Agenda

WATERTOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

WATERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL

***LIBRARY***

Monday, June 12, 2006 – 7:30 PM

A. Convene Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM

B. Salute to the Flag

C. Recognition

a. The Board of Education wishes to recognize the following students for being the top ten scholars at Watertown High School, Class of 2006:

1.) Amelia Luciano – Valedictorian

2.) Alexsandr Sklyar – Salutatorian

3.) Kristina Ciarlo

4.) James Alex

5.) Caitlin Harkins

6.) Theresa Atallah

7.) Monica Rinaldi

8.) Jessica Pepin

9.) Anuja Oak

10.) Jeffrey Zaremski

b. The Board of Education wishes to recognize the following winners in the Superintendent’s CAPSS Awards from the elementary schools. The high school and middle school participated last fall. Awards are based on community service and service to others; academic prowess; and leadership service to the school community.

Nicholas Mondak – John Trumbull Primary School, Grade 2

Aba Sam – John Trumbull Primary School, Grade 1

Adam Kuegler – Judson School, Grade 5

Brianna Meka – Judson School, Grade 4

Micaela Grogan – Polk School, Grade 5

Rebecca Karabus – Polk School, Grade 4

c. The Board of Education wishes to recognize the following PTA/PTO officers for their outstanding contributions during the school year to the schools while serving in a PTA/PTO position:

Watertown High School

Robin Innaimo, President

Diane Chere, Treasurer

Charlotte Morro, Liaison to District PTO Group

Swift Middle School

Lori Birtwistle, Co-President

Noreen Prince, Co-President

Gianfranca Focareta, Vice President

Joann Barthelmess, Treasurer

Joan DeRosa, Secretary

Polk School

Kace Duplissie, Co-President

Deborah Ciochetti, Co-President

Cheryl Gentil, Treasurer

Melissa Navarra, Secretary

Tracey Graham, Vice President

Judson School

Diane Hubacz, Co-President

Lisa Cattaneo, Co-President

Audrey Brown, Vice President

Catherine Kearns, Treasurer

Mary Beth Gallo, Recording Secretary

Claire Lamontagne, Corresponding Secretary

Sandy Biolo, Member at Large

Debbie Bugryn, Member at Large

Laurie Hudson, Member at Large

Julie Herrmann, Member at Large

John Trumbull Primary School

Nadine Savage, President

Rob Gurry, Co-Vice President

Lisa Pavao, Co-Vice President

Marianne Pannoni, Co-Vice President

Rose Harris, Treasurer

Pam Kosloski, Recording Secretary

Denise Giampietro, Corresponding Secretary

Christie Bennett, Member at Large

Katie Consalvo, Member at Large

Kim Pietrorazio, Member at Large

Valerie Petrillo, Member at Large

Lisa Wilburn, Member at Large

d. The Board of Education wishes to recognize the Student Council Representative to the Board for school year 2005-2006:

Matthew Dzioba

D. Action Item

Consideration of Approval of Ms. Joanne Pannone to Fill Vacant Position

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve of Ms. Joanne Pannone to fill the vacant position left from the resignation of Ms. Maureen Caine.

A representative from the Town Clerk’s office is present this evening for the swearing in of Ms. Pannone.

E. Public Participation

Report from Student Council Representative – Mr. Matthew Dzioba

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

G. 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, Acting Chair

7. Cablevision, James Marks

8. PBC Representative, Rich Mazzamaro

9. Education Connection Representative, Mary Dzioba

H. Communications - Secretary

I. Minutes

1. Regular Board of Education Meeting – May 22, 2006

J. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report

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

a. Ms. Leah Bellemare to the position of Social Studies teacher at Watertown High School effective for the 2006-2007 school year, being hired at Step 2, 1 year experience, BA Degree, at an annual contractual salary of $37,648.00.

b. Ms. Joan DeRosa to the position of Evergreen Team Leader at Swift Middle School effective for the 2006-2007 school year at a contractual salary of $1,710.00.

c. Ms. Bonnie Goulet to the position of Board Clerk, effective May 30, 2006, being hired at $14.00 per hour, (effective July 1, 2006 $14.50 per hour) for each Board of Education meeting.

d. Ms. Mary Jean Mangione to the position of Navy Team Leader at Swift Middle School effective for the 2006-2007 school year at a contractual salary of $1,710.00.

e. Mr. Robert VanDerzee to the position of long-term substitute Guidance Counselor at Watertown High School effective August 28, 2006 through December 3, 2006, being hired on Step 2 of the Watertown Education Association, with a Master’s Degree, for a salary of $39,930.00 prorated.

f. Ms. Lilyana Auster to the position of Math teacher at Watertown High School effective for the 2006-2007 school year, being hired at Step 7, 6 years of experience, Masters Degree, at a contractual annual salary of $49,627.00.

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

a. Ms. Palma Adams from the position of Special Education teacher at Swift Middle School to Special Education teacher at Judson School effective with the 2006-2007 school year.

b. Ms. Cheryl French from the position of Special Education teacher at Swift Middle School to Special Education teacher at Watertown High School effective with the 2006-2007 school year.

c. Ms. Sherri Marquardt from the position of .5 kindergarten teacher at John Trumbull Primary School to full-time grade 5 teacher at Judson School effective with the 2006-2007 school year.

d. Ms. Cynthia Murphy from the position of Special Education teacher at Judson School to Special Education teacher at Swift Middle School effective with the 2006-2007 school year.

e. Ms. Elizabeth Tracey from the position of ½ kindergarten and ½ day – Day Care Component Program at John Trumbull Primary School to grade 4 teacher at Polk School effective with the 2006-2007 school year.

