HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2014-06-19 Minutes a ARIOVED
Brewster School Committee
June 19,2014
Brewster Town Hall
Present for the Conl ittee: Marie Enochty,Dave Telman, Brenda Cazeault, Claire Gradone, Trish Hill (7:25 p.m.)
Present for the Administration: Dr. Richard Hoffmann,Dr. Ann Caretti,Ms. Giovanna Venditti,Principal Fronius
and Principal Hughes
Call to Order
Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Agenda Changes
Chair Telman indicated that a member was en route and held the reorganization until her arrival.
Recognitions
None
Citizens Speak
None
PRIORITY BUSINESS
Administrators' Reports
Principal Fronius reported that Stony Brook and Eddy held their first all school meeting for both schools with a
theme that focused on volunteerism,citizenship and Memorial Day. Long-time volunteer, Mr. Andujar,was
recogtized. A Principal's chat was held in June regarding Student Placement and the process and the Kindergarten
bus rice was held. Barry Burbank visited Stony Brook Elementary School and spoke to first and second grade
students all about weather and what it is like to be a meteorologist. Congratulations were given to Stacey Faris for a
wonderful Spring Concert and also for the second grade students singing the National Anthem at the Brewster
Whitecap's opening game. Field Day was a huge success and Mrs. Stone was thanked for all her efforts. JP Ludwig
and Lnrry Greeley were thanked for videotaping. Following Field Day was an All-School BBQ. Thanks were
extended to Ken Foster and Breakaway Grill,Donna Drown and Sara Slowik for at great day.
MOTION:
On a Motion by Marie Enochty seconded by Brenda Cazeault,it was voted 4-0 to approve the list of school supplies
as surplus.
Principal Hughes reported on field day,the fifth grade promotion night and the retirement of Cheryl Snure,grade 5
special needs teacher. An Education Assistant has also submitted a resignation to pursue other work. Second gaders
visited the Eddy School and the fifth grade social night was very well attended. Principal Hughes indicated that she
has experienced a great first year and is thankful to be part of the Brewster community.
MOTION:
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Brenda Cazeault,it was voted 4-0 to approve the surplus list at Eddy.
Principal Hughes,at the request school committee member Brenda Cazeault,reflected on her first year at the Eddy
School. She indicated she felt very welcomed and appreciated the support from parents and staff. She felt it was a
great year and she felt the Eddy School is a special place.
Dr.Ann Caretti indicated that she would be giving a presentation on Tools of the Mind as her report.
Brewster School Committee 6-19-2014 Page 1
Keith Gauley highlighted a couple of items in his written report;K-5 ELA and K-5 Math Coordinators for the
District,Lorraine Johnson and Tracey Deegan abd also reported that the District did not receive the grant for
$320,000.
Dr. Haffinann reported that the Police Chiefs from the five towns(including Truro)have been meeting and there is
strong consensuses that moving forward staff will have training in A.L.I.C.E. This is an alternate method that staff
could implement if there was danger. The School Committees will have a chance to hear from the Chiefs regarding
the training. The Technology Plan was approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education ad has
met all standards for the Technology Plan. He also indicated the District is still seeking host families for
International Students.
Laurel School
Jacqui Bebe,President and trustee for the Laurel School addressed the Committee indicating that there has been a
chang in administration late in the school year at the Laurel School.The Office for EEC offered a waiver because
they are an elementary school which is pursuant to MGL Chapter 76. This waiver confirms the Laurel School's
position in Town of Brewster as an alternative elementary school. She indicated that the Laurel School has been
accredited since 1984 and has been in Brewster for 30 years. The Laurel School just needed the Brewster School
Commjittee to recognize them as an alternative to Public School in the Town of Brewster. (It was noted there are no
financial implications to the District)
The Committee agreed to recognize the Laurel School and the Chair signed the letter stating that the program,as
presented,is approved by the Brewster School Committee as an alternative to public school,in accordance with
M.G.L. Ch. 76, Section 1.
Trish Hill arrived at 7:25 p.m.
REORjGANIZATION
Dr.Hdffmann took nominations for the Chair of the Brewster School Committee. On a motion by Marie Enochty,
seconded by Trish Hill,it was voted unanimously to appoint Dave Telman as Chair of the Brewster School
Committee.
On a motion by Trish Hill, seconded by Marie Enochty, it was voted unanimously to appoint Brenda Cazeault as
Vice chair of the Brewster School Committee.
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Brenda Cazeault,it was voted unanimously to appoint Ann Tefft,
recording secretary for the Brewster School Committee.
