001The open public meeting act. The public notice of this meeting has been sent to the board, all district schools, the Herald news, the suburban friends, the record, the messenger, West Milford town hall, the county superintendent's office, the board attorney, cable vision board, and west TV77 and posted in the administration building. Copies of the board meeting calendar resolution were provided to all local media, town hall, township library, and all district schools. Mr. Francisco, roll call for attendance, please. Mrs. Romeo, Mrs. Stevenson >> here. >> Mr. Con >> here, >> Mrs. Ber here. Mr. Gino >> here. >> Mrs. O'Brien >> here. >> Mr. Oinsky, Mr. Stillman >> here, Mrs. Van >> here. Mr. Oshinski is excused and um Mrs. Romeo will be a two minutes late. Superintendent reporting everybody. Welcome to our secondary meeting. Right off
002the bat, we have our first uh presentation. We have Eagle Scout proposal for the after school area. We have a high school senior eagle candidate Zach Rod and station board members have a a packet on your desk [Music] audio. There's no audio. There should be. >> My name is Zach Rod and uh I am a junior. >> Could you just hold down one moment, please? We want to get the whole meeting. >> Oh, okay. >> Thank you. >> Want me to tell some jokes? No, we're not opening the floor to you. No. [Laughter] [Music] audio now. >> I hear it. >> Okay. Yeah, >> my name is Zach Rodak and I am a junior at West Milford High School and I am currently a life scout in uh troop 159 of our lady queen of
003peace church. So now that Eagle is coming around I am uh looking to looking for an a possibilityility of uh eagle projects to do. I have already uh look at a few and uh the first one fell through because of uh some lead paint issues. So now uh I've uh come to this one and so this is my plan. My project will be uh restoring the uh outdoor classroom at Apua School. There are currently uh six benches and a picnic table in the area for the outdoor learning. My plan is to remove all of the current six benches and replace them with uh eight or more new wooden benches. more picnic tables uh would be placed in the 44x 33 ft area. There are two places where uh plants once were simply circles of rocks
004um that were that I'm probably going to remove them because uh nobody's going to really take care of the plants. Um I'm I'm also as far as things on uh instead of replacing things, I'm also going to be uh adding things to the outdoor classroom. I plan on building a whiteboard cabinet similar to map kiosks in uh state parks that have uh closing doors to protect it. Um I include a few pictures a pack with a few pictures with all the packets uh that I handed out. So you can take a look at those. Um so I'm planning on building the whiteboard cabinet and uh the closing doors on the whiteboard cabinet would uh protect the whiteboard cabinet from uh being ruined by the weather or possible vandalization. And uh I'm also planning to build
005an outdoor uh podium for the teacher to uh to teach outside and uh simply to read off of as well as I'm also thinking of uh possibly uh adding a smaller angled almost like a sort of like half picnic tables like benches with uh is it I have I include pictures in the packets. Uh um I'm I'm thinking of building like benches like with uh small little tables in front so students have a something to uh lean on while they work instead of having to be le on their knees or le on the edge of the side. It'll be easier for them. Um then I have uh I plan to have this project uh finished uh by the fall when the new school year starts up is uh when I plan on finishing it. Bye.
006So now my project will uh be beneficial to uh Apua by uh providing uh more space for students to learn in the outdoor classroom especially in these times. Building a whiteboard for use by the teacher so the teacher has something to write on to project to the students. Having an outdoor space to use for uh science experiments, poetry and other outdoor activities for the different teachers. The outdoor classroom will also give teachers a space where they can eat lunch in the outdoor classroom. I've been told that there are already already a few teachers who uh do that at the current outdoor classroom. So that would be beneficial in that way. It would also uh be a good idea to uh act act beneficial for after school clubs to meet at the out outdoor classroom and
007uh it will also create a space for boy scouts and girl scouts to meet at the outdoor classroom. [Music] So I sorry I plan to uh start carrying out this project sometime between the early spring so April and uh early summer which is June and uh plan to finish it by next fall so that when uh next fall rolls around and it's still uh somewhat warm out when we come back into they could use it for that little little bit of time uh before it starts getting too cold. Some other needs that I've already approached while uh looking to build the outdoor classroom is uh a nurse or a doctor present or on speed dial for any injuries that people might have during uh the building process, transport for uh old materials being dumped, and
008a first aid kit for uh people's injuries in case they get injured. In order for uh to do fundraising for this project, I plan to uh go to stores and asking for uh donations of supplies in our troop. We have this uh program where we basically sell uh merchant cards or simply discount cards for uh West Milford. And uh I was thinking that if we we if we are going to be doing that this year, that would be a good fundraiser for my project. I could be asking uh friends and family for the donations through GoFundMe or I could go straight to the board of education or ask the actual PTA for any possible donations that they might want to uh put toward it. As far as uh handling the transportation of uh materials, supplies,
009tools, and helpers, I plan to uh make sure that everybody has rides. Make sure that the CO rules are followed if car pooling is is necessary for anybody. Make sure that CO restrictions uh as far as schools go is uh followed on the work site. Make sure that uh all sharp and dangerous tools are kept safe with proper protection. have materials delivered to the site by the supplier or uh using uh trucks from a troop member because we're going to need some sort of a as far as a just like a trans transportation of old materials going out. We're going to need uh some transportation for the new materials that will be coming in. As far as hazards go, um CO restrictions uh will be followed uh both while at work and in the in
010the area. There are certain regulations in scouts about the use of uh power tools and uh power tools are only allowed for use by uh adults and ASM who are 18 or older. As far as that goes, I will also make a print out of certain safety rules that would be uh applicable during during the building of this project and uh have a safety briefing before work. Some steps that I might take to uh prepare the project plan will be contacting or receiving any proof of uh any permits need which I'm going to do which I uh which is my next step. If permits are needed, take the actions to uh taking the actions to get whatever permits would be needed for this project. Working with a builder to find more precise lengths of wood
011and uh other materials needed for the outdoor classroom. Redrawing my plan for action with more details such as uh certain lengths, drawing it to scale. Then after that I would go to the stores and ask for donations working with people with have who have a close contact with stores as well as uh collecting donations through GoFundMe and uh family and friends. Then once all these donations have been received I would uh purchase uh any other materials such as uh food needed to feed people during the project. [Music] Then I would uh then I would purchase like all the other supplies needed such as uh gloves and masks and uh hand sanitizer which will be necessary on the work site. I would then find and schedule volunteering dates that would work for both me and others.
