Schools

[The following minutes, posted 6/7/10 on the district site, were copied on 8-Jun-2010.  Minor differences in formatting and occasional odd content occur (e.g. headers and page numbers are included), so please access the district site if you desire an official, formal copy -- webmaster]

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Wednesday                                                                                                                                              May 19, 2010

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m by Chairman, Ilyse Levine-Kanji. Committee members present included Mrs. Karen Henderson, Mr. Stephen Doret, and Mr. Bruce Tretter. Administrators present were Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anne Towle; Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Marianne O’Connor; Principals, Dr. David Fredette, Mr. John Smith, and Mrs. Maryann Stannard; Student Representative, Afeefa Bhatti.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

MINUTES

Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, a second by Mr. Doret, the Committee voted 4-0 in favor of approving the minutes of May 5, 2010.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Towle recognized, gave a brief overview of their years of service, and congratulated the 2010 faculty retirees.  The honorees included Dr. David Fredette, Diane Libbey, Yvonne Topping, John Dodson, Richard Hagar, and Dennis Fenton.  The Superintendent also congratulated Mr. Fenton as a member of the team that resulted in the Mill Pond School being named a National School of Character Education for the second time.  Mill Pond is one of thirteen schools in the country to achieve this recognition.  Dr. Towle thanked all the retirees for their life’s work and career that was devoted to the students in Westborough.

Dr. Towle congratulated and presented Certificates of Achievement to several Middle School students who had entered the 11^th Annual Worcester Regional Middle School Science and Engineering Fair.  Seventh graders Luke Sciarappa, Sam Lehman and Dongpeng Xia placed 2^nd with a special Army Award from the Natick Labs.  Hannah Cayem and Gina Bates placed 3^rd.  Eighth graders Kate Buress placed 4^th.  Riona Reeves received 3^rd place with a special “Climate Award”.  Rachel Harris and Steven Homberg placed 3^rd.  Steven was one of 800 students, out of 20,000, who had a perfect score on the 2010 Introduction to Latin National Latin Exam and had previously been recognized as a regional math champion.  Emily Reilly also was a top scorer on the Latin Exam.

The Superintendent also congratulated and thanked Afeefa Bhatti for serving as student representative to the School Committee and presented Afeefa and her family with tokens of appreciation.

Mrs. O’Connor thanked the retirees for their years of service.  She also extended thanks to the Mill Pond Staff, especially Principal, Reene Hatherley, the guidance department and all the people who worked on achieving the National School of Character in Education.  Mrs. Hatherley will be receiving the award in San Francisco this summer.

May 21 is a half day for students.  The staff will be working on placements and transitions.  Mrs. O’Connor suggested reading the Lobby-O on-line, especially the interview by Miles Goldman of the new assistant superintendent, Daniel Mayer.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Afeefa invited the Committee to attend Islam Awareness Day, May 20, at the High School.  This is Senior Class Week, and final exams will take place next week.  “Broadway Fights Aids” will be presented Saturday night, May 22.  Peer Mediation training is next week.  There are 7-8 new members.

Mrs. Henderson extended congratulations to the retirees and thanked the people for attending Town Meeting and approving the budgets.  Many communities are suffering in the area of education.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                          2.

May 19, 2010

Mr. Doret thanked the town for its vote.  He noted the successful cooperation of all the people who work for the school department including the union agreements to the insurance changes required.  Next year will not be any easier.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji announced the Senate Ways and Means Committee will begin budget discussions next week. Information is available for the Summer Literacy event at the high school.  Anyone may choose a book and discuss it with a student in the fall.  A Westborough Walkability Workshop will be held this evening in the Forbes Building.

Mrs. Henderson and Mrs. Levine-Kanji will serve on the Budget Sub Committee.

The Committee was in receipt of the 2010-2011 School Committee Meetings Calendar.  It will take it under advisement and vote on the final Calendar at the next meeting.  It was suggested the August meeting be held on Monday, the 30^th of August.

