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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-25-BRIDGE-min BRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCHOOL-BASED SITE COUNCIL 55 Middleby Road, Lexington, MA 02421 JANUARY 25, 2019 MEETING MINUTES APPROVED MARCH 1, 2019 Attendance: Lynnette Allen, Lucia Brower,Amelia Brower, Erin Cerat, Natalie Cohen, Meg Colella,Jon Cunha, Crystal Dolcimascolo, Kristen Gray,Amy Kvaal, Kimberly Hensle Lowrance, Ruth Litchfield,Agnes Liu, Zeba McGibbon, Beth Murnaghan,Anita Patel, Deirdre Schadler, Kira Sevene, Melanie Tanionos, and Maria Totniou. The Bridge Elementary School School-Based Site Council held its monthly meeting on Friday,January 25, 2019 at 8 AM in Bridge Elementary School Library. The meeting opened with questions and updates. Melanie Tanionos said that, in April,the police department will lead a safe way to school training for second and third graders.Also Bridge is getting another bike rack this spring. This new addition construction will be paid for from the school's equipment budget. Meg Colella announced that playground will start this summer and hopefully will end before school starts. However, Bowman's playground didn't finish until October, so it's unsure when the end date will be. It's also unclear if students will be able to use playground during construction if runs into school year. Melanie added that phase two of the reservoir renovation—updating of the bathhouse— will start this spring. Dr.Julie Hackett, Superintendent, Lexington Public Schools,then joined the meeting. She had visited Bridge's chess club before coming to Site Council and was planning to tour Bridge today, meeting teachers and students. Dr. Hackett began by asking: What are we most proud of at Bridge? SBC members shared a number of things, including the strong community between teachers and parents with open lines of communication,the fact that Bridge feels like a small and cozy community with opportunity for one to one dialogue, and the strong volunteer spirit within the parent community.Another plus is the increase of responsibilities given to fifth graders, all designed to engage the students in their community and prepare them with the transition to middle school. Bridge is "a good place for kids and for adults," said Ruth Litchfield. Other staff added that they feel very supported here—by both parents and administrators.And,they are happy here at Bridge. Parent talked about how impressive the kindergarten social emotional curriculum offered is, and Zeba McGibbon was asked to give an overview for those unfamiliar with these efforts. The curriculum focuses on listening, empathy, and respect,while helping the students learn strategies for successfully functioning in the classroom and in the Bridge community. 1 What challenges do we see at Bridge?A parent said that there's academic support for kids with conditions like ADHD but the social supports aren't there. This is not specific for Bridge; rather, it's more of a broader educational issue. Strategies to address this challenge were brainstormed. Meg talked about peer meditators run by Heather O'Rourke, one of our social workers, and its impact on strengthening relationships. It could be a model for this issue. Dr. Hackett was asked if anything surprised her about her new role at LPS. She said that people had warned her about"Lexington parents"—that they are tough to work with-but she has found that parents here are hugely supportive and she's very thankful for that. Later, she added that the state of the high school building had surprised her; it's not at the condition that she had expected. Another challenge that was raised is that there are many cultures in Lexington and yet those who show up in the room for school activities/events don't reflect that diversity. We're not doing as a good job reaching all of the communities within Lexington. Dr. Hackett referenced the work Deirdre Schadler and her colleagues have undertaken to better understand the cultural needs and perspectives of those in Lexington. It's a huge asset that we have this diversity in our town.We need to invite these communities into the conversation and learn about their needs and priorities, and find ways to make sure they are welcome here in Lexington. Parents need to also informally reach out and connect with new families and invite them to participate. For example,that's how ELL families got involved with EcoBridge.A parent reached out specifically to them to engage them in activities, and they are an important part of that program's success.We also need to offer programming/events that have widespread appeal. For example, last week's Math Night had wide attendance from many cultural groups. Dr. Hackett was asked about the status of the high school. She said she is currently writing a statement of interest for the high school renovation project. The statement then goes to school committee and selectman next month before it is submitted to the state. If we're invited into the evaluation process,there's a year of a feasibility study. During this time, Lexington is studied to see if it would be best to renovate the high school or build something new. Our enrollment numbers are going way up.We have 2,300 students now at LHS, and are expecting to go up to 2,600 in next four to five years. The process to get state contribution to a building project is competitive. For example, Burlington submitted its seventh statement of purpose and got denied for the seventh year in a row. Dr. Hackett said she's hopeful but it all depends on who else submits. Boston is in the game now, and they may be a higher priority. Other options are to be fiscally prudent and use all of the space we can efficiently, or even to privately fund a new high school (e.g., residents fully pay for construction). Dr. Hackett said redistricting will happen after new Hastings is opened and that it will alleviate some of the pressure on school overcrowding. On a related note, Meg reported that Bridge is slated to receive a new roof in a year. 2 Site Council thanked Dr. Hackett for joining us. The meeting ended at 8:52 AM. NOTE: Our next SBC meetings will be held March 1,April 26, May 24, and June TBD (based on the last day of school). FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Contact Meg Colella, Principal/Co-Chair (mcolella@lexingtonma.org), or Kimberly Hensle Lowrance, Parent Representative/ Co- Chair (khensle@gmail.com); or visit https://Ips.lexingtonma.org/domain/481. 3