012I would then uh make announcements to troop of volunteering dates and then lastly purchase food for uh the volunteering dates. Thank you very much, Mr. Rod. Thank you very much, Mr. Rod. I think I just came to the board by saying have our student support uh soon as the weather breaks and a little more cooperative. We look forward to seeing you out there and feel. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Yeah, we have one question. >> Um if we wanted to um make a donation, what what can we do? like if I should I write out a check should or do you do you have a GoFundMe set up now or will you in the near future? >> In the near future I will be setting up a GoFundMe with help from a
013troop member. So once once I've done that I will pro I will probably contact Dr. Anamote about the GoFundMe page to uh let him know that it's up and uh >> Okay. And I know he'll forward it to all of us. Great. Thank you very much. Good luck. >> Yes. Thank you. Sh I just want to commend you. This is a very well thought out project and super smart. I'm a teacher myself and you thought of everything a teacher and a child would need. Really well done. >> Thank you. [Music] We have our student report. you have our students have your screen here. >> Um, hello. >> Hello. Thank you all for allowing me to speak today. My name is Faith Streina and I'm the vice president of the West Milford Student Council. I'm filling
014in tonight for Amanda Gerald who couldn't attend because it is her basketball senior night. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, the student council sent virtual Valentine to the kids at St. Jude's Children's Hospital in hopes of spreading love to those who need it. Student council is also looking forward to planning out senior choice for this year and are having a meeting soon to discuss our plans. The National Art Honor Society is also in the midst of planning a couple of upcoming events, so keep your eyes open for some future announcements. Winter sports have been a go since January, and the teams have been working hard and embracing the chance chances they get to play with a shortened season already. And on top of all that, the weather predicaments, they have pushed through it all and
015preserved. Girls basketball got off to a start slow, but have worked their way with a record of four and five and look forward to finishing the season strong and hope to end with the winning record. Boys basketball is 1 and six at the moment and are aiming to get a couple more wins under their belt. Girls fencing currently has a record of 3 and three and boys fencing is currently 4-2. Both teams have two more meets and are and plan on closing out their season with winning records. Both boys and girls bowling have had extremely successful seasons this year, holding on to undefeated records. Congratulations to both teams for such an awesome achievement to be proud of. Ice hockey has had a competitive season with a 2 and four and two record and plan on
016finishing their season out strong. The swim team just started their season and are excited for what's ahead of them. They have their senior night tomorrow and are looking forward to it. With winter seasons coming to an end, we want to also wish gymnastics, volleyball, winter track, and wrestling good luck for their long-awaited seasons. As well, some more exciting news is that tomorrow is the first time that spring sports can meet virtually and begin getting to know each other. Thank you again for allowing me to speak tonight. We are working hard to keep our spirits up in Highlander Pride and strong character. Does anyone have any questions? >> No. Great job. >> Thank you. >> Hey, uh great job. I I just want to say that uh I have been able to watch fencing, bowling, sports
017that I have really never watched before. So, uh you know, kudos to the you the students and the TV science group that that are going out to those events and then filming those things. So, um great to watch all this stuff online. And I'm happy the parents are finally able to get into the the gyms and the venues to watch their uh their students play, too. So, that's fantastic. >> Every day with their teammates, with their parents, with their, you know, competing is a win or not. >> Yeah. You know, it's like an entire season and we haven't done that since last spring. So, our high school coach here, athletic director, players, they've done a terrific job. be a fall, winter, winter's warming up next Friday and then we have our winter 2 season which
018begins you know wrestling and some of the other sports and then that'll take us into the spring for the traditional spring sport. So give the children a much more a sense of normality and abnormality. >> Thank you. >> Okay, next up we have four highlights. going to try to do this at these meetings. I know so much we talk about is hyper learning and public protocol. Going to try to do some good news here. Um right here at Westbrook School, we have something called the West Cares Club. We have two facilitators, uh Mrs. Donigan and Mrs. Stanley. So, thanks to both of them. They recently worked with the Milford Manor for a Valentine's Day feel good moment. And here is the summary. A special Valentine delivery was made to the residents and staff of Milford
019Nav today. Valentine's Day. A huge thank you to the West students, families, and staff for their extremely generous donations. Each of the 90 residents received a Valentine goodie bag filled with Belvita cookies and chocolates. Baskets were made from the donated personal care products and art and activity books and drug materials. We also were able to provide the hardworking staff with a tip and gift platter. In addition, Westbrook students made this conversation hard to decorate the hallways with the help of our art teacher, Miss Slet. Once again, Westbrook School truly shows the importance of reaching out and helping others. West school really does care. So, congratulations to Wester School and all the people who assist in this endeavor. And lastly, we have our semianual HIV ICP training and program information reporting for period 1 that is
020going to be July 1st of 2020 to December 31st of 2020. Uh we do the next report or 21 rather. Um so it's the first six months of the year. Uh so I'm happy to announce we had zero HIV investigations in the district during that six-month period. Obviously, two of those months were in summer. So, therefore, we had zero investigations that were affirmed by the board of um during that time period, we had 28 school trainings and two districtwide trainings for our staff as well. So the tremendous improvement this year. Uh we know our staff in addition to being focused on CO protocols and regulations. We've done a wonderful job caring for our children and it's been evident because the children are taking care of each other. Um once again zero bullying investigations uh zero
021positive bullying for the first six months of the year. We'll do the next six months. Thank you. Any questions? >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I'm just going to provide a a brief uh recap of our February uh 16th PE day, professional development day that we um uh this year was a little different. We had a we had a snow event that in the past was cancelled today and went home and sort of forced us to reschedule and and possibly place a day for students. Um this year with the um state of our educational environments, we were able to continue on with our professional development day um in a in a virtual format and and everyone was able to log in and and complete their their professional development, you know, from their home or from
022the location that they were they were able to join the move. Um you know, so I want to, you know, follow along with Dr. Simeon, but good news. Um, you know, that that was a that was a great opportunity for us and and the fact that we were able to do it that day sort of uh encapsulated one of our themes for that day. Um, is which was what we call silver liners and and our uh across the district and and primarily with a with a focus in our uh 6 through 12 departments and and uh buildings. We were focusing on just that. What are they? You know, we we talk so much about the the loss and the hardships and the the things that are troublesome with the current environment and the pandemic, but
023this focus in our PD was about what what are the things that we've gained. Um, you know, we we've come a long way with, you know, the things that our staff were able to do technology wise is light years ahead of where we thought they would be this time last year. Um so so there's been a lot of um development, a lot of forced professional development in in just the case of survival. Um but we want to be ready for when we get back to normal, when our students are back in in our schools, you know, in the traditional setting. You know, what are we going to take away from the things we've learned? What are we going to keep? Were there things that were just you know um side effect each day or were
024the things that are truly beneficial? Um so those are the discussions we had at each department. Um conversations were vary um you know from department to department school to school in terms of what those things were. Technology obviously is a um is a huge plus in what we've gained and the expertise that our staff has developed. So um that was the theme of the day. We had another a few other uh exciting things going on. uh one uh one big thing in our um K through 12 uh physical education department they started talking about a program called uh functional movement systems and functional movement is a I guess a different way of of looking at how um how we approach fizz you know rather than traditional sense it's more of uh I think in you