MOTION

At 6:30 p.m. upon a motion from Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Henderson, the Committee voted 4-0 by roll call vote to enter Executive Session under Chapter 30A, Section 21.

The Committee returned to Open Session at 7:45 p.m. and signed bills.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to ratify the contract with the Paraeducators’ Union.  Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 4-0 in favor of the motion.

MOTION

Upon a motion from Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Henderson the Committee voted unanimously 4-0 at 7:50 p.m. to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted

Stephen Doret

Secretary

These minutes are as recorded by the secretary to the school committee and do not become an official part of the record until so noted in a subsequent record.

A message from WESTBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

Good morning,

This is John Smith , the Principal of Westborough High School. I wanted to pass along some very important information to graduating seniors and their parents. After considerable deliberation and viewing of several weather forecasts , we have decided to move the graduation ceremony to EMC in Southborough MA. The forecast is calling for a 70 % chance of rain with thunderstorms and gusts of wind upto 25 miles per hour. For the sake of keeping people safe and dry and to protect the expensive video and audio equipment that is used during graduation we will move to the indoor location. It is disappointing for students however it is necessary.

The EMC facility holds over 3500 people therefore there will be no tickets nor any restrictions on the number of people who can attend. Directions to EMC are available in the main office of the high school and were also on the letter sent to parents outlining the upcoming senior events. Directions will also be available at baccalaureate, the senior breakfast as well as graduation rehearsal on Friday at 7;30 AM. Handicap accessibility is also available . Thank you for your understanding.

[The above message received  Thu, Jun 3, 2010 at 10:43 AM -- webmaster.  Additional info below]

Directions to EMC in Southborough:

EMC Corporation
21 Coslin Drive
Southborough, MA

Telephone #508-435-1000

From North or South:

Take - I-495 (toward Westborough)
Take – Exit 23A, Rte. 9 East
Take – Second right onto Coslin Drive

From the East or West

Take - Mass. Pike to I-495 North
Take - Exit 23 A, Rte. 9 East
Take - Second right onto Coslin Drive

Hello,

I would like to remind you that you are invited to attend an adult only presentation on Bullying, Cyberbullying and Teen Depression at the Mill Pond School, 6 Olde Hickory Path, on Wednesday, June 2nd at 7:00 PM.  This is a 60 minute presentation with a question and answer period following.

John Halligan is a national speaker who lost his son to suicide in 2003 as a result of being cyberbullied. 

Parents will be provided with strategies to take preventative action.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thank you. Kathy Martin (508-836-7724, kmartin@westborough.k12.ma.us)

[A message from Westborough Public Schools, received 7:02 pm Tue Jun 1, 2010, with the subject "John Halligan Presentation June 2".  Additional formatting and phone number added.  Here is a flyer with additional information, from the school site. -- webmaster]

[The following minutes, posted 5/26/10 on the district site, were copied on 28-May-2010.  Minor differences in formatting do occur, please access the district site if you desire an official, formal copy -- webmaster]

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Wednesday                                                                                                                                                              May 5, 2010

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m by Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anne Towle. Committee members present included Mrs. Karen Henderson, Mr. Craig Harris, Mr. Stephen Doret, Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji and Mr. Bruce Tretter. Administrators present were Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Marianne O’Connor; Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks; Principal, Dr. David Fredette; Student Representative, Afeefa Bhatti.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

MOTIONS

Dr. Towle requested nominations for the position of Chairman of the School Committee.  Mrs. Henderson nominated Mrs. Levine-Kanji. Mr. Harris seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji assumed the chair and nominated Mr. Doret for Vice Chairman/Secretary.  Mrs. Henderson seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Upon a motion by Mrs. Henderson, seconded by Mr. Tretter, School Committee members were appointed to the following sub committees by a 5-0 vote:

