Town of Easton: Events for Tuesday, March 09, 2010

NOTICE

REAL ESTATE APPEALS


Notice is hereby given that the Board of Assessment Appeals of the Town of Easton, Ct.
06612 will hold their public hearing for those having grievance with their Real Estate and
Personal Property assessment for the October 1, 2009 Grand List on March 9, 11, and
23rd, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. in the Assessor's office located at Town Hall, 225 Center Road
Easton, Ct. 06612.

Please call Town Hall, Assessors Office for an Appointment.

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EASTON BOARD OF EDUCATION CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 9, 2010 – 6:20-7:20 P.M.
HELEN KELLER MIDDLE SCHOOL – ROOM 106



AGENDA


1. Call to order

2. Welcome and introductions

3. Approval of minutes from the January 13, 2010 meeting

4. Discussion of Reading Across the Curriculum – Samuel Staples Elementary School, Helen Keller Middle School, and Easton Special Services to include:

a. Use of the Reciprocal Teaching Model to improve reading comprehension

b. Professional text-based discussions related to teaching reading in the content areas at HKMS and related development of reading assessments across the content area

c. Integration of non-fiction guided reading texts at SSES

5. Adjourn






Notice of next meeting: Tuesday, May 18, 2010


EASTON BOARD OF EDUCATION
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
March 9, 2010

Filed Subject to Approval

Present: R. Bobroske; L. Canada; E. Carroll; D. Dekle; K. Fox Santora; A. Manusky; M. Mas; C. Meskers; A. Mocco; J. Parker; V. Peskay

Public: Three members of the public were present.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion – move to approve the minutes of January 12, 2010. Parker, Dekle. Approved Unanimous

DISCUSSION

The discussion focused on reading across the curriculum. Ms. Marie Mas opened the session providing background knowledge specific to the Reciprocal Teaching Model, a research-based instructional model to improve comprehension and self-monitoring while reading. This model has been implemented in both the elementary and middle school to improve student achievement in reading.

Ms. Joan Parker provided a description of the professional text-based discussions by the entire faculty at Helen Keller Middle School. These active discussions are based on Cris Tovani’s book; Do I Really Have to Teach Reading? Ms. Parker also shared that teachers have been developing reading assessments across the content areas, including in World Language classes.

Ms. Kim Fox Santora provided several examples of how teachers integrate the use of non-fiction guided reading and shared reading texts across the content areas of science and social studies at the elementary level. Guided Reading texts and big books used for Shared Reading lessons were displayed for committee members to review.

Dr. Donna Dekle, director of special services for Easton, shared information related to literacy training provided to paraprofessionals at Samuel Staples. Paraprofessionals will work closely with the classroom teacher to facilitate strategies for improving letter identification, recognition of basic sight words, and spelling.

OTHER BUSINESS

Committee member, Ms. Mocco, shared a suggestion for creating a curriculum matrix that identifies a scope and sequence of skills at each grade level.

Samuel Staples Elementary School will be the first ER9 school to receive a $2,000.00 grant award from the Chartwells Food Service. The ER9 Wellness Advisory Committee decided that SSES should be the first recipient of this monetary award to be used in anticipation of possible participation in the development of a community garden on school property. Additionally, Ms. Mas suggested that she will contact the Easton Historical Society to explore curriculum development related to the farming history in Easton.

PUBLIC COMMENT

The public audience participated throughout the session.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 6:20 p.m. in room 106 at Helen Keller Middle School. Transitioning from elementary school to middle school and middle school to high school will be the topic of discussion. Tom McMorran, assistant superintendent and head of school for Joel Barlow High School, will be joining Easton administrators in leading the discussion.

Respectively submitted by E. Marie Mas

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Committee Members

John Bromer, Chairman
Foster McKeon, Vice Chairman
Joseph Schettino
Rocky Sullivan

Senior Center Representatives
Val Buckley
Kay Oestreicher


Call to Order
Review and approve minutes of 2/9/10 meeting.

New Business:
Review sprinkler drop situation.
Discuss remaining work and funds.



Old Business:
Discuss and act on invoices received since last meeting.


Adjournment



John Bromer, Chairman

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REGULAR MEETING 7:30PM
MARCH 9, 2010
******* CONFERENCE ROOM A – TOWN HALL*******
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬_________________________________________________________________________

1. MEETING CALL TO ORDER:
2. INLAND WETLAND APPLICATIONS:
A. Helena Morf: 288 Maple Road – 4 lot subdivision. Received: 3/9/10 + 65 = 5/13/10
3. OLD BUSINESS
A. V#03-132 Notice of Violation at 301 Silver Hill Rd–Harold Rosnick–issued 9/5/03.
B V#05-143 Notice of Violation at 740 Stepney Rd – Neunteufel and VonKuthy –
Issued 7/5/05
C Cease and Desist Order for property located at 740 Stepney Road – Neunteufel and
VonKuthy – issued 7/20/05.
D. V#08-153 Notice of Violation at 68 Sport Hill Parkway – Michael Newman - issued 12/1/08
E. Cease and Remediate order for 68 Sport Hill Parkway – Michael Newman – issued 4/21/09

