School Committee

September 14, 2009

I. Call to Order

Mr. Paolillo called the September 14, 2009 meeting of the Watertown School Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present included, Ms. Eileen Hsu- Balzer, Ms. Laurie McManus, Mr. John Portz, Mr. David Leon and Mr. Clyde Younger. Also present were Dr. Ann Koufman-Frederick, Dr. Jean Fitzgerald and Ms. Allie Altman. Mr. Christopher Beach was absent.

II. Teaching and Learning Showcase

Science Coordinator Vera Larkin, and teachers Judy Zimmerman and Margaret Ferguson presented a Teaching and Learning Showcase on a Middle School Community Science Investigators (CSI) Project.

III. Student Advisors

Ms. Janine Brown and Mr. Evan Hecht reported on the various academic and sports activities at Watertown High School.

IV. Public Forum

V. Presentation/Discussion

A. Report on Opening Day

Dr. Ann Koufman reported on Opening Day for both faculty and students.

B. Activity Fees

Mr. Michael Lahiff, Director of Athletics presented a report on Activity Fees and the impact on fall sports. Mr. Lahiff reported there are currently eight families on payment plans and 25 waivers. The Athletics secretary is working with Central Office staff to input payments into IPASS. C. Summer Professional Development

Dr. Jean Fitzgerald reported that the Summer Professional Development consisted of over 180 teachers attending workshops, conferences and graduate courses this past summer.

D. New Teacher Orientation Program

Mr. William McCarthy, Co-Principal, Hosmer School and Ms. Debra Munger, Teacher Leader, Induction Program reported on the New Teacher Orientation Program that was held from August 17 – 19, 2009 for new staff members and mentors. The Orientation for new teachers continues throughout the school year for 1st and 2nd year teachers, as the Induction and Mentoring Program.

E. Out-Of-District Services

Ms. Elisabeth Schaefer, Director of Student Services reported on the new Out-Of-District Services. Ms. Schaefer reported there are currently 70 students in Out-Of-District placements.

F. Armenian/Media Elective Course

Mr. Michael McDermott, Housemaster, Watertown High School, reported on the Armenian/Media Elective Course.

G. H1N1 Precautions

Ms. Allie Altman, Director of Business Services reported on H1N1 precautions. Ms. Altman has been attending numerous meetings pertaining to the H1N1 Flu. Mr. Steve Ward from the Watertown Health Department was also available to answer any questions from School Committee members.

H. School Committee Workshop

Mr. Anthony Paolillo, Chairman, Watertown School Committee reported on the School Committee workshop held on August 25, 2009. Mr. Paolillo reported the focus of the workshop was on the School Committee’s Vision Statement and Goals.

I. Personnel Report

Dr. Ann Koufman-Frederick reported on the monthly personnel activities in the Watertown Public Schools. VI. Action Items

A. Minutes

A motion was made and seconded to accept the following minutes:

June 1, 2009 Regular Monthly Meeting July 8, 2009 Subcommittee on Policy July 27, 2009 School Committee Meeting July 28, 2009 School Committee Meeting

B. Acceptance of Gifts

A motion was made and seconded to accept a gift of $3000.00 from Friends of Matt Galligan for the purchase of netbooks/laptops at the Watertown Middle School for a Language-Based Classroom.

A motion was made and seconded to accept a gift of four Yamaha Electric Keyboards from Mr. & Mrs. Rohlicek, parents of a 6th grade student to the Lowell School Music Department.

VII. Reports

A. Chairman’s

Chairman Paolillo reported that there was positive news about Watertown Public Schools in both the Tab and Globe. Chairman Paolillo also reported of reports that SAT scores dropped below State rankings.

Chairman Paolillo thanked Dr. Koufman and staff for a seamless transition.

B. Superintendent’s

Dr. Koufman reported that there will be a report on standardized testing at next month’s School Committee meeting as well as presentations of the PEP Grant and Technology for Data Driven Decisions Grant. Dr. Koufman thanked Graphic Connections for the water bottles and reported the solar panels will be arriving before November 30, 2009.

C. Next Meeting

Chairman Paolillo announced the next School Committee meeting will be held on Monday, October 5, 2009 in the Town Hall Council Chambers. VIII. New Business

IX. Adjournment

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the September 14, 2009 meeting of the School Committee at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie J. McManus

Secretary