Forbes Loan Sub Committee – Mrs. Henderson

Sick Leave Bank – Mr. Harris and Mrs. Levine-Kanji

Joint Labor/Management Sub Committee – Mr. Tretter

Safety Committee – Mr. Harris, Mr. Doret

Facilities Committee – Mr. Tretter

Sexual Harassment Grievance Officer – Mr. Hendricks

Policy Sub Committee – Mrs. Henderson, Mr. Tretter

Community Education Liaison – Mrs. Levine-Kanji

Grant Sub Committee – Mrs. Henderson, Mr. Doret

The Budget Sub Committee appointment will be made at the next meeting.

MINUTES

Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, a second by Mrs. Henderson, the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of approving the minutes of April 28, 2010.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

David Jost, Director of Fine Arts, informed the Committee it has been selected to receive the prestigious 2010 Arts/Learning Massachusetts School Committee Arts Advocate Award.  The award will be presented at the 24^th Annual Champions of the Arts Awards Ceremony May 26, at 2:15 p.m. at the Gardiner Auditorium in the Massachusetts State House, Boston.  The award to be received is a work of art created by Massachusetts ceramicist, Judith Motzkin.

The NAMM Foundation results of its 11^th annual “Best Communities for Music Education” survey named Westborough one of five Massachusetts communities for unwavering commitment providing music education for their students.  The foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music, recognized 174 schools nationwide.

Dr. Towle introduced the Gibbons School math team students who are among the top math students in New England.  The students entered a national math contest offered through the New England Mathematics League.  Over 120 schools and 2000 seventh and eighth graders participated from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont.   Joseph Aronson had a perfect score and placed in the top twenty students.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                                          2.

May 5, 2010

Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont.   Joseph Aronson had a perfect score and placed in the top twenty students.

The eighth grade team placed first in the region and 6^th overall.  The Superintendent and Principal, Dr. David Fredette, congratulated each student and presented them with Certificates of Achievement.  Eighth grade students:  Joseph Aronson, Steven Homberg, Urvya Iyer, Harish Ravi, Sean Van Doren, Riona Reeves, and Rachel Harris.  Seventh grade team members who ranked 6^th in New England and first in the region were:  Ashok Aggarwal, Dongpeng Xia, David Faulds, Vishnu Prasad, and Shreedhar Deshpande.

Mrs. O’Connor reported she spent May 3 and 4 at the high school preparing for the upcoming NEASC review by   examining the mission statement and goals.  The principal search committee will be chosen by lottery because of the high interest in serving.  Two internal candidates have submitted applications, Jack Foley and Chris Fournier.  Interviews will be conducted next week.

Mr. Hendricks announced the Massachusetts State Building Authority visited the schools and was pleased with the facilities.  A written report will be forthcoming.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Afeefa noted One Act Plays will be presented May 7.  The Spring Festival was a success.  The Junior Prom is this weekend.  AP exams are underway and the seniors are having their exit interviews.  The Girls Golf Team went to individual states on May 3 at the Woodland Golf Course in Newton.  Ali Reed was the Central Mass best, shooting 85, along with Ali Lonstein at 91 and Meg Burke at 93.  The girls are still undefeated 9-0.

Mr. Tretter announced he sat in on the “Facing History and Ourselves” course at the high school and enjoyed it very much.  He also attended the Joint Labor/Management meeting May 4.

Mr. Doret attended the recent High School concert, directed by Mr. Hager.  He felt it is understandable why the district receives many outstanding Fine Arts awards when you experience the caliber of the programs.  Hats off to the Fine Arts department; it was a tremendous concert.  Mr. Doret added it is a shame Mr. Hager is retiring.  He has enjoyed his concerts for thirty years.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji expressed the thanks and appreciation of the Committee to Mrs. Henderson for the time she has served as chairperson.  It has been a busy year and she has spent a huge number of hours devoted to the district.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji welcomed Mr. Doret and Mr. Tretter back to the committee after winning their re-election bids.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji announced Westborough has been chosen as the Massachusetts nominee for the 2010 Kennedy Center Alliance for the Arts Education Network and National School Boards Association Award.  Thanks were extended to David Jost for all the effort put into submitting the paperwork.

