001The regular meeting of the South Colony Board of Education is now called to order. Roll call. Thomas Blakeley is excused. Brian Casey is excused. Stephanie is here. Vincent Fenzo is not here. Have we heard from Vincent? Um, he's texting me right now. Yes. >> All right. We will hear from him momentarily. Rose Gigglello >> here. >> Jennifer Hulahan is excused. Michael Keane, >> I'm here. >> David Keel >> here. >> Christopher Larby is excused. And Robert Misik >> is here. >> Thank you very much. >> Said he didn't know we had the meeting. >> He [clears throat] didn't know we had the meeting. Okay. Can we all please stand for the pledge? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under
002God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Just to note, we do have a forum of five. So I excuse me, we have five board members present, which constitutes a forum. So we can go ahead and vote on our business at hand. Agenda item number three are the minutes of our October 21st, meeting. Are there any questions, comments? Hearing none, I will take a motion. Mr. Keane second, Miss Gigglyello. On the motion made by Mr. Keane, seconded by Miss Giggleello, that the minutes of the regular meeting of October 21st, 2025 be approved. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion carries five to zero. Agenda item number four, superintendent update. Dr. Perry. >> Yes. Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming. Um, just wanted to uh congratulate our recent inductees in the academic
003hall of fame. Uh last Thursday uh we inducted not only um seven new members to our academic hall of fame but uh close to 40 students in our national honor society. So really well done. Thank you Mr. Catcher and high school staff. Uh Colleen Clayton uh thank you for all your years of of hard work on behalf of the NHS and student inductions there. So just a great ceremony. Um that same week on Monday uh we had our music faculty recital. So, thank you to our music faculty, Miss Faziola, and your department for uh uh putting on a wonderful faculty recital. I understand they raised over $1,200 for music scholarship. And nice to see uh interwin between our staff and our students. They really do a nice job getting our middle school and high school
004kids and alumni who come back to that event. Um, special thanks to Stewart Shops uh donating 100 uh dozen eggs, 100 dozen of eggs, as well as 100 gallons of milk. They're not giving us the physical milk and eggs. They're giving us cards that we can share with our families, but it goes a long way in helping our families that are in need. Um, and I I just want to remind families uh if you are in need, please reach out to the school buildings. We have a lot of information on our district website um on ways that we can assist and if you are in a position where you can help others there's also ways that you can get involved. We are doing a collection the district office and the village of county and partnership
005for um personal items to toilet paper and toothpaste and and things like that. Many of the buildings are doing food drives. I know coming up the PPSA um craft fair on Saturday they're also doing a food drive. So uh many of our buildings have done that. Uh so thank you to those that are involved that can provide support and again if you're in in need uh please reach out to staff in our buildings and uh we'll be happy to help um the extent we we possibly can. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Agenda item number five, new business. [clears throat] >> Mr. Mis, >> Dr. Perry mentioned it. Attended both those events too. They were spectacular. the music uh faculty was great. Um the academic hall of fame, congrats to the hall of fame
006committee. You guys did a great job. Um seven great inductees and it's great night. So great job by the committee. >> Very good. >> Um >> so likewise, you know, I think we are all at the the Hall of Fame. um the approach the um the having it as part of that um was wellreceived. Um the resounding um unsolicited feedback was um it really was a a great format for for folks. >> Um it's funny Rose and I were saying, you know, we all kind of went to the same things since our last time. We all got to do Halloween High. Terrific. >> Um I was able to attend uh PTA council and share feedback with um all those folks. Um I was at uh last night's PTSA meeting as Dr. Perry said. Um there's
007a craft fair um 9 to3 on Saturday. Um we're also hosting football games Friday and Saturday. >> Yes. >> So >> excellent. Um I did get to attend our um playoff game. Um kudos to to those folks for for a fantastic season. Um we also have a suburban council champion and Owen Connley won the cross country u for suburban council was third in the section is headed to states this weekend next weekend somewhere in that ballpark. I think it's his third fourth year in a row. Um, it's a great journey to to follow. >> Very good. >> That's everything. >> Thank you very much. >> And happy birthday. [laughter] >> Well, seeing that, you know, we have a a abbreviated board. We could have really changed the venue to rusty rusty nail. But, you know,
008there's there's only so many people that 29 wings could have fed. So, yes. Yes. [laughter] >> Mr. Would you like to add anything? >> Sure. Um, first of all, the last time we had a meeting, the uh 21st of October, there was a concert going on and I understand that was wonderful. The next night I did attend a concert at the high school and it was equally as good. I, as I said to the some of the directors, sometimes in October the first concert is just a little bit less than perfect. That's a nice way of saying that they're just getting ready, just getting used to each other. But this concert was wonderful. All all the groups were were good. Um the freshman orchestra, the freshman sophomore band, the mix course, and the chamber singers
009were all top of their game. So that was wonderful. Um not sure what you think we'll we'll do about the the conference. We're going to discuss the conference. >> I I think we're going to wait until our next board meeting have the entire board. >> Okay. So Halloween high we took care of and the faculty recital you should have been there. That was wonderful. It was commendable by all the people. Um Mr. Catchy Duran just add my kudos on the uh Hall of Fame induction. It was wonderful. Very well done. I hope you'll have some way to convey to the students who are involved how well they did. That was it was a nice touch to have them involved. Um then November 10th, uh the highlight of the year at Lishaill. >> Oh, >> we
