Regular Board Meeting - February 23, 2004
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 23, 2004
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Bethlehem Area School
District was held on Monday, February 23, 2004, beginning at 7:06 p.m. in the
Auditorium of East Hills Middle School, 2005 Chester Road, Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania.
MEMBERS PRESENT
The Board Secretary called the roll:
Members present: Directors Amato, Haytmanek, Leeson, Rowe, Venanzi, Williams,
and Craig - 7. Members absent: Directors Heske and Koch - 2. Student member
representatives Danielle Knecht and Caleb Schwarzbach were also present.
OTHERS PRESENT
Others present: Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, Superintendent of Schools; Jeffrey T.
Tucker, Solicitor; Stanley J. Majewski, Jr., Board Secretary; administrators,
members of the press, and other interested citizens and staff members.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At this point in the meeting, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
SILENT MEDITATION
President Craig requested that the audience observe a moment of silent
meditation.
SPECIAL MEETINGS
President Craig reported that an executive session of the Board of School
Directors was held this evening. Litigation and student disciplinary actions
were discussed.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
President Craig offered courtesy of the floor to visitors. Speakers are asked to
come to the podium, stating their name and address. Personal attacks are not
permitted. It is not the custom for the board to enter into a dialogue about
concerns. However, the board does listen with care to issues raised. Speakers
will be responded to, in some form, by the administration. The following persons
addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. Laura Green, 3078 Glendon Road, Bethlehem, stated that she, David, and
their five children live in the Bethlehem Area School District. The reason
they have come is to request a change in policy in regards to home educated
students which currently states that they may not participate in any school
activities. Mrs. Green stated she hoped to shed light on a few ways that home
schoolers do not peck away at the fiber of the public school system, but are
part of it and contribute to it.
First, as home schoolers, it is a state law requirement that prior to each
school year parents submit to the school district proof of their children's
current dental and physical examinations, a list of academic objectives for
each child in each subject, and a notarized affidavit. Official instruction
at home cannot begin until this is completed. At the close of each school
year, a certified evaluator must evaluate each child's academic progress and
formulate a written evaluation that is submitted to the Bethlehem Area School
District. In addition, children must take the standardized tests and results
must be submitted to the school district.
Second, as taxpaying citizens, Mrs. Green stated that they live among the
community. They keep down the class sizes considerably by educating at home.
Third, since home school class sizes are considerably smaller than the public
schools, the children are, in essence, being tutored and, as a whole, achieve
higher scores on standardized tests than age level public and private school
peers. These kinds of scores are desirable for any school district. A
handout was provided for more detailed test score information.
Mrs. Green stated the board may or may not be aware of the newest option in
education for those choosing to educate their children at home - virtual
charter schools are on the rise. A virtual charter school is, in fact, a
public school. Therefore, it is funded by public tax dollars. If parents
choose to enroll children in a virtual charter school based out of
Norristown, Pennsylvania, all school tax money they now pay to Bethlehem
would leave Bethlehem and go to the Norristown School District to pay for
their children's education. A few weeks ago Dr. Lewis was featured on the
local TV program, "Tempo." He stated that Bethlehem Area School District
loses $6,000 per student that attends a virtual charter school. Therefore,
if her family of five children chooses this option, it means a $30,000 cost
for Bethlehem schools.
2. David Green continued the presentation by stating reasons why they would
consider a virtual charter school for their family. As home schoolers, the
family purchases everything needed to educate their children from computers
to teachers' manuals, texts, and paper supplies. The family hires evaluators
and instructors for subjects that are more difficult to teach. Standardized
tests are purchased and numerous other items needed to teach and plan
effectively. The virtual school will supply all of this. Financially, it is
a better situation for the family. Instructionally, more assistance would be
received from the charter school. Virtual charter school law differs from
home school law in that, because it is a public school, students may
participate in extracurricular activities within the district where they
reside. Bethlehem does not allow home schoolers to participate in
extracurricular activities. Virtual school law states that its students may.
Other school districts have realized this and are very open to home
schoolers. Easton has allowed home schoolers to participate in
extracurricular programs and activities since 1996. Easton offers the option
to enroll as a part-time student and take a few classes of their choice.
