dover-sherborn regional school committee meeting agenda ... · 4. financial reports • monthly...

Dover-Sherborn Regional School Committee Meeting Agenda

May 7, 2019 6:30 pm

Dover Sherborn Middle School Library

1. Call to Order

2. Community Comments

3. Reports: • DSHS Headmaster & Student Report –Mr. John Smith & Ms. Roni Edni • DSMS Headmaster’s Report – Mr. Kellett • Assistant Superintendent Report – Ms. Elizabeth McCoy

4. Financial Reports

• Monthly Financial Report – FY19 Operating Budget 5. Retiree Health Insurance A.R.

6. Boys Ice Hockey Request for Co-op JV Team w/Weston HS A.R.

7. Proposed changes to 2019-20 Student Handbooks – First Read 8. Consent Agenda A.R.

• Approval of Minutes February 26 and March 5, 2019 • Donations

9. Communications

• Dover School Committee Minutes January 22, 2019 • Sherborn School Committee Minutes February 15, 2019

10. Recognitions 11. Adjournment

Note: The listings of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair, which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items

listed may, in fact, be discussed and other items not listed may also be raised for discussion to the extent permitted by law.

The Public Schools of Dover and Sherborn do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness.

John Smith Ellen Chagnon Headmaster Director of Guidance Ann Dever-Keegan Jeff Parcells Assistant Headmaster Athletic Director


Dover-Sherborn High School 9 Junction Street

Dover, MA 02030 Phone: 508-785-1730 Fax: 508-785-8141

TO: Dr. Andrew Keough, Superintendent FROM: John G. Smith, Headmaster, DSHS RE: Headmaster’s Monthly Report DATE: May 7th, 2019 Headmaster’s Reflections: Last month, we held an all school assembly to honor the inaugural inductees to the Dover Sherborn Distinguished Hall of Service. Students and staff were able to hear from two former educators as well as two former Ds students who have all gone on to make a difference in the lives of others in their community and in the world. Each of the four recipients also had the opportunity to speak to individual classes about their work. Each recipient gave excellent advice to students to pursue your dreams and goals, give back to others and make this world a better place for all. This year’s inductees included:

Hilary Binder-Aviles, a former DS graduate who has provided over 30 years of service to nonprofit organizations meeting basic human needs and promoting equality and justice. Hillary also co-founded a Washington DC based arts and cultural organization creating space for youth to speak their truths. Finally Hillary authored a US State Department NGO Management Handbook that is used across the world.

Lou Dittami, a long time DS science teacher and coach. Lou was responsible for bring the blood drives to Dover Sherborn and also was the first coordinator of the Ds outreach to St. Francis House and the Pine Street Inn. A long time blood donor, Lou was honored both by Dana Farber for providing over 700+ platelets as well as the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation Patriots Difference Maker of the Week.

Judge Diane M. Kottmyer, a former DS Latin teacher who later became a special prosecutor for the US Department of Justice. Diane investigated and prosecuted cases involving organized crime and police political corruption, including convictions of the leadership of organized crime families in New England. Diane is the Co-founder of the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts and is now a Trial Judge in the Massachusetts Superior Court.

Charles Sennot is a former DS graduate, who has become an award winning journalist, a bestselling author and a documentary producer and innovator in new media. Charles has been a foreign correspondent in 20 countries including Afghanistan and Iraq. Charles has been the Middle East Chief Bureau correspondent for the Boston Globe, a staff writer for the New York Daily News, a correspondent for PBS Frontline and PBS News hour as well as a regular commentator for NPR, BBC and MSNBC.


A special thanks to William Davis, Janae Barrett, Lorraine Witzburg, and Jon Kirby for their tireless efforts in bringing this honor and tradition to Dover Sherborn High School.

HS Events: Monday May 6th-Friday May 17th AP exams Friday May 17th- Early Release/Junior Senior Prom-Waltham Thursday May 23rd- Senior Project Presentations/Underclassmen Awards Tuesday May 21st- Wednesday May 22nd- MCAS Math exams Monday May 27th- Memorial Day- No School Tuesday May 28th-Thursday May 30th- Senior Final Exams Thursday May 30th-Senior Boat Cruise-Boston Student Recognition: Junior Caroline Gallagher was recently honored by the Boston Celtics along with other Project 351 alumni as part of their Heroes Amongst Us Campaign. Caroline and several other students were invited to the game and were able to go out on the floor to be recognized during a timeout in the first half. Project 351, a nonprofit set up by former Governor Deval Patrick is determined to meet the demand for high quality, enriching service opportunities that respect and reflect the unique gifts and world changing aspirations of young people. Project 351 joyfully mobilizes that abundance of talent and goodness to uplift, unite, and transform communities. Curriculum: May is a very busy month with Advanced Placement exams, Math MCAS, and senior exams. The good news for students is the fact that summer is around the corner. Guidance:

During Q4 Guidance are undertaking the following: 1) Local Senior Scholarships - May 1st was deadline and applications have been collated and sent to scholarship presenters to select recipients. Students had a month to complete the applications. 31 Scholarships will be awarded to the class of 2019. 2) Freshman 1-1 meetings are taking place with their respective Guidance counselors. This is a 30 minute check in to discuss how the year has gone and thinking about what is coming in sophomore year covering classes, requirements and discussing extracurricular activities in an effort to get to know our students in our caseload.


3) Junior seminars are in the second cycle. We have covered the timeline for junior and senior year, how to think about what factors are important when considering college and post secondary education options. What you should be doing right now, and next we are simulating a mock admissions committee to gain insight into the admissions process. 4) AP Exams start on May 6 through May 17th. There are 13 AP exams being administered in the high school and 207 students taking exams.

Athletics-

Our Track and Field Teams are having a fantastic season. Within the TVL, the boys are undefeated (4-0) and the girls are 3-1. Numerous athletes have recorded personal bests and several have qualified for the State Meet. Last weekend, the team finished 2nd in the MSTCA relays, an extraordinary accomplishment given the number of teams and quality of the competition. Both our Girls and Boys Tennis teams are undefeated. We are very excited about the remaining TVL matches and competing in the State Tournament. The Boys Lacrosse Team is 7-2. They are undefeated in the TVL. Their two losses were to excellent teams in the Coaches Cup Competition over April Vacation. The Girls Lacrosse team is 8-2. The team is getting contributions from many players and showing consistent improvement from game to game. Varsity Softball recently won two games in a row, both by one run. The team has been somewhat hampered by injuries, but the competitive spirit is exemplary. Varsity baseball rallied in the 7th inning for wins in consecutive games. They have faced some excellent pitchers in their last few games, but the bats will heat up along with the May weather. Last but not least, Coach Lucil has his team "sailing along". They have earned the distinction of qualifying for the New England Fleet Championships.

DSMS RSC Monthly Report Date: May 1, 2019 Submitted by: Scott Kellett

SIP Goals Updates: Goal 1: Health and Wellbeing of Students and Staff: Revise and enhance programs in support of the social-emotional needs of students and staff Evidence of accomplishment: Our RTI Committee continues to meet to discuss both struggling students and how to move the program forward.

Mr. Wrobleski and our curriculum leaders are working to update our DCAP for the 2019-2020 school year.

We are working with Mrs. Dixson on developing our Therapeutic Learning Program for the 2019-2020 school year.

Caroline Gallagher, a current DSHS junior, arranged through her role with Project 351 an opportunity for a group of 22 middle school students to participate in a workshop from the Boston Celtics “Playbook Initiative.” The workshop took place on March 27th, when we hosted a similar group from Jamaica Plain Middle School. The focus of the activities was on diversity, inclusion, and community. Several members of the group had the opportunity to travel to Dave & Buster’s in Woburn for a fun event with other schools participating in the program where they had the opportunity to meet and talk with Al Horford from the Celtics. In addition, Caroline was recognized as a “Hero Among Us” at the Celtics game on April 7th.

