School Council Members
| Mr. Philip Holt | Principal, Co-Chair |
| Mrs. Shelly Karparis | Parent, Co-Chair |
| Ms. Jill Andersen | Teacher Representative |
| Mrs. Christine Marcolini | Teacher Representative, Secretary |
| Mrs. Jo-Ann Hutchinson | Parent Representative |
| Mr. Steven Lyons | Parent Representative |
| Mrs. Nancy Poole | Community Representative |
School Council Meetings will be held on the following Tuesdays at 3:30.
Click here for minutes of the meetings:
| 9/6/07 | 10/2/07 | 11/13/07 | 12/4/07 | 1/8/08 |
| 2/5/08 | 3/4/08 | 4/1/08 | 5/6/08 | 6/3/08 |
School Improvement Plan (PDF file)
Dennett School Committee
Mrs. Maureen Springer -
Chairman
Mrs. Lisa Hart- Vice Chairman
Mrs. Christen Gurney- Secretary
Ms. Susan Ossoff
Mrs. Shelly Karparis
School Committee Meetings are held at the school on the third
Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
School Council Minutes
SCHOOL COUNCIL MINUTES
April 1, 2008
Time: 3:30-4:05
Members Present: Philip Holt, Christine Marcolini
Jill Andersen, Steven Lyons and Nancy Poole
I. Minutes from last meeting accepted.
II. Cranberry Hospice Children’s Bereavement fund raised $576.29
III. Little Theater: No updates.
a. Eagle scouts might be able to it as a project. Mr. Lyons could look into this
for us.
b. The floor needs to be pressure treated. The sides need to be at least stained
so it lasts.
IV. Dennett Voice discussed:
a. List of volunteers compiled to thank them in the voice.
b. “What is the most important thing you learned in school this year?” = the
question for this upcoming voice.
c. Matt Clancy will provide info for us again.
d. Mrs. Voutrinot may provide info for old home day.
e. Debbie Batson will be contacted to see upcoming events etc. from the library.
The historical society will be contacted as well.
f. Mrs. Hutchinson usually takes care of info. from the scouts.
g. Two interviews with the second grade teachers can be included as well, if
there is room.
h. Walkway insert will be included
i. INFO DUE TO MS. ANDERSEN ON APRIL 15TH. Ms. Andersen will give it to Mr.
Lyons by May1st.
j. It will be mailed out by May 9th
V. Family Forum: Healthy kids was a success.
a. People who helped out will be thanked in the upcoming Voice.
VI. Surveys:
a. We’re going to send them home next week.
b. The goal is to have them back by April 18th.
c. Last year’s survey looked at by the Council and updated.
d. Only six were returned last year.
e. For every family that returns a survey, their name will be put into a raffle
for a personalized brick to be placed in the Dennett walkway.
f. Survey will go out Monday or Tuesday of next week.
VII. Other:
a. Brick sales are slow, but usually pick up.
VIII. a. Evaluate progress towards our current goals.
b. Update out school council goals for next year.
c. Re-look at the school improvement plan.
Meeting Adjourned
March 4, 2008
Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
Members Present: Philip Holt, Shelly Karparis, Steven Lyons, Nancy Poole,
Jill Andersen and Jo-Ann Hutchinson
I. Approval of Minutes: Approved
II. Make A Difference- Cranberry Hospice Children’s Bereavement
a. Coins collected from the classrooms-every classroom
participated
b. Mr. Holt will be bringing the containers to the bank for
counting
c. Total of donation TBD
III. Little Theater
a. No new information from the Sheriff’s Department
b. Mr. Lyons will follow-up on quote from Sheriff’s Dept.
c. We have the one estimate from CTE at SL High School
d. This may be a project for next year- brick sales are slow,
CASA may be able to assist with cost of theater
IV. Dennett Voice
a. Information to Ms. Andersen 4/14
b. To print shop 5/2
c. Mailed out by 5/9
d. Student Question: What is the most important thing you
learned in school
this year?