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

a. Ms. Tricia Cote from the position of ½ day kindergarten and ½ day day-care teacher at John Trumbull Primary School, effective June 30, 2006 for personal reasons.

4. Wellness Policy – First Reading

The Policy & Labor Committee reviewed the Wellness Policy at its meeting on May 25, 2006 and presents it to the Board tonight for the first reading. (See Attachment A.)

5. NEASC Update

Administration will present to the Board an update on the NEASC report and timeline. (See Attachment B.)

6. Overview of the Watertown School District’s Initiatives – Information Only

An overview of the Watertown School District’s Initiatives will be presented this evening by Dr. Pelosi. It will contain Strategies 2, 3 and 5 of our Strategic Plan which include curricula, assessments, and data analyses. Funding sources include the Connecticut Center for School Change (CCSC) Grant.

7. Superintendent’s Annual Report Relative to Professional Development/Teachers’ Evaluations

Annually, the Superintendent of Schools updates the Board of Education in the areas of teachers’ evaluations and professional development activities. Board Members have received a report under separate cover. Mr. Anthony J. Antonucci, Professional Development

Coordinator, is present tonight to give the report and answer any questions.

8. Board of Education Retreat

The Superintendent will present information to the Board regarding a retreat for Board members.

9. Swift Building Project / Furniture/Equipment Submittal – First Reading

The furniture/equipment submittal for the Swift building project is presented this evening for the first reading. Mr. Todd LoFrese is here tonight to answer any questions and provide information.

10. Swift Building Project / Technology Submittal – First Reading

The technology submittal for the Swift building project is presented this evening for the first reading. Mr. Todd LoFrese is here tonight to answer any questions and provide information.

K. Report from the Chairman

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

a. Consideration of Approval of the Proposed New or Revised Textbooks for the 2006-2007 School Year – Second Reading

The Proposed New or Revised Textbooks for the 2006-2007 School Year was presented for the first reading to the Board of Education at its meeting on May 22, 2006. It is presented tonight for the second reading and for full Board approval.

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 C.)

It is recommended that the Board approve of the attached Proposed New or Revised textbooks for the 2006-2007 School Year.

b. Consideration of Approval of the Restructuring of the Band Program – Second Reading

The Restructuring of the Band Program was presented for the first reading to the Board of Education at its meeting on May 22, 2006. It is presented tonight for the second reading and for full Board approval.

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 approve 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.

c. Consideration of Approval of the Tests to Determine Talented and Gifted (TAG) Eligibility – Second Reading

The Tests to Determine Talented and Gifted (TAG) Eligibility was presented to the Board of Education for the first reading at its meeting on May 22, 2006. It is presented tonight for the second reading and for Board approval.

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 D.)

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

d. Consideration of Approval of BEST Program

This year the Selection Committee met on Friday, May 19, 2006 to interview candidates interested in becoming cooperating/mentor teachers. The candidates chosen were:

Teresa Baldwin – Heminway Park School, Grade 6 Math Teacher

Christopher Russo – Heminway Park School, Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher

Stefanie Thompson – High School, Foreign Language Teacher

Kerry O’Toole – High School, Foreign Language Teacher

Matthew Saccoman – High School, Special Education Teacher

We would like to thank the members of the Selection Committee:

Marylu Lerz – BEST Interview Chairperson

Sally Rinaldi – BEST Facilitator

Jessica Cagno

Elisha Gesseck

Cheryl Kaiser

e. Consideration of Approval of the Watertown High School Family and Consumer Sciences Foods I, Level 1 Curriculum Revision

At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of June 5, 2006, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the Watertown High School Family and Consumer Sciences Foods I, Level 1 Curriculum revision. The highlighted areas in the provided curriculum show what will be eliminated in the high school curriculum and placed in the middle school curriculum. This will make the transition to the high school smoother.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Watertown High School Family and Consumer Sciences Foods I, Level I as presented under separate cover and with the elimination of the highlighted areas, effective with the 2006-2007 school year.

(See Attachment E.)

f. Consideration of Approval of the Watertown High School Independent Study Form

At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of June 5, 2006, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the Watertown High School Independent Study Program form. Students will be eligible to participate in the Independent Study Program if they have met the following criteria:

1. The student must have successfully completed all courses offered in the discipline strand.

2. The student must ask a faculty member to serve as the advisor for his/her independent study.

3. The student must complete the proposed Independent Study form in conjunction with his/her advisor.

4. The advisor along with the department chair will determine the level/weight of the course.

5. The student must turn in this form to (state person here) by (enter date here).

6. The student must present his/her proposal to the Watertown High School Independent Study Committee which will consist of one member from each department.

7. The Independent Study Committee must approve the project, including the proposed level/weight.

If the committee approves the proposal, .5 credits will be given for a one-semester proposal and 1 credit will be given for a two-semester project. Procedures for withdrawal will follow the school guidelines for courses offered for .5 credits and full credit. The faculty advisor will assign a grade for the independent study. The independent study will only count toward the yearly credit requirement if the independent study is done during the school day on campus and counted toward the student’s daily attendance.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Watertown High School Independent Study Program form as presented under separate cover, effective with the 2006-2007 school year. (See Attachment F.)

M. Future Agenda Items and Board Members’ Comments

N. Public Participation

O. Executive Session

Litigation Matter

P. Adjournment