 |  |
M.L. Leadership Committee
Minutes from meeting of 11/5/2002
Connecticut Association of SchoolsMiddle Level Leadership
Minutes
November 5, 2002
In attendance were Jody Goeler, Tom Heffernan, Fred Baruzzi, Carole Alvaro, Joe Scheideler and Earle Bidwell
1.0 Keynote Speaker: Mr. Bidwell reported that Matt Cavedon has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the conference.
2.0 Presenters: The presenter’s list was a topic of discussion. It was postulated that there might be some real “heroes among us” who might be prevailed upon to be presenters at the conference. Mr. Scheideler offered to make a contact with the two Canton High School students who save a person from drowning this summer. Other committee members were encouraged to explore possibilities in their communities. Several past presenters are no longer available; committee members will contact those who are still in their communities and determine their availability for this year. Regarding the large group session(s), “Esteem,” a group from Canton High School has offered to address issues of concern for young people and their families through a musical and theatrical format. They will provide a demonstration presentation and conduct breakout sessions with students in attendance. Because they need small breakout groups, the large group should not exceed 100 students. Another group would complement the Canton group and space is available for two large group sessions to go on concurrently. Possibilities at Rockville High School and Leonard Tyl Middle School will be explored. Ann Malafronte from Unified Sports has agreed to be one of the presenters for the advisor strand at the conference. Matt Cavedon will also address the adults.
3.0 Report on contact with CASC: Mr. Bidwell has met with Ron Nedovich, a consultant for the Connecticut Association of Student Councils in an effort to coordinate middle school activities between the two groups. Mr. Nedovich has offered to provide the high school student presenters for the conference. He suggested that the middle level conference might provide exposure for CASC and some financial support for their activities possibly by adding a nominal fee to the registration. After discussion, the committee concluded that they would welcome the assistance and be willing to provide visibility for CASC through the brochure and publicity be were not interested in sharing revenue from the conference. It was suggested that CASC consider a fall training conference for middle level students if they are interested in revenue. Having two conferences with different focuses would only enhance opportunities for middle level students.
4.0 Art Director Award Report: Mr. Bidwell, Mr. Ford and Mrs. Grecco represented CAS at an awards ceremony at the McGee Middle School in Berlin to honor a team of students for raising almost $300,000 to create a Boundless Playground in that community. Mr. And Mrs. Arthur Director, and Mr. David Director from Connecticut Lighting Centers were also in attendance at the assembly of over 500 students. Mrs. Janssen, Principal of McGee and Mr. Bidwell were speakers and those assembled were treated to music by a choral ensemble and the school jazz band; as well as a PowerPoint presentation by the students who developed the project.
5.0 Assistant Executive Director’s Report: Mr. Bidwell reported that the NMSA Conference in Portland was well attended and very worthwhile. The major focus was “No Child Left Behind” legislation and how middle schools can take advantage of the legislation to improve middle level education. The legislation is a major focus for CAS through the various divisions and the Principal’s Center.
Next Meeting: December 3, 2002