Chair Telman discussed his plan for time limitations on agenda items to keep the meetings moving and to have better
efficiency at the meetings. Marie Enochty explained how members would be timekeepers and the committee would
be mindful of the time in discussion of each item. This would also help members work together as a team. Other
members were not sure they liked the idea as there are important items that impact students and debate should not be
cut oft This item was tabled until next meeting. It was the consensus of the committee to start their meetings at
6:30 p,m. Ms.Enochty also asked that committee members agree on how they want to work together as a committee
and come up with five things that the committee will adhere to in order to frame their meetings and remind members
they are working together as a team. This may also make meetings more efficient.
Tools pf the Mind
Dr.Aran Caretti gave a PowerPoint Presentation on Tools of the Mind with Judy Suchecki and Morgan Stewart as
guest Speakers. It was indicated that Dr.Hoffmann,Jess Murray,Kate Berg, and Dr. Mack attended a conference
where results from the NYU Study were presented. The purpose of the slideshow was to highlight the writing that
is taking place on in the classroom and how well students are doing. Dr. Caretti indicated that there is so much talk
about self-regulation but the academic piece is that the students are learning so much by helping one another. Dr.
Caretti indicated that she would make the full study available to the Committee.
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Ms.Cazeault suggested the presenter be careful about presenting information about a two-year study. Dr. Caretti
indicated that 759 students in Massachusetts were included in the study. She also indicated that the Nauset teachers
are trained in Tools of the Mind and are using it. Ms. Cazeault inquired about the students ten years out. Ms.Hill
asked for further information on"Tools"and that the entire study be shared with the Committee. She indicated that
parents have not had on-going engagement on this topic. She would like to see some data on how Brewster students
are doing with the program. She also mentioned the changes in the Kindergarten report card that she would like to
review to see if it is aligned with the Common Core and Massachusetts Frameworks. Ms. Judy Suchecki addressed
the Committee giving her experience with a variety of curriculums over her 22 years as a Kindergarten teacher noting
that"Tools"was by far the best curriculum she has ever taught. She stated that"Tools"was developed with research
based On how children learn. She also stated that children do not learn academics in isolation and that their physical
and emotional needs must be supported. She stated that"Tools"gets students emotionally and socially ready for first
grade so they have executive functioning skills. Children work independently and cooperatively navigating the
classroom. She indicated that the report card and"Tools"is aligned with the Common Core. The program has also
been updated due to teacher feedback. She concluded by saying that students were in their zone,challenged and love
learning.
Ms. Enochty would like to see the full report and would like Administration to think about the continuum as she felt
by the time students enter fourth grade there is a drop. Chair Telman indicated that the next few agendas will have
"Tools"on the agenda for discussion.
PARCC vs. MCAS
Dr.Hoffmann and Mr. Gauley presented information on PARCC testing vs.MCAS testing. He indicated that the
state has not given districts a lot of time to digest information but each school committee has to decide what kind of
assessment they will use next year The decision to go with PARCC next year has to be made by June 30"'. He
indicated that Wellfleet voted to use PARCC,the Region postponed their decision, Orleans deferred the subject to
their August meeting,and Eastham voted to use PARCC. Dr. Hoffmann and Mr. Gauley reviewed slides in their
Power?oint Presentation to the committee.
Ms. Hill stated that she has concerns about the technology use for testing. She felt Brewster students are behind in
using leads as a learning tool. She also stated that MCAS has been around for 17 years and questioned if PARCC is
a quality assessment.
Mr. Gauley indicated that MCAS has done a good job since back in the 90's but wondered if PARCC could get
students to higher level thinking skills. He also noted the time on testing would decrease. He noted that students in
the Pilot tests liked using the computer for assessments,the vast majority had enough time,and they liked all the
tools that they used to help with the test such as,magnifiers,read aloud headphones,highlighters, cross outs etc.
Students will still take MCAS in Science. Mr. Gauley felt that PARCC was better aligned to the Common Core and
is a performance based assessment.
Ms. Enochty stated change was tough but if it would give the students a jumpstart and if the District is held harmless,
why wait. Ms. Gradone agreed with Ms. Enochty.
Ms. Cazeault asked that this be presented to parents and teachers before the Committee votes on this She also
wondered how students felt about this Principal Hughes indicated that the third grade teachers piloted the test and
had mixed reviews. Some students felt they could not type fast enough. Ms. Cazeault stated that Massachusetts has
not decided if PARCC will be the test and yen though the state is pushing it,it may not be the right choice for
Nauset.
Ms. Hill indicated that PARCC has a lot to offer but does not think Brewster should rush into it as there is no data
that this test is as rigorous as MCAS. It might turn out that it is not as good. She stated that PARCC is going to test
the Common Core but added this test does not measure the entire frameworks. She indicated that testing is going to
change and that the District should prepare for the change, giving students enough time in the computer lab and an
Brewster School Committee 6-19-2014 Page 3
s
opportunity to use devices. She emphasized that students need to get ready for the test and need technology skills. If
the District went with PARCC next year,Brewster would lose valuable data for students. She suggested letting them
work out the kinks,get the school positioned, give our kids opportunities for integration with Math and ELA and the
technology necessary to take this test.
