is always there to assist them. Personally, I have become friends with Marquy over the years and I am a better person from knowing her. She is caring, kind, always ready to listen, >> and she's not afraid to give advice either. The students,

076teachers, and staff love Maris Tevich, and we're all very fortunate that she is in the building. [applause] Thank you. [applause] The Groten Friend of Education award goes to Mike Doyle. Mike is the president of the Fitch High School Athletic Booster Club. Mike's children all graduated from Fitch High School. his last child five years ago. But with all his children out of school, Mike still manages to volunteer as a boy lacrosse coach and is the coordinator for the athletic booster club concession stand. Now, if you don't know the concession stand, that's a big job, especially during football games. And just to organize that whole thing is really something. for the concession stand. Mike schedules work times for our athletic teams, shops for groceries, and plays an integral part in fundraising with our athletic director, Mark Romano.

077In addition, he volunteers his own time to work in the concession stand himself. During various ECC athletic tournaments, you can see Mike running around making sure everything runs smoothly. It is clearly evident that Mike plays a major role at Fitch and without his efforts, Fitch High School would be faced with a huge void. Mike, we all know what you do for us and we just want to let you know how much we appreciate your efforts on behalf of all the athletes at Fitch High School. [applause] >> [applause] >> Sam [applause] and Sam Kilpatrick who is our director of buildings and grounds. and will present maintenance person of the year. >> One thing that wasn't mentioned about Mike is that he also serves on the permanent school building committee which meets uh twice a month and

078uh very often uh during the week as well. So Mike does a lot a lot more for the community. Uh our our nominee uh for the maintenance department is Joe Montgomery. Is Joe here tonight? Joe Joe's not here. Well, I'm not surprised Joe isn't here because he's pretty shy and most of his work is done uh behind the scenes. And when I told him that he was going to we were going to give him this award, he insisted that there were he gave me names of four other people who were far more deserving than he himself. So, um but uh don't worry about it. I'm going to read this to him tomorrow morning at the morning meeting in front of his colleagues, which uh [applause] will be far more embarrassing to him than coming tonight.

079[laughter] The Grunt Public Schools building and grounds department proudly recognizes Joe Montgomery as our employee of the year 201718. Joe is a longtime employee that has served as an electrician and specializes in maintaining our door security systems, security cameras, and fire alarm panels. Joe is the consmate professional, completing tasks in a timely manner with great attention to detail, all the while relating to staff with a genuine, pleasant demeanor. While Joe has been doing this for many years, this year he has actually taken on more responsibilities. He has added phone systems to uh his list of duties and has worked tirelessly to resolve many problems that were previously reveried by a recently retired phone technician. As if adding additional duties to uh weren't enough, Joe has offered his expertise by mentoring our new electrician employee over

080the past nine months. Simply stated, Joe is a trusted, valued member of the maintenance team that has gone over and above what we would normally expect and is deserving of being named the maintenance employee of the year. [applause] This has ended our awards part of our meeting. We are going to sort of resume our meeting in about 15 minutes, but please feel free for the next 15 to enjoy each other's company. Um or please stay. [laughter] >> We're going to call the meeting to order. Please All right, we are now at the part of the meeting where it's for citizens um agenda items um and other subjects of concern that lie within the jurisdiction of the board of education. This is the portion of the agenda where the board welcomes comments from citizens. Each presentation

081should be limited to five minutes or less and citizens should be should if possible submit written comments. Presentation should be related to matters pertinent to graten and board members will only ask questions in order to clarify the speaker's presentations and cannot respond during the comments from citizen portion of the board meeting. Citizens should make their presentation from the podium and state their name and addresses for the record. Miss Joan, do you have anyone? Is there anyone? >> How are you? >> Good to see you. >> Thank you. My name is Mike Whitney, 112 Deerfield Ridge Drive, Mystic, Connecticut. I just have a quick comment. Um I'm a parent of Northeast Academy uh children. And uh one thing we love about Northeast Academy is that it's an arts curriculum, arts focused curriculum. And we also um

082love it's a magnet, introducing magnet to school, too. Um that said, um when Pleasant Valley closed, uh we saw a jump in class sizes, particularly um from third, fourth, and fifth grades, I think we're up to, yeah, up around 24 students per class. And myself and other parents have seen seen, you know, the the struggles along with that jump. Um, and so, uh, tonight we got, uh, an email and a phone message about the the slots, Northeast Academy, uh, magnet slots, and it's available for all for all, um, grades. Uh, and that's fine and wonderful, and we support that. Uh, but as you're seeking to fill those slots, I just urge you u to keep in mind of class sizes because, um, I mean, me personally, I'd like to see more like 18 or 20.

083I don't think that's realistic. um right now. Uh but um big class sizes do present a struggle and so every uh fewer student in the classroom can be helpful. So I' I'd love to see more of a target at 22. Uh and certainly um um nothing above 24. And uh and so so that's just what I'd like you to uh consider as you're you're filling these these slots. Um, and sort of a related one, um, I know we're we're just in the first year of, um, the magnet schools for Westside and, um, and Cutler. Um, something to think about if possible is if someone does get into uh one of the magnet schools for you, North Academy for Arts or Katherine K for for steam um somehow I I don't know how you do this,

084but if they should have some kind of preference to to get into the um middle school that's aligned with that curriculum so they they can continue that. I'm not sure how to work that out, but but I it's an issue I've heard about at this point. So, thank you very much. >> Mike, could you just repeat what you just said that if a if a child that is at Northeast Academy in the arts would have a preference then to be able to go to let's say Cutler >> uh specifically the magnet students >> the magnets >> that that were magnet students that came into northeast >> from another area. >> Yeah. And that they could continue the pathway >> and I don't know how that >> I'm sure that could be flagged somehow. Yeah. Thank

