Minutes December 11, 2013

President Mester welcomed the community and introduced our special guests, John McCarthy and Lynn Allan, Asst. Superintendents at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES, Director of Special Education Adam Van der Stuyf and Principal Fred Santole, who are here to celebrate Student of Distinction, Jeffrey Playford, a Chappaqua student who attends PNWBOCES.

Jeffrey Playford is a volunteer with the Mt. Kisco Fire Department and hopes to become a member of the Ossining Ambulance Corps. He has a desire to aid people who are in need and has often offered help and compassion to younger, more vulnerable students. President Mester joined with the staff from BOCES and our board in congratulating Jeffrey.

Dr. McKay introduced Principal Robert Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes noted that he is particularly interested in the student voice and he enjoys teenagers. By the time the students graduate, they will have witnessed about 12,000 hours of decision making in the classroom. They have learned about the hiring process from writing resumes to the actual interview experience. They provide input on technology, and give their advice on the kiosk and food environment. They participate in student government and on the Building Planning Team.

He explained that tasks are taught for transparency and how we allocate time, intellectual capacity and funds. We have set priorities as an entire school to utilize resources rather than by departments.

Mr. Rhodes explained that we utilize students in roles as department co-facilitators helping with co-planning, Emergency Response Team, Faculty Advisory Committee - all working on clear teacher roles and support building-wide issues. Mr. Rhodes used a short video to illustrate greater involvement in decision-making process for students. Students learn hands on as authentic learning, and by inclusion in the hiring process. They are learning what employers also look for in the hiring process. It is good to see them actually participating in the running of the school. It's useful to have clarity and focus.

Dr. McKay introduced Director of Special Education Dr. Heidi McCarthy.

Dr. McCarthy mentioned that last week was National Inclusion Week and we developed a number of activities to include all of our children to celebrate them whether or not they are in special education.

Dr. McCarthy noted this is not separate or different - the programs, focus are all inclusive and keep in mind the Board strategic questions besides our priorities. She shared some of the classifications of inclusion and noted the mission statement where our obligation is to prepare all students for productive lives.

She reviewed the CSE reorganization and noted that the meetings are now held at the Education Center. If there is an issue, needs are being met more quickly, but the timeline from the state has to be met and approved by the board to provide services. She worked with Director of Technology Darleen Nicolosi to develop alternative use of technology, including an iPad pilot, to assess or address use of different apps. Dr. McCarthy also used a video of a student working with fine motor skills and another teacher adapted study skills and follow up activities that helped foster independence by self-check homework and still have fun.

Thursday, December 12, 2013, at Education Center at 7:30 a.m.,

Wednesday, December 18, 2013, board tour at Westorchard, 7:00 a.m.; at Seven Bridges 7:45 a.m.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014, at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m.