8-27-18 Groton Board of Education Meeting

001Hi, I'm Liz Thompson. >> Hi, I'm Jamie Splain. >> Hi, I'm Rebecca Atkins. >> Keep it switched to GPS 19. >> [music] >> It is 6:00 and I would like to call the Graten Board of Ed regular meeting to order. It's August 27th and our first order of uh Wow. going to try the sentence one more time. Slow down. Uh the first uh call to order is the pledge of allegiance. Can you please stand the flag? >> Dan, would you like to start with us? >> Sure. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Um, there is And I take it we do not have uh any delegations or visitors today. >>

002No. Because >> we have we have some guests who'd like to give us a little feedback from about the Apex program. >> Right. But that's already in our >> that's on the agenda. >> Okay. Um so the next part is comments from citizens. Um and it's about agenda items or 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 should be limited to 5 minutes or less and citizens should, if possible, submit written comments. Presentations should be related to matters pertinent to Grten. Board members will only ask questions in order to clarify the speaker's presentation and cannot respond during the comments from citizen portion of the board meeting. Citizens should make their presentations from the

003podium and state their names and addresses for their record. Is there anyone Mr. has signed up? No. >> Is there anyone from the audience? Porsche Bordalon 159 Shanakasa Parkway Graten. I'm just once again wanted to reach out and uh state my uh strong support for this community and this board of ed to consider a junior ROC program at our local high school here. I think it's long overdue. I know I brought it up several times and I will continue to bring it up as you know I believe as we you know as I read the article in the paper today uh as we start to push for all this IB and all these other programs that are for you know uh students and children pursuing uh the college track I think it's very important that

004we continue to provide services for students that are going into secondary or some type of continuing training like the military being that we are a Navy community I feel it would be, you know, uh, welcomed. I've actually spoken to several military families and they're, um, shocked that we do not have such a program here. Um, I know that we do get funding for military children in our school district and it's comes in the form of a grant and possibly there might be some funding where we can start to at least get the ball rolling. So, I would like to see this eventually make it to some new business on your agendas and start the process of starting to seek funding and and and uh finding somebody to facilitate that uh program. Also, in regards to

005the magnet schools for Cutler and Westside, in the article, it stated that uh Westside would have the a state-of-the-art uh engineering program. And once again, some questions arise after going to all the meetings and looking at my own student schedule. I'm having trouble seeing what's really setting Westside apart being the magnet school. According to his schedule in particular, he's taking his normal mainstream classes. There's nothing on there like ed engineering 101. So, I think there needs to be some more uh information possibly out. I know they have the open houses and such, but how are we incorporating that into the curriculum and what is that going to look like? Is that just after school enrichment programs or um during you know their SRBI block uh whatever they call it at the different schools. So I

006think there needs to be some more information regarding that because the schedule that I'm looking at I I am not seeing any that's setting his schedule apart from last year. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there anyone else from Is there anyone else from the audience? Not hearing any. We'll move to response to um citizens and Dr. Veneer. Um can can you speak a little bit about her on the second concern about Westside and the STEM uh program or do you need to get more information? >> Well, I think what I just wrote a note. I think what what we need to do is be very clear because I what I don't want to do is give a partial list that what what the paper spoke about was project lead the way and all the

007children will be getting project lead the way in their STEM class but what I'd like to do is do a kind of a comprehensive uh and we talk about the partners we have and what why that program is is different than the Cutler program in terms of STEM. >> Okay. Would that make sense then for us to put that on a new business item for like the um the televised meeting um to have a conversation about that? Okay. >> Yeah. Actually in September 24th uh maybe what we could do is have the coordinators and the principles in and they could perhaps do a little slideshow on what what makes each school so unique. >> That would be that would be great. And then also um has there been moved um any movement with the ROC

008because I know that Miss Borland is correct. This is not the first time that she has brought this to the >> right >> um to our attention. >> I I I've spoken to the national uh junior NOTC and uh it it would be a a major budgetary impact. But I I'll get to the I'll get to the details. Um the the the Navy has it uh that after a couple of years they will pick up some of the salaries uh if the program thrives. Uh but for the first couple years it's uh it's about 200 $250 to $300,000. So I think it's a great idea, but we would have to go it it'd be a major budget. And and the fellow in the Navy was strict with me. He said, you know, we we don't

009know that that there are there are two kinds. There's a there's a fully funded and um and board funded programs, two separate ones. And you you must start as a board funded program. So that'd be like I say be about 250 to 300,000. Um [clears throat and cough] but without a promise, it only be but let me get my notes and I'll make a presentation. So, um, if it's okay with the other board members, I'll put it on the committee of the whole so that we can have a further discussion on the RTC. >> Sure. >> I um I would like to make a referral for both of those so that we don't lose track of this. >> Yeah. >> And um have it at one of our uh future ROC, especially since we're going

010to be doing the budget in the fall. >> Yep. Yep. And and I think it's also something that we probably the board just needs to hear more about what the what that entails at RTC, but then I would then want to kind of shoot it to the finance committee so that they can kind of take a look at the implications of that and if we were to support that where where would we get those funding? So >> and I also think it would be great to contact New London because they have such a robust program, New London High School. >> Well, maybe that can be part of the referral. Oh yeah, they have a very robust program with many students. >> Yeah, >> maybe we could have someone come through. >> Yeah. Well, they have

011the Navy supporting them. >> Yes, they do. >> Okay. All right. We are on to the student representative report. Hello. Hello. Hello. The two of you. Welcome back. >> It's good to be back. Uh, I'd like to first uh start off by introducing uh the new student representative, Addie Clark. She is a junior at Fitch High School and she will be with you for the next 2 years. And now I will hand it off to her. Hi. First, it's nice to meet any of you who I haven't met already. Um, and I'll start it off with the freshman orientation. That was Thursday, August 23rd and Friday, August 24th. This past week, uh where incoming freshmen were split up into groups with a teacher, leader, and a couple upperassman volunteers. Uh incoming students visited different areas.

012They took tours, participated in different activities, viewed presentations, and had their school picture taken. Uh and then also first day of school is this or next Tuesday, September 4th, 20 2018. And even though it is a Tuesday, it will not be an Xbox day. So, yep. [sighs] Okay. Uh, as we presented last June uh about the parking spaces, just a reminder that for all students, it is now a $10 fee to park at uh Fitch High School. And you have to have your permit form in and fill out all your uh insurance, driver's license stuff. Uh hopefully by the first week of school, that's when they're going to start handing out the parking passes and assigning spots. And for $30, uh seniors can have the opportunity to paint their spots. We started last Friday and

013we also went into the weekend from 2:00 to 6:00. So if you go up to the top lot closest to the church, you can see some of the uh painting of the parking spots. I know Dr. Ger showed me some pictures he uh received on his phone. So those were very exciting. And also uh this is a couple days old news, but we are adding another painting day. So we have two more painting days left for seniors who haven't painted yet. So it's next Sunday uh from 9 to 12:00 we will have another painting uh session and then our regular scheduled third painting session which is Saturday, September 8th from 2 to 6 which is also my birthday. So >> and it's a very good day. September 8th. >> Yes. It's a very good day.