085you. >> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else hearing? None. We'll move on. Is there other people who would like to comment um on mics? All right. Can we go to the student representative report? So, a couple updates from the last meeting on April 30th. Um, we had Senator Richard Blumenthal come and visit Pitch High School and speak with the students um about some a little bit more tougher topics on gun violence and school safety. Um, I heard great responses from the students. They specifically really enjoyed the Q&A portion where they got to ask um, Senator Blumenthal questions that they had and just concerns. Um, to be able to speak their mind to someone and being um, having that feeling that they were being heard was really liked. Um, since the last meeting, AP and IB testing

086are done. Very exciting. Um and then last week uh we finished up um and we had underassman awards. A couple updates with class council seniors. The end of the year is coming. Um which also means a lot of end of the year senior events. So this Thursday it will be our senior trip to Holiday Hill. Um the weather's looking good, so that's very good. Um senior prom will be Saturday, June 9th at Mystic Aquarium. It hasn't been at the aquarium since a very long time, so we're excited to go back. um different scenery and um great venue. Great venue. Defroy and then graduation rehearsals around the corner. It'll run on the 20th, 21st and 22nd. Um also in the morning of the 22nd will be our senior and faculty breakfast which is open to all

087seniors and faculty members at Fitch to enjoy. Um and then that will lead into graduation that night. Um on Friday, June 22nd and it'll start at 6:00 p.m. And then for juniors, they just had their junior prom. Um, and it was a big hit. And then sophomores, they have a couple events around the corner with a car wash at Johnson's True Value on June 3rd. Um, they also have a pancake breakfast at Applebee's from 8 to 10 and the tickets are $10. And they'll also again be selling carnations during graduation. And then two awards nights. >> All right, it's the end of the year, so that means awards season. Uh, tomorrow night is the National Honors uh, Honor Society induct induction at 6:00. Then on Thursday, June 7th, it is the honor chords for seniors.

088And then it is senior athletic night on Monday, June 11th. And then it is senior awards and scholarship night on June 14th. And all those events are at 6:30 uh, in the auditorium except National Honor Society 6:00 tomorrow. Uh the athletic department, the 2020 the class of 2022 uh their athletic orientation is Thursday, June thr June 5th at 6:30. And then uh also the athletic department is having their second annual Abbott's Lobster in the Rough on Friday, June 15th for $75. Uh and then the final exam schedule, seniors are from June 13th to June 20th and underassmen are June 18th to June 22nd. And on that June 22nd, it will lead us to the last day of school. It is a early dismissal day for students and then it will lead into graduation at 6

089p.m. hopefully on the football field. [laughter] >> Fingers crossed. >> Yes, please. So Cindy, >> yes, >> this is our last board meeting with you. >> Yes, >> you've been great. >> A thank you. >> Yeah, >> I think I you know from me just speaking and allow other people to I mean obviously everyone else um can speak but that I just wanted to say thank you very much for your leadership um that you have given us to the board and um we wish you well. >> A thank you. >> We sure do. Looking forward to seeing you at graduation. Just my my my my little footnote is we took a little trip to Hartford together once upon a time and we we we needed I think it was during a h not a holiday

090but like a long weekend or something and uh and Chairman Watson said, "Boy, it'd be great if we could get some students and uh and parents to speak." And and I was sort of desperate and and I called Cindy and said, "Could you come and speak in front of the legislature?" And uh she said, "Sure." And uh I picked her up and off we went to to Hartford and she made a very wellcomposed speech to the legislature explaining the the importance of making sure that Graten received fair and uh funding. And it was really terrific. And I just want to say tonight uh we were uh we were taken off guard by the the theater uh mishap. we we didn't have for some reason we didn't have the proper certificates or or whatever the students

091got and and it was Cindy who sort of went around the room and and maybe maybe Dan too uh and made sure that we we at least recognize the students and now I I spoke to one of them but I'll call the families tomorrow but uh I mean that's the sort of service uh uh that we we receive uh from from Cindy and uh we are very interested in having you go to college and te tell us what your your aspiration is again. >> Yep. So, since I was in elementary school, I want to become an elementary school teacher. So, that is the plan. So, I'll be going to University of Connecticut um studying elementary education with a concentration in mathematics. So, I hope to get into NEOK School of Education. So, I'll be out

092with my masters in 5 years. And if there's any openings, I might see you again in five years hopefully in the district. [laughter] She have a chance. >> Yeah. Hurry up. >> All right. So, moving on to the superintendent's report, the Alliance School District. >> Well, I am actually going to defer to to my colleague who has has been a thorn in the side of the Alliance office uh because we we got some news today. >> The check arrived finally. >> Yeah. And I just wanted to remind you that we're really so very excited because a focus of the grant is on technology, both software and hardware. It's going to put in into our K through2 across this district, iPads and Chromebooks. um you know in all those classrooms. We also um have a a

093big National Science Foundation materials that we're we're going to be investing in in both science and in mathematics. So that you know we have that as a big piece. Um there were some personnel things and it's so far toward the end of the year, but we were able to cover some of those expenses, including um to have a social worker who will be able to work, I think, for about six weeks at least and help us with the absenteeism um program and and see what help us analyze some of the data and work with us on that. So those are a few of the the many out you know areas. science was a big focus to get those NGSS standards to unpack the curriculum that has been set forth in correct with Dr. Rekenberg. So,

094we're able to take advantage of that and get that rolling. So, we're very excited. >> So, thanks to Sue's work, not only did we receive the $600,000 today, but uh she has been able to pretty much dollar for dollar go into next year's budget. Uh so when the board on the probably the night of the 25th of June uh makes the final $1.8 million cut uh this will help to uh to to alleviate the deficit and um that's one good thing and the the the other thing is uh getting that amount of money and spending it and spending it in the right categories is is a real challenge. So, so Susan has really worked with the principles and we have literally already written the requisitions because to spend $600,000 I mean it's it's it's great

095that it's here but when you get it on the 29th of May and it all goes away on >> not to worry it was ready to go and the good news is that it we're looking on both the core curriculum in in English language arts math and science um and that this will be for core instruction and for intervention. It will go over into next year supporting next year as well for our kids. So, we're really excited because as long as we get the materials in and encumbered, we're all set to go for next year. So, yay, yay, yay, yay. Good news. All right. So, actually the >> I've got business managers report, but but keep going. Sorry. >> Well, why don't we let Susan is there? >> So, only one one quick thing. I