025know in the new standards and the new way of thinking about phys is really the I guess the first line of of healthcare and that's really what um the start of this conversation means for our phys staff is how does how do we transition to what we do in phys translate to a to a truly healthy lifestyle. So, uh, they started that conversation on the on the 16th and they continue it on our early dismissal PD day which is in, uh, middle of March, March 18th, you know. So, some very exciting things. Um, we were able to have a financial literacy collaboration between the middle school and the high school. This was the first year that we offered financial literacy for our um, for our middle school students. So, we able to get our high
026school teachers who have been doing it for a while with our um middle school teachers who are new to the new to the content and have a have a good articulation about, you know, how do we grow and how do we build on what's now being presented at the middle school level and and take our high school program to the next level. Um, our K through five staff were were very busy. Uh, they met with our lit lit literacy consultants for part of the day. they received their training and our new um math resources in math and they also completed um their grade level collaboration. So that keeps uh helps keep us together as a district and one of the one of the goals of those meetings on the 16th was pacing. You know, we've
027got so many students in different environments, hybrid, virtual, 5day. How do we make sure that those students are all, you know, receiving the the most succinct uh education that they can and that we're all relatively in the same place and identifying gaps and things that we need to work on. So, it was a a great day of discussion and professional learning and it all happened from the comfort of their home in a way that we didn't think was possible. Like I said, one year ago today, we would have never had a professional development day like that. So, kudos. I want to say thank you to the staff. so many staff members really um pitched in and and helped to coordinate. I know in um in some of our fiscal um concerns that we've had over
028the years, we've lost some uh supervisory staff. We had a few retirements this year that have not uh not yet been replaced and we had a lot of staff members really rising to the occasion and pitching in and uh leading some professional development sessions in a virtual format, setting little piece. Um, and I just want to say thank you to all those people and staff in general for for pitching in. Uh, one group I want to point out which leads to the next topic of my uh, report uh, is our music and art department. Um, they are uh, full steam ahead in planning what what a district arts festival will look like in this environment. Um, I don't have an announcement as far as the date. I don't have an announcement yet in terms of
029uh location or when or how, but uh we have a series of meetings over the next next two to three weeks and I'm pretty confident that our next board meeting will be able to share uh that information and the plan for an outdoor inerson event uh with part you know partially inerson partially virtual you know we're talking about um you know they're talking about slideshows for art projects and all those types of things. So they had a a great um departmentwide collaborative discussion on the 16th and it's really a testament to the staff members in those departments for you know the passion they bring to this event and what what it defines for West Milford and what we do and you know their passion for making sure that this moves forward no matter what. Um,
030so we're supporting them, uh, supporting them in that. And like I said, there's a few more meetings yet to come where we'll be able to identify the date and the logistics of how we're going to be moving things around safely, making sure that we follow all of our guidelines that we, you know, that we've committed to for for a safe return to school. So, uh, exciting news and we'll have more to report next month. >> Thank you. >> And I'm sorry, Dr. There was also >> Yeah. Yeah. The other thing that we wanted to just just highlight is that from the special services side, we did have the focus for our special class aids traditionally u participate in the February professional development day. So we did make that a split on mental health and autism.
031Both were requested by the staff to kind of come up as a topic. So we brought in speakers. So the special class aids had childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences and best practices which we brought in someone from the state from CASA to do that presentation. Um and the feedback was positive. In the afternoon they enjoyed um having someone from POA, Dr. Bobby Gallagher, come in and go over an overview of an autism training and they allowed for the for the for our special class aids to ask questions and really make it more relative. So even though it was virtual, the aids were participating in the chat. So I thought that that was a positive thing even though they were home. Um also, as you know, I think if you were in ED committee, our mental
032health providers met for the day together. So that's all of our social workers, guidance counselors, um CST psychologists, you know, Hollander Academy social workers, and they met with Columbia University to go over some of their suicide risk questions that they had because they asked us to bring someone in to be able to help vet that out, especially in a virtual format. How do you assess for that when students are, you know, across the screen? Um so they benefited from that. And then the afternoon they spent time going over professional education and training for district needs as far as the staff related to the district goal. So I know the board came up with the district goal with us to focus on mental health supports for social emotional wellness for staff and those were the providers
033that kind of are planning for what we're going to do at the March 18th professional development day where we're going to have a sole focus on that for staff. And when we say for staff, we don't just mean the teachers, teachers, aids, custodians. We want everybody to participate in that on on that day. So, we'll have more information probably for Mr. Go and I um at at the March meeting. >> Go ahead. >> Um thank you, Liz. I was waiting. I couldn't wait to ask you. So, um are you now using the Columbia rating scale for suicide risk assessment across the district? So we started using a modified version of the Columbia rating scale. We started that last year using some of the work that um Steve Fidelity was doing in Ringwood already. So we
034kind of modified that and moved it to us, but we are using that as our um tool that's embedded in our risk assessment. So they have been using that particular rating scale. What we are hoping to do on the March 18th and then carrying out throughout the rest of the year is to embed more of the Columbia pieces for like wellness and the community and really get that on our website and to parents because we want to be able to have those risk factors and just identification process out there. >> So I guess I'm hearing you're saying no that we're not using the actual Columbia rating scale. We're using something like it that's been >> so we're using the Colombia rating scale but it's embedded in a Westmore form. So yes, we're using the scale,
035but it's not like we're just using the scale. We also have an anecdotal piece that we're using, which Colombia refers to as their interview portion. We are doing that, but on West Milford paper, if you will, like West Mulford, you know, >> thank you. >> Does that help answer your question? >> I think so. Yeah. Does anyone else have anything on discussion? Okay, that's all right. Moving on special. [Music] I'd like to make a motion to approve the following board of education meeting minutes. January 5th to 2021 reorganization ethics special action meeting. >> January 19th, 2021 workshop special action meeting. January 26, 2021 budget regular meeting January 26 executive session. >> Second. >> All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Where is your president's report? I was um wait, do you have anything? >> I
036just want to give a shout out to Alex and thank him for the snow days. Um I know this has been a really tough call from last year and I I'm 100% behind him and say thank you for all that he does and I know that he puts hours into trying to figure out what to do. So, thank you, Alex. And hopefully this was the last week of snow. Let's hope the rest of the week know is a roller coaster for us. >> It's in like a lion and out like a lion. >> Thank you. Um public comment. This portion of the meeting is open to members of the public for the purpose of addressing resolutions on this agenda only. Members of the public who have requested to speak prior to the meeting will be