4 NEW BUSINESS
5. REVIEW FOR REPORT TO P & Z
6. CONSERVATION PROJECTS
7. CORRESPONDENCE
8 W.E.O. COMMUNICATIONS-
9. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 23, 2010 MEETING
10. SITE WALKS:
11. ADJOURNMENT FILED BY JANICE J. GREISER
CT GS 1-225 (c)
Administrative Professional for the
Easton Conservation Department

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Easton Board of Education Meeting Agenda
March 9, 2010 – 7:30 p.m.
Helen Keller Middle School – Library Media Center



7:30 – 7:45 p.m.
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Public Comment
4. Board Member Comment

7:45 – 7:55 p.m.
5. Discussion and Possible Action: Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools
Concerning the Institution of Teacher Nonrenewals Pursuant to Connecticut General
Statutes Section 10-151

7:55 – 8:10 p.m.
6. Administrative Reports

8:10 – 8:15 p.m.
7. Public Comment

8:15 – 8:45 p.m.
8. Executive Session: Discussion and Possible Action Pertaining to Collective Bargaining with Administrators and Teachers

8:45 – 8:50 p.m.
9. Return to Public Session for Possible Action on Items Discussed in Executive Session

8:50 p.m.
10. Notice of Next Meeting: April 13, 2010; Adjournment


EASTON BOARD OF EDUCATION
March 9, 2010
Minutes
Filed subject to approval.

Present: Bobroske, Dunsby, Peskay, Treidel
Administration: Cicchetti, Mas, Sullivan, Fox Santora, LaTorre, Parker, Kaplan, Dekle
Others: 45 people in the audience

Mr. Treidel called the meeting to order at 7:37 pm. Mr. Dunsby was appointed acting secretary for the meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move that the minutes of the February 24, 2010 meeting be accepted as submitted. Bobroske, Dunsby. Approved. Unanimous.

BOARD MEMBER APPRECIATION MONTH
Dr. Cicchetti announced that March was Board Member Appreciation Month and on behalf of the administration he thanked the board members for the work they do. Mrs. Fox-Santora presented a collection of Samuel Staples Elementary School student work that thanked the board members. Mrs. Parker introduced three Helen Keller Middle School students representing the three grades. Each read a letter in appreciation for their work on the board of education.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Robert Lavelle, staff member: addressed the board on the importance of the music and art programs in the schools.

Barbara Brennan, Flat Rock Drive: spoke of her support for the music program and the importance of extracurricular activities at the middle school.

Jeanine Jones, Flat Rock Drive: speaking on behalf of the PTA, she commented that fundraising efforts have been strong, but revenue is definitely down. She is not sure of how much subsidy the PTA would be able to provide for the extracurricular activities this year.

Don Cooper, Sherwood Drive: spoke of the importance of the music program.

Sharon Stemme, Tersana Drive: spoke of the importance of music, art and physical education. Also expressed a concern about the reduction of sections for grade 3 and commented that the current grade 2 has a large number of boys compared with girls making classroom management a challenge.

Heidi Armster, Judd Road: spoke of the importance of the music and art programs.

Hollyann Corello, Maple Road: spoke of her concerns regarding the current size of grade 2 and impact of reduction of class sections for next year’s grade 3.

Jodi Forte, Sport Hill Road: spoke of the importance of the music program.

Angie DiStefano, Lakeview Drive: expressed her concern for the current 2nd grade, the planned class size for next year and the impact on learning.

DISCUSSION AND ACTION: RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS CONCERNING THE INSTITUTION OF TEACHER NONRENEWALS PURSUANT TO CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTES SECTION 10-151
The recommendation for teacher nonrenewals is for positions that were filled for one-year terms, those for long-term substitutes or 1-year positions. Each person was aware of the conditions when hired and have been informed of this action.

Motion: move that, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-151, the Easton Board of Education nonrenews the teacher contract of Andrea Deveney, Judith Keklik, Kim Duffy, Betsey Honychuch and John Marusa at the end of the 2009-2010 school year as recommended by the Superintendent. I further move that the Superintendent be directed to communicate this action of the Board in writing to Andrea Deveney, Judith Keklik, Kim Duffy, Betsey Honychuch and John Marusa and that the Superintendent of Schools be authorized to respond on behalf of the Board to any requests for a hearing, if required by law, or for other data which may be forthcoming from the teacher and/or her representative pursuant to applicable provisions of Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-151; and that the Superintendent be directed that any response to a request for a hearing, if a hearing is required by law, indicate that such hearing is to be before the Board of Education. Peskay, Dunsby. Approved. Unanimous.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Director of Special Education: Dr. Dekle reported the numbers for special education have remained stable and students are making gains with the classroom intervention methods/SRBI.