096wanted to announce publicly that we're going to have the dedication of the Grten Public Schools student art gallery. It's been a goal of our entire art department K12. And if you can see the evidence in that room 11 of some unbelievable work from our teachers and students, you know, it's really breathtaking. So that will happen on June 11th and they have decided to honor Keith P. Acriman >> and um with this you know dedication and so um the reception will be at 5:30 and we can pass out certificates to all of the students and their families and um then we can start with our six o'clock >> and we plan to do this on a fairly regular basis that when >> when the art gets swapped out we'll have another reception and bring in the

097students and the parents. It should be well, it' be first of all a great uh a great honor to to to Keith. Uh but it's just going to be it's going to make that room come alive. The next time you go in there, you you'll see Susan and the committee painted these waves. >> Well, I can't take any credit. All I did was provide time and paint. >> So, there's a there's a there's some really nice artwork in there and and and we we'll keep it going, right? and h have a reception perhaps once a quarter and Joe will provide the beer and the wine. [laughter] No, we will provide soft drinks and cookies or or something >> from Ernie's cookies. Yes, >> that was it. >> Yeah. Yeah, we'll dedicate the room uh to

098to to to Keith and Yeah. [clears throat] >> I I think we have a little plaque of some sort. >> We have we actually have a wonderful bio written by Dr. Arian. >> Yes. on his behalf that we could read aloud. And so, um, we've actually got a tribute on the outside with a wave of a piece of artwork that was one of my favorites from his students, um, two of his students when he was a middle school >> um, teacher. And, you know, the artwork was up and down the hallways back in the day and it had not really been we, you know, were refreshed. So, we kept we saved one. So, we have this dedication on the outside of the room as you come in. >> Awesome. >> That's really cool. All right.

099Um, we've passed out the uh >> Well, I didn't pass it out quite yet. >> Oh, shoot. >> Well, Ken Ken did not have a an update on the uh object code summary. It's It's still 47 went up $478,000. So I I didn't think he needed to sit through a whole meeting to to reannounce that. But at the very end of the day, uh we received this report and and if you remember, I know Jay has been following this. If you look at that yellow column in the middle, what we say is that we put it we put aside I mean just a mathematical formula, but we we put aside hypothetically $958,000. That's what we have for the month. And if you look at the the the highlighted uh for uh for April, uh it

100came in at 944, $10,000 under. So the $2.3 million that we were all nervous about is coming to pass. Well, it would appear. Uh I asked him what this looked like last year, and he said it was about $100,000 higher. Uh I don't think I have it from from last year here, but he said it was about 1 million 1 million20,000. So we're we're actually doing pretty well uh in that area. What what I don't know is the OPED number, which we are now trying to track and find out where we are. And we'll have a full report on that. Uh I think did we say on the 18th, Jay? Or maybe we put it. Yeah, we pro we'll pro the the the CO on on June 18th will uh we we will explain uh

101the OPE which we we have a not only good conceptual handle on but I I think we have the numbers down uh pretty pat. I think the board has been uh nervous at least uh we've been concerned about whether there was really going to be 2.3 million left in in the health insurance reserve and and Ken becomes increasingly confident. Uh so but we have two well yes uh May May and June we have two two months and you know God only knows what happens in those two months but it would appear so you look at we the the month uh the the actual was was 98.5. So if if if we hang in there uh the variance uh of the budget to the board the third column over is 1,200,000. So, we're we're doing okay.

102And if we continue to do okay, then uh the health insurance reserve will we'll be that 1.3 million. We'll be able to I mean two 2.3 million. That was a Freudian slip. >> What's a million? So, anyway, that's that that's that Ken uh actually called the town and informed Susan and myself that we have the $600,000. Uh and like I said, it has to be spent uh in 31 days, which is not not a terrible chore, but we need to do it properly and within within because there's there's a a state budget for that. So other than that, I'm I'm finished. >> Right. So the director of building and grounds, >> that's you. [laughter] >> That's me. >> That's you. >> Good evening. >> Yeah. I I guess first is the 2020 report and uh

103we talk about the elementary architect update. Perkins Eastman is the selected architect on the middle on the elementary uh projects and uh over the last couple of weeks Dr. and myself and staff members from each of the schools have met with um >> Susan too >> Susan and and staff members from each of the schools have met with uh the architects and and going over the program. So they've been program meetings uh making sure that we have uh spaces available for all the programs that we're going to have in the in in the schools. So that's been taking place over the last couple of weeks. I am going to be meeting with the architects tomorrow to um at uh Westside Middle School to verify dimensions. We're going to they'll be doing some uh measuring [clears

104throat] to verify dimensions uh on the exterior of the building and I am gathering some additional plan. They the town didn't have very many plans for Cutler Middle School. So I have some at our office that they're going to come by and uh go through and determine exactly what they need to borrow. So, uh they'll be taking some of our plans for Cutler Middle School as well. Uh secondly, uh is a uh an update on the water testing. [clears throat] Uh over the last couple of weeks, I submitted uh our plan um for further testing in our district uh both to the Connecticut Department of Health drinking water division and to legislate health district. I've gotten a response from both over the last week with both of them um uh telling us to move forward

105uh as as it was presented. Uh Department of Public Health did have two additional recommendations uh beyond the sites that we chose and that was to do um the first row of samples as uh one liter samples as opposed to the uh 250 milliliter samples that are normally taken. Um this is in light of the fact that uh the uh it's expected that the contamination is within the lines within inside the building. So that should help us determine that. Um uh and the second uh suggestion was that um where there are samples being taken in uh let's say adjacent classrooms, classrooms across the hall from each other, they actually be taken um in uh consecutive days as opposed to the same day. And that way the water isn't drawn off of the other. Uh they'll