014So, uh that is in the senior news. Uh painting will is prohibited during those times. Uh we'd like there has to be faculty uh uh presence during those times when students are painting uh for obvious reasons. And uh also the senior class on September 2nd will be doing a fundraiser from 1 to 4 at Johnson's Hardware. So the seniors are kicking it off with a bang this year. uh getting their fundraisers going. And also the Fitch Music Department on my birthday again is hosting a royal run at Bluff Point State Park. There's a 3 and 1/2 mile run, two-mile walk. Uh registration is available online on the Fitch website. And there's also a same day registration. It's $25 uh to enter and $5 for the halfmile youth run that they're going to do in the

015beginning. The race will start at 10 o'clock and I believe it is $25 to participate. And also Fitch Athletics preseason practice is underway and if you are still interested uh please contact Mr. Romano uh at mromano graten.k12.ctus if you would like to still participate. And a side note on the parking lot, if you have any questions, uh, I can answer them now. But, uh, if for people who are watching this at home or going to read the minutes, please contact, uh, Miss Magguire at e magguire graten.k12.ct us. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Could you tell me where the where the money, the fee money is going to be designated? So, for parking for everyone, it's $10 and that's a general fee for everyone. That money is going to go to the Renaissance Committee, and

016they're going to be doing small projects throughout the school. So, one of the projects they did is there's this uh little bin, and it's supposed to be a place where flowers go, but you know, nothing really grows in there. And uh they recently just painted it with the school motto, achieve more, believe more, care more, going around, and they put rocks in it. So, there's part of that. They also I was in the bathroom during freshman orientation and I saw that they had uh painted on a uh some nice encouragement words like uh in one of it said nice shoes. You have nice shoes on today. So, it's little projects throughout that that that's going to be funding. And then the $30 to paint uh is going to go to the senior class. >> That's

017great. I just want to make sure everybody knew it in the audience out in the outer audience. [laughter] Thank you. Le uh did you say it's your birthday on September 8th? >> It is my birthday. >> Just in case everybody didn't heard you say that. >> I know. I'm going to be [laughter] uh >> Okay. >> I'm going to be very busy. I will be at the marching band Royal Run and then I will be painting at the uh parking lot. So, >> do you want a cake? [snorts] But I do [laughter] September 8th is also my birthday. >> Oh, that's right. Me and Miss Watson are birthday buddies. >> Is it? >> Yeah. That was very good. >> Um, since um, we're not going to be here as a group for your um, for

018the recording on your birthday, should we sing now? >> No, thank you. Move right [laughter] along. Thank you, Rosemary. Anything else? >> Yes, I do have one other thing. >> Um, could we maybe talk about the bottle um, fundraiser that we're doing for the band? So, >> yeah. So, uh, we are starting a new fundraiser that should hopefully go on for at least a year. It's a should be a bigger thing, but Rosemary, uh, collects a lot of bottles, which is very handy because >> shamed Yale, [laughter] so >> it's very handy cuz you can turn it in for money. Uh, so she has generously donated it to the Fitch Music Boosters for the uh, London trip. Um, so we are uh and I think it's already happened. We've picked up some of the bottles

019and exchanged it for some money. Um, and that funds will be going into the Fitch Music Boosters and hopefully we can grow this fundraiser and get a lot of money from your amazing hobby of collecting bottles >> and gets bottles off the street. >> Yes. Um, plus I'm asking everybody to pass the word around and to bring um maybe we can get a um a station at Fitch where we can bring them in. So, >> um some empty room, >> I'm sure. >> All righty. Anything else, Jay? >> Um two quick things. First of all, welcome. >> Thank you. >> We really appreciate the input from the students at the at the board meetings. It's been invaluable. And speaking of which, Dan, could you just briefly um tell us um how this parking came into

020uh uh this parking idea came into action? So, the parking lots started around last winter. Uh we had noticed some the Marine Science Magnet High School, they paint their spots and some of students approached the uh at the time junior class officers about doing it. So we discussed it with our adviserss. Uh we thought it was a great idea and we decided we presented the idea to Mr. Ararice first and he said uh let's go and see let's present it to the board and we ended up presenting it to the board last May or June I believe at a committee at the whole meeting and we ended up getting your approval and then we went through with that. We made some changes we felt needed to be made and uh we decided to go through

021with it and it has been we've had our ups and downs but it's been turning out very well and I'm very happy with it. >> Very good. Thank you. >> All right. So, we're going to be moving on to superintendence report. Um and I'm just because I know that we have got people who are going to be presenting or um helping answer any questions. um is I'm going to do two first which is going to be the Apex learning program update and we should have um most people or all of us should have have had that attachment um in our packet um and also we did have a committee of the whole meeting on the apex um and so I don't know Dr. Geneer if you >> I I would I would be happy if

022uh if we could introduce Mr. Diskin who knows more about this program than really anyone because he was the co-director of the summer school uh and we used the apex uh as a pilot uh for summer school and I know he's brought a student with him. Thank you very much Mr. Valentine. Uh and so maybe if you could just very briefly kind of give a an overview and then uh if Raymond is willing to offer a few comments uh that that'd be great and then maybe the board can answer some questions. >> Certainly. First let me thank the board for giving us the opportunity to pilot this program during the summer. Um uh it certainly was was a an exceptional experience to to take lead in it. And also I I do want to mention

023that Mr. Romano was also part of the the summer school program and he too was very involved uh in the process as well. Unfortunately, the sports have kept them from most of the the meetings that we've had. Um uh and so uh the summer school program I want I do want to leave that component to Raymond. Uh he goes by Ray as well. um he would he's certainly um very out out forward with uh with the the responses that he's given. Um he's a straight straight shooter. He's not going to give you anything that is not what you know not the truth. Um so any questions that that you want from us from a student that we shared at at the uh previous meeting on on August 13th uh please do so when he comes

024up. In summary, we ran the summer school program for four weeks. Uh the students met four times a day, four, excuse me, four times a week for two hours. Um in which there was five teachers there uh four in the core academics and one uh they used to work with the VA program to support the students. Um primarily [clears throat] in the the core areas and also the elective uh courses. Um the students utilized the teachers uh quite often uh when they had a question during the the two-hour sessions. Um and also uh what the students also needed to do was also do work at home um and strongly expected to do so. Um a pretty good percentage of them did finish before the four weeks. However, we did have some students as indicated in

025the report who were unfortunately not able to to finish uh the the the course uh expectations. Uh but we do want to let it be known that we want the students to know that they can continue uh upon uh and there's still working on it at this point in time and and if we move forward, we certainly are going to be talking to the students about continuing that so that they do not get penalized. Um we certainly understand that this was a pilot uh and we want the best for all the students that took the courses. Um having said that I am going to ask Raymond to come up here to speak to you a little bit about his experience. Unfortunately the teachers some of the teachers weren't able to be here as they're trying

026to get some rest before we we return fully here to the 2018 2019 school year. Thank you. >> All right. um just want to thank you for letting me speak about the program. But with my experience, I think it was well it helped me out through the course I was taking. I was taking geometry and I'm not the best with figures. I need real life examples to be able to get like the diameter and area and stuff. And with the Apex program, they give you real life examples instead of giving you examples that they would use in textbooks and stuff. And it to me, it gave me information I needed to pass the class instead of extra information that would guide me a different direction than the one that I needed to be on. And

027for me, that's very helpful. Not everyone likes it that way. Some others need other information. Me, I just like the information I need to be able to take the test and quizzes. And for me, it helped out a lot. >> Great. >> It's not >> I just I love your voice. >> Um [laughter] and and um you know, second time, not only just the tonality, but I just love what you got to say. Um and um got to say, "Wow, that was really good English." Um >> you need the course. >> I need the course. Um but I also um your example about the basketball has actually stayed with me in terms of I also am someone like you have to make meaning in order for me to learn specifically math. Um you have to

028make it has to make meaning for me. And so when you were talking about sort of the the basketball, I I actually was thinking about the circumference and the radius and stuff like that. So, I really appreciate um your example um and thank you very much for willing to present. Is there anyone else from the board? Andrea, I just want to thank Raymond for coming up and and explaining your pers your perspective on on Apex. And I wanted to to assure that the board that we thoroughly vetted it before we recommend made the recommendation to the board and and that is we had a a webinar. We met with the people who who represented Apex. We went to um I went Susan and I went to the high school and and actually saw it in

029action. So, it was thoroughly vetted and I fully support it. Raymond, could you also explain how you were able to really finish quickly because of the way that you take the quizzes and the things that you didn't learn that you didn't need to learn, you're able to go through so that it has that aspect of what they call compacting. So the way they do it is they have units. I had seven units. My final seventh unit was the final exam. So I had six units but each unit has about 10 to 12 sections and it and each section it gives you uh two pages on what's going to go into the program and then it has another section where it gives you 20 to 30 pages explaining and giving you examples on what you're going

