City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire School Board, 14 Jun 2022

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From YouTube: 6.14.2022 School Board

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6.14.2022 School Board

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Had since the tragic death of one of our students.

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So I'd like to take a moment to honor a life lost too soon in a senseless act of gun, violence.

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Aquarius aquarius dunham, a third grader at little harbor, was fatally shot while on vacation.

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With his family in south carolina to attend his brother's graduation, he was riding in the family.

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Car when he was shot by a man randomly firing at passing vehicles, he was just eight years old.

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He was the kind of kid who made every single classmate think he was their best friend.

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Aquarius touched everyone around him with his vibrant smile, infectious loft, snappy shoes and big.

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Dreams he was known around school as the fastest runner, the best kickball player and a basketball.

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Star he dreamed of playing in the nba, our hearts go out to the dunham family. We also ate for all.

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The kids and teachers and families in our school community who are grieving this terrible loss.

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Portsmouth is a community that comes together to support our own, and this is especially true inside.

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Of our schools, counselors and psychologists and social workers from all over the district.

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And from sau 50 have done heroic work, helping everyone at little heart process, their grief.

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While we are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life, we are also incredibly grateful to.

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All of the people who work tirelessly to support aquarius, dunham's family and our school community.

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Students were looking for a way to honor. Aquarius are invited to participate in a basketball.

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Tournament organized by the new hampshire spartans registration is now open for elementary middle.

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School and high school players all proceeds go to the dunham family. The tournament will.

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Be on july, twenty twenty ninth: more information can be found at new hampshire, spartans dot com.

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um I just wanna thank lisa rapidport, a school board member for helping prepare these.

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Comments, she is a gifted writer and I really really appreciate her help.

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So now we ask for a moment of silence in honor of aquarius.

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Thank you, everyone and now we'll have the pledge of allegiance.

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I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to.

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The republic for which it stands, one nation, under god, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

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um I guess before we begin, um I would just like to comment about.

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The wonderful graduation we had last friday night, we had 266 graduates. I want to thank.

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Mago peabody, vice chief helping me hand out 266 diplomas, which makes you hand, hurt after a while.

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But anyway, we had a wonderful graduation thanks to mary lyons for and her team for, organizing.

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It all um we also want to acknowledge our debate, team, our trivia team and what was.

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The other one there were three of them um today challenge the granite state challenge. Nick our.

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School student representative was very involved in particularly the debate team, correct.

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Okay, you were all honored by the city council, which was wonderful.

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And um we congratulate you nick and the members of those teams. Congratulations and what's the.

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Next event: is it coming up soon? Is there another competition this year or so yeah? Actually so the.

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Debate team um right now we have representatives at nationals, I believe the tournament's over I'm.

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Not sure how it went, um but we did send. I think it was two at least three. Maybe three teams to.

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Nationals, so I'm excited to get the results. Congratulations. We have a lot to be proud of.

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Okay thought I could get anything. Does anybody know? Okay, okay, acceptance of minutes.

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From may 24th our regular meeting do we have a motion to accept the minutes, move to approve.

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Second, second, all in favor, aye, aye, okay, we have a public comment session. Do we have anyone that.

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Would like to speak before us? Do we have anyone on zoom that would like to speak before us.

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uh Considering it's just kevin our producer, I think probably not.

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Kevin doesn't have anything to say. Okay now we have a very special part of our agenda.

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Where we have the recognition of school department retirees, so um I think margo and I.

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Are going to go down to the? um I think I was uh we'll have those what we'll do is.

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Maybe speak to each retiree um and then at the end I think they all come up and if you can.

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Shake the hands of the board, they may want to congratulate you and uh we have pardon gifts.

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So uh that's I mean this is an amazing uh roster of it's weird to call it an amazing roster of loss.

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But we have an amazing roster of loss going on uh this year. Some true sort of uh titans.

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uh Legends and general great humans from the portsmouth school district retiring this year.

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Whose cumulative experience in district is 364 years out of this, this group.

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Deducting that from 2022 brings you back to 1658 and now you're wondering what went on in 1658 well,.

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I'm here to enlighten you um that year was the death of oliver cromwell, the lord protector of.

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England, uh the taj mahal was completed. Actually deb quinn consulted on the paint job. Did you.

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Know that and uh the spanish garrison at duncan surrender at dunkirk surrendered that year to.

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The french in english and the first census was uh conducted in iceland uh first ever complete.

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Census of any country, it was probably, I reckon it was done by hand, vote but just raise your hand and.

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uh That's how they did it, but that's what was going on in 16 1658. We have uh of our staff.

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10 of them are from portsmouth high school over 70 percent of our retirees are this year are from.

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Portsmouth high school, so they're taking a big hit and we just want to recognize uh these folks.

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For just being again linchpins to the success of this district when you're here this many years.

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um You're there you're here this many years for a reason: um it's because of your dedication. It's.

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Because of your care, and it's because you're good at what you do um so we just want to say.

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Thanks to all of you and I'll just name, you off, you could just sort of stand and raise your hand.

