Watertown Board of Education

Regular Board of Education Meeting

Minutes

Meeting Date:May 9, 2005

Meeting Time:7:30 p.m.

Meeting Place:JohnTrumbullPrimary School Library

Members Present: Ms. Mary Ann Rosa, Board Chairperson

Mr. Victor Vicenzi, Vice Chairperson

Ms. Mary Colangelo, Board Secretary

Ms. Maureen Caine, Board member

Ms. Gina Calabrese, Board member

Ms. Mary Dzioba, Board member

Mr. James Marks, Board member

Ms. Joanne Pannone, Board member

Mr. Michael Abdalla, Interim Superintendent of Schools

Ms. Amelia Grover, Dir. of Budget and Financial Planning

Ms. Betsy Hackett, Director of Special Services

Mr. Todd LoFrese, Director of Operations

Ms. Jenna Apicella, Student Council Representative

Absent: Mr. Charles Fenn, Board member

Dr. Philip Pelosi, Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Press: Mr. Tommy Valuckas, Waterbury Republican

Mr. Jim Taylor, Town Times

Guests: Dr. Joseph Erardi Jr., Incoming Superintendent

Ms. Mary Jane Miller, Ms. Joann Chenkus, Mr. Stan Mikrut, Mr. Aleksandr Sklyar, Ms. Lori Lupachino and Ms. Gayle Clark

Other interested citizens: Mr. Whitey Greenwood, Mrs. Sandy Greenwood, Mr. Paul Rinaldi, Mr. Rob Kane, Mr. Karl Fisher, Mr. Ray Hebert, Ms. Fayne Malloy, Ms. Pat Corvello and Mr. Scott Nozik. Mrs. Fran Palmer, Mr. Bill Brown, Mrs. Nancy Rowan, Mrs. Ceryll Beliveau, Mr. Charlie Beliveau, Mrs. Judy White, Mr. Bob Grady and Mrs. Siobhan Kalnins,

A. Convene Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM

Ms. Mary Ann Rosa, Chairman, convened the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

B. Salute to the Flag

Ms. Rosa led the pledge to the flag.

C. Recognition

Mr. Abdalla: We will begin this evening’s Board meeting by recognizing Aleksandr Sklyar, a junior at WatertownHigh School, for excellence in Spanish.

Mr. Sklyar is one of twenty students nationwide who has been awarded a two-week travel/study scholarship sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.

Aleksandr had to submit a five-minute video tape in Spanish and a two-page typewritten essay in Spanish in which he discussed which aspect of Spanish culture he would explore if given the opportunity to visit the country.

The Board would like to present Aleksandr with a Certificate of Excellence with our sincere compliments

Mr. Abdalla and Ms. Rosa presented Mr. Sklyar with a certificate and congratulations.

D.Public Participation: There was no one who wished to address the Board.

Report from Student Council Representative – Ms. Jenna Apicella

Ms. Apicella: No Report tonight but I would like to thank everyone on behalf of all of the seniors for your help with the situation with the Graduation and Project Graduation dates. We really appreciate it, thank you.

E. Budget Summary – (Information Only – No Action Required)

F. Committee Reports:

1.Advertising Committee, Charles Fenn, Chair

Ms. Rosa: Mr. Fenn is not here but to my knowledge there has not been a meeting so I think we are going to have to call one. Mike would you please ask Barbara to call the Committee members to set a date; we really need to get that done. I know Mr. Fenn is working and can’t do that right now.

2.Athletics and Facilities Committee, Mr. Victor Vicenzi, Chair

Mr. Vicenzi stated there was no Report tonight.

3.Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Gina Calabrese, Chair

Ms. Calabrese stated there was no Report tonight.

4.Policy and Labor Committee, Mary Colangelo, Chair

Ms. Colangelo stated there was no Report tonight.

5.Cablevision, James Marks

Mr. Marks: There is no Report tonight, I haven’t been invited to a meeting yet.

Ms. Rosa: Jim I will call the Business Manager’s office tomorrow to be sure they have your full name and phone number so that you get the notices.

G. Communications - Secretary

Ms. Colangelo stated there was not any correspondence to report tonight.

H. Minutes

Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo seconded by Ms. Pannone that the minutes of the Board of Education meeting of April 25, 2005 be approved as presented.