037recognized by the chair first. Each speaker will be given five minutes for a period of 30 minutes and then time permitting other public comments limited to 5 minutes per speaker will be allowed until the 30 minute period transpires. All members of the public speaking during this public comment period are asked to address topics listed in the agenda. All speakers are asked to sign the register provided that you give their full name, spell their last name, room affiliation if appropriate, and provide their address. Issues raised by members of the public may or may not be responded to by the board. All comments will be considered and a response will be forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board asks that members of the public be courteous and respectful of the rights of other individuals when speaking. Specifically,
038comments regarding students and employees of the board are discouraged and the board and the administration will not respond to them. Students and employees have specific legal rights afforded to them by the laws of New Jersey. The board is not responsible and is not liable for any comments made by members of the public. Members of the public should consider their comments in light of the legal rights of those affected or identified in their comments. Members of the public are reminded that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Does anyone wish to speak? >> Seeing none. I propose to close public session. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. uh amendment to the agenda before we adopt it. On page seven, we're going to pull a resolution uh personel student affairs number
03912. We're about to pull out the agenda of these uh candidates have found another position. We go full resolution number 12. [Music] >> Anything else? That's it. >> Okay. Okay. Um, motion the agenda as presented. >> I'll make the motion to adopt the agenda as presented. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Education. Mrs. Romeo, would you take that, please? >> Certainly. I'd like to make a motion to approve numbers 1 through 7. Second. >> Any discussion? I just can I just I just want I just want to give a thanks Liz again for the incoming students coming from Rickwood and I hope that that they will blame our program and that we will be seeing more coming our way. >> Thank you. Right. >> I actually have my hand up
040to say that, but Linda just buted in on me, so comments. >> Thanks, Liz. >> I do, Terry. Okay. Okay. >> Um, I see that it is music in our schools month. Um, and I believe >> you speak to >> Oh, sorry. >> It's okay. Being that it's music in our schools month, I just wanted to say it is amazing that our fifth graders are now doing their band lessons and um I know so many of them are just really really happy and enjoying it virtually and it seems amazing. Um so I wanted to mention that that's and I also wanted to mention number four with the chemistry honors books. Um, I would just hope that we look to not teach honors courses, but to have an AP track and less of an honors um
041track at the high school. >> Going off of what Mrs. Romeo is saying, in other school districts that have eliminated honors courses and do more AP tracks, their numbers are higher. They're rated higher in the state. So I too would question adopting a textbook and having an honors track. Any other discussion? >> No. Oh no. Sorry. >> Um if you give the board a little more clarity if we have Mrs. White here if it's okay with the board have her give us a brief overview of of the uh chemistry honors and chemistry class. Sure. >> Hi everybody. Thank you for having me. Um, so in science, it runs a little bit differently AP and honors than it does in English or social studies. science. The college board has a clear recommendation that for AP biology,
042AP chemistry, and in AP environmental science that students take high school level courses as prerequisites. So for AP bio, the prerequisite is biology. For AP chemistry, the prerequisite is chemistry. And for AP environmental science, it's both biology and chemistry. AP physics is a little bit different. Um, there are multiple levels of AP Physics. There's an AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2, which could potentially replace our physics honors course. The reason that we haven't done that up until now is because we do a blend of both of those within the course of the year, not one or the other specifically, but certainly would take that under advisement if you feel that that's a better direction for us to move in and we could research that more fully. The AP physics that we offer is AP
043physics C which is mechanics part of it and electricity and magnetism. We focus mostly on the mechanics piece and we do some electricity and magnetism but students who are interested in that test which is a separate test from the mechanics one actually do a little bit of self-studying and work on this side with Mr. Rose in preparation for that. So, our physics honors class, our biology honors class, and our chemistry honors class basically function as our prerequisite for those AP level classes. That setup is a little bit different with College Board than English where they do um where they kind of substitute and history where they will substitute for those question. >> I have a couple questions. Could the honors courses be offered at the middle school level and children be given the opportunity especially
044with sixth grades now in our middle school. Could that be offered as a free rest? >> The the earliest that we could even consider doing that. Some districts do biology and 8th grade. Um, I would caution about pushing things back too far because the concepts in biology that we're looking at tend to be on a very molecular level, which is a very abstract idea and students who go into AP bio need to have a pretty good foundation of that prior to that. So again, it's something that we could certainly look at, but um putting high school level classes into middle school so that they can take AP and high school doesn't necessarily have the students more prepared. Um, I would say that with our current um, uh, sequence of courses, biology, chemistry, physics, by having
045students take biology as freshman and chemistry as sophomores, we've opened the playing field to more AP courses in junior and senior year. Prior to that, if you needed to do biology and chemistry, you could only take them in senior year. that this way junior year and senior year students are able to take advantage of our courses. >> I had one more question. >> Sure. Go ahead. >> Is there a way that a child could take a test as an honors uh you know subside the whole honors course, take a test to see if they meet the requirements and that way get into the AP class. I don't know if I'm just asking. Um, we've never considered that, but again, I think the foundational material that students need to move into AP um is so important
046that I would hesitate to test out of it so that they could go into the AP course. Um, we don't necessarily require that you're in an honors course to go into an AP course because we really embrace the College Board belief that everybody should have access to AP. Um, and the curriculum is the same whether you're in honors or college prep level. It's just the degree and depth at which it's taught. And so if a student wants to challenge themselves, then we encourage that. >> Can you tell me the chemistry course progression? Right. So they take chemistry as a sophomore. What are the other then it's chemistry honors and then it's AP chemistry? >> No. No. it. So, in freshman year, you can take biology honors or biology, which is college prep, or biology B,
047which provides more support. In sophomore year, you can take chemistry honors or chemistry or chemistry B, which provides more support. In junior year, it we it's um termed a little bit differently. We have physics honors, which is very math intensive. So typically students who take that are very strong in math. Usually they're concurrently in pre-calc trig. We have physics which is our college prep level and it's algebra 2 based. And then we have conceptual physics which I call math light. And so that's basically for students who aren't necessarily comfortable with their level of math but we still want them to challenge themselves with physics. Um, so if you're going to do chemistry, we offer chemistry, chemistry honors, chemistry B for sophomores and then alternating years. We offer AP chemistry and organic chemistry. So our AP
048chemistry is the traditional college board course. You take the test at the end of the year. Um, organic chemistry is basically that what it is in college, the whole carbon-based, you know, benzene rings, etc., etc., etc. Um the last marking period of that is a little bit of analytical so they get some of that lab experience as well. >> So I'm just trying to figure out how the honors fits in. What are the key difference to between chemistry and chemistry honors? What's the key difference? >> So it boils down to depth of um information independence of student pace at which the course is taught. Those are the things that really differentiate um students who who opt to take honors as opposed to college prep. >> If we had chemistry honors >> forever >> for as
049long as Okay. >> Oh, yeah. >> So, the difference um and this might be a distinction that maybe isn't so clear. Um honors used to start freshman year. It used to be biology honors, chemistry honors sophomore year, physics honors junior year. Everybody else took geoscience freshman year, bio sophomore year, chemistry junior year, right? >> But we've consolidated that now so that everybody takes bio >> biology freshman year >> irrespective of your level. >> Yeah. >> And that's including our self-contained um and replacement classes. >> Um so if a child was recommended for chemistry honors but wanted to do chemistry AP, that would be allowed to happen. >> no, they have to take chemistry honors. They have to take that introductory course, that sophomore level course first, and then after that, they'd be eligible to take