V. March 6- Family Forum- Healthy Kids –(Mrs. Karparis is making signs, map
update)
a. SL Culinary: will be providing healthy snacks; the
students will be
serving from the kitchen at Dennett; oven in Teacher’s Lounge available
for heating snacks; we have back-up paper products in the CASA closet
if napkins etc. are needed
b. Mr. Holt to run the brain activity table as Mrs. Seyfert
will be unable to
attend the Forum
c. Mrs. Poole has a commitment from at least 5 students of
the SL Dance
Team to perform and provide dance demonstration on the stage; we will
block off an area in front of the stage for students to practice the steps; the
Dance Team will bring their own music and CD player (Mrs. Poole to
follow-up with Caitlin to make sure the music chosen is appropriate for
young children). We have 6 Dennett students that have signed up to be
part of the dance demonstration so far.
d. Mrs. Batson will have a table of information from the
library at the
entrance to the Forum
e. Ms. Andersen will run the Yoga station in the hallway in
front of Mrs.
Kelley’s kindergarten classroom
f. Mrs. Karparis will run the Heart Health station with Mrs.
Sarrat
g. Mrs. Hutchinson will run the hop-scotch and hula-hoop
station
h. Mrs. Karparis will check with Mrs. Lynch about using the
stacking game
as a station also
i. Mrs. Karparis will follow-up with the custodial staff for
table set-up;
Mrs. Lynch for cones, bean bags, hula-hoops, jump ropes
j. Mrs. Poole and Mrs. Hutchinson will look to recruit a few
more high
school volunteers to assist at the stations
VI. Agenda Items for Next Meeting:
a. Dennett Voice
b. Dollar amount of the “Make A Difference” donation
c. Little Theater update
d. Forum recap
e. Look to update “Resource Guide”
f. Discuss sending home surveys with next term’s progress
notes
g. Discuss the updates needed by this committee to the
“School Improvement
Plan”
VII. Next Meeting- April 1, 2008
4:30 Meeting Adjourned
February 5, 2008
Time: 3:30-4:35
Members Present: Philip Holt, Jo-Ann Hutchinson, Christine Marcolini
Jill Andersen, Shelly Karparis, Steven Lyons and Nancy Poole
I. Approval of Minutes: Approved
II. Make a difference – Cranberry Hospice:
a. Shelly brought in the containers for each classroom.
b. Fundraiser is in full swing.
c. Reminders for the children announced each morning during announcements.
d. Children have begun to bring in their pennies.
III. Little Theater:
a. Letter sent to Sheriff McDonald sent by Mr. Holt. The letter was shared with the council. Pictures and dimensions were included in the letter, in order to request an estimate of the cost. We have yet to hear back (letter sent on January 24, 2008)
b. Mrs. Poole went back to the high school vocational program to get more details on the cost. The teacher showed Mrs. Poole the calculations and what went into the 3K estimate given. If we go through the high school, we are looking at the project being done sometime during the following school year.
c. This project is likely for next year regardless, as we have to determine if we will have the funds for it. Brick sales are slow. CASA might be able to help out with the cost of the theater.
IV. Books – Mission to Liberia:
a. No confirmation at this time if this activity is still going on.
V. Dennett Voice:
a. Get the information to Jill by Monday April 14th (prior to April Vacation)
b. This gives us time to have it mailed out by May 5th/6th.
VI. March 6th – Family Forum – Healthy Kids:
a. Mr. Holt contacted the teacher of Silver Lake Culinary to have a table on healthy snacks etc. They will be providing this service for us. They will need to be close to the kitchen for preparation and storage etc. of the food.
b. Diana Seyfert volunteered to assist. She did a brain activity table last year.
c. Caitlin Ledwell (UMASS Boston) is the director of the dance team and it looks as though some of the students are interested in coming. Mrs. Poole is looking into this. Specific Dennett Elementary “graduates” were mentioned and Mrs. Poole will speak to the students and see if we can have them here to do some type of presentation. Idea of “inviting” students to participate formally might get more students interested in attending that night. Mrs. Poole will contact Caitlin again. We are looking for a “fitness themed” performance/activity for the student involved.
d. Flyer of activities will be developed in order to gain interest of everyone.
e. Cullinary (high school), dance (high school – on the Stage), brain table (Mrs. Seyfert), information table (books-Debbie Babson), jump rope (Christine), hulahoops (Phil), hop-scotch (Jo-Ann) heart health station (Shelly K. and Mrs. Sarrat). 3-4 more high school volunteers to man stations are available as well (Yoga).