030to go through on each quiz. And each unit had about six quizzes and the final test at the end of the unit. And with the information that it gives you, it's straight up with what you need on the quiz. No extra information. So, it made the quizzes easy to pass. And just getting the teachers to unlock it was the only >> diff. Yeah. Other than that, you could finish this at home really quick if you just pay attention to it. It's not that hard. Gives you your information and you should be able to pass the quizzes. >> Jay, >> um I just want to thank you for coming out tonight. You and Mr. Disc, I know you also came to our committee of the whole and we had an extensive conversation about this um besides

031this meeting and we do appreciate the the firsthand uh knowledge as we decide whether to go with the program. And Rey, you might want to tell the board what your future plans are. They'll be quite proud. >> Oh, um, I'm already enlisted into the military, going into the army, so I'm just waiting to graduate to go off to boot camp. >> Wow. >> Great. Good luck. Make us proud. >> Yeah. >> Thank [applause] you. >> So, um, on the second Oh, did you have I was just going to move us forward. So, on the second page, Dr. opener um of this. >> Oh, sorry. >> It has the apex um sort of >> price quote and I don't know if you want to work uh to walk the board through that. >> Well, the the

032first thing I want you to know is uh there is last year we had a bill. We we never exactly know how many students are going to be taking these courses. It's partly a reflection of uh students who do it for credit recovery. It's partly uh due to students who come to the central office for the alternative education program there. Um did you we we were trying to hunt that number down? You remember what it was? >> The amount from last year. >> Yeah, it was 42 42,500 last year. Uh and it was about 60 uh 60 students participating. >> Okay. So it it it is it has been a kind of an amorphous number. Um and how many students did we say? >> 60. So for 60 students it it cost about $42,000. Uh

033this this program uh would provide the opportunity for every student at the high school, 1100 students to take as many courses as they wish, which would include as I I said in the uh the somewhere around here maybe I did it in my uh >> in your board notes >> in my board notes u credit recovery unique courses. I I actually visited the program also and I talked to two students who had never taken the class before and they were taking it first time and uh they they both got the credit. Um but very effective for intervention for SRBI uh for our tutoring program, ELLL program, uh SAT preparation courses. So it it would it would give well everybody uh an opportunity and I I know Mr. Braymond, who's one of our tutors, our Mr.

034Braymond is is really a math tutor, right? >> He does his his area, but he does cover, >> right? We had him in for the summer and uh he he was really really excited about the program because we could use it for for just plain old tutoring. Uh whether a student isn't technically enrolled in a class or not, it'd be a nice tutorial support like Raymond said. Um, so in order to in order to pay for this, it would be about 60,000 60,000. Um, and so Ken and I checked the budget. There's about uh $20,000 uh in in the budget. Uh, and there would there we would have to come up with an additional 40. So we we talked about that. And one of the areas uh that I'm happy to report uh there seems

035to be uh some unexpended balance is in the transportation account. Uh there's about 660,000. Uh so if the board chose to do this uh it could be funded from that account. Could also be funded from from other accounts. It's like last year where where we got the 42,000 it it came from the operating budget as but obviously $42,000 for 60 students uh compared to 598 for 1100 students. Uh I I just like the idea of everyone being able to take an SAT prep course. I think that'd be that'd be terrific. Can I also add that with the some of the new laws on alternative education that this could be a big support for that as well and um for our VA what we used to call the VA which is housed at central office and

036our expelled students >> which is called virtual learning academy >> right virtual learning academy instead of that this seems to be a much more dynamic program interactive and that it would really um I think encourage especially the way Raymond talked about kids who can pre-est and they can move on. It I think it's a catalyst for, you know, it really supports their learning. >> Thank you, >> Andrea. Then J, >> the other thing I wanted to point out was that this is not simply for students who need to catch up. This is a could provide enrichment courses and AP courses and you can move really further along. This this spans everybody. Jay, >> I was just going to mention the enrichment opportunity. So, in other words, they could take a course that isn't currently offered.

037And do we foresee being able to give them credit for that? >> We we do. >> Okay. >> We do. It actually uh I know this is uh relevant to you. Uh it could actually unclog a conflict. >> It can't take French and banned. Well, now we could take band and online French and then next year jump into regular French. >> Uh, but you know, Raymond's experience with geometry, which is not an easy course to uh to necessarily for a lot of students to process, but the learning experience, it's kind of a Khan Academy environment uh where Raymond would look at uh videos like that. It's a wonderful opportunity I think for students and and from my perspective I'd love to see kids take at least one online course because so I I talk to

038undergraduates all the time who who are taking all of their courses online but the trick is as Raymond knows it's discipline you have to actually do it and no one you know there's no teacher in front of you saying you got to do it so I think it's a great opportunity to introduce kids to this online learning environment which which is not going away. >> Go, >> I'm curious about the incomplete courses. Have we made a determination of um of time limit or if if what they're going to do? >> So, >> and can you do your answer at the podium? Thank you, ma'am. >> So, the out of the eight that I mentioned last time, um two are making progress. So, they're they're they're just simply taking a little longer with with their understanding

039of the concept and but they're moving along. uh the the other six courses um will be continuing. Uh there was efforts to communicate with the families to engage them. Uh unfortunately there was messages left but the the the best thing about it is that moving forward they have the opportunity to still complete the work. uh which is you know in in in across the board we don't know what different students are dealing with what's going on and it certainly is worthwhile for them to when they return for us to say to them here's an opportunity in addition to your normal schedule here we'd like for you to continue this course that you started uh and that's six six students hopefully they come back to us maybe that's something that that's going on too I I

040don't know really the the true factors that impacting that why why it's not there's no progress But that is something we plan on having in place uh to support the students. >> Thank you, >> Jay. Then was um Andrew Whoops. >> If I can So if I can just clarify um lest anybody think this means that the teachers are going away. The reason that there's these locks is that they go through a quiz, my understanding. So if there's a challenge there, they can conference with the teacher, >> overcome that challenge before they take the test. And so that's why there are these checkpoints that have to be unlocked. It's not as though >> um no teachers are involved. I mean they're still it's almost like the flip classroom, right? So they're >> Yes. >> doing

041all this studying and then they reach a roadblock that conference with their teacher. So the teachers are still very much involved. >> Yes. >> Andrew, excuse me, Andrew, I'm going to do Rita because >> I have three questions. My first is how many teachers were involved in the summer school? Okay. So for the supervision piece, there was five five teachers alto together. They were all going they all went through the training uh component of it and they were there for not only to monitor their progress but also be there to answer any questions that they may have uh and spend that one face toface time with the student. >> And how will that work during the school year if students are taking a lot of different classes such as an SAT prep or or a

042unique course? H who would be involved in doing that and would teachers have to go for special training? >> So there there would be a level of training that we we would have to do. I've already reached out to the the company in anticipation one way or the other uh to at least have some dates where where there is the opportunity for some teachers to at least begin training. Uh especially if we're going to run it for the replacement VA program, >> right? >> Uh eventually though there there is a learning curve. We can't just you know uh put people in in situations and certainly we would have to uh train people. Uh I myself am willing to be part of that. Mr. Romano and some of the teachers that are involved this summer want

043they love it so much in truth that they want to be involved with this. Uh so it would be a matter of organizing, planning it a and and making sure that it does happen at least for the most needed programs that we start with and then eventually move it into better uh the rest. One of the most important ones we talked about was the tutorial piece. uh that is is in it's in uh in the the budget there, the the quote of $26,000, but that is one of the pieces that we didn't experience this summer. Uh and is a is going to be a tremendous benefit for all students. Um so that you can do differentiated instruction in a sense uh where students can focus on the the specific areas that they need rather than

