2017-12-08-BRIDGE-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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BRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCHOOL-BASED SITE COUNCIL 55 Middleby Road, Lexington, MA 02421 781-861-2510 DECEMBER 8, 2017 MEETING MINUTES APPROVED MARCH 2, 2018 PRESENT: Megan Brown,Amelia Brower, Lucia Brower, Meg Colella, Erin Cerat, Kimberly Hensle Lowrance,Amy Kvaal, Ruth Litchfield, Huan Liu,Zeba McGibbon, Melanie Tanionos, and Shawn Wood. ABSENT: Lynnette Allen,Jon Cunha, Kristen Gray,Allison Gullingsrud, Beth Murnaghan, Sejal Patel, Deirdre Schadler, and Debbie Side. MEETING SUMMARY: Meg Colella, Bridge Elementary School-Based Site Council Chair (SBC), led the meeting, which began at 8 AM in the Bridge Elementary School Library. The members reviewed and approved the minutes from the SBC's October 6 and October 27 meetings. The first item for discussion was a continuation of the conversation about LPS' new Homework Policy, a follow-up to our October 27 meeting. SBC members who attended the recent School Committee meeting on this topic said there was "overwhelming positive feedback" about the new policy, especially from parents of high school students who are pleased about the moratorium on assigning homework on holidays. One concern, however, is that the volume of homework remains the same, despite having fewer days to complete it. Overall,though, parents see the new policy as a signal that time for play and family are valued. It was noted that no changes to this policy, if at all,would be made until the 2018- 2019 school year. Parents and teachers who have feedback on the policy are invited to write to the superintendent to share their thoughts. Ms. Colella noted that, from the Bridge perspective,the policy is still subjective,with room for interpretation,which requires special consideration to ensure consistency. The next item for discussion is the Bridge School Parking Lot, specifically how snow removal will be managed with the addition of the modulars. Ms. Colella agreed that keeping the parking lot clear of snow and ice so cars could move through safely is a priority. She said she would speak to the Facilities Department to emphasize the concerns about snow buildup around the modulars. She highlighted the attention and effort of Bridge's custodial staff, emphasizing how diligently they work to keep the school weather-ready. She added that the flood in that area earlier in the school year has been addressed and is not expected to reoccur. One SBC member asked what to do if the sidewalks outside of Bridge, along Middleby or Outlook, are not cleared from snow and ice. Ms. Colella recommended contacting the town directly, as those areas are the town's responsibility. 1