May 2013 BOE Snippets                 

Dr. Jennings applauded the efforts of the entire AMS staff, the students and the parents for how they reacted to and handled the recent bomb scare.

Mr. O’Donnell and Mr. Scollan have once again directed the War and Remembrance flag memorial ceremony.  They, and all of the students involved, did an outstanding job.  Those who attended the May 23^rd ceremony left knowing the meaning behind Memorial Day and the enormous cost our citizens have paid throughout our history for our freedom.

March 2013 Snippets

• Dr. Jennings presented the 2013-2014 budget.  We have been able to keep all of the programs deemed necessary in place, despite the unfavorable economic conditions.  The ratables for our properties decreased resulting in each homeowner having to pay more taxes.  The bottom line impact is approximately $30 increase per $300,000 of assessed home value.  We were able to offset a larger tax increase by the revenue generated from School of Choice and pre-school programs.

   

• 8^th grade graduation has been set for June 20, 2013 at 6:30.

   

• The board and the administration are exploring the possibility of a part-time business administrator to replace Barbara Prowker.  Some of Ms. Prowker's responsibilities will be assumed by the building principals.

   

February 2013 BOE Snippets

• Mid-year assessments were performed.  Math and science scores increased, social studies seemed to stay the course and language arts have not increased as expected.  The administration is looking to move the needle on the language arts skill set.

   

• We received our state aid numbers and we were pleased to learn that we will be receiving an additional $78,847 in state aid next year.  This is due to an increase per student in School of Choice enrollees.

   

January 2013 BOE Snippets 

• This is the 5^th year that our preschool program has been in existence and the tuition has remained at $5,000 for 4 years.  The administration is requesting an increase of $1,000.  Our program is a full-day program that currently has 38 students.  It was originally established for 20 students. 

• Dr. Jennings presented the concept of a Professional Learning Community (PLC).  The three BIG IDEAS of a PLC are (1) Focus on learning, (2) Build a collaborative culture and (3) Focus on results.  The implementation of a PLC would create on overriding philosophy that focuses on educating the students of the Alexandria School District.  The LDW research/investigation team gave a very enthusiastic presentation regarding the potential adoption of the process. 

• Erin Winters earned tenure at mid-year and was presented to the board by Ms. Bills who outlined the highlights of Ms. Winter’s career at Alexandria. We congratulate Ms. Winters on her achievement.

    

• Some parents raised concerns regarding the safety of our children as a result of the incidents that occurred in Connecticut. They voiced concerns about the process and planning in place to prevent incidents from taking place at our schools and also the processes to be followed should an incident occur.

   

December BOE Snippets 

• The board reorganization meeting is scheduled for January 2, 2013.  This meeting is in addition to the regularly scheduled work session on January 17^th and the board meeting scheduled for January 24^th. 

• LDW Student Code of Conduct 
• As a result of bus conduct reports in the past Mrs. Kacedon has assigned a teacher to meet every bus upon arrival and quickly address any issues that might have arisen during the ride in.  This has limited the number of bus conduct reports thus far this year and improved behavior on the buses.
• Other highlights of the code include instruction on proper behavior and manners at lunchtime in the cafeteria.  In addition, procedures are outlined for teachers to address misbehaviors at recess and resolve conflicts before they escalate.

• AMS Student Code of Conduct 
• Mr. Pawlowski has implemented a responsive classroom concept at AMS that includes the eighth graders taking an active leadership role in conflict resolution with the younger students. 
• AMS uses a Discipline Referral Form that assigns points to infractions and the Code of Conduct discusses the consequences related to various accumulated points.  The discipline format also allows students to reduce previously earned points through good behavior.
• AMS holds an annual code of conduct review meeting every March with applicable staff and randomly selected parents.

• The installation of the video surveillance system will commence during the winter break.  It will take place over the three days that the school is open during the break and be completed over two days after school is back in session in January.

   

11/15/12 Snippets

• The staff of the Alexandria Township School District schools is to be commended for their efforts in reaching out to the community during the recent storm and its aftermath.  Administrators, teachers and support staff worked together to put on the Comfort Station at AMS. 

• Mrs. Kacedon presented the educational goals for LDW.  There are five goals regarding Science, Math, Language Arts, national accreditation and a five-year plan to develop a Professional Learning Community. 

• Mr. Pawlowski presented the educational goals for AMS.  There are five goals, two of which are mandated by the state.  The are five goals regarding Special Education, Language Arts, improving school culture, reading proficiency to improve NJ ASK scores and math proficiency to improve NJ ASK scores.

   

October 2012 BOE Snippets 

·       The district accountant, Bill Colantano, presented the findings of his audit for the year ended June 30, 2012.  Overall he viewed his findings as good.  Revenue was up $301,000 due in large part to pre-school tuition, School of Choice revenue and a one-time federal aid package.  Expenses increased $261,000 primarily due to student and instruction related training and employee benefits.

·       There have been ongoing meetings with the sending district and high school board presidents and superintendents.  Highlights from the most recent meeting on October 3, 2012 include: 

o   All districts are working toward a common calendar or at least as common as our scheduling differences will allow.

o   Virtual classrooms are viewed as potential enhancement to the educational experience.  To move forward each administration will perform a needs assessment so that the group can work towards a pilot program.

o   A multi-district Science Fair is being investigated and should model the current Arts and Music program that the sending districts participate in.

·       Joy Dominic presented the districts Comprehensive Student Assessment Program.  It is comprised of the following:

o   NJ ASK – annual assessment for grades 3-8

o   DIBELS – a reading assessment that is given three times per year for grades K-5

o   MCLASS – a math assessment that is given three times per year for grades K-3

o   Concepts Assessment – an assessment that is given three times per year for grades K-8

o   Skills Assessment – an assessment that is given three times per year for grades K-8

o   CBM – a special education assessment that is given monthly for grades K-8

o   APA – annual special education assessment for grades 3-8

·       The overall district averages were up on the NJ ASK scores in all of the areas tested, which include Language Arts, Math and Science.

September 2012 Snippets 

·       The Board approved and adopted goals for the 2012/13 school year.  We added a goal regarding staff and student performance.

·       An all-encompassing evaluation system is being implemented during the 2012/13 school year.  It will be district-wide and include students, teachers, support staff and administration. 

·       As a result of public input, the Board will take another look at the district bullying policy.  In particular, the consequences for those incidents found to be bullying.

·       The Board was proud to witness and participate in tenure being conferred on six of our district teachers at the September meeting.  Those teachers receiving tenure were: 

o   Christina Salerno – Pre-School

o   Teresa Gover – Occupational Therapist

o   JoAnn Sei – L.D.T.C.

o   Danielle Weisman – 4^th Grade

o   Patrick O’Donnell – 6^th/7^th Grade

o   Sara Sciarello – 3^rd Grade