Working cooperatively with home educators in this way may require a little
more effort on Bethlehem's part. Currently, there are no incentives to keep
home schoolers from going to virtual charter schools. By adopting
guidelines similar to the neighboring school district's where home schoolers
are included in daily classes and extracurricular activities the district
would be doing its part to discourage taking their tax dollars elsewhere.
Mr. Green urged the board to consider what would be of more financial cost to
our district - losing home schoolers to virtual charter schools at $6,000 per
child or making some small changes to the home school policy to allow these
taxpayers to utilize a portion of what they are paying for.
President Craig suggested to Dr. Lewis that the Green's recommendations and
comments be discussed at the next curriculum committee meeting.
3. James Harlan, 4990 Chelsea Drive, Bethlehem Township, stated he feels the same
way that the Green's feel. He is behind the same type of policy changes for
home schoolers.
FEDERAL PROGRAMS UPDATE
Dr. Lewis announced that notification was received from Lehigh Valley Business
Education Partnership that Embassy Bank has made a $5,000 contribution to the
Bethlehem Area School District's Regional Academic Standards Academy through the
Act 4 legislation of 2001 which authorizes the award of tax credits to businesses
that make contributions to educational improvement organizations. This amount is
certainly welcomed and is indicative of what many businesses are doing. Dr.
Lewis stated the district would encourage other businesses to look into the tax
credit process to make contributions to our district.
PRESIDENT'S COMMUNICATIONS
President Craig congratulated Director Koch on becoming a proud grandmother
within the last few days. That is the reason for her absence this evening.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Lewis announced that several presentations are on the agenda.
Dr. Lewis asked everyone to bow their heads for a moment of silence in
recognition of the passing yesterday of Northeast Middle School teacher, Rick
Weaver.
Dr. Lewis recognized individuals. The Bethlehem Area Education Association was
recognized at a United Way reception on January 27. They did a wonderful job and
Dr. Lewis wanted to recognize their contributions to United Way: In addition,
United Way recognized that there are several organizations within the Bethlehem
Area School District family that should also be recognized as part of that same
drive to raise money for the United Way. In that drive, the district doubled
contributions of the prior year. Dr. Lewis introduced and recognized the
following for their United Way fund raising efforts: bus driver's association
representative Margaret Mast (not present), food service representative Joanna
Troxell, instructional meet and discuss representative Bill Burkhardt,
noninstructional meet and discuss representative Joe Palhofski, teacher
assistants and child care representative Fay Achey, custodial/maintenance
representatives Bob Vasquez and James Lunger, and clerical/secretarial
representative Mary Ann Maurer. Certificates and plaques were presented. The
district is proud of their contributions to United Way.
Dr. Lewis provided special recognition for people who went the extra mile. In
all cases when children are away on field trips, etc., it is always hoped and
prayed that the journeys are incident free. Several people came to the aid of
one of our teachers on January 14 when East Hills Middle School was conducting a
field trip to Philadelphia and a teacher, Mr. Rotondo, suffered a heart attack en
route. Teachers, bus drivers, parents who were nurses, turnpike service plaza
individuals who rushed to their aid banded together to give Michael Rotondo an
opportunity for full recovery. Dr. Lewis read the recognition certificate being
presented: "In recognition for immediate medical response to Michael Rotondo, an
East Hills Middle School teacher who was conducting a class field trip on January
14, 2004, when he had experienced a heart attack. As a result of your combined
immediate attention, Mr. Rotondo is on the road to a full recovery today. We
extend our sincere appreciation for your quick actions which helped stabilize Mr.
Rotondo's condition until emergency medical services arrived on the scene." The
following were recognized for their assistance to Mr. Rotondo: bus driver Anna
Gordian, parent chaperone and nurse Carol Cook, parent and nurse Rebecca Sillman,
manager from turnpike plaza center Hieko Goldenstein. Dr. Lewis commented that
we hear a lot about AEDs being placed in strategic places. The staff at the
plaza knew exactly where the AEDs were, how to operate them, and brought them to
the scene. That has been attributed to saving Mr. Rotondo's life. Eric Thompson
and Glenn Driver are other parents who assisted and were unable to attend the
meeting. Dr. Lewis recognized the contributions of these persons for their
ability to rise to the occasion during a crisis and save an individual's life.
