Watertown Board of Education

Regular Meeting

Minutes

Meeting Date: May 22, 2006

Meeting Time: 7:30 p.m.

Meeting Place: Watertown High School Technology Center

Members Present: Ms. Mary Dzioba, Board Chairperson

Mr. Todd Griffin, Board Secretary

Ms. Gina Calabrese, Board member

Ms. Mary Colangelo, Board member

Mr. Thomas Lambert, Board member

Mr. Richard Mazzamaro, Board member

Dr. Joseph Erardi Jr., Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Philip Pelosi, Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Todd LoFrese, Director of Operations

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

Ms. Betsy Hackett, Director of Special Services

Ms. Kace Duplissie, PTA/PTO Representative

Mr. Matthew Dzioba, W.H.S. Student Representative

Absent: Mr. Chris Lafferty, Board member

Mr. James Marks, Board member

Press: Jim Taylor, Town Times

Guests: Jacqueline Baldoni, Michael Dalton, Emma Karpinski, Shannon Pflomm, Samantha Chabot, Paula Atallah and Brianna Meka

Other interested citizens: Fran Palmer, Thad Hasbrouck, Matthew Geary, Pat Corvello, Kathleen Scully, Sandy and Whitey Greenwood. Charlie Beliveau, Judy White, Carrie DiProspero and Gary Pflomm.

A. Convene Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM

Ms. Dzioba convened the Regular Board of Education meeting at 7:30 p.m.

B. Salute to the Flag

Ms. Dzioba led the 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

Ms. Dzioba: Thank you; we have quite a few recognitions tonight so I’d like to turn it over to the Superintendent for the presentation.

Dr. Erardi: Thank you Ms. Dzioba. This evening the Watertown Board of Education will be recognizing two very high achieving groups of students and we will start with our local poets. For the first year and hopefully for many years to come, the Watertown Board of Education partnered with the Watertown Library as the Friends of the Library sponsored a town-wide poetry competition for students in Grades 1-4. With nearly 100 students entering the competition; we’re pleased to recognize eight students that were the best of the absolute best. What we would like to do for the Board of Education is to have our honoree, our first runner-up and our champion come forward at the same time, at the same grade level and share their poem with the Board. I know that we are missing two students; one because of illness and one other student had a conflict. Lets’ start with Jacqueline Baldoni and Samantha Chabot. Samantha was our honorable mention winner and Jacqueline was our winner in first grade. Now I need to share that all of our other honorees with the poetry competition had the chance to read their poem to the Friends of the Library at their annual luncheon. However, our first graders weren’t there because they had an awful conflict on that date. Ladies, where were you on that date?

Jacqueline Baldoni and Samantha Chabot: The circus.

Dr. Erardi: The circus and the circus won out. We will start with Samantha, would you read your poem please?

Samantha Chabot

Best Toys

I like toys, they are great

Big and small, even a ball

Round or flat, they are best

Maybe tall if they pass a test

Jacqueline Baldoni

Toys

Toys are fun

Toys out in the sun

Toys are the best

Toys are fantastic and they make you forget all the rest

My Brat dolls are my favorite toy and they make me smile

My toys, for them I will walk a mile

Dr. Erardi: Our second grade winner and our honorable mention winner at John Trumbull Primary School, Wesley Thompson and our first prize, grand prize winner, Michael Dalton, please come forward.

Wesley Thompson was not in attendance.

Michael Dalton

Love Pets

Pets are young

Pets are small

Pets are old

Pets are tall

I have a dog, fish and cats

The dog eats too much and is fat

I wish I had a big iguana that I could play with

Do you wanna?

Pets are fun to take care of because they are full of love.

Dr. Erardi: Third grade honorable mention winner from Judson School Paula Atallah and our third grade champion from Judson School, Emma Karpinski.

