vAA CITY OF NORWALK BOARD OF EDUCATION FEBRUARY 15, 2011 ATTENDANCE: Jack Chisramonte, Chairman; Steve Colarossi, Susan Hamilton, ‘Sue Haynie, Glenn lannaccone. STAFF: Dr. Susan Marks, Superintendent, Call to Onder Mr. Chiaramonte called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m, and led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. ‘Spotlight on Norwalk Public Schools Lighthouse Awards Dr. Marks stated that Mayor Moccia requested to present the first item, and he introduced Mr. Tim Callahan, Director of the City of Norwalk Health Department, who gave an ‘overview of the background and history of Lighthouse Awards. He stated that over 36 restaurants and dining establishments in Norwalk have received notification of meeting the requirements for “safe eating” and nutritional guidelines. Included in the list are the high schools, middle schools and elementary schools and Dr. Marks read the names ofthe schools and indicated that she would forward the certificates tothe school principals, Cranbury School Author Ms. Hamilton read the following: Robert "Robbie" Jon Hemingway Rothenberg, a student at Cranbury Elementary School, will be reading his soon tobe released book, unt Yeti and Uncle Bude, Ths is his second book and it as co-authored with his father, Jon Rothenberg. Robbie is the great grandson of Emest Hemingway, Dr. Marks asked Robbie and his father to come forward and address the Board and public to give an overview of his book and to discuss how he became an author, Mr. Rothenberg thanked the Board for their attention and support ofhis son and he gave a brief overview of the process and asted Robbie to discuss how the book eame about, Robbie explained how he always loved to write stories and after he had presented an idea to his father and fiends, the concept tured into a book. Ms. Carol Marinaccio, Instructional Specialist from the Norwalk Public Schools Central Office and Ms. Maureen Jones, Assistant Principal of Cranbury School accompanied the Rothenbergs, Cay oF Nowak Botrd of Eateton Feary 18,2011 Page LarMs. Marinaccio addressed the Board with statements of appreciation tothe Rothenbergs for ‘heir sharing this award and forthe support ofthe Board, as this isan example of great programs tha bring this type of accomplishment possible. Mr. Rothenberg left media kit, including copies ofthe book for the Board members and they were received with a round of applause from the Board memiers and the audience, The Sehol & Writing Awan Ms. Hamilton red the following: The Scholastic Ax & Writing Awards ar the premier student at awards forte State, Regional and National level. Student artwork is juried by professional artists and university a faculty and 5 selected on merit for inclusion na stateside art exhibit held tthe University of Hartford Ar School. Beyond the honor of being selected for this award exhibit, student may be awarded god or sslver keys and hororable mention places in each of 17 media categories. Students who receive a Gold Key award hove their work forwarded 1 the Regional competition i New York City and their arwork is also submited asa digital image tothe National Level Scholastic Art Awards for ary at the lose ofthe exhibit. A national jury wll choose works for exhibit inthe National Show held in. June 2011 In addition to Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mention awards students have the ‘opportunity to win Individual Scholarship awards, ‘The 2011 Scholastic Art Award winners ae: 1. Lorena Sferlazza won a Gold Key Award for Art Portfolio anda Lyme Academy College ‘of Fine Art Scholarship, [Nicole Chiaramonte won a Gold Key award for Drawing, Devin Long won a Silver Key award for Drawing. “Morgan Deltene wor a Silver Key award for Photography. Jennifer Wing won an Honorable Mention fr Photography Dr. Marks asked the above students to address the Board and they were greeted with hhandshakes from Board members and applause from the audience. Best Buddies ‘Ms. Hamilton read the following Best Buddies is « xonproft SO! (e)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID), Ms. Hamilton asked the members and guests in attendance to come forward to address the Board. Club officers Katie Meier and Jessica Cossuto from Brien MeMahon, and advisors ‘Andrea Amold and Kristen Baningoso gave an overview of the program, Parents of student buddies also spoke about the importance of the social benefits that est Buddies provide to their children, and how much they appreciate how the program enhances the lives ofthe thei children with special events such as dances, outings and the talent show. Cay of Nowa Board of Education Febuary 18,2011 Page 206Dr. Marks stated that her daughter was in Best Buddies and she is a firm believer of the ‘meaningful beneits such as these programs that go beyond the classroom that are highly Valuable to the lives of the both the buddies and the mentors. De. Marks distributed copies ofthe press release announcing that Brien MeMahon was honored as one ofthe 22 outstanding chapters atthe annual student leadership conference in Miami, Florida. The above students and advisors were greeted with handshakes from Board ‘members and applause from the audience. Mayor