Goal 2: Maintain excellence and rigor while adapting best practices and programs to prepare graduates for success in a rapidly changing world

Evidence of accomplishment: Mr. Wrobleski and several of our staff members are active participants on the Academic Innovation Committee. Many thanks to DSEF who have funded a grant, written by Ana Hurley, that will allow four educators to attend PBL World in Napa, California. This is the Buck Institute's premier event of the year. The team will leave on June 17th and return on June 20th, 2019. The educators will pilot a few PBL lessons or a unit and share with staff and DSEF about the related experiences. The middle school has two staff members that will be participating in the FUSE Program over the next eighteen months. This program focuses on sharing best practices of blended and personalized learning. Participants will work with peers from other districts and have the following traits: 1-enthusiastic about personal learning, 2-driven by research, 3-passionate about people, 4-skillful time managers, and 5-outside the box thinkers.This 96 second video does a great job introducing the program. Ann Larsen from Landmark School continues to work with our staff to enhance the learning environment for all students, in particular our students with a LBLD profile. A small group of 7th Grade girls will be attending the DigiGirlz Microsoft Day on Friday, April 26th, located at the Burlington Microsoft office. During the event, students will interact with Microsoft employees and managers to gain exposure to careers in business and technology and to get an inside look at what it's like to work at Microsoft. This event provides girls with career planning assistance, information about technology and business roles, thought-provoking exercises, and interesting Microsoft product demonstrations. By participating in the Microsoft DigiGirlz Day, the girls will learn about the variety of opportunities available in the high-tech industry, allowing them to explore future career paths.

http://www.pblworld.org/events/pbl-world-2019/event-summary-54eaef5bdee14c6d815e79f0dc722a95.aspx

https://vimeo.com/162982732

MicroBits: iGnite Computer Science Workshop was held this past Saturday 4/27 and was hosted by Olin College of Engineering students. Students ranging from grades 5-8 were able to participate. Goal 3: Content Review and Research of Mathematics

Evidence of accomplishment: The math department is reviewing the survey results and looking at the areas of suggested weakness to make appropriate changes. On May 14th, our ELA teachers will be having a full day retreat with Jacy Ippolito and his team.

The objectives of the workshop will be...

• To review the current approach to literacy learning at the middle school level • To review the current approach to literacy interventions at the middle school level • To identify strengths of the current program and ways to expand best practices across

grades and disciplines • To identify areas of need as we develop a cohesive K-12 approach to literacy (reading,

writing, speaking, listening, grammar, vocabulary, etc) that supports all learners

Jacy Ippolito is an associate professor in the School of Education at Salem State University, Salem, Massachusetts. Jacy's research and teaching focus on the intersection of adolescent and disciplinary literacy, literacy coaching, teacher leadership, and school reform. Jacy is specifically interested in the roles that teacher leaders, principals, and literacy coaches play in helping institute and maintain instructional change at middle and high school levels. His books include, Adolescent Literacy; Adolescent Literacy in the Era of the Common Core: From Research into Practice; Cultivating Coaching Mindsets: An Action Guide for Literacy Leaders; Investigating Disciplinary Literacy: A Framework for Collaborative Professional Development; and Unpacking Coaching Mindsets: Collaboration Between Principals and Coaches. Group Updates:

English:

• Sixth grade began working on their fantasy unit, learning in “lit circles” with fantasy literature in preparation for adapting chapters into staged scenes.

• Seventh grade is working on a collaborative interdisciplinary research project with the Social Studies department on legal immigration in the United States.

• Eighth grade just finished reading/discussing/analyzing To Kill a Mockingbird; there were great connections between the Social Studies mock trial of Andrew Jackson regarding the Trail of Tears and the trial of Tom Robinson in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. We have just begun reading and writing plays.

Social Studies:

A number of 6th grade students participated in “Historic Hair” after school with Ms. Collins. The goal was to recreate Greco-Roman hairstyles as seen from primary sources such as coins or statues. Ariyanna Edwards helped Sofia Kraft recreate a style worn by Cleopatra as found on a coin. (There is a photo below showing Sofia's hairstyle coming together with the image we were following in the background.) We learned by watching tutorials that showed the period-appropriate tools and techniques and recreated the hairstyles using mostly modern tools. Other students who participated were Wendy Hou, Selena Pu, and Iris Chen. The first round also included Selin Gulden. (See images below)

During the months of March and April, students in 7th grade social studies, studied Latin America and Asia. As a part of the Latin America unit, students had the opportunity to represent an interest group and participate in a debate over whether to preserve or develop the Amazon rainforest. More recently, students have been working on an essay in both English and social studies classes on whether the United States government should increase, maintain, or decrease the number of legal immigrants that are currently allowed into the country. Thanks to a grant from POSITIVE, seventh graders were entertained by Karim Nagi on April 29. Mr. Nagi, a musician who is originally from Egypt, played a number of different instruments that are common in the Arab world. He also provided a history of the instruments that he played and allowed students to ask questions.

Eighth grade students started their Civil War research papers. They are learning a process to record notes effectively, cite information correctly, and avoid plagiarism. They are choosing whether “their” Civil War figure was a hero or villain and creating and supporting their own

unique thesis with evidence they find in their research. They are not writing a biography! At the same time, we are learning about the Civil War.

The Social Studies Department just received Document Based Question (DBQ) units for each grade level. This is a writing program which uses primary source documents to examine and analyze questions that are provocative and interesting to students. This was generously funded by a DSEF grant and we are looking forward to exploring questions related to Ancient Civilizations such as: “Citizenship in Athens and Rome: Which Was the Better System?”; in World Geography “The Syrian Civil War: What Is Fueling the Violence?” and US History “North or South: Who Killed Reconstruction?”. These questions link directly to the curriculum that we teach and we are excited to try out our new materials.

Science:

Sixth graders continue their study of Earth science. They have recently learned about and created layers of the atmosphere foldable’s, partnered up and made video mini-lessons to review content, and went on a virtual field trip to the Mariana Trench. We have been finding creative ways to combine cultural proficiency, art, music and science so while learning about sea floor spreading and the ocean floor students analyzed the famous painting "Under the Wave Off Kanagawa" by Katsushika Hokusai from the series "Thirty Six Views of Mount Fuji". Sixth graders then listened to Claude Debussy's three symphonic sketches entitled "La Mer" compliments of NPR. We also had a rich conversation about Edward Munch's "The Scream" and whether it was painted in response to the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa.

Seventh grade Team Lightning just completed the Evolution unit by debating on current topics...Clone a woolly mammoth to help prevent permafrost melting which is due to the climate change. Team Thunder students exhibited some amazing persuasive writing, learning about new technologies and continue to research and learn more about the United Nations’ Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

We are diving into the Ecology unit next! We'll be learning about how the living and nonliving worlds work together on a daily basis. These lessons will include adventures outside, several art projects and an integration of previously mastered content reviewing the six kingdoms of taxonomy. We are welcoming spring with open eyes and nature notebooks! Our appreciation of nature is sure to be in full BLOOM!

Eighth grade is working hard on their forces and motion unit including projects on Newton's Laws. Parents may see students practicing the first law "tablecloth trick" at home or other hands-on demonstrations. Hopefully no fine china will be sacrificed to the Newton's laws cause. We will also be starting our joint math/science project using data collection and graph analysis to design an optimal bungee cord for a Beanie Baby drop -- culminating in the drop from the roof event in May.