Paula Atallah

Bedtime

Bedtime can be really awesome

You dream of fun and drifting blossoms

Bedtime is the best of night

Don’t forget to turn off your light

I change into my pajamas for bed

Sometimes they’re pink

Sometimes they’re red

I dream of fun in my head

Then I wake up and realize

I’m still in bed

Emma Karpinski

Bedtime

When it is time to go to bed

I lay down my lazy head

I dream of cotton candy clouds

Big snow piles and candy mounds

Mystical creatures fill the air

There are mermaids with wavy hair

Singing fairies and dancing trolls

Crazy witches casting spells on poles

I wake up and the fun is done

I sure hope that tonight will be more fun

Dr. Erardi: Our fourth grade winners, the first winner, Brianna Meka from Judson School and the grand prize winner in fourth grade, Shannon Pflomm from Polk School.

Brianna Meka

Summer Begins

So so hot

Can it be umbrellas pack away

Mommy put on some sun cream

Mists and sprinklers and pools are getting ready

Eat ice cream all day

Rain is going, going, gone

Yea, fun forever, unfold towels, nutty fun

Fun in the summer, outside time

Rocks and seashells are getting collected

Eat all day at the beach, varieties of food to eat

Every time I go to the beach it is hot

Ring, ring, school is out

Shannon Pflomm

On a Sunny Day

A sunny day, perfect to play

Ride a bike or take a hike

Sit in the sun and then take a run

Feel the heat chasing after your feet

Put on sun lotion before you sit in the ocean

Fly a kite in the sunlight

Wear a hat while using a ball and bat

Sense the bees nipping at your knees

You can jump rope but you can’t ride a slope

My job is done, goodbye sun

The sun went away quicker than you can say hurray

Dr. Erardi asked all of the recipients to step forward to receive their certificates from Ms. Dzioba.

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

Dr. Erardi: The second part of our presentation will pay tribute to the FIRST Robotics team that represented Watertown High School. I’d like to personalize this just a bit fore the Board and the public and for our viewing audience. I had the privilege and it certainly was a privilege, a few weeks ago to attend with the Robotics team ton their international competition. I enjoyed it for a number of reasons, but I think on top of that list; was that I had the chance to be with I think probably fifteen of the finest high school students that I ever had the chance to associate with. The program is a very, very unique program, it is a program that is self-funded, that the Board of Education applauds what they do and we are respectful to what they do, however, the Robotics team and their advisors which are all volunteers, are responsible for approximately $35,000 annually to raise funds for the competition.

The competition in Atlanta was very, very unique and exciting. At the close of the first day of the day and a half competition the tiny town of Watertown, CT stood number one. If you think through that, there may have been fourteen or sixteen countries represented, three hundred and sixty towns, through the volunteers of our advisors who are giving up days of work and many of them disconnected as far as son or daughter in the school, and our students who self-funded their trip along with their mentors and the engineers that attended, Watertown High School was ranked number one in America. I think that was really, really special.

Along with that, beyond the recognition after the first day and beyond the finest performance the team has ever had on the national stage as national quarter finalists, I think that as a Board of Education and certainly as a school administrator, I do not want to lose sight of the fact of the way they represented this community and Mr. Hasbrouck’s Watertown High School. They were respectful, they did everything with class and the character that they showed in victory, which I think they had six victories in a row, and in defeat on the second day, was something that we should all be very, very proud of. There is a long list of names that we will honor however; before we go there we have a presentation.

The FIRST Robotics team showcased the talents of their robot at this time.

Julie Henion, Robotics team member read a prepared statement.

See Attachment 1

Ms. Dzioba: What was the object of the game again this year?

Ms. Henion: The object was to shoot these foam balls into 8-1/2 foot high goals, 3 feet wide or shoot them into smaller goals, and you could also climb onto the ramp at the end to get extra points.

Mr. Boucher: I want to add that we just came back from a competition this past Saturday, a mini-comp, one day event, held at a high school in New Jersey. We were finalists and we were ranked eleven, picked by the third seeded team, we went against the national finalist team in the finals and we were the second team in the nation to stop them from shooting when they were in place and ready to shoot.