f. Space is available in the large hallways etc. ex. (Yoga by Mrs. Kelly’s room).
g. Map of the night and itinerary and “did you know” posters were put out last year.
h. Things to be done:
i. Shelly will make a preliminary map.
ii. Send half paper “save the date” prior to vacation on Feb. 13th.
iii. Mr. Holt will send home flyer for all students– February 27th
iv. A half slip reminder will be sent out by Mr. Holt on March 4th
v. Jill will take care of the RSVPing to invite specific classes to participate in a dance demonstration and lesson. This will go out to the 3-6th grade by Feb. 13th. Dance lessons etc. could be done in “shifts.” We’ll be able to anticipate how many students are coming by the RSVP’s returned.
vi. Mr. Holt will contact the media regarding the event
vii. A sign up sheet will be put in the teacher’s room by Jill.
VII. Other:
a. Representatives from the prison will meet with parents/school committee to discuss the procedure, if they are approved to build the theater. They do not want to violate our CORI procedures.
b. Mrs. Hutchinson shared that the Cambell’s website offers more label points for schools that participate in healthy lifestyle activities. The forum, field day and “make a difference” may possibly qualify us. Phil will sign off on the paperwork/form for Mrs. Hutchinson to explore possibilities “labels for America.”
VIII. Agenda Items for Next Time:
a. Forum
b. Dennett Voice
c. Follow up to the little theater
d. Make a difference fund raiser total funds collected.
VI. Next Meeting – March 4, 2008
4:30 Meeting Adjourned
3:30-4:30 P.M.
Members Present: Philip Holt, Christine Marcolini, Steven Lyons, Jill Andersen,
Nancy Poole and Shelly Karparis
I. Approval of minutes from last meeting: Approved
II. Make a Difference – Cranberry Hospice – Children’s Bereavement:
a. Mr. Holt spoke to Cranberry Hospice.
b. Donations can go directly to the children.
c. This will be our “children helping children” penny drive recipient.
d. Drive will start February 1st until February 15th.
e. Shelly Karparis has the containers for the money which she will decorate.
f. Jill Andersen will make up the posters for the classroom.
III. Little Theater:
a. Inmate labor could assist us with building the theater through the sheriff’s department. There are officers that supervise.
b. Mr. Lyons gave Mr. Holt the contact information to contact the department and have an estimate done (request gets done through the sheriff). Mr. Holt will draft a letter and send a picture along with the request.
c. Questions and concerns raised about safety and inmates being on school grounds. This will be followed up on. Mr. Holt shared that Halifax was very pleased with the quality and job done when their school was painted.
d. Mr. Lyons will explore the safety questions for the council.
e. Work could be done over the summer on campus when the kids are not here.
f. Mrs. Poole will follow up on her end with the estimate that she has looked into previously with the vocational department at the High School.
g. Location scouted by the council to the back of the playground. A tree may be taken down.
h. After estimates are gotten we will determine if it is feasible to move forward with the project.
i. Arsenic and pressure treated wood question will need to be asked.
j. Having the stage without it being elevated highly off the ground would reduce cost and likely hood of children jumping off etc.
IV. Books – Mission to Liberia:
a. School and town librarians are on board. We have contact information for the drive.
b. “Read a book, give a book.”
V. Family Forum – Healthy Kids:
a. Mr. Holt will bring it up again at the next staff meeting (no responses yet).
i. He will talk to contacts who helped last year.
b. It was held in March last year.
c. High school kids could help out by manning stations for their volunteering time if needed.
d. Mrs. Karparis will talk to Mrs. Lynch who assisted us with ideas last year.
e. If we set up activities and have people “man” them then we’d likely get more assistance.
f. High school dance team demonstration? Mrs. Poole will look into this. Mr. Holt will talk to the culinary teacher at the high school.
g. We should wear red.
h. 6:30-8:00
i. 8-10 stations last year. Last year’s stations reviewed.
i. Healthy foods, healthy snacks
ii. Dance Team?
iii. Brain table with activities
iv. Informational books about health – parents and kids
v. Jump rope
vi. Hula-hoop
vii. Hopscotch
viii. “Heart awareness” table with stethoscopes, pulse taking etc.
ix. Health affiliation will be contacted by Mrs. Karparis for screening for parents perhaps.
x. Brain gym?
