1976-10-25-SC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 182 October 25, 1976 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was VOTED: to set the graduation date as June 8, 1976 this year, and classes for seniors to end on June 1, 1976, and graduation ceremonies for the graduating class be held on the first Wednesday in June that falls within the state guidelines for graduation, and the last day of classes for seniors be one week prior to the date of the graduation ceremonies. (Michelman, Rotberg, Unanimous) A discussion was held regarding the "trick or treat" for UNICEF. UNICEF The school committee endorsed the superintendent's recommendation that the annual trick or treat be allowed in the Lexington Public Schools and be handled in a similar manner as in the past year, and that any future UNICEF requests be handled in the same manner. Dr. Lawson sug- gested that the administration develop a general policy regarding such requests for collections, etc. , in the schools. Mr. Michelman supported Dr. Lawson's suggestion. He inquired whether the program would be under P.T.A. sponsorship only. Dr. Lawson summarized saying that the UNICEF this year would be handled as in the past which would be P.T.A. sponsor- ship for those schools wishing to participate and that staff would have no involvement. He said that a policy would be developed. Miss Evelyn Brega, Coordinator of Foreign Languages and Mrs. Edythe EXCHANGE PROG. Gibson, presented a proposal for a Lexington-Puerto Rico exchange program. The exchange program would be between Lexington-Puerto Rico selected 9th grade students and would include teachers and curriculum materials. They said the cost of the trip per pupil would be approximately $230. Room and board would be provided by host-families in the host country, al- though it would be subject to negotiation. Miss Brega and Mrs.Gibson felt that with fund raising activities in Lexington and Puerto Rico, transportation could be reduced to less than $200. They outlined some of the possible fund raising activities. Dr. Pierson said there are several schools or departments considering student exchanges this year and there was great value in the programs. Mr. Michelman said that he was sympathetic with the aims of the program, hut policy questions arose in his mind, especially those dealing with expenses and equal opportunity. He expressed concern about public schools sponsoring programs that might have the effect of denying experiences to some students because of fi- nancial restrictions. Mrs. Swanson said that perhaps the school commit- tee should not sponsor any activity for which expenses are such that the students might not have the ability to pay. It was noted the dilemma was that those who can pay also get the benefit of contributed. funds. The question of school time release was critical because those students who stayed behind were receiving instruction by a person who was in the eyes of those responsible for staff selection, not the best qualified and attainable person. Mr. Michelman emphasized his confidence in sub- stitute teachers, complimented their dedication, and hoped his remark would not be misinterpreted, but substitutes were not the ones selected as the "best people" through the process of selection. Mrs. Swanson supported Mr. Michelman's comment and said there were other programs such as the ANNEX program and OATS program, etc. , that should be re- viewed. Other members said they did not have any reservation about the quality, but the access by individual students, financially or academi- cally raised questions in their minds. Dr. Lawson said there was no •