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION
Dr. Lewis invited the audience to attend a reception in honor of school board
recognition following the meeting. The reception was originally scheduled for
the January meeting, but postponed because that meeting was held in the midst of
a storm.
Barbara Fowler, representing the Bethlehem Education Association, stated that
unfunded mandates, "No Child Left Behind," taxpayer woes, and the pressures of
special interest groups result in the job of school board members as never being
harder. The board members' selfless service to this community, with tireless
efforts on behalf of the children in this district, and sacrifice for the benefit
of this community are priceless. Any thank you would be inadequate. However,
the teachers of the Bethlehem Area School District would like to give the board
members a token of their appreciation. Ms. Fowler asked the board to accept
their heartfelt thanks and enjoy diverse candies and a reception at the end of
the meeting.
Mr. Bill Burkhardt, president of the Association of Bethlehem School
Administrators, addressed the members of the board of school directors to
recognize their efforts on behalf of the young people of the Bethlehem Area
School District. Demands and responsibilities placed on board members require an
extraordinary amount of dedication and knowledge. This is especially true today
when so many challenges are being faced such as "No Child Left Behind"
legislation, maintaining buildings and grounds, challenges which surround the
production of an educationally sound budget that taxpayers can accept. These
challenges are nothing short of daunting. However, the board remains committed
to the vision set forth for our district and brings out a commitment which
guarantees the community of Bethlehem the highest quality education afforded to
our public school students. As a board, the members take the time to become
knowledgeable and to understand the fundamental principles required for effective
leadership at every level from the taxpayer to the student. This commitment
propels the district toward excellence. Mr. Burkhardt expressed thanks for that
commitment. He stated it is truly a pleasure for the administrators to serve as
part of the team. He thanked the board for its support and saluted the board
members for their volunteer service to the citizens of the Bethlehem Area School
District.
President Craig, on behalf of the board, thanked Ms. Fowler and Mr. Burkhardt for
their kind words. He remarked that it is a tough thing that all nine members of
the board have to do, but being in a district with the kind of people in the
district and the kind of citizens within the district makes it a much easier job
than people might think.
Dr. Lewis presented a document that PSBA has provided for School Director
Recognition Month to the board members present. The document reads: "Honoring
the school board member who volunteers his or her time and talents for the
betterment of the public education in our great community. School directors
fulfill that promise." Dr. Lewis thanked the Bethlehem Education Association for
sponsoring the reception following the meeting.
Dr. Lewis recognized the Cops and Kids Recycling Program which the district is in
the midst of. It is run by a former principal, Jack Burke. They are doing a
major canvas to collect books that will be distributed to elementary-age
youngsters through the Bethlehem Recycling Center by the police. This national
program involves several businesses. The district is looking forward to a
successful implementation.
Dr. Lewis recognized two Liberty High School students: Lyndi Haja and Lucas
Clauser, seniors. Both have received awards for individual photography for
Regional Art competition on February 1 at the Allentown Art Museum.
Dr. Lewis provided an update on the Northeast Middle School project. Progress is
moving at warp speed. Slides showed:
-The south elevation
-Installation of flue liners
-Some of the boiler room chimney
-A lot of internal work
-An example of some of the metal studding being placed on the exterior
-Windows being installed
-Installation of a skylight over the center stairwell
-Stage rigging and catwalk in the auditorium requiring heavy equipment on the
interior which prevents closing up the exterior walls until that rigging is in place
-Interior metal studding going up for partitions in section A
-Mechanical work
-Duct work
-Wiring
-Plumbing
-Progress on the gym and locker room
-Kitchen and cafeteria
-Auditorium section D classrooms
-A and B exteriors being enclosed in fiberboard
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Director Venanzi reported that the Curriculum Committee met
Monday, February 9. During open forum, Director Koch, who is a Region 8 PSBA
designee, gave an update on some items discussed at their meeting. She noted
that Governor Rendell informed them that he will back the referendum requiring a
vote on school district budget increases. She recommended that board members
write letters to local legislators. Mr. Villani reviewed the administration's
recommendations for changes to the student attendance vacation policy which most
parents received this week. The second reading will be tonight. An advanced
placement and honors participation report was discussed. Mr. Villani continued a
discussion on the results of a survey of the physical education athletic waivers.
