Agenda

WATERTOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

WATERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY CENTER

Monday, May 22, 2006 – 7:30 PM

A. Convene Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM

B. Salute to the Flag

C. Recognition

1. The Board of Education wishes to recognize the following students for being winners in the First Annual Children’s Poetry Contest 2006 sponsored by the Friends of the Watertown Library Association:

First Prize Winners

Jacqueline Baldoni, John Trumbull Primary School, Grade 1

Michael Dalton, John Trumbull Primary School, Grade 2

Emma Karpinski, Judson School, Grade 3

Shannon Pflomm, Polk School, Grade 4

Honorable Mention Winners

Samantha Chabot, John Trumbull Primary School, Grade 1

Wesley Thompson, John Trumbull Primary School, Grade 2

Paula Atallah, Judson School, Grade 3

Brianna Meka, Judson School, Grade 4

2. The Board of Education would also like to recognize the members of the Watertown High School FIRST Robotics Team and their advisors:

Elizabeth Beaudry, Grade 12

Edward Boucher, Grade 11

Logan Duda, Grade 9

Nicholas Fisher, Grade 9

Joe Guerrera, Grade 11

Julie Henion, Grade 11

Michael Hoffman, Grade 10

Michael Lemay, Grade 9

Brian Mendicino, Grade 12

Nicole Mikush, Grade 12

Michael Preato, Grade 10

Jennifer Rhyner, Grade 12

Lisa Rhyner, Grade 9

Kevin Shaw, Grade 12

Scott Shaw, Grade 12

Michael Sorrenti, Grade 10

Matthew Voghel, Grade 9

Lea Wilbur, Grade 12

Conor Zoller, Grade 9

Mike Zoller, Grade 10

Chlora Beaudry, Advisor

John Boucher, Advisor

Elgin Clock, Advisor

Everett Condit, Advisor

Sean Conway, Advisor

Kurt Eckert, Advisor

Ray Hebert, Sr., Advisor

Paul Hoffman, Advisor

Sue Ledell, Advisor

Sara Milton, Advisor

Gary Santoro, Advisor

Jill Shaw, Advisor

John Shaw, Advisor

Beth Sorrenti, Advisor

Randy Sorrenti, Advisor

D. Public Participation

Report from Student Council Representative – Mr. Matthew Dzioba

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

F. Committee Reports:

1. Advertising Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair

2. Athletics Committee, Chris Lafferty, Chair

3. Budget Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair

4. Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Gina Calabrese, Chair

5. Facilities Committee, Rich Mazzamaro, Chair

6. Policy and Labor Committee, Mary Dzioba, Chair

7. Cablevision, James Marks

8. PBC Representative, Rich Mazzamaro

9. Education Connection Representative, Mary Dzioba

G. Communications - Secretary

H. Minutes

1. Regular Board of Education Meeting – May 8, 2006

I. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report

1. Appointments – (Information Only – No Action Required)

a. Ms. Anna Jedd to the position of Systemwide Music Coordinator for the 2006-2007 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,411.00.

2. Resignations – (Information Only – No Action Required)

a. Ms. Susan Blais from the position of school nurse at Judson School, after twenty nine years, for the purpose of retirement.

3. Transfers – (Information Only – No Action Required)

a. Mr. Edward Stack from the position of Custodian 2nd shift at Swift Middle School to Custodian 3rd shift at Watertown High School effective May 15, 2006 for 8.0 hours paid per day, at an hourly rate of $17.32.

b. Mr. Luigi Velardi from the position of Custodian at Watertown High School to Custodian 2nd shift at John Trumbull Primary School effective March 13, 2006 for 8.0 hours paid per day at an hourly rate of $17.24.

4. First Reading of the Proposed New or Revised Textbooks for the 2006-2007 School Year

In accordance with Section 10-229 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a list of textbooks is presented this evening to provide the minimum notification of one week of our intent to adopt said books for instructional use. This list will be proposed for approval at our next Board meeting. This list has been reviewed by all program leaders, administrators, and central office personnel. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee reviewed and endorsed these books and materials at its last meeting. (See Attachment A.)

5. First Reading of the Restructuring of the Band Program

At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of May 15, 2006, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the elimination of the Grade 5 Band for one year and to increase the Grades 6-12 band enrollment and programming. With only one band teacher, it is not possible to provide a complete program as designed in the curriculum. With the elimination of the Grade 5 Band, the goals for the 2006-2007 school year would be:

 To increase the band enrollment at Heminway Park School to 10-20%.

 To increase the band enrollment at Swift Middle School to 20%.

 To increase the band enrolment at Watertown High School to 20%.

 To recruit beginner band students in Grades 6-12.

