Supt. Taymore started by speaking to
calendar challenges given recent school cancellations. The principals and
administrative team are working together to craft new end/start dates for
trimesters and quarters. Last day of school currently stands at June 22nd
(but it’s still only mid-February…..). Parents should reference the memo she
sent last week for details.
Program changes in
mathematics at MVMMS were noted. Supt. Taymore indicated that she has reached
out to her superintendents’ listserv to find out how other districts are
adapting to the changes issued by the state, and they’ve said they are also
struggling with implementation. On 3/11, Principal Conway is conducting a
follow-up to his 2/4 presentation, and parents can also listen to him speak
about his proposed 2015-2016 MVMMS Program of Studies at Wednesday night’s
School Committee meeting.
Re: the discussion around
later start times for high school students; Supt. Taymore will propose her
recommendation on how to proceed at School Committee on 2/18 (which will
include forming a task force that has a short time frame). She said that while
there is great merit in the idea, the district must perform due diligence since
there are many considerations that go into this decision. Students came to her
and asked whether they should do a petition and the Supt. suggested a survey
would be better. At this point, there are at least twenty elements that must be
addressed. No building exists in isolation – there are domino effects (and she
noted things like lunch preparation, negotiating with at least five unions, the
impact on elementary drop-off, the employment of high school students at
Education Stations, the fact that AP exams must begin at 8:00, MIAA scheduling
of athletics, impact on facility rentals like athletic fields and gyms, how the
elementary Early Bird program might be affected, etc.). The Town of Ashland is implementing this initiative and it’s been a 10-month process. Info is here: http://ashlandhs.libguides.com/StartTimes.
The Melrose Community
Gardens folks are hosting a meeting regarding school gardens on 2/24 at 7 p.m.
in the YMCA Conference Room. Topics will include curriculum/programs,
resources, needs, and future vision. More info on the group and their work
(including the seed library at the Melrose Public Library) at https://www.facebook.com/MelroseGardenCommunity.
We talked about the FY16
Budget Process and Timeline proposals that are up for discussion at School
Committee on 2/18. Documents here: http://melrosecityma.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2289
at 5.A.3. a. and b. There is a Budget page on the site that will be kept
updated so parents can follow along: http://melroseschools.com/school-committee/budget/.
Supt. Taymore will present the FY16 Draft Budget on 2/24 and the Committee will
hear presentations and question/discuss all budget elements prior to voting in
April.
Elementary science fairs:
they began when it was felt that the science curriculum was inadequate, and
that the fairs would add a critical inquiry-based element. Now that the
curriculum is quickly evolving, there is discussion around more intentionally
embedding the inquiry piece in the school day, and now it’s useful to think about
what the science goals are and whether/how science fairs fit into them. In the
spring, PTO reps, principals, and the Melrose Education Foundation will meet to
discuss this topic and make a plan for next year. For this year, there is concern
about the cost of custodial coverage, especially for schools that host two fair
nights. Schools fund this cost differently and there was discussion around how
best to tackle that challenge.
If you’re looking for an
easy dinner on a busy night, come to Friendly’s on Rte. 1 in Saugus on March 5th
from 5-9 – it’s a fundraiser to support Melrose Grad Night. And don’t forget –
Bridge Trivia Bee on March 28th. Teams are still forming (three people/team)
but even if you’re not playing, it’s great family fun for a super cause!
