5-24-21 Groton Board of Education Meeting

001Evening. Good evening. >> Hello everyone. Hello friends. How are you? >> Oh my goodness. We have such a good turnout. Look at 72 people so far. >> Yay. Yay. Yay. Um and thank you Miss uh thank you Mark. Miss Joan I have if I have five I have enough for a quorum. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. Sorry I can never remember those things. I rely on that. All right. Since we have a quorum of the board of education, I would like to call um this evening's meet meeting to order. Um today is May 24th and it is 6:01 and it is our regular uh meeting and it is um being held remotely obviously. Um and the first thing that I would like to do is call um for a pledge of allegiance. And

002Susan, you and I talked about our cave leaders. We have our cave student leaders here and they're going to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. I'm really excited about that. >> I am excited about that as well. So, take it away. Um, cave leaders. >> Mark, do you have a flag in our minds? >> Oh, no. All right. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stand indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you so much for joining us. Thank you. Thank you for uh for leading us in the pledge of allegiance. Um let me just orient people to this meeting. The um I I'm going to say over and over again, this is by far the most important meeting that I think that the board

003holds every year. um which is where we recognize the um the herculean efforts that on a nonpandidemic year um our teachers and our staff members do um to service our children um in Graten School District. Um this past two years has been in amazing and so I just am in awe. So, what we're going to do for this um meeting is that we are going to be recognizing um our our our district teachers and our district staff that um their their um their their abilities and whatever have gone above and beyond and have been recognized by the administration for their work that they have done. So, that is so that is what we do on the May meeting. So, um if if you have access to an agenda, what you're going to see is that

004we're going to put that up um at the very top where we're going to do all the recognizing um to help with my waistline. We're not going to serve eight because we're not um we are going to um then go into our regular board meeting, which for the board members, it's not really long. Susan and I really tried to make that a shorter meeting um so that we're not with each other until 10 o'clock at night. Um but um so that's that that's sort of the lay of the land. Um and Susan um I am going to really kind of pass off this part to you um with your knowledge of who of the of the um of the protocols and the agenda topics. So I am going to um put it to you. So

005I'd love to start our meeting with our poet laurate Janelle Huma and I think she's on this screen somewhere. Janelle, can you kind of wave at us so we know you're here? And she's actually going to recite her poem. If you are not >> if you are not if you're not a board member and you're not speaking, if you guys could just mute yourself so that um some of the other like background noises don't come in, that would be great. Thank you. I'm looking through the screen to see if I see Janelle. And we might just have to go back to her should she enter because I'm really looking forward to hearing her poem. >> That would be great. And I think that we flexible for that. >> I've her either. >> So the next

006what? I'm sorry. >> I have not seen her either. >> Okay. So the next um event is going to be our Cade Student Leadership Awards. And I'll ask the principles. It looks like Rotten Middle School. and I recognize a few of them. So excited. So, doc um Peter Bass, would you please introduce your student leadership awards from Cape? >> I would be be my pleasure to do so. Good evening, everyone. I am I am so pleased to recognize two Grant Middle School students this evening, both eighth graders. And um we're going to start with Melanie Fleming. Hello, Melanie and family. Good to see you on the screen. Too bad we're not in person, but we are so proud of you, Melanie, for everything that you've done in your middle school years and and and this

007extraordinary year. I have a few items here to read about you um from those who know you best. Melanie has been an invaluable member of both the Cutler and Graten Middle School student body. Melanie has always stayed positive when it comes to school and grades. Melanie puts her education first and maintains a good rapport with every one of her teachers. Melanie has always demonstrated the importance of getting to know every one of her teachers and her fellow students. In addition, she has the ability to prioritize and focus on what her responsibilities are. She is also a team player and seeks input and collaborates well with her classmates. Melanie has been involved with volunteering outside of school, but she has already also been heavily involved with activities at Graten Middle School, such as student council, broadcasting,

008morning announcements, and yearbook. Melanie is willing to help with anything that is asked of her if it will benefit her school, her teachers, or her fellow students. Melanie is always willing to take on that task. At times, this task might be a great challenge for her, but she is always willing to give help to others. Melanie has an impeccable work eth work ethic. She is dedicated to her studies and staying involved with school. Melanie is extremely outgoing and caring. She is known for her frequent contributions in the classroom. She has met all challenges with persever perseverance and determination. Whenever there is a new topic or lesson learned, Melanie embraces the task with a positive attitude which is contagious to her peers. Melanie is a true leader in every aspect. As a student, Melanie has also

009demonstrated flexibility, understanding, and compassion. Again, Melanie, we could not be prouder of you for representing Graten Middle School with this student leadership award. Congratulations. >> Well done. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations, Melanie. >> Way to go. >> Thank you. >> Very well deserving. Next. >> Next, we have Wellington Thompson. He's also known as Ricky. Now, Ricky and family, welcome this evening. Um, I don't believe we've actually met in person being this co year, but everything that I have heard about you, Ricky, and I I look forward to meeting in person hopefully uh for our promotion ceremony, but everything I've heard about you, Ricky, is you are just outstanding. And again, I have some words from those who know you best. Wellington Thompson, who prefers to go by the name Ricky, is one exceptional student. He

010has demonstrated immense growth and matured from a quiet and reserved sixth grade student, one of the most dependable students who continually goes above and beyond. In addition to his high achievement in academics, he has a passion and love for both sports and music. Over the course of the years, he has played a few different sports such as football, basketball, and soccer. He has also been an integral part of the band. He has played alto saxophone for two years, tener saxophone for two years, and trumpet for one year. It's pretty amazing. He is very he is a very well-rounded student who is liked by all of his teachers and peers. Wellington's persistence, balance, and hard work with his academic scholarship and other activities is admired by many. He has dedicated himself to what he puts his

011mind to which is indicative of self-discipline and achievement. Ricky, we are so proud of you. Way to go, particularly in this very difficult year. You are so welld deserving. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations, Ricky. Awesome. And now I guess we can move to our cave um high school leadership awards. So I know we have principal Keller here. >> Thank you Susan. Uh yeah I want to start with Donna Ali. Um D are you there? I didn't see her there. >> Mark, have you seen her? >> She's her. If she talks, she will come up on screen. If people that are not presenting or participating, would you shut off your cameras? Then we can find these people easier. Oh, there she is. I see her. Wave to everybody. There she is. Um, so I just

012want to say uh she's a terrific student, a member of the drama club, tennis team, cheerleading, student leadership, the Black Student Union, and more than words. Um but you know what really impressed me, you know, getting to know her was uh during COVID, you know, she started a an activist group in our community called the Graten Youth Collective and did an internship this summer with the local Graten police uh during the summer. And then, you know, at the start of the COVID lockdown uh in 2020, she was part of organizing a successful Black Lives Matter protest rally in Grten. uh she really impressed me during that uh and had when she had the confidence to speak to the crowd that attended the rally uh and and brought everyone together and I think uh you know

013really represented her community and her school well. So I'd just like to say congratulations to her. She's a welldeserving uh a award winner for our Cape Student Leadership Award. Congratulations Miss Ali. Great job. >> Congratulations. And uh our second award winner uh this evening, I know could not make it this evening. Uh but Hayden Kowalsski, um Hayden is is part of the more than words group. Uh she's a tennis and volleyball player and has been a member of student council. Uh she volunteered at a charity bookstore and summer uh youth tennis clinics. Uh she's an IB diploma student. Uh terrific work ethic um high level of determination uh and is determined to help others. and she's uh overcome some challenges in her life and has risen to be an excellent student and is uh definitely

014a great representative of Fitch High School for this award as well. So, congratulations to Hayden as well. Uh both of these young ladies really represent the best uh that that Fitch has to offer and we're very proud of both of them. >> Thank you. That's wonderful. It's so it's so great to hear about these students who've just gone beyond the call of duty and in such trying times have persevered and really brought out the best in everybody around them. So, thank you all. So, I think the next order of business is to have um you know, Principal Keller go through and talk to us a little bit about the Fitch High School support personnel recognition and then teacher of the year or outstanding educator. >> Yeah. Thank you, Susan. And uh I I'll I'll hold

015off on on our poet laurate. I did send her the email with the link on it. Just hopefully that'll she'll be able to join us. >> Um, but I do have some things to say about Janelle as well. >> Um, so, uh, who would you like me to start with? Our our >> start with Janelle since we were doing the students and as she comes on, we'll certainly have her recite her poem. >> Okay, sounds good. Um, so yes, Janelle Janelle Pumo is our poet laurate this year. Uh, she is one of the hardest working writers at Fitch. Um her work has evolved and improved continuously over the past four years. Um she her defining part of her work is is uh really a distinct sound to her poems. Um Mr. Givvenazo said that she

016skillfully uses alliteration and consonants as well as metaphor and symbolism. Uh Janelle explained that inspiration for her is very much in the moment. uh whenever she writes poetry uh she usually gets her inspiration randomly from whatever she's watching in the moment or through her surroundings. Uh she's going to be attending Clark University next year and studying English. I do also want to note that Anora, our literacy literary magazine was recognized this year for excellence by the national council of teachers of English. So, uh, not only, uh, a great thing for Janelle, but for the, uh, all the contributors, uh, and organizers of the literacy, uh, M4, excuse me. Uh, so congratulations to all of them. >> I thought I saw a hand raised. Has Janelle entered the room? Can she speak up if she is

017here? >> I've not seen her yet. >> Okay. All right. We'll keep an eye open and we'll see if she comes in. We'll certainly want her to to share her poetry with us. >> Absolutely. Um so, uh the uh staff person of the year u our support person of the year this year is Louisa Mandina. I believe she is here. Um she has been a staple amongst Fitch High School community. um uh she's contributed to our ELLL students and families in such a tremendous way for a number of years. Uh she's very nurturing to our students but also holds them accountable to do better every day. Uh I have seen her in the classroom and I know that students just naturally gravitate towards her. Uh she encourages them when they're on the right track and

018lifts them up when they're having a hard time. While her priority has always been our ELELLL students, she is also a great support person for uh teachers and other students in the classroom. She goes above and beyond for our students and that's why she is the support person of the year this year for Fitch High School. Congratulations uh to her. >> Thank you, Louisa. We know how important your work is. >> And then uh finally, I'd like to introduce um Mr. Anthony Quattrochi is Fitch High School's outstanding educator this year. Um, the other day I had a chance to to talk with Tony a little bit about his background and uh and it really is amazing and uh he actually grow up in Puxtoni, Pennsylvania, which most people know as the home of the Groundhog.

019Um he uh is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he graduated near the top of his class and received his graduate degree in engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Uh he has served his country as part of the US Navy on three different submarines and he finished his naval career in 2001 having run a school for educating over 40,000 sailors a year and rising to executive officer of the naval base. He started his teaching career at High School in 2001. But even through uh all the hard work he does at our high school, he still works at the Naval Submarine Medical Research Lab, working on research for escape and rescue from submarines. Uh and is considered an expert on the topic. Uh Tony teaches both mathematics and computer science, including advanced

020placement computer science at Fitch High School. Uh he's an excellent educator, a valued colleague at Fitch High School, and I am absolutely ecstatic and proud to call him our outstanding educator this year. Thank you, Captain. We certainly appreciate both your career in submarines and your career as a teacher. You will be missed. So, I think we can go to Principal Bass um to tell us about his support personnel and outstanding educator. Good evening again. So, uh, it is my pleasure to recognize as our support personnel award winner from Graten Middle School this year, Miss Lisa Terara. I've known Lisa for as long as I've been in Graten. I think that's true. Is that Is that true, Lisa? Since going back to Mary Morrison 19 years ago. >> Yes, it is. >> Yeah. So, uh, and

021at that point in time, I I coined the the nickname for her, uh, Mrs. T of course you know married to Mr. T and uh I pity the poor fool and all that stuff. So, um, Lisa has been a joy to work with from day one and, uh, our paths was crossed many times in many schools over the years and and I can tell you personally that she top-notch person and um, it shows the kids know that she cares, the teachers know that she cares, and she is willing to do anything for anybody at any time. She's an EL tutor, but that is only a small portion of what describes Lisa. Um, this year has been really tough as as we know. Um, and Lisa has stepped up above and beyond to help us cover

022classes over and over again, still work with EL students, um, work with our EL teacher, but again, she's willing to do anything for anybody. She's an incredible asset to Graten Middle School, to our district. She listens, she gives support, and maintains a high level of professionalism. She is truly a treasure for both students and staff. And she is a Yankees kid, too. So that Lisa, congratulations. You are so welld deserving. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate it. >> Thank you so much. And it's so good to see such important staff members recognized. Our EL program is growing by leaps and bounds. and you all work so tirelessly to make sure that they feel connected and they pick up our language and it makes me feel so proud. So, thank you. >> Next, I'd like

