NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 125 East Avenue # PO. Box 6001 Norwalk, Connecticut 06852-6001 ‘Tel: (2053) 854-4001. + Fax: (208) 838-3299 Email: marks@norwalkps.org Susan F. Marks, B.D, Superintendent of Schools ‘SPOTLIGHT ON NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS ‘April 26, 2011, As the ity of Norwalk works o improve and enhanc its recycling activites, volunteerism is more needed than ever. The Gel Scouts of Troop 246 saw a need to improve the amount and types of plastics we collect nthe fatetera of Rowayton Elementary School. Working n coordination with the school's leaders and custodial staff they designed a system thatinluded the ereation of signs showing which pasties were recyclable ad then color-cordinatng waste bins se p strategelly around the lanchroom so thatthe right plasies went into the Fight bin ‘This has been a win-win for taxpayers of Norwalk, as the reeycling program not only Keeps Norwalk cleaner but reduces the cos of waste removal at Rowayton Elementary School, Ther’ even income generation from the sold recyclables. Finally, with the good work not only ofthe Girl Scouts but ofthe parents, teachers, and the rest ‘of very commited studen body, Rowayton Elementary has established a pilot program fr keeping Norwal {green and clean that our otter schools ean follow. The fourth grade students in oop 246 are Rachel Smith, [iv Mulligan, Annika Friedrchsen Julia Arsenault, Aja Andrews, Delaney Oak and Natalia Fortuna, The th rade students are Eleanor Sith, Oona Nash, Grace Nash, Crissy Kits, Grace OMalley, Rebecca Cavanagh, Sam Lesson, Ashley Caraval, Olivia Lipson, Pilar Galvan, Kristin Sequeira, Kaileigh Doyle, Rachelle Sanvel, ‘Vietria Major and Maddie Froelich. Congratulations othe Odyssey ofthe Mind teams from Rowayton Elementary School and Roton Middle Schoo! ‘who von gold and silver medals atthe Odyssey ofthe Mind Program State Competition on March 26" in Bristol CCT. They willbe representing the Norwalk Schoo! District at the World Finals atthe University of Maryland in ‘May, competing agains teams rom the $0 sates and 25 countries This year, Norwalk was represented by 10 teams in thee schools. In addition, teams from Brien MeMahon igh Schoo! and Rowaytoa School won beonze medals, and teams from Rowayton School and Roton Middle School placed # and 6" intheir problem and division, (Odyssey ofthe Mind is highly competitive academic program which promotes creative problem solving and divergent thinking sils in students. Teams of $-7 students work for several months to create a solution 8 ven long term problem which i presented to judges ata CT State competition in the spring. During the ‘competition the team is given several minutes fo create a solution to an unknown spontaneous problem and is judged sepaately on that pertion, The tam {fom Rowsyton School were challenge to create and present an original performance where a lassial character ats asa Tour Gude. The tour made thre stops including one that was a team-created Norwalk Public Schools Website: www.norwalkpublicschools.orglocation. The tour guide gave required explanations and an inanimate object showed signs of life. Team members ae 3% graders AWdn Maloney, John Fassett, Sebastian Tehokoua, Max Paizo, Billy Bezos, Stephanie Skidmore, and Evelyn Baragan and S* graders Bash Cunningham Elle Smuth Schuyler Lathy, Sam Lesson, Stephen Kosttrobz, Julie Ely and Remy Gibson, (One team fom Roton was challenged to design, build, and ran vehicles that use mousetraps as ther only source of energy. The Mouse Mob les traveled a cours that had segments with different challenge, including two" ‘eam-created challenges. They were requted to provide a performance witha theme. Team members ae 8 graders Matthew Allen, Fim Maloney, Connor O'Brien, Tom Skipper, Megan Root, and Sally Aubrey. The other Roton MS team vas challenged to create and presenta humorous performance where something changed form or appearance at least tree times eventually undergoing final change returning tot original form and appearance. Cran character and performance elements and a surprise ending were require. This 1roblem was cosponsored by NASA. Team members ate 6 graders Derek Lue, Giffin Root, Oliva Faset, ‘Kate Herbert, Keara Meyerson, Madelaine Vineyard and Alex LemmerBOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT Board Meeting Date 2001 ‘Action Required By (date): 426/11 Number on Agenda VLA, [Action tem — CJinformation tem (check one) ‘Agenda Title: Approval of budget transfers Background Cost (if applicable): seeattached Funding Source: see-attached 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 Superintenent of Schools, that the Board of Education approve the attached budget transfers Attachment: [XJ Yes Ono (check one) ‘Submitted by: Craig Drezek Department: Administrative ServicesG3 CO Goa) +102 ‘61 Iudy uo Bun2aw uoneonpa yo preog - SU34SNVUL 139GNG 1102 - OL0zCITY OF NORWALK BOARD OF EDUCATION ‘APRIL. 