Motion Passed

(7-In favor, 0-Opposed, 1-Abstained)

In Favor: Ms. Rosa, Mr. Vicenzi, Ms. Colangelo, Ms. Caine, Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Dzioba, Ms. Pannone

Abstained: Mr. Marks

I. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report

Mr. Abdalla recognized the students listed below for their Artwork on display tonight. He then introduced Ms. Lori Lupachino and Ms. Gayle Clark representatives of the Judson School PTO, present this evening to give a report on JudsonSchool’s involvement with the Watertown Community. Mr. Abdalla then introduced Mrs. Mary Jane Miller foreign language teacher at WatertownHigh School to discuss the recent trip to France. Mr. Abdalla followed this with announcements of the Art show dates and then called upon Mr. LoFrese to talk about the Swift project status.

1. Artwork on Display – (Information Only – No Action Required)

The student artwork you see tonight on display has been done by the following students:

Heather Chapin, JohnTrumbullPrimary School, Grade 1

Paige Biolo, JudsonSchool, Grade 4

Doug Sasso, PolkSchool, Grade 5

Monica Franceskino, HeminwayParkSchool, Grade 6

Jennifer Shields, SwiftMiddle School, Grade 8

Lindsey Halliwell, WatertownHigh School, Grade 12

2.JudsonSchool’s Involvement with the Watertown Community – (Information Only – No Action Required)

Ms. Lori Lupachino and Ms. Gayle Clark representatives of the Judson School PTO, are present this evening to give a report on JudsonSchool’s involvement with the Watertown Community.

Ms. Lori Lupachino: Good Evening, I’m Lori and this is Gayle and we are Co Presidents of the Judson PTA. We have an amazing group of parents and teachers; our membership is approximately 250 strong so we have the usual 20% organizational roles that everybody normally has. With the amount of stretching the School Board has to do; we can all appreciate the need for fund-raising and boy, do we have them. From our first which is a major fund-raiser, through late Spring we are continuing to bring in money to help support our teachers’ and students’ needs and requirements. We started the school year off by giving every one of our students a large spiral bound assignment pad. Each teacher has received a $50 Staples gift card for supplies; we certainly hope to continue that next year. We sponsor a back-to-school night where all students and parents are invited to enjoy an ice cream sundae, compliments of the PTA. Guess what happens to be in our Gym? It’s a Book Fair! Not only can parents purchase books for their children but they can also purchase a book and dedicate it to their teacher from their child. This encourages positive parent participation and good reading relationships. Communication is key, we send home monthly calendars announcing all school activities and we enlist a Chairperson who organizes the Room Parents to assist the teachers as necessary. Not only do you find the PTA present during the school day, but we sponsor fun evenings such as the Halloween Party and the Sock Hop. We get involved in our community as well. Our Giving Baskets overflowed with canned goods, perishables and gift certificates. We are grateful for the Judson School Staff and dedication. We were able to provide gift certificates to a spa for Administrative Support Staff. Our Nurse Mrs. Blais never thinks of herself, she always gives us a wish list of items that she needs for the Nurse’s office to help our students. We recently had Teacher Appreciation Week where we provided a luncheon for the entire Staff, their Support and the Cafeteria and Janitors.

Ms. Gayle Clark: JETS this year we had the History of Dance, Puppetry, Chinese Folk Dance, Inprov Drama, Inside Opera and recently we had the Amazing Hero Art, where we purchased original artwork for the school of Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa and Beethoven , which will hang in the halls for years to come. We also had the MobileArk with endangered species that led to sponsorship of Popeye, the One-Eyed Monkey. Still to come is the Health Fair on May 19th and we’ll have books purchased for 5th grade night and in the Memorial Day parade we will have a float.

Ms. Rosa thanked the women for all their time and effort.

3. Recapitulation of April Trip to France – (Information Only – No Action Required)

Ms. Mary Jane Miller, Ms. Joanne Chenkus, and Mr. Stan Mikrut, foreign language teachers at Watertown High School, are present this evening to give a recapitulation of their April trip to France with Watertown High School foreign language students.

Ms. Mary Jane Miller: Hello, it seems it was just about a year ago that I was in here to ask for permission to take this trip and here we are coming back to report. It was incredible, absolutely wonderful. The children were terrific, they made me very proud. It was an incredible, incredible learning experience for them and instead of just me talking I brought two of them to say a quick word, maybe what was most meaningful to them.

Ms. Anusia Oak: Hi, I’d like to say that it was a trip of a lifetime. We learned so much about the French culture, food, everything. There is nothing like being a Language student and being able to go to the country and learn more about the language, the idiom, stuff you can’t learn about in the classroom. It’s the stuff that you learn when you go there, so it was definitely the trip of a lifetime.