023to recognize Miss Jessica Ponucci. She uh of the famed Ponucci family in Graten Public Schools. Um again, uh Jess, I can't believe so many years have gone by, but I first met you when your last name wasn't Ponucci. It was actually Babino uh back in early days at Fitch High School when when you were subbing. And um at that point in time, I I knew that uh the kids really connected with you and that um you were willing to work hard and do what it took for students. When we had the opportunity to interview and then hire you as a language arts teacher, sixth grade at Cutler Middle School some years ago, we could not have been more pleased with our selection and and what you delivered. Um, Jess, we knew from day one, at

024least I knew that she had the ability um to be someday a master teacher. I had no idea how quickly she would reach that threshold. Leslie Forbes wrote a a wonderful two-page um synopsis of Jess, and I'm going to include a couple of things. I don't want to go too long because I know we're we're here for for long this evening, but Jess is all about the kids. And I I have to believe that she goes home at night and I know she's got two wonderful sons of her own and a fantastic husband who teaches Fit High School, but she's constantly thinking about them and what can she do better? How can she reach this kid she's having a tough time with? And she fully embraced our our readers and writers workshop. Um she shows

025deep passion and commitment. She was an outstanding uh um summer school writer camp teacher. kids raved about to do I want to come back next year because I had Miss Ponucci. Um she has the rare gift of unleashing and empowering the potential with her students to not only be but also believe that they can be. Uh she does take the time to show to make each student feel unique, special, and appreciated. When you enter Jess's classroom, she's she is from day one at Grant Middle, she made that classroom her own. but a special decor, the lighting, the music. Having spent time in Jess's room, it's it's a um an opportunity I only wish that all of you could have because it is so welcoming. Um and the kids know what to do. The structures and

026routines are there. They get the most learning out of each and every minute with Miss Ponucci. She has a tremendous impact in every student she teaches. She touches lives both in and out of school. And Miss Forbes quotes uh Sydney Hook with a quote about Jess. You have to believe it. It was written for her. Everyone who remembers their own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the education system. I would add to that that she brings the methods and techniques. Um but it's her heart that shines biggest. Jess, you are the teacher that touches many hearts and one your students will always remember. We are so appreciative of all you do every day and are so pleased to celebrate the talented teacher and wonderful person you are. Congratulations.

027You are so welld deserved. We are proud of you. [Applause] >> He has a cheering squad. >> Um, Mr. Bass, Miss Austin, everyone. GMS family, my family, my friends who are family, my sons, everyone. Thank you so much. It is a true honor to be Grant Middle School's first ever teacher of the year. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jess, for all you do. So, I think we're going to turn it over to the elementary schools now, and we'll start with CK at the top of the list here. Hello. So, Katherine Kolski is proud to honor Kate McCaffrey as our support personnel um award recipient this year. The work of a school nurse can be overwhelming in a normal year, but this year has been far from normal. Kate has gone above and beyond to meet

028the challenge. Kate remains pleasant despite how busy things get and how many questions she's asked. She is empathetic to the emotional needs of our students. Kids visit for illness and injury and sometimes just for moral support. and Kate is always ready to meet their needs. She's knowledgeable and has gone above and beyond to be sure that she's kept track of that everchanging guidelines of CO 19. She's diligent in checking symptoms, reaching out to families, contact tracing, and reporting data, all to help ensure that our CK family stays as safe as possible during these challenging times. We would not have made it through this year without her and we are lucky to have her as part of our CK family. Congratulations, Kate. >> Thank you, Kate. You are one of our heroes here. And CK's um

029outstanding educator this year is Cheryl Bolier. And it's an honor to share a little bit about Cheryl, CKMS's outstanding educator, so that you can get to know a little bit about the special person that we at CK feel so fortunate to have as part of our family. Each year when this award comes around, I always ask colleagues um to send me their thoughts about our outstanding educator and then I add that to my thoughts to create a full picture of our honore. And this year I had seven different people send me information and I've never had such a consistent response regarding a teacher's strengths and what they do for our school. Every single person spoke of Cheryl's relationships with and commitment to her students. And I don't think any one of us would hope to

030be thought of in any other way since being here for our students is the whole reason that we do what we do. Cheryl recognizes the importance of building relationships with her students in order for each one to be successful. She builds long lasting relationships, taking time each year to learn what her kids need and differentiating accordingly. Cheryl provides a safe, welcoming environment that makes each individual, no matter their successes or challenges, comfortable in expressing their uniqueness. And with her uncanny ability to connect with her students, she creates a perpetual motivation within the classroom to spark interest, create curiosity, inspire, and most of all build a community where the people take care of each other. Even on the busiest day, when most teachers are in need of a little quiet time, you'll find Cheryl giving up

031her quiet lunch to eat with a student who's needing a little extra love and care that day. Cheryl is calm and patient, which allows students to feel happy, safe, and appreciated while in her room. She advocates fiercely for her kids and their learning and does whatever she can to provide them with the support and resources they need. She is an intentional and creative planner and the model of a collaborative team member. She knows our students growth is a shared partnership between students, parents, and teachers. Cheryl is also the mother of two beautiful daughters, Charlotte and Meline. We thank you for sharing your mom with us. Her students, teammates, and the whole CK family are happy and lucky to have her. Congratulations, Cheryl. >> Thank you, Chris. And I just want to say got me choked

032up a little bit there. Um, I couldn't do it without the support of Dan and Chris, especially this year of all years. Um, this the staff at CK and I think the environment that Chris and Dan have created for us to feel safe and supported this year has allowed all of us to get through and and let the students thrive. Um, I had told Chris that it's my honor to walk through those doors every day. I've taught third grade for 25 years and worked at different schools and um they would physically have to take me out in my chair because I it's an honor to be there every day. Thank you. >> Thank you, Cheryl. >> So, we will move to Principal Danner from Charles Barnum. >> Good evening everyone. Can you hear me, Susan?

033>> I can. >> All right. Great. Uh like Chris, I have help writing these things that um that when we read when we read these um our first is for our support personnel is for Wendel Reed, our custodian. I know he's not here tonight. Um and anybody that knows him would know that he came to me and said, "Uh, boss man, I'm not going to that." So that's just how he operates. So Wendell Reed definitely brings sunshine to Charles Barnum. That's truly how he refers to everyone at the school with the exception of me and just his way of making everyone feel welcome. while putting a smile on their face. Although his job description focuses on the building, he always finds a way to check in on almost everyone about by asking about vacations, families,

034trips, and he he asked those same questions of students. Wendell just plain cares about everyone and it's very apparent. Now, I'd be remissed if I didn't me if I didn't mention that Wendell was also every bit as as excuse me, I'm going to start that again. It's on Zoom, so I can't see everyone. Now, I'd be remissed if I didn't mention that Wendell was also every bit as good at rousing folks and keeping things light. He's also famous for insinuating that he can't get something done, but no sooner than you return the next day, it's done exactly as been asked. A great fact about Wendell that many don't know, and he would never want recognition for this. Wendell's the first to donate money, spend money, and support every single fundraising event that we have at

035the school. He does it in the early morning hours before anyone shows up. and he does it quietly. Wendell Reed is definitely one of a kind and will be missed by all as he plans to move to a full-time fishing job starting this summer. Charles Barnum wishes Wendell the best and hopes he enjoys his time near the water. Round of applause for Wendell. He's not here, but he'll get it tomorrow. There you go. All right. And Mr. Schneider is here. He is our outstanding educator this year. I think he's here. >> He is here. >> I'm Eric. >> I saw him. >> Oh, great. All right. So, um I refer to him as the Schneider. That's We should have that changed so it says the Schneider. Yeah, I heard you. All right. Charles Barnham Elementary

036School is proud to announce Steve Schneider. The Schneider as our outstanding educator. Mr. Schneider has been at Barnum for just under 30 years. If you didn't know, he was in Baltimore for a short bit before coming to Graten, but not long. A fun fact about Steve, prior to his livelihood as a band teacher in Grten, he started his career by driving a school bus. And when he retires, he thinks he will be driving big rigs around the country. Soak that in. Steve drove a school bus and he wants to drive trucks around the country. >> Moving on, I asked how others see Steve at Barnham. Keep in mind, he's a composer at both Butler and Barnum. One teacher said, "Steve hasn't been the best with technology, but he rocked Google Classroom and Flip Grid Flip

037Grid during the year of COVID as he taught me a few things and I've been using it since." Not only that, but one person said he's an excellent advocate for music education and does his best to incorporate into other disciplines. It's impressive and not all Steve not all that Steve does. When meeting as a team, he's the cooperative, fair, kind, and reasonable team member. And as a side note, he's the one that always keeps everyone calm and on point. One last comment from a staff member that I need to share. We are all well aware that this past year has been more than a challenge. As the year has come to a close, Steve went ahead and planned to safely host the full band in the gym before school. It can't go without notice that

038everyone enjoyed hearing the students playing music in the early morning hours. And it was all Steve just going about his normal business. It didn't go unnoticed that our students were practicing and playing music and staff members were able to grab a piece of that normaly. Steve probably didn't think twice about it, but the staff loved it and that's how he is. As is the case with many people in the room, Ste Steve brings positivity into all situations, meetings, his classroom, and throughout the hallway. His laugh is contagious because you can hear it here and I'll assume it's the same at SB. If you know him, he will go out of his way to accommodate the needs of any sta any student or staff and never once think of himself. Steve, congratulations on being selected by

039your peers as outstanding educator at Charles Barnum and unfortunately we will wish you the best of luck as you move to themes and mystic next year. >> Seth, thank you so much. It's going to be very bittersweet not being at Charles Barnum next year after all these years. Charles Barnum. It was a special place 26 years ago and it still is today and I'm just incredibly grateful and humbled to be recognized by the awesome Charles Barnum staff. So, so thank you so much. >> Congratulations, Steve. Welld deserved. >> Thank you, Mrs. Austin. >> So, I think Principal Gardano is up. >> Yes, I am. And I'm excited because Steve will be moving to Fames with me. So, congratulations, Steve. So, I'm pretty sure Maria Marquez is here. She is the recipient of the non-certified personnel

040award for Claude Chester. Maria, I'm pretty sure you're here. Is Mary here? >> I'm here. >> Y >> Well, we Quadchester staff is thrilled and honored to have Maria as our recipient this year. Maria is an asset to Claudchester community, defining the jack of all trades. Her talents range from her communication skills to her artistic abilities to her mastery and connecting with students. Maria definitely possesses the qualities of a pair professional that is deserving of this award. In her tenure at Claudchester, she has worked with students in all grade levels of varying abilities and exceptionalities. She finds the strengths and talent in each child and uses them as definite superpowers to build their love for school. She can give voice and confidence to those that need it most. Maria is able to connect with each

041student she comes in contact with and then provides ideas and input to the team of teachers who work with the students. Much needed. She celebrates with students and staff as each student works hard to make wonderful academic and behavioral gains. And she does this all with a smile and positive outlook that is so contagious to everyone around her. Definitely to me. I appreciate that, Maria. Additionally, Maria is often called upon for her artistic abilities and ideas. She brightens our hallways with her creative, beautiful bulletin boards and her set designs for very memorable Claudechester whole school bingos. She has been known to create larger than-l life turkeys from literally like a 10-ft tall turkey to a boat you could actually get into or the incredible banner that she held for our drive-thru during COVID shutdown. Moreover,

042Maria has been an amazing asset to helping bridge communication between the school and families of those who speak primarily Spanish. Being fluent in Spanish, Maria is often called upon at a moment's notice to assist a parent to best understand a situation or simply to ask questions. She's patient, warm, in her greeting to assist us almost every day to collaborate with students. Maria truly enjoys what she does and deeply cares about the students with whom she works. She handles all situations with confidence and kindness. Congratulations, Maria. Thank you for all that you do every single day for all of our students. Y >> congratulations. >> I need to be at your house, Maria. >> Congratulations. Okay, so we'll move to um Amanda Card is our teacher of the year. And I did see Amanda, I'm hoping

043you're here, Amanda. >> I'm here. >> Yay. Hi. So we are proud, honored, thrilled that you are the Claudechester last one teacher of the year. So we have so many things that we can say about Amanda and some of her students chimed in. So, I'll be happy to share that Amanda is admired teacher by so many for her natural ability to build positive connections with her students and for her expertise in her subject area and for her amazing sense of humor which has really helped us especially this year. Fun chicken story she always tells us. Amanda has chickens. Amanda is very reflective in her teaching practices. She maintains a growth mindset in her personal and professional development. All of which help to strengthen and build a love for school for some of our youngest students.