2011 ATTENDANCE: Jack Chiaramonte, Chairman; Jody Bishop-Pullan, Steve Colarossi, Susan Hamilton, Sue Haynie, Glenn lannaccone, Migdalia Rivas Erin Halsey (8:50 p.m.) STAFF: Dr. Susan Marks, Superintendent, Call 1 Order ‘Me. Chiaramonte called the meeting to order led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance Public Comments Mr. Chiaramonte asked for any individuals who signed up to speak to state their name, adress or affiliation and to limit questions or comments to three minutes in length Note: Comments are summarized and are not verbatim. L Bruce LeVine Mellin, present of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers, said thatthe FT has been involved withthe 2011-12 ealendar development process and he reviewed the input as presented at the last meeting. He stated thatthe process has been collaborative effort to address the many factors that go into the ealendar, He reported the following survey resalts and stated that this isthe range of support by the teachers and administrators, which also parallels the parent survey resus H-60% — #=1 #3 ~25% and now # with reinstating the 2 day of Rosh Hastanah. He added that they have also developed #5 which adds two ‘ditional days tothe February break, to be consistent with surrounding towns in Fairfield County. He stated that the last day of school would be June 15, with the ‘option of moving the March Professional Day to June. ee stated hat the issues can be summarized as follows: ‘+ Providing timely days necessary for test preparation for CMTs and CAPT ‘+ Keeping the addtional day off for Rosh Hashanah, + Keeping the February break * This accommodates educational field trips that conflict with spring sports schedules in April Cay of Norwalk Bor of Eestion ‘pris. 2011, Prue Vor 16‘Mr. Mellion thansed the Board for the collaborative process with the calendar recommendations 2. Mr. Tony Santa Maria, 36 West Avenue, Norwalk, stated thatthe parking lot at Brien ‘McMahon has a safety issue where the asphalt curb is dislodged from the pavement and placed in driving areas. He added thatthe cement bars are now sticking out and it presents a dargetous situation that needs attention, He stated that there is a ‘communication gap with him where he has not received the information he has asked for. He added that while he recognizes the central offce has been very busy with the budget process, he wanted to remind Dr. Marks that he is stil waiting forthe information, 3. Mrz Drew Tedd, 19 Friendly Road, Norwalk stated that the parents at Wolfpit are ‘hanktiul to those Board Members who participated in Read Across America, He added that he looks ‘onward to future positive events such as this. With no other members ofthe public in attendance for comment, Mr. Chiaramonte stated that the public comments portion ofthe meeting was closed at 8:15 p.m. Superintendent's Report Dr. Marks stated that her report was brief due to the amount of business on the agenda, She first acknowledgaf the passing ofa teacher at Roton Middle School, Ms. Theresa Block, who lived in Monroe. She gave a background of her tenure with the Norwalk Publie Schools and stated that she was a 1981 graduate ffom Norwalk High School, noted that she was a dedicated Math Teacher who took pride in molding students to become Math achievers and believers. Dr. Marks asked for a moment of silence in her memory, and thanked the Board ‘and members ofthe public for joining her in extending her condalences and sympathy to Mrs. Block's fam ly. ACTIONS A. Consent PERSONNEL ACTIONS FOR BOARD APPROVAL (atached, a follows Page 3) ‘* MR. IANNACCONE MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE PERSONNEL, ACTIONS AS LISTED ON CONSENT. ‘+ MS. HAMILTON SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. BUDGET TRANSFERS - as listed on Page 3) City of Noel Boat of Edeaion Aapnls.2011, Page 20F 16PERSONNEL ACTIONS FOR ROARD APPROVAL ati Ripka aoe ‘Ry seer bes SNTaa~ Sp Fao BB esau RESIGNATION FOR THE FURPOSE OF RETIREMENT ee: onnaat Fong Gee Nome Rese RESIGNATION FOR THe PURPOSE OF RETIREMENT eer, on 2010 - 2011 BUDGET TRANSFERS - Board of Education Moeting on April 5.2011 ** MR. IANNACCONE MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE BUDGET TRANSFER AS LISTED + MS. HAMILTON SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY, iy otNorvae ord of Euestion ‘pil, 2011, Pate Sor 16Approval of Minutes: - March 15, 2011 Mr, lannaecone requested to correct spelling of Barbara Sacks last name, Ms, Haynie requested that it te noted in the minutes that she had commented on the ealendar options on page 6 and the folowing sentence should be