010had a um >> the Veterans Day >> Veterans Day celebration and it was uh wonderful. The I got to get my card here with the names of the people. Uh Mr. Obermmyer, Mr. Polycino and Miss Medvev uh put on a wonderful uh show because they invited many many veterans uh to be introduced and to uh talk about some of their accomplishments to the students in the audience who were very well attentive to the to the uh show. Um Mr. Palicino's his grandfather spoke and also uh Paul Paul Dwey was that his name that they uh veterans who talked about their experiences. Did I say it right? >> Dao. Um and talked about their experiences and the students were were wrapped. I think they they heard everything that was going on and uh uh it was
011a wonderful experience for all of those people. Um so that was that and then uh I have a message from Mr. Canistrachi. Um uh the zone 7 Capitol Region and N Northeast New York area all state music festival is next Friday and Saturday November 21 and 22 at Proctor's Theater in Skenctity. South County has eight students performing this year. I won't read their all their names, but there's a violinist and a bass and a string bass and a viola. Uh, two tubas, vi viola again, and a soprano. Um, the area all state is equivalent to regionals for athletics. Students were chosen from a 50-mi radius based on high scores at NISMA last year. They aren't just volunteers. They had to perform and be asked to uh attend. All the students performed at level five or
012six and received nearly perfect evaluations. Now, there is a concert at 2 pm on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online. Um, and Mr. Kennachi also says that he will be there nearly all weekend and if any of the board members would like to stop in during the rehearsals, he would be happy to show you around and shows when the re rehearsals are. So, that's another honor for our musicians to uh be included in that. So, I think that's Let me just double check. I got all my list taken care of here. I think I hit them all. Thank you very much. >> Of course. Thank you. I, as you can see, we were very, very busy. >> That to me just so I can put [snorts] the Peters. >> Yeah,
013>> I think we were very, very busy. Um, I just would have [clears throat] to say ditto. I think we all attended everything. Um, and another another plug for the craft fair. Please go and support uh the the high school PTSA. It is a great place to go and shop and get some holiday uh shopping in. And that is it for that. >> Yes. 100 plus vendors. >> 100 plus vendors. And it is at the mug. >> Yes. >> This year. Terrific. >> All right. Agenda [clears throat] item number six, communications. Are there any online items? >> Nothing on. >> All right. We do have a request to address the board and this is from Samantha uh is it robes or roless roadless I I'm sorry roadless. >> All right. Um and Miss Robas wants
014to speak on transportation safety. Miss Robas, you have the floor. >> Okay. Sorry, I've never done this before, so excuse me if it's incorrect. >> No worries. >> Um I wrote like an essay here. So I'm just going to start off by introducing myself. Samantha Robles. I'm a resident of Colony A for almost 30 years. I my whole school career was South Colony and I have children that attend the district. So, I'm very loyal. Um my I bring this to the attention because I'm really concerned about the safety of not only my child but of other children. Um, it is my understanding that there is a grandfathered procedure or protocol that's been adopted and implemented where children as young as first grade are allowed to walk from a school bus to their home unattended and
015unsupervised. Um, recently, a few weeks ago, my daughter was dropped off at her school bus location. My husband's always 5 to 10 minutes ahead of the actual schedule time. Just so happens that there was a mishap of communication. They changed the route around and the bus arrived almost 20 minutes ahead. My child was dropped off and left there. She had to run all the way to our house. Luckily, she knows where we live. Um, but just to give some context, she's dropped off right in front of Central Avenue. That's a very busy road. And right in the parking lot of a very infamous motel where there is an extensive criminal history, homicide, drugs, human trafficking, just to name a few. So, it's very concerning. Um, and first graders are as young as 5 years old
016depending on where their birthday lies. And I feel like that that's a huge issue. Um, I get that, you know, transportation is really important. there's, you know, convenience. They have to get to other to other locations and and meet the other parents, so they don't want to stall or delay or anything. But I feel like maybe that can be adjusted to ensure the safety of the children is utmost priority. Um, when it comes to transportation, um, the American Academy for Pediatrics doesn't even recommend children younger than 10 years old to walk home. They don't feel like they're ready for that. um just on a cognitive level um and a developmental level. Some children even older than that may not be ready for that depending on you know where they are or if they have any
017disabilities or delays. So I feel like that should be evaluated. Um maybe this is something that can be voted upon or discussed with parents. Maybe that's something that that can you know at the beginning of the school year say are you comfortable with this if if you're not there. Um, I work for child protection, just to give you my background. And we take reports all day long on children being left in the safety of their home at five, six, seven, eight years old. So, for a child to walk on the street unattended, um, I feel [clears throat] like it's a huge safety issue. Um, so that is my point to address. I I hope that, you know, the board would advocate for the change in that procedure, especially since there's no litigation. There's nothing really