Moccia added that as an elected official, to see the true benefits ofthis type of relationship and the impact this can have on our special needs children, is very touching and ‘reminder that programs like Best Buddies are very rewarding and meaningful Public Comments Dr. Marks stated that before members ofthe public, Mayor Moccia asked ihe could address the Board and audience. Mayor Moccia stated that although Thursday's Finance Committee was setup as public hearing, both the Concert Hall and Community Rooms afe booked with other events and the ‘only room available will not accommodate the numbers of people anticipated to attend. He suggested that rather than hundreds of people altending, that a select group, or one fom ea could attend to reaesent the group or school. He wanted to be sure that people who planned ‘om attending can be accommodated, and unfortunately the Concert Hall isnot availabe. Me. Chiaramonte asked for any individuals who signed up to speak to state thei n address of affiliaton and to limit questions or comments to three minutes in length Note: Comments by the various speakers are summarized and are not verbatim. 1. Norwalk-Brien McMahon Co-Op Hockey Team. Captain Luke Aubrey introduced his teammates and stcted that they were there to show the importance ofthe Hockey Team. He ‘explained that although it has taken years of losses, they are now on a trend to vetory and a united team has been established. He added that to take away this team because of budget cuts would be a major disappointment in view of the hard work they have done to bring the team together. Another captain stated that they have spent so many years with building a team, with year-tcund practices, that their hard work is finally paying off with the level of playing they are now able to demonstrate to the community. Another captain added thal they also have done community service at Oyster Festival and other local events, and they would like to be treated the same as other sports in the Norwalk Public Schools 2. Mr. Drew Todd, 19 Friendly Road, Norwalk stated that his address was incorrectly stated in the minutes fiom February 8. He alded thatthe parents at Wolfpit are ready to have their voices be heard at Thursday's meeting and commented to the Mayor that it isa shame the location problems were not addressed earlier. He stated that they want the Board to know ‘that they are ready to continue the ight forthe budget and many parents and teachers plan to come out in full force. ay ofNorwak Board of Eaton Fetwary 15,2011 Pac sor6With no other members of the public in attendance for comment, Mr. Chiaramonte stated that the public comments partion ofthe meeting was elosed at 7:55 pm. Superintendent's Report Dr. Marks stated that they have been remiss with not having @ Spotlight segment at past ‘meetings due to the business and budget focus, and they will work hard to have this included sa focus of future meetings. She added that she has spent tit inthe sehools and it has ‘energized her and she is working hard not to dissuade her schedule and to keep all the appointments. Ste used the analogy of past experience with facing dificult situations with ‘budget issues, she would make a vist tothe Kindergarten room and refocus her mind to remember that this is where it all starts and to keep that focus on education. She added that the schools areal wreat, students are the bes, being polite, enjoying learning, and each school has thir own personality. There are many Norwalk Public Schools employees that work hard and have great ideas on making things better, and they thanked all the building principals and sta for hosting her visit, ‘Dr. Marks discussed the challenging process involved withthe logistics of changing the school calendar, and stated that it has been a major process, adding liters have been sent ‘home to parents explaining the changes along with the procedure forthe approval of attendance poliey exceptions. She thanked all administrators, teachers and suppor staff and parents and families for their flexibility in working through next week as it means a great eal to do this forthe educational interests ofthe students, ACTIONS A. Consent Personnel Actions: RECOMMENDED FOR APPOINTMENT Posting: 2010-048 Jessica Chappel, Spanish ~ Ponus EFF 01/25/11 REQUEST FOR RESIGNATION- RETIREMENT: Sharon Thawley, Marvin — Grade 2 EFF: - 6/30/11 ‘+ MR. IANNACCONE MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE ABOVE PERSONNEL, ACTIONS AS LISTED ON CONSENT. ‘* MS. HAMILTON SECONDED. %* THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY Approval of Minutes: January 18.2011 MR. COLAROSSI MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 18, 2011 MEETING, AS SUBMITTED, ‘+ MR. IANNACCONE SECONDED. ‘+ THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Cay of Nora Boa of Eaton Fetmary 15,2011 Page totEchruaty 8, 2011 Mr. lannaecone stated thatthe minutes of February 8, 2011 meeting should be noted as a Special Meeting, as it was rescheduled from the previous week, He added th als there is an address correction for Mr. Drew Todd in the Public Comments portion as follows: Mr. Drew Todd, 19 Friendly Road, Norwalk not 8 Murray Street