added: One additional reason that she supports raft #3 is it minimizes unbudgeted substitute expense, and to keepin mind that the cost ro the district for substitutes forthe three days ofthe February break was approximately $50,000. ‘Ms. Haynie read the following statement and requested corrections made as follows: ** MR. COLAROSSI MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE ‘MARCH [5,2011, AS AMENDED WITH CORRECTIONS NOTED. ** MS. HAMILTON’SECONDED. ‘+ THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. iy of Norwalk ord of Education apis, 2011, Page sot 16Approval of Fielé Trips: Brien MeMahon High Schoo! Grades 9-12 Latinvlialian Language Classes To Ialy/Greeee ‘* MR, HAMILTON MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY #6153 FIELD TRIPS: RESOLVED, UPON ‘THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. ‘THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD ‘TRIP: BRIEN MCMAHON HIGH SCHOOL GRADES 9-12 LATIN AND. ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES TO ITALY/GREECE JULY 5, 2012 TO JULY 18,2012 (APPROX). ‘+ MS. BISHOP-PULLAN SECONDED. ‘THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Roton_ Middle Schoo! to Nature's Classroom, ** MS, RIVAS MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY #6153 FIELD TRIPS: RESOLVED, UPON ‘THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD TRIP: ROTON MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADE 6 TO IVORYTON, CT - NATURE'S CLASSROOM NOVEMBER 14-18, 2011 (APPROX). ‘** MS. BISHOP-PULLAN SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Roton Mi 1 Odyssey ofthe Mind World Final ** MR. IANNACCONE MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY #6153 FIELD TRIPS: RESOLVED, UPON ‘THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD ‘TRIP: ROTON MIDDLE SCHOOL 6™ AND 8" GRADE ODYSSEY OF THE MIND TEAMS TO WORLD FINALS ~ AT COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND ON MAY 27-31, 2011. s+ MS, RIVAS SECONDED. “+ THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY, WITH ONE ABSTENTION (BISHOP-PULLAN) iy of Nora ‘ord of Eduction ‘apn 2011 Page Sor 15Rowayton Middle School Odyssey of the Mind World Finals ** MR. COLAROSSI MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY #6153 FIELD TRIPS: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD ‘TRIP: ROWAYTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3” AND 5™ GRADE. ODYSSEY OF THE MIND TEAMS TO WORLD FINALS ~ AT COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND ON MAY 27-31, 2011 ** MS. HAYNIE SECONDED. ‘** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY, ONE ABSTENTION (BISHOP-PULLAN) Recognition of April as Autism Awareness Month by Norwalk Public Schools ** MR. IANNACCONE MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING: RESOLVED, UPON THE = RECOMMENDATION OF THE. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RECOGNIZES APRIL AS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH BY NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS. ++ MS, HAYNIE SECONDED. ‘** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Approve the Use of Jefferson Elementary School by ACHIEVE for Summer Program ** MS. RIVAS MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVES THE USE OF JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BY ACHIEVE FOR SUMMER PROGRAM FOR THEIR 2011 SUMMER ENRICHMENT. s+ MS, HAYNIE SECONDED. ‘** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. ove the Use of Silvermine Elementary School by YMCA for Summer Program ‘* MS. BISHOP-PULLAN MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING: RESOLVED, UPON THE — RECOMMENDATION OF THE. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE USE OF SILVERMINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BY THE YMCA FOR SUMMER PROGRAM FOR THEIR “CAMP SUNRISE” 20 SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM. s+ MR.IANNACCONE SECONDED. ‘+ THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. iy of Norwate Board of Eduestion ‘Apri 3.2011, Prue 6 oF 16Appros chen and Food Service Trek ‘by NEON for Summer Food Service Program ** MS. RIVAS MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVES THE USE OF BMHS KITCHEN AND FOOD SERVICE TRUCK BY NEON FOR SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM ++ MR. COLAROSSI SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Approve the Use of Columbus Magnet Elementary School ou Community Center for Summer Day Camp Program ** MR. COLAROSSI MOTIONED TO APPROVE: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. THAT ‘THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE USE COLUMBUS MAGNET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BY SOUTH NORWALK COMMUNITY CENTER FOR SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM. ‘# MS, HAYNIE SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Approval of Authorization regarding Construction /Addition Projects at Naramake and Rowayton Elementary Schools Dr. Marks stated that up for approval i a resolution forthe authorization ofa resolution to apply for state grants for the construction and addition projects at Naramake and Rowayton Etementary Schools, as presented by Mr. Craig Drezek at last month’s presentation on | Capital Improvement Projets for 2011-12, The following statement was read and submitted by Ms. Haynie for the record During the Capital Budget process, and prior t any votes, the BOE Finance Committe hosted a ‘meeting with 3 schools that were potential beneficiaries athe Capital Plan: Rowayton, Naramske and Cranbury. The Finance Chait reached out to Staff andthe PTO" sof these 3 schools tobe sure that they were apprised of the meeting and had an opportunity ta have their voices heard ‘With al due respect find it unfortunate that this sme level of oureach Was not made avallable by the BOE Fmance Chai o those school that wil be negatively impacted by the revised Capital Plan. Committee Agenda regarding the revisions were vague, Meeting Minutes re still publically unavailable and the Space Relocation Plan was presented atthe March 31° Finance Committee meeting but vas not even an Agenda item, ‘Going forward, how do we ensure that this Capital Plan be conducted in transparent and equitable manner? Pre-school classrooms and self-contained special education classrooms, such as ‘the 2 for Emotionally Disturbed children moving ftom Rowayton to Tracey (a Tille | school), have dstric-wide ramifiatons, are these changes temperary, wha isthe lng term plan? Since the impact is distitwide, ean the Rowayton and Naramake Building Committe mectings ae open and avertsed to schoo communities beyond the borers of Rowayton and Naramake specially to solicit mput and suggestions related to these distict-wide programs? Please explain the process Ci of Norwalk Board of Eduction‘Mr. Colarossi answered Ms. Haynie's comments and stated thatthe Committe has ‘maintained openness and transparency and has Worked with the Central Office with the presentations to the public. He added that they encouraged an open agenda and participation ‘of al the patie itvolved, and he recounizes that there are concerns with moving of programs fiom one school to another, but feels that this decision is atthe discretion of the Superintendent and her staff. He summarized that this isthe type of administrative leadership that they hired the superintendent to do. He added that as a Board we should allow her to do her job to evaluat the many factors and ramifications of moving programs and to make the ‘decisions in the bsst interests of students, staff and the community, Ms. Rivas asked about the impact of moving the physically handicapped programs from Rowayton School, and Dr. Marks replied that they would not be moved. Ms. Rivas asked bout the Jefferson Elementary School playground and the timing for asphalt work and wanted to be sue that this did not cause a safety hazard during recess withthe parking lot. Mayor Moccia replied that Mike Mocciae, Director of Parks & Recreation has put money in {or playground improvements with his budget. Ms. Rivas asked when this was decided to be part of Parks and Recreation, and Mayor Moccia replied that it was inthe minutes that playgrounds come under the City’s Parks & Recreation Department. He added that the specifies ofthe projects are not yet issued, but he thought that it would be this coming school ‘year 2011-12 Ms. Rivas asked forthe details ofthe plan to be given tothe Board when its approved and plans are in place. Mr. Colarossi reminded the Board Members that the purpose of item and ‘iscussion was fo vote ona resolution to apply for grants for the projects, and not the specifies ofthe relocation plans. He reiterated, that this is to apply forthe grants to start the process thats long overdue to be code compliant and to address the district priorities, and ‘nothing more, anc that the City's facilities group then monitors the renovations. “Mayor Moccia stated that he questioned the wonding on the resolution thatthe Norwalk Facilities Constrution Committe is the designated overseeing body not the school building committees. Ms, Bishop-Pullan clarified that these are building “Ad-Hoc” committes that work with the NFCC. Mayor Moecia added that Mr. lannaccone is a member of the NFCC and they are ready to move forward to evaluate options for the school projets and will reach cout to parents at Naramake and Rowayton for input with the Architectural and Engineering projects. MR. COLAROSSI MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUTHORIZATION REGARDING NARAMAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND ROWAYTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR CONSTRUCTION AND ADDITITION PROJECTS AS FOLLOWS: RESOLVED, THAT THE COMMON COUNCIL, CITY OF NORWALK, AUTHORIZES THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO APPLY TO THE. COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION AND TO ACCEPT OR REJECT A. GRANT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND ADDITION PROJECT(S) AT ‘THE ROWAYTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE NARAMAKE, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 2011-12. (Continued..) Gy of Norwalk Boa of Edson pail 3.2011 Page 8 oF 16AND, RESOLVE, THAT THE NORWALK FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED AS THE BUILDING COMMITTEE WITH REGARD TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND ADDITION PROJECTS AT THE ROWAYTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND NARAMAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 2011-12, WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF AN AD-HOC SUB-COMMITTEE AT EACH. SCHOOL, “+ MR.IANNACCONE SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Approve ofthe 2011-1 2 Schoo! 7 Dr. Marks reviewed the process, as was discussed last month, of developing a calendar that met needs of students, stafT that was both family friendly and employee friendly. She explained thatthe committee reviewed the many elements along with survey results and stated that despite much debate, they could not come to consensus, and now have a draft 4 and $ for consideration She presented the highlights ofthe drafts and stated that she supports #3 which was also most preferred by the alministration, for many reasons. She stated that this option provides increased leaming time and the days necessary for test preparation for CMTs and CAPT. ‘She added that it eeps Veterans Day asa school day and feels that this ean be made a day of learning about the significance ofthis day, 38 opposed toa day off of school. Ms. Haynie asked ifthe teacher contracts were examined to avoid eonfiets, and Dr. Marks replied that they did look atthe contractual requirements of holidays. She added that in looking at other istrict, only Stamford has a second day off for Rosh Hashanah, Mr. lannaccone stated that he likes option 3 as it gives much more leeway for making up ‘days, while ending the school year by mid June. Mr. Colarossi stated that he would like to implore the board for further consideration to ‘support the additional day off for Rosh Hannah as itis customary forthe Jewish population tohave this second day as a religious holiday, He shared his research done with the members of the Jewish community and added that other schools n Fairfield County have maintained the practice of two days off for this religious holiday ‘Ms. Haynie stated that she also likes option thre asi is more focused on student achievement, itrefuces excess holidays allowing for consistency in time on task. She added that the June 12" year end date allows ample time for snow day make up and avoids added ‘costs of about $50,000 that district paid this year for February snow days. She stated that the Union concern about colds in February i addressed by allowing for five full days off. Ms. Haynie stated that one day off for Rosh Hashanah is respectful and adequate, staff can take personal days, students have excused absences that they can use to observe any religious holiday whether itbe Jewish, Christian, Hindi, Buddhist or Muslim, City of Norwalk Board of Eduction Aapnls.2011, Page Dot 16Mr. Chiaramonte stated that he encourages keeping Veterans Day as a school day and that he agrees with Dr. Marks that this ean be made a day of leaming about historical significance as ‘opposed toa day aff of school. Mayor Moccia added that he realized there are some concems with Veteran's Day remaining a holiday at City Hall, and is assured with the participation by many of the student groups such as the ROTC with the City's Veteran's Day programs, ‘Mr. Iannaccone aided that he has no objection to having this as a school day and agrees that there are more in school learning programs and activites that are more beneficial than a day offof school. Ms. Haynie asked about the issues with the collective bargaining nits relative {o. national holicay observances, and Dr. Marks replied that those issues have been resolved ith the union partners and days have been worked out including te floating holiday with custodians and the non-centfied unions. Ms. Haynie askeé about the discrepancies with. total hours of education and how the elementary level las a shorter number of hours. Dr. Marks replied that they evaluated keeping the consistency with high school exam schedule and fake that into account to ‘maintain the last week as educational hours with