050that in their junior or senior year, depending upon which year it was running. >> Could they take the AP test? >> Any student can take any AP test. >> You sign up for that at the beginning of the year. You can self-study any I mean, that's a college board practice. >> What else? [Music] So, a student can't take an AP course in science until their junior year. >> Correct. >> And do you know of any other is that just a West Milford High School? Um, >> no. This conversation has happened a number of times before with, you know, where I've I've spoken to ED committee and to board members as well where we've looked closely at the college board's um recommendations for prerequisites for what happens prior to taking the classes. And so I I
051can forward that document um that I had put together to Dr. Anamone to share with you so that you would have the opportunity to to take a look at that yourself. I do go back and check it periodically because I I want us to be as competitive as we can be. And I will tell you that the current pathway that we have, we have very successful students leave West Milford and go on to do great things. We have a a student who graduated um Harvard's medical school and their PhD program in immunology. We have um and this is in recent years um one that um graduated Berkeley in engineering. We've had one that's graduated Stanford in chemistry, both doctorates there as well. I mean, those are just little pockets of parents that I run into
052that tell me the great things their children are doing. So, I'm confident that what we're doing is what best prepares our students when they leave here. >> What about the research that says that schools that don't have the honors and just offer the AP do better? >> I haven't seen that, but I would love for you to share that. >> Okay. Great information. Thank you. >> Sure. Anybody else? Are there any other questions I can answer? >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. [Music] >> Okay. Um, any other discussion on any of the items? We're talking about science. I'd like to know more about number three and >> we wanted for you to sit down. Um so we have looked at a number of programs over the past few years as we've been
053implementing the nextgen science standards which are now called the new jersey student learning standards in science. Um and some of the programs that we looked at were FOSKIT and Amplify Science and Knowing Science. And what we have found in knowing science is a program that strongly supports teachers in terms of helping to provide background information um in providing uh lesson structures, pacing guides, etc. that's very hands-on based. And so one of the things that I was very concerned about is that as with all things in education, there's a new term and a textbook publisher puts the new term on the cover and you open it up, it's not much different inside and that's pretty much what you have. So knowing science is not like that. Knowing science um and Mr. Novak has samples of the
054books. Um but it opens with background information. So it provides the teacher with a couple of pages of the science for the topics that are in that unit. And then it's separated into uh lessons within the unit. And for each one it gives a pacing guide. It gives the activities and it's very handson based. So there is um for example in the life science in fourth grade they observe crayfish and they conduct experiments on crayfish and there's directions for how the teacher can do that. They put little notes in there because they anticipate the questions teachers will have and they already have answered them in there. They have journals that students can fill out if they're not science notebooking. So, it's a program that closely mirrors the kinds of things that we were doing with
055the scope in sequence that I wrote to reflect the um states model curriculum. >> Does it offer any project based learning opportunities? It's it's entirely based in in themes and projects. So the one on um crayfish is the unit on organisms and um needs for living organisms. And so there's a a project based piece on crayfish and all the background on crayfish and the experiments on crayfish. And then there's one on plants. And then there's an outdoor piece where you can take students outside three, four, five times a year to observe the same location and look at the seasonal changes and record that. >> Yeah, it's it's really it really embraces the standards in a way that no other program that we looked at does. And the teachers likely >> um I at this point
056I think the teachers will be happy to have that background information, that pacing guide, that stuff all in one location. I think that that is what they're >> teachers that have piloted it. >> Um so we haven't actually formally piloted it. We're going to do that in the spring. Um so the it appears there as one when you look at it here it's one um piece but it's actually a three-year implementation and so the first piece is going to be the life science piece this spring and then move forward with physical science next year and earth and space science the year after that. >> Do the teachers haven't program yet? Some teachers have looked at it, but not collectively as a group. But we're going to recommend spending all this money on it when teachers
057haven't touched it. >> Yeah. But if there's if there's a group of teachers who have looked at it, they have gone back to their teachers and probably discussed it. Right. Well, so there's been limited that because there have been no formal articulation meetings this year because we've been in this kind of crazy hybrid situation that we're in. So >> program this and piloting it much better than that. >> Well, so what we're really I mean we're looking at this as a commitment because we're looking at the big picture, but what we're really committing to immediately is just the life science piece for this spring. >> Did you have a question? Well, well, so you bring up So, we're committing to the life science piece >> for this spring. >> So, the $48,250. >> So, what
058you're saying is we don't have to commit to the 125,000 and the other 48,000. >> No, that would be year two and year three. But, um, for the sake of being as transparent as possible in what the program would look like down the road, we included all of that here. Um, can I Dan, maybe you can help. Right. You were able to get that STM math um piloted with some teachers in 3 through five and then K through two and then we decided to kind of follow in the let's work with that in K through two. Has there been thought on doing something similar before we >> so the process a little bit different? um you know at STMath um was sort of uh you know visual tool that they could access at home but
059this is a little different cuz we had to you know commit to getting the materials um no one does free pilots anymore so you have to pay for pilot materials and the old days you could get you know materials to try out publishers don't do that anymore so there's a there's a monetary commitment uh to going along with that um you know so I don't want what I don't want to come out of this is that there's this perceived notion that um impact the program and um not necessarily hidden with teacher feedback. Uh feedback we've got from teachers for the last 3 years that Colleen has been doing deep embedded professional development with them, but they want a program to embrace. They haven't had a program. >> Yeah. >> So what they have is the
060units that Colleen and the teachers have written themselves, >> right? >> Um and they're based on model curriculum as as Mrs. just set just 20. Um, but she's been the one in there with them. The teachers and that's the feedback you get from teachers. They're, you know, they've been doing a great job with it, but you know, they want the they want the support now. So now they they've had the learning, they've been immersed in the New Jersey student uh, learning standards for science and now they're ready for the resource to help them. and regarding discussion and looking at it, this program best align with the practice that we're currently doing that the teachers have already put that effort in. Um, and and we also feel times to be perfectly honest with you. We don't
061have I mean, we we lost, you know, we lost what we did with with the pandemic. We were going to be looking at this last spring because of the this piece of visual resource. We can just turn it on and send out a username. You couldn't do that with this. Um, and I'd hate to lose another year of teachers looking for something in their hands and not having it. This is one unit. Like you said, it's it's a um um it's a pilot for, you know, I honestly I don't like I don't want to pull a pilot putting everyone's hand New Jersey student learning standards with it um in place of our homegrown units. So, you know, I don't I don't like calling it out. Um, you know, but we are going to use it