044just as Raymond said on something else that they don't they understand already or they they don't need it for that specific question. Um so there would be a plan uh place you know in place so we could we could make that happen >> and and sometimes um at summer school we have audit district students who come and take a class but there be a fee for them >> to enroll. >> It is something that we this year for example we did have a fee uh for them as well. Uh it's something that that probably would happen uh for for in the future. Um the enrollment this year certainly increased for our students and decreased for the uh out of out of district students. Uh we had very few uh although we one was a very

045unique unique situation, excuse me. Uh where they just wanted to take it as a as a enrichment course. They simply wanted to to strengthen their their math skills before they went on to the next level. Uh another one was purely a a unique situation where they wanted to advance and move forward. Um and then my third question is would middle school students be able to be involved with this? You know, would um if we have these licenses and if they're not we have enough students in our high school, could it then be brought down to the middle school? I'm thinking specifically of the the SAT prep and some of the other courses. >> It was a I had a discussion with you representative today. >> I don't know. Uh and and so what we what

046you see in front of you right now is is is for 9 through 12 for the year. I did open a discussion to what would it be for the middle school and I what they do is they count that the percentage of students that it is and they would it would be a matter of adding a few dollars or x dollars to it to include the middle school population. But for this year what we have here it's simply for 9 through 12 any student within that. But it is the opportunity to once we develop this and make it something robust at the high school, make it something that we we discuss next year and open it up to the middle school for that purpose. Exactly. >> Thank you, Adam. >> I'll pursue that. Rita, that's

047a great question. >> I just have one last comment and that is you you can't take away the teacher and me. And what I like about this is that it it addresses specific learning styles. And I think the most cogent thing that you said, Raymond, was it's the way I learn. So I think that's that's so important. >> No question. >> I I I just thought of one more thing. Um we've always paid to have summer school teachers. So we have five teachers. So we'd be paying for the five summer school teachers again with the additional cost of this program. for next year. >> Yes. >> Summer school. Um, you know, that's something that we we uh we talked about as far as refining maybe perhaps uh retuning because of the learning that we did

048uh with the pilot. Uh there was some opportunity to re reddo how we do summer school uh for next year. There were some great lessons learned this year and certainly we're going to improve for that and next year. >> Thank you. >> And they weren't there all I thought they were they rotated. So like we had department chair Caitlyn Kennedy was there for a couple days I think maybe she came in a third day in some cases >> but some teacher always needs to be there to unlock the program. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. Well and it can be done uh from a distance too as long there was a lot of email communication with myself. They're still going ongoing right now. Mr. Deskin, please unlock this section. I'd like to redo it. So there is that

049opportunity. you don't have to physically be there for that situation. >> That's great. Thank you. >> All right. And so we will be um having this come to a vote um in probably 10, 15, 20 minutes. Um alliance schools update, >> our alliance district, >> the alliance district grant. uh officially when Susan and I met with the alliance office uh they said uh there is no money uh associated with it u but I got a phone call last week from the other district there's only two districts that are not get of the 33 uh graten and Thompson are not getting any money um and so uh she and I are sort of waging a little campaign and we think uh I I'll let you know in my board notes. We think we have a meeting

050on Friday with the commissioner and we're basically going to say, you know, we we understand our responsibilities as an alliance district. Uh but without any money, it's right >> sure is difficult to to monitor the attendance. Actually, both Thompson and Graten would love to hire a social worker to really take take a look more carefully at the attendance, but we have tutoring programs. We we we have uh technology. We we have lots of work that needs to be done. And when the commissioner came up with $600,000 last year, it was terrific. But apparently there's there's nothing there. There there's there's no allocated money from the legislature. That that's for sure. U the reason for that is because Graten did not get an increase in their ACS. We were held harmless. So, so of course GR

051still gets $25 million fortunately. Uh but it would have they would have had to gone above and beyond the $2 million which they did not do. So the fund of money would really be uh in the commissioner's hands and I I'll report back as soon as possible. >> Thank you. >> I'm moving on to uh um the assistant superintendent report on the summer writing project. >> Okay. I'd like to ask invite Val Nelson up to the podium. She's actually got a special report. We had a wonderful week um with our writers, our summer writers, K8, and I was able to get over there. Dr. Acriman was able to see it in action and what we were all so pleased um with the enthusiasm and and the writing itself was amazing. So, I'll let you talk

052a little bit about some of the facts. >> Okay. Uh you all have a little report in your handout, but this was our third year and it's funded by a Department of Defense literacy grant and um we did it the last two years was an AM and PM session for four days. The first year we did it, we did it over two week two different sessions. But because school has been going so late because of all the snow days and delays, um we felt we didn't want to go after the 4th of July. So this year we did an AM session, a PM session. We had 290 students. Um we had quite a few students who parents said they wish they'd come, but they had already made vacation plans because it was so late in

053the year, but uh last year we had 278. So we had an increase in the number of students who came and uh the average class size was about nine students and I think the thing that was really special that I found that uh besides the learning that took place was you couldn't tell where anybody was from. There wasn't the Charles Barnum group, the Butler group that everybody mingled in together and had a great time. It was just a really really positive experience. Um I think you'll see that um in the com the parents we sent we sent out surveys. We had 179 parent surveys returned and all 179 parents said they their child enjoyed the camp and they would send their child again which I think is pretty positive. The only suggestions were that they

054wish we had run it longer. And the teachers had fun, the students had fun, but I think one of the comments that really resonated with me was the fact that some of the children came because their parents made them come and they didn't want to come and they ended up feeling so proud of their writing. And that's what really want we really wanted them to do to be proud of what they can do and know that they can be a writer. And that was what we heard over and over again. I'm a writer. I'm a writer. And that was what made it special. Um you saw the on the handout these different um students that attended from each school and we had a little bit different. We provide busing. The the grant provides busing for

055Charles Barnum, Mary Morrison who did PB last year and Westside to go pretty much doortodoor if you're a bus student. The other students we have school pickup so they're picked up at their home school. This year we decided to add a bus stop in Brford Manor to accommodate CK and CC students. So that helped with the um Clutchchester I mean the uh Konazki enrollment. But uh it was a great experience and there was a bulletin board outside in central office that has some samples of the writing and thank you Dr. Arian for visiting. >> It was fabulous. Shall I say now? >> Sure. I was astounded by the the the quality of writing kids that uh tiny little kids that stood up and read their their what they had written. And it was again astounding

056to see the level of thinking and the the quality of the writing just the the child coming alive in in what he said. And I'm skept skeptical. Never mind. We got it. >> Thank you. Of >> you have grave doubts. >> I have grave doubts. Thank you. And I think deep thoughts about these things. But um [clears throat] because writing is really my my concern and my passion for children and what you what you have done, Val, is this and what the kids did. >> The teachers too. We have mostly returning teachers and the teachers love it. They have a great time. It's a lot of fun. Um, and it gives them a chance to stretch too because they're doing a little bit more um, concentrated writing for two and a half hours than when

057you have in the classroom. And the teachers love it and they're all teachers, college trained through the grant. So, they've all had training in the writing process. So, it worked out well. >> And I have to say in the middle school because both you and I, that's our Bailey Wick is middle school. But we had both a middle school ELA teacher and a high school, a Fitch high school teacher co-e the middle school group. And that portable was full of boys and girls who chose to come out for the whole week, >> you know, to do writing and their level of thinking and their poetry especially was so depthful and >> oh just amazing. >> It was. >> So that was really pretty. >> Thank you so much. Thank you for um doing what you

058do, Val. >> Oh, it's fun. >> Thank you. [laughter] The district is very blessed to have you and have you continue on doing this group this. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Thanks. >> I'm passing out a couple things that actually one you've already seen before. So, I had a couple things to share with you about the summer work that was done. And I wanted to let the community know that even though um school is closed, teachers are hard at work with both professional development and curriculum writing. This year we chose to take on areas of English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies K12. And we had teams of teachers working on this to review and revise what we call a board approved curriculum map and also to create pacing guides for every