Mr. Alek Sklyar: I second what Anusia said and for me it was amazing to see the difference and foreign influence inside of France. When we went to Paris we saw a lot of people knowing English and a lot of people conversing in English with a lot of French culture as well. When we went over to Northeastern France to Strasbourg we saw a lot of German influence there and the food was German as well and a lot of people knew German. When we went down to the Mediterranean, there was a lot of Italian influence and it was all mixed. It was very interesting and enlightening to see that inside France, such a small country in Europe that there was so much mixing go and it’s just as much of a melting pot as America is.

4. Spring Art Shows – (Information Only – No Action Required)

All Board members and the public are invited to view the Spring student art exhibits that will be held in the schools as follows:

JohnTrumbullPrimary School

Green: May 24 – 6:30 p.m.

Yellow: May 25 – 6:30 p.m.

Blue: June 1 – 6:30 p.m.

JudsonElementary School – June 9th, 6:00 p.m.

PolkElementary School – May 25th, 5:30 p.m.

HeminwayParkSchool – May 19th, 6:00 p.m.

SwiftMiddle School – June 7th, 7:00 p.m.

WatertownHigh School – May 26th, 6:30 p.m.

5. Swift Interior Finishes – (Information Only – No Action Required)

Mr. Todd LoFrese has received the boards that depict the interior finishes, materials, and colors for the Swift Renovation Project. The colors and materials chosen were a result of several meetings. These include the joint meeting of the Facilities and Public Buildings Committees, staff/architect meetings, and meetings amongst the staff at Swift. The samples are on display tonight.

Mr. LoFrese: Good evening I brought with me the boards that our Architect firm has put together for the finishes at SwiftMiddle School. These interior finishes represent the different colors, different types of materials that are going to be used throughout the building. They were picked through a couple of different means; in a joint meeting of the Facilities Committee and the Public Buildings Committee and then more extensive work between the building Faculty and the Architect firm. Those boards are behind me and afterward if anyone has any questions or comments I’d be more than happy to help explain what is there and take note of anything that anyone has to say.

J.Report from the Chairman

Ms. Rosa: I would like to comment tonight about the fact that it has come to our attention that Swift project is going to be put out to bid as soon as possible. There was a meeting held this week between the PublicBuildings, our Staff, the Architects and O & G the Project Managers. There is a concern with the rising cost of fuel, steel and other building costs that the project may be in jeopardy as far as the figure goes. We’re concerned that it is going to be overbid or overpriced, we’re going out to bid as soon as possible to nail down that figure and there will be alternates offered to the various bidders in the event that we need to scale back in any area we would be able to that with some of the possible alternates. Do you want to add anything else Todd?

Mr. LoFrese: I think that is complete.

Mr. Abdalla: Your recollection of the meeting last week is accurate. There are concerns by both the Architects and the Construction Manager that rising cost for virtually everything at this point might affect the project, and the only way to determine that is through the bidding process. As you indicated it will be done as soon as possible.

K. Action Items –-Adoption of Items to be Approved by Consent

a. Consideration of Approval of Dates for Graduation for SwiftMiddle School and WatertownHigh School – Tabled April 25, 2005

With the use of seven snow days this year, Tuesday, June 21, 2005 will be the last day of school for the 2004-2005 school year.

It is recommended that:

1. SwiftMiddle School’s Graduation occurs on Monday, June 20, 2005 at 6:00 PM. (In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors and begin at 7:30 PM.)

2. WatertownHigh School’s Graduation occurs on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 6:30 PM. (In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors and begin at 7:30 PM.)

Project graduation, the traditional all-night substance-free celebration for the graduates, will be held immediately following the graduation ceremony on June 22, 2005.

Motion presented by Mr. Vicenzi seconded by Ms. Calabrese to Place on the Table

Motion Passed Unanimously

(8-In favor, 0 -Opposed, 0-Abstained)

Motion presented by Mr. Vicenzi seconded by Ms. Pannone that SwiftMiddle School’s Graduation occurs on Monday, June 20, 2005 at 6:00 PM. (In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors and begin at 7:30 PM.)

Motion Passed Unanimously

(8-In favor, 0 -Opposed, 0-Abstained)

Motion Presented by Mr. Vicenzi seconded by Ms. Calabrese that WatertownHigh School’s Graduation occurs on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 6:30 PM. (In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors and begin at 7:30 PM.) Project graduation, the traditional all-night substance-free celebration for the graduates, will be held immediately following the graduation ceremony on June 22, 2005.

Discussion:

Ms. Colangelo: I would like to thank the Administration and those who helped to put this together so that they both could occur on the same night.

Ms. Rosa: I agree, that’s exactly what I was going to say Mary. Betsy and Fayne and everyone thank you for your efforts for relocating Project Graduation so that they are both held on the same night as Graduation.

