FINAL MIN_ OS SC Mtg Minutes w att_ 2018-01-16.pdf

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Article XXI of the Minuteman Faculty Association contract(July 1, 2017-June 30,2020) relates to developing the Academy Model and fostering Professional Learning Communities. She reported that 8 administrators and 21 teachers attended the 5 day intensive, and that there was good feedback on the training. The Superintendent added that 3 of those days were off-campus,without distraction. During those 3 days,he and Ms. Perreault ran the school,including handling the discipline issues,which made him more sensitive to the responsibilities of the Principal and Assistant Principal. Ms. Perreault explained the design of Minuteman 101,which is a program offered to Freshman to help articulate the expectations for and resources available to Minuteman students. Topics covered in this program included high school transition, support services, career goals,mindfulness and executive functioning, character development, critical thinking, and financial literacy. She explained that the challenge has been to find the right structure for this offering. The exploratory format,which was used, did not allow for processing,the presentations were choppy, and with various experts facilitating, it was not easy to develop rapport. After this first attempt, it was decided to keep the topics and information,but implement them differently,with one facilitator and a deeper dive into the topics. Minuteman 201 will be offered to Sophomores. The Superintendent added that this program provides an opportunity to instill Minuteman values and expectations. The character development topic addresses the social/emotional issues in a planful way,and can be a powerful instrument for learning relationship-building skills. The mindfulness topic describes a technique for better self-management, and knowing the resources and skill sets in the building is helpful to understand what services are available. He also noted that as a result of the recruitment efforts, students are more committed. In response to questions,Ms. Perreault added that measurable impact has not yet been developed,but the intention is to learn from the implementation of the program. She also noted the differences between the Minuteman 101 and the mentoring program, and agreed that a consistent message in both programs is important. She explained that core elements of Minuteman 101 will be included in the mPower Notebook as a way to reinforce behaviors and values. She also explained that Professional Learning Communities relate to all academies and pathways, and some groups are already developing norms and protocols, and are beginning to put the material into practice, as a result of the training. She also noted that the staff of SRI provides ongoing coaching. b. Approval of Field Trip: NBC Taping,New York City The Superintendent noted that this field trip came up suddenly, after the agenda had gone out,and that the timing is prior to the next meeting. He noted that the trip will be contingent on his final approval. He explained that WBZ's Cindy Stumpo,pitched the idea to NBC's Harry Cormick,Jr.'s morning show. He explained that he has a concern with the focus Ms. Stumpo has,which he disagrees with, as it promotes old stereotypes of vocational education. He does not want Minuteman to go backwards,he wants to talk with her and the producers before he agrees to this taping. The following vote was taken: 2