062in our I guess under that phrase. We'll see how we go into phase two. Um, I I think it's a necessity. >> Can I just add to that that a lot of our conversation was how should this happen? Should it happen as a K235 thing? Should it happen as a K13 2 4? You know, like what what should that look like? And the reason that um Mr. Novc and I set um settled on the the idea of doing one core disciplinary idea was because we felt if everybody in the building was having this experience with this material at one time, it really fed the professional development that happens organically when teachers are working together and doing something. And so if if we're just doing a little piece here and then, you know, kind of trying
063to build it, um I I think it doesn't feed that as well. And so that was part of our conversation about do we do a grade, a grade, a grade, and build forward or do we do a disciplinary core idea, a disciplinary core idea, and a disciplinary core idea? And we do have stakeholder feedback of staff members who have had their hands on it and looked at it and and I believe a lot of the feedback is that it looks very similar to the things that we we created here with with your work and their work. >> So, uh this sounds like it'll instill some more um I don't know if confidence is the right word, but >> continuity >> but yeah, continuity. That's a great thank you Debbie in what we're doing. So makes
064a lot of sense, >> right? I guess that's one or um you know one of the big things this year we were talking earlier about the silver linings for the first time and what I can remember is that we've had some true grade level collaboration across the district. You know, not just a a quick meeting where everyone says they're doing the same thing and they go back to do whatever they want. Um, now we have these ongoing discussions and that is going to continue. You know, the school week where we get all of our first grade or fifth grade teachers together. That's going to continue beyond the educational environment that we're in. And these are the types of things that you know that come out. >> Thank you, Debbie. You had a >> Yeah. Is
065there any way um I know it's it's it'll be a day late dollar shortcut I think but is there any way we I can like take a look at like a a sample Well >> oh you do >> okay I'll bother you later Dan okay thank you >> question >> I mean I'll just say I went on their website and looked at some of the stuff on the website there's at least some good stuff to look at that before >> they also so Um, and this is worth noting, they're not a traditional educational products um, company. It's actually the uh, William Banko, the founder, is a PhD and and his family is in science. And so it really grew out of a deep understanding of how science is done and how students learn and and
066what's important in building that. So their understanding of the standards is really very um ve and and authentic and I think that that that helps and the materials are so user friendly. It really is. It really that is the thing that you know I I take for granted my understanding of science and my ability to do it. And I I think that when you're teaching many different subjects as you know in in a given day to have to try to find and build that knowledge base yourself is difficult. So being able to provide a program that can do that I think will really help. >> Any other questions? I have one last question. Sorry it's okay thing but I know that there are seven science courses provided by college board. There's seven AP possible science
067classes. How many AP courses do we offer at the high school? >> We offer four AP courses. >> Okay. >> And two concurrent with Satan Hall University. Well, one concurrent with Satan Hall University and one college level class. So, we offer AP biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics C, and AP Environmental Science. And then we offer anatomy and physiology honors, which is concurrent with Satan Hall University. You can get college credit for that for a ridiculously cheap rate of like maybe $100 a credit. And organic chemistry is also a college level class. >> There's six college level classes. What you're saying, >> right? Four of them have the AP designation. It's important that I make that distinction because that's a college board program. The other two are college level. One you can get seat and hall
068credit for. >> Great. >> Thank you. Any other questions? >> Thank you. Okay. >> Thank you. >> No, I'm kidding. >> Okay. Any other requests on any of the items? All right. Barbara, Mrs. Williams. Yes. Mr. Marino. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stevenson. I'm going to be next on Supreme Court. I'm going to be on Supreme Court. Mr. Stillman. Yes, >> Mr. Oinski. >> Yeah, >> Mrs. Romeo. >> No on four. Yes. On everything else, >> Mr. Conley? >> Yes. >> Mr. Bryant? >> Yes. >> Might? >> Yes. >> Okay. Personnel, student affairs. I'd like to make a motion to move items under >> second. Any questions? I have something. Go ahead, Linda. I I just I just want to say congratulations on your retirement to Mrs. Grizzly. uh to Mrs. Murphy and to Mrs. Early.
069Um we're going to be giving three very assets to our district and I just want to say we wish them well in their retirement. I was going to say the same thing. I don't know any of the other um retirees except for Mrs. Ridley and she is a Westbrook teacher. When I told my son, he cried. And this is love very much. Cath Katherine Molina Murphy had just such a loving relationship with all her students. Um, she's going to be missed and the the kids are going to lose by having her gone, I'm sorry to say. And this is her. I can't believe she's retired. Well, I wish them all well. Okay. Anything else? >> I just the same thing to you. Uh I don't know people on the list, but I do know um
070Nancy, and I just want to say congratulations on uh your retirement and uh enjoy every minute of it. >> Anything else? And even though he's not retiring, I have to say we're going to miss Brian Browski, who was a student here who went through this district and his wife and children are just a delightful family and I'm sorry that he announced something else. So >> good luck to him. >> Y >> anybody else? Okay. All right. Mrs. Stevenson. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Miss Romeo. on 24 and yes on everything else. Mr. Conway, >> yes. >> Mr. Yes. Mr. >> Yes. >> Okay. Operations and finance. >> Sure. 10 like to move uh items 1 through 4 in operations and finance >> second. >> Any discussion? Any questions? Okay. I have a question.
071Do we have an auditor's report tonight? Uh we were supposed to have it last week, right? Um they had another appointment tonight. So, we'll be coming on the 9th, okay, and making a presentation. Um, normally it's um consistent with the resolution being on the agenda, but there have been instances where the two dates can coincide. So, um the audit has already been as required by state. to do their presentation. [Music] Thank you. >> I just want to say say kudos to Barbara and her staff having only two items on this list to uh have a corrective action plan, especially in this past year. I think we have to say thank you for all their hard work that they put in day in and day out for the district and I have seen many times this
072year past was here that there were multiple plan. So kudos to board and the staff world that work so hard. Thank you. Right? >> No. Anyone else? So the um the auditors will come to discuss number two and three right when cuz that's on their report. >> Yeah. >> Is that something that we should table until they come or it really doesn't matter. >> Huh? >> They can we have it. It's doesn't matter. >> We got the the booklets. >> Questions discussion. Okay. Roll call vote. Mr. Ojinski. >> Yes. Mrs. Stevenson, yes. >> Mr. Reno, >> yes. >> Mr. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mr. Stillman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Dwire, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romeo, >> yes. >> Mr. Conley, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Like to move item number five under operations
073and finance. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Mr. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Stevenson. Yes, Mr. >> Yes. >> And I'm sorry, no substain. >> Nobody gets paid. No. No. No. Mr. >> was looking ahead. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Conway. >> Yes. >> Mr. Romeo. >> Abstain. >> Mr. M. >> I have stayain written right there. Uh, I'd like to move items six through nine under operations and finance. >> Second. Oh, go ahead. You got it. You can't. >> Take it back. Any discussion number 69? Okay. >> Yes. >> Mino. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stevenson. >> Yes. M. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stillman. >> Yes. >> Mrs. M. Romeo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Con? >> Yes. >> M. >> Yes. Thank you. Policy. Okay. I'd like to make a motion to move number one under
074policy. Second discussion. I just wanted to explain I don't get it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. When I when I first read it, I was like, "Wait a minute. Are we not going to vote on these?" >> Okay, I understand. Thank you. I think roll. >> Yes. >> Mr. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Mason. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stillman. >> Yes. >> Mr. Conway. >> Yes. >> Mr. Marino. >> Yes. >> Mr. Squire. Yes. Mr. Midnight. >> Yes. Thank you. Committee reports and leaison park and Rex. Uh and and June 11th. >> Okay. Thank you. Safety. This is uh we did have a meeting on February 4th. Um they went over some of the drill that that we're doing some of the drills and the um you know shelter in place, but they're