059discipline. And so for the CO, I'd like to come back with Dennis to show you the new website and this new amazing dynamic site. Um I think some of you have seen it. I know Dr. Acriman has had a little taste test of it and seen it, but it's really now available. I was able to show new teachers today where the curriculum is and how to get on it. And it is a work in progress. There's still areas that we need to add to. We need to make sure we can have teachers look at the assessment, the common assessments, but make sure they're secured so they're not, you know, out for all eyes. And we'll also have on the um community side, this will be all housed on the staff side secured with passcodes, but

060on the community side, we'll have these revised documents. So I, you know, Dr. Arian and I are going to work together to team up. So they go through curriculum instruction council and we go through the board of ed committee so that we can bring them to you. Um but it's all very exciting work. Yes. >> Um, professional development included English language learner um, training through Southern Connecticut State University literacy intervention with 40 teachers um, primary grades literacy specialist and also middle school and um, just last week um, Amy Murphy and um, actually she spearheaded an inquirybased instruction for all middle school teachers were invited to um and were paid for through the grant in preparation for their MYP training which is 3 days this week. So on that document that I just handed you, you'll

061also see um what's coming up for the 30th which is our district-wide day and some of you are kind of interested in that. So you can see that with with um middle school they'll really focus on my into the high school grades 9 and 10. Um and then the high school has another plan for others. Um in elementary we have the phonics program through teachers college coming in and having presentation by one of the authors and um so K and one will be focusing on that and we'll be showing them the grammar site too and convention site. So they'll see the work that has been done. Um, for grades 2 through five, they're going to get half day of English language arts, um, where they can actually do some work around grammar and plan some

062of those first lessons and conventions. And then for mathematics, they're going to be also looking at their units and the pacing guide for the beginning of the year and get some um, actual training. We have an expert coming in in mathematics to work with them and then they'll have some time for planning. So, it should be a really good day um for everybody. So, we're very excited about that. I also gave you one of my favorite poems from John Steinbeck that I read to or sent with the teachers and um Mark Russell has taken their pictures and um he's got something else up his sleeve for this year for the opening um you know convocation that will be a slideshow with music and this poem. And I said, "This is what you should all aspire

063to be." John Steinbeck's teacher. And I just love to read it out loud. It won't take much time. It's one of my favorites. >> You should have a cigarette. [laughter] >> In her classroom, our speculations ranged the world. She aroused us to bookwaving discussions. Every morning, we came to her carrying new truths, new facts, new ideas, cuped and sheltered in our hands like captured fireflies. When she went away, a sadness came over us, but the light did not go out. She left her signature upon us the literature of a teacher who writes on children's minds. I've had many teachers who taught us soonforgotten things, but only a few like her who created in me a new thing, a new attitude, a new hunger. I suppose that to a large extent I am the unsigned manuscript

064of that teacher. what deathless power lies in the hands of such a person. And so to be faced with 57 new hires and 40 of those being certified staff, I get goosebumps because I have met every single one and I think our teams did a fabulous job and um I'm just so excited to have this new energy [cough] um among us and such quality teachers to join our already highly qualified staff. Um, and then the last thing I wanted to mention is that we're going to start with hello the Sandy Hook Promise. Um, we've decided to do it kind of as a K12 initiative. The week is September 24th through 28th and each school is going to take it on in different ways. But the whole purpose of start with his hello is to build

065a culture of inclusion and um that values each individual in the school and it enables students to make a difference um with their own peers. So I think that um one of the things Fitch has done is something similar to that at the lunch hour where you look that for kids who might be isolated socially and that you you invite them in to the circle and I think the more we can do that what a better world we'll have. So we're really excited. It's a really easy thing to do. It's in the beginning of the year we're saying hello anyway and getting to know each other. Um so that's going to be kind of the launch of one of the activities that we'll do. So thank you. Thank you. Welcome back. >> Thank you. >>

066You seem very much rejuvenated. >> You did a lot of work. >> You certainly did, ma'am. You did amazing. >> Yeah. >> So, the business manager reports. >> Hello, M. >> Hello. >> So, you should all have object code summary attachment number three. Uh and this is our budget uh review of FY19 total budget of 76468239. Uh our current estimate uh not a lot we're on budget uh we're on track with most things at this point. It's early in the year. Uh so uh for the most part we're on track. Uh the one uh the one driver of any difference uh really is uh uh replacement of some uh retired uh personnel has resulted in uh we we did budget some um savings there but uh uh it it came in uh better than budgeted.

067Uh so we're currently um uh estimated to be uh under budget by 175,000 uh 099 at this point. Great. And the next is the health insurance report. >> No health insurance report. Uh Anthem has not yet released the uh June or July claims. Um they're still working through those uh some sort of transition that they're going through. >> Okay. So, Mr. Kpatrick, the director of building grounds, would you like to present? >> Good evening. Yeah, I have three things to report on. The first would be the graten 2020 and uh the uh permanent uh school building committee is moving forward with that. We've been meeting the staff has been meeting along with the uh Bob Austin Lef France has been meeting with the architects uh to talk about such things as technology and security and

068so on and so forth. And uh the next meeting will be uh actually talking about some of the details of the teaching spaces themselves. So they continue to move this project along um over the summer. The next next item would be the summer projects. Um I just like to let you know that as far as buildings and grounds is concerned, summer is not over yet. We're still working on some of these. Um so uh uh the our biggest projects have been at the middle schools. uh with the magnet programs going on there, we've had to uh re reconfigure spaces, so on and so forth, adding uh windows through classrooms, all all kinds of things through uh the magnet programs. We've also made some upgrades to sped uh spaces uh uh specialed spaces at uh Westside

069Middle School due to the fact that uh the STEM program will be taking over their space. We've moved them to a new space, actually built some walls, and uh uh we'll be getting the CO for that uh just before school starts. So, uh that should be taking place this week. We should get the uh CO for that certificate of occupancy >> for that new space. >> For the new space. Yeah. Um and uh the the other thing that happened this summer is that we've implemented some new cleaning procedures that were recommended by OSHA. So, uh, while that that actually took quite a bit, uh, of a learning curve for our, uh, custodial maintenance staffs, uh, and so we're, uh, finishing that stuff up now, uh, so that schools will be, uh, ready and safe and

070clean for the kids and staff as they return. Uh, the third item on my list is the water testing update. Um, back before school got out, I uh, made a trip up to the Department of Health. um and spoke with a person there um and also to legislate health district. So we've been working in concert with those two organizations uh with their recommendations on what we should do and how we should do it. And so um just before school got out, we did water testing at both Claude Chester School and Fitch High School, which had had some sites which were um not to our liking the last time. So we uh did our testing at those two schools. So the re the first set of results uh we got back and there were some limited

071sites at each of those schools um that were above the action level as uh required by uh EPA and um for instance there were two lavatories at Fitch High School, two sinks and two lavatories at the high school um and also the uh uh fieldhouse at the high school. So um we secured those water fountains so and uh posted posted signs as as appropriate. uh at Claude Chester School, there was one fountain that tested positive um or above the uh action level. And so um again, we secured that or shut it off. Um and uh as was recommended by um the Department of Health, uh we conducted some further testing in those two areas. Um and so we are now waiting for the uh results of that further testing that we did last week. I

072think it was last week when we did that further testing. Um and so uh we expect that those results to come back soon. We we asked for a quick turnaround. So um I'm hoping that we'll get those results back this week. Um and I guess that would be it. If there are any questions, >> any questions for Sue? Thank you. So, moving on to committee reports um policy. >> We did not meet in July. Am I right or is my memory shot? We did not meet in July >> because it fell on the holiday. >> Yes. But we we met >> in September which fell on your >> last week and we will meet again and we have um two readings um that we will talk about for action. Awesome. Um curriculum on the with

073the um the math teachers and it was fabulous. They showed us the their their new way of of presenting. And what we what we concentrated on was how would how would whatever method that we that we choose, how would we present that to the board at a CO? So, we're in the midst of deciding that now. We have another meeting planned. >> Okay. >> Susan, do you want to add to that? I just wanted to say that it really supports what Raymond told us tonight. >> Yes. >> That you know it's really relevant mathematics. So it's engaging to kids and it's about their world. So um and especially for middle school math that's the mathematics that we all use all the time and it's so important. So it really lays the foundation also for algebra.