018set in stone for it. Um it it would be great to set something for the future set in stone something legal so that you know the safety of her future children also protected um that it's kind of >> Miss Ris thank you for bringing this to our our attention. Your your first presentation was perfect. [laughter] >> Um [clears throat] we will definitely look into this. We will look at this. We'll take this to our policy committee. And uh Dr. Perry, >> I can certainly follow back up with you. I'm aware of the incident. I know we made some corrections so that it won't have to handle your child, but you bring up a good point. Um I the right now the rules really center around kindergarten doortodoor drop off, but we can certainly look at
019it from a policy perspective and a safe schools perspective. Thank you for bringing to our attention. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> All right. This begins the regular business of the board. Agenda item number seven, board committee reports. Agenda item number 7A, accountability and board operations. Mr. Oh, the the report is hyperl. Mr. Misik, if you have any comments, you may make them at this point. Or if anybody has any questions, Mr. Miss would be happy. >> Any questions? It was very good meeting. Well attended. >> Mhm. >> We got that questions. >> Questions, comments? >> No, I was there. >> You were there. >> We were all >> Okay. >> We're spending a lot of time together. >> All right. 7B, strategic planning. Miss Giggle. >> Any questions? >> This one,
020too. >> That brings us to eight. Agenda item number eight, reports for information, middle school academic update. Middle school principles Jill Penn and Michael Marone will give a middle school academic update. Miss Penn, Mr. Marone. >> Thank you for inviting us back this evening. We're excited to be here tonight. >> For the record, Mrs. Penn was casual today. She went and uh put on her uh presentation. >> My presentation. >> We were talking earlier. She had spelling and other things. >> So doing the phone booth double duty. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate the effort. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> Um so all right. So we do have a new picture of the building. This is what the outside of looks like now. When we first looked at it, it's much
021better. We don't all the trees in the way. Um but you know the the work that's been completed outside of our building has just not only drastically changed the inside and the experiences for our children um but even as you approach the building. So we do appreciate your support of that um or for that that topic of I guess really the focus of our entire last two years. So got a lot going on. But both of our buildings as you know um we kind of are a blend of an elementary model and a junior high model. We have our five six students who are transitioning in with us and then they make that leap in seventh grade to really more of a model that's familiar at the high school level. The course offerings obviously we
022want to develop their foundational skills and prepare them for the future. Um one of the things that I think Mike and I both have learned having been at the elementary level at the high school level as well is that middle school is really the place where you can have a huge impact on students and their ability to be successful in the future. It's where they realize for the first time that they are the stewards of their own path. And if you can get them to um feel empowered by that information and knowledge, then you really can set them up to face the challenges of the high school. Um and of course, we do have our capital projects going on in both buildings. Right now, obviously, there's a lot more going on at Likill than there
023is sand, but um Mike is gearing up, so I try to keep him informed. Our numbers have changed a little bit. We're at 6 to 651 and Mike is at 864 kids. So, still a big difference in the numbers between the >> So, as we thought about um I think it was a year ago that we were in front of you and we thought about um how we wanted to approach this presentation, what we looked at was trying to tie three different themes to the things we're going to highlight. Um I think like most things in the district, uh everything that happens at the middle schools ties back to our four district pillars which we have listed, the academics, wellness, character, and community. So, that's one of the themes you'll see tonight. The other uh
024two themes, one relates to how our middle schools are supporting the district vision 2025. And as you can see, um we recognize that that includes those dynamic uh classroom experiences, the culturally responsive and inclusive um both classrooms and school buildings. uh opportunities for multiple character education and recognition opportunities and also uh finding new and innovative ways to uh further our family relationships, our community partnerships. Um so that that's the second theme you'll see. And the third theme you'll see on the next few slides really relates to how the middle school can begin to support the conversations that are happening as we look at the new portrait of a graduate um across our district. So, as we move into this next slide, you'll see the portrait of a graduate, the six uh highlights of that. You'll
025see interspersed into these slides, and we'll highlight some of the things that we believe really um address that portrait of a middle schooler uh as it relates to where we fit in the district, portrait of a graduate work that'll be ongoing. So, pass back to Mrs. Town. Um we have some accelerated course opportunities for our students starting in seventh and eighth grade. Although we do have students as young as sixth grade taking accelerated math depending on their um abilities and then we give them that opportunity to go to the high school. So to take some math classes. So we have kids every year that are taking them right over to the high school. So we're um really fortunate that we're able to schedule that. I know the high school when they're building their master schedule
026is always very mindful of having a course first period so that our kids are able to go and then return to the building in time for period 2. So um you know that really does take a lot of collaboration but we do value those opportunities for kids and we want to make sure that they continue to exist. Um we also have earth science obviously in eighth grade for our students and uh that lab opportunity I think is is really one of the most authentic opportunities they have as they prepare for the high school. although they've had labs before at the lower levels, it's really very different as we all know when you're preparing for a region, you have these requirements that you have to fulfill. Um academic support for learners, we have a new AIS