He surveyed 45 area schools. Only two of the schools offer waiver during the
actual seasons, meaning that if you participate in a sport you could waive your
phys ed class. He explained that Chapter 4 Curriculum Regulations require that
physical education be taken and does not permit waivers for athletes. Therefore,
it is not a future option for our district.
FINANCE COMMITTEE Mr. Majewski reported that the Finance Committee met on
Monday, February 2, and Monday, February 9.
On February 2, the Northampton Community College budget was presented by Dr.
Arthur Scott. This budget includes an increase of 1.44% for the Bethlehem Area
School District or $25,059, bringing the school district's contribution in
2004-2005 to $1,765,948. This increase will help fund additional full-time
faculty due to enrollment increases, development of new programs in sonography,
communication studies, and surgical technology. The increase will also allow for
additional support for students with disabilities, develop a student leadership
program, additional support for web content management, and preparation for
middle states accreditation review. The tuition charge to students will increase
three dollars per credit, bringing the total cost to $91 per credit.
On February 9, the Finance Committee reviewed a draft of the financial audit for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003. The district expended 97.7% of its budget.
The outstanding debt as of June 30 was approximately $164,000,000. Current fund
balance as of June 30 was $9,681,208. The school district had one finding on
the audit which was in the student activity area for a missing document on one of
the checks written. The district has tried to bring some resolution to that.
The audit is on this evening's agenda for acceptance.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE Director Leeson reported that the Facilities Committee met
on Monday, February 2. Tonight's agenda items were reviewed. Construction
projects were looked at. The summer projects will be bid in March. Dr. Joseph
Mickley from the Colonial IU presented an overview of plans for a new Second
Chance facility and described the program. The committee then looked at the
Liberty High School additions and renovations in the schematic plan. The board
reviewed these plans and authorized the design to proceed and include the
submission of the PlanCon A and B in tonight's board meeting. Renovations to
Freedom High School's pool and gym bleacher replacements were discussed.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Director Haytmanek reported that the Human Resources
Committee was held in executive session on Monday, February 2.
BETHLEHEM AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL Director Rowe reported that the
vo-tech board met on Tuesday, February 3. One item, in addition to the routine
agenda items discussed, was the proposed 2004-05 school calendar which consists
of 184 student days and 188 teacher days. The annual audit report for Vo-Tech
was presented for the last fiscal year. The audit was performed by Palmer and
Company. There were no findings and only one observation. Congratulations were
extended to Mrs. Gail Nolf, the Vo-Tech prep academic instructor. With funds
provided by the joint committee, she has certified 80 ninth grade students, 25
from Freedom and 55 from Liberty, in CPR/AED certification by the American Heart
Association. The preliminary 2004-05 budget was presented to the committee. An
executive session was held to discuss the progress of the Professional
Association negotiations.
COLONIAL INTERMEDIATE UNIT 20 Director Williams reported that the IU meeting
took place on January 28. With the possibility of inclement weather, quick
action was taken on routine matters. Information was heard concerning the
positive single audit report for the 2002-2003 school year. Cabinet reports were
given by John Clark, director of auxiliary services and educational technology,
and Jacquline Vocke, director of curriculum services.
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE President Craig reported that the
Board of Trustees of the Northampton County Area Community College met on
February 5. Most of the meeting was discussion on the budget for next year.
STUDENT REPORTS
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL Danielle Knecht stated that time is certainly flying by as
another month at Freedom has come and gone. This year proves to be a continual
success in all areas throughout which students are exemplifying their talents.
Winter athletics at Freedom are culminating with excitement particularly with the
girls basketball team competing with heart and skill in the playoffs. The
wrestling team is having a fine showing at its final tournaments. The diving
team represented Freedom well at district competition. In other areas, the
Future Business Leaders of America Club can boast that many of its members
exceeded the competition at the regional conference and will continue to states.
Almost 70 DECA members are preparing to compete at their state conference next
week. Many students are involved in the spring musical, "Guys and Dolls," and
can be found rehearsing for countless hours daily after school. More good news
from Freedom involves the National Honor Society's annual Valentine Day rose sale
for fund raising being a continued success. Ms. Knecht stated she is pleased to
announce that Freedom has three students from Schwabisch Gmund, Germany, visiting
them. These students graciously hosted three Freedom students last summer,
including herself, and are in Bethlehem for two weeks. Students are enjoying
talking with and learning from the three visitors. Freedom is extremely lucky
and grateful to have such a program in order to build international
relationships.