Dr. Erardi: Just a final comment on the international competition, I think to put into perspective for the Board of Education; this took place at the Georgia Dome with 10,000 students nation-wide with an audience of probably another 10,000 people watching the two day competition, it is an enormous activity.

What we would like to do at this particular time is to recognize the students, the advisors, the mentors and all of the folks that are attached to the FIRST Robotics team. When you hear your name if you would come forward and stand with your back to the Board of Education facing the camera, we’d like to put you on camera and at the end of the name calling, the Chair has a certificate for you and we will give all of those to Mr. Boucher to distribute them at our break.

Dr. Erardi then read all of the names listed above and thanked all of the advisors.

C. Public Participation

No one wished to address the Board at this time.

Report from Student Council Representative – Mr. Matthew Dzioba

Mr. Dzioba: Good evening. Yesterday marked the ever important "one month left until graduation date" for seniors, but things aren't slowing down just yet. This past week, students from all grades participated in some exciting activities. On Thursday, May 18th, WHS held it's annual day of reflection, in which students gathered in their advisory groups to watch though provoking video skits via the school-wide video network. The program was an overall success, but much to the dismay of all WHS Students, the outdoor picnic was cancelled due to a soggy back field.

On Friday, May 19th, while the senior class was enjoying themselves at the Annual Senior Picnic, the rest of Watertown High enjoyed discussion of next years class officers. Elections were held, and next year's senior class officers were announced this morning.

A couple of events are planned for this week. On Thursday, May 25th, the WHS Senior Class invites everyone to come out for a night of "Music Under the Stars". This outdoor concert was moved from May 11th due to rain, but this Thursday's forecast seems to be holding out for some beautiful weather. So, come on out for an enjoyable evening of music for all ages. Tickets are $10 per carload (2-6 people) and can be purchased from any Senior Class officer, including myself.

This Friday, the Class of 2006 will attend the annual Senior Prom at the Aqua-turf in Plantsville. After the day of reflection, students should be well armed to make responsible decisions for the evening.

The Student Council has two main events left for the remainder of the year. On Friday, June 9th, we will be hosting a Battle of the Bands. Local bands are invited to play and compete for bragging rights. In addition, the Student Council is working with the PTO to host the first annual yearbook signing night on Monday, June 12th.

And finally, I can't neglect to mention tomorrow's budget referendum. The Student Council has been keeping a close eye on this year's budget process, and our presence at the Town Meeting in which the budget was adopted is only one testament to our strong endorsement of next year's proposed budget. I'm aware that everyone present here tonight and watching at home is involved in this community, but I urge everyone to spread the word about tomorrows vote. The annual budget is a listing of priorities for this community, and it is vital that a variety of people voice their opinion on it tomorrow. Thank you.

Ms. Kace Duplissie, PTO/PTA Representative:

Ms. Duplissie: The school year is winding down and we have a lot of activities throughout the various schools.

At John Trumbull, they had the 101 Dalmatians play with over eleven hundred playgoers going to this play. They had the Science of Bubbles and their second grade celebration will be held on June 2, Field Day will be on June 6 and their last PTO meeting will be on June 7. Family Fun Fest will be on June 11, and they have a Staff Appreciation Day luncheon or breakfast planned.

At Judson, their DARE graduation was May 22; they will be having Celebration of the Arts and a spring concert May 23. They will also have a Staff Appreciation breakfast. They also gave the nurse an otoscope as a donation for Nurses’ Day. They had a program called, Lights, Camera, Action, where they ere shown film production and editing for various stages. They also have a Fitness Day planned.

Polk, the DARE graduation was May 18 and we will be having the Art Show on May 24 and a fourth Grade spring concert on May 25. Staff Appreciation breakfast will be also on May 24.

At Swift, the eighth grade will be going to Holiday Hill on May 30 and they are planning their Dinner Dance on June at Grand Oak Villa on June 16.

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

Ms. Dzioba: Budget Summary is in the packet for all Board members.