106have a better sample, a more representative sample if we do it the second day rather than both of them this the first day. So I did send an email to Rick Stevens at the Graten Utilities today asking him for a meeting with his staff to uh discuss um uh the the plan and make a determination as to when we will actually start the uh the testing. All right. So, we're going to move on to the community. The community I I actually mean the committee reports. Um I do want to say that um there was a miscommunication between Dr. Grineer and I and I apologize for that in that in the committee reports we were really kind of needing to not just have the policy curriculum finance and facility which is R3 but that learn um

107the BO uh the board of ed and the AGSA and GA need to be on there our leazison for the yeah for next time um that we just we need to kind of go back to make sure that that's there and the scholarship and the trails committee so um I apologize that those were not on um but they shall be there for June. June. So, let's starting off um with policy. Is there anything more than what is going to be on our agenda in a few? >> Not as far as I know, just the two. >> Awesome. Okay. Um and curriculum. Yes, we met and we had a presentation, a wonderful presentation from Mrs. Fors from Cutler talking about the um the the courses that have to be implemented in order for us to get

108the the grant monies available to us. So we we listened to that. It was really wonderful. And then uh we're meeting in on June 18th and we're going to be talking about online classes for the high school. I'm hoping to invite Miss Hodgej and Mrs. or Mrs. McKenna from the high school to join us. >> So that's what we do. >> Thank you very much. Finance and facilities. >> Okay, great. Um, learn learn. We we had a lovely meeting at the Marine Science Magnet School two weeks ago. Um, I I think of that school as a graten school. We have so many of our students there and Dr. Holly has said, you know, someday in the future, it'd be really wonderful if that school became a Graten school, a Graten Magnet school. So I'm hoping

109that sometime we we can have that wonderful school. It um it is ranked sixth in the state um academically um this year which is absolutely amazing. The only other you know everyone else is sort of you know Greenwich and that that part but for us to have that it's a gem of a school. They have a number of um Yukon courses and one that really impressed me was that they have a Yukon course in horiculture which so on the table that was laid out for the board members there were these beautiful little cups and saucers with flower arrangements individually by each you know different students. So this is a class that you know that any child could take no matter you know how it's not like just like an AP course but you get Yukon

110credit. It was an 8 credit course. So I'm hoping we could bring some of those classes to Fitch High School in the future. I I really was so impressed with they have at least 20 Yukon courses and a numerous um AP courses. So um I think all the students are are involved in those. Oh, and we I also um last week did Dr. Holl's um evaluation which was outstanding. So, thank you. >> Um, and, uh, tomorrow is the board of ed, AGSA, GA >> 4:30 meeting at, um, and if you guys have agenda items, maybe we can float them to Joyce so that at least we can have something to kind of go off of. That would be great. Um, so I apologize for the late notice. some for some reason this this year went

111by so fast like I could I've never been able to be on top of that. All right. Um and um the the leazison for the board of ed um the town council and the RTM I sent out a notice um to everyone from not only the board but also from the town council and the RTM um and we have all responded which is really cool. Um and now we're just kind of waiting for the other bodies to kind of respond so that we can get a date. um uh soon hopefully in mid June. >> The town counselors did uh did respond. >> Oh, awesome. I haven't looked since 10 o'clock this morning. So, >> yeah, there's some conflict. So, we might have to go again. >> Okay. >> I I met Autumn and I said,

112"You really need to be on this. You know, she's sitting. Is she sitting?" She's RTM and I think I've convinced her to be part of it. >> Awesome. Awesome. That'd be great. That'd be great. >> Super. Um, and then trails committee. Do you have anything, Gretchen? >> No. >> Scholarship. >> They're just getting ready for graduation. >> Okay. >> They're on task and they're doing a great job. >> All right. Um, and so I'll uh I will host I will entertain a motion to cons uh to accept the consent agenda. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> So that's Rita Andrea. Um, so any discussion? All those in favor, please say I. I. >> Oppose. Abstain. So carried. Um we would the board would like to thank Lisa Lambert who made a donation

113of $500 to the Charles Barnum Hiking Club. Um and also uh thank you to Surplus Unlimited in Orange, Connecticut. Um who donated approximately 200 white boards to the school district. Um, and that uh the Cutler Middle School PTO has received a $1,500 grant from the Charter Oak to replace damaged books in their library. So, good news to all of those. Um, any old business? Hearing none, um, I'm moving on to the new business. Um, and Lee, would you be willing to read the first one, please? >> Uh, yes. discussion and possible action regarding the approval of policy P5145.12 search and seizures. >> Um, can you just read the motion? >> Um, I'm sorry. To approve as a first reading um I'm sorry. Discussion of possible action. Is that what you I'm sorry >> to approve

114for approval as a first reading policy P514. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Didn't Didn't I do that? >> No. No, you did you did you did this. >> I'm sorry. To approve to approval approve as a first reading P5145.12 se search and seizure. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Can I have discussion? So, if you notice, this um policy was first adopted in 1994 and was revised recently, April 25th, 2016, but it did come up as one to look at again. So, um the board committee um did reread it and review it and made some very minor changes. So, you see the um the green is the new language. Um so the policy applies to all uses of the building and grounds as well. So they wanted to make sure

115that was very comprehensive. And then the red line was um taken out because we felt it was repetitive. Um and so um and they corrected you know that the property with reasonable care based on the fourth amendment of the constitution of the United States. So they wanted to write that more properly. So, it kind of came back to us to re-examine and the committee did do that. >> Okay. >> Thanks. >> Any questions? >> Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to approve the first reading of policy uh P5145 um-12 search and seizure, please say I. >> I. >> Oppose. Abstain. Motion has carried. And while the bo v while while the board of ed does not have to vote on regulations we have been reviewing those as well. So you see there

116were some minor changes so that we made sure that the regulations were in line with the policy. So those are also in the packet. Thank you Rita. Would you be willing to read the motion for number two? >> Yes. >> To approval as a first reading policy P6172 alternative education programs. Can I have a second? >> Second >> discussion, please. >> Denise Doolittle um did come to our meeting so she could explain the law and um this is a brand new policy P6172. Um and it talks about the purpose of the policy recognizing that there are needs for alternative education programs. We're doing more and more of that inhouse. We used to send children out and it would cost the district a lot of money. So we've been able to provide more indistricted programs. So