President Craig stated it is noteworthy that Freedom's girls basketball team had
their first playoff game in a number of years. They were seeded 9 out of 10
teams and upset the number 2 seed, Nazareth, which had only three losses on the
year.
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL Caleb Schwarzbach stated that the second semester is in full
gear at Liberty. Students and teachers are preparing for the end of the first
marking period. The beginning of the second semester also marks the start of
some end of the year preparations as seniors were already fitted for caps and
gowns. In sports, Liberty had important victories over Freedom in basketball and
swimming for both girls and boys. The wins gave Liberty four important points in
the race for the bell which will ultimately be decided with the upcoming spring
season. This past weekend, Liberty was proud to host the District XI wrestling
championships. Liberty wrestlers had a successful weekend. Liberty will be well
represented at the upcoming week's regional competition. This week is also an
important time for juniors at Liberty High School who will be taking the PSSA
tests. The month of February also marked the beginning of Liberty's first book
drive. The drive is sponsored by Liberty student government and is calling for
students to donate books to eventually be distributed to various family and
community centers throughout the Bethlehem area. Liberty will be hosting its
annual talent show on Friday, March 5, sponsored by the Latino Youth Leadership
Club. Every year, the talent show provides for an interesting and entertaining
evening, showcasing Liberty's young talents. Ever since Mr. Burkhardt made his
cameo appearance at last spring's musical, everyone is waiting for his follow-up
encore presentation. Mr. Schwarzbach encouraged everyone to see what is going on
at the talent show.
President Craig stated that we have 14 boys from Liberty and Freedom who advanced
to the regional tournament which is the last step before states. It is quite an
accomplishment when you consider that Easton and Northampton, the two top
wrestling schools in the country, both advanced - one was 13 and one was 14 -
representing one school district. If you add our two schools together,
representing one school district, we are sending as many wrestlers to regionals
as those powerhouses are. That is a wonderful accomplishment.
INSTRUCTIONAL REPORT
Mrs. Mary Col—n, Principal of Clearview Elementary School, thanked Dr. Lewis and
the school board for the opportunity to give an overview of Clearview Elementary
School. Mrs. Col—n stated that Clearview is a Title I school with a faculty and
staff of 56 individuals. The student population is 65% Caucasian, 28% Latino, 5%
Black, 2% Asian, with a total enrollment of 376 students. Commenting on "No
Child Left Behind," Mrs. Col—n stated that no one has ever had to tell anyone at
Clearview, no child has ever been left behind. Clearview doesn't need the
constant reminder. Clearview's staff is a team that firmly believes that,
indeed, it does take a village to raise a child; that every child can be
successful; that what you say and do determines the future of our students and
communities. The team believes in high standards for all students. Standards
should be clear and useable, permit flexibility, provide individual interests,
and cultural sensitivity. The team believes in standards that are manageable
with the emphasis on providing a student with the time to accomplish. Mrs. Col—n
spoke about what has been achieved. Clearview's 2003 PSSA scores for 74 grade
five students in mathematics revealed 33.8% of the students were in the advanced
category, 25.7% proficient. In reading, 23% of the students were advanced, 33.8%
were proficient. In basic, 23% of students in mathematics and in reading 21.6%.
Below students are 17.6% of the students in mathematics and 21.6% in reading.
Mrs. Col—n stated that Clearview's team is all the faculty and staff, parents,
and students. Clearview has an excellent instructional support team. Clearview
welcomes all people to work with them. Many universities, Moravian students, and
Kutztown University work with the team. Clearview has students that are
attending the STAR program at Lehigh University. Clearview has a great
partnership with Lehigh Valley Hospital and a strong partnership with St. Luke's
Hospital. The dental van visits the school two times a year. The school works
with many community-based groups. Clearview works closely with its south side
neighbors and the south side neighborhood center. Many families go to these
centers. Clearview built a bridge with other folks in the community.
Mrs. Col—n spoke about what works for Clearview School. A lot of things are
working at Clearview and a lot of things need to improve.