Technology:

Our collaborated Special Subjects STEAM Unit will begin at the end of May for all sixth grade students. We will be making a few changes to the theme for this year's project. Final presentations will be shared with the community in early June at our STEAM Fair. In our 8th grade Engineering course, students are beginning quarter 4 with the "Throwing Machines" Engineering design unit. Students are excited about testing their machines outside this quarter. We will conclude our quarter with the Architect Building design project in collaboration with Ms. Woodward presenting and sharing informal urban living/cities from around the globe. Also in engineering, 7th grade engineering students are working on structure testing and bridge building, while the 6th grade students are starting with robotics this quarter. They have just begun building their first robotics project this quarter. As a final project in the 7th grade Technology Literacy course, students are working together, Shark Tank style, to brainstorm an idea, product, app or service to help others in need or support a challenge in an area across the globe. Through a series of steps in the beginning stages of creating a business plan for their idea, students collaborate together in their research to pitch their idea to their classmates. Using a variety of technology skills and tools covered in the class, students create and design a website together and use their final website to "pitch" their idea.

Fine and Performing Arts:

The Fine and Performing Arts department just finished a very busy season of performances, exhibitions, and community events. Both the DS Choral Festival and Jazz Spectrum concerts were organized with a new concert format that better showcased student learning and performance, and effectively presented the curricular track from elementary to high school to students and community members alike. The Fine Arts department was granted the wonderful opportunity to attend the National Arts Educator Association Conference, hearing from leading minds of the Art and Education field. While they were away, student and parent volunteers coordinated with our staff to present an exhibition of student artwork during intermission at the HS musical performances. Lastly, the Pep band at the high school has created a strong connection between our athletics department and music students, rallying the crowd and supporting the Boys Basketball team during their victorious season this year. This connection at high school has helped create interest and community-building at the middle school level as well, with the MS pep band playing at the student-faculty basketball game and our Raiders Run, Roll, and Walk events. It is encouraging to see these steps of the DS community embracing the idea that music and fine arts are not just for “artists and musicians”, but an integral part of all student’s education and experience.

Last weekend the DSMS Drama Program held its annual "Student Directed One Act Plays" with three performances on Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27. Thirty-four DSMS students were cast in one of three plays: "James and The Giant Peach" was directed by DSHS juniors Olivia Barrows and Natalie Podsedly, "Are We There Yet?" was directed by juniors Brin Rockett and Margo Memmott, and "Groove-a-Rella" was directed by junior Kenia Doratt and sophomore Oliver Morgens. On Sunday, April 28th, DS traveled to The Rashi School in Dedham for the Massachusetts Middle School Drama Festival sponsored by the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild, our 10th year of participation in this festival. Middle schools from Leominster,

Millis, Newton, Weston, and Dedham each performed a one-act play and were critiqued by two adjudicators. Our own play, "Are We There Yet?" performed at the festival and three actors were recognized for their performances: 8th graders Julia Martin and Maggie Bruce and 6th grader Miranda Savla. Middle school math teacher, Carmel Bergeron, was the producer of the three one act plays, advisor to the student directors, and organized the participation in the drama festival. Next year, DS will again be a host site for the METG drama festival on Sunday, May 3rd. Sixth Grade: On Friday, March 22nd, students from both Team Moon and Team Sun, participated in an exciting Social Studies’ Greek Mythology assembly, "Chariot of the Sun.” The performer, Jeffrey Benoit, was brought to us through a grant from POSITIVE, and included dramatic performances of the myths of Phaethon and his chariot, Pandora and her mysterious box, along with Odysseus and the Cyclops. Students were selected from the audience to help perform each of these tales and it was obvious how much they enjoyed this wonderful performance.

In addition, students participated in our fourth annual Raiders Rock: Run, Roll, or Walk event on Friday, April 12th. This event was sponsored by the DSMS Peer Leadership Club, Mrs. Merritt, and Detective James Godinho. The purpose of this event was to show school community. A fun day was had by all!

School Council:

Dover Sherborn Middle School

School Advisory Council Agenda

3:00 PM

April 29, 2019 Middle School Conference Room

Welcome Scott Kellett, Karina Corrigan, Jennifer Debin, Tawny Desjardins, Ana Hurley, Anita Sebastian, Olive Woodward School Improvement Plan Council reviewed the plan Discussed upcoming PBL workshops Discussed upcoming Fuse fellowship Discussed Synergy and plan for locked doors at DSMS

• Scott will add ERT to Health and Wellbeing Initiative (lockdowns) under Who Is Responsible

• Scott will add DSMS Survival Guide (a student guide of tips to be distributed by guidance) to Health and Wellbeing Initiative

• Scott will add start time information to Health and Wellbeing Initiative

• Scott will add new social emotional program to Health and Wellbeing Initiative • Scott will send unabridged copy of SIP to council members

Handbook Changes Scott made changes to handbook

• Scott will look over the handbook to be sure that all “he/she” references are changed to “they”

Other Business Should Lockdown Drills be called Safety Drills? How can we keep parents in the loop about the lockdown language we are using?

• Scott will bring up the idea of creating a video to talk to students about lockdowns so that the message is consistent (for staff, students, and parents) at the next ERT meeting

Our next meeting is May 13th Adjourn 4:05 pm

To: Dr. Andrew Keough, Superintendent

From: Elizabeth McCoy, Assistant Superintendent

Re: May School Committee Meeting - Region

Date: May 3, 2019

FUSE FELLOWSHIP Through our membership with the TEC Collaborative, two middle school faculty members have been named Fuse Fellows. The Fuse program aims to “cultivate and disseminate innovative education solutions that improve educator and system capacity to provide personalized experiences for every learner.” Through an 18 month program, our fellows will learn best practices in personalized and blended learning and serve as coaches in a neighboring district. In return, Dover Sherborn will receive two Fuse Fellows who will support district data collection and analysis, conduct planning meetings with leadership teams, support the identification of K-12 early adopter teachers, and provide coaching support to those involved. We are excited for this opportunity as we further identify and develop teacher leaders within our schools and utilize instructional strategies that put students at the center of the learning process. MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT Massachusetts has shifted its focus to a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) that includes social-emotional and behavioral supports for students in addition to the more standard academic interventions often associated with Response to Intervention (RTI). That being said, through the ongoing work of our guidance counselors, adjustment counselors, behavior analysts, and many others, a shift in name does not require a shift in practice for our district. Our faculty will continue to work with students with various levels of need across all three realms, all of which is outlined in our newly updated District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP) to be published later this spring. Moving forward, we hope to engage parents in better understanding the many layers of support we provide to students through our practices in the general education classroom, small group sessions and individualized interventions as we attempt to meet the needs of all learners in a timely and efficient manner. In regard to academic interventions, we have engaged Dr. Jacy Ippolito, an adolescent literacy specialist, to work with our Middle School English team to refine the services provided through small group interventions. Additionally, Dr. Ippolito will be supporting the PK-12 English curriculum leaders to further develop the vision for literacy development and create more opportunities for small group and personalized learning across the system. CULTURAL RESPONSIVENESS As the year comes to an end, educators will be sharing the work that has resulted from a year-long focus on developing anti-biased curricula and acquiring skills to facilitate developmentally appropriate conversations/activities among students around topics of identity and social justice. Based on feedback from an upcoming survey, professional development opportunities will be designed and provided next year in order to continue this work and expand our repertoire of culturally responsive teaching strategies.