044Amanda ignites her kindergartener's imagination as she teaches with stories, games, dance, songs. She creates a safe space for her students to explore and play all while t while maintaining, excuse me, structure and routines, which are so very important for early learners. Amanda is a strong advocate for each of her students and their families, ensuring all of their needs are met. You Amanda, you celebrate all of their accomplishments and create special memories for them. Some of which are hundreds day celebration, your Dr. Seuss birthday, right? Gingerbread houses. Those are just to name a few. So, one thing her students absolutely love her. We asked them, "What is your favorite thing about Mrs. Card?" So, I'll share some of them. I get to see her every morning. I mean, come on. She makes things fun. I like

045when we make the chick craft. I like when she reads the stories. She does funny stuff to make us laugh. She is kind. She I like when she has circle time. She lets me play. And simply, she's a good teacher. All from those kindergarteners. Amanda's kindness and dedication radiates to students, parents, teachers, staff, and to frankly me, Amanda, which undeniably makes you so well diver deserving of our Cloudchester teacher of the year. Thank you so much for all you do and making Clchester amazing, positive, and just really happy every day. Congratulations. >> Thank you for the kind words. >> Yay. there. And now it looks like Principal Miner from Mary Morrison is ready. Yes, we are. And I know both of the Mary Morrison recipients are here, so I hope they'll both turn their cameras

046on so we can see them. Our first is um familiar with this award because this is actually the second time she's received this award. >> Um Robin Shaw received it a few years ago um from the Mary Morris from the Pleasant Valley staff. So it kind of speaks to her um consistent performance over the years. Uh the Mary Morrison staff overwhelmingly decided that we wanted to recognize Robin Shaw to receive the Graten Support Personnel Award. She has made a very special contribution to our school and we are fortunate to have Robin as part of our team. Robin is a very capable and is seen as a leader among our paraprofessional staff. She also is a certified EMT first responder >> and has been on both the PV and Mary Morrison crisis teams. Robin's clear and

047focused demeanor transcends the classroom and helps us build an atmosphere of learning and respect throughout the school. She's intuitive and a benefit to all the students in the classroom. She is also fabulous on the cafeteria in the playground. She volunteers happily wherever she is needed and when her assignment is changed, she is always flexible and willing to tackle anything given to her. Her positive attitude translates to the classroom atmosphere with learning and respect. She is a valuable and respected member of the Mary Morrison family and we recognizing her with disgra support personnel award is one way that we're able to extend our gratitude to her. So thank you Robin. >> Thank you Robin. >> Okay. Our next award goes to Kelsey Davidson. Kelsey Davidson is our teacher of the year. She is a reading specialist

048and a coach at Mary Morrison School. She was nominated by her colleagues as outstanding teacher of the year because of the dedication she brings to her work with our students as well as the collaborative spirit she brings to her work with Mary Morrison's classroom teachers. Kelsey started her career as an English teacher both abroad at a British middle school and then as a high school English teacher at Fitch. She went on to obtain her second master's degree in remedial reading and a six-year degree as a literacy consultant. This background has given Kelsey a unique and thorough understanding of the vertical and horizontal alignment of K to2 literacy instruction. As a reading coach and interventionist, Kelsey has supported not only our tier three intervention groups, but works regularly with classroom teachers to plan and navigate the

049additional tiers of their literacy instruction to implement best practices in reading, writing, and phonics. The heart of her work at Mary Morrison has been driven by the growth mindset mindset and she used this as fuel to rethink, redesign and restructure the way the Mary Morrison intervention and reading schedule worked. As a facilitator at ELA data team meetings, Kelsey led a schoolwide plan to bridge the tears, as she calls it. Using the push-in model as a way to make tier one accessible to all learners. As a teacher leader, Kelsey knows it's a team effort. And when teachers work together, we become accountable not only to our students, but to each other as well. Teaching every child to read in today's diverse classroom requires a collaborative effort and calls for a reading specialist like Kelsey who can

050provide the expert instruction, assessment, and leadership abilities needed to close the achievement gap. The faculty and staff were delighted to nominate Kelsey and she is proud to be nominated by her colleagues. Kelsey is a wonderful resource to the Mary Morrison community and is most deserving to have been selected as our teacher of the year. Thank you, Kelsey. >> Thanks, Kathy. I think just as Mayor Morrison closes its doors, I've always said that the educators at Mayor Morrison are an absolute force, and I I really do mean it. Um, closing an achievement gap is a big undertaking, and we did it. So, um, I think, you know, as Mary Morrison closes its doors, it might be the last like physical chapter we have together, but I think two new bestsellers called Thames River and Mystic River

051are about to hit the shelves, and I think they are going to be bestsellers. So, >> Thank you, Kelsey. >> You're welcome. >> So, Principal Wheeler, you must be around here somewhere. And you have some introductions here. Yes, I certainly do. So, I'll start right out. Our support personnel at SP Butler this year is our school nurse, Rhonda Dutra. Um Rhonda, I know she's here. I think uh I saw I don't know if she turned her camera on. Uh but I know she's here. Rhonda is the nurse at SV Butler Elementary School. There are not enough words to express our deep appreciation for her dedication and professionalism in these trying times. Rhonda takes on many different roles and is often a mom, medical advisor, friend, and unfortunately the bearer of bad news like you have

052to quarantine for 14 days and we'll see you back next month. Rhonda does bring a much needed level of fun to her job. She is reputation as in the office as the office jester and approaches stressful situations with calm and humor. For example, you never know what you'll find on your chair in the morning or the time when she suited up in full COVID gear for her school yearbook photo. On a more serious note, though, Rhonda diligently does stay on top of the safety precautions and protocols every day at SB Butler. She follows through with reminders about mask etiquette, handwashing, and social distancing. She has also been so supportive, informative, and clear when we had to contact Trace in the building this year. Often lending her time at night and even on a weekend to

053help contact families. Ron is one of the most patient people that we have known. She handles the most frustrating situations with ease and compassion. She is a great listener that is genuinely interested in everyone's health and social emotional needs. Rhonda has contributed this year to the reduction of stress in the building with her sense of humor, her calm approach, her genuine concern, professionalism, and overall kindness. From our entire SBler family, we thank Rhonda Dutra for all that she does and are very fortunate to have her on our team. Thank you so much, Rhonda. >> Thank you. All right, I am going to keep moving and we are going to switch gears and talk about our uh distinguished our distinguished educator of the year this year at SD Butler, our last year as well uh is

054Julie Field. Julie Field is currently one of our special ed resource teachers. Um, but she has spent many years prior to that um, in preschool. SP Butler Elementary School is proud to choose Julie Field as our distinguished educator. This year, over the past five years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the tremendous impact that Miss Field has on both our special education and reg and regular education students. She has been instrumental in providing targeted instruction to many of our special education students. She is involved in our student study team process. She's an active member of our building improvement team. And she assisted in the implementation of the life is good curriculum to foster positive school climate. Julie's professionalism and innate sense of commitment to students, parents, and staff have earned her a very genuine

055and well-deserved regard as a member of our school community. Um, it is impressive to witness how effort effortlessly that Julie can respond to the needs of her students throughout a lesson. She can assess a targeted behavior or skill quickly. She can adapt her lesson plan and adjust her instruction to ensure that all students can be successful. Most importantly, she's very effective in deescalating a child to help them get back to the task at hand or their or their classroom depending upon the specific situation. She cares deeply about and is respectful of her students. They respond to her in a respectful and caring manner. Parents also respond positively to her ability to provide open and clear and frequent communication. Julie provides um parents with concise and specific academic expectations, learning objectives, and behavior strategies that can

056be utilized at home to empower their their children to assist in needs of education. While in attendance at many PBTs with Mrs. field throughout the school year. It is impressive to witness her very strong interpersonal skills as she navigates the agenda of the students progress, growth, goals, and objectives in future planning. Within the school community, Mrs. Field is involved in several committees and teams that help to provide sound behavior and instructional expectations. Through the building improvement team, she assists in analyzing reading and writing data and math and contributes toward designing schoolwide uh growth targets and instructional practices that will improve student performance. Julie has received training through the life is good company. This has helped to improve our school climate, understand students with trauma backgrounds more deeply, and has fostered an overall positive school environment

057at SB Butler. Julie is one of the first staff members to goodify a situation that need that may need a positive spin. Her optimistic outlook, caring disposition uh disposition and sense of humor are contagious. We are truly truly lucky to have Julie as a member of our school community. She is a true playmaker and role model. I have the highest regard for Julie and I am proud that she is representing ESP Butler as this year's distinguished teacher. Congratulations, Julie. Thank you, Steve. It's an honor. >> Hi. Hi. >> Thank you, Julie. And then last but never least, if Principal Cheney could come to the floor and share his good news with his staff and teacher of the year. >> All right. Good evening, everyone. I I find it very fitting that many of us have

058taken this opportunity to celebrate our school nurses given the year just experienced and we are excited to announce that at Northeast Academy this year our support personnel recipient is Susan Chapel. Sue Chapel has been the nurse at Northeast Academy since the building opened over 10 years ago. Over the course of her tenure with the students and staff at Northeast, there she is. Sue has established herself as such a vital member of the school community. The COVID pandemic has been a significant challenge for schools across the country. Through it all, Sue has gracefully risen to the task to support everyone at Northeast Academy, students, staff, and parents all at the same time. She is a wonderful communicator who has gone above and beyond to both listen and respond during such a huge time of need. Her

059calmness at the beginning of the school year set the tone for students and families who raised many questions regarding school safety and protocols. Her approach to her work, excuse me, her approach to her work allows everyone to feel comfortable with the level of vigilance we have placed on staying safe during the pandemic, which is always a priority. There is nobody more deserving at our school of this award than Sue Chapel. It is a pleasure to work with her on a daily basis and all of us who are part of the NEA community are extremely fortunate to have Sue on our team. Thank you very much, Sue. >> Thank you. I'm happy to be on the team at Northeast. We make a good team. >> So, we have a lot of our team with us tonight,

060which is great to celebrate you. And I am now going to switch gears to our school's teacher of the year and Graten's teacher of the year, which we are extremely happy about at Northeast. And I I know Ryan is here with us as well. So, first and foremost, I would like to begin by acknowledging each building's teacher of the year. Hearing each of the principles talk about your work is inspirational and empowering. There is so much to be proud of and celebrate in GPS. I am beyond thrilled to formally recognize Ryan O'Connell as the district's teacher of the year at this evening's board of ed meeting. As Susan expressed in her weekly email when she initially made the announcement, Ryan was selected from a distinguished group of educators and that is clearly evident based upon

061everything we've already heard this evening. With regards to Ryan, to simply say he is deserving of this award would be a significant, exceptional understatement. He is the epitome of what every child should look forward to when they wake up in the morning and what every parent hopes for in their child's teacher. Throughout the most challenging school year any of us have ever faced, Ryan has continued to go above and beyond for the students in his classroom. Many of us sometimes joke with Ryan, and I'm probably culprit number one, that we wonder if he sleeps at Northeast Academy on school nights. He is quite literally the first one in and the last one out most days. The time and effort Mr. Okonnell puts into his lesson plans, instruction, and classroom environment are unrivaled. One must only

062spend a few minutes in his classroom to see it for themselves. Just ask our new assistant superintendent. He visited Ryan's classroom for a few minutes last month and marveled at the site. Ryan's classroom is meticulous. Every each and every nook and cranny of the environment he maintains has a clear purpose from the staging area in front to the multiple bookshelves, all of which are categorized and clearly labeled so as to invite young readers in. Couple this with Ryan's demeanor, and you have two significant ingredients for educational success. Early in the school year, Ryan's students quickly learn that much is expected, but much is given to those who strive for their personal best, which is our mantra at Northeast. Ryan is student centered and innovative. His classroom project entitled Into Focus: Increasing Student Engagement and Understanding

063Through Animation earned Ryan the 2020 Elementary Educator Award from CECA, the Connecticut Educators Computer Association. Ryan was honored at a virtual ceremony last November for this award. He continually seeks and finds ways to weave our arts theme into his daily instruction. Two students from Ryan's class recently placed in the 2021 Connecticut ASA or American Statistical Association data visualization poster contest where the main purpose is to promote math literacy by encouraging students to select the topic to investigate, gather and examine data from multiple points of view prior to summarizing and presenting the data graphically. These two examples are just a few of the ways he inspires students and infuses creativity. One of Ryan's biggest strengths is his internal drive to reach each and every one of his students. He puts significant effort into understanding his students

064as learners, developing strong relationships with them and their family, and putting that meaning meaningful work to task by fostering a a love of learning in school. This past winter, Ryan secured a ver virtual book talk with author Kate Milford, and he even chose to invite his students from last year because the class liked the book so much. I recently asked a handful of Ryan's students what their favorite part of being in his class is. Here are some of their responses. Project Earth. We get to solve real world scenarios in our own classroom. We get to do things in our classroom that other kids don't get to do. Everything we do has a flare of fun to it because of him. Mr. Okonnell actually takes the time to help me understand things. This is my favorite.

