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M.L. Honors and Awards Committee
Minutes from meeting of 11/10/2008
Connecticut Association of SchoolsMiddle Level Honors and Awards Committee
Minutes
November 10, 2008
In attendance were: Judy Abrams, Norma Posocco, Rochelle Schwartz and Earle Bidwell
1. Celebrations
a. Rochelle Schwartz reported on the SOY celebration at Canton Middle School which was attended by a large number of town and state dignitaries. The celebration also got good coverage on Channel 3 TV. Highlights included t shirts for all students and staff and a spaghetti and chicken lunch prepared for all by the Canton PTO. Presenting for CAS were Norma Posocco and Rochelle.
b. Judy Abrams reported on the EOY celebration for Diane Marinaro at Hamden Middle School which was attended by Diane’s team, CEA dignitaries from around the state, Diane’s family and school officials. Presenting for CAS were Norma Posocco and Judy.
c. Earle Bidwell reported that Ronald Mc Donald’s House Hometown Heroes awards of $500 were presented to the respective schools of three middle level award winners: Diane Marinaro, John Randall from Amity Middle School and Paul Smith from Henry James Middle School
d. Earle Bidwell also thanked those who scored the William Cieslukowski First Year Principal Award: and announced the winner: Sue Homrok from Henry James Memorial Middle School in Simsbury.
2. Sub-committee assignments for 2008-2009 remain the same as last year. The dates are:
a. Applications Mailed to Schools: November 2008
b. Due Date for Applications: February 25, 2009
c. Packets e-mailed to Committee Members: March 2, 2009
d. Full Committee Meeting to Select Finalists: March 9, 2009
e. Educator of the Year Interviews by Sub-committee: May 4, 2009
f. School of the Year Finalists Visits by Sub-committee: May 12, 2009
3. Norma Posocco outlined a rationale for revising the School of the Year Self Assessment Instrument
a. Rationale: The last revision was based on Turning Points 2000 and This We Believe (2003). It was noted last year that several innovative, 21st century practices were not recognized and that some cutting edge middle schools might not receive recognition based on a somewhat dated instrument.
b. The committee heard about or brainstormed the following possible topics or areas for revision.
From CT Secondary Reform
Individual Success Plans
Goal Setting (Personal and Academic)
Reflection
Portfolio of Best Work or Demonstration Project
Advisory Program
Early Identification for At Risk Students
Comprehensive Course Offerings in English, Social Studies, Mathematics,
Science, Art,Music, Physical Education, Technology, Health, World Language
and Exploratory Subjects.
RTI Programs
Additional Time for struggling students (summer interventions or head start) longer school day,
Exit criteria for interventions
Twenty-first Century Skills
Common Benchmark Assessment
Evidence of Data Driven Decision Making
Efforts or initiatives to develop/ nurture Teacher-Leaders
c. Earle mentioned that CAS is respectful of committee member’s time, travel and difficulty in getting released for meetings. He suggested that the work of revising the document could be accomplished via “Google Documents” which he demonstrated. Essentially, he will place the document online and send a link to committee members. They can add or subtract items from the document. They can also add comments for others to read. This is an interactive process that individuals can do at their own time and place. THE LINK and DIRECTIONS WILL BE EMAILLED SEPARATELY
4. As the editor of IMPACT, Norma talked briefly about the new online format and solicited articles from committee members. Judith Abrams agreed to write an article on individualizing instruction.
5. Assistant Executive Director Earle Bidwell reported on the extensive involvement of CAS in the work of developing a plan for Secondary School Reform and the difficulty in getting it enacted because of the current economy.
6. Adjournment and next meeting date: With the online work of the committee it was decided to forego the scheduled December meeting and meet next on March 9, 2009 to select finalists for EOY and SOY.