F. Committee Reports:

1. Advertising Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair

Mr. Griffin stated there was no Report this evening.

2. Athletics Committee, Chris Lafferty, Chair

Mr. Lafferty was absent.

3. Budget Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair

Mr. Griffin: I would just like to remind everyone about one of the most important referendums that we’ll have for our town tomorrow, Tuesday, May 23. Please come out and vote and let’s try and restore excellence back to our school system. I would like to thank everyone that put the time, effort and energy into getting this referendum passed. So please come out and vote, show your support for your town.

4. Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Gina Calabrese, Chair

Ms. Calabrese: The Curriculum and Instruction Sub-Committee met on Monday, May 15, 3:30 at the Watertown High School Library. Mr. Todd LoFrese provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Watertown public schools technology plan. Mr. Tony Antonucci and Mr. Matthew Gary assisted him in outlining the goals of the plan. This evening Mr. LoFrese will share specifics of the plan with the full Board. The plan itself is under consideration for adoption under Action items.

Ms. Anna Jedd discussed a one year proposal to eliminate the grade 5 band program in order to provide in order to provide more time for staff to focus on the band program in grades 6-12. The First Reading of this proposal to restructure band is presented on this evening’s Agenda.

Dr. Pelosi presented the proposed tests to determine student’s eligibility for the TAG program; with the elimination of the Stanford Achievement Test, it has become necessary to revise the tests used for determination students’ eligibility. Even though Watertown no longer provides a TAG program, each school district is still required to identify these students. This proposal is brought before the Board this evening for a First Reading.

New and revised textbooks for the 2006-2007 school year were presented to the committee; they also appear on this evening’s Agenda for a First Reading.

Finally, Ms Colleen Spieler summarized the February and March work of the Watertown High School Curriculum Committee.

The next Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting has been set for Monday, June 5, details such as time and location are still being worked out at this time.

5. Facilities Committee, Rich Mazzamaro, Chair & PBC Representative, Rich Mazzamaro

Mr. Dzioba stated there would be a combined report of the Facilities and Public Building Committees

Mr. Mazzamaro: The Facilities Sub-Committee met jointly at the Public Building Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 17. The Committee met to be updated on the status of the furniture and equipment procurement for the Swift expansion. Furniture and equipment is in the process of being specified and designed and is in the bid phase, of $60,750 appropriated; 80% is ready to bid and 20% to be appropriated as needed. Each department head has submitted their list of needs, they’ve been compiled by Kaestle-Boos and the lists are being revised. The bid process is also under way for the technology equipment including computer equipment, classroom computers and servers. Public Building Committee was comfortable with this process. Todd LoFrese also updated the Public Building Committee on the storage building for the High School track, the area has been excavated and the foundation is in place, the foundation is to be backfilled and the floor slats are to started, maybe even by now. Joe Vitroe of O & G also updated the Public Building Committee on the progress of the site work at Swift and reported that the process is on schedule and on budget.

6. Policy and Labor Committee, Maureen Caine, Chair

Ms. Dzioba: There is a meeting on Thursday, May 25, there is no Report.

7. Cablevision, James Marks

Mr. Marks was absent.

8. PBC Representative, Rich Mazzamaro

See above.

9. Education Connection Representative, Mary Dzioba

Ms. Dzioba stated there was no Report this evening.

G. Communications - Secretary

Mr. Griffin: Yes, Ms. Dzioba, this communication is from me this evening. I would just like to take a moment to recognize the loss of a very important Board member this evening. Barb Mordenti, our Board Clerk has resigned from our Board and this evening will be her last evening with us. I would just like to say that it has been my privilege, and I mean my privilege, to work with such an enthusiastic and dedicated Board member who has become my friend.

Ms. Mordenti: Thank you Todd.

Mr. Griffin: You will be missed. I would also like to introduce to you this evening Ms. Bonnie Goulet, who will be our new Board Clerk from now on, so I would just like to take a moment and say goodbye to Barb as she will be greatly missed and to welcome Bonnie to our Board. We wish you all the best of luck.

