HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-11-16-FISKE-minFiske School Site Council - 11.16.22 Meeting Notes
Members
Brian Baker, Principal Present
Sara Fenzel, Fiske Staff Absent
Michele Carter, Fiske Staff Present
Catherine Murphy, ELL Present
Lana Panasyuk, Parent Present
Rebecca Bell, Parent Present
Sarina Sherwin, Parent Present
Update from Principal Baker
●Educational Support Professionals Day
○Wonderful event sponsored by PTO to recognize our ESPs (SSI’s, IA’s,
KIA’s Bus Drivers, Custodians, Crossing Guards, etc.)
○Thank you to ESPs and thank you to PTO!
●Fiske Joy In Learning Celebration
○Nice turnout, went well. Very kind feedback from parents and district
following the event
○Thank you to Catherine, Katie, and Erica Lawrence for organization
○Thanks to Catherine and Erica for peer mentoring program presentation
○Thanks to the teachers for all their prep
○The thank you notes on doors were a hit too with students and staff alike
●Pet Therapy Coming To Fiske
○You might be wondering why the Lexington Public Schools is interested in
pet therapy programs. Research shows that people are happier and
healthier in the presence of animals. There are scientifically documented
benefits to the bond people have with animals: decreased blood pressure,
reduced anxiety, and enhanced feelings of well being. (Research 1
Research Information 2). Dogs and their handlers must undergo intensive
training to be eligible to be a certified therapy dog. Dogs must be at least
one year of age, pass a Canine Good Citizen Test, and enroll in a therapy
program followed by a summative assessment to complete certification.
○Brian is in early stages of research, and is meeting with Harrington on
Friday. Fiske is one of the only schools not participating in some kind of
pet therapy, which would entail dogs coming into school ~ once a month.
Articles cite positive benefits of being around dogs.
○If rolled out, the group would come to school to discuss. Opt-out program
would be in place - Brian is checking in with the other schools (Diamond,
Clarke, Harrington, LHS, Bridge, Estabrook) to see what they have in
place. At Lexington Learns Together, there was a Pet Therapy course but
Mr. Baker was unable to attend.
○Rebecca said they have a dog at the school where she works, should
Brian have any questions, she can also provide some input.
●Fiske Playground Update
○Everything there is gone except for things that will stay, and they are
currently digging different areas for new items.
○Anticipate another 3 weeks before up and running
○The way they fence it off has not affected recesses, and kids have been
great
●Literacy and Math coaching at all grade levels
○Big thank you to specialists for getting in and coaching in the classrooms.
Big lift this year in K-2 with Fundations and Illustrative Mathematics
rollouts.
○Seeing more staff this year ask and want to participate in coaching than in
years past.
○Just today Dr. Rawding had staff from other schools here to watch her
teach so they could bring learnings back to their schools
●Peer Mentoring Program
○Catherine had a nice meeting with mentor families to gather takeaways on
what they want to see from us to ensure communication is two-way: How
can we be better? What’s working well? How can we improve our
program?
○One thing they heard is having kids share what they’re most proud of in
their culture a la show & tell.
●Discussion Topics for 2022-2023 School Year
○Follow-up on Community Service opportunities for Fiske yard cleanup
■One class has signed up for November, January & February
crossed off due to weather, will look to pick back up in March/April
■Brian will provide gloves and trash bags.
○Follow-up on Community DEI Guidebook. Brian contacted Johnny Cole
(Director of Equity and Student Supports), who shared that the guidebook
is still in draft form. Once it is complete, Brian will share with the site
council and the Fiske Community.
●This Friday is the second all-school meeting.
○Will try to do it monthly going forward.
○Pulling out core values each month to share and discuss. Last month was
‘We all belong’ (i.e., how to be an includer, upstander, etc.). This month
will be ‘Be curious and enjoy learning.’
Next Fiske School Site Council Meeting: December 14, 2022 at 3:45pm