HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-22-Clarke-minJonas Clarke Middle School
17 Stedman Road • Lexington, Massachusetts 02421
Anna W. Monaco, Principal
Jennifer E. Turner, Assistant Principal
Jonathan R. Wettstone, Assistant Principal
Office: (781) 861 -2450
Fax : (781)674 -2043
School Site Council Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2015
Site Council Meeting: 3:15PM
Main Office Jonas Clarke Middle School
17 Stedman Road Lexington, MA 02421
Present at the meeting: Mr. Wettstone, Assistant Principal; Mrs. Turner, Assistant Principal, Mr. Lawrence,
Teacher; Mr. Schechner, Teacher; Ms. Austin, Teacher; Amy Selinger, Parent; Andrew Boni, Parent; Barbara
White, Parent.
I. Welcome and approval of November 2014 Minutes - minutes approved
11. Questions, Comments, Concerns
• Parent visited Ad Hoc for the district site council - discussions about the overcrowding across the district.
o AP shared insight into space mining within the school, which is specifically targeting room 318,
where additional rooms will be created.
• Parent also brought up the ratio of counselor /student across the district. Due to the quantity and the level
of concerns in the community is a concern - possibly increase the number of counselors.
• Parent shared presentation by Maureen Kavanaugh, who shared data gathering in the district . Parents
brought forth concerns about security of data.
111. Lexington Middle School Guiding Principles - DRAFT
a. The process: AP shared history of guiding principles development in coordination with Diamond
administration. Went on to explain when and how it was presented to staff during a faculty meeting.
b. Feedback / thoughts on how to use this document?
Parent asked if this was a document we share with students - perhaps posting in the school and /or
including in the handbook.
Teacher asked - if we ask the students to develop something similar, what would they come up with? What
would they point out as missing?
• Parent reinforced the first few bullets, where students feel supported.
• Parent reminded group to keep it simple - something that can be memorized and meaningful.
• Parent - some of these thoughts are rather deep.
• Parent - respect is a key ingredient to include. Make it short and succinct, especially if you are trying to
target the kids.
IV. Homework discussion
a. Should we address in 15 -16 SIP?
AP provided an overview of articles.
• Teacher suggested looking at the current HW policy.
• AP suggested that if we are looking at revising the schedule, then HW and TASC could be a component of
the SIP.
b. Brief Explanation of possible scheduling changes (TASC)
AP discussed: Equity is a concern - ability for some families to hire tutor and /or bring their student before
school for extra help. Goal is to supply students extra help during the school day, ensuring equity in
supports needed.
• AP went on to share overview of Con Val visit, where they observed model of support system within the
school.
• Teacher mentioned his initial reaction - a program for struggling students. He later identified the program
was geared to a whole range of students - those students that have practice, but still need help with the
advanced work.
• Parent shared experience of moving into Lexington and feeling the pressure of advanced classes and peer
with tutors.
• AP shared initial steps in working in this direction, exploring ways to alter the schedule and create time to
meet student needs.
• Parent cited his experience in hiring a tutor, which transitioned into a peer tutoring option, asking if that is
an option at the middle school.
• Parent identified that TASC would give the students more independence and responsibility for their
education, which was confirmed by a teacher, who highlighted ability to meet with students, form
relationships, etc.
AP discussed Con Val efforts to revise schedule.
V. Adjourn / Next meeting date?
• March / April 2015