As we finalize changes to our various handbooks and documents, the Leadership Team has invited Leslie Smart of IDEAS to provide strategies and resources for identifying bias in policies and protocols. We look forward to her work with us later this month and plan to share our learning with various governing bodies through the district. MASSACHUSETTS CONSORTIUM FOR INNOVATION EDUCATION ASSESSMENT The Massachusetts Consortium for Innovation Education Assessment (MCIEA) is a group of districts “committed to establishing fair and authentic ways of assessing student learning and school quality that better reflect what students, educators, and community members most value in our schools.” Members of our Leadership Team attended its second annual forum held at the University of Massachusetts Boston and learned from member districts the ways in which performance-based assessments have changed how teachers and students engage in school. In addition to practical ideas and strategies, our group left feeling validated in our efforts to expand our assessment practices and measures of success as a district. While we are bound by the state’s standardized tests for the foreseeable future, we are encouraged that certain districts have been given the authority to test alternate methods with the hope of broad implementation in the years to come. ACADEMIC INNOVATION COMMITTEE The Academic Innovation Committee held its second working meeting on April 26. After eight hours of documentary and panel presentations in addition to individual reading and research, the group synthesized its findings, identified key skills and attributes necessary for the success of our graduates, and sketched draft Portraits of a DS Graduate. A survey will be going out to the broader DS community later next week to share our findings and gain feedback relative to our proposed competencies. Our last meeting will be held on May 17 when we intend to finalize our Portrait and develop a plan for sharing it with the community as we prepare for phase two of the work.

.

DOVER-SHERBORN HS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

To: John Smith, Headmaster

From: Ron Sudmyer, Interim Athletic Director

Date: March 26, 2019

Re: Boys Ice Hockey Request for Co-op JV Team w/Weston HS

Dear Mr. Smith:

In June of 2018, former Athletic Director Jeff Parcells submitted a proposal for a cooperative

boys ice hockey team with Weston High School. In that proposal Mr. Parcells stated that

“Although we have not had a junior-varsity team in past years due to low participation, this

cooperative team proposal allows for the possibility of some of the younger players having the

opportunity to play in sub-varsity games.”

Following this past winter’s first season of the varsity co-op team a survey was conducted of

players and parents. Lack of playing time for the younger players was a common concern.

Consequently, at the post-winter Athletic Advisory Committee meeting on March 11, Head

Coach Tom Bourque submitted a proposal for the creation of a JV team for the 2019-2020

season. The proposal includes the following details:

Projected Numbers: There are 21 returning players from this years team and 10 potential rising

freshman players. Among the returning 21 skaters are some players who (for safety and

development reasons) could not play in varsity level/competitive games this past season. “We

are projecting almost all of the entire rising freshman to be part of the JV team and they will be

supplemented by some returning underclassmen who may (based on evaluation) continue to

practice and dress for additional varsity contests.” It is important to note that the ultimate goal of

the coaching staff is to develop enough players so that the co-op program can be disbanded in

favor of autonomous D-S and Weston teams.

Coach: The JV team would be coached by one of the Varsity assistants.

Financing: The proposal states that “this program will be funded by the hockey booster clubs of

Dover-Sherborn and Weston or possibly through an agreement between Weston and Dover-

Sherborn public schools as part of their co-op. The total potential cost for ice time, based on 15

practices and 12 games would be $7720. Purchase of uniforms would not be needed as both

schools have sets that can be used.” The AAC granted preliminary approval of the JV program

subject to further discussions with the boosters clubs and our business office to address

equitable fees being paid by players from both schools.

If the boosters do not approve funding then the team will operate the way it did in 2018-19 (with

players who are not ready for Varsity level play being allowed to attend some practices with the

co-op team). If there is no co-op JV team, these players would be encouraged to remain with

their town or other programs to gain game and playing experience.

The Public Schools of Dover and Sherborn 157 Farm Street Dover, MA 02030 Phone: 508-785-0036 Fax :508-785-2239 URL: www.doversherborn.org Dr. Andrew Keough, Superintendent Mrs. Elizabeth McCoy, Assistant Superintendent Ms. Deborah Dixson, Interim Director of Special Education Mrs. Dawn Fattore, Business Manager

Dover- Sherborn Middle School 155 Farm Street Dover, MA 02030 Phone: 508-785-0635 Fax: 508-785-0796 Mr. Scott Kellett Headmaster Mr. Stephen Wrobleski Asst. Headmaster Ms. Jill Arkin Special Education Team Chair Ms. Ellen Chagnon Guidance Director Mr. Ron Sudmyer InterimAthletic Director

To: Dr. Keough, Superintendent From: Scott Kellett, Middle School Headmaster RE: Proposed Changes to Middle School Student/Parent Handbook Date: April 26, 2018 Please find attached the proposed change to the 2018-2019 Student/Parent Handbook. Thank you for considering these changes.

The Public Schools of Dover and Sherborn do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color,sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness.

http://www.doversherborn.org/

Proposed changes to 2019-2020 Middle School Student/Parent Handbook

Page 9: Letter

Old: Dear Parent, Guardian and Student: This Handbook contains school guidelines, rules, and information. Kindly note that the electronic version of the Student Handbook as available on the website is the most current version and will contain any updates and amendments. Please read it carefully because many changes have been made. If you have any questions, contact an administrator or guidance counselor. Please be certain to affix signatures in all appropriate places on any forms that you receive and return these to your A-Block teacher by September 7th. Kindly note the fee schedule and return the Student Activity Fee Form with the appropriate amount by September 21st and all other fees and forms by the dates listed on those forms. Thank you for your cooperation. I wish you a successful school year. New: Dear Parent, Guardian and Student: This Handbook contains school guidelines, rules, and information. Kindly note that the electronic version of the Student Handbook as available on the website is the most current version and will contain any updates and amendments. Please read it carefully because many changes have been made. If you have any questions, contact an administrator or guidance counselor. Please be certain to affix signatures in all appropriate places on any forms that you receive and return these to your A-Block teacher by September 6th. Kindly note the fee schedule and return the Student Activity Fee Form with the appropriate amount by September 20th and all other fees and forms by the dates listed on those forms. If any fee poses a financial hardship for your family please contact your child’s guidance counselor or me directly. This information will be held in strict confidence. Thank you for your cooperation. I wish you a successful school year.

Page 9: NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT AND PROCEDURES Old: The Dover Sherborn Public Schools do not discriminate in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs, activities, on the basis of race, color, or origin, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI); on the basis of sex, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972: on the basis of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Titles I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); on the basis of age, in accordance with the Age Discrimination Act of 1974 (Age Discrimination Act); or on the basis of homelessness in accordance with The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. Furthermore, in

accordance with M.G.L. c.76 s.5 Dover, Sherborn, and Dover Sherborn Schools do not exclude or discriminate against students in admission or in obtaining its advantages, privileges, or courses of study on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness. New: The Dover Sherborn Public Schools do not discriminate in admission to, access to, treatment in, or denied the benefits of its services, programs, activities, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI); on the basis of sex, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972: on the basis of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Titles I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); on the basis of age, in accordance with the Age Discrimination Act of 1974 (Age Discrimination Act); or on the basis of homelessness in accordance with The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. Furthermore, in accordance with M.G.L. c.76 s.5 Dover, Sherborn, and Dover Sherborn Schools do not exclude or discriminate against students in admission or in obtaining its advantages, privileges, or courses of study on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness.

Page 9: English Language Learner Education Old: Parents/Guardians of students whose primary language is not English may request that Dover Sherborn Public Schools translate school documents into their child’s native language. Such documents may include, but not be limited to the following: Home Language Survey, Parental Waiver Application, Chickering Elementary School, Pine Hill Elementary School, Dover Sherborn Middle School and Dover Sherborn High School Student and or Parent/Family Handbooks, Dover-Sherborn Middle and Dover-Sherborn High Schools’ Program of Studies. New: Parents/Guardians of students whose primary language is not English may request that Dover Sherborn Public Schools translate school documents into their child’s native language. Such documents may include, but are not limited to the following: Home Language Survey, Parental Waiver Application, Chickering Elementary School, Pine Hill Elementary School, Dover Sherborn Middle School and Dover Sherborn High School Student and or Parent/Family Handbooks, Dover-Sherborn Middle and Dover-Sherborn High Schools’ Program of Studies.