Ms. Mordenti: Thank you.

Ms. Goulet: Thank you.

H. Minutes

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

Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Griffin to accept the Regular Board of Education Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2006.

Motion Passed Unanimously

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

I. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report

There were no questions from Board members on Items 1-3 for Dr. Erardi.

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.

Dr. Erardi deferred to Dr. Pelosi for Items 4-6

Dr. Pelosi: As Ms. Calabrese pointed out, we have to present to the public and to the Board of Education at least one week prior to approval of the new textbooks according Section 10-229 of the CT General Statutes, the books that are proposed for purchase, new textbooks for 2006-2007. These books have been reviewed by program coordinators, administrators within the schools, the Superintendent’s central office staff, the Budget Committee and were scrutinized and presented to the Curriculum and Instruction Committee last week. All have given his or her approval to purchase these books and the money is budgeted within the budget as it exists. It is presented to the public for the First Reading. Are there any questions o textbooks or purchasing? We tried to be as complete as possible in listing the book, the company, the copyright date, the amount, the amount, etc.

Board members did not have any questions regarding Item 4

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.)

Dr. Pelosi: A proposal has been made restructuring the band program; a proposal has been made by the band teacher, with the endorsement of the music coordinator and with central office. In terms of increasing the amount of students to play in the band by eliminating it for one year, this is a one year proposal, to not have band in grade 5 but to increase the amount of time that would be spent in grades 6-12. The goals would be to increase the band enrollment in Heminway Park to 20%, to increase the band enrollment at Swift to 20%, to increase the band enrollment at the High School to 20% and to recruit beginner band students in grades 6-12. Al in addition to this we would offer performance such as chamber groups, recitals, jazz band, competitions and festivals. So this would give the teachers, as you know we lost two music teachers over the past two years, so with the existing staff of eight teachers this would allow us to increase the band enrollment. We would like to try it for a year to see if it’s feasible and if we could attain the goals as outlined. Ms. Jedd is here tonight if there are any further questions. This presented to you for your consideration for a vote at the next meeting if you wish, or for a vote at this meeting depending on the way that the Board feels.

Board members did not have any questions regarding Item 5

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.

Dr. Pelosi: The next item is the eligibility to determine Talented and Gifted (TAG) students in the academic areas. It’s the law that we have to identify students who are talented and gifted at each level. However, we do not have to program for them. It’s an unusual situation but we do have to identify them, both in the academic area and in the music and arts, which we have, that has already been approved and we are not proposing that change. In the academic area, because we no longer administer the Stanford Achievement Test, which spreads students out, it’s a norm-reference test, because of so much testing under No Child Left Behind, the Board agreed to eliminate that test and we test students in grades 3-8 inclusive with the CT Mastery Test. We also test the students at the High School with the CAPT test. So, the proposal outlined within the budget to utilize pretty much the total reading score of the CT Mastery Test and to select those students who have performed at the Advanced Level 5. There are five levels; from Level 1 Intervention up through the Advanced Level 5, the Goal Level. Also, we administer the Otis Lennon Test; it’s a power reasoning test, similar to an IQ test and to utilize that also as a measure for identifying talented and gifted students. That is presented to the Board for it’s consideration as well. Are there any questions on that? We used to have one of the model Talented and Gifted programs in CT but with budget cuts we had to completely eliminate the program and offer the best that we could for our students who were academically talented and gifted.

Dr. Erardi: Thank you Dr. Pelosi. Questions Board members may have on any one of those three items that Dr. Pelosi presented?

Board members did not have any questions regarding Item 6

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.

Dr. Erardi: We will conclude with a presentation from the High School administration, Mr. Hasbrouck will present to the Board of Education a new initiative, the Link Crew program which will start next fall.

Mr. Hasbrouck: There are numerous studies which have been replicated time and again, that a successful freshmen year of high school generally leads to a successful high school career. Unfortunately, conversely, a rough freshmen year will often times lead to a very difficult high school career. So, we continually look for ways to help in that transition from eighth to ninth grade, and through a series of discussions what emerged was a program that Mr. Geary, Assistant Principal at Watertown High School is familiar with from his previous school. As we talked about it, it seemed to be something that fit very nicely with what we are trying to accomplish with trying to help our students succeed, right from the get-go and to feel better about school and to improve school climate in general. It just seemed like a win-win situation and with that, I am going to turn the microphone over Mr. Geary who can describe the Link Crew program in more detail.

Mr. Geary: Thank Mr. Hasbrouck. Like Mr. Hasbrouck said, what we wanted to do was put in some kind of support system for the ninth graders and as he mentioned, the last school system that I worked in we used the Link Crew program. Link Crew is a nation-wide program originated in California but tested in a lot of different states. The last high school I worked at, in the middle of the school year, it was a 10-12 high school and in the middle of the school year they decided to bring 400 ninth graders to the high school in portable classrooms, in January. So we decided that we can’t just bring them here and open the door to the bus and say go ahead, go. So, we looked at a bunch of different programs and this program, the Link Crew program, was the best one that we could find. The idea behind Link Crew is; we take upper class students, juniors and seniors who are successful, it doesn’t have to be the straight A student, it doesn’t have to be the president of the class, although it can be, and we make them mentors for the small groups of ninth graders. There are a series of activities and an orientation and things like that that go on, so we are planning to implement this next year. We have three staff members who are very dedicated and energetic and we couldn’t have picked better people to do this and I’m going to introduce them to you now. They have a little presentation for you so bear with us here. They are over therewith the balloons, Paulina Auclair, Joanne Chenkus and Liz Loughlin, they are going to take over for now and explain to you why we want Link Crew here at Watertown High School.

Ms. Loughlin: Good evening, good evening, I hope everybody is feeling good, I know we have a lot on the Agenda, but what I quickly need to do is to get eight volunteers up here.

Volunteers gathered at the front of the room to help with the presentation.

Ms. Loughlin: Alright, beautiful, we’ve got eight. Here are the rules, what I need you to do as a group is to keep all of these balloons that you have in your hands in the air for thirty seconds. Here is what you can do and here is what you can’t do. You can not tap the same balloon twice, so, if you tap the balloon, you can not tap it again until obviously, someone else touches it. You have thirty seconds, let’s see how many balloons you can keep up n the air, if it falls to the floor, it is out of play and you can’t touch it.

Volunteers participated for thirty seconds.

Ms. Loughlin: Alright, two out of eight, that is a quarter, 25%, that’s good. Here is what we are going to do this time, now I am going to give you thirty seconds to plan and strategize and then I am going to give you thirty seconds of playing time, same rules apply.

Volunteers participated for thirty seconds.

Ms Loughlin: Alright, three out of eight, a little better, we had a little bit of planning time, we did a little bit better, we could keep a few more balloons up in the air. What I would like you to next is to go and hand your balloon to someone in the audience and that is their invitation to come up and play.

A new set of volunteers stepped forward to participate and followed the same rules.

Ms Auclair: All of the balloons represent kids and you are all of the teachers keeping the kids in the air. The teachers and the resource people that we have in the school, everybody. We have a lot of resources here at Watertown High School and the community and there is one resource that we have failed to look at, it’s always there and it’s free; that is other kids. So, this program utilizes other students, the upperclassmen students to help us keep freshmen afloat. It’s nothing that is any different, no body has to do anything different, we train the kids to come in and help all of the freshmen and become a resource that we don’t have to supply, they are always going to be there.

Ms. Chenkus: The other thing to remember is that all of the programs all across the United States that implemented this, there has been an overall improvement in the school spirit, the response by the students has been very positive, it’s a positive environment that they walk into right from the first day at school. So, there is a promotion not only for the students and individuals themselves and how they feel about their school and being connected to some other person and working together as a team but also, the pervasive feeling in the school that something new and wonderful is about to start for them their very first day at school.

