The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2021-03-29-SC-min LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, March 29, 2021 Conducted by Remote Participation Meeting Minutes AGENDA: CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME: 6:00 p.m. Chair Kathleen Lenihan welcomed and introduced committee members SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Kathleen Lenihan, Chairperson Eileen Jay, Vice-Chair Deepika Sawhney Scott Bokun Sara Cuthbertson, Clerk STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE Sara Mei SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent Mr. David Coehlo, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Dr. Christine Lyons, Assistant Superintendent to Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development The minutes were taken by Kristen Keough, Executive Assistant to the School Committee Ms. Lenihan read Governor Baker's Executive Order from March 12, 2020 which allows public meetings to be conducted remotely due to the state emergency related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Ms. Lenihan covered additional ground rules for an effective and clear conduct of business and to assure accurate meeting minutes. MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS/LIAISON REPORTS: Ms. Sawhney wished everyone a happy Holi, an Indian Festival that celebrates good over evil. Ms. Sawhney reported that both Diamond and Clarke Middle Schools participated in the Science Olympiad Regionals. Diamond middle school came in first place and Clarke a close second. Ms. Sara Mei provided a brief update on Student Senate: • Student access to funds for clubs LSC 3/29/21 Meeting Minutes-Approved 4/27/21 KK • Painting trash cans around LHS campus o Raffle for chance to paint trash can with the design of a teams choosing o Hopes that brighter trash cans will reduce the liter at LHS and help brighten up the mood around the school CONGRATULATIONS & CELEBRATIONS: Core Value Award Ms. Jay welcomed and introduced Ms. Joan Strodel, Bowman Speech and Language Pathologist, as this week's Core Value recipient "You Are Enough". Ms. Strodel was nominated by Ms. Corina Hadjiodysseos because of her ability to work with children, children that may be facing challenges in their learning journey, in a positive and constructive way. Dr. Hackett continued the congratulations and celebrations part of her report by recognizing staff members Caitlin Ahern, Director of Professional Learning and Johnny Cole, Director of Equity and Student Supports. They have co-authored an article that will appear in the June issue of The Learning Professional, a journal devoted to improving educator practice and skills. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT: The Superintendent reported on the following items: • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion • LPS COVID-19 Updates o Lexington Board of Health Updates ■ K-8 LPS Performing Arts Guidance ■ New LPS Double-Masking Requirement ■ Updated LPS Travel Protocol ■ LPS Modifies Definition of"Close Contacts" o LPS COVID-18 Pooled Saliva Testing Program • Learning Model Change Requests for Students in Grades 9-12 • Our Approach to Closing the Pandemic Gap The complete Superintendent's Report can be viewed here. School Committee Questions Ms. Lenihan commented on the double-masking requirement and the CDC recommendations. She noted that the recommendation is to have a surgical mask, which acts as a filter, underneath a cloth mask. It does not recommend double masking with KN95/N95 high filtration mask. Ms. Lenihan asked for clarification for those already wearing a KN95/N95, does this mean they should not wear one of those masks but instead wear a surgical mask with a cloth mask? LSC 3/29/21 Meeting Minutes-Approved 4/27/21 KK Dr. Hackett noted that Karen Rufo, Director of School Health Services, is developing the guidance with specific details. More information will be provided soon. Ms. Cuthbertson commented on the number of positive cases in Barnstable and Tyngsboro and expressed concerns. Ms. Cuthbertson asked what DESE's process is going to be if Lexington chooses to go remote in the event of a closure. Dr. Hackett said she doesn't know what DESE would do, but noted that the Community Input Team is discussing what would happen if there is an uptick in Lexington and they have established a "Failsafe Subcommittee" to assist with planning. The plan is to continue to work with the local Board of Health to help make decisions in regards to closure. Ms. Cuthbertson asked for clarification on what would happen during snack time. Dr. Hackett said the rule for the non-negotiables is 6 feet and it is very clear at lunch time. Finer details need to be worked out in the planning process in what needs to happen at snack time. Mr. Bokun asked if Karen Rufo could be present at the next meeting to provide a double-mask lesson. Ms. Sawhney asked if Boston students would be allowed mask breaks on the bus. Dr. Hackett said there could be some allowances for that, especially with windows open. Ms. Lenihan asked for clarification on the "close contact" If a student tested positive, the students that are within 6 feet are definitely considered close contacts, but if there is a student sitting 9 feet away and they also subsequently test positive. Is that considered in-school transmission or not, because they are technically not a close contact? Dr. Hackett said, from the school's standpoint, anytime there is more than one particular case in a classroom we pay attention. From the State's standpoint, it's a capacity issue and they would not take that to be in-school transmission. Ms. Cuthbertson asked if we would still continue to notify people if their student is a classroom contact. Dr. Hackett said we would still continue to communicate on school-based issues. Ms. Jay asked if elementary and middle school students would continue to retain the current end time, as well as half day Fridays. Dr. Hackett said the elementary schedule would include a half day as it did before and the time on learning requirement is less for elementary, 5 hours vs. 5.5 Dr. Lyons is talking with Dr. Lewis about concerns around planning. We are exploring different options to see how to make it easier on our educators. Will provide further information soon. LSC 3/29/21 Meeting Minutes-Approved 4/27/21 KK Ms. Sawhney expressed concerns for the transition year students (entering Grade 6 or Grade 9). What help will there be for the transition year students (i.e., executive functioning)? Dr. Hackett said the Curriculum Team is looking at all of those things and there is a lot of outreach and cross over among Curriculum Leaders. CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Bokun moved to approve the following consent agenda items: • March 26, 2021 -Payroll in the amount of$4,104,958.38 • March 19, 2021 -Accounts Payable in the amount of$931,092.71 Ms. Cuthbertson moved to approve the School Committee Minutes from March 22, 2021 Ms. Sawhney seconded the consent agenda. Ms. Lenihan took a roll call vote(Approved 5-0) COMMUNITY SPEAK: A Lexington High School student commented that a lot of schools are now scrambling to come up with a plan for full return when a plan could have been made a long time ago. Natalie Huitnik, 2 Hancock Ave: Worrisome that research on in-school transmission is being dismissed. Dr. Hackett commented that we didn't know and that we were regarding what we saw as possible in-school transmission. It doesn't change anything in practice, it just means that we watch and report to our public health office. Science, health, and safety precautions are taken seriously. Bronte Abraham, 22 Hudson Road: Follow up on Ms. Sawhney transition years comment, especially for incoming 10th graders who do not know what a full high school schedule or full homework load looks like. It will be a big transition for incoming 10th graders on how to manage a workload and stress management. Ms. Cuthbertson made a motion to adjourn;seconded by Ms. Sawheny. Ms. Lenihan took a roll call vote-(Approved 5-0) LSC 3/29/21 Meeting Minutes-Approved 4/27/21 KK LSC 3/29/21 Meeting Minutes-Approved 4/27/21 KK