074And so I think they want to really just we wanted to support even though the work has been done K12 there's so much work. So we felt like if we could start with the middle school and then they could give you an example similar to what the high school did last year >> and um we even talked about possibly videotaping a classroom um with permission of course and um having that shown um to get a snippet of what it looks like. So, a couple of those teachers had volunteered that they would be happy to do that. So, you could we could actually take you for a peak into a classroom. >> I think the most significant thing was the the um the interaction of the teachers and the the thinking about how they're going to

075present this and just the the the camaraderie and the intellectual stimulation that came out of it. It was really wonderful. >> Awesome. >> Um financing facility. Uh we met on uh August 13th. Um we reviewed salary and wage proposals for central office and we voted to send those um ideas to a future CO for discussion. Also reviewed um the CIPs for uh FYI 20. Um there was some concern about u on the part of um Katrina uh Fitzgerald who's not here tonight by the way because she's traveling. um about making the history of the CIPs clear. For example, how many years have we been asking to recrown the football field? How many years have we been asking to resurface the tennis courts and that sort of thing so that the new council will see u

076the history of those requests. It's not something that just came up. Um and I understand there's some new concerns now about the U fieldhouse. um uh that we discussed about the need for some structural uh look there. Um in terms of that's why they they weren't able to repaint it this year. Um, and then, um, we discussed options for, um, the DoD supplemental, uh, and asked Ken to look into, um, using, um, some of it to supplement textbooks, licensing, and technology, um, upgrades. >> Thank you. Any questions for either one of those three? All right. Um, wait, I learned I last uh Thursday I attended an executive committee meeting followed by a bidding building building committee meeting um concerning the Ocean Avenue Learning Academy which is set to open late November and they had a

077little few setbacks because of asbestous but things are moving forward and it's going to be a wonderful site when it's all done. Beautiful. We had a walkth through with our hard hats too a couple of weeks ago. So it was good. >> I want a picture of that. Rita see >> supposedly there are some. I'll have to find out where. [laughter] >> So um Rita, can I just um I'm not quite sure how to to go about this. But one of the things that I have been thinking individually as a board member is um we are we've been hearing um from this district and actually I'm I'm sure from most other districts and actually there was a um a bill that actually was vetoed but it's about um students and safety and sort of understanding

078trauma and um children's behavior and the increased sort of behavioral actions. And so, you know, one of the things that I've been having um deep thoughts about is is there a way that maybe learn could spearhead along with other districts um and kind of maybe either bringing in a large speaker who then can tweak curriculum or or train um teachers and staff around like a more traumainformed um process. But I I sort of I I sort of understand learn is a regional education support center or RESK um and that this supports the districts and I I didn't know if Learn was interested in doing that type of sort of initiative or not but that was just something that I thought that I >> we have a regular board meeting on September 13th and I will

079definitely bring it forward because we um we're going to be asking for topics at that meeting so it'll be perfect and so if you could send me an email with it like a little bit more about the trauma and so forth. That would be great. >> I will I will do that. >> Now, once again, I'm not speaking as a I'm just speaking as a board member, not necessarily as the chair of the board, that this is just >> sure >> for for multiple reasons, is a is an interest of mine. Um, and so I do know that the board of ed um uh town council and the RTM and the city council met on August Oh, I would have one first or whatever. um first week >> first week. >> Um and I know

080we have a meeting coming up and I'm I'm sorry I have not even looked at the minutes from the agenda so I don't know and I was I was traveling during that day. >> You were traveling. >> Yeah, >> I was there for >> Yeah. >> I think and you were there not feeling too well at that point >> and I missed it because I had a concussion. So >> yeah, >> it was a good meeting. People the RTM contributed, the city contributed, the town council contributed. We We talked a little bit about Gruntton 2020. Uh it was it was good. It was balanced. Uh actually uh councelor Franco talked about the initiative uh city town beautifification project. So it it was good. It it was a good sharing of ideas among the four organizations.

081>> Good. And and also that we've changed the agenda. So the agenda actually has items pertinent to each one of the the different um committees. So I think that that that helps as well. Um I know we're not having response from Trails and Trails is on our Garten scholarship and that Gretchen is not here because she is traveling actually she's vacationing in Montana I think it is. Um but also what's not on here is negotiations that we have just um finished our negotiation work with the secretaries um and that we are now in full boore with um our teachers uh in the teacher negotiation um with several meetings behind us or two meetings behind us and and some more ahead. Um and that our um town council leazone is um Mr. Outwater. So that's been

082nice to get to know him on a different level. Um so action I >> I had a question. We um those of us on negotiations received the ground public school secretaries contract. This so far hasn't been well I did in my packet. >> So I was curious as to >> it hasn't been ratified yet. >> It hasn't been ratified because when they're when they're back >> this will be on our agenda in the future. That's what I secretary to make sure. >> Yep. >> Yeah. I'm sorry. I didn't even know it came out. >> And because I I didn't get >> Oh, you didn't get it. >> I didn't get it. >> I did. >> And and nor did Andrew. So, you you were the special one. >> Okay. >> All right. I'm going to

083move on to the action items. Um and the first one is the consent agenda. Um where all matters listed under the consent agenda are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. Um, and so I will take a motion for acceptance of the consent agenda. >> So approve. I I go first >> and I'll second it. >> And Rosemary has seconded. >> Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of the uh consent agenda which would include the regular meeting minutes and special meeting minutes. U please say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Abstain. Motion has so carried. Um, we would like to say thank you to the Grunt uh Lodge of Elks, uh, two 2163 who made a donation of $500 to the food service department. Um, PCC Structural Incorporated who made

084a donation of $2,749 to the Food Service Department and um, to Mr. and Mrs. U. William McDonald who made a donation of $500 in the memory of Robera Blanchett to the autism program. >> I think it's $50. >> Did I say 500? Yeah, >> but I meant 50. >> Okay. >> And thank you very much. Thank you, Rita. Um, so the new business, I'm actually going to move us down to number two, but we will go back to one. Um, is um Jay, would you be willing to read number two, please? >> The motion. [clears throat and cough] >> Yes. Uh, motion to approve the imple implementation of the Apex Learning Program. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> I'll second. >> Adria has the second. Do I have any more discussion on

085this? All those in favor, please say I. >> I oppose. Abstain. Motion has carried. We now have the Apex Learning Program. Yay. >> A special thanks to our two friends tonight. >> Yes. Thank you, >> Raymond. Uh, you did a great job and you've got a future ahead of you in the service. So, God bless. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you, too. >> You are more than welcome to stay. You don't have to [laughter] leave cuz it just gets even more exciting. >> Yeah. It's a little like boot camp. >> All right. All right. And so, um, uh, um, Rosemary, can I have you read number one motion? >> Uh, the motion is, um, to approve regarding the 2018 to 2019 tuition chart and the IB diploma program tuition. >> All right. Can

086I have a second, please? Second. >> All right. For discussion. Jay, do you have um excuse >> me? Ken has a little bit more information. >> Okay. >> That will I think will highlight the discussion. >> And Jay, did you have a discussion of this in your finance? >> Um we did not. >> Okay. >> I I think the reason for that is this. >> Sorry, I just could not remember. This has been sort of uh >> we discussed this though. >> We discussed it several times with the W. >> Yeah, I couldn't remember where it was. So, sorry. >> It's been around for a while. Um but but anyway, Ken did some good work on it uh over the last couple of weeks. So, >> and this is a bit expanded. So, >> can