Page 10: Grievance Procedures for Discrimination Violations Old: Any student or school employee who feels that he or she has been discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age or homelessness with regard to admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs and activities should utilize the following procedure to register a grievance with the Dover Sherborn Public Schools:

1. Students or employees should submit any allegation of discrimination in writing to their building Headmaster/Principal for consideration. The nature of the complaint should be specified in detail.

New: Any student who feels that they have been discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or homelessness with regard to admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs and activities should utilize the following procedure to register a grievance with the Dover Sherborn Public Schools:

1. Students should submit any allegation of discrimination in writing to their building Headmaster/Principal for consideration. The nature of the complaint should be specified in detail.

Page 11: Equity Coordinator

Old: The Equity Coordinators are:

Dover-Sherborn High School Dover Sherborn Middle School 9 Junction Street, Dover 155 Farm Street, Dover Telephone: 508.785.1730 Telephone: 508.785.0635 Chickering Elementary School Pine Hill Elementary School 29 Cross Street, Dover 10 Pine Hill Lane, Sherborn Telephone: 508.785.0480 Telephone: 508.655.0630 New: There is an Equity Coordinator at the middle school to whom any grievance concerns can

be directed:

Mark Thompson Dover Sherborn Middle School

155 Farm Street, Dover Telephone: 508.785.0635

Page 18: Interim Reports Old: Interim reports for each student enrolled at the middle school can be accessed through the family portal approximately halfway through each term. These reports inform students and their parents/guardians of current standing in classes. An email will be sent informing parents/guardians when the portal will be open. Interim reports will be accessible via the parent portal. To access the login page of the portal, please go to the DSMS home page and click on “Aspen Family Portal Login” located under “Quick Links”.

New: Interim reports for each student enrolled at the middle school can be accessed through the family portal approximately halfway through each term. These reports inform students and their parents/guardians of current standing in classes. An email will be sent informing parents/guardians when the portal will be open. Interim reports will be accessible via the parent portal. To access the login page of the portal, please go to the DSMS home page and click on “Aspen Family Portal Login” located under “Quick Links”. Please contact our IT department or main office if you have difficulty accessing the portal or need help with translation. Copies of these reports can be sent either in hardcopy or electronically upon request.

Page 26: The following immunizations are recommended for all students entering the 7th grade:

Old: • While not required, 2 doses of MMR (or mumps containing vaccine) are recommended

for all students • While not required, a 2nd dose varicella vaccine is now recommended for all children less

than 13 years. • While not required, annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all school age

children; • Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all 11-12 year olds and required for all

students in grades 9-12 who are living at a school. New:

• While not required, a 2nd dose varicella vaccine is now recommended for all children less than 13 years.

• While not required, annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all school age children.

• Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all 11-12 year olds and required for all students in grades 9-12 who are living at a school.

• While not required, the HPV vaccination is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Page 40: DISCIPLINE CODE Old: The Discipline Code is administered within the guidelines set forth by the state and federal laws and regulations with regard to due process for students. The Handbook is distributed at the beginning of every year to every student. It is the expectation of the administration and the school system that parent(s)/guardian(s) and student will read the Handbook. Students and parents/guardians are responsible for raising any questions that they may have regarding this Handbook and its provisions with the school administration. Even if the student does not sign the acknowledgement form included with the distribution of this Handbook, such presumption is made. New:

The Discipline Code is administered within the guidelines set forth by the state and federal laws and regulations with regard to due process for students. The Handbook is distributed at the beginning of every year to every student. It is the expectation of the administration and the school system that parent(s)/guardian(s) and student will read the Handbook. Students and parents/guardians are responsible for raising any questions that they may have regarding this Handbook and its provisions with the school administration. Even if the student does not sign the acknowledgement form included with the distribution of this Handbook, such presumption is made. Please note that the consequences suggested below are for extreme or repeated offenses, the administration looks to make every incident a teachable moment and tries to apply restorative justice practices whenever possible.

Page 46: Harrassment Policy Old: The Dover Sherborn Public Schools are committed to providing faculty, staff, and students with a learning and working environment that is free from harassment (verbal and/or physical) based on gender, race, religion, national origin, ethnic background, color, age, sexual orientation, or disability.1 The goal is to maintain a school climate that is supportive, respectful of all school community members, and conducive to learning.

Definition of Harassment Forbidden by This Policy

For the purposes of this policy, the term “harassment” shall be defined as conduct (verbal or physical) based on gender, race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability, that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational or work environment and/ or that unreasonably interferes with another individual/s education or work performance. Complaint Procedures Any member of the Dover Sherborn Public Schools who believes that they have been the victim of harassment (as defined above) by a teacher, pupil, visitor, administrator, or other personnel of the Dover Sherborn Public Schools, or who has knowledge of any of the above should report the alleged acts as soon as possible. * * * * All employees and students should take special note that retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual harassment, and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual harassment complaint, is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the Dover Sherborn Public Schools.

1 Massachusetts state law has been amended to include “gender identity” as a protected classification under M.G.L. c. 76 sec. 5. As such, the administration reasonably anticipates a change in the school district harassment policy to reflect this change in the law.

Any conduct forbidden by the above state or federal statutes shall be considered violative conduct and shall be actionable under this policy. New: The Dover Sherborn Public Schools are committed to providing students with a learning environment that is free from harassment (verbal and/or physical) based on gender, race, religion, national origin, ethnic background, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. The goal is to maintain a school climate that is supportive, respectful of all school community members, and conducive to learning.

Definition of Harassment Forbidden by This Policy

For the purposes of this policy, the term “harassment” shall be defined as conduct (verbal or physical) based on gender, race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability, that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational and/ or that unreasonably interferes with another individual/s education. Complaint Procedures Any student of the Dover Sherborn Public Schools who believes that she/he has been the victim of harassment (as defined above) by a teacher, pupil, visitor, administrator, or other personnel of the Dover Sherborn Public Schools, or who has knowledge of any of the above should report the alleged acts as soon as possible. * * * * All students should take special note that retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual harassment, and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual harassment complaint, is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the Dover Sherborn Public Schools. Any conduct forbidden by the above state or federal statutes shall be considered violative conduct and shall be actionable under this policy.

Page 60: Behavior for School-Sponsored Social Activities

Old: All school sponsored functions are well supervised by the Headmaster, Assistant Headmaster, staff and parents. Parents are urged to make certain the student enters the building when they are brought to the school for a school function. Parents are invited to come back early and observe the activity. In order to insure student safety and supervision and because of the sense of responsibility to the student, staff members wait as long as necessary for all students to be provided with transportation home. Many times, this will cause a disruption of personal and family plans for

the supervisors. Any student who is not picked up within fifteen minutes of the scheduled ending of an event will not be allowed to attend the next scheduled activity. The exception will be if the parent volunteers to chaperone the next scheduled activity. This policy will also apply to your child when the parent has entrusted the means of transportation to another responsible adult. New: All school sponsored functions are well supervised by the Headmaster, Assistant Headmaster, staff and parents. Parents are urged to make certain the student enters the building when they are brought to the school for a school function. Parents are invited to come back early and observe the activity. Parents are responsible for having their children picked up within fifteen minutes of the scheduled ending of an event. Please remember that the adults chaperoning these events have other obligations after these events and this can cause a disruption of personal and family plans for these individuals.