065Mr. Okonnell is patient and understanding. I've never even seen him get mad. Ryan, on behalf of Northeast Academy, we are so very happy for you and proud of you. The passion and energy you put into your craft is extraordinary. You help push us in our pursuit of academic excellence, and every student lucky enough to have you as their fifth grade teacher leaves you at the end of the year as a better person and a better student. Congratulations, Ryan. You absolutely deserve this. >> Wow. Thank you. Um I'm I'm speechless, Ryan. Those are very very unlooked for words. Um, thank you to the board of education, superintendent Austin, assistant superintendent Piaza, all the fellow teachers of the year, friends of education, support personnel, honores, all of our student leaders, our family and and friends and guests

066here tonight. There are so many people on this call working to do so much good right now. I'm standing on a lot of shoulders myself and I beg your indulgence just to thank a few of those who have helped me to become the teacher and the person that I am today. My deep gratitude to the board of education and the Graten teacher of the year committee for recognizing the hard work that Graten Public Schools dedicates to its students this year of all years. Thank you to my administration, Ryan Cheney and Stephanie Wheeler, for their deep and constant support for students, families, and all building staff. my grade level teammates, past and present, Nicole Vulpi, John Yeder, Stacy Day, and Wendy Keniglierro, as well as the support staff with whom I've had the pleasure to serve

067over the years for your collaborative spirit, your can do attitude, and for welcoming and mentoring an inexperienced, naive, stubborn new teacher who still never combs his hair. I learn so much from each of you every day. As we've heard tonight, many who enter the teaching profession, they do so because of that one teacher. Mine was my own third and fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Kathy Ushman. Mrs. Ushman taught a multi-age class at Juliet Long Elementary School in Gails Ferry, a practice that has perhaps unfortunately gone by the way in the age of the Common Core. I entered her class as a third grader in a mixed class of third and fourth grade students and we had such an amazing year together that we all looped up with her and did it all over again as a

068mixed class of fourth and fifth graders. Mrs. Usman's class was one filled with creativity, kindness, and writing, wonderfilled each and every day. And as a matter of fact, Mrs. Ushman is with us here on the call tonight. Thank you, Mrs. Bushman, for everything that you did for that curious, strange group of kids at the end of the hall. It's important for you to know that students from that class have gone on to do varied, interesting, and meaningful things with their lives. From the Peace Corps to military medicine, from religious studies to ship building, one of them even became a teacher. My parents, Karen and Lee, are with us tonight. My mom, Karen, has worked for New London Adult Education for 33 years. Helping students, many of them immigrants, earn their GEDs and high school diplomas.

069My dad, Lee, has been a welding engineer at Electric Boat for over 40 years. They taught my brother Shane and I to be part of a world where hard work matters, but where character and love matter even more. Thank you, too. Happy 39th wedding anniversary. >> And finally, >> what a way to celebrate. >> Thanks most of all to my students. See a few friends, new and old, here on the call tonight. Hi guys. How's that project coming along? These guys make it fun and exciting to come to work every single day and from whom I feel that I often learn more than they could ever possibly learn from me. And to understand that while evenings like this are really nice, we should enjoy the moment that tomorrow morning a classroom door is quietly going

070to click closed and we're going to go back to it because the journey really is the destination. Thank you all. Thank you, Ryan. This is when I say how proud I am to be in Grten. I feel so graten proud of everyone. Thank you. >> Wow. This has been um an incredible night. Susan, I do believe that Sam um Sam Kilpatrick wanted to present and also did our po poet lawyer lawyer. Yeah, you know, >> never mind. >> Thank you. Um need as much help as I can get. Did >> I don't see Janelle on here. Mark, did you see her come in? >> No. >> Okay. Okay. Maybe. >> So, we'll we'll move to Sam Kilpatrick. >> That would be great. Good evening. Well, congratulations to Ryan. That was uh really fantastic. Quite a

071young man. And it was uh really great to see all those kids with uh with the teachers uh uh that with their families. It's really uh special to see uh loving families together uh on a Zoom. Uh tonight I'd like to uh make the announcement that our maintenance person of the year is Dave Zuzerki. Uh Dave has only been with us a couple of years. He he was hired as a machinist and he's our HVAC which is heating, ventilation, air conditioning uh mechanic as well. So it was nearly impossible for us to uh pick just one individual in a year when the entire custodial maintenance staff had been present and working uh back when uh we didn't know exactly what we were dealing with March of last year and when the fear was rampant custodial

072staff was working feverishly you'll pardon the pun to make our schools safe for the kids and the staff but after much thought Wendell Scott and I agreed that Dave has performed at a greater than expected level in his position. He has demonstrated on many occasions his exemplary skill level in maintenance and the repair of district equipment and machinery and by doing so has saved the district hundreds maybe even thousands of dollars. This year, Dave Zerki receives this award as maintenance person of the year, but I think we can all agree that the entire custodial maintenance staff are equally deserving. Congratulations to Dave, and I'd like to thank my entire staff. >> Thank you, Sam. So, um this actually, um wraps up our recognition of our our district people. Um and once again, on behalf of

073um the board of ed, um all I can say is graten proud. Um what an amazing group of people. Um and not and for absolutely for those who that have been recognized and our teacher of the year, but also just our our staff that come every single day and and are with our our our students and our children um in this district. Um once again, thank you so much. Um, I know everyone wants to stay on to listen to the rest of the board of education, but for those of you who don't, now is probably a good time um for you to transition out because we are going to be moving into our regular board meeting. Um, at this point, see, look at they all leave me now. I'm just going to give them a

074couple of seconds. Bye. Thank you. Is it something I said? >> Yes. >> Such amazing participation, too. How great. >> Yeah, that is just something that is kind of um it it's it's um so removing but so allows so many more people to be involved >> um through Zoom. So um so now I'm we're back into our meeting and um we are at the part of comments uh from citizens and this is the portion of the agenda where the board welcomes comments from citizens. Each presentation should be limited to five minutes or less um and citizens should if possible submit written comments um and they can be emailed um to Joan Johnson. Um presentation should be related to matters pertinent to Graten. Board members will only ask questions in order to clarify the speaker's presentation

075and cannot respond during comments of citizens portion um of the board meeting. Citizens should state their name and addresses for the record. Do we have any comments? >> I'm looking in the chat box and I don't see anything. Joan, do you have anything? >> No, I do not. >> Thank you, Joan. All right. So, not so hearing no comments, we are going to move on um to the student representative report. And Susan, were we able to locate? >> We we did a call out, but I don't know that I see any of the representatives um on this. I'm just looking one time. Mark, do you see Z or >> No, I'm sorry. I'm I'm hoping that once we get back to in person, we kind of get get that um because I know I personally

076I know many board members really enjoyed the participation from the students. So, I'm hoping that we >> I think this year has just been um a lot for everybody to handle and I know there's assessments going on at this time of year, so they're probably pretty busy. >> I got it. We get it. Um, so we're now going to be moving on to the superintendent report. Um, but Susan, before I um before I hand it over to you, um, I was listening to all these great great comments um, from all the from all of your staff members for the outstanding educators of the year award. And I had said to you, I didn't get a report, so I don't know how to do this, and so I think you're going to have to do it.

077And out falls from my packet the the list of the people who are being recognized in the order that they needed. So, I apologize. Um, >> no, don't apologize. We did it. We're a team. >> So, I uh but with further ado, I am going to give it back to you. >> So, I just um wanted to thank everyone, the administrators for doing such a wonderful job, you know, being able to introduce their staff as well. You can feel see it's just so heartfelt. You can feel it. Um and it has been a heavy lift this year. I've been saying it all along but people have risen to the occasion and beyond. So I like you said it's you feel grat and proud. Um I just really wanted to say that um we have been

078working with Transfinder which is the um really the software company that helps us with our routing system for buses and the um central office team which includes Sam and Ken and Tom Lndale and Lori um Leine have really had them do some work to carefully look at what a two-tier system would be so we can bring in middle school and high school together um in one routing system and then we'll have a little extra time in there for having a five magnet elementary school. Um we've been hearing very good news. They're working right now tackling the um secondary school and I always say the good news is that our high school kids can put the snooze button on and their teachers too for 30 minutes. So it doesn't interrupt the whole schedule. It's not so

079much of a big difference. It's just enough to bring them in together and um in a very safe way coming from their neighborhoods, you know, siblings and neighbors to the school and um so we're we will give you that information once it's finalized. Along with that transfinder study comes professional learning for our staff here so that they will be able to use all the elements of the software program at ease anytime and be supported in that. So we're really looking forward to that. um after they do the secondary group, they will do the elementaryaries um the lottery um has closed. Um although there are still families on the waiting list and so we've kind of gradually release those seats as they've come up and um we will keep you posted on all of that as

080it develops. So that's all really I had. We tried to keep it sweet, simple and sweet. And I'll turn it over to my assistant superintendent, Dr. Piaza. >> Hi, good evening everyone. And and uh before I get started with a quick summary of uh what we're doing this summer, I just wanted to just add to the accolades. I know most of our guests have gone, but um really outstanding work and it's great to see our support personnel and our educators and our custodial staff get honored. Like I said, especially after the year we had, it was really nice to hear all those great things about all the all the employees and and and to have so many guests here to honor them. So, that was really cool to see. Uh so, congratulations to all of

081them. Um but I'm happy to talk just a little bit about the uh programs that we have for our students this summer. Uh we have our summer stars camps uh that are open to all students uh currently in grades uh currently in grades K through five. Uh it's going to be taught by our very own certified graten teachers. Uh we do have some flyers that we made up and I could get those out to you if you um have not seen those yet. Um they'll be held at Charles Barnum and uh we have a STEM camp which is going to begin on Monday, June the 21st and these are uh 4-day camps. Um the literacy camp will be on Monday uh June 28th through July 1st. And then our math camp uh will start on

082the 12th of July and run through that Thursday. the 15th. Um, currently, um, everything's being done on a first come, first- serve basis. So, we do encourage our families, uh, to register. Uh, registration, um, I'm not sure if it closed on Friday. Um, I could share our preliminary numbers u for our, uh, STEM camp, we have up to 291 students registered right now, which is great. Our literacy camp is up to 211 while our math camp is uh 220 uh 227. Uh so that's great. Um we are also happy to provide a daily snack uh and a take-home lunch each day for our registered students as well. Um so this is all being led by uh Val Nelson and Carol Armiglio as well as Christy Post um the AP at Barnum. Um, so on top

083of that work for our students this summer, we're also do going to be doing some work um on our curriculum and our accelerated learning this summer. Uh, we'll be working with teachers at every level to take a look at our scope and sequences. Uh, talk about what our priority standards are and how do we actually accelerate the learning uh to move our kids forward um while at the same time identifying the gaps that might exist. Um we'll look at our pacing guides uh and see what those will look like when the year starts. Um and so again, this will all be part of our work, our summer work with the teachers. Uh we're hope we'll have some data by then um our ESPback and SATs uh to help us as well um by the summertime.