 To offer extra performance opportunities that create a thriving band program, i.e. chamber groups, recitals, jazz band, competitions, and festivals.

The projected recommendation and desired result is that the elementary band teacher is restored in the 2007-2008 school year and the band program is reinstated from Grades 4-12.

It is recommended that the Board of Education consider the approval of the elimination of the Grade 5 Band for one year only in order to assess the aforementioned goals, effective with the 2006-2007 school year.

6. First Reading of the Tests to Determine Talented and Gifted (TAG) Eligibility

At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of May 15, 2006, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the revision to the tests to determine Talented and Gifted student eligibility. With the elimination of the Stanford Achievement Test, it has become necessary to revise the tests to determine TAG Eligibility. The proposal is to use the students that attained the Advanced Level 5 (Total Reading Scale Score) of the Connecticut Mastery Test in place of the top ten-percent of the Stanford Achievement Test. The Advanced Level 5 students are scoring above goal level, and this would be comparable to the top 10 percent of the Stanford Achievement Test. The Otis-Lennon is also utilized in Grades 4 and 7. For Grades 9-11, the top 10 ranking students are reported to the state. (See Attachment B.)

It is recommended that the Board of Education consider the approval of the Tests to Determine Talented and Gifted (TAG) Eligibility as attached.

7. Link Crew Program – (Informational Only – No Action Needed)

Administration from Watertown High School will give a presentation on the Link Crew program at Watertown High School.

Link Crew is a high school transition program that welcomes freshmen and makes them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their high school experience. Built on the belief that students can help students succeed, Link Crew trains members of the junior and senior class to be Link Leaders. Link Crew begins with a powerful orientation day that makes freshmen excited and proud to be attending their new high school and allows them to begin developing relationships and strategies that will contribute to their high school success. After orientation, the Link Crew freshmen transition program continues, providing a variety of both Academic and Social Follow Up Activities throughout the year.

J. Report from the Chairman

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

a. Consideration of Approval to Accept Maureen Sheehan Caine’s Letter of Resignation

It is recommended that the Board accept Maureen Sheehan Caine’s letter of resignation from the position of Board Member and Board Vice Chairperson, effective May 9, 2006 for personal reasons.

b. Consideration of Approval of the Watertown Public Schools Technology Plan 2006-2009

At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of May 15, 2006, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the Watertown Public Schools Technology Plan 2006-2009. The formal plan allows for more effective: state/district strategic initiatives; curriculum development/implementation; professional development; infrastructure, hardware, tech support; fiscal planning; monitoring and evaluation; and is required for e-rate funding and state infrastructure grants. Mr. LoFrese will present the specifics of the plan at this evening’s meeting.

The Technology Plan Committee consists of: Anthony Antonucci, Gina Calabrese, LuAnn Cogliser, Diane Gaulzetti, Matthew Geary, Todd LoFrese, Dr. Philip Pelosi, Pat Walluck, and Michael Watson.

It is recommended that the Board of Education consider the approval of the Watertown Public Schools Technology Plan 2006-2009 as presented under separate cover.

c. Consideration of Approval of Acceptance of Gifts

1. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pecci wish to donate books with an approximate value of $1,000.00 to Judson School to be used in the library and classrooms for enhancing the students’ reading program.

2. Mr. Joe Martere, on behalf of Tandus Specialized Markets, would like to donate carpet materials to Polk School with an approximate value of $1,080.00.

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

d. Consideration of Approval of Family Medical Leaves of Absence

1. Ms. Jody Field, Art teacher at Judson and John Trumbull Schools, requests a childbearing and childrearing leave of absence, under the Family Medical Leave Act, commencing August 28, 2006 until January 2, 2007, with use of accumulated sick time and then leave without pay.

It is recommended that the Board approve of a childbearing and childrearing leave of absence, under the Family Medical Leave Act, commencing August 28, 2006 until January 2, 2007 for Ms. Jody Field, Art teacher at Judson and John Trumbull Schools, with use of accumulated sick time, then leave without pay and a medical doctor’s note to return.

2. Ms. Kelly Raimo, English teacher at Watertown High School, requests a childbearing and childrearing leave of absence, under the Family Medical Leave Act, commencing August 28, 2006 to January 2, 2007, with use of accumulated sick time and then leave without pay.

It is recommended that the Board approve of a childbearing and childrearing leave of absence, under the Family Medical Leave Act, for Ms. Kelly Raimo, English teacher at Watertown High School, commencing August 28, 2006 to January 2, 2007, with use of accumulated sick time, then leave without pay, and a medical doctor’s note to return.

L. Future Agenda Items and Board Members’ Comments

M. Public Participation

N. Executive Session

Personnel Matter

O. Adjournment