Proposed DSHS Student Handbook Changes ‘19-’20 ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES Additional language Period One DR Option Any student who has a period one DR may arrive at school for period two without a tardy consequence. Students using this option must sign in upon arriving to school and must do so with enough time to be in class by 8:43. Any student arriving after the bell must sign in as tardy and will be subject to the tardy policy. Students returning to campus prior to the bell must wait in the lobby after signing in. Use of the library and wandering the building is not allowed. Students are requested not to arrive at the beginning or middle of the period. Senior Project (Academic Option) Current verbiage p. 39 A Senior Project is a four to six-week unpaid independent study program offering seniors an opportunity to learn in an educational environment not previously available to the student. Admittance to this program is based upon a written proposal explaining the educational value as well as the feasibility of the project. Senior Project proposals are subject to review and approval by the Headmaster. A written statement by a faculty sponsor is submitted in lieu of a grade.

Participation in the Senior Project program requires punctuality, good attendance, responsible citizenship and satisfactory academic achievement. Students MUST fulfill their Community Service obligation by the end of the first semester of senior year to be eligible for participation in Senior Project.

A student will be ineligible for Senior Project if he/she has accumulated 6 unexcused tardies in either semester of senior year or if a student has lost credit in a course for excessive absences or has been removed for excessive class cuts junior or senior year.

Students should note that participation in a skip day will result in loss or termination of Senior Project. Skipping a class during Senior Project or a day at a student‘s Senior Project placement will result in removal from Senior Project. Suspension from school during senior year may result in ineligibility for or removal from Senior Project.

If a student is absent from Senior Project placement, the parent/guardian must call and notify the highschool of the absence. This will count as an absence from school. That morning the parent/guardian must also contact the teacher mentor at the high school and the person that the student is assigned to at the senior project placement.

Students should be aware that they will not be released from an Advanced Placement Course until after the AP exam for that course has been administered, and then only with teacher approval.

Students planning to participate in a Senior Project that requires them to leave and/or return to the high school campus for classes are strongly encouraged to purchase a year-long parking pass when they are available at the beginning of the school year or make alternative plans for transportation. Senior Project students have no guarantee that a temporary pass will be available once Senior Project begins.

Proposed change Senior Project (Academic Option)

A Senior Project is a four to six-week unpaid independent study program offering seniors an opportunity to learn in an educational environment not previously available to the student. Admittance to this program is based upon a written proposal explaining the educational value as well as the feasibility of the project. Senior Project proposals are subject to review and approval by the Headmaster. A written statement by a faculty sponsor is submitted in lieu of a grade.

Participation in the Senior Project program requires punctuality, good attendance, responsible citizenship and satisfactory academic achievement. Satisfactory academic achievement is considered having no final grades senior year below a 70 and no outstanding incompletes. Students MUST fulfill their Community Service obligation by the end of the first semester of senior year to be eligible for participation in Senior Project.

A student will be ineligible for Senior Project if he/she has accumulated 6 unexcused tardies in either semester of senior year or if a student has lost credit in a course for excessive absences or has been removed for excessive class cuts junior or senior year.

Students should note that participation in a skip day will result in loss or termination of Senior Project. Skipping a class during Senior Project or a day at a student‘s Senior Project placement will result in removal from Senior Project. Suspension from school during senior year may result in ineligibility for or removal from Senior Project.

If a student is absent from Senior Project placement, the parent/guardian must call and notify the highschool of the absence. This will count as an absence from school. That morning the parent/guardian must also contact the teacher mentor at the high school and the person that the student is assigned to at the senior project placement.

Students should be aware that they will not be released from an Advanced Placement Course until after the AP exam for that course has been administered, and then only with teacher approval.

Students planning to participate in a Senior Project that requires them to leave and/or return to the high school campus for classes are strongly encouraged to purchase a year-long parking pass when they are available at the beginning of the school year or make alternative plans for transportation. Senior Project students have no guarantee that a temporary pass will be available once Senior Project begins.

School-wide Examinations P. 30 Current Verbiage Midyear and final examinations will be weighted 20% of each respective semester grade at every level in all departments. To comply with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s regulations regarding Educational Proficiency Plans, an end of course assessment is mandatory in English and Mathematics for those juniors and seniors who have not scored at or above the Proficient level on MCAS in those disciplines. Proposed Change School-wide Examinations Midyear and final examinations will be weighted 10% of each respective semester grade at every level in all departments. To comply with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s regulations regarding Educational Proficiency Plans, an end of course assessment is mandatory in English and Mathematics for those juniors and seniors who have not scored at or above the Proficient level on MCAS in those disciplines.

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Dover-Sherborn Regional School Committee Meeting of February 26, 2019

Members Present: Anne Hovey, Vice Chair

Maggie Charron Judi Miller Clare Graham

Also Present: Dr. Andrew Keough, Superintendent Dawn Fattore, Business Manager 1) Call to Order Ms. Hovey called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm in the Middle School Library. 2) Community Comments - none 3) FY20 Operating Budget

• Recommended Adjustments - Ms. Fattore reviewed the additional adjustments to the FY20 budget: increase of $5,000 in Technology Services for Security System; savings from educator retirement of $40,000; increase of $20,000 to Building Maintenance Reserve based on prior year actuals; increase of $19,500 for Norfolk County Retirement based on actual assessment; savings from Healthcare Insurance costs based on known rate increases for FY20; and increase of $8,000 to Property Insurance based on increased valuations for a total reduction to the FY20 Budget request of $87,500. The overall increase in the operating budget is $677,438 or 2.75% over FY19.

• OPEB - In November 2017 the School Committee voted to adopt MGL Chapter 32B, Section 20 authorizing the establishment of an OPEB Insurance Liability Trust Fund. Any funding of this liability must be incorporated into the Region’s operating budget and thereby received the member towns’ approval. The Administration is recommending the initial “seed” investment of $500,000 using available Community Education resources that have accumulated over the last 10 years. The Employee Benefits sub-committee plans to meet with several firms/agencies to select a Trust Administrator. By July 2, 2019 all the applicable trust documents, recommended policies, etc. will be approved and executed. The Administration and School Committee will discuss this further with the Advisory and Warrant Committees at tomorrow’s meeting.

4) ACED Recommendation for FY20 - there was discussion about each of the recommendations: • Community Service Club -

Ms. Charron made a motion to approve the 1.0 ratio for the Community Service Club. Ms. Graham seconded. 19-05 VOTE: 4 - 0

• Global Citizenship Certificate Program Ms. Charron made a motion to approve the 2.0 ratio for the Global Citizenship Certificate Program. Ms. Miller seconded. 19-06 VOTE: 4 - 0

• Senior Project Ms. Graham made a motion to approve the 0.5 ratio increase for Senior Project. Ms. Miller seconded. 19-07 VOTE: 4 - 0

• Sailing Team Ms. Hovey requested a motion to approve the ratio request for the Sailing Team. There was no motion made.

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5) Adjournment to Executive Session, not to return to Open Session, for the matters pertaining to Employee Benefits at 7:25 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Amy Davis

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Dover-Sherborn Regional School Committee Meeting of March 5, 2019

Members Present: Anne Hovey, Vice Chair

Lori Krusell Maggie Charron Judi Miller Dana White

Also Present: Dr. Andrew Keough, Superintendent Elizabeth McCoy, Assistant Superintendent Dawn Fattore, Business Manager Scott Kellett, MS Headmaster 1) Call to Order Ms. Hovey called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm in the Middle School Library. 2) Reports

• DSHS Headmaster Report - Ms. Edni highlighted recent and upcoming events at the high school.