VI. Other:
a. Funding for theater: Are there grants for playgrounds? They are quite competitive (Lowes, Home Depot, the Mill Store). There might be other organizations that we can contact to assist us with paying for the Theater if we do not raise enough money through the walk way. Perhaps we can have the materials donated if we have a list of the materials we need in order to build the theater?
VII. Agenda items for next time:
a. Family forum
b. Make a difference
c. Little Theater
d. Book drive
e. Dennett Voice brain storm (deadline May 1st)
VIII. Next meeting – February 5, 2008
Meeting adjourned
3:35 - 4:30 P.M.
Members Present: Philip Holt, Christine Marcolini, Steven Lyons, Jill Andersen,
And Jo-Ann Hutchinson
I. Approval of minutes from last meeting: Approved.
II. Dennett Voice:
a. 600 extra copies (which we were not charged for).
b. The finished product looks great! Well done everyone!
c. Mr. Holt will send a thank you note to the printer: attn. Brian Martin
d. The correctional facility can handle screening shirts as well.
III. Make a Difference:
a. Ideas for Penny Drive:
i. Not much in town for charities.
ii. Veteran’s affairs - oil assistance for Veterans was put forth as an idea? Mrs. Karparis will look into it.
iii. Smile Train, Lukemia, St. Judes, Pilgrim’s Hope, Animal Shelter, Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots and Cross Roads for kids (for inner city kids to go to camp in Duxbury) put forth for ideas.
iv. Cranberry Hospice Children’s Grieving Program was suggested and the Council is interested in learning more. (Mr. Holt will look into the Children’s Bereavement Fund-if donations can be made directly to that fund and not put in to a general Hospice donation fund).
v. During the next meeting we will make a definitive choice for our “Kids Helping Kids” charity.
b. Every classroom has had a box in the past to collect the change children bring in. Mrs. Karparis has clear Poland Spring jars available that we could use for each classroom (so the children can see how much they have collected). Mrs. Karparis will mark the jars for each classroom).
c. Feb. 1st until Feb. 15th we will collect money.
IV. Books – Mission to Liberia:
a. Ms. Andersen has spoken to Geri O’Reilly. She is “on board, “ and has been in contact with the local librarian in town (they have a bunch of donated books already).
b. It would be nice to tie in the book collection with the read-a-thon in March. We could have boxes in classrooms and more central for after school activities (ex. Basketball).
c. Any kind of book can be donated (including old text books).
d. Idea put forth to do books for Liberia and also something local (Mrs. Hutchinson will look into this).
V. Family Forum – Healthy Kids
a. Date picked: March 6, 2008 “Healthy Hearts, Healthy Minds, Healthy Kids – Second Annual Event.”
b. Mr. Holt reviewed what happened last time for the Council: healthy snacks and recipes, brain gym, Skit for Second Step, Aerobic Exercise, Build a Healthy Meal Activity, logic puzzles, library corner. The local librarian assisted last year as well as Mrs. Reynolds, Ms. Leek, Mrs. Lynch, Mrs. Sarratt).
c. Mr. Holt will put it on a staff meeting agenda to see what teachers may want to assist with the event and also brainstorm ideas for activities.
VI. Other:
a. Mr. Holt explained where our new conference room chairs came from. Five file cabinets will be coming as well.
b. Gazebo: Mrs. Springer is looking into to this. “It is in the works” to have it fixed.
c. The school sign looks great. Mr. Holt reviewed who assisted with this (thank you notes already sent by Mr. Holt).
d. Outdoor Theatre: We got an estimate for $3,000 from CTE.
e. Brick orders: Slow right now. We sold 210 bricks last year.
f. Mr. Holt will contact the bus company supervisor regarding concerns: bus speed (#46) and “quiet bus” being used every day on a certain bus for the whole ride. Community action discussed as well.
V. Agenda for next time:
a. Select “Make a Difference” cause
b. Ms. Andersen will make a poster for the mission to Liberia cause and contact the cause to facilitate the event.
c. Discuss the Family Forum.
