Melrose School Improvement Team

Meeting Minutes

February 15, 2007

Present: K. Almanzor, S. Schott, C. Petrocelli, J. Mitchell, K. Chandler, L. Turenne, N. Santamour, J. Warner, M. Franco

Math Ability Grouping Pilot.
Report from those who attended the February Faculty Meeting regarding the presentation of the Math Ability Grouping Pilot. Concerns from staff included self-esteem of students in lower groupings, philosophical concerns about “permanent tracking”, parents having significant reactions to the placement of their children, loss of community of classroom and loss of different level learners learning from each other. M. Franco reported that in his former school a similar model for grouping was used successfully. N. Santamour reported that in East Greenwich math would be taught by team teachers with the two classes split in half into higher and lower end learners.

It was decided that a letter would be sent to the faculty from the SIT making it clear that the SIT is not trying to force anything on the staff and that the SIT would like to open up a dialogue on this subject and work together towards a solution. The best ways to meet the needs of the higher end learners in the math program will be discussed with the SIT members and the faculty at the next Faculty Meeting in March on March 12.

The desire to have an on-line survey was discussed to research what parents want. This will be further discussed at a later date.

Guest – Donna Perry of SELAC
D. Perry of SELAC reported to the SIT on latest developments with SELAC. They have sent a letter to the Press in support of the budget. They are very much in support of the continued use of the co-teaching program and integrated classrooms. Education Awareness Day will take place this year on March 31, 2007, and is sponsored by SELAC. The possibility of having a parent-reachout program was discussed with phone numbers of other parents of children with special needs to call for support when they first become involved in the system.

Service Learning Project
The April Yard Sale for the benefit of Peyton Watson still does not have a definite date due to many conflicts on weekends. SIT members should notify N. Santamour of their availability to volunteer at the yard sale.

Friday Afternoon Enrichment Program
This will be discussed with staff at later date, after a decision is reached regarding the math ability grouping pilot.

Next Meeting: Thursday, March 12th, 4-5:30 p.m.