Kensington School Board Minutes

October 19, 2006

 

The Kensington School board met on Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 7:45 AM. The purpose of the meeting was to address concerns regarding the Wellness Policy recently adopted by the board. In attendance were: Mrs. Alice Mower, Chairperson; Mrs. Dana Donovan, Mrs. Cheryl Camacho, School Board members; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools;  Mrs. Barbara Switzer, KES Principal.

 

Several parents were in attendance to voice their concerns regarding the Wellness Policy.

 

Mrs. Ash stated that she was in favor of the intent of the Wellness Policy but thought that it was too stringent. She feels that there should be a middle road and that KES should allow certain treats at various times at KES.

 

Mary Larson noted that she basically agrees with the policy but feels that a compromise should be reached regarding the few celebrations that take place at KES during the school year.

 

Mrs. Perreault stated that perhaps a letter should have gone home and she feels that there was a lack of communication between the school and the room mothers regarding what can and can not be brought in for the Halloween parties. Mrs. Perreault voiced her concern that the second grade students would not be allowed to build gingerbread houses as usual because of the candy that goes to decorate the house. Mrs. Perreault stated that if there was a cafeteria at KES the policy should cover the lunches given at KES but that for the number of celebrations at KES a compromise should be made.

 

Mrs. Mower gave an overview of the origin of the Wellness Committee formed over a year ago. Thirty members comprises of KES staff, administration, School Board members, pediatricians and community  members investigate fully all the concerns regarding the wellness and physical activity of SAU #16 students. Mrs. Mower stated that last spring parents were invited to comment of the policy addressing physical fitness as well as nutrition. Mrs. Mower went on to say that the board unanimously adopted the policy at the September Board meeting but recognized that perhaps not enough information regarding the policy was sent home to parents. Mrs. Mower noted that the board did not want to take anything away from the celebrations at KES but wanted to redefine the celebrations to comply with the policy.

 

Mrs. Mower stated that the Wellness Advisory Committee at KES will reconvene and come up with guidelines regarding the implementation of the policy. In the meantime Mrs. Mower asked that room mothers use good judgment in preparing food for the upcoming Halloween Party.

 

Mrs. Klemarczyk, KES school nurse, was in attendance and noted that there are many snacks available that are nutritious.

 

Mrs. Spinosa, PE Teacher, stated that she was in favor of the policy and was concerned about negative education.

 

The board will write a letter to parents outlining their thoughts before the end of the week. Further discussion of the Policy will take place at the November Board meeting.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 AM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret Ruggeri

School board Secretary