117through a PPT process planning and placement team where the parents and the teachers are sitting around trying to decide on the most appropriate least restrictive environment for the children. Um the decision can be made to have an alternative program. Also, the um superintendent has the ability to decide, especially when um dealing with expel expelled students. So, we have a variety of of different programs um in our district and um there are a pro there is a process and an actual um a placement process and um that needs that they go through and then of course the PPT is the ultimate determinant. Any other conversation? >> I wonder if I could just ask for clarification. >> Absolutely. >> When the when the princ the superintendent puts recommends that a child for through because of expulsion that

118that a PPT is not necessary. >> No. >> Okay. and and he would not have or she would not have any other jurisdiction for placing children in there without a PPT. Correct. >> Could you paraphrase that? >> There's no other way that you can outside of expulsion there would have to be a PPT. >> Oh yes. Yes. >> There's no other way a child would be placed in except through PPT. That was >> other than expulsion. >> Correct. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? So hearing none. All in favor of the approval of the first reading of the policy 6172 alternative education program, please say I. I. >> Oppose. Abstain. Motion so carries. I have a huge apology to Leslie. I had these great notes to move your agenda item to the first and I

119was wondering about what those notes were. Now I know. >> Very interesting. It's okay. So, I am just going to move our item four to number three and make it me look a quarter better than what I do. >> So, I am actually going to um >> Why don't you >> Jane, if you could please read >> Well, Amy, too, right? >> Yes. >> You're here. What the heck? >> Why don't you bring that chair up and and and and sit uh sit at the table here? >> Right here. Oh, >> you don't even have to bring it up. >> Okay. Sure. >> Absolutely. You can be Jay. >> Thank you. Jay, would you be be willing to read the motion uh for number four? >> Yep. To approve the uh proposed weighted GPA for

120the classes. >> Nope. Number four, please. >> Number four. Moving right along. >> To approve the middle school arts, humanities magnet courses. >> Could I please have a second? >> Second discussion, please. >> Well, I was hoping you could give a sort of an overview which which then leads to Leslie and and Amy's work. So because we have um the themed aspects and Cutler being the arts and humanities and Westside being the STEM that through the grant there's the expectation that we have courses related to this and not just the infusion of the arts and not just the infusion of STEM but to have really um qualified courses. So, what needs to happen is it's really a change and it works perfectly in our schedule. Um, but it's we're going to have to write those

121courses. So, we we need permission really to be able to do the curriculum writing and Leslie can give you some of the details with the um westside because it is going to be using project lead the way that curriculum is really written it. So, we'll be adopting that for their specific courses to the themed magnet. So my understanding is these courses were proposed at the curriculum and instruction council. Then they were recommended to the curriculum committee. The curriculum committee listened to them and uh and recommended that that Leslie come come forward and make the proposal. Now these are this is not an approval of a curriculum yet. It is approval we are requesting for the writing >> of some magnet arts and humanities classes. >> Right. And as uh Dr. Austin said because of the

122requirement of the grant, we really have to create what's called discrete magnet classes. And what discreet means is that it's different than what Westside can offer being STEM and our arts and humanities. So it can't just be our music and our art program and our band program. So we had to get creative and Mr. Bass and I were looking at our schedule and right now we have what's called CB block and in our CB block they are enrichment classes. So for us right now to start writing and offering courses during this CB block it's there really are enrichment classes but they will count for what is called magnet dosage. So for the grant right now we are in year one. Year one ends the end of September. Right now the requirement is three hours per

123week per student. October 1st, it will be six hours per week per student. And what they expect by year five is 12 hours. So we have a lot of great integration going on right now. I think if any of you have the time to visit, it's pretty amazing what's going on in both our schools. And you know, we have um a puppeteer in this week. We have somebody doing Chinese poetry with our students this week. Um, in our world language class, they are writing poetry in French and creating art to go with it. They made masks last week for the African culture, African dance on Monday. I mean, it's really exciting and teachers are working so hard to integrate the arts and humanities, but it really won't be enough. In order to really meet the

124magnet dosage, we have to come up with discrete classes. So, what we'd like to offer in September, which we feel is really doable, is a theater class, a screenwriting class, and then two classes that would really go well with the new AV studio that's also in the process of being built. So, one is called broadcasting, and the other one would be called multimedia design. So, the students would be right in the AB studio using our new equipment as well. So, when we get your yes tomorrow, I'm going to get my teachers on board and we're going to start getting these classes ready. We will have a site visit in September. Um, we had a site visit from the people with the grant in April and they their feedback. Where are your discrete classes? And really,

125when we're in September, we'd like to see your discrete classes. And the grant does take care, the MSAP grant does take care of all of this work. >> Everything. >> Stipens for teachers. Yeah. Whatever we need. >> And then I don't know Amy if you want to just tell them a little bit about the project lead the way so that we know that both magnet schools have their magnetizing magnetizing. >> And so um project lead the way is going to be our discrete classes. So um it's working similar. We just that was where we Our jumping off point was the project lead the way um program. So we are in the process we will be implementing five courses five 45day modules in September. We just got our STEM teacher hired. There's a very extensive training

126that she has to go through over the summer in order to be able to teach those courses. Um so she will teach science and technology design and modeling and automation and robotics. And then our computer science teacher will teach um the sixth grade class. We could not find a compatible project lead the way module for the sixth graders. So she's going to do a basic coding class on on the sixth grade level. And then she's going to do um computer science for innovators um and creators. And then eighth graders will um take app creators where they actually make apps on Android devices. So, it's really really exciting. Um, I actually had three pallets of supplies um delivered to Westside today. Um, so we've purchased everything that we need for the entire year um with our