each school level ** MR. IANNACCONE MOTIONED TO APPROVE ONE OF THE 2011-12 CALENDARS AS PROPOSED (DRAFTS # #2, #3, #4 ATTACHED) RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, APPROVES A. CALENDAR FOR NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2011-12 SCHOOL YEAR. ** MS. HAYNIE SECONDED. ‘** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The following votes were taken for the calendar drafts M1 NONE IN FAVOR, SIX OPPOSED, ONE ABSTENTION (RIVAS) #2, NONE IN FAVOR, SIX OPPOSED, NO ABSTENTIONS #3 FIVE IN FAVOR, TWO OPPOSED (COLAROSSI, RIVAS) NO ABSTENTIONS. BASED UPON THE ABOVE VOTES, CALENDAR DRAFT #3 WAS APPROVED, Ms. Bishop-Pullan commented that this calendar i a big change and represents a collaborative process that is much needed to provide alternatives in advanee. She added that this provides preparation for snow day make up options as opposed to the past practice of | reactionary methods of having to decide what should be taken away. Dr. Marks stated that she was very much in agreement with that statement of the process, and she apologized forthe delay with the establishment of the calendar. She stated that process ‘was an important step fo provide a framework to build in options, ad it has taken much effort to address the many factors that go into the calendar. She stated that an assessment of this calendar will ve done early in the year and put into a feedback of recommendations carer inthe approval process next year. She stated that in summary, they wil da it better next year iy of Nowa Board of Edbsation ‘ApS 2011 Page 190616NORWALK PUBLIC scHoOLS Aopeves ust Tnformation and Reporis jal Educationand R. ices Cay of Norell Board of Edestion Ape §,2011 Page 1 oF 15Dr. Marks gave an overview of the Special Education Services and thanked Mr. Michael ‘MeGrath, Direction of Special Education and Student Serviees, and Ms. Pauline Smith for arranging to have members of their staff representing the range of special services available to students at eacy level of the schools. She then introduced the following presenters: Ms, Madeline Carrol, Speech PathologistLanguage Specialist; Ms. Marcia Ulmer, School Psychologist; ‘Ms. Sharon McCloskey, Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapi Ms. Jackie Roberson, Social Worker, Norwalk High School They each gave an overview of their job descriptions and areas of responsibility relating to their functions and the interaction with staff, students, parents and how they relate to the educational inerciseiplinary areas of the Norwalk Public Schools. The Service Specialists felded questions from the members that covered the special ‘education testing process and results and stated thatthe district looks at strategies that ean be ‘employed in making the preparation and administration of the resources that they provide to bbe more effective, ‘Ms, Rivas asked what learning ean be used to put into place with modifications in the Individualized Educational Plans with high school based on middle school programs. Dr. Carroll explained. that those areas are closely examined and incorporated on an on-going. basis into preparation and testing strategies. Ms. Rivas stated that many students lear in different ways whereby some are visual leamers and some are auditory leamers and she asked what specific areas can be put into place in the tests. Ms. MeCloskey replied that setvices encompass language elements and that a key element is for the parents and students to interpret the feedback. She added that the many elements are integral parts that are evaluated on an on-going manner and are continually re-examined and modified to the Teaming and are incorporated into action points for teaching strategies. She added that they collaborate and meet together in review teams to develop strategies and student review measures that capture the necessary elements that need 10 be reinforced to optimize the desired resus Ms. Rivas asked what leaming can be used from the socialization efforts that can be put into place modifications with peer groupings in high school based on successful programs at the ‘middle schoo! level. Ms. Ulmer replied that she works collaboratively with the Social Workers in things like Breakfast Bunch slong with individual student meetings and sessions that are on-going and it gives them a benchmark for areas of concentration with communication strategies Dr. Marks thanked the presenters for their hard work with the services that they provide to ‘our students, parents and staff withthe many Special Service programs and stated that this is an important ongoing initiative tht is not only required for student achievement and state mandates but for overall district improvement (Ms. Rivas let the meeting at 9:45 pm.) orof Nowa Board of Edocation ‘apr 3.2011, Page 120616