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.
Letters received:
• An announcement of Arts Alive, the Melrose student art show.
• Via B.J. Whitehouse, recognition that Jamestown 8th grader Sam Hollister performed at the reception of departing Department of Education Commissioner Peter McWalters.
Consent Agenda: The committee approved the minutes of April 23 and payment of bills. The committee also approved the job share arrangements of Marilyn Hostetler and Gilda Codilla as music teacher (0.5/0.5) and Karyn Kauffman and Gilda Codilla as music teacher at Lawn (0.6/0.4); the appointment as summer school teachers of Beverly Green, Jennifer Caswell, Aria Santucci and Faith Krause; and as summer school teacher assistants Michelle Smith, Lisa Clark, Janet Smith, Lori Smith, Ana Barcelos-Rosa, and Leah McGowan. The committee accepted with regret the retirements of 5th grade teacher Robin Sweet and Director of Student Services Dr. Robert Fricklas.
Food Service Update: Superintendent Marcia Lukon shared the latest figures on the number of meals sold.
1st Reading – Special Education Staffing Policy: The committee asked for clarifications of language. The 2nd reading will take place at the June 18 business meeting.
2nd Reading – Employee Illegal Harassment Policy: The committee approved the policy by unanimous vote.
2nd Reading – Student Dating Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: The committee voted 3-1 not to add a statement indicating that the school department does not sanction dating. The policy was approved by a 3-1 vote.
2nd Reading – Kindergarten Admission Policy: The committee approved the policy by unanimous vote.
Update, Elizabeth Stone Scholarship Fund Committee: Ms. Kaiser announced that the panelists are reviewing applications and the school committee will consider the panelists’ recommendations at the June 4 school committee meeting. The 3-member panel comprises Julie Kallfelz, Fran Gorman and Nora Santamour.
Teachers Union Request for a Job Fair: Committee members reiterated their position that the job fair, which allows teachers to select from available vacancies in order of seniority, does not ensure placement based on the needs of the students, as identified by the administration. Continuing to favor a collaborative approach involving teachers and administration, the committee voted to deny the JTA request to schedule a job fair this year.
Information and Proposals:
Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Lukon reported that the strategic plan will be ready for school committee consideration at the June 4 meeting. After approval, the plan will be disseminated and work will begin on action plans and timelines. Stressing the importance of keeping the original strategic planning committee involved, Dr. Lukon shared plans to reconvene that committee in a year to review progress on the plan.
Principal’s Report:
Principals Kathy Almanzor and Carole Melucci shared enrollment figures and a calendar of upcoming events for the remainder of the school year. The committee was impressed by the number and variety of Island businesses and individuals sharing their expertise with students at the May 29 Island Treasures.
Committee Reports:
Melrose School Improvement Team: Melrose SIT discussed the Successful Practices Network and the possibility of forming a committee to examine and compare the skills required for NECAP proficiency with those required by the business community for entry level jobs; and to use the results to evaluate the emphasis placed on particular skills in the schools’ curriculum.
Lawn School Improvement Team: Lawn SIT completed work on the technology survey, which teachers will take in June. The group also discussed 5th and 6th grade report card revisions and agreed on the need to display exemplar work so that students understand what “proficient” looks like.
SELAC: At the May 12 meeting, Cynthia Haddad provided information on estate planning for parents of special needs children.
Facilities Committee: No meeting.
SORICO: Dr. Lukon reported that the board hired Dr. Michael McKee as executive director.
Policy: See above.
Teacher Evaluation Committee: B.J. Whitehouse reported that the committee expects to have an evaluation tool for school committee consideration at one of the summer meetings.
Health and Wellness: No report.
The next workshop meeting of the Jamestown School Committee will be on June 4; the next business meeting will be held June 18. All meetings are held at 7 p.m. in the Melrose Multi-Purpose Room.