Mrs. Col—n introduced Mrs. Judy Williams, one of Clearview's grade five teachers,
who gave an overview of grades four and five. Mrs. Williams stated that three
years ago, Mrs. Col—n and the fifth grade team began to talk about a better way
to meet their students' needs as well as improve the quality of contact time.
They felt they could be more effective if they each focused on an area or two of
the curriculum. Each chose their passion. Mrs. Williams stated that hers is
reading and writing. A schedule was developed. A summer was devoted to talking
and planning. The following year, the fourth grades joined in
departmentalization. This is the third year for fifth grade, second year for
fourth. Children, parents, and teachers feel that it has been an extremely
positive change. Children have a deeper understanding of the subject matter
because each teacher is highly focused on a more specific field of study. During
the time children are with the teacher, they are immersed in their subject.
Teaching one or two subjects guarantees that teachers cover that subject
thoroughly each day. Changing classes in a smaller controlled area prepares
their fifth graders for middle school and the more extensive changing of classes
and teachers. The teachers found that children love moving and enjoy having
teachers who specialize in the subjects that they love. Students frequently
comment on the fact that the day flies by. Just having completed parent
conferences, teachers again heard many positive parental comments on the growing
maturity and confidence of their children. Although some parents had voiced a
concern at the beginning of the year, teachers have yet to receive a negative
comment on the program by mid year or beyond. The teachers love teaching their
passion and feel an assurance that they are far more effective in concentrating
on a few rather than all subjects. In addition, as a team, they are better able
to meet the needs of the students because each forms a close relationship with
every child and thoughts and ideas are shared on a weekly basis during grade
level meeting or planning periods.
Mrs. Col—n stated that Clearview has one fourth grade class that is
self-contained this year. Mrs. Melusky is working with that group of students.
It was determined, not because of academic abilities, that those students were
not ready to make those moves in fourth grade and perhaps will be next year.
Those students had other needs. It was felt that keeping them in one classroom
this year would be the best thing. Parents agreed. Those students are very
happy following the same curriculum the other fourth and fifth grade students are
doing; however, they are self-contained.
Mrs. Col—n explained that grades two and three, this year, have taken a very
different approach. Second and third grade teachers are discussing what these
second graders need to know for the PSSA. An example is the development of a
list of terminology to be presented to second graders so that they are familiar
with the terms when entering third grade, in preparation for the PSSA.
Mrs. Col—n stated that in kindergarten and grade one, focus is on a
developmentally-appropriate environment. It is not surprising if you walk into a
first grade class to see that they still have a housekeeping area. There are
teachers in first grade who are very much engaged in the arts and in the movement
for the first graders, as well as Clearview's kindergarten.
Mrs. Col—n stated that for special education students, the IST team at Clearview
really struggles every time a referral must be given to the special education
department. The team looks at the whole child, sits with parents, creates
behavior plans. Everything possible is done before saying that a student's case
must be passed on to someone else. Clearview's special education teachers are
very engaged with the classroom teachers. Special ed teachers are involved in
attending field trips with their students. That is significant and those little
things make the partnership even stronger.
Mrs. Col—n introduced Mary Ann Guman who is currently on maternity leave. She
spoke on an intensive instructional model grade two class. Mrs. Guman explained
that the idea for an intensive instructional classroom came about two years ago
when Clearview's kindergarten teacher, Lorrie Clark, started to take a close look
at some of the children who may not be succeeding and progressing as quickly as
their peers. She decided to loop with a certain number of students. The
beginning of their first grade year, 13 children were at risk, struggling either
academically or socially, some both academically and socially. There were also
six role model students. That class is now in second grade. Once Lorrie decided
to do the looping, she involved the parents and enlisted the help of Clearview's
team. For first and second grades, at this point, Clearview had two reading
specialists, two reading recovery teachers, an ESOL teacher, a guidance
counselor, a guidance intern, speech therapist, instructional aides, Moravian
students, and many parents whose help was enlisted as well. It takes a
significant number of people to leave no child behind. As the school year began
in first grade, a tremendous amount of assessment was done. Every child in the
classroom received the observation survey which is part of the reading recovery
program and the DRA. These tests were given in September, January, and May so
that staff could track progress the students were making. These assessments
determined daily what the lesson plans would be and what the flexible grouping
assignments would be. Teachers met weekly to discuss the strengths, progress,
and skill deficits. These discussions then led to the reworking of groups for
math and reading. Biweekly, the children changed groups based on their needs.