027opportunity this year um with our literacy lab. Uh we are looking for opportunities to support our students not just as readers. So reading at the middle level, as you know, obviously is is kind of unique. Um you think about little kids coming in and some of them still are struggling. They don't have that phmic awareness. they really do struggle with comprehension and reading just as a basic skill is not something that they've mastered yet. When you get to the middle level, we did have reading opportunities, but there was always that gray area because it was more about comprehension. So, the kids could read, a lot of them had that phic awareness, but when you started to get into comprehension and writing about what you're reading, they really were not prepared to do that. So, the
028addition of the literacy lab this year, grades five through eight is going to hopefully fill that gap. And we're very excited to see already the opportunities that our kids have had that they didn't have previously. And of course, we've had our math lab the last few years. We're still looking to expand those opportunities to support students at the seventh and eighth grade level. Mr. and I do share somebody goes back and forth. So on opposite days, um, we're able to scoop up some of more of those seventh and eighth graders. Um, we do find particularly that move from seventh to eighth grade with Matt, it becomes a lot more demanding. So kids that might not have been on our radar as seventh graders are popping up and can use the support. But our staff does
029a great job of using the data that's available looking at where kids are successful, where they're struggling. And even if it's just for a semester, trying to get them in, you know, fill in those gaps that the kids have and then send them back out. Um there's nothing better that we can do as an organization, I think, than push kids when they are ready, but when they're still within that same grade level. When we take kids all the way through the year and we say, "Oh, you're doing a great job. you're you're growing as a reader, you're growing as a math student, but we never let them go and try it on their own. Um, our actions don't really match what we're telling them. And kids know better than anyone if we're being authentic. So,
030we do try to seek opportunities to let them go in the middle of the year so that if they're struggling, we can give them some more support, but also at the same time, um, really giving them that confidence that we know they need as learners. >> In addition to, uh, the core academics that Mrs. Pen just described in all the different um ways that we're supporting students. We also are proud of the exploratory experiences we provide which are very experiential in nature. Um designed to really expose students to a variety of different areas. Um at the fifth and sixth grade level um it's more of the traditional elementary experiences. You have your art, music, PE. Um, we do have a computer applications course which, um, is a little different than the K4, but a fairly
031traditional exploratory experience that, um, aligns pretty well with the K4 level. As students move into seventh grade, uh, we do give them the opportunity to expand. There's, uh, Spanish and French offerings. We have our, uh, exploratory block, which includes health, art, home, and careers, and technology. Um, additionally, PE, our music offerings at the middle level. I think uh would rival any districts. I think our students receive a real rich experience beginning in fifth grade with performing groups. Every fifth and sixth grade students a part of performing groups. So I think um we're both proud of the fact that we do offer a lot of exploratory experiences that really are designed to help students decide um where they're where they fit in, where what their interests are. Um and along with that comes the opportunity for
032that project based learning which ties to those 21st century skills. A lot of those exploratory experiences including tech and STEM really uh showcase that. Um as well as as Mrs. Pen mentioned our science labs are another area that you'd see that one of uh the pieces that came from some conversation last year that relate to um project-based learning opportunities would be uh we're going to pilot this year with a group of students the opportunity [cough] for them to earn a point towards the seal of civic uh civic readiness. Um we have a group from our our youth bureau students who will be attending the uh annual youth leadership summit. Those students will follow that up um with a presentation. We will look uh at that process to hopefully then have a larger scale implementation of
033that point uh process for students in the school year 2627. So we are excited about that. That was um some ongoing conversations last year that will um continue this year and into next. >> Digital citizenship always a fun topic. Um in both buildings we started our open house with presentations to families not only to talk about our bell-to-bell policy but also the importance of [clears throat] um monitoring and keeping track of what your kids are doing online. Um one of the things that Mr. Millington said to all the parents is if your kids are in a group chat get them out of it immediately. Um, there's nothing worse than a a group chat. Uh, they're very savvy about how to include kids that really don't even know they're being included. Um, for example, we had
034a young man uh over the course of one of the long weekends, he got a couple of teachers phone numbers. You know, there's the magic of the internet. So, he was messaging the teachers and each time the teachers would block the number, he would pick somebody else from his address book and so then it would go through again because they didn't have that number blocked. So, as we started investigating this, there's names of kids coming up who had no idea that they had even been included. So, we did want to encourage the families not only to um you know, keep tabs on those conversations that kids are having, but more importantly, um to discuss with their kids, the choices that they're making about the information that they're sharing even with kids that they think are