084Um so we'll be posting um for elementary and middle and high school teachers to work. Um, we're also planning on getting middle school and high school together as well to look at the continuity uh in our curriculum. Um, and one exciting part too, we'll have embedded coaching going on uh during our math camp. Uh, we have Kathy Fosno will be working handinhand, her and her staff with our teachers this summer. Um, working with our teachers, observing our teachers, giving them feedback, and working with them. So, that's um, pretty exciting. So, um, and they'll be working on curriculum with them as well. Uh so we have a lot of very exciting things going on for our students as well as our teachers this summer uh to move our work forward. >> Thank you, Phil. And for

085the first time ever, Grant Middle School is going to host a steam camp. So instead of regular old summer school, we're really trying to engage our kids in the excitement of learning so that they'll be ready to come back and excited to come back. Um, and then we of course have the apex program and the credit recovery for the high school. So, we're trying to really capture all elements. We'll also be introducing some tutoring that's going to be open for our students. Um, our literacy team and our math team are really excited to be able to do one-on-one and small groupoup tutoring as well. So, we'll be getting that information out to families. So, just I can't believe the energy that our teachers have after this long year signing up for all of this. So,

086I just have to commend them. >> Any any questions um for Phil in regards to the summer camp or the curriculum writing? >> It's Liz. >> Yes. Yes, Liz. And then Rita, >> thank you. Uh Phil, I was just wondering what's the cap on the numbers for those camps because I have heard about people talking about it around town, but I was just wondering what's the cap or is there a cap? I think we've been hesitant to put a cap on there. We would we really don't want to deny anyone a chance. It would just be a matter of of getting the staff um so we can keep the groups at a manageable number. So, we're putting out another wave of feelers out for staff. We want to get as many as we can. So,

087uh the plan is not to turn anybody away. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Vita. >> Hi, Dr. Piaza. Um, I was curious about, um, Susan mentioned tutoring program, but are we going to have any, um, just math and reading for students besides the tutoring, the one-on-one and small groups um for all students K through five, like a summer, like a real, you know, like a catchup program for those students who feel that they have missed out because of, you know, learning virtually. Um what are we going to do for our students since we do um you know the governor has asked that all school districts make an effort to really bring students up to speed that have might have fallen behind besides having these camps that are stimulating but sometimes you know

088students need very consistent very deliberate work to go from one place to the next and and for so they'll be ready for the next grade, >> right? And I know I know teachers have been trying to identify students and encourage them to sign up for these camps. Um I understand what you're saying though. Um and Susan, maybe you could speak to this if there's other things that um that we have other than those uh the tutoring and the >> So I would say the tutoring is really valuable because we'll be looking at data especially for the students who are in the tier two and three intervention and they'll be offered either small group or an individual. So our literacy specialist and our math specialists have all the data along with the principles. They'll be working

089in their schools to provide it. So while it's a district initiative, it'll be school by school. So the people who really know these children and know who needs to come for the tutoring. Um whether they've missed some opportunities this year because they haven't been present or whether they really have needed the extra tiered intervention and we don't want them to make the summer slide on top of a COVID slide. So, um, I'm really handling it where it can be handled best with the teachers, the classroom teachers and the specialists and the principles in their building and I'm going to be providing the ESSER funding so that we can really get the best value, the best bang for our buck. the the evidence that we have that this one-on-one on Zoom or in person and they've

090identified Mary Morrison as um one of the schools that has the um the rec camp along with Claude Chester along with our treehouse at CK. So really to do some of the inperson where the kids are so the parents don't have to bring the kids to them or they can you know they can go to the kids and also to do it on Zoom. So we want to give parents several options so that we can have full access for those kids. Um and we even talked about enriching like there could be some avid readers in a small group who want to do a book talk with a literacy coach. So I mean they've come up with some of the most fabulous ideas. They think way beyond me. I give them a little carrot and they

091>> said it's the end of May and right but it's the end of May and it would be nice to see something very concrete in front of us and in front of all the parents in the district that and teachers that may have concerns. >> So the camps are already pretty much concrete and they've been sent out. it actually um you can see it on the website, but the others are going to be called kind of individually and we'll send out notice for those families who want to participate and we'll make sure that you get a copy too so you can see it >> and the enrichment also. >> Yeah. Yep. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? If not, Phil, I think that that was it. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> So, um

092Ken, can we move on to you? >> Yes, ma'am. Uh so, I will I have attachments, so I will share them on the screen and then take them down so that uh we can still see each other. Uh I'll start with attachment one with our which is our object code summary. Uh and so you should have gotten this in your packet. Uh so through uh of May of uh May 20th um we are anticipating a projected uh end ofear unexpended amount of 390,968. Uh this is similar to the prior months. Uh it's a little bit higher. Uh we did find out that the uh the bid list for the for the schools is coming in lower than anticipated. So it's it's adding more uh uh unexpended at this point. Uh but uh it's it's a

093similar type of um story as we've had in past months. Uh we are under budget in salaries and in out of district tuitions, but we're overbudget in unemployment expense and um uh supplies and purchase services. Let me take that down. All right. You want me to move on and and >> Well, I had a quick question. Ken, why why why are we um overbudget in unemployment? >> So, um uh the uh through this uh uh COVID process, there was uh there was quite a bit of um um increase in the rates that are being charged. Uh as well as we had a number of employees that that did uh that did uh get uh or uh stop working. Uh so the combination of those two things, it really wasn't as high as many of the

094other districts from what I'm understanding, but uh it still increased uh um dramatically. >> So was it by uh when you say people stopped working, I I'm not quite I don't quite understand if it's their choice why we pay unemployment. It's just I'm just curious. >> Yeah. Um it's a very good question. I don't have a very good answer for um but um it it is it is a charge from from this directly from the state based upon our experience. Uh so that means number of people that have stopped working as well as the the the rate that's charged. So those two things are adding. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions? If not, >> all right. Uh, attachment two is our health insurance uh, claims uh, report. So, last time we looked at

095this, it was uh, January and uh, we were still quite uh, quite a bit under budget. Um, if if you noticed, if I can really see it here. Um, let's see. Just going to decrease a little. uh for the month of February where we're at 98.7% of budget. So it really came in right on uh a target and then in March 129% of budget uh which uh we fully expected this uh and this is built into our expectation on the health insurance reserve uh but we anticipate uh that these uh costs are going to be uh over budget for the probably probably for the remainder of the uh of the school year if not through the summer. Uh but this is definitely built into our expectation uh with regard to where we anticipated the health

096insurance reserve to land. Uh so um uh you know overall still year to date we're at 83.7. So you know uh we're still behind what um um what we had originally anticipated but but it's it's right on track with uh with with where we expected this to to go. Sure. Do I have are there any questions from um about the insurance report? All right. >> All right. And the last item is OPED. Uh so OPED is uh is other postemployment benefits. So what we're really talking about Oh, wrong one. What we're really talking about is uh if I can find it is uh is uh uh health benefits for retire retirees. Uh so if you notice this is uh this is an excerpt from the OPED report that uh that's done annually by uh Milman

097uh an actuary company. uh and the middle column is the board of ed and I will direct your attention to the second line down uh and that shows uh uh a reserve at the at July 1st 2020 of 611,566. Uh and so that's that's a it's a market increase from where we were the year before. We were actually in the hole uh on our reserve uh in the prior year. Uh so we've made some good progress. Um then I'll also draw your attention to the third from the bottom number and that's that's this. It's the ADC which is the actuarily determined contribution. So this is the amount that the board of ed has to uh fund uh to uh to the OPED fund uh in order for it to uh have the appropriate amount of

098funds to to pay for uh pay for these costs and to have the right amount of uh reserve. Uh and so that that's increased quite a bit over the prior year as well. Uh the main reason for that is um uh let's say teachers over 65 not Medicare eligible. Uh so these are pre986 uh retirees. Um they uh the the cost went up significantly and there was a change in the actuarial actuarial standards. Uh and so uh this uh this this amount went up quite a bit. Uh Lori Lepine and myself uh had a meeting with um with the actuary uh Jen Castlehano at uh at Milman uh and uh she confirmed that uh this was uh uh correct but it is quite an increase over the over the current year and I I have

099the whole report. It's a 50 51page report, so I didn't send it out to everybody. Uh but but it's available if anybody has a has a has a desire. >> So can what does this mean? >> Yeah, >> it means um our the the board of ed contribution in uh 2022 is is going to be 1,567 versus uh this year's contribution which was 1,ion35,000. So, it's it's a it's a very very big increase year-over-year, >> Jay. >> But but we have made a contribution. So, we're above the zero mark by $611,000. So, we want to keep marching towards that goal. So, as we talked about that one of the things that we want to be able to pay with um unexpended funds is to really look at that OPED account and you know make a

100contribution towards that when we get towards the end of the year and we know exactly what we have. So, um, that's something that we talked about at facilities and we talked about it at a CO >> and and making those additional, uh, payments into the OPED reserve, uh, helps that that that that actuarily determined, uh, contribution because it will, it'll bring down, um, uh, the need for for for that large of a contribution, right, >> Jay? >> I was just going to say we we had discussed on that the last two um and in some facilities meetings and also at the last CO. Um but it'll be a good idea to use those unexpended um funds in that way. Um but um is there any way you could bring that back up again, Ken, for

101just a moment? >> Yeah, certainly. >> The expected benefit payouts line Yep. >> Um, so does that mean that it was originally targeted to be a higher amount and that this is a decrease in the target? >> Um, no. So that that expected benefits payout is is what they anticipate next year we're going to uh uh pay for these benefits. >> Okay. So that's projecting next year's >> correct >> 2022. >> That's right. >> Um because the net budget impact is 149,000. Um, I guess I should probably just study the whole report, but uh I'm still not really strong on on on what this means, but I will say that my recollection at looking at this when it first came to our attention a few years ago uh because we really were in the dark

102completely about it um before a few years ago is that it's significantly better than it was, >> right? >> I mean, it was a huge hole when we first started looking at it. And so I think we've made uh great strides and um I'm told that Groten is in much better shape than than it that that other municipalities uh are projecting. So um but that's why I support Susan's and Ken's uh suggestion to keep keep at it with those unexpect unexpended funds because we don't want to get back in that situation that we were about three or four years ago. I feel like it's um owning up to our fiscal responsibility and so it's something that you know we should be taking care of >> right >> if we have those resources at the end

103of the year and it looks like we will >> right now these are commitments we've made to our retirees and and so we need to make sure they're um they're met. >> And I have to say we've done really well with the health savings account. we've actually done better than the town. Um, but I would also say that we just still have to be really cautious that, you know, people will be going back as you even see in the monthly report to get those surgeries and to get taken care of the things that maybe they didn't get taken care of during COVID. So, we have to handle that with great care, too. >> Any um other questions about the OPED? I don't know, Ken. I didn't even know about the OPED account until three or

104four years ago and then to find out that we were in the hole was quite alarming. So, um, thank you very much for your diligence around that. Any other questions um for Ken? >> I have a quick question. >> Absolutely. Dean. >> Yeah. um on the just using the uh attachment one as reference where does OPED appear on this not as discrete line right it's bundle >> no it's not a discreet line uh we we we lump it in with health insurance uh so we consider it just a health insurance expense um so it's in the second section two 2011 I think is the is the um >> right >> is the >> so it's in it's in with that uh that $7.9 million. >> Yeah, it's Yeah, exactly. It's >> so other other post-employment

105benefits is just is that just a fancy way of saying the retirees health insurance or are there other benefits in there? >> No, it's it's essentially just the health insurance. >> Okay, thank you. >> Any other questions? All right, hearing none, we're gonna go move on to Sam. >> Okay, I'm back. >> So, uh I'll start with a uh a report on the new schools, uh the Graten Middle School first. Uh on this Wednesday, there'll be a walkth through by Rick Norris, Pam, uh Tammy Hamlin, uh and I uh regarding signing off on the punch list items. punch lists are all the little tiny things that need to be done at the end of a project and we are nearing the end of that and so on Wednesday there'll be a walk through to uh

106do the sign off on that. Um the uh landscape contractor is still replacing some uh dead trees and and and grassy areas that didn't uh didn't do well over the winter. That'll continue. Um, and the Grten Middle School sign that will be down at the bottom of Fort Hill. Uh, they will start to work on that sign on June 1st is what I'm told. So, I can't wait to see a sign down there that is uh represents a school that we have now for sure. And uh and the only other thing that I'm aware of uh that'll be taking place at the middle school is um in the maker space uh because there may be larger things coming in, maybe equipment or even uh supplies uh in the maker space uh they're going to actually

107widen that door um during June and July. So it's it's actually a pretty large uh project uh cutting out uh block wall. Uh there's electrical and other things in that wall, needless to say. Uh but they'll be uh enlarging that door so that we'll be able to bring uh larger items into the maker space as needed. The uh themes and Mystic River magnet schools are are are um I I've lumped them together uh because uh they both um have had some late deliveries on entry doors and um some electric panels. Uh so there's some alum aluminum doors that are going to be late arriving uh and some electric panels. Uh however, we don't think that uh that will cause it it'll cause about a twoe delay in the completion of the of of the project,

108but it will not uh cause a delay in us uh starting school on time. So, uh, because the, uh, substantial completion was due at the end of June, it'll probably be the middle of July now, uh, when that's done. Uh, the FFN, which is furniture, fixtures, and equipment, uh, will now be, uh, coming the last week of July. Uh, so if that stuff comes in the last week of July, it still gives us the full just about the full month of August uh, to get teachers in there and get things going there. So none of this affects uh the delivery of materials from the existing uh schools. That's uh that's that's all staying on schedule. All those things that are coming from the existing schools to the two new schools will still be moved uh

109on on schedule. Um J on June 9th uh there will be a a zoning board of of appeals uh meeting uh regarding the Mystic River sign. um uh uh that uh that that meeting was uh postponed and it'll now take place on June 9th while the Thes River sign was approved by the city building official. So that one's been approved. Um and so um uh last lastly, I'd just like to reiterate that uh we still expect to complete the project for the September opening of school. So if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. >> I have a question. >> Yeah, Rita, I just want to make sure that there's no no other board member that had not spoken first. Anyone else? >> Nope. Rita got it. >> I have two questions

110then. First is um people have asked me how do you get to the the fields at the Graten Middle School? Do you go through the Fitch driveway or do you go up through the Grten Middle School's driveway to get to access the fields like the turf field? And >> yeah, I I guess it depends upon which side of town you live on and whether you want to sit in traffic on Fort Hill or not if it happens to be about that time of day. So, um there there's more parking available at Fitch. Uh okay. >> Beyond the garage and it's a short walk to the field that way. Uh although I know that uh the um the athletic directors and the coaches would prefer that the parents stay on the school side of the uh

111the fields. They're trying to keep the kids uh on the opposite side or on the f side of the field and parents and and uh observers should be on the school side of the field just to keep them separated. Um >> okay. and and I know that um a as uh as they move forward with some of the activities that are going to take place, we've talked about graduation for instance at the middle school uh will be on the artificial field. Uh parking will be a premium that that'll be a premium that day for parking for sure. So we'll be able to share the parking both uh at Fitch and and at uh at the middle school. Will you have um will it be signs clearly marked so that people will know that they could

112you know the ones coming maybe from Mystic and Knowing could go through Fitch and or you know have Peter maybe let people know that >> I I think uh Danlock and and and the staff are going to be allow letting people know through email etc. uh they'll be notified and they will also they they plan on having sandwich boards out there with with directions to let them know uh where they can park etc. >> Okay. And my second question is the playscape at at Fame's River is is absolutely amazing. It's so beautiful. So many people have commented on it. >> Um I was curious I was curious is Mystic Rivers in place? Is it behind the fence and you just can't see it or is it not there yet? >> Mystic's Rivers is as impressive.

