04/08/2010 SCHOOL COUNCIL - QUASHNET SCHOOL Minutes

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V 4. Budget planning for SY 2010-2011 We reviewed Superintendent Bradshaw's budget handout from the presentation she gave at the 4-7-10 school committee meeting. The handout describes the current gap and projected cuts needed-in order to meet the proposed FYI budget that has been approv a by the School Committee--an amount that is a 2% reduction from our FYI school budget—as requested by the Town Manager. 5. Intervention Block—Draft Schedule for the 2010-2011 School.Year We reviewed the draft(#1) schedule for school year'l0-11 which includes a daily 45-minute intervention block for ELA. It also includes expansion of time for mathematics to allow teachers ample opportunity to implement the new math curriculum program with fidelity. We have built 30-minutes per day of time for small group math.instruction. Our goal is to better meet the learning needs of each individual student with the most efficient use of staff. Further discussion and input from staff will be taking place during the next few weeks. 6. 6-Day Cycle for Specials for. the 2010-2011 School Year We discussed-our plans to'einploy a__a-day rotation for specials for next year. This will eliminate the impact of holidays and half-lays--causing_students_tQmiss_aparticular special, This schedule also allows our specialists to be more involved as members of our intervention teams. 7. Other A. Mission Statement Update: Our new mission statement was printed and laminated on posters for each classroom and for posting in our hallways. The posters have been distributed to'al staff members. Our mission at the Quashnet School,in partnership with parents, families, and 4 community,,it to empower all children to achieve excellence and to reach their. frill potential in arespect-filled,safe, and positive learning environment characterized by high expectations, quality instruction, continuous improvement; and civic responsibility. B. Standardiized School Attire: We discussed exploring the idea of having students wear standardized school apparel. A letter will be drafted to gather parent input and to survey whether such an idea would have the support of parents. Students could wear the standardized apparel Mondays through Thursdays. : Friday would be "free,choice„day. We might explore a standardized Quashnet shirt (both a summer and winter version) that could r be worn with the student's choice of pantslskirt. Mash pee/Quash net sweatshirts and T-shirts could be in the mix as well. C. Latex Allergies Latex-free balloons will be purchased for use when balloons are desired for school events/activities (There are several online sites.) Latex allergies were discussed at the Health Advisory Committee meeting held on Monday, April 5, 2010. The School Committee will probably be developing a policy related to protecting students and staff who have latex allergies. Our next Quashnet School Council meeting is scheduled for Thursda Ma 13 2010 at 3:15 PM.