035their friends. So, um that was really important. But, um if Mr. Millington can do anything, it's going to be determined to group chats. Uh that is his focus this year. [laughter] Um we also we were also chatting on the lobby on our way in really uh in terms of the cell phone we have not that either building had major issues the policy our bell develop policy which we really uh reinforced last year is something that has been a very smooth transition for our kids so that's been a positive um the character recognitions and awards both buildings have uh opportunities to recognize students for demonstrating good character I know that Mazio and Mr. mom were talking about getting that information up for their families. They just had another recognition opportunity. We have shifted this year. Um
036we had we have student recognition committee and they decided to take the Wolfpack acronym and they have different character traits for each of the letters. So starting this first month, we'll be recognizing students demonstrating um the character traits that that the group identified and selected. We also have our gotcha passes. So we try to catch those kids making good choices each and every day. And um once a month when we have or excuse me quarterly when we have those recognition ceremonies, we make sure that we have um one of those names out and you know we have our our big winner and the kids have been very excited about it. We were hesitant when we first went into it. Um but you know you really have to remember that middle schoolers are kind of like
037elementary students but bigger and so they love nothing more than getting a lollipop or you know being up in front of their friends with a certificate. Um, but it was really exciting to see because that can go sometimes either way um when you're talking about making good character choices. But we try to um model that with the kids and more importantly um you know reinforce with them when they're doing things that they should be doing. And um that has made the difference for us and I'm sure with Mr. Mo um and his team over at S Creek as well. And in addition to that, um I think uh at both locations, we continue to try to find unique ways to uh improve our communication. We use the traditional methods that I think um most folks
038in the district use. We have parent square. We have our Aspen parent portal. We're also trying to find ways to get families into the buildings. Um, I think our openhouse event is a is a good way that I would showcase um us trying to rethink an event that we've done the same way for many years. This year along with Miss Fazioli uh kind of taking a lead on um piloting a new model which the hope was it felt a little less formal, a little more um exciting and and inviting for families. What we found was that our traditional model was pretty rigid in that if I'm a family that could only get over for 30 minutes, um I might not be able to to visit the people that I wanted to visit. This was a
039little uh more free form. Families could come. We had uh Wolfie was there. We we made it more celebratory. Um and our hope was to get and we have been collecting feedback from both families and staff on you know, did it accomplish what we wanted it to? Did families receive the information that's important? Um, so that's one huge piece of openhouse, but also did families appreciate uh this opportunity as a less formal, you know, I can come and go a little bit less rigidly. Um, so I think uh I know Miss Penn said that they were looking at um also trying something new. So that's just an example of ways that we're trying to rethink um our traditional ways of communicating to increase that community engagement. Um the other the other piece that we have
040on this slide that I would just highlight and I'm actually going to have Miss Fazioli speak to this a bit. Uh both buildings use Sweethearts and Heroes as one of our foundational character ed programs. Uh that group really talks about the importance of standing up for others. Really great message. And along with that um they do a training that implements what's called community circles. Uh members at both buildings have been through that training. Many of our classroom teachers will use that within their rooms. Miss Fazioli, I pointed out, I'm gonna let her speak on this just for a second because um she did two things that I think are worth noting. One, last year she took that concept and she applied it to trying to improve student attendance. She had attendance circles that used the
041same um tenants of the community circles and also she recently presented at our ses uh the ses national or the uh annual convention up in Lake George um on that topic. So Rachel if you want to just give a quick plug for the work you've done on that. >> Well go ahead. Um anytime I have the opportunity to talk about the cool things that happen in our building and the district I'm all in. Um and so when SE uh had a call for tabletop presenters, I sent in my uh my paper for uh community circles and they accepted. Uh they actually asked me to do both of the presentations, both the sessions. Um and I was happy to do so. And the cool thing was both sessions were different. Um so my first session had
042about 15 people all kind of crowded around one table. None of them had ever been part of a circle. They didn't know how to facilitate and they didn't know how to start one in their building. Um so I was able to do a true circle with them. We had a talking piece who did the guidelines and it was awesome. Um my questioning kind of worked them walked them through how they could do this in their building but also gave me some feedback on what they needed. Um the second session had all seasoned administrators who had used um circle from restorative to what we do in our in our building as building community. Um, and so instead of doing a circle there, we talked about how they might be able to use that as a flexible
