Many thoughtful topics on
today’s agenda:
· * Summer
Reading and Homework: Supt.
Taymore indicated that summer work provides an opportunity for students to keep
their skills as current as possible, reducing learning loss that takes time to
overcome when the next school year starts. Tonight’s School Committee meeting
will feature a brief review of the expectations and communication around summer
responsibilities for students at all grade levels, and the accompanying
document is in the packets so you can get a preview.
· * Update from
the PTO/Merchant Meeting: A closer
partnership is forming between the PTO communities and the Chamber, thanks to
some involved parents and Chamber Director Joan Ford Mongeau. Both groups are
working to understand how they can better support student learning (as PTO’s
have evolved from mostly entertainment committees to organizations that supply
critical school needs) without overburdening our generous businesses.
· * Cultural
Proficiency: Melrose is a changing
place, with growing cultural and socio-economic diversity. How do we see our
city and how do we ensure that we are welcoming and accepting of people who are
both similar to and different from us? Conversations are taking place within
the Melrose Human Rights Commission to consider how to support tolerance and
appreciation for all. The school district is one small piece of that
conversation and is listening carefully to learn how we can all contribute.
· * Who decides
on courses to be offered at MHS?:
Supt. Taymore provided clarification around responsibilities for determining
MHS teaching and learning. Asst. Supt. of Curriculum and Instruction Margaret
Adams guides the development of curriculum (including assessments, etc.),
reviews curriculum materials, and develops and provides professional
development (teacher training), while MHS Principal Farrell and her team
(including the Assistant Principals and Department Chairs in collaboration with
teachers) consider what it takes to provide a robust and rigorous education for
students. The MHS team researches and recommends programs and courses that
challenge students while meeting Common Core graduation requirements that are
ultimately approved by the School Committee by way of the Program of Studies.
· * Communication: Always a challenge! How do parents receive
information from schools in a timely and accurate manner? Supt. Taymore still
wants to convene a Communication Plan Working Group but it’s a challenge as
there are so many committees working on a wide variety of education projects. She will think more about how/when this group can form and consider how to get information out in a timely and effective way.
