HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-16-ESTABROOK-min
Estabrook School Council Meeting
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
MINUTES
Members Present: Amy Burk, Steve Chang, Joyce Dvorak, Christina Gavin, Amy Klotz,
Chhandomay Mandal, and Rick Rogers
Approval of December 13, 2018 Minutes: On a motion by Amy KLotz, seconded by Joyce
Dvorak, the minutes of December 13, 2018 were unanimously approved.
Updates
Principal Search Process
Rick provided an update on the principal search. Applications closed January 4. Following
a paper screen, initial pre-screening interviews were conducted by the Director of Human
Resources Monica Visco and Rick on Tuesday, January 15. In the next round, candidates
will be interviewed by the Search Committee on Friday, January 18. The committee will
recommend 2-3 finalists to the Superintendent. Finalists will then go through a round of
forums with staff, parents and students, as well as central office interviews.
Gr. 4 NAEP & ELL ACCESS Testing
Christina described upcoming NAEP testing (February 4) for 60 Gr. 4 students selected at
random. Students will take one test in either Reading, Math or Science. Some discussion
followed about the relation between NAEP and MCAS.
The state-mandated ACCESS testing for over 100 ELL students is underway this month and
will wrap up by January 30. Some of this testing is 1:1 which is staff-intensive. ELL
teachers conduct this testing.
Focus Topic for Discussion: SIP Goal #2: Social-Emotional Learning
Please refer to attached School Improvement Plan Social Emotional Goal Update (January 16,
2019) for details.
Rick provided an update on the first focus area of this goal: decreasing stress and
increasing wellness. (homework, mindfulness, play-based learning).
Christina provided an update on school-wide positive behavior support practices, including
new student leadership recognition and leadership lunches. Rick updated the status of
Responsive Classroom training. Amy Klotz spoke about aligning SEL lessons used in the
pro-social block.
Rick ended the meeting by briefly pointing out that much work has been done or is
scheduled for later this year in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Discussion Points
Council members asked questions and shared ideas after each area of the update. Among
the points raised:
Maker Space: Chhandomay asked about the before/after school Make Space Clubs.
Registration filled up within an hour of emails going out. Clearly there is interest in
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promoting this type of learning. Council members suggested we consider expanding
these options to more students and explore ways to incorporate Maker Space work
into the school day. Under the current club model, it was also suggested that sign up
be a lottery rather than first come-first served. There will also be a Maker Space
Night in May.
Joyce expressed support for mindfulness lessons conducted by the school counselor
in classrooms.
Steve asked about whether outside programs could be considered as a resource. He
suggested Challenge Success. Next year’s LEF School Community grant is a possible
funding source for bringing in outside resources. Joyce also suggested the
Lexington Community Coalition could be a resource.
Esta-bee Tickets: Some parents have raised questions about differences among the
number of Esta-bee tickets different teachers write. Christina described the tracker
system in place in the office.
Christina suggested Zones of Regulation and Social Thinking as two areas that
would be beneficial to share with parents so that common language could be used at
home.
Next Meeting: Wednesday February 6, 2019 – 3:30
Continue discussion of Goal 2 SEL Update
Goal 3 Safety Update
Begin to discuss priorities for SIP 2019-20
Upcoming Meeting Schedule – Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 (monthly)
March 6 May 15
April 10 June 5
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