043concept in their building, whether that's for absenteeism, which is working, right? Talking to kids, why are you not here? What do you need? Giving them those mentors, and using the circle to facilitate that conversation. Um, and also getting teachers to talk to each other, uh, groups of people within the district that don't always get to like bus drivers, TAs, monitors, and opening up that line of communication. So, um, I left Energized, they left Energized. Um, we've been communicating via email and so it's really been great. Um, I appreciate the support from district office and from Mike day off from work. So, thank you. [laughter] Very good. >> Thanks, Rachel. >> Back to Jill. >> So, community pride obviously um we've all been involved in Colony for a number of years and many of us as
044talked about um have been fortunate to see that students that we've had in the classroom come back to raise their family here. community uh in Colony is really I think a very important thing that we all value. Raiderfest is something that um I think regardless of the building does not sorry guys [laughter] been here way too longest. Yep. Sorry. >> How' you go about um fest is something that you know when I was at the elementary level I think the high school staff did a great job of making that appealing to our elementary students and they do the same thing all the way through. So that is truly I think a wonderful example of a community event. Um we also at um have wolfpack Wednesday so everybody gets out their wolf pack here. That's what
045>> wearing earlier today. But it does help to build community. The kids get excited about it. We have spirit days. Um all of those things that you can do just to um you know I think to have kids feel like when they walk in the door they're excited about something. And certainly we're all excited about learning math and and ELA. But when you walk in and you and your best friend are wearing the same pajamas, um you know, it just seems to make the day a little bit better. So those are the things that uh we both try to do at our buildings to make the f the kids feel connected and community service opportunities and partnerships. Um I know that Mike had spoken about youth advisory board. Our students that are on youth advisory
046board each year have an opportunity to pick something that they as a group want to um reach out with regard to. So last year um the students at Lisha Hill wrote a letter to um the supervisor to ask about the installation of sidewalks on our end of the community. We saw the kids talked about the difficulty of you know leaving their neighborhood and trying to get someplace else. Not a lot of sidewalks on our end and um you know that was something that they were very empowered by. He wrote them back. I know that um Sand Creek also had an initiative that they were interested in. So just getting them to understand that they have a voice and a role in their community I think is very important. Um you know through our student councils
047in both buildings I know our kids and the seventh grade were at Creek um you know we make an effort to get out and give back. Um there's something I think that the kids learn from that experience and they leave and I know um having talked to Amber a little bit this year about Toys for Tots because we're fortunate enough to be the kickoff location to show off our new auditorium just to to get the message to the kids. It's not so much that you know we're here to to win a competition or you know have more toys than anybody else. It's that we're going to make someone's day, someone's um holiday a little bit brighter because we're giving it ourselves. So, um that we're going over to um work at the food bank. So,
048just different things that the kids have voted on doing and that they're interested in doing to support the members of our community. And I know like your seventh grade day has been pretty extensive as well. >> Yep. We do our seventh grade uh next week, next Friday, um goes out into the community as a community service day. And that really ties to um the idea of uh making sure that our families have what they need. Um along with these community uh activities that we're talking about, a lot of them relate to how can we make sure that we're helping families in need. Um that includes uh food drives, toys for toss. Um I think both buildings have a version of what we call helping hands at at San Creek, which is um a group that
049really targets families not just around the holidays, but throughout the whole school year. So, um, you know, I think that's a that's a major piece and it ties together nicely with all of the community service opportunities. And then, um, you know, the final piece is just the continued capital improvements that are happening, which will continue to upgrade our facilities, make sure that our students have the the best and and most engaging environments to work from. Uh I know I can speak for just Jill and and the conversations we have had about some of the uh great things have come at life with the capital improvements and we're excited uh for the next phase as we look at um some upgrades to our auditorium and some of our other larger spaces. So um again thanking the
050board for your continued support that way. Um I've been I this is my ninth year at S Creek. I don't know how many of these I've done, but I've done a few and enough that I'm running out of bridge pictures because if you've heard this, you've heard me say that one of my favorite analogies is that middle school truly is the bridge. We take students um at a really formative time, and I don't know that there's a time quite like the four years they spend in middle school from a transformation standpoint. um students really have the opportunity to figure out who they are, who they want to be, and we're really excited to be a part of that journey. Um you know, I think uh when I think about that bridge analogy, I just think
051about that um opportunity for transformation. Um I would want to just give a shout out for folks who don't know the team that's here. Mrs. Wells, Mr. Sgilly, Mr. Morsy are all part of the Sand Creek team. I know Jill's team um would want to be here tonight, but um a real talented group of people um that's the administrative team and and just the many many many from teachers, sports staff. Uh middle school is a unique place. It might be one of the only places in the world where the quality of your day depends on whether or not you accidentally say the uh number six and seven next to each other. [laughter] And you know, you don't want to make any hand gestures. Um, but it really is you have to you have to be
