HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-10-BOWMAN-min BOWMAN
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Jennifer Corduck (781) 861-2500
Principal jcorduck@lexingtonma.org
Fax: (781) 861-2315
Bowman Site Council
Friday, January 10, 2020
7:45-8:45AM
Members Present: Stacey Caravella, Jenny Corduck, Melinda Webster Loof, Alison Stevens,
Val Machinist, Rosanne Barbacano and Ellen Day
Members Absent: Karin Ornstein
Jenny Corduck, recorder
Called to order by Ms. Corduck at 7.47AM
• Welcome & New News - Ms. Corduck provided an update on the anticipated impact
redistricting was going to have on the number of sections we may "lose" based on a
decrease in enrollment. The question raised was in regards to the plan for offering staff
who will no longer have a position at Bowman, the opportunity to seek teaching
positions in other buildings.
• Update on the following school initiatives:
• Districtwide "Transition Meeting" - Ms. Corduck shared an update regarding the
districtwide plans to support those families who are transitioning to other buildings and
the desire of building leaders to take suggestions by parents/caregivers about what
types of activities we should hold that will help facilitate the move. Each building
impacted to redistricting recently selected dates when open houses would be held and
new families invited to visit. Dates and times will be shared closer to the open house
visits
• PBL (Project Based Learning) - At a recent staff meeting, our teachers participated in a
mock "project" to redesign a classroom space that is no longer in need for students and
could be reimagined. We brought an expert in the field (architect/designer) who
identified for our staff the important things to keep in mind when designing a new space.
Teams had approximately 45 minutes to get as creative as possible. They made floor
plans which were designed to scale and featured the particular elements that
highlighted the new purpose of the space. They then presented their ideas to each
Bowman Elementary School 19 Philip Road I Lexington, MA 102421
other. The reason behind the exercise was to give them a sense as to how to design
and facilitate an learning experience using PBL as a frame.
• PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention System) - In January, we had plans to begin
implementing a new system for positively supporting student behavior, but have decided
to hold off launching until the 2020-2021 school year. The pre work by teachers is not
finished and without it, we can't begin. Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to work
this summer and be ready to begin in September 2020.
• Special Education Disproportionality - At a recent staff meeting, ETS, Betsy Lamore
presented data to all teachers which illustrated the issues specific to Bowman with
regards to the disportanailty of black students who are on IEPS.
• Administrative "Learning Walk" - Prior to the break from school in December, Mrs.
Lamore and Ms. Corduck were invited to participate in a PBL learning walk at the LHS
and Clarke. We hosted administrators from both buildings who attended a learning walk
at Bowman as well. The experience was informative and very interesting!
• Staff PD - In February, Bowman staff will participate in professional development
facilitated by "Race in Point." They've been hired to engage our staff in work around
diversity, equity and inclusive practices and will join us for two afternoon staff meetings.