In looking at assessment data, by the end of first grade 15 children were either
on or above grade level. Many of those children who were above grade level were
way above. The staff was pleased to see that even the role model children and
some who may not have begun as role models met the challenge, were definitely
instructed appropriately, and enriched throughout the process. In math, 74% of
all the children in that classroom were on or above standards. Mrs. Guman
believes that the staff was able to meet the academic needs of the children by
consistent, collaborative, specific, and appropriate instruction. Their social
needs were improved and met by the guidance component that was in place and lots
of role modeling. Ms. Clark spent a great amount of time in the beginning of the
year teaching the children exactly how first grade was going to work. The
students' backgrounds were expanded by additional field trips because some
children were limited in their background knowledge. Children worked in small
groups, worked together, and worked with many different people. Last year,
Clearview had the highest rate of discontinuation for reading recovery in many
years. She believes, as a reading recovery teacher, that this is due to the
consistency in teaching among all the teachers. This year, the children in that
first grade classroom moved to second grade. A couple children moved, a couple
went into other classrooms, but the majority moved together. Some parents even
requested the children to be placed in the classroom. This year's teacher, Pat
Gombocz, is very similar to Ms. Clark. The children, again, are thriving. At
this point, the team is already beginning to look to see what the best placement
and best situation will be for third grade.
Mrs. Col—n stated they are very proud of their ASPIRE program. The ASPIRE
program is providing the reading and mathematics homework project assistance,
PSSA preparation interventions, but at the same time, there are also some
recreational activities - the ballet, the scouts, the brownies, roller skating.
The Center for Humanistic Change just started working with their little ones on
peacemaking skills. Last summer the ASPIRE program had 89 attendees and this
summer's program is being planned.
Mrs. Col—n introduced Eileen Darlington, one of Clearview's PTA co-presidents.
Mrs. Darlington stated that the make-up of the PTA board has set the tone for
cooperation between parents and teachers at Clearview. The co-president is the
same kindergarten teacher, Lorrie Clark. Mrs. Clark approached her last year with
her idea of having a team of parent and teacher leading the PTA. It has worked
out very well. Bringing in the perspective of a teacher helps parents to know
what will work in the school. There is a whole team of parents and teachers who
have made it a priority, along with Mrs. Col—n, to provide programs and
activities for the children that will build community in the school, include and
welcome everyone, and exclude no one. Two events have met those goals. One was a
walk-a-thon for John Fenstermaker. A significant amount of money was raised for
the family. Every child in the school got to participate. The Nitschmann band
played, Liberty High School football captains came on the day of their big game,
skipping their pep rally, to lead Clearview's students in stretching beforehand.
The Fenstermaker family led the students on a mile-and-a-half walk around the
neighborhood. Houses were decorated. It was truly a very successful community
event. Another event was Harvest Day, replacing the traditional Halloween parade
and costumes. The PTA felt there are some students that can't participate in the
Halloween activities; this would not go along with their vision. On Harvest Day,
everyone could participate. The gym was decorated with art projects made by the
students in art class. All sorts of fun and activities took place. Each class
got to go on a hayride on the school grounds. Harvest Day was another successful
day at Clearview. The PTA hopes to take the success of these events, keep
building on them, and truly make Clearview a community school.
Mrs. Col—n stated that, as she mentioned before, the staff has a way to go at
Clearview, but the vision and mission is to continue to not only enhance the
education of their students, have them prepared to work in our communities, to
have fun while they are learning, to take their experiences and spread it on to
others. She stated she is fortunate to be working with such a great team.
Without the support of the team members, many of these things would not be
possible. Mrs. Col—n invited the board members to visit Clearview any time.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Directors Venanzi and Leeson to approve the minutes of the
January 26, 2004, Regular Board Meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Lewis presented the recommendations of the administration.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
No one wished to address the Board of School Directors.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Venanzi and Williams moved to adjourn the meeting which carried by
voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr.
Board Secretary
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