Ms. Loughlin: I know as people who are always trying to balance the necessity to make cuts and strive for success and achievement, the students are a great asset that we have and that we could use. I think that this program will bring us to the best capability possible in using those students.

Mr. Geary: So, as we go to implement Link Crew the things that you’ll want to know are, June 1, is the first day of training with the Link leaders, juniors and seniors. We had about 150 kids apply and 72 were selected to be Link leaders and they’ll get notice of that tomorrow. August 24 and 25 are two days of summer training that we’ll work with the kids on and two days before the first day of school, which is August 29, is the Freshmen Orientation for all ninth graders and we will be working with Dr. Erardi and Todd LoFrese to figure out how we are going to run the buses that day to pick up all of the ninth grade students to get hem ere because we want 100% participation. So, we are very excited to have that here.

Ms. Auclair: One thing that I forgot to mention is that when Liz said for you to pass off your balloons to somebody else, she never said, go sit down. You could have stayed up here to help them and as teachers this is kind of something that we do sometimes, pass along the students along, but you don’t do that. This way because there are Link Crew leaders there all throughout the year, all of the juniors and seniors, there is a mass of them, there are many people that they can go to, even if they get “passed along” by a particular teacher.

Ms. Chenkus: We are going to start this program and we are not going to let the balloon drop, we are going to keep it going and we are going to include the students and more staff members are already coming on board and that’s why we are here tonight, hoping that you’ll be the first step in that process.

Ms. Loughlin: If you are around the school and you see red, that is our official color, that is why we are wearing these red t-shirts, postings are on red paper will give you information on what’s happening with Link Crew and Link Crew leaders.

Mr. Geary: The official start is August 29, the night before they’ll get a phone call from their Link Leader to welcome them to Watertown High and say they hope to see them tomorrow at Orientation.

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

Ms. Dzioba: I don’t have an official report but I have a few comments. Tomorrow is the day of the Referendum and if ever there was a reason for people to go out and vote I think the last two items on the Superintendent’s Report as the loss of band in fifth grade, which I think is a very sad day. I’m sorry to see it, first we saw it leave fourth grade, now we are seeing it in fifth grade, I hope by next year, we will be able to turn the force and bring back because the band is an incredible program. The concerts throughout all of the elementary schools, especially for the beginners they are very enjoyable, a little off key and a little rough sometimes in the December one but, most enjoyable. They are sadly going to be missed and I think this is a very sad day, I understand the reason for it, and I will support it, unfortunately. I think it is better to concentrate and do a good job in the older grades than to spread people too thin in trying to just do a little bit.

The other thing is the fact that we recognize both our talented and gifted in both academics and arts but don’t have any programs for them is another sad day for this school district. Mr. Williams, I hope that you will continue to work with us maybe for this mandate to recognize people, then to send some funds our way to help provide services and programs for them.

I do encourage people to come out and vote tomorrow.

We are losing two important Board members; we lost Maureen Caine last week who resigned, sent a letter of resignation to the Board last meeting. Conflicts were just too much with family and business and for everyone family comes first. We will miss Maureen and we appreciate the service that she gave to the town and to the Board. She always gave us good advice and a lot of good humor.

Barb, I’m always impressed with the Minutes when we get them, you know, sometimes they are like sixty pages long and I think, ooh maybe we should have just cut that short, poor Barb. You were wonderful, you are good natured and good humored and I understand you are also leaving us for family commitments and again family comes first. Enjoy the hockey games with your children and now you have no excuse to take them to the Mall or any place like that because you are very busy. We wish you the very best of luck.

Dr. Erardi presented Ms. Mordenti with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Ms. Mordenti: Thank you Mary, it was my pleasure to work with all of you, I appreciate it, thank you.