• DSMS Headmaster Report - Mr. Kellett highlighted recent and upcoming events at the middle school.

• Assistant Superintendent’s Report - Ms. McCoy spoke about: • DSEF Grants - grant requests this year include projects specific to each school as well

as many that span multiple buildings and align with the goals of the Strategic Plan, including proposals for innovative classroom spaces and the development of a data dashboard.

• Academic Innovation Committee - the Committee met on January 18th and will meet again on April 26 to share sub-group findings and begin to outline skill sets and dispositions required of graduates.

• Wellness Committee - The Committee met on February 28th to share the progress that has been made on the following five goals: 1) Health Curriculum, 2) Movement & Mindfulness, 3) Nutrition 2.0, 4) Technology & Safety, and 5) Wellness. The Committee is working on the best way to communicate the progress made to the community.

• FLES - The current 5th grade students have taken Spanish proficiency tests in an effort to determine what changes will need to be made at the middle school level to accommodate students that have been taking Spanish lessons since Kindergarten. The results including proficiency as high as Novice High to Intermediate Low.

• Superintendent’s Report - Dr. Keough reviewed his report and highlighted the following items: • Loss - Dr. Keough spoke about the passing of Julian Lattermann, a DS Senior, due to

an aviation accident on February 23rd and the response of the Administration to support the faculty and students.

• Start Times - The Task Force continue to meet bi-weekly and has been broken into two groups: 1) communication through the website, community presentation from a leading sleep expert, faculty meetings, and the development of a video to educate students; and 2) scenario options. The goal is to bring possible suggestions to the Joint School Committee meeting in April for discussion/feedback.

• Director of Student Services - Two candidates will be visiting the district on March 14th.

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3) Financial Reports FY19 Monthly Report as of February 28th. • Salaries - there are no changes to report since the last meeting. • Operating Expenditures - all utilities are encumbered except for telephone services. • Capital Projects - The remaining FY19 projects to be completed are the cafeteria walk-in

freezer/refrigeration upgrade, purchased of HVAC exhaust/ventilation inventory, and additional paving.

4) OPEB Funding - Ms. Fattore reviewed the $500,000 initial investment to the OPEB Liability Trust Fund from available Community Education funds that was discussed at last month’s meeting.

Ms. Hovey recessed the meeting and opened the FY20 Budget Hearing at 7:20 pm. 5) FY20 Dover Sherborn Regional Schools Budget Hearing

Dr. Keough spoke of the development of the FY20 Budget based on the District’s mission and strategic objectives as well as guidance from the towns. Ms. Hovey reviewed the FY20 budget development factors including: • enrollment projections remain constant for the foreseeable future, • collective bargaining and contractual obligations based on FY18-20 negotiated

agreements, • Establishment of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programming and supports • healthcare costs reflect continuing changes to plan design and offerings. The proposed FY20 Operating Budget is $25,292,254: $22,076,091 from Town Assessments, $2,783,213 from State funding, $332,250 from Student Fees, and $100,000 from E&D. Major drivers of the $677,438 increase over FY19 are: +$560,000 for educator salary increases; -$90,000 salary reduction based on educator retirements; SEL Programming and Support Services +$120,000; phase-in of grant funded Bridge Program staff +$30,000; additional Educational Assistant support based on student needs +$75,000; healthcare savings based on new plan designs and enrollment -$150,000; other employee related insurance costs (Norfolk County Retirement, workers compensation, and Medicare employment tax +$120,000; increases in various operating accounts based on needs +$75,000; net effect of continued trend budgeting -$30,000; fifth of five year bus contract +6,625; and scheduled debt principal and interest payments -$37,800. Using the Statutory Assessment, Dover’s share of the FY20 Budget is $12,507,703 (an increase of $464,786 or 3.86% over FY19) and Sherborn’s is $9,569,068 (an increase of $64,822 or 0.68% over FY19).

Ms. Hovey adjourned the Budget Hearing and re-opened the monthly meeting at 7:39 pm. 6) Community Comments - none 7) Discussion and Vote to certify FY20 Operating Budget Ms. White made a motion to adopt the FY20 Budget in the amount of $25,792,254 which is reduced by estimated receipts and available funds in the amount of $3,715,463 for a net amount to be assessed to the member town of $22,076,791. This assessment is comprised of $21,110,991 in operating expenses and $965,800 in debt expenses, and that the Treasurer be

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authorized to certify this budget in the apportioned share of each town based on the statutory method. Ms. Charron seconded. 19-08 VOTE: 5 - 0 Ms. White made a motion to approve the utilization of $100,000 of June 30, 2018 certified Excess & Deficiency funds for the FY20 Budget. Ms. Charron seconded. 19-09 VOTE: 5 - 0 Ms. White made a motion to approve a total transfer of $500,000 into the General Fund from the DEDA and SHEDA Revolving Funds to be used for the initial contribution to the OPEB Liability Trust Fund. Ms. Charron seconded. 19-10 VOTE: 5 - 0 8) Discussion and Vote FY20 Capital - Projects are: common area lighting upgrades to LED

(labor only, fixtures provided at no charge by Eversource) $60,000; replacement of Toro Field Mower from 2011 $62,000; replacement of classroom flooring at the high school $65,000; replacement of flooring in food service area cafeteria $45,000; replacement of phone system campus-wide (IP based system which will be fully compatible with Chickering and Pine Hill to allow for direct extension dialing and enhanced in-house management capabilities) $30,000; replacement parts for Waste Water Treatment Plant $15,000; and replacement of A/C condensers at the middle school $14,500.

Ms. Miller made a motion to approve the FY20 Capital Projects as presented. Ms. Krusell seconded. 19-11 VOTE: 5 - 0 Ms. Miller made a motion to transfer $300,000 of June 30, 2018 certified Excess & Deficiency funds to the Region’s Capital Fund to cover costs for approved FY20 Capital Projects. Ms. Krusell seconded. 19-12 VOTE: 5 - 0 9) Annual Vote on MA School Choice Law - MA General Law Chapter 76, Section 12

requires local school committees to vote annually as to whether or not the district will participate in School Choice.

Ms. Krusell made a motion to have the Dover Sherborn Regional Schools not participate in School Choice program for the 2019-20 school year. Ms. White seconded. 19-13 VOTE: 5 - 0 10) Consent Agenda

• Approval of Minutes of February 7, 2019 • Donations - $2,000 from DSHS Girls Basketball for assistant coach, $2,500 from DSHS

Boys Basketball for assistant coach, $1,000 from Children’s Orthopedic Department for the cost of a required physician at football games, and a coach boat from Friends of DS Sailing for the sailing team.

Ms. White made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Ms. Charron seconded. 19-14 VOTE: 5 - 0 11) Communications (for Members Information)

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• DSHS Headmaster’s Report: Mr. Smith • Dover School Committee Minutes - none • Sherborn School Committee Minutes of November 13, 2018

12) Adjournment at 7:54 pm. Respectfully submitted, Amy Davis

The Public Schools of Dover and Sherborn Memo from Superintendent Dr. Andrew Keough

The Public Schools of Dover and Sherborn do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness

TO: Regional School Committee

FROM: Andrew W, Keough, Ed.D, Superintendent

RE: Donations

Date: May 3, 2019

I respectfully request the Dover Sherborn Regional School Committee accept the following donations:

Athletic Dept. – collapsible lacrosse goal (value $100

Middle School - $400 donation from POSITIVE for the after school rowing club

APPROVED MARCH 7, 2019

Dover School Committee Meeting of January 22, 2019

Members Present: Henry Spalding, Chair Brooke Matarese, Secretary Rachel Spellman Michael Jaffe Adrian Hill Also Present: Dr. Andrew Keough Superintendent Beth McCoy, Assistant Superintendent Dawn Fattore, Business Manager 1) Call to Order Mr. Spalding called the meeting to order at 7:39 pm in the Chickering Library. 2) Community Comments - None 3) Reports

a) Principal’s Report - Ms. Dayal highlighted items from her report and answered questions from Committee members.

b) Assistant Superintendent Report - Ms. McCoy spoke about: • Math Curriculum - Students, faculty, and parents/guardians are being surveyed about

the current program’s effectiveness and will be used to develop a five year action plan for continued improvement.

