Melrose School Improvement Team

Meeting Minutes

March 16, 2006

Present: Robin ., L. Carlisle, J. Mitchell, J. Wright, S. Schott, K. Almanzor, C. Petrocelli, E. Covell, J. Krauss, J. Warner. Guest – K. Brownell

1. Service Learning/Food Drive.

Kathy Brownell presented her plans for speaking at the school assembly. Various donation items would be assigned for each grade, the Feinstein foundation would match $1 for each gift received and this money would be used to purchase gift cards for the needy to buy produce and perishable foods. The drive will start on 4/3, go for 10 days and on 4/11 food will be transported to the church basement. There will be special morning announcements and the teachers will receive 10-15 lesson plans on hunger.

2. Education Awareness Day.

The merits of Dr. Hallowell's presentation were discussed relating to ADD/ADHD and information about the workings of children's brains.

3. Different grade configurations.

Multi-age groupings and looping were discussed as possible future configurations. Overall, advantages were found regarding both, but whether they would apply well at Melrose was uncertain. K. Almanzor agreed to discuss looping at a coming Teachers' meeting.

4. Communications.

A letter will be sent and/or emailed to the Town Council in support of the budget. On Tuesday a Budget Workshop will be held at the Library.