Ms. Dzioba: I’d also like to take another moment to send our sympathies to the family of Mr. Frank McHale who passed away over the weekend, Mr. McHale was one if the founding members of WOTA. Though he and I did not agree on educational funding, I admire him for his dedication to his cause, for the endless hours he gave to his cause, he was a very dedicated man to what he believed and I always admire everybody who are dedicated to a cause that they believe in. I’m very sorry and wish the best for the McHale family and send them our sympathies.

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.

Motion presented by Mr. Griffin, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro to 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.

Motion Passed Unanimously

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

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.

Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Griffin to approve of the Watertown Public Schools Technology Plan 2006-2009 as presented under separate cover.

Discussion:

Mr. LoFrese: At everyone’s seat this evening I placed the slide notes for this PowerPoint presentation and attached to the Board of Education Agenda is the Watertown Public Schools Technology Plan on the State Department template.

Mr. LoFrese then presented a PowerPoint outlining the Watertown Public Schools Technology Plan, while thanking all those involved, all of whom are listed above within the Agenda item. Mr. Lofrese also thanked Dr. Erardi.

See Attachment 2

Mr. Lambert: One question about the cost; you said $200,000, every year?

Mr. LoFrese: Correct, we currently have a $1.2-$1.5 million dollar investment in technology that includes all of the computers throughout the district, as well as the network computer. So, we are looking at a minimum of $200,000 per year.

Mr. Lambert: That is basically computer hardware?

Mr. LoFrese: Correct, the majority of it is computer hardware.

Dr. Erardi: Will you share with the Board the timeline from the State of CT that the plan needs to go forward.

Mr. LoFrese: Yes, the plan needs to be at the State Department by June 30, 2006.

Ms. Dzioba: It sounds like an involved plan and a lot of hard work went into it and to all of the committee members, who took the time and effort to put into this program, we really do appreciate your efforts and your hard work. Does anybody else have any questions on it? Luckily we have the funding for it in our Budget this year.

Mr. LoFrese: Correct, as of tonight.

Ms. Dzioba: Yes, as of tonight, again, another reason to go out and get your friends out to vote. Thank you Todd.

Motion Passed Unanimously

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

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.

Motion presented by Mr. Griffin, seconded by Ms. Colangelo to accept these generous gifts and letters of thanks to be sent to the donors.

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.

Discussion:

Mr. Mazzamaro: What type of carpet materials are these, don’t we have something similar to this?

Mr. LoFrese: This carpet material is a walk off rug for the front entry way.

Motion Passed Unanimously

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

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.

Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Griffin to approve of a 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.

To approve of a childbearing 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.

Motion Passed Unanimously

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

L. Future Agenda Items and Board Members’ Comments

Mr. Lambert: I would like to commend the Watertown Public Buildings Committee for their fine work with their Chairman Bob Porter and their other members on a job they are doing in perusing through all of the necessary paperwork and bills from the Swift project. We had the pleasure of sitting in on one of their meetings as a joint meeting and I was amazed at the number of bills and items that they do look at and they vote on. I think we are fortunate to have such a good group of people there along with Todd and Charlie answering their questions. I was really amazed and I think the people need to know that this committee exists out there and they do a lot of good work for this town.

M. Public Participation

Ms. Fran Palmer, 220 Middlebury Road, Watertown

My first comment tonight is as a parent of a student, my daughter, who was on the Robotics team, the very first year that they had it and it’s just nice to see that the school system is getting behind the Robotics team and they are getting the support and recognition like they had tonight, that was nice to see.

Also with another hat on, as president of the Music Booster group, I am disappointed to hear about the band. I understand why, because we have lost two teachers, I am encouraged by your hopes of returning one of those band teachers back into the program. Hopefully both of them will get back in so that we can get the band and music program back in shape again.

N. Executive Session/Personnel Matter

All Board members present entered Executive Session with Dr. Erardi at 8:50 p.m.

Executive Session ended at 9:05 p.m.

O. Adjournment

Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro to adjourn the Regular Board of Education Meeting of May 22, 2006.

Motion Passed Unanimously

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

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Todd Griffin, Board Secretary

Barbara Mordenti, Board Clerk