Meeting Adjourned
3:30-4:45
Members Present: Philip Holt, Christine Marcolini, Steven Lyons, Jill Andersen,
Nancy Poole and Jo-Ann Hutchinson
I. Approval of minutes from last meeting: Approved.
II. Dennett Voice:
a. Mrs. Karparis provided Mr. Holt with a new brick sale insert for the Dennett Voice (she was unable to attend the meeting today).
b. Typos and a few additions made to each section.
c. CASA will be asked to provide some information for the Voice.
d. Information from the town clerk and the local church’s upcoming events will be included.
e. Chief Clancy provided a lot of information for community news. Mr. Lyons emailed the fire chief twice and made attempts to get information form the fire department, without response. He will try again for the spring edition.
f. Ms. Andersen will email Mrs. Marcolini the missing page 3 as well as the information that CASA provides in order to help proof read them.
g. Flyer about the high school theatre production “Secret Garden” will be emailed to Mr. Holt by Mrs. Poole.
h. Mrs. Poole will email information about the classrooms who visited the Plympton corn maze this past fall for the Voice.
i. Ms. Andersen will fix the typos and get the final draft ready.
j. A final hard copy will be sent home with Mr. Lyon’s daughter (Nicole-Grade 3) and he will deliver it to the copier.
III. Make a Difference:
a. We need to pick a cause for the penny drive (usually conducted in February).
b. Previous causes that were supported were reviewed.
c. We will discuss ideas for what cause to donate to at the next meeting in December.
d. Each person will come with an idea for the December meeting of who we could donate to.
e. Ms. Andersen brought up a book drive for old books for a community center/library being built in Liberia. Mr. Holt shared that Mrs. O’Reilly could possibly help with this through the library. Ms. Andersen has the contact information for the man who is organizing the collection of the books. It could be tied in to read across America/Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Mr. Holt will discuss this with Mrs. Larson and Mrs. O’Reilly.
V. Outdoor Stage:
a. Estimate for the stage is 3,000 through the carpentry department at Silver Lake High School.
b. The cost includes all materials required and a Silver Lake surcharge.
c. Mrs. Poole will get more information/more details about how it will be built etc. (ex. here or in the shop). A bigger discussion will take place at the next meeting.
VI. Other:
a. See above info for “Mission to Liberia”
VII. Agenda Items for Next Time:
a. Make a Difference
i. Penny Drive
ii. Book drive “Mission to Liberia.”
b. Parent Forum-Healthy Kids
c. Outdoor Stage
Meeting Adjourned
October 2, 2007
Time: 3:30-4:45
Members Present: Philip Holt, Jo-Ann Hutchinson, Christine Marcolini
Jill Andersen, Shelly Karparis, Steven Lyons and Nancy Poole
I. Minutes from last meeting accepted.
II. Dennett Walkway:
a. Forms were available at open house.
b. Forms will be sent home with the children by the end of the week.
c. Information will be posted on the calendar and on the web.
d. Mrs. Karparis will send letters out to businesses.
III. Dennett Voice:
a. Deadline for sections is Nov. 9th
b. $201.60 cents for printing from the Sheriff’s Dept. Estimate attained by Mr. Lyons. This includes the insert and the seals. This price is better than what we have paid in the past. Two weeks notice required.
c. If the VOICE is given to the printer over Thanksgiving Break, it will be back to us for December.
d. Mr. Lyons will deliver the information to the print shop.
IV. Kids’ Question:
a. Advice for the president: “If you could give advice to the president, what would you say?”
V. Parent Resource Guide (examined page by page):
a. Page 1 = staff changes made
b. Page 2 = updated
c. Page 3 = school committee updated
d. Page 4 = change school council goals/update. Update member list. Dates for meetings will be listed.
e. Page 5 = update casa members
f. Page 6 = same
g. Page 7/8 = focus areas for each grade looked at. The teachers will be asked by Mr. Holt to update their sections (specialists and school nurse too).
h. Page 21 = book list misspellings corrected. Kindergarten and first grade lists will be separated.
i. School secretary will be asked to update the phone numbers on page 21.
VI. Benchmarks:
a. Benchmarks are a condensed version of the frameworks (Frameworks are standards which differ from state to state). The last ones were developed for the whole district (K-12) by prior assistant superintendent.
b. Redoing benchmarks is not on the administrative agenda for the district at this time.
c. Asst. Superintendent Joy Blackwood is looking to get groups together to look across the curriculum to see what they need. Benchmarks may be looked at as part of this.
d. Math meals an Lit lunches explained by Mr. Holt. Teachers get together to discuss curriculum and curriculum development.
e. The council is in support of the math meals and lit lunches and in helping to facilitate them.
VII. Gazebo:
a. Will be looked at by benefactor and may be repaired.
b. The school sign that was vandalized may be repainted by an artist.
VIII. Agenda for Next Time:
a. Proof reading of the Dennett Voice
b. Make a difference program.
c. Parent forum – March (healthy kids and healthy minds)
d. Outdoor stage – ask for estimates. Mrs. Poole will look at website link for outdoor stage.
Time: 3:00p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Members Present:Philip Holt (principal), Jo-Ann Hutchinson (parent), Christine Marcolini (School Psychologist), Jill Andersen (Teacher), Shelly Karaparis (Parent), Steven Lyons (Parent), Nancy Poole (community member)
I. Introduction of new members
II. Meetings will now be held the first Tuesday of every month. Dates set.
III. Purpose of school council reviewed (handout given) and copies of school improvement plan distributed.
IV. Last year’s goals reviewed:
1. Host a parent/family information forum
2. Continue the “make a difference” program (ex. Penny drive).
3. Address school safety concerns.
4. Continue to implement and reassess ongoing communication among school, parents and the community (ex. Dennett Voice, surveys (only 13 returned last year).
5. To continue to implement a beautification program for the school (ex. walkway).
6. To review and reevaluate the current SLRSD curriculum/and benchmarks.
7. To explore ways to improve homework participation.
V. New Office Election: Mrs. Marcolini – Secretary: Shelly Karparis – Co-Chair
VI. Dennett Walkway:
a. Bricks will be sold again this year.
b. After expenses, 2 backboards and 3 picnic tables bought for the grounds there is an outstanding profit of $429.56 from last year’s brick fundraiser.
c. Mrs. Karparis reviewed the walkway time line and how information is distributed.
d. A goal for this year is to increase business participation and involve families that are new to the school.
e. Mrs. Karparis will provide Mr. Holt with the addresses of the people he will write thank you notes to for assisting with the walkway, putting up the backboards etc.
f. Mr. Holt and Mrs. Karparis will have something available for open house re: the walkway.
VII. Mrs. Marcolini collected the email addresses of the council members and will distribute/email them to everyone.
VIII. Dennett Voice:
a. Will be published twice this year.
b. November 9th Dead line – December issue.
c. Ms. Andersen puts it all together.
d. Mrs. Marcolini will do the introduction (ideas for contents given/discussed).
e. Mr. Holt does the principal’s page.
f. Ms. Andersen will get “notable news” from the staff (Professional dev. etc)
g. Mrs. Hutchinson will contact CASA for their input.
h. Mr. Lyons, Mrs. Hutchinson and Mrs. Poole will work on the community news.
i. Mrs. Karparis will get the information from the school committee.
j. Mrs. Poole will choose selections of the kids’ work (a few from each grade) for the “Kids’ Corner” section. Mr. Holt will send their submissions to Mrs. Poole through interoffice mail.
k. Ms. Andersen will have the sixth graders interview the new staff members.
l. Mr. Lyons will price out the printing for the Voice by the correctional facility to see if money can be saved.
m. Mrs. Hutchinson will ask the North River School for a price for printing the voice (1,200 copies needed plus an insert page).
IX. Outdoor theater idea discussed:
a. Could career tech assist in its building?
b. Could eagle scouts be used to help build a theater or another project?
c. Ms. Andersen will contact the school she got the pictures from.
d. If dimensions are given, Mrs. Poole will talk to career tech about the idea.
X. The Gazebo in front of the school is either in need of repair or being taken down. It is currently unsafe. Mr. Holt will talk to the benefactor of the gazebo.
XI. The Council will again collect donations for children’s costumes at the fall fling this year. Mrs. Karparis will talk to CASA about having a box out for donations.
XII. Resource guide:
a. During the next meeting the school’s parent resource guide will be reviewed.
b. Copies of the current issue will be made available for open house.
4:45 meeting adjourned
.
Web Formatted by Philip Holt