Ms. Hackett: We are very fortunate to have a group of very dedicated people.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

b. Consideration of Approval to Permit Greater Waterbury YMCA Permission to Conduct Before School Childcare Program at JudsonSchool – Tabled April 25, 2005

The Greater Waterbury YMCA is requesting permission to start a

YMCA Before School Childcare Program at JudsonSchool effective 2005-2006 school year. The YMCA currently conducts a before school program at JohnTrumbullPrimary School.

It is recommended that the Board approve of granting permission to the Waterbury YMCA to start a YMCA Before School Childcare Program at JudsonSchool effective 2005-2006 school year.

Motion presented by Ms. Calabrese seconded by Ms. Colangelo to Place on the Table

Motion Passed Unanimously

(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

Motion Presented by Ms. Calabrese seconded by Ms. Colangelo to approve to Permit Greater Waterbury YMCA Permission to Conduct Before School Childcare Program at Judson School – Tabled April 25, 2005

Discussion:

Ms. Pannone: I would like to see the rates discussed at some later meeting. I think they need to be updated and I think at this point we could use a little more money and they definitely need to be looked into to.

Ms. Dzioba: I think we should reflect that in our approval.

Ms. Rosa: That is not currently reflected in the Motion so you either need to amend the Motion or Table it again.

Motion Presented by Ms. Dzioba seconded by Ms. Pannone to Amend the Motion to reflect that the rates are still to be negotiated.

Discussion:

Ms. Colangelo: I would just like to add the fact that we don’t get anything from that rental money, it goes to the Town.

Ms. Rosa: So would it also be your intent that we talk to the Town about those kinds of issues; money coming back to us? OK, I don’t know how successful we’ll be but we certainly talk to them.

Mr. Vicenzi: Todd has it been decided on with them coming in if we will have to someone at the school any earlier or there already someone there?

Mr. LoFrese: I haven’t had any discussion with the school in regard to that.

Mr. Vicenzi: Do we know what time they want to start?

Mr. LoFrese: I believe it is 7:00 a.m.

Mr. Vicenzi: So there should already be someone there at that time so we won’t have to get somebody there earlier.

Mr. LoFrese: There should be a custodian in the building at 7 a.m.

Ms. Rosa: I am going to speak personally against the Motion. It’s my understanding that the children that would attend this program are already attending but at this building and they just have to go from here to Judson. Now certainly there may be more if the actual program was held at Judson itself and I’m sorry if that would deprive anyone but at this point with our Budgetary issues I can’t support any expansion of any programs.

Ms. Pannone: Does the bus take them from here to Judson?

Ms. Rosa: I don’t think so it’s my understanding and this goes back a number of years that we have been running the program, but at some point there are transportation arrangements and they weren’t at our cost, they may be at the Y’s expense or maybe parents I’m not sure. I know that the individual who talked to us a couple of weeks ago indicated that there were Judson children attending a morning program and how they get back to Judson I don’t know.

Mrs. Corvello: I believe what she meant is that there are children here at John Trumbull that will be attending Judson next year and would take advantage of the program when they move to Judson.

Ms. Rosa: That isn’t what she said so she led me to believe that there were children participating that attended Judson.

Mrs. Corvello: When I spoke with her she said that there were Judson parents, meaning there were second grade parents that would be interested to have it at Judson. I don’t think there were any children transported from John Trumbull to Judson School.

Ms. Rosa: Thank you for the clarification.

Amendment to Motion Passed

(6-In Favor, 1-Opposed, 1-Abstained)

In Favor: Ms. Colangelo, Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Dzioba, Mr. Marks, Ms. Pannone, Mr. Vicenzi

Opposed: Ms. Rosa

Abstained: Ms. Caine

Motion Presented by Ms. Dzioba seconded by Ms. Pannone that the Board approve of granting permission to the Waterbury YMCA to start a YMCA Before School Childcare Program at Judson School effective 2005-2006 school year as amended.

Motion Passed

(5-In Favor, 2-Opposed, 1-Abstained)

In Favor: Ms. Colangelo, Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Dzioba, Mr. Marks, Ms. Pannone

Opposed: Ms. Rosa, Mr. Vicenzi

Abstained: Ms. Caine

c. Consideration of Approval of Acceptance of Gifts

1. The Watertown Foundation would like to donate $1,000.00 to the School to Career program at Watertown High School.

It is recommended that the Board accept these generous gifts and letters of thanks to be sent to the donors.

Motion Presented by Mr. Vicenzi seconded by Ms. Pannone that the Board accept the generous gift from the Watertown Foundation who would like to donate $1,000.00 to the School to Career program at Watertown High School and a letter of thanks to be sent to the donor.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

2. The Porter and Chester Institute would like to donate $650.00 to Polk School to be used for the purchase of third grade guided reading books.

