School Committee Agenda #20 September 18, 2014

ORDER OF BUSINESS

ACTION

aor #4-16 – Clerk
(September 9, 2014)

To consider approval of the Minutes of the School Committee Meeting of Thursday, September 4, 2014.

gb #4-179.1 – Administration/Mr. O’Connell/Mr. Foley/Miss Ramirez/Mr. Monfredo/Ms. Novick/Miss Biancheria/Mayor Petty
(September 5, 2014)

To congratulate Caitlin McCarthy, an English Language Arts teacher at Worcester Technical High School, on receiving the Kathleen Roberts Creative Leadership Award from the Massachusetts Teachers Association, in recognition of her groundbreaking instruction initiatives, cinematography, “political action, community organizing and mentoring” as to the devastating effect and impact of diethylstilbestrol (DES), through which she has “served the global DES community in a volunteer role.”

To recognize:

• Sarah Kopka for winning the Heart of America READesign Grant for Worcester East Middle School
• representatives from Heart of America Foundation for transforming the library at Worcester East Middle School
• representatives from AbbVie for the volunteer work of its employees in improving the library of Worcester East Middle School during AbbVie’s “Week of Possibilities.”

To recognize Jennifer Cordero, a student at Doherty Memorial High School, for being selected for the Hispanic Youth Research and Leadership program at the University of New Mexico.

To recognize the work of the Worcester Bravehearts, the Massachusetts Education Career Opportunities, Inc., and the Gear Up Green Energy Camp in instructing students of Worcester East Middle School in solar energy and STEM topics at National Grid’s Sustainability Hub.

ros #4-10 – Administration
(September 10, 2014)

SCHOOL OPENING READINESS

gb #4-79.1 – Administration/Miss Biancheria
(September 8, 2014)

Response of the Administration to the request to provide a general report as to the schedule for repairs this summer.

Response of the Administration to the request to consider having all schools participate in the October 3rd kick-off of the Worcester: the City that Reads campaign and the World Smile Day literacy event.

To set a date to recognize, with gratitude and appreciation, the members of the IT Department and FUN Committee of Reliant Medical Group for their donation of 50 filled backpacks, teacher supplies and playground equipment to the Columbus Park Preparatory Academy.

To recognize, with gratitude and appreciation, the support of Representative John J. Binienda for the Worcester Public Schools, their staff and students, during three decades of service in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

To consider creation of “standing desk classrooms” on a pilot basis, modeled on the classrooms put into place in Bryan Collegiate High School, and highlighted in the September 2014 edition of District Administration.

To accept a grant in the amount of $16,500 from the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation for the purchase of science equipment and supplies at Worcester East Middle School.

To accept a grant in the amount of $15,000 from the Verizon Foundation to support STEM education for grade 5 students.

To accept a grant in the amount of $31,200 from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support the Professional Practice Innovation grant program.

To allow Dr. Jennifer Carey, Executive Director, Worcester Educational Collaborative, to discuss plans for the “Reading on Grade Level” Kickoff for October 3rd at the School Committee Meeting on September 18, 2014.

Request that the Administration have additional programs on bullying prevention in October for all of our schools highlighting “National Bullying Prevention Month.”

Request that the Administration seek funding to assist the students at Worcester Technical High School in order support the costs to participate in the bowling league.

Harthorne, Veronica, Systemwide, BA, Step 1, $41,927. Waiver: School Nurse All Levels pending.

To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining for Nurses if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the collective bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

Helen A. Friel, Ed.D.
Clerk of the School Committee