HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-16-LHS-min`O VS MOR1,
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Laura J. Lasa
Principal
781- 861 -2320, ext. 1002
email: lasa@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us
fax: 781-861-2440
To: The Lexington High School Council
From: Laura J Lasa
Re: September 16, 2013 Minutes (approved 10.21.13)
Attendance Laura Lasa Nanying Bian, Kim Effron,Suzanne Lau, Ann Redmon, Bob Ruxin, Paul
Breitenfield, Kristin Tissera, Jessica Zhu, Eileen Jay, Nancy Shepard, Jill Smilow, Elizabeth Curtin,
Walter Richardson, Dave Wininger. Absent: Katherine Murphy.
Welcome Back
Lexington High School
251 Waltham Street .;. Lexington, Massachusetts 02421
• Introduction and welcome of new members.
School Council norms: Ms. Lasa presented three proposed guidelines for Council
meetings as she does for other school committees. After discussion, she will
modify the norms, consistent with the meeting's open status.
Future meetings: 6:15 to 7:45. Ms. Lasa will try to be available at 6:00.
II. June 10 Meeting Minutes Adopted with addition of attendance.
III. New Business
Opening weeks smooth, focused on less disruption beyond first day.
Code -Ed system for sending mass notification designed for schools. It is used more
frequently at the elementary and middle schools. Waiting for system refinement
before sending test message. Messages will go to both parents. Intended to be
used for information that everyone needs. Ms. Lasa will request that the school
website post an explanation of the system once it is functioning at a more consistent
level.
Scheduling: Members conveyed concerns about access to counselors, ability to adjust
electives, explanation of non - course blocks for freshman, non - responsiveness to
students with special education supports, unbalanced free blocks between semesters,
guidance scheduling for college planning, and apparent lack of quality control in
scheduling. Ms. Lasa noted the established procedure was followed, unlike prior years;
90% of students got first elective choice; record enrollment of 2,030 and other
complications indicate a need for refinement year -to -year. Goal is to get schedules to
students in June, if possible.
IV. Manor Policy Changes
• Breathalyzer policy incorporated into student handbook for dances and certain other
events. Students purchasing a ticket for a dance should be aware that any student
is subject to a test. Goal is to be a deterrent. Student suggested that students
need more education about how the test works. The ban on multi -grade school
dances remains.
Cell Phone policy changes. Ms. Lasa commented on need to balance use of cell
phones for educational purposes and necessary communication, compliance with
federal law, preventing camera use to photograph any person, and equity. She
requested patience with the process and said the school will request an LEF grant
to train all teachers in educational use of phones. She encourages parents to
discuss appropriate use with their students.
Classroom space The proposal for 12 modular classrooms for fall of 2014 will be
presented to Town Meeting in the fall. Ms. Lasa expressed regret for the negative
impact on the previous work of the Landscaping Committee.
V. Other
• Electronic outdoor sign will be installed this fall.
Adjourn: 7:30.