127MSP grants and um now we're just starting the training so that um all the courses can be implemented starting day one. So for us, we had the opposite feedback of um that Cutler did because we had the discrete classes in place solid. That was our starting point. We had to be a little more creative getting the um the integration into our arts and our our science and our our um our world language. So that's kind of where our work is in the summer is um we have I've contracted um a group that's coming in specifically to work on inquiry and getting that into um the non-core subjects so that we can have integration through all of our subjects. >> Great. >> A lot of great stuff happening. >> Very exciting. >> Gretchen, >> I'm hearing

128a lot of engineering and physics and that sort of stuff where the biology and the earth science and the >> that's their regular. So we have our new science curriculum from Dr. uh Rekenberg that they've worked on. That's it being implemented um through six, seven, and 8. Um the there it's really an amazing curriculum because it really has those crosscutting um engineering already in it. It doesn't necessarily count towards our magnet as is because it's the same um curriculum as Cutler. So our science teachers need to look at that curriculum and find ways to integrate it um with our other core courses with the M. So we have um an eighth grade team that [clears throat] is doing amazing work at working together to get the the science and the math together so that it's

129integrated >> and we've done um a lot of professional development with this Dr. Rekenberg and they created phenomenas and unit studies that work perfectly aligned with my so I know sixth grade teachers were studying habitats in our environment and studying the lobster specifically. Our sixth grade teachers are doing they're studying the decline of the lobster and the lobster how the human um human interactions impact our natural um environments and I think uh at Cutler they're doing the um disease >> Lyme disease. There's every um bundle that they've written has two different phenomenons. So >> could you define phenomenon when I think in something like bands of parades? >> It kind of is like that. A phenomenon is this um unique problem or um something that you can look at with the scientific eye. Um a

130really good >> So an event. >> It's Yeah, it's really an event that you can look at as a as a challenge to either solve or improve upon. >> Dan, >> did you have a question? >> No. >> Okay. >> I just have a comment. When I went to the curriculum committee meeting a few weeks ago, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. [laughter] It is so relevant, so exciting. It's changing the way kids are going to be learning, and they'll be invested in that learning now. And it's changing certainly the way you are, you ladies and your colleagues are approaching teaching and learning. It's amazing. I never thought I'd live long enough to see this. >> And when here you are, a young chicken, and you get it. Oh my gosh. And

131when I think back to when I was working elsewhere um and u I understood that certain people in business were telling parents not to move there because nothing happened on the side of the river. I was horrified then and now I'd love to go back somewhere and say hey you know what you ought to visit Bratton. [laughter] It's just wonderful >> and a lot of work. I understand that and I see and respect the love that you have for what you're doing and that makes all difference in what's happening here. >> I I'm just going to add that when Leslie says we received a visit uh the federal education department uh they are are they they they really send people who go through you see their heads nodding they go through these regulators go through

132line by line and they don't mind telling us you're not meeting the requirements. So this is an important step forward for us. >> Yes. >> So can can I just ask a process question? So if you are going to the so the board will need to do final approval of the curriculum. >> Yeah. So we'll what we'll do is we'll bring it back >> in August. August >> in August um because of the time frame and this is coming to us later you know the normal process is that we go to through curriculum instruction council with colleagues which we've done and then bring it to the board of ed curriculum committee so and then bring it to this committee. So, I think that um once it's written, it'll probably be showcased if we have a

133meeting in August, we can kind of fill in the board's committee and then bring it to >> vote >> for that we can have the final approval. >> Awesome. >> Great. Rita, I was just going to um have you thought about doing poetry since we have this wonderful connection with you, Eugene O'Neal, and we have students that are interested. Is that part of it or do you do that more in English class? >> Oh, no. The poetry is part of the integration. Right now through the grant we have three partners. >> Okay. >> Mystic court museum. >> Uh Mystic Museum of Art and it's called Arts for Learning Connecticut. >> Okay. >> Which is like a warehouse of artists. And I call and I say a teacher's integrating poetry with Chinese culture. And I'm using

134that example because it's happening right now. Um, our world language teacher is using poetry with the [snorts] Mystic Museum of Art to create 3D art with the poetry. Great. >> So, yes to Eugene O'Neal Theater and we already have some teachers in the past that have worked with them. So, we have to be very careful with this grant that we implement programs that we have not done in the past, okay, >> that are kind of new and exciting and discreet. But that's not to say we're not going to reach out to the Eugene O'Neal Theater and also work with them throughout the next five years. It's just right now those are our three main partners. >> Okay. Are these considered pilot programs for next year to see what works, what doesn't work? >> Definitely. Definitely.

135Um everything will be piloted. We really are in the implementation plan. So when um we have our site visits I think as long as they see us moving forward um offering classes and like any good class you stop you reflect what's going well what's not going well. So definitely a pilot. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> I have a comment please. Uh many many years ago we had an artist and residence program and it was it was awful. It was it really was. They they brought in artists to the art teachers and they said we're in essence they're like we're gonna show you how to do this all and I was so afraid of that and I asked Leslie about it and she said oh no no no that's not how it works

136we bring in artists to the science class we bring in poets to the science class to history classes or whatever to the math class fabulous just a fabulous >> concept I was explaining to to Erica Moer today what I saw was artists teaching the kids to do plaster sculptures o of the human skeleton, which is sort of semi-interesting, but then the parts had to fit together. And the whole symmetry of human anatomy that completely blew me away. That concept of art purposefully used in a science class to get the kids to make that connection. I thought it was spectacular. >> Leonardo. >> Well, well, it started with line drawings. Yeah. initially >> two-dimensional and then it wound up threedimensional. It was incredible. >> Well, the artists also when they come in to work with our

137students, they embed PD. >> So, they also work with our teachers through professional development because we have to have sustainability. And if that grant in five or six years is not there, we'll still have teachers who have now the ability to continue to integrate from this professional development of working with the artist while we have this fabulous opportunity. >> That's wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful. >> Gretchen is not so so we're not backseat driving, but so that when we vote in August on your new curriculum, can we have it ahead of time to read? >> Yes. I hope >> I'd like to have time to sit there and think about and imagine being the teacher in the classroom and how it would work >> because that way >> when you when when you bring it and you