052someone that really enjoys that age group and we're both lucky enough to work with a lot of people who do. So, speaking of that, let's hear from um some students in particular. >> All right. Um Ashton Goodman is one of our seventh graders and he um was a roing reporter, so he wrote some questions, ran them by the administrative team, and um then we worked with Miss Lensf in our communications department. She came over and we invited some kids down and uh between Dana and Ashton, they figured out how they were going to interview kids and get a better idea about what it's like to be a middle schooler and a middle schooler in the middle of construction. [laughter] Hold on. I know the sound is not coming to the speaker. I also Sorry about
053I'm ask and I'm in grade seven and this is the le presentation. What's your favorite thing about being student? >> The teachers are just like really supportive and awesome. Like it's nice to stay in public school. was being apparent lately. Anthony, were any of your classes moved this year? >> [laughter] >> What do you think about it? >> Yeah, I think it makes it better because like the lights just makes it stand out. What event are you looking forward to attending? >> And what are some clubs that you like to see? [singing] [music] >> What are you most excited about as you prepare to go to high school? I'm most excited about meet new people. >> Exactly. >> So, they were very excited to share with you a little bit more about their experience. >>
054Kudos to Ashton. >> Ashton's excellent. Um he I remember Ashton in fifth grade. um came in and um he was one of my you know I teased them all like you're not secret agents like we talk their arms and like get rid of the watch you know he's like we need this club we need that club I'm like I need you to follow my rules and then we'll start the talk so Ashton really from fifth grade to seventh grade he was one of those kids as Mark and I sat down this summer and talked about youth advisory board we said this is a kid who he's not always one of those kids who's gonna 100% follow what we're doing or what we're asking him to do um but he is a kid that's a He's
055engaged and he's looking for opportunities to grow and those are the kinds of kids we love to give those chances to. He went to his first youth advisory board meeting, looked at me and he said, "Thank you for putting on this, Mrs. Pen. I love this." So, when we were thinking about putting this presentation together, we knew that um he would be somebody who could really park for us. So, um but you know, as Mike said, it's a unique group, middle schoolers. Um but uh you know you just have to be willing to go with the fall and we we both are but we do feel very fortunate to have your support and to have had the opportunities that we've had here in South Colony but more importantly in our middle school. So >> thank
056you. >> I would just like to uh [snorts] second the the motion that the auditorium is wonderful. The presentation the other day was was great because of the auditorium and the people there. Also, Sand Creek has their play coming up very soon. So, >> tomorrow's opening night. Jun, don't miss it. >> Honk Jun. >> Um, but I'd like to ask a another kind of question that is what do you do for the student? Their their their bodies are changing, their minds are changing. What are you doing for the you you had lots of academics for those kids that are go go go but what about the kids that are reluctant learners or are their bodies are changing they don't know what the heck's going on what are we doing for those quote disaffected disinfected students
057>> I think um and I'm sure Joe can add on to this but I think when I think of who you might be talking about I think the key piece is we try to identify adults that can build relationships with those students I think understanding who those students are um is key and then it's how do we connect them to you know if they are somewhat disaffected what would hook them back in I think that in my mind I I think of all the different extracurriculars we offer um when you talk to a lot of our middle school kids they may not be coming every day to school for the math and the English but they might be coming for Honk Jr for their music class um so it's we find those students who are
058they and and what ways can we invite them into things that might um re-engage them. Um when you talk about when you when you mention the changing um we do have programs that um you know we have a fifth grade maturation program that um specifically talks about the changes that go on. Um, so you know that there's some educational pieces to that, but I do think it's really [clears throat] um it's knowing your students is, you know, I think um both our builders do a really good job of honing in on who our kids are and then really getting to that puzzle of what can we do to to hook them in. Um so it's understanding the who and then um just kind of working with them on on what could we do to to
059to get you [cough] to be more engaged. I appreciate that answer. It's uh it's heartening to hear that. >> Yeah, >> that does speak um it speaks volumes about our adults as well. Um last year, one of our teachers whose first year with us um volunteered to come and chap. And I said, you know, it's Miss Kulicowski is our French teacher. I said, "Oh, it's excited that you're joining us tonight." She said, "I struggled in middle school. I was not a kid who, you know, felt like I could be out there and connect." and she said, "I I wanted to be here tonight because I know there's also kids that feel that way and I wanted to make myself available to help to support them." So, you know, when I look at what's happening at
060lunch, the adults that are getting involved in um supervising on lunch periods and, you know, connecting with kids and talking to kids and and just trying to um start from a place of building relationships as opposed to a place of being punitive, I think is is what makes the biggest difference and and helps those kids who might be on the fringes to pull in. and also the initiative that we focus on with attendance um the last two years as a building that has been essential in I think connecting some of those kids I know the circles obviously that are in place where St has made a big difference um I recently observed a lot of Pearl who's one of our guidance counselors working with our seventh and eighth graders and you know she's trying some
