MINUTES OF
KEY COMMUNICATORS MEETING
MONDAY, September 25, 2006

Present:      Joe Luongo, Josephine Ciocia,Connie Doheny, Lisa Hodulik, Rich Giarrantana, Donna Wipper, Linda Condal,  Cathy Meseck, Mary Nicolette, Marrie Messeri, Nancy Smith, Lizz Nuzzo, Gina Hoffman,  Lynn Nilsson, Michele Zahn, Ana Mastropietro, Lisa Pallandino

Joe Luongo opened the meeting at 7:35 PM.
District:
Depken Field Project The town made the deal this week for the sale of the land for $1.7 million.  It is than going out to bid.  There is a tentative start date of early December with completion next year in time for opening football season.
Residency Check  A parent wanted to know if the district would do another residency check as there are a lot of New York plates dropping students off to the schools. Also, many residents do not have a land phone line only a cell number is given to the schools.  It is very expensive to do such a check.  If you feel that someone is in our school system and is not a resident of the district, you can fill out a form and turn it in to the superintendent.  If this information is correct, you will receive a $250.00 reward.
Article “The New Hire” Education Mr. Luongo provided us with a copy of an article from Challenge Education by Ed Shanahan.  He states that there is no single fix for training young adults for college or work.  He states what is needed is a “systematic, national strategy that combines the smartest reforms”.  He further states that government can help by providing pre-school education to all children beginning at age three.  Mr. Luongo firmly believes in starting the education process at age three; unfortunately we do not have the space.
Girls’ bathroom at field It was reported that the stall door locks are broken and the lighting is very poor.  Mr. Bellino is checking on this today and if more lighting is needed more will be provided.  Also, parents stated that a few parents and cheerleaders got paint on their clothing from the bleachers that were painted.  They were informed to bring the articles of clothing to Mr. Bellino.

High School:

Security Cameras - There will be 18 cameras installed for the first week of October.
Auditorium – The seats are on order they will be black on graphite.

2010 High School Graduation Requirements – The class of 2010 will need 130 credits to graduate; presently 120 credits are needed to graduate.  The Board will also try to introduce new courses to give the students more a selection. 

 10th & 11th Grade Students – PSAT – Last year all 11th grade students took the PSAT.  This year it is being extended to include the 10th grade.  This is done at no cost to the students.  The results of the test give the student and his family an indication of where that student’s weaknesses are and to plan accordingly for the future. The student meets with the guidance department to discuss what can be done to increase the test score.
Dress Code A parent complained at a PTSA meeting that her daughter went all through 7 periods of school and during the 8th period the teacher sent her to office regarding the length of her skirt.  The question was “How come 7 other teachers ignored the dress code violation?”  We were informed that as much as Mr. Luongo informs his staff to implement the dress code, some teachers are very lax.

Middle School:

Backpack Weight–Parents are complaining that the back packs are weighing more than 10% of their child’s weight.  There are too many notebooks and binders that are required.  In addition to those items, the students are carrying several heavy books.  Mr. Luongo will look into this matter to see if there are enough books so that students can keep a copy home.  He will bring this to the Board’s attention and possible they can order extra books to keep in the classrooms
Paterson Ave Drop Off – Several complaints regarding Paterson Avenue backing up with cars were received.  Parents wanted to know if a no left turn could be posted.  They were informed that this is a police matter and they need to go the police or the Borough Council.
Nutrition - Parent had stated that Middle/High School can sell cookies, ice cream and candy during lunch every day.  They were told that no candy is sold.  Pretzels and cookies are 1.3 oz and fall under the guidelines.  A parent noted that in the guidelines it states 1 oz cookie; therefore they are not following the district guidelines.  Mr. Luongo will look into this matter.
Honors’ weighting the grade point average – this matter has been discussed numerous times.  Middle School honors program students usually always score higher on the GEPA test.  There is no student ranking in middle school; therefore this does not come into play at this point.
Bus problems -   Buses at Paterson Avenue are double parking at 2:45 PM to pick up students.  This causes traffic tie ups and cars to go around the buses.  A child was almost hit today.  The parent was advised to the Traffic Division of the Police Department and requested a police officer there at dismissal.
Nurse A child requested to go see the nurse she wasn’t feeling well and the teacher refused to let her go.  Mr. Luongo will send a memo to the principal to have this matter discussed at the A Team meeting.

Elementary:

District Website – The district website has former employees still listed and does not list all current employees.  Mr. Luongo stated that at present there is a problem with the website but it will be updated shortly.
5th Grade Snack - A letter was sent home that the students will be allowed to have a working snack.
Math Prime the mathematics section of the NJASK-4 will be the sole criteria for entry into the program.  Students who score advanced proficient will be eligible.  They will take the top 15 scores.  If there are not 15 students who score over 250 on the test, they will use scores in the 240-249 range.  They will not consider scores under 240 to fill the class. 

 

Milk Program – Parent wanted to know if they can choose different types of milk on different days.  Mr. Luongo stated that it is one selection per month.  An employee,
who will be handling the milk program, stated that it would require more paperwork and be confusing.  We will see how the milk program runs and possibly this option will be offered.
Patrols -   Parent wanted to know why Euclid already has their badges and belts.  Also, why are Lincoln School patrols opening car doors?  We were informed that Lincoln’s patrols will receive their belts and badges on September 29th.  As for opening car doors, Mr. Luongo will have that stopped.  Parents complained that the cars are backed up in front of Lincoln and who is responsible for moving the cars along.  Josephine Ciocia, who is the Board liaison to the Borough Council, will ask if a police officer can help direct traffic in front of the school in the mornings during drop off times.
Nurse at Euclid - They are looking for an RN with a teaching certificate and it is very rare.  They lost four nurses already to other districts which are paying more money.  We can not compete with other districts regarding salary.  Mr. Luongo asked if anyone knows someone who would be interested in this position to please have them contact the Board office.

Parent asked if it is possible to have the first three days of school for the kindergarteners half days.  The answer was no; however a parent can opt to pick up their child for the first few days if they feel it is too long.  However, most children are enrolled in pre-school and they are familiar with being in school for hours especially if both parents are working.

A parent questioned a form that went home to parents stating that their phone number will be given to the PTA’s for an emergency phone chain. If the parent does not wish their number to be given out they must sign and return the form.  It was questions that this was never done before, why now.  Mr. Luongo informed us that legally they can not give out anyone’s hone number without their permission.  This letter was sent to the elementary schools.  However, it will also be sent to the middle and high school parents.

Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 20, 2006 at 7:30 PM. 
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.

Minutes submitted by Donna Wipper.