138get ready for the curriculum committee, we'll send your drafts and then we'll >> it would be a lot easier than, you know, trying to read it as we >> right. >> You tell me when you need to have it and we'll get them in, you know. >> Well, I think that that the the that makes sense when the curriculum committee gets it. Um, we should we should also get it and allow the the the committee to to do their sort of fine-tuning around it and then we would >> I got >> All right. >> I got Yeah, I don't >> I got that. >> I got this. >> I do want to play with it, though. >> So, if there's no more discussion, I'm going to ask for approval for the middle school arts and

139humanities magnet courses. Um, and I believe what it is is um, >> well, we can't approve them, so we're we're just we're we're it is the motion is to move forward on having them develop the curriculum for the uh, middle school arts and humanity magnet course. >> Yes. First >> to approve the development of >> development. I first >> Okay, that's the So, all those in favor, please say I. I >> oppose abstain. Motion has carried. >> Thank you. >> All right. Number three is to approve the proposed weighted GPA for the class of 2019 and 2020. Can I just have a motion to put it on the floor? >> Second. >> Lee is second. >> Second. >> Yes. >> Okay. The discussion that I have um just to for correction purposes is to understand

140that um the first um first thing where it says IBACE it needs to put DP because it's the diploma. That's that's what we talked about at um the committee of the whole last time. So once again this is this is the stuff that we talked about last time last committee of the whole any more discussion. >> Um [clears throat] I won't be voting for this because I don't have enough information. I believe I had asked for some information from what the surrounding towns um used in terms of their um >> their letter grade, you know, like what what what they what's theirs look like. I just I'm just a little confused by this and there just seems to be such a discrepancy between like an AP and a college you know the points the waiting

141and I just sort of wanted to know what other dis what other districts surrounding us were doing. So, I won't be I I can't support this at this stage because I had asked I thought we were going to get more information before voting. >> Every high school in this country that I'm familiar with does it this way. >> No, we we've always said weighted grades at Fitch. That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying why why are we changing I couldn't quite understand why are we changing our numerical waiting. There was a reason that that Mr. rocker reasons to he it wasn't here. He could have explained it again. We've always waited our courses. This is a change and this is what I don't quite understand why >> we waited we waited the courses because in

142in the past Fitch High School has included AP Yukon courses and international baloria courses the same as honors courses. And >> no, the AP was always rated higher than an honors course. >> Dan is AP right now carry greater weight than an honors. >> So when Mr. Ararice called me into his office about a month ago now uh he currently the standard for uh sophomores, juniors, and seniors is IB, AP, ECE, and honors are all weighted. It changed for freshman already. and uh he wanted to and ECE. Thank you. And he wanted to kind of make it an even playing field. So he raised the numbers for IB, AP, and ECE and kept honors number the same. So an honors student is still getting the same weight. Just an AP and IB ECE student is

143getting more of a weight, is getting a bump up of a weight. >> But we said the DPI. >> Yeah, DPIB. >> That's right. Essentially what you just said. So, we'll have three ways of grades, college, honors, and then >> and this is only temporary until >> uh next year's junior class and next year's senior class graduate because the other class is already on the new system, >> right? >> Um, and did we vote on that new system? >> It's in effect. >> You did. And it's exactly numerically the same. Would an IB, regular IB, not a diploma, would that fall in as an honors or a college class? >> It depends. All the all the ninth grade classes will be NYP. Uh so it would be NYP college or my honors. The NYP aspect

144of it is not a a waiting. >> I'm talking about an IB a senior who's taking an IB class but not in the diploma program. >> Yeah. If you take if the student is taking a DP class, it counts as an advanced class. Yes. >> But if they're taking just an IB kind of allocart. >> Yes. >> That would be considered honors from my understanding. >> Is that correct? That's what my question is. >> A DP class uh would be any any 11th or 12th grade DP class would be considered DP. >> Right. But I'm saying if they're taking an IB course, >> just one course. >> Just one. >> No. So if they're take if they're taking even one course that DP class would count as a DP. >> Dan, >> so I'm >>

145so I am currently uh doing an IB uh diploma course and I am not a diploma candidate. So therefore, and I'm doing the same amount of work as a regular IB student who's in that class. >> It's the course, not the kid. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> So that's an example. I have I I have a whole stack of emails from parents uh who who have strongly encouraged that that that this be be initiated from current uh sophomores and juniors. >> Lee >> to to who the the parents, the kids, whatever, what they really seem to care about is what the colleges are looking at. >> Um they I'm sorry. they they know what the IB program is, >> right? >> They know AP, >> right? >> Um that's what they're looking for. And and

146all this means in colleges is they know that certain colleges are are bringing good students to their college, high schools. >> This is exactly the playing field. It It's exactly what >> it makes the playing field fair. >> Yeah. Because you know it a a kid who graduated from Stanford Center in Connecticut. >> Yeah. >> The colleges know what to expect from those students. We have to get the the college to a to the point where they know what rotten means too. >> It's it's that's all it is. It all has to do with what it means to colleges or you know even you know but it's after high school. >> Any other conversation >> hearing? None. All those in favor of approving the weighted GPA um for the classes of 2019 through 2020 please

147say I. >> Oppose. >> Abstain. Motion carries. So, we're going on to information and proposals. Um, Jane, do you have anything? >> Uh, no, just I was going to talk about what Leslie just talked about. I think that's just a a major change in Graten schools. It's huge. And uh on a lighter note um I walked in the Noank Memorial Day parade yesterday for the first time and I must say I followed the band and they really were the highlight of the whole event. They are so professional in their demeanor. They're such good musicians and the crowds of people cheering for them as they went by was just really great. >> Awesome. >> Yeah. Awesome. >> Andrea, I have a ton of things. Um, I went to the elementary school theme meetings and they were

148u really rich conversations and we have several maybe I think we have four different yeah >> different um um themes that are going to be sent to parents for um >> help survey. Thank you very much. >> U then I went to see Senator Blumenthal. I went to the curriculum council. um I've been to negotiations in the RTM meetings and that um Apex online learning presentation that we had at the high school. Then um in in addition to that, I went to the state military child council and there are two interesting things that came up. The first is that and I was not aware of this that let's say we have a a child that that is moving from New Hampshire to to Graten and in New Hampshire last week they took the S back.

