BOARD CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2007

                                       

Members of the Board Curriculum Committee met on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the Education Center’s Dining Room. Present were Curriculum Committee Members Anthony R. Villani, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and Richard Agretto, director of special education; and Board Members Rosario Amato, Joseph Craig, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, William Heske, Charlene Koch, Loretta Leeson, Diane Rowe, and Margaret Williams. Also in attendance were: Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, superintendent of schools; Frank Arbushites, coordinator of academic computing; Dean Donaher, principal; Robert Gross, assistant superintendent for human resources; Mary Katona, coordinator of English language arts; Robin Lutcher, director of information technologies; Dr. Joanne LoFaso, coordinator of literacy K-5; Stanley J. Majewski, Jr., assistant to the superintendent for finance and administration; Eric Smith, supervisor of science; Julie Victory, supervisor of mathematics; Roger Washburn, principal; Thomas Washington, director of student services; and representatives of the press.

 

Mrs. Rowe called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENTATION TO DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

 

Dr. Lewis discussed the fact that the administration has worked on several items focused on improving conditions surrounding student behavior at Freedom High School. He presented 14 items to the board to seek board support, and in some cases, funding for the recommendations.

 

Mrs. Rowe inquired as to the cost associated with hiring two additional hall monitors. Dr. Lewis replied that it would cost approximately $40,000. Mrs. Rowe also noted that it was reported to her that not all teachers participate in hallway monitoring, and she asked that the principals check into this situation. Dr. Donaher and Mr. Washburn replied that they are currently drafting a memorandum to all teachers requesting them to be in the hallways between classes.

Mr. Amato commented that it has to be made known that the district will not tolerate fighting in any of our schools, that we have zero tolerance. He noted that it must be in our Student Code of Conduct that the district will not support anything but zero tolerance.

 

Mr. Craig stated that, with the situations now in the schools with gangs, etc., the administration and the board need to review the Student Code of Conduct. Dr. Lewis replied that he has already directed Tom Washington to review this area. He also noted that fights occur at different levels, and the Student Code of Conduct needs to be more specific regarding types of fights at the various levels.

 

Mrs. Leeson thanked the administration for bringing these recommendations to the board in a timely manner. She also noted that the administration has to look at all schools, not only Freedom High School. She also requested that the administration review and adjust the Student Code of Conduct before June.

 

Mrs. Leeson also noted that students are coming in late to school and are not being reported by teachers. She stated that this is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Dr. Lewis agreed that this is a problem, and the administration will be addressing it with principals.

 

Mrs. Leeson requested that the administration review the amount of time students spend in the hallways between classes and see if reducing this amount of time will alleviate any problems. Mr. Villani replied that this will be discussed in the two high schools with the administration.

 

Mr. Amato noted that the district already has good policies in place but has allowed some of them to slip, such as wearing identification badges at all times and teachers not following through on reporting tardiness. He asked that the administration look into correcting these issues.

 

Mr. Craig and Mrs. Williams both agreed that the district has a problem with the turnover of hall monitor staff. Both agreed that the administration should look into increasing the salaries for hall monitors as a possible incentive.

 

The board voted 8-0 in support of all 14 recommendations.

 

FIRST IN MATH AWARDS

 

Mr. Villani introduced Julie Victory, supervisor of mathematics, who explained that she had good news to share with the board regarding the progress of Bethlehem Area School students participating in First In Math. She then introduced Mr. Robert Sun from First In Math who announced that he had wonderful news regarding the celebration of excellence on a national level in First In Math. He presented awards to East Hills Middle School and to Mrs. Cheryl Moyer, teacher/advisor, for having the number one eighth grade team nationally. He also announced that this team has five of the top 20 individual placers nationally. He presented awards to: Lindsay Riley, for fifth place; Giovanni Saldutti, for fourth place; Jon Aborde, for third place; Jordan Williams, for second place; and Liangzhi Shu, for first place. The following students from the team were also present and received awards: Alex Lankay, Zachary Mazur, and Ryan Swigart. Mr. Sun thanked the board for their support of First In Math and for allowing our students to participate.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS

 

1.     Mr. Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, Bethlehem, spoke regarding an article in the newspaper titled: “Voters Must Consider Bethlehem Area School District’s Accomplishments.”

