Dawson SIMCO (School Council)

Dawson Elementary School

155 Salisbury Street

Holden, MA

 

Meeting

February 26, 2008

Minutes

 

Members Present: P. Scales, Brian Szymanski, Melissa Mott, Cheryl Tidman, John Maher, Chris Luchessi

 

Members Absent: J. O’Brien, Mark James, M. Rasku, M. Horton

Visitors: none

 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.

As the acting secretary was not in attendance, the principal took the minutes for this meeting.        

 

I. Review and approval of minutes of January 22, 2008 SIMCO meeting

Minutes from January 22nd meeting were approved with the following modifications:

·        The intent of wording in the reduction of staff is that if there was a possibility of a reduction of staff it could possibly be made at second grade because of lower numbers at this grade level.   At this time there has been no mention of reducing staff. 

 

A motion to accept the minutes was made and accepted unanimously.

 

II. School enrollment

Current enrollment stands at 466 students.  We have a new student in grade 5 and in the district wide program.  Anticipated enrollment for the kindergarten for 08 is currently 73. 

 

III. Strategic plan

 

The council reviewed updates of the strategic plan and where we are as of this time. 

 

IV. School Survey

·        No changes were made to the surveys at this time.  We will continue to look at the present survey to determine if changes need to be made. 

 

V. PAC Update – John Mayer

·        Brief discussion regarding the PAC meeting and the budget was held.  It had been discussed that there could be a cut in the present budget due to financial constraints of member towns, and the possibility of overrides.  More information may be available for the next meeting. 

 

V.  Absent was Mark James and no discussion regarding the school committee was held.

.

 

VI.               Report card

·        The draft report card was given to council members. There was a discussion as to how the report card was developed and the comprehension strategies that were listed.  All grades were reviewed.  There was a discussion regarding the rubric that is being used and clarified.  The Council noted that there were only 3 terms listed.  At this time it has not been determined as to the dates of the terms.  There is some thought as to conferences.  The Council felt that there is a need for conferences as parents felt that it is a more effective tool to relay student progress.  It felt that conferences give parents a more personal connection. 

 

 

VII. Concerns

            At this time no major concerns were brought to the table. 

 

VIII. Good of the order

            Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

            Next meeting: March 18th  at 7:00 school library

 

Motion made, seconded and unanimously voted. 

           

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Patricia A. Scales, Principal