Director of Finance: Mrs. Sullivan provided the monthly update on Health Insurance. Claims for January were down and she anticipates the end-of-year balance in the reserve account of about 1-1½ a month.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction: Mrs. Mas reported a consortium of DRG A school district representatives met to plan how the new TEAM (CSDE Teacher Education and Mentoring Program) will be implemented. The ER9 Wellness Advisory Committee met in February for a presentation by Gina Pin (JBHS) on the Developmental Assets Program. The Towns of Easton and Redding, through the Easton-Redding Community Coalition would like to administer the survey to high school and possibly middle school students in the fall of 2010. Before the survey is given it will be made available to parents. The survey responses would be anonymous and the results would be shared with the communities. The annual ER9 Teacher Recruitment Fair is scheduled for March 10 at JBHS.

SSES: Mrs. Fox Santora highlighted various student achievements, including a fundraiser for the Red Cross/Haiti Earthquake that raised over $4,000 for the American Red Cross, a third grade class raising funds to build two dog shelters, and a third grader’s ceramic piece being selected in a K-12 competition. Mrs. Fox-Santora added that CMT testing is underway. A Principal’s Coffee was held recently and the primary topic of discussion centered on the planned class size of 23 for next year’s third grade.


HKMS: Mrs. Parker reported on a student who earned first place recognition in the annual Reflections contest. She recognized student efforts to raise funds for Haiti. Mrs. Parker reviewed upcoming activities.

Superintendent: Dr. Cicchetti complimented the three students who read their letters aloud to board members on their poise and delivery. He distributed a copy of an article that appeared in the NY Times entitled “Building a Better Teacher.” Dr. Cicchetti met with the PTA Council (representatives of the PTA groups in the five schools) and reviewed the partnership between the schools and the PTA groups.

PUBLIC COMMENT
John Wergeles, Flat Rock Road: commented that the budget reductions seem to shave a little off everything rather than keeping the programs in tack and eliminating something big. Dr.Cicchetti responded that the plan is to provide and maintain the most comprehensive programs possible.

Jeanine Jones, Flat Rock Road: question regarding the upcoming meetings with the Board of Finance and asked which was the most important for parents to attend and voice their concerns and support. Mrs. Sullivan reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule. The Public Hearing on March 22 is an opportunity for any resident of Easton to make a comment.

David Antonez, Judd Road: commented that choices need to be made and it may be better to eliminate an offering, such as language, art, music, etc., rather than offer it in a watered down way.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move to recess to executive session for a discussion of collective bargaining for administrators and teacher. Dunsby, Peskay. Approved. Unanimous.
Dr. Cicchetti, Mrs. Sullivan and Mrs. Fox Santos were invited to attend.

The meeting recessed at 8:42 pm.

Meeting reconvened at 9:30 pm.

ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Dunsby, Peskay Approved. Unanimous.

The meeting adjourned at 9:35 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Adam Dunsby, Acting Board Secretary

Recorded by Mary Maday

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REVISED-3/9/10

EASTON BOARD OF EDUCATION CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 9, 2010 – 6:20-7:20 P.M.
HELEN KELLER MIDDLE SCHOOL – ROOM 106



AGENDA


1. Call to order

2. Welcome and introductions

3. Approval of minutes from the January 12, 2010 meeting

4. Discussion of Reading Across the Curriculum – Samuel Staples Elementary School, Helen Keller Middle School, and Easton Special Services to include:

a. Use of the Reciprocal Teaching Model to improve reading comprehension

b. Professional text-based discussions related to teaching reading in the content areas at HKMS and related development of reading assessments across the content area

c. Integration of non-fiction guided reading texts at SSES

5. Adjourn






Notice of next meeting: Tuesday, May 18, 2010

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TOWN OF EASTON
BOARD OF FINANCE - AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING & BUDGET HEARINGS – March 9, 2010 – 7:00 P.M.
EASTON SENIOR CENTER


1. Review the following 2010/2011 proposed budget:
Registrar of Voters
Fire Department
Fire Marshal
Building Department
Public Works, 660 Morehouse Road, Recycling
Tree Warden
Town Clerk

2. Review any and all budgets for the fiscal year 2010-11 for final preparation for the budget hearing scheduled for March 22, 2010.
3. Discuss and act upon several line item transfers for the Senior Center.









________

Grace Stanczyk for the Board of Finance.

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Easton Senior Center

Building Committee Special Meeting Minutes

March 9 7:15PM



Committee Members Senior Center Representatives
John Bromer, Chairman Kay Oestreicher
Foster McKeon, Vice Chairman Val Buckley

Rocky Sullivan(absent)

Joe Schettino


John Bromer called the meeting to order at 7:25 PM.


The minutes of February 9, 2010 were reviewed. John made a motion to accept the minutes. Foster seconded. Minutes were accepted.

New Business

Allstate will scope out the area for the sprinkler drop March 10.



Old Business

John made a motion to pay the following invoices for a total cost of $9588.07

Barnum Invoice # 1321 for $3100.00
Firetech Invoice #22692 for $440.00 (smoke detectors)
Warehouse Store Fixture Company Invoice #315135 for $224.00 (oven racks)
Dale Kroop #35 for $160.00 (2/01/10-2/28/10).
Reimburse Easton Senior Center, Inc. for built-ins installed by W.B. Mason for a total of $$5,663.31. Foster seconded. Motion passed.


Joe Schettino made a motion to adjourn. John Bromer seconded. Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.



Submitted by:




Kay Oestreicher

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