087So, what what when was in your packets uh was the top section, the elementary, middle, high school, and the IB diploma program uh tuition rates. And I think there was a little chart in there and how that was figured out. Uh but uh an area that another area that we need to uh include is the special education program cost. Uh in consulting with our director of pupil personnel Denise Doolittle. uh it's important that we have these uh uh here uh because uh there there are cases where uh kids are placed uh by DCF or other reasons where we need to have uh these these rates in place. Uh and so I did consult with her and we we came up with these figures uh uh which are similar to prior years but but are a

088little bit uh higher. Uh but and just so you are clear uh the costs are all in. In the past, it's been uh you know, the regular education plus the um special education uh come to a total. So, these are just uh total numbers uh that you're looking at here. >> I I don't believe for the additional services I've ever seen the resource room added on there. >> Is that something new? Um we we've had it's it was called resources uh and it has been on previous versions uh where uh we we think that this is the additional cost for resource room. Yes. >> And I think that's mostly with staffing. So because we have special educators who um have case loads and work through the resource room and collaboratively in the classroom, there are

089additional costs with that service. I have one more question. >> Absolutely. >> Why is there um an increased fee for the IB diploma diploma program at the high school as opposed to the regular high school tuition? >> So, so the regular high school tuition was calculated uh without the IB costs included and then we took those IB costs and divided it by the number of students to come up with a with a a per student just IB. And so that was added on uh on top of the the the high school number. >> So the number of students that's about $3,000 more if a student above the regular high school diploma. So the cost of the program per student is an additional 3,000. >> Yeah. >> For the diploma program. >> For the >> this

090is not for children who are just taking excuse me children. Well, they it's it's for all the diploma program courses, but if you remember Dan speaking last year, we have 330 something students who take technically DP courses and and the reason we made the difference the distinction for diploma program is because all ninth graders are taking NYP which is international balorate and all 10th graders next year will be taking international balorate. But these these are the costs for all the students who take courses that are offered in the 11th and 10th grade that could lead to the diploma program, not the diploma program itself because that's actually a relatively small number of students. >> Yeah, correct. >> I can you say that one more time? >> Sure. >> It could lead who what >> there

091are two kinds of international baloria courses now at the high school. >> Yes, I I know that. But I'm talking about the cost. Are you saying that this is for students who come in in n that maybe want to come to the high school out of district from 9th grade? >> No. >> Into our school or is this only for 11th and 12th graders? >> Correct. Only 11th and 12th graders. Any student who takes an IB class in 11th and 12th grade? Because my course is only 9th and 10th. So it's all the students who do the full diploma and all the students who take uh 11th and 12th grade uh inter international baloria courses. Yeah, [clears throat] in in if I remembered it correctly in the the the article that was in the paper

092today, um I had a question because it said that some colleges will give credit >> to kids who have the IB. Is that for the diploma? >> Yes. So, >> exclusively? >> Yes. Okay. because that's, you know, if if some kid could get half a a se or a whole semester off, that could save the parents, >> right,$25 >> or $30,000, >> right? >> Yeah. >> And and that's the same with any Yukon course or um advanced placement class also. >> I didn't I was not aware of that because I don't >> Yeah, it's the same. Yeah. Well, not just there, but anywhere in the whole country. >> Okay. Not for the Yukon courses, but the AP and the IB. Yeah. >> Any other conversation? >> Any discussion? Do >> do we have anybody that

093has interest in enrolling in the IB diploma program for $19,610? >> Out of district? >> Yes, out of district. >> We had one, but but to be truthful, it's taken so long, I'm not sure that person, but I'll reach out to that person tomorrow. Okay. >> I think the idea was we couldn't move forward um with marketing it until we knew what it cost. >> Right. >> Yes. It's just kind of frightening to me to see that it's $3,000 more. >> But I think when we compare it to other private schools, it's >> No, that's not what I mean. I I'm talking about, you know, that that Fitch also offers the AP and the um Yukon courses without an additional cost for 16,54. It's the additional cost of an IB diploma program. That's my concern.

094>> I think the difference is that um most public schools offer those already. I think this is what sets us apart. I think uh correct me if I'm wrong, most high schools offer AP, >> would you? >> So there wouldn't be any real difference about them wanting to leave their district, >> right? >> Yeah. >> And I think most of them offer some sort of early credit to you. So I think this was the what distinguishes our program. >> Any other discussion? >> Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to approve the 2018 2019 tuition chart and the IBT program tuition, please say I. >> Oppose. >> Abstain. The motion has carried. We should make sure we include special. >> Do I do an addendum to that? >> Well, it says tuition chart.

095>> Okay. So, charts. So, we translate. Okay. Yes. And all right. Um Lee, would you be willing to read the motion for number three, please? >> I will. Discussion and possible action regarding the first reading of policy P6172.3 homechooling attachment 7. And this is a first reading. >> Okay. The motion is to approve a first reading >> of policy 61723 homeschooling. >> Yes. >> Can I have a second, please? >> Second. >> Rosemary has seconded. Can we have discussion or explanation on this? >> Would you like to help? >> I can too. I Well, we we can both actually. This was a spirited and it took us a couple of policies to come up with this. We are required to do this. We have not done it before. Um we we talked a lot about

096this. Um and what you see there is what we actually must do. The amazing part is what we cannot do. Um so I we were very interested in this and I think that you all will be too for the first time. Um >> we've always had a process for when parents come to us and want to homeschool their children, but we didn't have a written policy. So, this is a new policy, but it's a law section 10184 of the Connecticut Genu um Connecticut General Statutes that describes the duties of a parent in their homeschooling and to have make sure that parents are aware of their responsibility and that they have to notify they shall notify the superintendent of schools um and then filing a notice of intent. So behind it in the appendix are things

097such as the letter from the pupil personnel services that talks about um you know the statue itself and how we can support a family. Um and it also has the notice of intent from the family that we just really cleared up the language a little bit that the parent has to sign off on um you know what's required and and what they will be teaching at home. And then there's also instruction um of a student at home and the acknowledgement page with the parent signs and then Dr. Grer would sign. So we would collect this. Um they there are things that they cannot do. They cannot um participate in sports or after school activities that they're not part of the school district. They basically have to unenroll and you know and testify that they're going

098to homeschool their children. So they really don't receive um you know special education. It would be as if they were going to a private school at in their own home. So um we feel good about getting that into print. And I know that I've talked to Dr. Arian and she does have some um you know some editing for me. So I'll review that with her and with the committee so that we can when we bring it the second time around there might be a couple little adjustments. >> Okay. And we did change one thing because um we changed the word from citizenship to civics um because it scared most of us to think that people would actually have to show that they are citizens which is not what this is about. >> Well, we updated

099the language. >> We did a little bit. Yeah. >> And added a great deal of language on the first. >> Well, thank you for your hard work on this. Is there any other discussion? This is the first reading. >> I I just had a question. I'm wondering Susan if you would read to us so that parents out there that do homeschool some of the things that they cannot participate in such as you know among those programs so that people understand in the district if you're going to homeschool your child you're not going to be able to be part of any type of extracurricular activities. >> Right. Yeah. So, children educated at home are considered to be non-public school students and are not part of the system's educational responsibility and are not part of the school

100system. Any student being homeschooled is ineligible to participate in any courses, programs, or activities offered to students enrolled in the um Graten public schools. And that's by law. It's not just our decision to do it that way. Um the Graten public school system will provide only such services um by that are required by law. Among those programs, services and activities that will not be available to homeschooled children include participating in National Honor Society, extracurricular activities such as band, intercolastic or scholastic sports, um field trips, and foreign language ex um instruction. And those are just ideas or samples of what they can't participate in. >> And they don't get a Chromebook. >> But there are families that do choose to homeschool their children. >> Oh, yes. No, there are quite a few. Yeah. >> And they

101Yeah. And they they cannot get a diploma from us, >> right? They also don't receive Yeah. But they receive like a national homeschool diploma, I think. >> Is there any discussion? >> Hearing none. Um all those in favor of approving the first reading policy of P61723 um homeschooling please say I. >> I oppose abstain. Motion has carried would you be willing to make a motion for number four please? >> Yes. To approve as a first reading policy P5141.4 reporting of child abuse and neglect. I have a second. second from Rosemary. Discussion, please. >> So, this was actually um a policy that was written a while ago. I'm like looking for the exact date and I think we've included the regulations as well. >> 2013. So, there was the language in green um is in the