May 6 a workshop will be presented by Town Moderator, Joseph Harrington, on everything you want to know about town meeting.  Town Meeting is May 15.

MOTION

Mrs. Henderson made a motion to accept with gratitude the donation from Carla Skraly of a Brio Train Station Table and trains, valued at approximately $200 for the Hastings Pre School.  Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR TOWN MEETING

The Committee reviewed the financial information to have available for questions that may arise at the upcoming town meeting.  A power point presentation will be compiled and presented if requested and will include information regarding the district having the same amount of money this year as last; unfunded mandates, the control schools have exercised, grant money that has dried up, sub committees on energy, transportation and fees, cooperation among all parties in the district and health insurance savings.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                                       3.

May 5, 2010

have exercised, grant money that has dried up, sub committees on energy, transportation and fees, cooperation among all parties in the district and health insurance savings.

SCHOOL CHOICE

The Superintendent informed the Committee of the costs of students attending Charter Schools.  The state gives a district $5000 per student attending a Charter School, but charges the district between $12,000-$13,000 per student attending.  Westborough students are attending the Math/Science Academy in Marlborough.  Dr. Towle noted the Westborough MCAS scores out perform the Marlborough school.  There is no educational research that shows Charter schools better than district schools.  It appears to be an expensive experiment.

MOTION

At 7:00 p.m. upon a motion by Mrs. Henderson, seconded by Mr. Tretter, the Committee voted unanimously to close the regular meeting.

Upon a motion by Mrs. Henderson, seconded by Mr. Tretter, the Committee voted 5-0 to open the Public Hearing on School Choice.  There was no one present who wished to speak on the matter of School Choice.  At 7:01 p.m. upon a motion by Mrs. Henderson, seconded by Mr. Tretter, the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of closing the School Choice Hearing and return to Open Session.

Superintendent Towle recommended the Westborough School District remain at the current level of School Choice, not to accept other students and to make the program available only to the Westborough teachers.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation on School Choice.  Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

The Committee signed bills.  Upon a motion by Mrs. Henderson and a second by Mr. Tretter the Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn at 7:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Stephen Doret

Secretary

These minutes are as recorded by the secretary to the school committee and do not become an official part of the record until so noted in a subsequent record.

Project Graduation Westborough is a chemical free night for graduating seniors of Westborough High School. It takes place at TEAMWORKS, and runs from 10pm to 5am the evening of graduation (June 5, 2010).

There are activities and food all night/morning long.  

Can you help?  The organizing committee is seeking parent volunteers who do not have a senior to help chaperone this event.  We are running two shifts for chaperones, 9:30pm - 1:30am and 1:30am - 5:00am. 

We especially need help for the second shift, but any help would be great.  It really is a fun night for the kids and it's their last night as a class together.  

• Amanda Morin: missamanda5@verizon.net
• Wendy Kelley: wendyskelley@aol.com

Additional information about Project Graduation

From a letter to the editor in Westborough News about Project Graduation 2009:  "... 238 members of the Westborough High School Class of 2009 checked into Project Graduation for a night of fun, food, and camaraderie. They conquered the inflatable obstacle course, the bull ride and the defender dome, competed in the games of midnight madness, got tattooed (temporarily) and hypnotized, ate to their hearts content and enjoyed the company of their classmates..."  Read more here.

From Wikipedia: Project Graduation is a program offered by many high schools in the United States, in which organized, adult-supervised and alcohol-free activities are offered as part of a post-graduation party, in lieu of student-run events with alcohol or drugs. Events often last through the night and are held in hotels or community centers. Students are checked for illicit substances before entry and are carefully monitored