Kensington School Board Minutes
April 10, 2003
The Kensington School Board met on Thursday, April 10, 2003. In attendance were: Mrs. Cheryl McDonough, School Board Chairperson; Mrs. Susan Belanger, Mrs Dana Donovan, School Board members; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools; Mrs. Barbara Guth Switzer, Principal.
Mrs. McDonough called the meeting to order at 6:55 PM.
The board unanimously approved the minutes of the March 13, 2003 School Board Meeting.
Police Chief, Wayne Sheehan was in attendance and addressed the board relative to the parking situation at school. Chief Sheehan stated the present plan is going smoothly. One way signs have been posted in the circular driveway. Chief Sheehan noted that the line of communication between the school and the police department is very good. The question of parking in front of the library was addressed. It was noted that, although the library does not have exclusive rights to the parking spots in front of the library, the school would try to be good neighbors and encourage visitors to the school not to park in front of the library during library hours. Mrs. Switzer thanked Mrs. Donovan for all of the time she has served as the traffic safety person at KES.
Sue Lalime, PTO President, reported that they would be providing a healthy snack for the children while they attend the Earth Day Program at the Town Park. Mrs. Lalime stated the next PTO Meeting which is scheduled for April 16th would focus on the Emergency Response Plan at KES. Mrs. Carrie McDonough, school nurse, will be one of the speakers. Mrs. Lalime reported that the PTO Earned $2000.00 from the recent Yankee Candle Fundraiser.
Mr. Kilcoyne addressed the board with a student bullying concern. The board will enter into non-public session to discuss the matter at the end of the meeting.
Mrs. Switzer gave her report as follows:
The April calendar and the KES Times were reviewed by the board.
Mrs. Switzer reported that the After-school Enrichment Program was very successful and noted that approximately 150 children participated in the activities.
Mrs. Switzer noted that students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 visited Epping Elementary School on April 2nd for the UNH presentation of The Frog Prince. Feedback from students and staff was very favorable.
Mrs. Switzer stated that she had just returned from Sargent Camp and the children were having a wonderful time.
Mrs. Switzer noted that Earth Day is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16th. Much time and preparation is being put into the planning of the celebration.
The Literacy Curriculum has been written. Favorable feedback has been received from K-5 teachers.
Two trainings have been completed with Kristen Withee relative to the Morning Meeting segment of the Responsive Classroom program.
Grades 2, 4 and Special Education teachers will participate in EDM workshops in May.
The Tech Team reviewed the Technology Curriculum. Kindergarten through Grade 2 have focused on integrating technology into the curriculum.
The Emergency Management Committee continues to evaluate the emergency response plan for KES. Staff has reviewed the procedures for Shelter-In-Place and Lockdown. Mark Pride, Emergency Management Director for Kensington, and a representative from NHOEM met recently with Mrs. Switzer and examined the classrooms to determine which could be used for housing the students in an emergency situation. Mrs. Switzer thanked Mrs. Donovan for all of the time she has put in helping to prepare the classrooms for an emergency procedure.
The following field trip was unanimously approved by the board with the stipulation that one additional chaperone go on the trip:
Grade 4 will travel to Concord to the NH History Museum and the State House on June 5th.
A letter from Fire Chief Simpson was reviewed by the board. In the correspondence, the chief asked that all artwork be removed from the hallways, as it was determined it is a fire hazard. KES will comply with the recommendation.
Mrs. Donovan moved to approve the homework policy as presented. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative. Mrs. McDonough complemented Mrs. Switzer on the thoroughness of the policy.
A letter from Lili Spinosa asking the board to approve the use of one of the classrooms for a religious class next year was discussed. Mrs. Donovan moved to approve the request. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mr. Flynn gave his report as follows:
There is meeting of the Joint SAU#16 Chairs scheduled for April 16th.
Mr. Thomas O’Malley has been appointed principal at the Cooperative Middle School.
East Kingston Elementary School will be hiring a new principal for the 2003-2004 school year.
Lincoln Street School will have an Assistant Principal position available for the 2003-2004 school year.
Stratham School will be hiring an Assistant Principal to replace Dennis Dobe who has been appointed Principal at Newfields Elementary School.
Teacher contracts will be going out this week.
Discussion ensued relative to the size and clearing of land for a ball field in the rear of the school. Mr. Buxton voiced his concern about securing a reputable person to clear the area. Mr. Buxton stated the person hired should take the bad trees as well as the good ones. Mrs. McDonough assured Mr. Buxton that all would be done to hire someone who would do the best possible job for KES. Mrs. McDonough also stated KES should not come out of this project with less than we started with. Mrs. McDonough noted it is imperative that the children have a ball field.
Mr. Flynn reported that the state has granted a waiver for the two days KES had no school because of the septic problem. A discussion followed relative to whether or not the board would accept the waiver. Mrs. Switzer was asked if the staff could use the two days for staff development if the board accepts the waiver for the student population. Mrs. Switzer answered in the affirmative. Mrs. Donovan moved to accept the waiver. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative. Mrs. Switzer will present a plan for how the two days will be used at the May School Board meeting.
The board voted unanimously to enter into Non-public session in accordance with Chapter 91A:3IIc at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri
School Board Secretary