Westfield Board of Education Oct. 6 Meeting Synopsis

Submitted by Margaret Dolan, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

Week of Respect

October 5 – 9, 2015, is being observed as the Week of Respect in public schools throughout New Jersey. In Westfield, we provide guidance, programs and training throughout the year to emphasize the importance of respect, which includes a review of the Code of Conduct and the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights. Special programs for students of all ages are taking place during the week in our schools. School public address announcements include stories and quotes to encourage respect. Classroom examples include an English class at Westfield High School who compared the Lord of the Flies with cyber-bullying, and Latin students who were presented with quotes from 2000 years ago and reflected on how they are applicable today. In kindergarten, the book Chrysanthemum was read to the children, who were each given a paper heart to crumble a bit when an unkind deed or word appeared, or to straighten it when good behavior became evident in the story. We are doing something at each and every grade level in different ways to help a generation grow up to respect themselves and others.

Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse Report

The New Jersey DOE requires a report twice a year on Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse as well as Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB). Also required are very specific numbers based on definitions that are consistent for all public schools in New Jersey. During the period of January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2015, the district reported the following: 8 Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse incidents of which 7 students received short-term suspensions and police were notified 4 times; and 2 confirmed cases of HIB were reported. Each school has one or more anti-bullying specialists, and there is a district anti-bullying coordinator appointed each year. Our schools list their specialists and coordinator on their web sites. We undergo a great deal of training in the anti-bullying process, and we continue our efforts in this important area.

Memorandum of Agreement

The Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement between Education and Law Enforcement Officials (MOA) clearly spells out the responsibilities of school districts and law enforcement. I recently attended a county meeting with the Westfield Chief of Police David Wayman, the Executive County Superintendent, and the County Prosecutor to review the agreement. As part of our combined efforts in regard to emergency preparedness, in the next several weeks our local police will hold an onsite drill when school is not in session.

In addition to topics such as school safety and security plans/drills included in the MOA, procedures for dealing with investigations of drugs/alcohol, weapons, and child abuse are also incorporated in the document.

In our recent meeting, an important message for parents and students was conveyed: If an underage person finds himself/herself in a situation where drugs or alcohol are being consumed and witnesses an individual who has passed out or is clearly not well, the witness should call 911 and report the emergency. Even if the witness has been a participant in the consumption of alcohol or illegal substances, neither the person who calls 911 nor the person who is ill will be prosecuted. The act of reaching out for help can save a life.

FACILITIES

Rich Mattessich, Facilities Chair, reported that at the Committee’s meeting several topics were discussed, including the type of communication and clock system that may be considered in a bond referendum; a request for a porta john with appropriate lattice shielding for Elm Street field; a denied request for lights at Kehler to extend game time; and the need to proceed with security cameras and additional shrubs at Kehler. In addition, the Committee received a request from Roosevelt Intermediate School to close the fields with gates and a lock during evening hours due to dogs on the field. Mr. Mattessich reminded residents that dogs are not permitted on school fields and asked for cooperation.

POLICIES

The Board approved for first reading Policy 2330 – Homework. Second reading is scheduled for November 3.

The Board approved the Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement between Education and Law Enforcement Officials for the 2015-2016 school year.

The Board affirmed my decision on a Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) incident.

CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION & PROGRAMS

The Board approved the 2015-2016 School Nursing Plan as well as several field trips for the school year.

FINANCE

The Board approved a resolution to approve the submission of the Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC), which is a statutorily-mandated system of school district performance assessment and is New Jersey’s system of education accountability.

The Board approved the acceptance of the NJSIG/ERIC North Safety Grant in the amount of $15,868.

The Board gratefully accepted an Artley Resonite Clarinet valued at $200 from Jackie Burns; and the following gifts from the Westfield Coalition for the Arts: $600 to purchase a Yamaha digital keyboard for the Roosevelt Intermediate School Band and $330 to fund a workshop for a Westfield High School art teacher at Peter’s Valley School of Craft.

TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

Technology Committee Chair, Mitch Slater, recapped highlights of recent technology projects as well as innovations taking place in the classrooms this school year, such as BYOD and Chrome Book pilots. A technology presentation, which will include reports from the Master Technology teachers, will be forthcoming sometime in March.

LIAISON REPORTS

Christopher Langhart reported that at the Town Recreation Commission meeting, there were positive comments regarding the Board of Education’s Facility Committee’s comprehensive presentation on the temporary lighting pilot that had taken place at Kehler. The Commission is in the preliminary stage of exploring turfing an area of Tamaques Park.

Peggy Oster attended the meeting of the Garden State Coalition of Schools. The Coalition published goals and objectives for this coming school year and the announcement was made that its longtime director, Lynne Strickland, is retiring.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

Westfield High School’s student-run newspaper, Hi’s Eye, earned the Gold Medalist award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. Both the hard copy edition of the weekly Hi’s Eye and the website version were praised for their quality during the 2014-2015 school year. The judges wrote, “The paper has very good writing in the journalistic style.... The writers have strong research and interviewing techniques. The quotes reflect multiple sources interviewed and the transitions flow smoothly; this is a definite strength.” Winning the Gold Medal as a hybrid newspaper/website program, the judges also highly rated the news website, citing the use of multimedia components such as video letters-to-the-editor and slideshows. The Board of Education and I applaud the consistent achievements of the Hi’s Eye and congratulate the student staff as well as the advisors, Warren Hynes, Nicole Scimone, and recently retired teacher Rosemary DiBattista.

SCHOOLS CLOSED

Westfield Public Schools and offices will be closed Monday, October 12, in commemoration of Columbus Day.

K-12 EVENT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN

Families with children in grades K-12 are invited to attend a free lecture organized by the Westfield Gifted Ed PTC on Wednesday, October 14 from 7:00-8:30 PM at Westfield High School, Cafeteria B. Dr. Bashe, a child psychologist who specializes in working with gifted children, will speak on the emotional needs of gifted children and give suggestions for addressing their needs. Admission to Westfield’s Gifted Program is not a prerequisite to attend this event. While parents attend the lecture, students will have the opportunity to try stress management techniques. For more information contact: Amisha Mehta amishamody@yahoo.com or Charlotte Lee cflee4@verizon.net .

COMMUNITY

The Westfield Rotary is sponsoring its Used Bike Drive on Saturday, October 24, from 9 AM – 12 Noon here at the Board of Education Building. The adult and children’s bicycles will be sent to Nicaragua, Ghana, Albania, Costa Rica and Guatemala. For more information, call Warren Rorden at 232-6807.

NEXT MEETING – of the Westfield Board of Education will be held Tuesday, October 20, at 7:30 PM. The agenda will be posted on Friday, October 16 on the Board of Ed website.