Ms. Haynie read the following corrections, and provided a typed notation, as follows: Page 5, Paragraph 4: 180 days (not 190) Page 5, Paragraph 5: Ms. Haynie asked if we could collect baseline data so that we would ‘know the numberof staff members who took time off during the adjusted February break and the raw ensts of substitute teachers, Page 6, Paragraph 1: Ms, Haynie asked if we cou atthe end of June Page 6, Paragraph 2: (right before the vote) Ms. Haynie asked for clarifcation~ thatthe vote was 1 recoup only 3 days during February Break and not the full 4 days? She expressed corcem that iit snowed that week, the 3 days Would be reduced to 2 days Which would rave a negative impact, ook into reducing the numberof days MR. IANNACCONE COLAROSSI MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 8, 2011 SPECIAL MEETING, AS AMENDED WITH CORRECTIONS NOTED. MR. COLAROSSI SECONDED. ‘THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Approval of Budget Transfers Dr Marks refered tothe supporting documents and stated that these were the transfers {abled from last week's meeting. She stated that i response to the questions raised regarding the network expenses at Nathan Hale, Bob Polseli has worked with Principals and has established this asa model for the network that willbe used for other schools, MR. IANNACCONE MOTIONED TO APPROVE BUDGET TRANSFERS AS LISTED ON SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS, AS FOLLOWS: BE IT RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ‘SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE 2010-11 BUDGET TRANSFERS #33 and #34, AS PRESENTED. MR. COLAROSSI SECONDED. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY Cay of Norwalk edo Feta 18,2011 Page SafApproval of Healthy Eating Cemification for 2011-12 Dr. Marks noted that this was pretty straight forward annual renewal and is a state requirement. Mr. Colaross stated that there was some question regarding bake sales in the School and asked if this was covered, and Dr. Marks replied yes. There were no further ‘questions or comments from the Board members ** MR. IANNACCONE MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE HEALTHY EATING CERTIFICATION FOR 2011-12 AS FOLLOWS: BE IT RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE HEALTHY EATING CERTIFICATION AND THE DISTRICT CONTACT AND INFORMATION SHEET FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2011 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2012 AS PRESENTED. ‘+ MR. COLAROSSI SECONDED. ‘+ THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY Information and Reports Ms. Haynie statec that the Fairfield University 13 Elements Program would be held inthe Community Room and CEUs for teachers would be available. She added that bread was being donated by High Street Bakery. Mr. Colarossi stated that the Finance Committee needs tobe rescheduled, and the Policy Review Committee mecting to finalize the child abuse policy will be scheduled prior to the next BOE meeting Board Member Announcements Mr. Chiaramonte announced thatthe following Board members were absent: Ms, Bishop- Pullan had a prior meeting commitment, and Ms. Halsey was attending the West Rocks Middle School Jezz Concert. He added that Ms. Keyes is being hospitalized for medieal tests, ‘Ms. Hamilfon stated that she had attended the First Grade Produce market and it was very impressive program, ‘DJOURNME ‘* MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO ADJOURN, “MR. COLAROSSI SECONDED. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m, ‘Respectflly submit, Maniya Knox Telesco Setcaril Sanices iy of Norwalk Basnd of Eauestion February 15,2011 Page oreBOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT Board Meeting Date: a ‘Action Required By (date): 3/11. Number on Agenda: VB. Li Action item — C]information Item (check one) Agenda Title: Approval offield trips Background ie attached ficld trip must be approved at the Board level according to Policy #6153 Field Tr Cost (if applicable): Funding Source: Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable): Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable): Options (if applicable) Recommendation: Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education approve the attached field trip: Briggs (20 students) fo Washington, DC, for College Life Tour = April 18-20, 2011. Attachment: [J Yes Ono (check one) Submited by: Superintendent's Office DepartmentRequest for School Sponsored Trip OvernightOutof-State Field Tips (page 02) NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS ‘Approval for School Sponsored Ti [Type of tip [Approved By ‘Overnight andor Outor Sate” | Supacintendent Requests for ld ripe will ot be approved i hey (os than 3 days) sre ot submited in accordance wih Bod of Eucation Policy (ee char ate) ‘The Board of Education reserves the right Tepe Aeroad | Boartot Eveaton | cs por withdraw approval ofa previously approved eld Please Nate: Wo planning, aranging or fad sing may aie tip were such action it warate ne adgment place unl yprova secured, ofthe Board because of changed ecunsiance, Please note: ‘Al requests fr secondary schoo fd rps must FIRST be submited to Anthony Dadona, Ementary school request, must FIRST be submited to Carol Marinaccio, [ Generatiwtomaon sehoot Richerst C. Briggs thigh Sba| submission Date 2{\"( 1 Faculty Leader/Adviser vin Ryontl, MA) GrovpiGrade: © 2 Proposal to take a feldtrip to Weilving ton D.C - eh en a ‘on the following date (specify if dates involve regular school days): Date/Time of Departure Date/Time of Return Asadeg Becil B20 @b Ween whdaade hyri( 20,201 Cb Opn ‘The trip will include the following numbers of students 2. in the following grades or classes _10 2 Purpose ATTACH explanation ss to how this relates tothe curiculum: give specific instructional objectives {to be met through the trp and the itinerary. ‘Chaperones| List below the names of chaperones (include titles ic, teacher, parent, etc.) and the ratio of. chaperones to students - ratio should be no greater than 10:1, (Use additional sheet if needed) Name Title ‘Name Title Venctsa Swott-leevec Tour (eeder Tory Mile fod Others ——___ Tips o3 dys poorer gaun more (Gore) _ | Bear Education 3 othus = Hone inde ty be. Adrenal Ratio: |: 4 — (‘Transportation andlor Accommodation Arrangements Tres portehn evil be paved by Tr R Tours Tn L a4 feat yeer eee Provision for handicapped Wives ONo Funding x : Cost of tip per studen: $ B00. (Other sources of funding for student oghere - ee Method of raising funds _AA- Financial aid provisions Thy fay se fre ke ell chiteate IMPORTANT Ficts tips which require Board approval must be followed up with a written eport sul to the board withi after return from the trip. Please use the attached report. ‘Approval sywoniorPinipa hens Jove — ate_ 2 / if Approval of Ditetr of Elementary Ed Date rportet at Sipsinenden (Ladino — Dae 2a! Approval of Superintendent sane ne pae_»/23 Jy ‘Action by Board of Education Record of performance of coach company check by transportation director DateThe College Life Tour ‘Summary of Concepts Peas fd blow abr synopsis othe Calle Li Tour (CLT Purpose of Tour ‘The purpose of the College Life Tour, (CLT) is to help prepare students to experience the realities of college life beyond the boundaries of the Pre-college Initiative program. It has been designed so that the students actually “Vive college life” while they are on tour. From the time that the student's parents/guardians arrive at the departure destination, the “iife tour process” begins. There are several areas of concentration we will address here in this summary of conzepts. They are as folio “OPENING EXERCISE** Approximately one (1) week before the college tour, the students, with the ‘permission oftheir parents/quardlian wil participate in a pre-college life tour ‘exercise called "The Twelve Hour Famine’. This exercise is to prepare ‘the students to appreciate the advantages that they will receive betore, uring and after the College Life Tour process. ‘+ Tour Assignments ~ Students will be given “Life Tour” assignments based ‘on their gender roles that will be carried out throughout the entire length of the tour. These assignments will encourage students to learn respect for their cender differences and help to teach them how to work together as a collective unit. + Tour Activities ~ During the intervals of travel time, students will Participate in the role-play scenarios and other interactive forms of learning. Some of the topics include: Conflict Resolution, Dating, and Time Maragement. DVD's will be viewed that will pertain to pertinent issues that young adults must face during thelr college years. ‘+ Tour Life Journaling ~ Students will be given journals so they can record their experiences during each day of the trip. They will also make use of these journals to write down some of the questions they may have for the College recruiters before they get on campus. Students will also be ‘encouraged to bring cameras so they can capture some of their most memorable moments during the tour. ‘+ Hotel Room Assignments ~ Students will be assigned a roommate from a different ethnic backaround from their own. By the end of the CLT, they will be required to tell the tour group at least 3 important things that theyhave learned about the person that they shared @ room with during this tour. + Tour Dress Code ~ Students will be given a Mandatory Dress Code. No sneakers, jeans, sweats or any "theme" clothing will be worn during the time that the students are visiting the campus/university sites. They will be permited to wear such items during their down times or for fun and leisure. + Tour FunvLeisure ~ Students will be given at least Ys of a particular day to engage in an activity that promotes “Fun” that wil be supervised by tour director end tour chaperones. ‘+ Tour Historical sites ~ Students wil visit at least two (2) historical sites, (One will be @ museum that introduces students to an ethnicity that they ‘may not be familiar with. The other will be a state historical site such as ‘the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. "CLOSING EXERCISE** On the very last day of the CLT, an "Exemplary CLT Student Award” will ‘Be given to the male and female student who has demonstrated exemplary traits of character and commendable behavior during the entire length of the College Life Tour.