Jamestown Schools: A School-Community Partnership
"SCAN," issued by the Superintendent’s Office in conjunction with the School Committee, is designed to inform staff members and interested others of matters discussed and actions taken by the Jamestown School Committee at its most recent meeting. SCAN does not represent meeting minutes.
Correspondence:
Letters received:
From the 8th grade yearbook committee, a letter offering advertising opportunities in the yearbook. The school committee discussed individually contributing to place a congratulatory ad.
From Ann Zainyeh, Jenn Kittredge-Clark and Lisa Carlisle, Lawn School Improvement Co-Chairs, a letter commending Principal Kathy Almanzor for her “tireless enthusiasm, relentless vigor and nurturing demeanor.”
From Don Miller of the Conanicut Island Art Association, a letter seeking a lower rate for the rental of the Melrose gym/cafeteria. The committee discussed the fact that it had passed a building use policy last year that established rates accurately reflecting the cost to the school department of building use.
Consent Agenda: The committee approved the minutes of September 17; and payment of bills. The committee also approved the appointments of Doreen Vogel as a teacher assistant; Polly Alfonso as a part-time speech and language pathologist; Heather Davidson as a part-time special education teacher for a homebound student; Sandra Reynolds as high school coordinator; Chris Swistak as a math tutor; Laurel Falces as a crossing guard; and Page Dickinson as a crossing guard..
Food Service Update: Superintendent Marcia Lukon shared the monthly meal count figures.
Family Medical Leave Act Policy: The committee passed the policy by unanimous vote.
Update on Bus Parking: The committee discussed plans for the October 19 presentation to the town council. The superintendent shared updated information on the projected number of buses, parking fees charged by some other communities; and the revenue generated for the town through bus taxes paid by First Student.
Acceptance of a Gift to the School Department: Mary Keen of Jamestown Education Foundation responded to committee questions and reiterated JEF’s understanding that once the NASA grant monies are accepted by the school, the school department will manage these funds in accordance with school committee policy, RIDE regulations, and state and federal statutes. The committee reiterated its enthusiastic approval of the project but tabled official acceptance until the next business meeting due to confusion caused by the word “gift” in the agenda item.
Superintendent’s Report:
• Superintendent Lukon shared annual enrollment figures; despite projections of a decrease in enrollment, the district experienced a small increase in the number of students enrolled. Military enrollment jumped from 59 students last year to 95 in the current year. This figure includes 24 military family students at the high school – 12 more than were budgeted for. Dr. Lukon reminded the school committee that annual enrollment figures are recorded on Oct. 1 and that the school department has enrolled an additional five students since that date, two of whom attend the high school.
• The superintendent reported on a meeting of RISSA (Rhode Island School Superintendents Association) with Commissioner Deborah Gist. In addition to presenting her strategic plan, the Commissioner shared student responses to the question “what makes a great teacher.” The consistent theme in these responses was a desire for more rigor, more relevance and better relationships.
• Dr. Lukon also reported on NAEP state comparison data released by the National Center for Education Statistics. Rhode Island was one of only four states (with the District of Columbia) to realize score increases at both the 4th and 8th grade levels (the others were New Hampshire, Vermont and Nevada).
Principals’ Report: Principals Melucci and Almanzor reported on the October NECAP testing; the October 19 beginning of the fall After School Enrichment Program (generously supported by JEF); and assemblies scheduled this month in the two schools. They also reported on changes to the grade 5 and 6 report cards (to bring them in line with grade 7 and 8 formats); a continuing collaboration with the Jamestown Press to publish student work monthly in the paper; and yearlong topics of study being pursued by the faculty in monthly professional development meetings.
Committee Reports
Melrose School Improvement Team: The group discussed technology; revisions recommended for the school website; and grade-level “wish lists” for materials and equipment..
Lawn School Improvement Team: Group members discussed a FAQs video presentation being prepared by SIT on standards-based grading; and viewed a Model Schools Community video. Jenn Clark shared a differentiated lesson with the group.
SELAC: The group discussed ways to enhance participation in the statewide special education survey; plans for an online parent support group; and workshop formats and topics.
Facilities Committee: No report.
North Kingstown: Mr. Brennan shared the list of committee members serving on the tuition negotiation team.
SORICO: The group discussed SORICO finances (which are turning around); virtual high school; and the possibility of having a Confucius Classroom at the collaborative.
Legislative: Dr. Lukon reported that the superintendents were told that the house labor committee would hear testimony on a binding arbitration bill on Oct. 21.
Policy: The group prioritized policy needs.
Teacher Evaluation Committee: Mr. Whitehouse reported that the group will meet on Oct. 22 to review the RIDE teacher evaluation standards.
High School Review: The group is compiling questions for the second visit to the high schools.
Health and Wellness: No report.
The next workshop meeting of the Jamestown School Committee will be on November 5. The next business meeting will be on November 19. All meetings are held at 7 p.m. in the Lawn School library.