Chair Telman asked if there was a difference in test preparation compared to MCAS testing. Mr. Gauley indicated
that the teachers have been working for 145 days to prep their students to be ready for MCAS. They have so many
sample questions and practice tests. It was also mentioned that the state has not decided they will adopt PARCC and
they may develop their own assessment. This will be on the August agenda with an update from Principal Hughes.
FY14$udget Update
Ms.Venditt,Director of Finance and Operations,reviewed the end of year balances with the Committee noting the
Eddy School balance is $42,328 and the Stony Brook balance is$12,424. Both Principals will be following their
end-ofyear spending plan. Ms.Venditti reviewed the Cafeteria Revolving Fund noting a loss of$16,542 at Stony
Brook and$18,895 at the Eddy School.
FY 15 3udget Update
Ms.Venditti reviewed the action taken to date relative to the FY14-15 budget and the methodology used to get to the
$47,654.
Principal Fronius reported on the Kindergarten/Grade One enrollment and class size. Ms. Cazeault, School
Committee liaison to the School Council,read a statement from the School Council endorsing Principal Fronius'
recommendation of five grade one classes and 4 kindergarten classes with the addition of a.2 Educational Assistant.
Each Kindergarten class will have a full time Educational Assistant. Presently there are 78 Kindergarten students
registered so the plan may need to be revisited. Principal Fronius indicated that an additional teacher would not be
good as the entire schedule would have to be revamped. In the future she would like to look at a K/1 class,but that
takes a great deal of planning. Two %z time educational assistants is approximately$23,000. Principal Fronius
indicated that there are no additional costs for benefits.
Motion:
On a motion by Brenda Cazeault, seconded by Trish Hill,it was voted unanimously to approve 4—Kindergarten
classeS and 5—First Grade classes with the additional educational assistant positions.
Principal Hughes addressed the Committee indicating the need for an additional part-time educational assistant as she
anticipates a need for an IEP in the fall. She does not want to fill the position yet and is making sure there is a need.
She is'watching the third grade numbers and indicated there are 20 in each class. Ms. Enochty stated that if we need
an educational assistant for an IEP,we just fund it. She further stated that those are unanticipated needs and you do
not have to take from someplace else to fund a position. Principal Hughes would like to replenish the funds in
texts, software and media and it was by unanimous consent that the committee approved replenishing$1,500.
It was by consensus of the Committee that the Principals move forward with their spending plans.
Policy Update
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Brenda Cazeault,it was voted unanimously to approve, for a first
reading,the Policy on Background Checks ADDA and the DCJIS Model Cori Policy,ADDA-R.
Eddy chool Improvement Plan 2014-16
Principal Hughes presented the 2014-16 School Improvement Plan to the Committee.
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve the Eddy School
Improvement Plan 2014-2016.
Ms. Hill suggested, in future plans, she would like to see the Principal move toward Smart Goals and ensure that
local plans support the district level plans.
Brewster School Committee 6-19-2014 Page 4
, CI
Report and Information
Preschool Enrollment—in packet
Cape Cod Collaborative—Trish Hill reported highlights from the meeting that included;plans for the articles of
agreement for each of the districts in the fall and the grant award of$188,000 to support early childhood goals that
the Collaborative will be managing.
PTO Trish Hill reported that the Flea Market will start on Tuesday at the Drummer Boy and volunteers are need in
the morning.
Policy',—Chair Telman indicated that the policy manual is very close to being updated. The policy on fundraising for
Brewster still needs language.
Building and Needs Subcommittee—Chair Telman indicated that the HVAC units will be here on August 10t.
He thapked the voters for voting the project and Bob Miller for all his hard work on the subcommittee. He indicated
it was looking like the project will not disrupt school in late September and October.
Negotiations Subcommittee—no report
Playground Update—Mr. Gauley reported that there has been a delay in the playground because of two issues;part of
the playground is over the leeching field and they are working with engineers to check the integrity of the soil and
they are dealing with the release of current installer. He apologized for the delays but wants to do this correctly and
will move forward in a positive way.
Approval of Minutes
On a Motion by Trish Hill, seconded by Brenda Cazeault,it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of
May 15,2014.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Brenda Cazeault it was voted by roll call vote to go into executive
session at 10:29 p.m.,to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with union personnel,not to return to
open session.
On a roll call the vote was as follows: Marie Enochty-yea, Claire Gradone-yea,Trish Hill-yea,Brenda Cazeault-yea,
and Chair Telman-yea
Respectfully submitted,
Ann 1u4. Tefft
Included in the packet: Information on Laurel School,Expenditure Reports,Administrators' Reports,PARCC vs.
MCAS Presentation,FY15 Budget,Policy on Background Checks,Eddy School Improvement Plan and Minutes
Brewster School Committee 6-19-2014 Page 5