DRAFT COPY for distribution/ at the Regular Business Meeting-August 10, 2022
Minutes of the Monson School Committee Regular Business Meeting March 10, 2022 “Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the Town of Monson School Committee will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Specific information and the general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be found on the Town of Monson website, at www.monson-ma.gov. For this meeting, members of the public who wish to listen to the meeting may do so in the following manner: https://zoom.us/j/81508849631 Meeting ID:815 0884 9631, no in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in real time, via technological means. In the event that we are unable to do so, despite best efforts, we will post on the Town of Monson’s website an audio or video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting. Present (In-person): Chair Colleen Flynn; Vice Chair Emily Graves-Harrison; Secretary Kathryn Peterson and Committee Members Jackie Watts, Alison Morgan; Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Clarke; Director of Business and Operations Leah Zippin; Granite Valley School Principal Joseph Trivisonno; Granite Valley School Assistant Principal Myriah Hudak; Monson High School Interim Principal Matthew Sullivan; Early Childhood Center Dean of Students/Special Education Coordinator Colette Bidus and Recording Secretary Karen Methe Note: This meeting was recorded by M-Pact TV and Zoom. Ms. Flynn called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m., noting that this is the first mask-free meeting since the COVID-19 restrictions were put in place. Ms. Morgan read the Mission & Vision Statements. Announcements/Recognition: Tomorrow is a Professional Day for staff and there is no school for students. Dr. Clarke stated that each principal would be providing an update on their school’s happenings. Early Childhood Center: Ms. Tetrault reported that Pre-K and Kindergarten screenings were coming up, adding that parents can sign-up for the registration process in a live online link available on the website. Information is also available within the In the Loop newsletter. Pre-K screenings will take place in-person on April 28 and 29, 2022. Kindergarten screenings will be held, also in-person, on May 12 and 13, 2022. All screenings are by appointment. The Pre-K Tools of the Mind theme is medical. All centers revolve around dentists, eye doctors, doctors, emergency services and x-rays. She added that the students are very excited with this theme. Kindergarten students just completed a rainforest theme. The Exploration Room was transformed into the Amazon RainForest and students really enjoyed all aspects of this theme. The next theme will be the Ice Age. As in the past, St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated by students setting leprechaun traps in the hopes of catching the leprechaun that may visit their classroom when they are not there.
School Committee Minutes: Page 1 of 5
Regular Business Meeting-March 10, 2022
DRAFT COPY for distribution/ at the Regular Business Meeting-August 10, 2022
Ms. Brin and the Kindergarten team created a Literacy Showcase to celebrate Black History Month.
March Book Madness will be celebrated to further connect students to the love of reading.
There is a Spirit Week planned beginning March 28, 2022.
Granite Valley School:
Mr. Trivisonno stated that the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) initiative continues with the Granite Valley Rocks theme reinforcing core expectations.
March 14, 2022 is Pi Day with several activities planned.
The middle of March will see March Mathness, as part of ST Math, with each grade level competing.
The Book Fair returns next week. All students will have an opportunity to attend the fair during school hours, and there will be evening hours on March 16, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) testing is coming up and many activities have been planned to help students prepare for it.
Mr. Trivisonno noted that all students and staff members receive a postcard acknowledging their birthday. He thanked Ms. Hudak and the office staff for making this happen.
Field Day is coming up, specific date and information to follow.
An evening to recognize students with artistic gifts is being planned for late May/early June and will incorporate band, chorus, art and poetry.
A 100th day of school celebration was held.
Lift Club has begun which is a partnership between Special Education and GVS. Many high school students are mentoring students in the SOAR Program.
The Change Challenge event is coming up.
Mr. Trivisonno thanked the School Climate Committee for all of their work.
Monson High School:
Mr. Sullivan reported that student-loved traditions are returning. On April 8, 2022, grades 9-12 students will hold a post-pandemic dance and are very excited to do so.
On April 15, 2022 there will be a school-wide day of service. Students will be going out to different places in the community performing all types of service work such as cleaning a park, working with senior citizens on navigating technology and working with students in the elementary grades.
Planning continues for the upcoming senior activities.
MCAS testing will be held on March 22 and 23, 2022.
Scheduling begins at the end of next week. Ms. Sorel will be reaching out to parents of grade 11 students with an overview of the graduation requirements.
Training for PowerSchool is being held.
Winter sports have concluded with the Girls’ Basketball team suffering a loss on the road. Mr. Sullivan commended the team on their excellent season and fantastic sportsmanship. Spring sports to follow.
