To: Northern/ELC Faculty

Members of the SIT Team

Dennis Flynn

Linda Newman

Mark Gadbois

From: Christopher Hart

Present: L. Guarino, S. Cesare, L. Newbury, P. Paluch, N. Andrews, C. O’Riley, S. Ayotte, D. Rowland, C. Hart

The following topics were discussed as subcommittee reports:

1.Literacy. Donna summarized the first meeting of Nov. 24. The committee is seeking ways to support the efforts of the Family Literacy Center and support efforts to increase student achievement on state assessments. The discussion centered around assessments and how they are used as well as the need for consistency in the teaching of literacy. How Title 1 students are identified and tracked was discussed. Several members attended the PLP conference in December to gain more information on how this initiative will affect our literacy programs. The December meeting was cancelled. The next meeting will be in Donna Rowland’s classroom on January 26 at 2:45.

2. Professional Development. The ELC Team met on Nov. 19 and planned how to spend the $4929. Much of the funding goes toward the purchase of substitutes. Approximately $6,000 on the Northern side will be discussed with team members after the holiday break.

3. Action Plan. Chris shared that the action plan has been formatted from last year and sent to central office. Paul Melaragno offered to include the action plan on the Northern website. The team feels that for the action plan to be successful more teacher input will be necessary.

4. State Assessment. Connie and Chris made a presentation at the Dec. PTA meeting on fourth grade assessment results. Dates and times for assessments have been established for March.

5. Environmental. Sue shared that Angelo and Dr. Flynn have had numerous meetings on the environmental issues of the building and are moving forward with plans to address the issues.

6. Communications/Technology. (See attached letters) Paul, Chris, and Sue met with Mark Gadbois to discuss the implementation of a mobile lab for students in grades 4, 5, and 6. Pros and cons were discussed of this initiative. Mark will be adding it into his 2004-05 budget numbers. Chris shared his request to implement staff email as a communication tool. Mark agreed that a mail list would be created to aid in this initiative. Paul Melaragno continues to upgrade the Northern website.

7. Social Awareness. The PTA for the purchase of new soccer and basketball nets has made a $500 donation. The playground area will be re-configured into 3 usable play spaces with organized games at each. A new student council body has been established and has elected officers. A peer mediation program is to be developed after the New Year.

8. Bournedale. A discussion centered on how to continue to raise funds/scholarships so that all children can attend this event. A suggestion was made to make the presentation with some time built in before payment is due. A fifth grade committee of parents should begin to organize the fundraising efforts now for next year.