113It actually bends around the back of the school. So it it's not in a straight line. It actually bends around um that the back wing of the school. So again, it's equally as impressive. They're they're really fantastic. >> It's amazing. Yeah, they're beautiful and they're all you could tell handicap accessible and Yeah. >> So that's great. Thank you, >> Liz. >> Hey, Sam. Are we gonna be able to have a tour soon? >> Uh I think somebody just asked that the other day and uh we we'd be happy to uh set something up. >> Oh, good. Because I I still haven't gotten into Graten Middle School cuz um things got kind of weird here when that was opening. So, I'm going to I'm going to I would like to I would also like to go

114there. I see Rosemary is going, "Yes, me too." >> I think if uh Susan uh maybe she could talk to Joyce and maybe we could get a a a common date that would work for everybody. It could be uh just at the end of the school day after the traffic has cleared or later in the evening depending upon what what you all wish to do, but we'd be happy to uh give you the grand tour. >> Thank you. >> And Grant Middle School, Wednesday afternoons might be a good time, too. So, I'll work with Joyce. We'll find some dates. >> Works for me. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions for Sam? >> What's one other item? Yeah, I had one other item and and that is the uh the school usage uh during the

115summer. I think Ken is gonna share the screen with my chart. That right, Ken, are you still with us? Ken, Ken, are you there? >> I I'm here, but I'm I'm looking for the Here it is. I got it. All right. >> How's that, Sam? >> That's great. So, uh, as you can see, the Fitch High School will have the asbestous abatement project, uh, this week. I uh, this summer, and it will take, uh, um, from the time school gets out until about mid August uh, for that in the building. Uh I actually go on a uh Zoom meeting tomorrow or a go to meeting uh meeting with the state uh along with our architect to get the final approval and hopefully the letter that allows us to go out to bid so that we

116can get a contractor and get this all in line. So that all takes place tomorrow at 1:30. Um and uh so there will be special Olympics on on the track. Uh, of course, plenty of baseball, not just Mystic Schooners, but the the uh the youth league or the um AAOU teams that uh the town has will be on the on the ball field as well. There's some um yearbook training and that's right on June 22nd. Um as long as the contractors haven't arrived yet on June 22nd, I expect them to be there close to that date, but as long as they're not there, then they'll be able to be in the building. If if if the contractors arrive, we'll have to shift that one down to the middle school. Uh parks and wreck will be

117on the tennis courts uh and also on the track and uh we've agreed to uh let them use the fieldhouse uh seeen as that isn't part of the school uh for uh in case of rain or some other uh need down there on the track for their activities down there. Uh tennis courts are being used. Uh again, parks and recck track. Um, and there's a big shredded event which will be out in the parking lot. Um, and parks. There's there's also that's a baseball camp down on there on July 19th uh for the youth and uh another track uh camp uh on the 19th through the 22nd. Grten Middle School uh right now um will have summer school. It'll be uh both Fitch High School and uh Graten Middle School summer school that they'll be

118arranging down there in the classrooms. So, we also know that because of the Asvestus project um some of the offices from Fitch High School uh the administrators and along with guidance will probably uh go down there uh to Graten Middle School so that they can service uh kids. there are no uh students and uh no one uh under the age of 18 allowed in Fitch High School during that project. So I know that there may be a couple of seniors that want to come back and and and and get something from guidance maybe for their college or advancing their careers, but uh they won't be able to go into the building even if they're 19. So it's no student or uh persons under 18 years of age. And then we have Charles Barnum. Charles Barnham

119as Dr. Piaza has stated there uh those camps will be taking place at Charles Barnum. Uh we have the rooms staged staked out and Claude Chester has a summer recreation and uh I think Camp Button is at Northeast this year. Um >> yes it is. special needs camp at Northeast >> um parks and wreck again at Mary Morrison and you know that um Mary Morrison uh is the school that will close but we're going to maintain it in in condition so that if we need to at a later date open it again and of course uh robotics is going to be going to Mary Morrison too before hopefully we'll get them in there before school opens in September uh because the town is now anxious to get us completely out of Pleasant Valley School. And

120so CK will have all the treehouse program will be at Katherine Kolaski and uh there will be nothing at SB Butler this year as that's one of the schools that's closing and not needed for anything at this point. So >> Sam, thank you for this chart. This really helps. I would love for you to send it to me so I can share it with all the administrators because they've been, you know, we've been talking about it, but the chart makes it so clear. So, thank you. >> Yeah, I I I think I emailed it to you this afternoon, but or was just before this meeting. So, >> all right. I'll look for it. Thank you. >> I'll get it to you tomorrow. >> All right. >> And and I can say we and then maybe

121you can send it out to the board members, too, so they know what's going on throughout the summer. That'd be great. >> Okay. Yep. Any questions about summer activities for Samita? I >> I have a question. Sam, um on that chart, did it say EB tennis? >> Yeah, Electric Boat has a tennis uh um group that come up there and use the high school tennis courts. So, they've uh applied to the athletic director and have have a schedule. Um Grant Longpoint used to come up too uh during different times, too. I I don't I haven't seen them in the last year or so since we built the tennis courts. They haven't been there, but not that I know. They may have come up on their own because they are open to the public. So, >>

122yes. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions? Sam, as you said at the very beginning of um of our board meeting, um thanks thanks to your staff. Um we recognized our support personnel and our teachers, but really it was your crew that um kept this kind of ticking throughout the whole year as every year. So um please send our gratitude to your staff, please. >> Yeah, it was kind of hard for our staff to work from home. [Laughter] And we needed them doing all that super clean. >> All right. I think that that is on the superintendent administration reports. We are now at our committee reports policy. I think I saw Lee. >> You actually did see me. Uh we did meet. Um we don't have anything for you to for 1 or 2

123but things are going to be different next um next June because we are meeting next week and we have a lot of work to do. >> Yes, >> we have a lot on the list. >> Well, a lot. >> It has it has been a while since we've done some policy work. So So it it'll be good. >> Um curriculum. Um Andrea, I see that Jane's not here. Would you be willing to respond to that or or I guess or Liz? But Andrea, Liz, >> I'll do it. The um we had a special meeting of the curriculum committee on um I think it was May 10th and it was for the um the the students at the high school, four students at the high school came to appeal to us and they made a a

124strong and moving case to change the African-American literature course to black literature. And the rationale is that many uh uh people of color in particular black uh who identify as black are not always do not always identify as African-American. There there may be Haitian. Uh there may be many other ways to identify other than African-American. So, um, when we come to the board, we're going to advocate that that change be made. So, that's it. >> Yay. these students. >> I think what I was so amazed with was just listening to student voice, you know, it just it it goes back to your point, Kim, that having those student representatives on the board, having them come to a curriculum meeting and be able to really show evidence of why this is important to them or any

125of our meetings is so valuable for us. So, I did appreciate that very much. >> They were compelling and strong, right? >> Yay. >> Yeah. I wanted to say too that they articulated their ideas so clearly and it was also very nice to see um expected but it was just so cool to see the excitement not only from the the four students but also from their teacher Sharon Hart as well as of course Amy McKenna. So, but it was just like their their enthusiasm, their excitement was very infectious, you know, especially once they got over the jitters about talking to us, you know. >> Yay. Financing facility Jay. >> Uh, yes. We met on May the 10th. Um, and we discussed several of these uh topics also at our last uh CO, but we um

126discussed the um uh unexpended uh funds, end of year unexpended funds. Um we reviewed the um alliance district uh funding plan and we reviewed tuition for out of district uh students and some proposals uh about that >> and I still owe you one of the I need to send that out to you the tuition chart >> to take a look at. >> Right. And we were hoping that the um you know the full board could take it up and get something in place for the new school year. >> That's a that's a mustave on our June committee the whole >> Yep. I mean I wrote it down. >> I did >> because I remembered it like after I sent everything. >> There's a lot on your plate, Susan. >> Well, it's just, you know, I

127got to write it down and remember where I put it. Um and uh learn Rita. >> Oh yes. Um the Waterford superintendent um Tom Gerard spoke at the learn board meeting and he had a very you know very inspiring PowerPoint presentation on their um equity project at their in Waterford what they've done and how it's all broken down. So, if anybody wanted me to share that, you can just send me an email and I'll pass it along to you. Um, also, um, there was a virtual NSBA conference this year and, um, at that conference, one of the learn magnet schools, which is the Connecticut River Academy in on the Goodwin University campus in East Harford, it was um, selected the number one magnet school in the country. >> Wow. >> Which is pretty amazing. And

128the principal TJ Foster was named the US principal of the year for our region though he was like for the US for just for our region but that's pretty amazing. Um we also um let's see we appointed some um new staff which is um pretty interesting. Um what I was trying to find out what they're exactly called. Oh, yes. Some new administrative positions which I thought maybe it'd be something we would be interested in. It's called an assistant director of specialized programs to support the student support services department which is our special ed department. And um you know we're progressing with um adding on to the Ocean Avenue Learning Center to create more additional craftsman space because of our district referrals. There's a waiting list and I think I think that's about all. So, it

129was it was a good meeting and I have another meeting um Friday morning and a building committee meeting. >> Yay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um town council RTM and board of ed Andrea did >> I have it. >> Okay. >> I have it. we met and uh on May 5th and in terms of the educa our report the education board of education the big thing was the introduction of Dr. Hill to the to the groups. Um and we also talked about the rib ribbon cutting at Fitch High School for the greenhouse which is a wonderful thing. you talked about the um the curriculum committee and and the international back balaria program I'm sorry and how some of the AP classes are going to marry with you with Yukon for to um to to

130beef up what the students at are be are being offered. Finally, um, in terms of the town council, they talked about the fair housing, uh, policy and and the town council's approving it and the t the Pleasant Valley, you can see that I hate to read the the Pleasant Valley school property sale. They talked about that and they talked about tax abatement for seniors and disabled veterans. City council had no report. That was easy to read. the RPM report really consisted about talking about the Gratenheis property. Um, that was it. >> But don't ask me to read again. >> Okay, ma'am. I won't. >> Um, and then the ASA GA board of ed leazison, I believe we're meeting on Wednesday. Is that correct? And I think Beth had reached out to see who would like

131to do it in person. They were thinking of the par4 again um at the end of the year. So we just need to get that word back to them. I think she had gotten a lot of yeses, but she hadn't heard yet from board members. So just wanted to to hear back. So >> was that? >> No, we never re >> we never received I've never received it. >> I I sent it to Kim. I didn't. >> Oh, so um yes, I will send it out to the people who are part of the leazison, but I I'm in I'm in for uh I'm in for seeing people that have something beyond below their shoulders. That would be really nice to see the board of ed um the district people. So, yep. But I will send