075they're not leaving the building at this point. But um they talked about some other items that are are coming up. We're going to have another meeting. I think it might be May. Maybe Alex could remember. I I was not I I did not keep my notes unfortunately. I'm sorry. >> It's on our calendar and I don't have a calendar. >> Okay. And superintendent roundt there is a meeting this Thursday. meeting last month. I guess it focused mostly on bus issues and the um the hybrid, you know, moving kids back into school full-time, opening the schools. Um but there is another meeting this Thursday. So, um New Jersey school boards, um we have nothing yet for that. >> Oh, yes, we do. >> We do. >> Oh, New Jersey. >> I'm sorry. >> You mean to
076say county? >> No, New Jersey. No, school board. >> If you up to state county, go for it. >> County. >> Yeah. So, next one. Next one. >> Sorry, I skipped it. >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. I'm I'm feeling the love right now. All right. Um, so the meeting was on February 8th. The new slate of N New Jersey School Board Association officers were sworn in. Um, on the county level, they're looking for a new president and two vice presidents. There's an unsung hero program. One student from each district will um uh is is nominated. I think it comes from the superintendent. I'm not sure. I I have to look at my notes on that. Um it will be done virtually this year. Um a board trustee from Clifton is is running the program. Um
077Chris Jones, who's the legislative uh representative, talked about the standardized testing, which um I know is uh is an issue at this time and the state budgets that is uh the issue with that is as far as the funding, federal funding, and because there's a problem with the timing behind it. Excuse me, I'm going to hyperventilate here all of a sudden. Um and then there's a there was a discussion on called eyes on the future. It has to do with mental health on on all levels, not just our students, but uh faculty and staff as well. And there's a steam competition that's going to be taking place this year. Um Kathy Helawa spoke and is reminding all of us that uh we will be evaluating our superintendent and it needs to be done by July
078and mentioned that uh food for thought that a pre-evaluation conference by the trustees that are um eligible to evaluate the superintendent may be something we would we would possibly do. And that again was just mentioned to all uh those who attended. And then there was a presentation by Joe Rosselli and I forwarded to all board members about the issues of social media. And I think especially after what happened just just recently, we really need to be careful of how we conduct ourselves on social media whether we're in meetings or uh or not. Next meeting is going to be on March 15. >> Um, with that testing, is I know Murphy is trying to appeal to the federal government to cancel the testing. Is New Jersey school board taking any action on that? >> Um, Chris
079Jones stated that it was not required for graduation and teachers evaluation, but was required by the federal government. I uh I think Dr. You sent something today pertaining to the >> there was uh last two weeks. So about two weeks ago announced that they were going to file to the federal government for a waiver which you all felt was going to be a complaint and then last night the vice administrator said they were not going to approve the waiver. So it looks like now we're going to have testing this spring. They mentioned they would have some sort of flexibility for states, but what does that flexibility look like? It becomes clear now. We're just going to have to wait for guidance. My guess is it'll look something similar to the start strong assessment we did
080back in the fall. That's just a guess. Um, which means it'll be a shorter, more compressed uh assessment than we normally would expect. So, you know, more more to follow. I think the story is still developing. a little bit of a disappointment last night. Um the uh secretary of education I don't believe has even been approved yet by the Senate. So who's making this decision? I don't know. It was a a backbench, you know, assistant to the assistant to the assistant or even at least the press release. So nobody really sure what's going on. We'll just have to wait and see. Hopefully we'll have some more information in the next week or so. Uh I can vouch at the me at the meeting that um the all trustees uh all board of ed trustees and
081all people participating in the zoom were pretty much uh not for testing at the time because of the issues that our students and staff are dealing with. So um the feeling is mutual. It's just again this this took place two weeks ago. Um and unfortunately I think it's going to still play out. Thank you. Okay. Jersey Board Association. Um Mrs. Van Djke, do you have anything? Because I have nothing for this. And for for New Jersey school board, not right now, right? Um I I just wanted to ask a quick question. Since since we took that uh early that early what was the name of the test you >> pass? >> Yeah. Since we took the start strong test, I'm wondering if there's some way that we can, you know, get credit for like one
082of the take it rather than anything else. Okay. Legislators uh Mr. of this case. >> Uh, no reform. >> Okay. Thank you. Technology oversight, right? >> Yeah. Just three quick things. One, um, if we do have to test, we uh we know that they're going to use the older system of Chrome. So, um, all of our Chromebooks will be compliant for testing, which is a nice thing. Uh second, still uh researching the phone system, but we need to get something uh really up to date in in our schools. And then third, I just mentioned that uh Joey Jordan is working with uh Robert to uh come up with something for the board meetings with regard to our sound system. We do have a couple uh bids in place right now, so they're working through that.
083>> Thank you. >> Sure. >> Okay. Council Board of Education joint committee. Um, we have nothing at this time unless Mr. Green has something. >> Nope. >> Okay. West Milton Municipal Alliance Page and Courtney. I think I made that meeting. Um, they talked about the programs that they're offering our elementary students a little bit more. It looks like um a lot of the programs have started or in the works. Um, Footsteps for the second graders, which is about self-esteem, bullying, and making good choices is going to be next. Um, they're doing a lot of fundraising to do more for our students. Um, they talked a little bit about the lead program and how that possibly may not happen. Um, it doesn't seem like the police can do it, the sense I got. Um I think
084I don't know it. Um they're also offering um a seminar for parents. It's actually through the plant church and it's all about navigating healthy use of technology and social social media in a postcoid world. So, like once we're out of CO and our children are not on the screen all the time, how are children going to transition from that? Because I think it's safe to say that they're all pretty much becoming addicted to the screen. That event is Sunday, February 28th, so this Sunday at 6:30. It is a free community online event with a Zoom link. Um, yeah. Thanks. Okay. Any questions? All right. Old business. Any old business? >> Um, I have one thing. Usually at the beginning of these meetings, Dr. Enamone, you give us like a little update on where we are
085with our hybrid and you can do that. >> So, we have our administrative council meeting tomorrow. Uh, this is going to be a discussion point for our team tomorrow. We're going to have it on the education committee report in March uh March 16th I believe. >> So we're going to look to continue to bring develop plan to bring a higher percent of our students back to 5 days to safely bring them back the five day. So um it's something we have not we're always working on and we hope to have some more consequence to the board to the committee and eventually to the community as well. If I can just ask one request um as a community member, a mom and a teacher that those um plans are made far in advance for parents to
086be able to readjust their child care. Um you know, sometimes 2 weeks isn't even enough. So if we are going in 5 days, the sooner we know the better. Um, so if I can just put that out there that way, if we're thinking about doing that, it can be like a community method. >> Yeah. If you bring them back, it's usually easier on a day if not harder. >> Mhm. >> Um, have parents have the option of competing with the virtual program if they so choose or remaining in a hybrid A or B day if they choose. Bring back more students for both A and B. Anything else, >> Alex? Um, with that being asked, um, I haven't seen the chart that we see with the hybrid and the numbers and, um, I was wondering
087if you could send that to me this week. >> Okay. voice. Okay. And >> I I will say that um I noticed that with regard to the students that are going in school, especially the K through five schools, it looks like most days we have probably 60 anywhere anywhere between a little bit more than half to 2/3 of our students already in school. So, anything we could do to get those that extra one-third um back in school could only benefit. And again, right, I think things have gotten much better from a environment perspective. Back when I think we talked about initially doing this in January, right, you saw nationwide positivity numbers is 300,000. Now, they're down around 50,000. So, I think it's it's a good opportunity right now. Um numbers are moving in our favor.