 

2.     Mr. Gene McKeon, 5045 Harvey Road, Bethlehem, spoke regarding the fact that he was thankful for the Bethlehem Area School District having J. Mac, a special needs student, as one of the speakers at the VIA banquet.

 

CAREER ACADEMY UPDATE

 

Mr. Villani introduced Vivian Robledo-Shorey, principal of the Career Academy, who presented a PowerPoint presentation on the progress of the Career Academy. Ms. Robledo-Shorey explained that the Career Academy launched its opening in August, 2006. This alternative program was designed to help students who are having difficulty in adjusting to a regular school situation. The high risk population of middle school and high school students has had a history of poor attendance, non-conforming behavior, and being in danger of becoming a dropout statistic. These students have presented ongoing problems in their regular school placements. The plan for the Career Academy included an opportunity for a second chance. Designing a more supportive environment was a major goal for this alternative program. She noted that the staff, program, and support elements of the Bethlehem Area School District were aligned to make a difference in the lives of these students. Further, by removing them from regular school placements, the prognosis for future school success could be elevated. Their transfer from a regular school registration was also designed to enhance a more interruption free environment to exist at the sending schools. Theoretically, the plan was to establish a win-win situation. The alternative program students would be afforded new, motivating, and creative pathways to success, and the regular program students would be able to progress academically and socially, free of behavioral interruptions and distractions.

 

Ms. Robledo-Shorey then introduced Joshua Riddick, a student currently at the Career Academy. He explained how his life has changed, and the fact that, had he not entered the Career Academy when he did, he would probably have dropped out of school by now. Ms. Robledo-Shorey also introduced Nikia Stith, a student at Liberty High School, who also spoke on behalf of the Career Academy.

 

Mr. Amato noted that these students should be allowed to participate in extracurricular and athletic activities at their home schools. Ms. Robledo-Shorey noted that teachers are making every effort possible for their students to return to their home schools in time for extracurricular activities, but transportation is not always available for these students. She noted that teachers have actually been personally driving students to their home schools so they could participate in activities. Mr. Amato asked the administration to look into the possibility of acquiring a van for the Career Academy.

 

 

 

ACTION PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE

 

Mr. Villani presented a monthly update on the Action Plan. He noted that many items have been completed.

 

Mrs. Leeson questioned number seven on page four of the report: Utilize PDE’s Distinguished Educator Program to analyze all available data and assist in identifying root causes of poor performance, as well as assistance with district-wide and/or building specific initiatives. She requested a more detailed summary of this item. Mr. Villani replied that he will be bringing a detailed report to the June Board Curriculum Committee Meeting.

 

OPEN FORUM

 

Mr. Craig noted that, due to the recent accident involving the death of two Liberty High School students, he would like the board to consider the fate of keeping driver education in our high schools. He feels it is important to educate students in an attempt to save lives.

 

Mr. Craig also noted that he was approached by Musikfest personnel who are requesting that the Bethlehem Area School District reevaluate our policy on not allowing students to do community service at Musikfest due to the fact that alcoholic beverages are served at the festival. He would like to see students be allowed to volunteer in areas where no alcoholic beverages are being served with adequate supervision being provided by Musikfest personnel.

 

Mrs. Leeson stated that, if we open up community service for Musikfest, we will have to open it up for other festivals too.

 

Mrs. Koch reminded everyone that it was not a decision made solely by the Bethlehem Area School District to not allow students to work at festivals where alcoholic beverages are being served. There was a district-wide task force which evaluated and made recommendations that are still upheld today.

 

Mrs. Leeson also noted that she was very proud of the students who received awards for First In Math, but would also like to see the administration acknowledge other students in our district who have received awards for various academic accomplishments.

 

OTHER

 

Nothing to report.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

 

Minutes Prepared By:

 

 

Charlotte L. Zimmerman

Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction