School Climate Committee Meeting Minutes

TO: Phil Brier, David Buzzi, Sue Chickering, Jean Dufresne, Emily Graham, Steven Grindle, Dennis Hill, Carol Kelley, Louise Landry, Doug LaPoint, Amy Lester, Connie Lowe, Beth McKinstry, Heather O’Dell-Shipe, Janet Shadroui, Barb Strong, Alicia Tosi

FROM: Jody Emerson

DATE: November 2005

CC: Cindy Donlon, Jeff Maher

Thank you to everyone who attended the November 7^th meeting.

Discussions began with a question of the role of the committee and a reflection at last year’s topics – success vs. non-success.

J.E. Felt that the ISS was blockaded due to lack of funding and space, Hall Issues recommendations were made and yet there was no insurance of compliance, Freshman Academy a success that is now out of our hands…so where do we go now? How do we do something that we can feel successful about. How can we ensure that our work will lead to something?

Responses – ISS Money and Space issue – we’d like to continue with that topic this year, perhaps there are workable alternatives:

½ Work, ½ Service (Supervisor needed)

Code of conduct to suspension, teachable discipline system.

What do sending schools do?

OSS should not be an option – either Reparative board or ISS unless infraction severe…i.e.: weapons violation.

Other concerns:

CK/CL: Staff burnt out – stress level this year even higher than last year

PB: Concerned with the time taken with classroom management, general disprespect throughout the building and inconsistency of guideline application

CK: Not knowing rules even to dress code or P.D.A. What’s ok? What’s not?

AL: Concerns with bullying/cyberbullying/text messaging – 20 min video, do students know how to report?

General Discussion:

Bullying law: Not here, not now.

Create an environment where students want to follow the rules.

Lounges for students and faculty…money for restructuring?

How can we work within the structure? Another Faculty breakfast?

Invite student members to become part of the Climate Committee

What happened to Prevention Team?

Comment that we suffer from their (Freshmen) lack of skills when they come in but we’ve done a great job of socializing them.

Release time for committee meetings?

Agenda for next meeting – Monday December 19^th, 7:30 AM room 205

*Discussion of faculty breakfast turn out

*Review of student handbook rules

*ISS (Dennis Hill)

*TA/HR – our role in its changes this year?

*Staff Development requests to help improve School Climate

*How to use YRBS information for above and beyond!