088Vaccinations are increasing and infections are decreasing, hospitalizations are decreasing. >> Thank God. >> The CDC just came out guidance of health essentially uh staff members that are fully vaccinated which is two shots and then two weeks after your second shot. If they are fully vaccinated, they would not have to quarantine at home if they were close contact. This does help with our staff and concerns because we've lost staff members for two weeks because their spouse tested positive, right? >> Their child tested positive or an in-law who lived tested positive. >> They themselves are healthy and remain healthy, but we lose them for two weeks. >> Two weeks, different people. So, we're going to see less of that moving forward um as more and more teachers get vaccinated. And uh I know some states have put
089teachers on a priority list. New Jersey has not yet. Nobody knows why, but they have not put on a priority list, which would help. However, we know that they thought they're also making more and more vaccinations available every day. They're just producing more than they did last month. So naturally the supply and demand will balance out. It won't be right away, but it will be maybe next month. This time it will be a lot easier to get a an appointment. And now I think by April it could be something we can log in today and get appointment tomorrow because they'll have shelves for vaccines and empty spots still. So um we're hopeful that the vaccination process moves forward. Um but that's largely under our control. But all this is really connected. Um, and you'll hear
090more about this. >> Great. Any other report? And just looking at the numbers, all of our elementary classes are around 20 under 20. Even the majority are under 20. So I >> 18 maybe. >> Some of them even have 14. >> On average, 17, 18, >> 13, 11. So I think that, you know, safety we couldn't do this. You know, these are small numbers. When you look at other districts that are going back 5 days a week full time, they have much bigger numbers. So, we can do that. >> Yeah. Um, two things I with that last statement that Courtney made and I'm also just really proud of us and again, you know, talking to family members all over the country who have not been in their school building since March. So, like we are
091doing so good and I love not getting those letters from Dr. Random with COVID cases le you know those days I celebrate. Um but what I really raised my hand to tell you is a quick story that goes with old business. It'll be very quick. I spoke with four family members today who are students and two juniors in high school fifth grader and a first grader. And when I ask my family members how was school today? I got the same response from all four children. Boring. Boring. Boring. It was the first grader though that is really important to this meeting which is this. The child said really boring and I hated it until the end of the day when I play with Gigi Penguin. And I was like wait a minute step back. What did
092you do? I play this game with Gigi Penguin. And I said is that called SC math? And the child's like I don't know. It's called GG Penguin. So, I really felt that that was important to share with the board that I heard it today out of a first grader's mouth. Um, the other three are still boring. They said, you know, fifth grader and and high school students, but the first grader, all they wanted to talk about was GG Penguin. And that just uh made my heart throb. So, I needed to share that with all of you. >> GG costume on order. I just that you know that sent to me. >> Is he going to wear it? >> Really? >> Oh, you did. Oh, you're going to make it. [Laughter] >> Sound like that was
093a hard no from our attorney, huh? >> Okay. Motion to close all business. >> Make a motion to close all business. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? I >> um I know in the scheme of things, this is really not a big to-do. Um but I and I spoke to Mr. Novak about this recently, but I just want to say out loud because I don't know who's actually watching this, whether it's administr, you know, teachers, uh principles, parents, and stuff like that. Um, since I've been working in town, I'm starting to find different about uh, for example, I found out about some fundraisers out at Upper Greenwood Lake School. And I would like I always like to support the schools and the community, but if I can't I can't always be finding the fundraisers
094and I really would like those organizations that are doing and at middle school, high school as well. They're fundraisers. if they can advertise it better, if we can promote it a little bit better on our school page, if PTAs can do a little better job on their pages within their schools and so that if you want to support, you know, you want you want to buy something, you know what's going on and and you can do that when they're the clo the clothing drives and stuff that it it I find out about it like fifthand. And I just wish there was an easier way for those whose kids are no longer in the school system. >> Three of us have kids here. We'll just bring the fire directly. >> Okay. >> I while I while
095I most appreciate that, they will not. I'm just kidding. >> No, I I know. And I And I I will I'd be more than happy to get a direct line. That that that makes my life a lot easier. I just I just I I don't think I'm the only one that would like to support the school districts, but if they don't know what's going on, uh and and they don't know where to find the information, um or if they do find the information, they have to it it it's a little bit I wouldn't say laborious, that's a that it it's not there right off the bat. I I just would like a better >> It should be on our our our local school page with the that's a conversation that that Debbie and I had
096and I don't know if maybe Debbiey's referring to uh people who also may not be connected with our schools having you know if they're um people who want to contribute but aren't getting the parent information. So that's we're set up for parents of our students to be getting this direct information. But we also have a spot on our website. Each school has the school backpack, the virtual backpack. That's where all the flyers go that are school related. We also on our main page have the community backpack. That's where the flyers. Um and a lot of times we have redundancy where the flyer will go into the bowl. Like when the high success center sends us things, we typically put it in both the school backpack and the and the um community >> community. But to
097Debbiey's point, who who knows that, you know, so that's a conversation we'll have with with Robert in terms of looking at the website. You know, the website redesign keeps coming up if that needs to be a front and center link. Uh periodic honey well just bring people attention to it. But again, that's that's set up for our parents. So um you know I I say I'm I'm coming to you next um meeting so we'll talk about it there. >> Okay. I you know and it's just that um it I'm I'm actually saying this so that the word gets out. So this is so if somebody's saying oh this is where I can find it. Okay. They're going to go to our West Mulford school page and then they're going to look it up. I'm just
098trying to get the word out in any way, shape, and form I can to support our schools as well. >> Community backpack is the um is the main link on and then school back on on the individual. >> I just hope PTA stay on top of it too so that we can support them as well because that it's all important. >> Thank you. Any other new business? Okay. Motion to close new business. like make a motion to close new business. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Yes. >> Public comment again. Okay. This is for non-aggenda items. This portion of the meeting is open to members of the public having a legitimate interest in the actions of the board for the purpose of addressing any subject matter pertinent to and or directly related to the
099operation of the West Milter Public School District. Members of the public who have requested this prior to will be recognized by the chair first. Each speaker will be given five minutes for a period of 30 minutes and then time permitting other public comment limited to five minutes per speaker will be allowed until the 30 minute period transpired. All speakers are asked to sign and register provider and give their full name, spell their last name, group affiliation if appropriate, and provide their address. Issues raised by members of the public may or may not be responded to by the board. All comments will be considered and a response will be forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board asks that members of the public public be courteous and respectful of the rights of other individuals when speaking. Specifically,
100comments regarding students and employees of the board are discouraged and the board and the administration will not respond to them. Students and employees have specific legal rights afforded to them by the laws of New Jersey. The board is not responsible and is not liable for any comments made by members of the public. Members of the public should consider their comments in light of the legal rights of those affected or identified in their comments. Members of the public are reminded that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. Does anyone wish to speak? Okay. Motion to close public comments. >> Like to make a motion to close public comments. >> Second. >> Okay. Would you Oh, we do not need an executive session. Therefore, we are going to adjourn. Motion >> like to make a
101motion to adjourn. >> Right. Second. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I >> Good night everybody and wish. [Applause]