061different things with the kids some positive mindset as opposed to coming in saying gh I forgot my lunch you know how can you reframe that is really sometimes it is just about that attitude And um one of the things that the kid said and um I said to her, "How much did you pay him for this?" She said, "Nothing." Um Andre said, "You know, I was excited to come today because I know I was going to get to meet with you guys." And so it was just him and four other kids in eighth grade that were struggling to get to school on time. And um you know, the kids do feel like that um opportunity to just talk to people that are having similar challenges and brainstorm together has been a positive. So, um, I
062can't say enough about, you know, what the staff in both of our buildings are doing, um, to constantly reframe the conversations with our students regardless of the initiatives involved. >> Very good. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you. >> Very good. Thank you. >> One person's home with a baby. So, Mr. Millington's three-month-old was not cooperating last night, so he apologizes that he wasn't here. And, um, Mr. who did plan to be here, her mother is ill, and unfortunately, she's with her family this evening. So, they both feel better, but they weren't able to join us. I did want to share with you there. >> Not at all. Thank you very much for supporting us. >> Of course. >> All right. Agenda item number nine, reports and recommendations for action. This goes from letter A
063to letter H. Please speak up if you have any questions or comments. I will make note of letter G, donations from the BFW Post 8692, Ladies Auxiliary. [clears throat] Various school supplies. Thank you very much. BFW Post 8692 Ladies Auxiliary. Very much appreciated. Any other questions? Hearing none, I'll take a motion. Miss Gigglyello second. Mr. Mis [snorts] on the motion made by Miss Giggleello, seconded by Mr. Misik, that the above stated reports and recommendations be approved. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries five to zero. Agenda item number 10, personnel, instructions. You can find these on pages 8 through 11. Mr. Robott, any comments? >> Yeah, I'm pretty pretty straightforward business. We have some welcome backs on some leaves and dates we know people are returning and then some dates in the future people who
064are clarifying when they'll be able to return. Uh welcome to Sophie an alum. You know we we do like our alum around here. So we will continue the tradition of Norton educator for many more years. >> That's terie. >> That's ter >> and just some business being up for the rest of it. Appointments activities. >> Any questions? Hearing that we're looking for a motion. >> Motion to approve Mr. Keane. Second. Miss Giggleello on the motion made by Mr. Keane, seconded by Miss Giggleello that the instruction personnel changes listed on the attached sheets dated November 12th, 2025 be approved. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion carries 5 to zero. Agenda item number 11, personnel support pages 12 to 14. Mr. Rabalotti. >> Um, always good when we have many more appointments than we have resignations.
065And two of those designations are the good kind when we're taking other jobs in the district in the >> lots of appointments. A couple bus drivers in there which is fantastic as we continue to try to uh round out our need for transportation. That's about it. >> Perfect. Thank you. Any questions? Hearing none. Motion to approve. Miss Giggle. Second. Mr. Misik. On the motion made by Miss Giggleello, seconded by Mr. music that the support personnel changes listed on the attached sheets dated November 12th, 2025 be approved. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries 5 to zero. Agenda item number 12, budget calendar adoption. Miss Mallister, we're starting. Is that right? >> This is tonight. >> The start before the start. Yeah, we have to uh adopt a budget calendar every year. This is our formal
066way of doing that and we will start meetings in December. >> All right. Are there any questions? Hearing none, I'll take a motion. Miss Giggleello second. Mr. Keane. The motion made by Miss Giggleello, seconded by Mr. mean that the above stated 2026 2027 [clears throat] budget calendar be adopted. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries 5 to zero. Agenda item number 13, resolution, American education week, education support professionals day, Native American Heritage Month. Mr. Catchadorian. >> Yes. I put together a document that Miss Lanigan has shared with everyone. Uh we looked at tried to have more of a collaborative approach um from this point of resolutions moving forward. Um just to get everyone on the same page, have more complimentary uh interactions among our five elementary obviously our two middle who already do a fantastic
067job of that and and our high school. We have a shared document where everyone kind of uh allows for breath and depth of what we're doing and then you put together a summary of what that looks like for everyone. kind of partake and take it as it is. But everyone is always doing a wonderful job of making sure that these resolutions are getting executed and we're finding venues for it to be academically celebrated as much as uh we have opportunity to celebrate like our professionals in the sense that we should be and making sure that everyone uh feels their level of support is equally matched by those who are running our building. >> That's true. >> It's interesting. It's only a week. [clears throat] >> That's it. You guys, today's the last day, so get
068your cheers in today. >> Get your cheers in today. Thank you very much. Very much appreciated. >> I'll take a motion, Mr. Keane. Second, Miss Giggley. On the motion made by Mr. Keane, seconded by Miss Giggley, that the above stated resolution be approved. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries. 5 to zero. Agenda item number 14, future meetings. Any questions? All right. It is anticipated that we will be entering the executive session at this time. We're going to be discussing an employment matter. So, I will need a motion. Miss Giggle, seconded by Mr. Misik. On the motion made by Miss Giggleello, seconded by Mr. Misik to enter the executive session to discuss employment matter. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion carries 5 to Z. Time is 7:24.