102updated laws. So that we had to add that and then we took out in red what was not required. Um I know that um for instance as defined by state law all school employees are mandated reporters including but not limited to the superintendent, administrators, teachers, substitute teachers, school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and licensed behavioral analysts. um nurses, physicians, paraprofessionals, and coaches. So really, anybody employed by the school is a mandated reporter. We do mandated reporter training. We just did it. Denise just did it for all of our new teachers that met today for their orientation. We have a whole repertoire of mandated um examples of PD that are required from bloodborne pathogens to the DCF requirements that we give teachers time to do kind of online learning with it and then the principles will often

103incorporate it into their first faculty meetings and to have discussion about those things. So that is required by law and then to fill out the DCF form 136. And I know in speaking to Dr. Acriman, she found some things that we probably should look at even more closely in the regulations that we will and we can come back to. But this was, like I said, written in 2013. And I think there's even more things that we can fine-tune a little bit in the language to make it better for when we come back again. >> Okay. >> Any other discussion? >> Hearing none. All those approved. the first reading of the policy P5141 um-4 reporting to child abuse and neglect. Please say I. >> Those oppos I'm going to abstain because I did not have I

104I did not read this fully. I got through like the first three pages. Okay, that's fine. All right. Um I'm sorry. The one that the the concern that I had was I have this in my packet. It it's policy number 5145.12 and it's search and seizure and that's the one I had the real concerns about. I don't know why I had that. >> Oh, you didn't get this one. >> Say what? >> Oh, well, we've already that the search and seizure one has already >> was in my packet. I don't know why. But at any rate, that's the one that >> I'll get you the newest edition because maybe some of those things had been worked out. But I'll give you what had passed. >> Joan, if you can find the search and seizure one

105that we finally resolved. >> Yeah, we've already done. >> Okay. Sorry. Nope, that's fine. Um, all right. And, um, number five is when we are going to be moving into executive session. And so I'm going to move that we just kind of finish the rest of our meeting um because our executive se um session is really just going to be board um and no other personnel. So if you can we can just move it through and um and then do the executive session. So letters and communication. Um Jay, do you have do you have stuff under that? >> Um no it's been quiet. >> Okay. Andrea, >> not orders of communicate or team communication, but things that we did. Is this the time for that? >> Y. >> Well, I looked at the the the

106board notes from last time and it looks like I went through two went to two little things and that was it. No, I went to all those things that everybody else went to. I just forgot to say that. But um I did go to the Mystic Marina for the the fundraiser for the band going to that was fabulous. It was such fun. Um, let's see. Negotiations. Here's a problem. Negotiations are scheduled on Thursday and so are the permanent school committee meetings. So, I won't be able to go to those while I'm going to negotiations. >> Okay. That's and I went to the summer writing that was fabulous as Val said and and of course the apex the the thing about the or the apex is that we were able to talk about to talk with

107students as they were doing their their lessons and you know talk with them about what was going that was good for in terms of the program and what might need to be looked at again. It was really a fascinating time. Roseberry. Um since our last um big meeting um I have attended um sound community services board meeting, two gas meetings I went to and represented um for GASP at the Mystic Art Festival, both rainy flooding days where we painted rocks, had student young kids paint rocks and um I went to my first Sandy Hook Promise meeting and I'm really really very excited about um what they're going to be doing. >> When's the next one? >> Sandy Hook Promise. It's the uh I'd have to look it up. Um >> um I went on the

10821st, so it's a month from the 21st. So >> on a Tuesday, so I think the third Tuesday. And um I attended the gas mothers against drunk driving and Graten Town Police Department fundraiser which was um all these cars that were very cool and um I hope they raised a lot of money and um I helped start the um bottle recycling thing. So which is >> wonderful. >> I'm thrilled about. >> All while you had a concussion. All while I had a concussion. Yeah. >> Amazing. Um I didn't do much of anything this summer. I feel like such a lazy person. >> I'm sorry. >> You are too. You didn't. >> Join the club. >> All right. Rita. >> Um I also attended the Pitch High School band fundraiser which was great. And um I

109had a couple of phone calls. These are directed to Dr. Grineer. This is concerning the reduction of the two buses for the multicultural region at Magnet School and if there was any thought about changing any of it. And u my question was why were the buses some of them redirected to the science and technology school as opposed to the multicultural magnet school? >> When I understood you say that night at the meeting at the high school. >> Yeah, you were there. Well, what we did was we adjusted the budget to to for the buses to reflect the money that we get from the state. Uh so enough money comes uh to provide two full buses for RMMS and uh enough for one and a third to to go to New London. Well, we simply adjusted

110it. So all the but it did it did go from three buses servicing RMMS down to two >> to two. And that has been I think a hardship for some of the people especially the people that live in the city of Grten. Um and the students in the Grten students that attend the Isaac school. the high school I think uh were were pretty close if not there uh to to providing a bus for those children but they also will be at hubs but this is yeah I mean the simple answer to your question is uh about half of the money comes in for RMMS more than half but 55% and 45% of the money comes for the new London students but about 90% of the money was allocated to RM MMS in the past which

111yes which was you know >> I I thought that the Isaac students were on the buses >> for >> right uh we are >> because their their proximity is so close >> right right but because we're going from three buses to two buses we didn't have enough room >> sufficient then how are you resolving >> we think we may have uh an additional bus uh because of the the magnet school grant to allow us to uh help out the Isaac school. >> And what about the um multicultural magnet school? >> Well, >> where the hubs wouldn't be so far apart. >> Well, the hub the hubs are established. I I I I think we certainly don't want to change that now because that that's of course led to chaos last year. So, we we had

112the meeting in the spring. We've established the hubs and I think parents are are adjusting for that. And and and how many students would from Isaac would be on would be on the bus? Is it a big bus? >> 40 students. >> Well, 40 students are eligible for transportation. Yes. >> So then we would be having four buses. >> No, just just two. >> Just two. >> Two. Sam, am I am I right? The two buses are take care of our >> MS. So I think instead of having instead of having a communication about this, we should probably if this is an issue, then we should probably move this into a referral and have this. >> Well, the only problem is that these parents need an answer before school starts. >> But they have their

113answer, but the Isaac students have their answer. >> They do. >> I think at least Okay. All right. I am I am part of the obviously the lazy club of the Lee and the Jay. Um and so I don't have a lot of um communication. Um I did not I was traveling during the the um fundraiser. But I think Dan I I think we'll have to have birthday crowns on when we do the run at Bluff Point. But I'll be walking, honey. I know. [laughter] So, but we we'll have to like we'll have to sink on that one. Okay. Um and so, uh listed is um our It looks like we're back we're back rocking and rolling um with the the our meeting nights. Um and I do have the suggested um agenda items um

114around looking at the at least beginning the conversation about the ROC. Um and then also a way of understanding what's happening in the magnet schools and understanding the programs. Um and that just probably would be good for us anyways as we as you begin to roll that out. Um that's what I have. Um yeah. >> Um I think we need to put on the event agenda about the um thing that we're having on Wednesday the 29th, I believe. >> Oh, the convocation. >> Convocation. Is that >> Yeah, that was on our board calendar, not this. >> Okay. >> Yeah, >> it's an early day. 7:30. >> It's a bit It's a bit brief because we need we need time to do training. So, it's 7:30 to 8 uh coffee uh 8 to 8:45 uh comments.

115>> Yeah, was enough. >> And u and then off uh to it's sort of a compact schedule, but so 8:45 8:50 we should be out of there. >> That'd be great to have you. >> All right. All right. So, anything else? Um so, I would like to have someone give a motion to go into executive session. Andrea and then seconded by Lee. Um and the motion um is to go over the the superintendent's contract. Um and we will not require any other staff members present. All right.