• Academic Innovation Committee - the first meeting was held on January 18th and members were divided into sub-groups that will work on information gathering before meeting again on April 26th.

• Supervision & Evaluation - a subcommittee to develop a more permanent action research model for supervision & evaluation was recommended. The subcommittee would also consider adoption of the MA model rubrics.

c) Superintendent Report - Dr. Keough reviewed his report and highlighted the following items: • Emergency Response Team - the team meet earlier this month to continue to review

emergency protocols and to develop additional protocols, strategies, and practices that ensure safety for staff and students.

• ACCEPT - discussion continues among the Board of Directors to mitigate the increase to special education transportation due to the withdrawal of Framingham from the program.

d) Warrant Report - provided for review 4) 2018 Academic Testing - Ms. Dayal reviewed the MCAS results from last spring. 5) FY19 Monthly Financial Report -

The Status of Appropriations as of January 17th was provided: • Salaries - there are no significant changes since the last report • Expenditures - there are no variances to report • Out-of-District - there have been no changes since the last report

6) Proposed FY20 Operating Budget - Ms. Fattore presented the budget adjustments to the FY20 Budget since the initial presentation in December:

SPED Admin reorganization (27,598) Reduction in SLC staff position (105,286) Placeholder for additional SEL support 50,000


Addition of .1 additional BCBA support 6,780 Reduction of .2 in building based OT support (15,000) Net change in EA staffing based on needs (66,754) OOD: ACCEPT matrix (25,000) Revised Dover Public School FY20 Budget $10,616,354

After adustments, the increase over FY19 is $178,511 or 1.71%. 7) Consent Agenda

a) Meeting minutes of November 20, 2018 b) Town Report Mr. Hill made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Mr. Jaffe seconded. 19-01 VOTE: 5 - 0

8) Communications a) Regional School Committee minutes: November 6 and December 4, 2018 b) Sherborn School Committee minutes: None

9) Items for March 4, 2019 Meeting - FY20 Budget 10) Adjournment at 8:55 pm. Respectfully submitted, Amy Davis


Sherborn School Committee Meeting of February 15, 2019

Members Present: Kate Potter Angie Johnson Amanda Brown Also Present: Dr. Andrew Keough, Superintendent Beth McCoy, Assistant Superintendent Dawn Fattore, Business Administrator Barbara Brown, Principal 1) Call to Order Ms. Potter called the meeting to order at 11:35 am in the Town Hall. 2) Public Comment - none 3) Reports

• Principal's Report - Dr. Brown highlighted recent and upcoming events at Pine Hill. • Assistant Superintendent Report - Ms. McCoy spoke about:

• DSEF Grants - grant requests this year include projects specific to each school as well as many that span multiple buildings and align with the goals of the Strategic Plan, including proposals for innovative classroom spaces and the development of a data dashboard.

• History Frameworks - the K-12 History instructional leaders have been attending a learning series which has focused on (among others things) the development of skills through the application of content.

• Academic Innovation Committee - the Committee met on January 18th and will meet again on April 26 to share sub-group findings and begin to outline skill sets and dispositions required of graduates.

• FLES - The current 5th grade students have taken Spanish proficiency tests in an effort to determine what changes will need to be made at the middle school level to accommodate students that have been taking Spanish lessons since Kindergarten. The results including proficiency as high as Novice High to Intermediate Low.

• Superintendent Report - Dr. Keough reviewed his report and highlighted the following items: • ACCEPT Transportation - On January 24th the ACCEPT Board met to discuss the

implications of the anticipated rise in special education transportation costs for FY20 due to Framingham’s decision to no longer use the program. The Board is exploring options, including the use of reserve funds to offset the increased costs.

• Start Times - The Task Force continue to meet bi-weekly and has been broken into two groups: 1) communication through the website, community presentation from a leading sleep expert, faculty meetings, and the development of a video to educate students; and 2) scenario options. The goal is to bring possible suggestions to the Joint School Committee meeting in April.

• Director of Student Services - Interviews will begin after February vacation week. 4) FY19 Monthly Financial Report

The Status of Appropriations as of January 31st was provided: • Salaries - there are no significant changes to report since the last meeting. • Expenditures - there are no variances to report.


• Out-of-District - there has been on new OOD placement since the last meeting resulting in an increase in the negative variance of tuition to $61,637. In addition, there is approximately $21,753 of unbudgeted transportation costs resulting in a total negative OOD variance of $83,390.

• Special Revenue/Revolving Funds - the Statement of Activity as of January 31st was provided.

5) FY20 Capital Budget - The revised capital request contains two items: 1) replacement of classroom and common area flooring in Kindergarten wing $35,000; and 2) replacement of Library and adjoining classroom hallway floors $30,000 for a total of $65,000. The rooftop HVAC unit for the computer room has been delayed pending further research on temperature cooling in the wing of the building. The replacement of 160+ smoke detectors has also been delayed as Ms. Potter made a motion to approve the Capital Budget request for FY20 in the amount of $65,000. Ms. Johnson seconded. 19-01 VOTE: 3 – 0

6) FY20 Operating Budget - Ms. Fattore presented the proposed adjustments to the FY20 Budget: • Addition of $8,319 for the SPED Administration Reorganization • Decrease of $60,000 due to reduction in one classroom section based on enrollment • Addition of $90,000 for Autism Program education (1.0 FTE) • Addition of $33,905 for increase to BCBA (0.5 FTE) • Decrease of $12,500 due to reduction in use of outside speech services • Addition of $3,627 for increase to OT provider (0.2 FTE) • Addition of $34,959 due to change in OOD placements since November • Decrease of $100,000 due to application of anticipated Circuit Breaker funds After the above adjustments the proposed FY20 Budget reflects an overall increase of $318,330 or 4.23% over FY19. The guidance from Advisory allows for a $106,965 increase or 2% for salaries. The Educator Contract requires a salary increase of 3.2% or $170,00 (excluding new positions) for FY20. The Administration proposed a request of $161,400 from the Town’s Reserve Funds to cover the remainder of the FY20 Budget increase. Members of Advisory informed the Administration that due to changes in anticipated revenues there are no longer any available Reserve Funds for FY20. Discussion will continue at the meeting between Advisory and the School Committee later this month.

7) Consent Agenda • Approval of Minutes: November 13, 2018 and January 22, 2019 • Donation - $13,600 from the Sawin Fund to support student enrichment and guidance.

Ms. Potter made a motion to approve the minutes as listed. Ms. Johnson seconded. 19-02 VOTE: 5 - 0 Ms. Potter made a motion to accept the donation from the Sawin Fund. Ms. Johnson seconded.

8) Communications • Regional School Committee minutes of November 6 and December 4, 2018 • Dover School Committee minutes of November 20, 2018 •

9) Items for March 12, 2019 Meeting - FY20 Annual Budget Hearing

10) Adjournment at 12:45 pm. Respectfully submitted, Amy Davis

dover-sherborn regional school committee meeting agenda ... · 4. financial reports • monthly...

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