132that on Beth. That totally my mistake. >> And I would love too if it was outside on their deck. >> Oh, yeah. Outside on the deck would be a really good idea. We we have we have asked for a reservation outside on the deck. >> Okay. >> Um preferably. >> So now that everybody's heard it, just um let Beth know if you're in so that she can make sure her reservations. >> No, that is what the Leah is on committee. Rosemary. >> Oh, okay. >> Never mind. >> That would be Andrea and Jay >> and me and and Rita. Yeah, Rita, you had already responded, so I had Sorry. >> So that's Wednesday the 26 at 4 pm. Yes. >> I'll have to check my calendar. I'm not sure. I think I may have things

133right up till four, but we'll see. >> Um and then Lee Graten Scholarships. >> Yes. Um they have made their decisions. Um it's going to be quite wonderful. Um we are all I don't know if we will all meet at the awards ceremony, but that will be on June 9th. We were not sure where it's going to be. Whether it's going to be at the auditorium, whether it's going to be at the cafeteria, I'm not sure yet, but um it is July 9th at 6. June 9th and six. >> And um Le uh thank you so much for taking up the helm uh as a representative of the board um and meeting with the scholarship committee. You've done a really >> It's been a pleasure. It's a nice organization. I I've enjoyed it a great

134deal. Lee, >> excuse me. I'm sorry, Kim. >> No, please go. >> Lee, is that going to be virtual or in person? >> In person. >> We are doing it in person. >> Oh, >> that's why I said auditorium. >> That's what I thought, but I just wanted to make sure >> anything anything can change, but that's what we're hoping for. >> Okay, great. >> Thank you, Athletic. >> Welcome. Jay, is there anything new? >> Um, I don't know if I've already mentioned this, that the town council approved the CIP to study the athletic field proposal. Um, and so basically, they're just waiting um uh to start work on that. Okay, >> Kim, I wanted to to ask you if we could add something to this because the state military uh council for military children

135met on April 29th. >> Yes. >> And we we meet like twice a year. So, but maybe that should be on here. >> Miss Jones, put that down. >> I just asked Miss Joan to put that down. Do you want to do you want to report out to that because it has been on on there in the past. >> Yeah. >> What exactly is the title, please? >> It's um I don't know what MLS MLC stands for, but I'm sure uh Oh, maybe that's the state milit state council uh for military children. So, Susan, do do you have anything that you know better than that? Well, they tend to review the compact with us. The national >> No, I meant I just I just meant about the um name what the title was. Mrs. Johnson,

136>> we can I can double check in my >> when I get to the office. I have three things. >> I have three things and then if you have anything else, Susan, maybe you can add to it. Okay. And that was that um the big things were was there's a a tutor.com for military children that that is offered in segments of 20 minutes uh and it's free for military children but uh there's a nominal fee for non-military and maybe we can get that out to everybody to to so that they have that at their at their convenience. And the the other big thing that hit me was that um they're keeping an eye on legislation that may nullify the compact and that's very serious in my in my view and and really there's something about

137I have something about um a video that makes an easier transition for military families and maybe you could talk more about that. So that was I had even asked the question it could that be some of our students like maybe even at Graten Middle School with the broadcasting to talk about military life and the idea of transitioning from state to state and I did get an answer back that that was doable. So, I've um put the the idea into Leslie Forbes um to kind of take a closer look at that to see and they, you know, they would then share that out with this organization. So, it's for military children to tell their story >> um about transitioning state-to-state. >> Wow, that would be cool to come from Graten. >> Yeah, would be, wouldn't it?

138Any other questions? So, we also had negotiations and I believe that we have wrapped that up. Is that correct? >> I think we have one more coming up. >> Uh, yes. Wednesday. >> Okay. >> Six o'clock. >> Okay. So, we're but we're we're getting towards the we're getting towards the end and I also believe that we've gotten notice that we'll be um joining negotiations with the GA. Is that correct? Yes, I got that. >> Wow. Okay. All right. And so if there is no other things and you're right, um Jay, thank you for saying um thank you to Miranda for giving us that title. That that was really nice. Thank you. >> Um so the next um part of the agenda is the consent agend agenda where all matters listed under the consent agenda are

139considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. Points of clarification will be allowed. Um, I'll take a motion for that. >> So, move. >> Thank you, Lee. >> Second. >> I got a second from Rosemary. Is there any discussion? All those in favor of approval of the consent agenda, please say I. >> I. >> Oppose. Abstain. Motion has carried. Um, we have no old business. We have new business which is the voting of the calendar because that is something that I just love to do. And Susan, could you just orient us to this? Um, wait, you know what? >> Let me let let's get a let's get a motion on the floor and let's get a second and then let's go into the two discussion. So, can I can I have a

140>> I'll move that. >> That's Andrea. Can I have a second for that? I've got Liz move into discussion. >> So, it goes back we I think I brought this to your attention at several COWs that Dr. Grineer um before he retired left the calendar in my in my hands. um and really talked about the regional calendar trying to really make sure that our vacations aligned with the regional calendar since our students since our teachers have students in other areas and that was the whole purpose of the regional calendar. So the biggest change is the spring break which will start on Good Friday and go the next week. Um there weren't a lot of days built in for snow days because we actually start after uh and we'll need that time, but we start after

141Labor Day. Um we have professional learning of course the week before and new teachers and that kind of thing. And then the the other the third thing is that we've taken the TLI days and put them with the department days. So that gives teachers three hours of collaborative time which um I met with broughten teaching and learning and they were really excited by this and they've already started thinking about how well they can use those hours between the magnet themes the my um and you know accelerating learning and working in departments they have a lot on their plate so this will give them quality time um to do it to do the work. So, those are the three biggies. The, you know, spring break. Um, we knew we were starting after Labor Day and we

142still need that time because of, you know, the way the buildings are coming. We're really expecting for the buildings to be open a little sooner than Graten Middle School was, but if you remember, we had to go to remote learning at Graten Middle School for a week just because at the very end, we kind of came to a little uh slowdown. So, I think that's the safest way to go. Um I saw Vita and then Liz. >> Yeah. Um when I look at this calendar, doesn't it what? And it says the first day of school. I can't quite understand in parentheses. Is it 1-12? >> Grades 1 through 12. >> You asked me. I don't have my glasses on and I'm in the dark. Oh >> yes, grades. It means grades. >> So the first

143day >> it's grades. It's grades. >> It's grades. So that is before Labor Day. >> No. After Labor Day. >> Seven. >> September 7th. >> Yeah. >> Oh, I see. >> But we typically do a screening for our preschoolers and our kindergarteners. Rita. >> And we we started to do them in the spring, but this year we really weren't able to. So we'll do like we did last year where we bring them in in the start of the year when we bring in first through 12th grade. So they'll be coming in for orientation and for some assessments and kind of getting acclimated, transitioning and then they come in full throttle the next week. >> Okay. So my question again is going to be about um the voting. Um, I believe now that we should go

144back to the town of Brtton and ask them to maybe use some of our closed buildings so we do not have to have a day off from school. Change some of the voting so that we could get that November 2nd date back since November always has so many vacation days and no contact for students. So, I mean, now that we don't own we'll not own some of those buildings if the town wants to use them. >> That's actually a really good idea. I wish I had thought of that before we finished the calendar. I think Sam is still on here. So, >> we can still look into it. I think that's a really good idea because we do have Veterans Day and we have uh professional learning day in November and then we have Thanksgiving

145and we take off the day Wednesday, the whole day Wednesday. that's kind of become a tradition. >> So, it would be some time. >> Well, we can actually the board could actually vote on it and say it's an in-person day and you know, we really don't want the town to use the schools because November is so broken up. I mean, that that's also a board decision, you know, whether or not there should be voting in in the schools or should the students be in school on that day, >> right? So, >> is Sam on here knowing the the facilities? Because I think it in those buildings where the gym is outside of the um the classrooms, it's so much safer like SB Butler was always a nice place and and the gym facilities at the

146high school. But is Sam still here with us? >> Yeah, I'm still on that. Yes, I'm still on and and we're still uh discussing with the uh registars of voters uh regarding uh where they would like to vote. Uh one of the problems is it has to be a large enough space. Uh and there are a lot of different districts in town. So, uh um I'm not sure that just the closed schools would would would fit that need. Uh but it's certainly something that we'll bring up with them when we talk to the registars and see if there's something something we can do. >> Oh, >> yeah. We have central office >> that we use. >> Um certainly a mute point because I think learn has um used that their district or at least the

147reg the close schools have done some regional sort of PD um where you can kind of go to different towns to kind of get different PD opportunities. So that might not work. So that that's that sounds to me, Rita, that we could make whatever vote we would want to, but unless we sort of understand all the other points of contact around that that day, that doesn't make a whole bunch of sense. >> Well, I I think it'd be a very good CO topic for the future >> because it it's really when you look at November this year, it's just so broken up. And um I I'm not sure why we have a PD day um on the 16th if if it's going to be also on November 2nd. So >> I've got I've got Liz.

148>> Okay. Um I just want to point out that and I understand the reasoning behind this uh movement of the April the April vacation. I just want you all to realize that AP and IB testing are going to start right after that vacation. Y >> and that honestly having been in that field for doing those with working with those kids for that long a time this is a real difficulty to have a vacation right before literally right before these highstakes tests take place. So, I just want you to be aware that, you know, you only have a couple of days, you get back from vacation, everybody's in vacation mode, and then all of a sudden you have to go into very, you don't have a lot of time, and it's very difficult for the kids.

149So, and the other thing I was going to say, and Rita, you made me think of this, was that, you know, some school districts don't have November 11th. They don't take Veterans Day. They use it as a teaching day. And a lot of schools in the country do this and that might be something we want to think about. I understand my husband's a vet. You know, we live in a veteran community, but it's a teach. It's a teaching moment. There's a lot of things we could we could do with that day. And so, I just want to throw that out there for a future discussion. But I'm just concerned especially with that, April. And I understand, you know, teachers live all over the place and stuff, but the bottom line is our kids. And I

150just am concerned. I am concerned because it's just, you know, two weeks is, you know, that's not bad. At least you get in for two weeks, but um one week or less really because usually the IB testing starts at the end of April. Just saying. >> Thank you, Liz Jean. So if we've moved the the April week later to align ourselves with other communities, I imagine the other communities are also, never mind the a the IB, but they're also they also have students that take AP exams. What's their experience been like? >> I don't expect an answer by the way, but I'm just sort of curious. They must be thinking the same thing. So that week in April affects a lot of our assessments even for elementary and middle school because we really get started

151when they get back. So it's really a district thing that we do. So whether you have the week midappril or the second week of April or the third week of April, it really doesn't matter. You really are preparing for the whole year or several years. You're preparing for the whole year for that. and you do want to get them back to give them some review, but other than that, it doesn't really um you know make too much of a difference in this case. It's a oneweek difference. >> And just thought of this too. Suppose we're moving our April week to align with them and at the same time they're moving their week up to align with us. How do we know that's not happening? Well, the regional calendar comes out and that's what we base

152our calendar on. >> Okay. >> So, um >> we know leisured and Yeah. Okay. >> All of them. Yeah. And learn. >> So, so we're the oddballs. >> Well, for some reason, I guess we scheduled a spring break a week earlier than they did. So, >> yeah, I'm I'm with Liz. There's a problem with that. I understand the need and it's it's it happens all over the state. Uh but I do have a problem with just that that proximity. And one more thing I have to say, in general, I'm in favor of not having to impose on the school buildings, although we have a lot of them on election day. We have other municipal buildings. I know it's going to screw things up. And we have, you know, seven polling places, so probably more than

153anybody else around us. In fact, I know it's more than anybody else around us. And it's an imposition. But I hated the notion of having to close school on election day >> uh just just for that. Um, and that's also part of the regional calendar with professional learning and um, of I think Jay had mentioned it, but it is a regional um, calendar. So, we do regional PD um, and you know, but I can certainly talk to Kate Ericson and my learn counterparts to see what's going to happen for next year and what we're thinking and bring those points up to them. >> That would be great if you could do that. Um, Kim, I have one more thought. If we decided not to do the third week, um, but include Good Friday the week

154before in vacation, April 11th, I would propose, um, having the students come back on on the 20th and have, if we include Good Friday in that vacation week, have off Easter Monday because I know that that is a hardship for many families. So that that's just a thought if we wanted to do it that way instead and have that Monday off and then have, you know, from the 19th on school. But that's just just a thought. I don't know. I don't think we're saving any time there. And I don't know really that big a difference. >> It's it's that conflict with the exam time. That is critical. >> Well, I think taking a week out of April conflicts with all of our testing periods. So on almost we really have to be responsible for getting