149This week we're taking the S back. That child has to take that again. Yes. No matter when it was taken they have to take it again even if it was yesterday. So that's a problem. And also that happens. >> It's a double problem because which score do we count? There you go. >> The second problem has to do with similar things and that is that if you took the SAT or the SAT or the or the ACT the ACT, you have to take that again. And the problem is that colleges don't like that when you keep taking it over and over and over again. So that's a problem for children. >> So that's a compact thing that Laura Anastasia will >> she was there would take take that. Yeah. That doesn't make any sense to

150me at all. No, >> they had enough to take it once. >> Well, that was the whole point of the common core and the ESPback. >> Yeah. >> Was to have that have the identifying numbers you can go from state to state. >> Exactly. >> Well, maybe the kid will do better second time. We'll take this one. >> The other thing that that um just >> the other thing that's a problem that's a continuing problem and that's chronic absenteeism. The compex compact says that 10 days shall be granted. The state laws often say that they shall be granted at the discretion of the local district. That's a big problem. So there's a a a problem with legal legalities there. And Mrs. Austin um suggested that that be brought to the area superintendent. >> Yes. >>

151For discussion. >> So that's that. And then the two other things they're more than that. The two the two other things are Oh, I got to see two of our Fitch High School's um former students become ensons at the Coast Guard Academy. >> Cooko Enson Cookamo and Anson McKenna. >> So that that was fabulous. Yes, I am. >> And then >> I'm hoping I got all of these things. The things [clears throat] that I wanted to talk about for a moment was the fabulous artwork that is at >> the the new gallery >> and without a doubt it's a tribute to students and to teachers and to just the whole idea of art education and then I wanted to make a special message cutie I had nothing to do with this [laughter] >> no nepotism

152here it's all >> no I had nothing to do with this I hope you understand that and >> I like the word gallery. Yes, >> we call it room 19, but I have a feeling we might be calling it Acriman Gallery. >> Yeah, the gallery. >> And I know he knows and he's very very pleased. So, >> and I'm hoping that I got everything in >> Gretchen. Um, do you have anything for communications? >> No. Okay. Very missing my notes. They disappeared off the table. >> I'm sorry about that. >> Oh, I do have one more thing. >> One more thing. >> Wait, sorry. One more thing. I'm very sorry. I have one more big thing and that is that the Martin Dr. Martin Luther King applications I just can't think of. >> Excuse me.

153>> The Dr. Martin Luther King applications for the scholarship are in your guidance office now. The the art is in the ad is in the paper and the jet deadline is uh June 30th and I'm encouraging everyone who is at who can can apply please do apply. Okay. [snorts] Thank you. >> Um I I went to the robotics here >> and I would like to say that I had absolutely no idea what was going on. >> It was a little confusing >> truly. I you know I was by myself and I was sitting there and I I watched I watched it happen. >> Next year I would love to sit with somebody who tell me what was going on. >> I will loan you my niece and nephew next year. They they walked me through

154it. >> I'll take one. Um, uh, >> they walked me through. Excuse me. >> It was wonderful. It was really fun. Um, I was also when when, uh, Senator Blumenthal was there, he he's really good. Um, and by the way, I don't think he had a retinue with >> he just walked in by himself. >> I found it. >> He just spoke to the kids. >> He was He was just terrific. >> Yeah. I I saw him with no other people. um about the art the the gallery. >> Mhm. >> I had a question then and I'm going to ask now. Are any of those artworks available for sale? >> Well, >> we'll have to talk to the artist. >> Students. Some of them are students. >> No, they're all students. >> They're all students.

155>> I want the pigeon. [laughter] >> And I didn't know who to ask. I >> You know, >> I I want that. >> They had an arts What was that thing called the other day? They had an art show here. >> Show here. What was it called? >> Have a special name. Art name. >> The Arts Cafe. And some of those actually had a price tag on them. >> I actually bought one. >> Oh, you did? Yeah. >> Yes. >> I just want the pigeon. >> You know what? We'll we'll we'll we'll talk. We'll find out. Hope hopefully the artist won't see this because then that will drive the price up. >> Uh but uh we'll we'll talk to him that night. >> I I would appreciate that. Thank you. >> That's great. >> Do

156anything else? >> Nope. That's it for >> I also attended the robotics and I had Yes. But I'd been but I'd been been there before so I knew what was going on. Yes. [laughter] And I thought there it's just amazing. Um to see the enthusiasm of all the teams. Amazing. >> It is it's really wonderful. Um, I went to the groundbreaking ceremony for the new learning academy that it will be in New London at Beth at the original Bethl synagogue and that was wonderful. So hopefully by next December 1st we will have some of our student maybe there and I really feel that their transportation will be coordinated with with area towns which is great. So that's about it. and I'm looking forward to um all the different awards. The senior awards especially is coming

157up. That's always a great night and graduation. So, moving us on to advanced planning. Um just check we we uh as things wind down. It looks like we we continue to wind up. Um so, just to know that. And then um uh the with other town bodies is the June 7th uh the permanent school building committee. um June 21st. Um are the other ones? Um and um are there any other suggested agenda items? >> No, I just wanted to let you know that on June 11th, I'll be in California with my daughter. So >> that's nice. >> Um I I would appreciate if we could also put the negotiation dates for June on on this. I think it's it's just I like to have everything on one one little list like this, which would be

158great. I'll get Yeah, we'll talk tomorrow. >> Yeah. And graduation should be on here and Yeah, you're right. >> She's so excited. >> Any other agenda items? >> Motion to second. >> All those in favor? I