Motion Presented by Mr. Vicenzi seconded by Mr. Marks that the Board accept the generous gift from the Porter and Chester Institute who would like to donate $650.00 to Polk School to be used for the purchase of third grade guided reading books and a letter of thanks to be sent to the donor.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

3. An anonymous donor would like to donate the cost of bus transportation to the Waterbury Extended Care Facility for students of John Trumbull Primary School. The students will put on a concert at the facility.

Motion Presented by Mr. Vicenzi seconded by Ms Colangelo that the Board accept the generous gift from An anonymous donor who would like to donate the cost of bus transportation to the Waterbury Extended Care Facility for students of John Trumbull Primary School and that a letter of thanks to be sent to the donor.

Discussion:

Ms. Rosa: It’s a sad day when it has to be donated.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

d.Consideration of Approval of Medical Leave of Absence

Ms. Layne Allison, Special Education Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School, has requested a medical leave of absence, commencing April 26, 2005 for approximately six weeks, with use of accumulated sick time and a medical doctor’s note to return.

It is recommended that the Board approve of a medical leave of absence for Ms. Layne Allison, Special Education Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School, commencing April 26, 2005 for approximately six weeks, with use of accumulated sick time and a medical doctor’s note to return.

Motion Presented by Ms. Colangelo seconded by Mr. Vicenzi that the Board approve of a medical leave of absence for Ms. Layne Allison, Special Education Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School, commencing April 26, 2005 for approximately six weeks, with use of accumulated sick time and a medical doctor’s note to return.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

e. Consideration of Approval of Childrearing Leave of Absence

Ms. Carley Vesneski, Guidance Counselor at Watertown High School, has requested a childrearing leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act commencing August 29, 2005 through January 16, 2006, with use of accumulated sick time and then leave without pay.

It is recommended that the Board approve of a childrearing leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act commencing August 29, 2005 through January 16, 2006, with use of accumulated sick time and then leave without pay for Ms. Carley Vesneski, Guidance Counselor at Watertown High School.

Motion Presented by Ms. Calabrese seconded By: Ms. Colangelo that the Board approve of a childrearing leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act commencing August 29, 2005 through January 16, 2006, with use of accumulated sick time and then leave without pay for Ms. Carley Vesneski, Guidance Counselor at Watertown High School.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

f. Consideration of Approval of Out-of-Country Field Trip to Spain

Ms. Kerry O’Toole, Spanish teacher at Watertown High School, requests approval of an Out-of-Country Field Trip to Valladolid, Spain, April 14-23, 2006, for twelve students with two chaperones. The purpose of the trip is to continue the existing educational exchange program between Watertown High School and Delicias High School in Spain. Students will use the Spanish language and experience the culture.

It is recommended that the Board approve of an Out-of-Country Field Trip to Valladolid, Spain, April 14-23, 2006, for twelve Watertown High School students and two chaperones.

Motion Presented by Ms. Colangelo seconded by Ms. Dzioba that the Board approve of an Out-of-Country Field Trip to Valladolid, Spain, April 14-23, 2006, for twelve students with two chaperones. The purpose of the trip is to continue the existing educational exchange program.

Discussion:

Mr. Vicenzi: Did we cancel this one last year?

Ms. Colangelo: Yes it is.

Motion Passed

(5-In favor, 3-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

In Favor: Mr. Vicenzi, Ms. Colangelo, Ms. Caine, Ms. Dzioba, Mr. Marks

Opposed: Ms. Rosa, Ms. Pannone, Ms. Calabrese

L. Future Agenda Items: Board Members did not have any requests.

M.Public Participation

Ms. Rosa opened Public Participation at 7:55 p.m.

Ms. Joanne Chenkus, 1080 Middlebury Road, Watertown:

As a teacher at Watertown High I want to thank you for recognizing our student Aleksandr Sklyar this evening. As a matter of fact as I recall the last time that our community received National recognition was back in 1988 when a student was drafted into the Professional Baseball League. Alek has brought incredible honor to our school and maybe it’s not in the area of sports but in the academics he is a shining star at Watertown High School.

Mr. Aleksandr Sklyar

I would like to thank the Board of Ed. For recognition of my winning of the scholarship. It’s very nice to see recognition from the Board and the community for trying hard in school and for achieving Foreign Language.

N.Adjournment

Motion Presented by Mr. Vicenzi seconded by Mr. Marks that the Board adjourn the Regular Board of Education Meeting at 7:59 p.m.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

The Meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Mary Colangelo, Board Secretary

Barbara Mordenti, Board Clerk