155kids ready throughout the year. >> Let them have a break, come back, get them, you know, reaclimated and then do the assessments. >> So then are you saying move it to March? >> Well, yes. That used to be what we did, right? >> Yes. Well, Graten never did, but I think that's a great idea, especially since we no longer have February vacation and March is a very long month. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> It's a good teaching month, though. >> As long as there's no snow. >> Any any other questions on the calendar, Liz? >> I just had, you know, Rita, you said that in just, but I know states Yeah. You know, in like my my sister taught in the Midwest, >> they did not have February. They did not have April. They had

156March. >> Yes. Many many towns do. >> And where do you know a lot of these states that had their their break in March, you know, their test scores are better than New England who has it in April. Just saying. You know, I just Sorry. It's been a >> time. I'd have to question the evidence on that one. >> well, we need to get some evidence. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Um, that would be an interesting research project. be an interesting thing for curriculum committee maybe. >> Yeah, >> I'm in. >> Yeah. So, I I agree with Beth that it would have to be a regional decision for March because of we run into the same reason why we have a regional calendar, which is that for buses and and for teaching and stuff like

157that. But for the for purposes of this upcoming calendar, do we have any more discussion? Well, I mean, I'm not going to vote for it if you're going to pass it tonight, but that's just me. >> Are are what are we keep using for the vacation in April? Are we going to go the week earlier or not? because of that those you know um if there's any way we can avoid that that splashdown day for testing and re-entry from vacation. >> Well, it won't be the same day. >> Well, no, but >> like a week apart. >> It's sort of like COVID time. It's whenever, you know, but it's it's very close if you do it that way. But the week before sounded like a good idea. And then um with um Easter Monday off,

158I just I feel like the staff is very much aware of the new schedule. I don't know. I I could ask Beth what she's thinking um about on the teachers perspective, but I just have to remind people that we don't we don't crash course on these assessments. We really we teach throughout the year to give kids kids a deep understanding of these ideas that they don't forget >> over a week's vacation and that they we do want them to be ready to go certainly when they prepare when they're sitting down to take the test. We don't want them still in vacation mode >> but it's something that we use all year multiple years that we prepare kids. No, >> we can always fantasize that the students are using this time to prepare for the tests

159also. >> Oh, yeah. We could >> I have a good fantasy life. >> Okay. So, let's see if we can get it back into the calendar. Um Beth, I know that you had unmuted, but I am going to I'm gonna actually recognize Andrea and then Dean and then Beth if that's possible. Please. I'm going to vote for this because I think that we we all know that that the vacation is coming and we and I want to just reiterate what what Susan said and that is that we teach all all year long and we know that so we should be preparing all year long for this and it will give the students a good rest and when they come back they'll be ready to go. That's >> Dean. >> Yeah, I'm not sure of that.

160I think what's going to happen is that the all students except those who are seniors um I want to say seniors maybe juniors and seniors uh they'll take the week off they'll do something nothing station Kate whatever but if you're looking at an AP exam your family will say well okay everybody else gets to go away or gets the day off but this the people who are seriously looking to score well on the AP exams just won't be going to school but they'll be here they'll be studying if they have any brain Because it's true that you teach all year, whatever the subject is, but the fact is that people ramp up near the end. Whether it's the instructor and the student or just the student. If I was a student and this is going

161to be my week off, I'm not going anywhere. I mean, I didn't go anywhere anyway when I was a kid, but I'm not doing anything except prepping for the AP exam, >> right? >> Um, >> and that's my favorite fantasy also. >> Okay, let me Beth. So, um I would recommend uh doing the proposed calendar. Uh many of our staff and that's not just teachers. I'm thinking of pair professionals and everybody else um have their children in other districts and this would align it so those families can get that break together. And um anecdotally, I know the year that we did uh a break that late in April and then we came back and started our ESPback testing, that was one of our best years >> um in elementary because the kids came back and

162they were rested. They were ready to go. They weren't so uptight about the tests. And I know when my kids were in school, even if we did go away, they did still study for their exams beforehand. So, I think we need to put some faith in our families and our students and um make it also about that social emotional health break for our students um as they prepare for testing um because it's more than a score and we we do prepare all year long. So, we need to have some faith in that and and put our faith in the regional calendar for that piece and um have that. Um, just to remind you when you're talking about PD days, there is a contractual obligation for how many PD days there are and that November 12th

163or date or November 2nd date, excuse me, election day does fulfill um, one of those days. So that's all I have. >> Thank you. Any other conversation? So, I'm going to call for a vote. All those in favor of the motion that's on the floor, which is to approve the 2021 school calendar, please say I. >> I. >> One to Andrea. >> I >> three Lee. >> Okay. >> All right. I just want to make sure. And then all those opposed. >> I Liz and Dean abstain. And that's Rita. >> It passes. >> It passes cuz there's one, two, three, four, five. Five that passed, two that said no, and one one abstension. the majority of those voting and abstensions don't count. >> Right. >> You're you're abstaining from voting. Yeah. >> Right. Right. >>

164I was just I was just doing the math and got it. All right. >> So, how what was the final vote? Just out of curiosity. I couldn't understand. I didn't see five. Yeses. >> Ra hands. >> Joan. >> Oh, maybe there were five. >> Yes, there was. There's >> okay >> there was >> good to go. >> Yeah, there was five. There was five yeses. Correct. >> Yes. >> Thank you. All right. Um letters and communication. I will start with Rita. >> Um no communications. >> Rosemary. Uh I have attended um the gas meeting um and they have some interesting projects for that would in be interesting I think for students um but they're just getting in tying up prevention week. So, and um I also attended the board meeting for Sound Community Services and

165their diaper um day was wonderful. Very full but in a good way. [Applause] >> Lee, uh can you mute? Can you unmute? Uh the fuchsia that I bought at our wonderful greenhouse is still alive and wonderful. >> Mine too. >> Yay. >> I just want to say this is one of my favorite nights uh to be able to celebrate. >> Yes. >> Uh these teachers and staff and students of course. Um, and in that vein, I just wanted to note that uh, one of our Fitch High School science teachers, uh, Erica Watson, uh, was just awarded her doctorate. >> She is now Doctor of Health Science in Clinical Health and Clinical Nutrition. So, >> and I'm sure there's many other >> faculty. She's a Dr. Watson, I presume. >> She's Dr. Watson. You're about We

166have got to pay her more now. >> She moves over one column, right? >> Do do you have any um correspondence or communications? >> No. >> Um Liz, >> just that uh the little kids in my neighborhood are so excited to be back to school as well as their parents who are saying thank you, M. um but also that they're looking forward to um the different camps that they um very wellreceived in this area. >> So I just wanted to say kudos to to all of you who have put that together. Okay, but >> that's it. >> Thank you. >> And Andrea, >> I just wanted to say congratulations to Dr. Watson. And I'm sure that was a simple deduction that you made there about her. And I wanted to uh to send bouquets to

167Ernie, his crew for the wonderful opening of the greenhouse. Just wonderful. >> Beautiful. >> And I'm wondering, Kim, if this would be appropriate. I've been get collecting one big thing from all the Martin Luther King scholars and I'm wondering if at the next meeting because I didn't think of it till just now if that could be part of my communications to let you know where the uh Fitch High School Martin Luther King scholars are. >> Yes. >> Oh, that would be wonderful. >> That would be great and a a great way to advertise um actually the whole scholarship program. I think that that would be great. Um, we have to uh we have to acclimate Dr. Piaza to Martin's account. >> Yes. >> Yeah, I'm interested. >> Um, so um I don't have any letters

168of communication. I do have an apology that I need to give to Beth Holler. You did send me that email and I am it it it it went it went into my email and it stayed there. Um, so I apologize. I was not trying to avoid the conversation. I don't think that's not my style anyways, but I wanted to do a a public and personal apology to you about not um not passing that on to the people that needed to have it. And my apology goes to the other members um of that committee that needed to get that. So for that, I send my apologies. >> Would you all like um Joyce to send out just a reminder of place, time, and everything to the people on the committee? >> That would be great. Thank

169you. So, um, uh, just for the just to note that we have some advanced planning. Um, and it looks like everything around the board of education budget has gone through the RTM meeting because the meeting has ended. So, I think that we're good with our budget, by the way. Um, just thought you would guys want to know. I don't hear any more noises downstairs. Um, and um, but that's all there. Um, in terms of our future meeting dates, um, and I do want to say that, um, tomorrow, uh, we were supposed to have like a more full retreat. Um, Susan and I and Phil when we got together, we were like, "Oh, it's coming so quickly." And we really, we really needed to have more input from the board. So, tomorrow's meeting should be should

170be quick and dirty. >> Um, and and we're >> Is that for all of us? >> Yes, it is. >> What time is it? I didn't know that. What time? >> What time is it? >> 6. >> And that's >> and it should just be about an hour. We're going to really get your ideas for the planning >> for when hopefully this summer we can meet in person and have a good meal together. >> That would be wonderful. >> Wouldn't that be wonderful? >> Yes. So, I just wanted to just to say that so instead of having a full-on retreat that we weren't quite sure what the direction needed to be, we wanted to all get together um and have us kind of say, you know, and it could be once again in a series

171of different retreats, which I would um I think is a there's a benefit for as well. But so, tomorrow it should be a quick and dirty sort of planning session for the whole board to come together to look at a retreat. That's what that's what >> bring your good ideas with you. before you um leave um could s Susan could you just remind everybody when graduation is? It's not on that calendar. >> um not on the you know our board in our board packet. I just >> Friday the 18th and there's a rain date of the 19th. >> There is a rain date this year. >> Okay. >> Because we can only do it outdoors. So we're going to be praying for sunshine. >> Okay. And are they doing um how are the diplomas going

172to be awarded? >> Well, we're going to be giving them out in person. So, um >> I didn't going by >> or picking something up or how it was going to happen. >> Well, I think I think it's going to be done in the traditional fashion and then I know the board members come up and help hand out along with the superintendent and the um staff. last >> two years ago we weren't but >> so maybe so maybe we should get um clarification um this this will kind of be Ted's first sort of like normal graduation and so maybe um Phil and Susan need to get to Ted to find out really how they want the board's participation um in in the in the doing the diploma that makes the most sense Liz >> and

173I just I just texted I emailed Ted Selom I was going to attend so if you are interested in attending if you plan on attending. Um he said to either contact him or Matt Brown. >> So once again, Susan, maybe we can we can get a circle around um and so that it could be one one central place so that not everyone's kind of pinging Ted that maybe maybe Joyce can give all that information. >> Yeah, I'll have Joyce on that one. She'll be good at that. >> Usually that happens. And also the robes if you're going, you know, they said you didn't have to put an order in for them if you were signed up for last year's. That never happened. But then I never heard anything. So >> I've been asking about that

174too, Rita. I will follow up because I haven't gotten an answer yet. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> So I'll follow up on that one. >> If you ordered last year, they have all your information. >> So they're going to reorder for this year. But don't you think I mean usually they come about the second week of June. So I was just curious. Yeah, they're coming early. >> They're still come. They're there's still time. >> She's gonna she's going to get information. >> Okay. >> Any other any other for um future dates? >> Nope. >> Okay. Agenda topics we're going to have about voting and school use and calendar, but I'm I'm kind of thinking that the calendar needs to go on a more regional. Susan needs to bring that to learn. Rita, maybe you

175could bring that to learn. >> Yep, I will. >> Um about about looking at a regional calendar um and the AP and testing and all that good stuff. That would be useful. Any other agenda topics? >> Oh, I had a question. Um this would be for a curriculum. Um, with a change to the course at Fitch, the Is it the black history course? Is it also going >> No, it's black literature. >> Black literature. African-American literature. African-American literature. >> Is that separate from the new course that's going to be taught for on equity? >> Yes. >> And is that one also include American Indian, the one on equity? That was my question. If you had approved that in curriculum. >> So, no. the it's um the course that was approved that Carmeita brought it to

176us was AfricanAmerican history and then also um I think um Hispanic history. There is a Native American history course that's being developed at the state level and I'm sure we'll hear more about that soon. >> So maybe it's um because I don't want to have a discussion about something that's not on the agenda. So, um, how about if if we do actually have a committee, the whole oral curriculum where we where we can get a sense about what are some of the what are some of the curriculum um percolations um specifically around sort of the indigenous and um um and and stuff that would probably that's not at all a a smooth sailing um referral question, but I'm sure Susan and I and Phil can try to figure that out. Anything else? >> Maybe uh

177maybe we could have the board send any concerns to you that you can get to the curriculum. >> Yeah. Yeah. If if if anyone can figure out a a smoother way of saying what I was not saying it well at all, that would be really dandy. I what I have to say is smooth and dandy and quick. Motion motion to adjurnn. >> Second. Night Gracie. Good night. >> Good night Gracie. >> All those in favor. >> Good night all. >> Good night. >> Thank you.