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Asst. Principals Committee
Minutes from meeting of 11/15/2004
CAS ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ COMMITTEESUMMARY
November 15, 2004
1. The topic of the meeting held at Masuk High School was “Improving School Morale.” Laura Ferrante-Fernandes introduced the Masuk panel members. Speaking on behalf of Masuk were:
John Batista—principal, who summarized some of his efforts to provide more voice for teachers by initiatives such as combining faculty and faculty assembly monthly meetings to one meeting a month of faculty assembly and providing professional development around issues using small lunch time meetings. The Faculty Assembly meeting is teacher led, with an agenda each month that involves reports from study groups committee reports, new business, and breakout groups following the meeting for more in-depth discussion by interested members.
Ian Lowell—social studies teacher, explained the study groups that are formed each year on topics brainstormed by the entire faculty. Each teacher is member of a study group (learning teams) that gathers data analyze key issues in the school and present to the faculty as a whole. Teachers now feel that they are listened to and have a voice on critical matters, such as professional development, the school schedule. The study groups connect with the overall School Improvement Plan for the school and are part of the professional development plan. Ian also reported on fun events for faculty that used individual teacher talents to share with colleagues.
Joan Cummings—English department head, explained the Joint Curriculum Committee that has representatives from students, teachers, administration, and Board of Education to review all changes in curriculum before the proposals go to the district. She also reported on the curriculum mapping efforts under way that also involve giving teachers more ownership of their curricula.
Michelle Caruso—English teacher, spoke on new teacher support, including a new teacher professional development program that involves a buddy for each new teacher in addition to the formal mentor assigned, a new teacher lunch at the end of each year to de-brief how the year went, and regular sessions on various needed topics, such as Open House presentations, grading, progress reports, CAPT information and other timely needs.
Jill Zaloski—media specialist, spoke on providing technology support to teachers by offering assistance on needed projects and the availability of dependable, relevant help.
2. Donna Schipke, assistant principal at Smith Middle School in Glastonbury, presented moral building strategies at her school that included cheer and fun events, charity fundraisers, breakfast and luncheon activities, comprehensive health and wellness activities, new teacher support, connections with the community, and various staff projects.
3. “Improving Staff Morale” was suggested as a breakout session for the March 17 conference in order to present ideas and successful practices to a wider audience.
4. The Subcommittee for Planning the Annual Conference has chosen March 17, 2005 as the date with a site still to be chosen. The theme of the conference will be “Making Sense of School Reform.” Topics for breakout sessions include: data-driven decision making, drug identification, technology, welcome for new assistant principals, Breaking Ranks II, gang identification, student leadership.
5. Next Meeting Date, January 10, 2005, at Westbrook High School at 3:30 p.m., on the topic of “Technology for Administrators.”