School Committee Minutes: Page 2 of 5
Regular Business Meeting-March 10, 2022
DRAFT COPY for distribution/ at the Regular Business Meeting-August 10, 2022
Student Representative Report: No report Superintendent’s Update: Dr. Clarke gave the final COVID statistics from the Department of Public Health adding that at-home tests are still an option. Parent-Teacher Conferences were successful at all 3 schools. They were mostly via Zoom but in-person requests were accommodated. In-Service Day will consist of 3 sessions reserving the last hour for a fun activity planned by Dr. Clarke. The day will begin with Dr. Clarke’s State of the District presentation. Field trips are returning. The Parent Resource Room will be opening the week of March 21, 2022. An informational flyer will be sent out to families. Pre-Kindergarten play groups will be established to help students get acquainted prior to coming to school. Meetings for the high school’s new schedule continue to be held. Ms. Graves-Harrison asked when it would be presented to families, Dr. Clarke stated that it would be soon. Public Session: Ms. Flynn opened Public Session at 7:22 p.m. Lisa Ronaldson, parent of 3 high school students, came forward to address the Committee. She stated that there has been parent discussion regarding the lack of school spirit and community representation at athletic games this year. She would like to find ways to come together with fundraisers and activities to bring excitement back into the district. Sara Malo, parent of students in the district and also involved in the Athletic Boosters Scholarship Committee, would also like to see spirit back into school sports. She and Ms. Ronaldson distributed a packet of information aimed at helping the community return school spirit and camaraderie to Monson High School. Ms. Malo noted that she has had local businesses approach her about sponsoring athletic fees for a year and providing new uniforms. Bullet points from the distributed print-out were briefly presented in addition to bringing back concessions and the games. The School Committee liaison for the Athletic Boosters will attend their next meeting to keep communication open between both Committees. Peter Beaupre, town resident and coach in the district, said that he would like to get back to the mentorship program with high school students mentoring younger students. He noted that the boys’ soccer team would begin this again in the fall. Jared and Shawna Pignone, town residents and parents, stated their concern with the condition of athletic uniforms adding that they feel our district athletes “look like rag a muffins” in contrast to other athletes and feels that not looking like a team makes them not play as a team. Ms. Pignone thanked Ms. Ronaldson, Ms. Malo and Mr. Beaupre for speaking up at tonight’s meeting. Shannon Chaffee, town resident and parent requested better communication from the administration. Ms. Flynn closed Public Session at 7:45 p.m. Subcommittee and Liaison Reports: Policy Subcommittee: The Subcommittee met, reviewed and revised Policies AC, ACAB, EC, ECA, FA and FF with the recommendations received from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC).
School Committee Minutes: Page 3 of 5
Regular Business Meeting-March 10, 2022
DRAFT COPY for distribution/ at the Regular Business Meeting-August 10, 2022
Changes were mainly made to the verbiage which Dr. Clarke will revise, post on the website for public review and bring to the Committee for a first read at the next meeting. Ms. Flynn stated that there is a Town Finance Committee meeting on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. and asked all Committee members to attend, if possible, to show solidarity and support for the FY23 budget. Ms. Graves-Harrison expressed the importance of the public attending as well. New Business: Dr. Clarke began her PowerPoint presentation of the FY23 school budget. She reviewed the objectives and stated that the continuing challenges related to COVID-19 for families, students and staff will be what impact the district next year. Each department and building budget impact was explained in detail. Revenue changes for general education and special education were presented. FY23 projected School Choice student numbers and projected revenue was given along with a summary of ESSER funds. Dr. Clarke talked about the history of town appropriation funds and the School Department’s requested amounts since 2014-2015. The FY23 requested amount is $10,767,191 and the town appropriation is $10,770,000. A question and answer period followed. Dr. Clarke stated that she will present the budget to the Town. Action Items: Ms. Morgan asked that the next Athletic Boosters meeting get posted on the website and an email blast is sent to all sports families. She also requested that the Athletic Director send out a separate email to all families stating that the Boosters is a great way to get involved in district sports. Ms. Graves-Harrison asked for clarification regarding the complaint process after addressing the School Committee. Ms. Morgan read the guidance from the state. Ms. Flynn added that if there is a legitimate concern and it was under School Committee purview a decision would be made and then move forward as such. Schedule Regular Business Meetings for April 14 and 28, 2022, maintain hybrid meeting model until July 1, 2022. Schedule Policy Subcommittee Meeting Schedule HR/Negotiations Subcommittee Meeting Put revised Policies on website for public comment Motion by Ms. Morgan to adjourn Open Session. (Second by Ms. Graves-Harrison) No discussion Motion carries 5-0 Open Session closed at 8:23 p.m. Documentation for this meeting: March 10, 2022-Regular Business Meeting Agenda Presented at meeting: How can the community help return school spirit and camaraderie to MHS? – Handout during
School Committee Minutes: Page 4 of 5
Regular Business Meeting-March 10, 2022
DRAFT COPY for distribution/ at the Regular Business Meeting-August 10, 2022
Public Session Monson Public Schools 2022-2023 Budget PowerPoint Presentation Approved by Committee: _________________________________________________ Emily Graves-Harrison, Secretary