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And wave to those who are here: first, we have uh kathy burch siegel, who has been a pe and.

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Health teacher at portsmouth middle school with 19 years of service enforcement. Thank you kathy.

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Taking me way back to my early little harbor computer lab kindergarten days.

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We have miss bonnie cormier as professional little harbor for over 33 years retiring. Thank you. Bonnie.

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Jeff gardner science teacher at portsmouth, high school.

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uh With eight years with sorry five years here, but many years in marshwood, so congratulations, jack.

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This looks like he's ready to get his surf on. Doesn't he he just really just look at.

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That guy all right, um not here tonight, but uh we have leanne gonzalez uh retiring she's, a.

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Clerical staff in the great office at portsmouth, high school she's, been here for 14 years.

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Yeah rosalind grant is a power educator at uh the high school and she's retiring after 33 years.

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Almost all of portsmouth high school too adding on we have deb rizzo retiring student support.

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Teacher at portsmouth high school- and she did I say- terrorism- it's not debris, um debbie barlow,.

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uh People congratulating steve on retiring lately, uh so deb heath, barlow, is retiring after 21 years.

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At portsmouth high school, supporting our students, so thank you deb. uh Let's see.

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Next up we have a deal appoint. I won't call her d, um your previous name, sorry,.

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D is retiring uh from the science department after uh 23 years, so thank you dave. um Let's.

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See next up we have mary lyons principal at uh portsmouth, high school for the past eight years.

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Thank you, mary barrett. I was trying to come up with barrett dude. I couldn't pull it.

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um Sorry, I'm not here tonight but uh a legend over at new franklin uh retiring.

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Custodian ed mcpherson after 21 years in the portsmouth school district um ed. Thank you big ed,.

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uh Fame only only a social studies teacher at portsmouth middle school airport, high school.

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Has been there for 36 years and is leaving our social studies department, so thank you. Faye.

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And next up we have dev quinn uh coming out of the phs science department after 41 years of service.

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41 years of service, that's the first school of cheese, thanks deb uh also.

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Also up there in those years of service, no, I mean that's something.

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Similar years 30 years of services, clerical staff at.

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At portsmouth high school is miss marty ron. Thank you. Marty.

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Okay, I didn't see nancy here tonight, maybe not, um but let's see nancy roy as you well.

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Know is retiring as the robert j lister academy principalship. She has been here.

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Since 2001, which equals 21 years of service for nancy, thanks nance.

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Colin spiller currently a clerical at portsmouth middle school, but it's also been a little harder.

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School has also been at lyndon, franklin, school and and done done great work around.

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The district all around uh is retiring after 14 years of service, so thank you. Colleen.

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She's telling me that the paper I have in front of me is wrong, and then it's 23.. It feels like you've been.

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I've known calling a long time so you're right, it seems about right, doesn't it okay and last, but.

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Certainly not east least is uh ms darlene tracy uh retiring from her clerical position after 37 years.

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So again, thank you uh so much. I wish you the best in your your retirement and hope that.

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You know you have fond memories of your work. I'm sure you have a lot of really crazy, weird stories.

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That you can share- and I hope you write them down because uh it's been quite an adventure for all.

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Of you I'm sure, so thank you and if you could come up and uh say hi and collect a parting gift.

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Okay, should we all go in the front here, you guys can go up front, maybe they don't have to reach.

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Up there that way they don't have to reach over here. Here we go okay, so if you guys go up front.

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And come down from your lofty towers, and you can just they can uh come up and just shake hands.

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I'm going to take notes.

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The more efficient.

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Routes. Thank thank you. Thank you.

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If everyone could stay here for a moment.

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As soon as everyone's seated.

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I just want to recognize two special people that are here with us tonight. The first is george shay.

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George, you have to listen to my little speech.

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I know I I don't think I need to cheer george. You have made incredible contributions to our school.

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District and we are deeply grateful for your many years with us- I distinctly recall being.

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At new franklin, one day when you were the principal, the kids were flocked around you.

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As you were telling a story, you look like a king, embracing your kingdom. The kids were.

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Mesmerized by you, it really left an impression on me. As assistant superintendent. There was no task.

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That you couldn't tackle from technology issues to your work with our faculty and staff.

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And your ability to crunch the numbers when the test scores came in.

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You are hardworking and dedicated and you will be sorely missed. We wish you the very best as.

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You move into the next chapter of your life. We have made a contribution in your honor to.

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The opportunity fund an effort that you helped create with steve. Thank you, george. Good luck.

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And now we move on to steve, I remember when we hired steve in 2005, he became our assistant.

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Superintendent, but within a month or two he had to fill in as a high school principal parents,.

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Teachers, staff and students loved working with him I distinctly remember. We had two groups of parents.

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Who strongly dis disagreed about an issue at portsmouth high school? We went to steve.

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He listened to our story, made a decision presented it to all and the matter was resolved.

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That's the kind of leader steve is, he is thoughtful, fair and honest. He.

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Speaks from the heart he went on to become our superintendent and his accomplishments are many.

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We are deeply grateful for all he has done to make our school district one of the best in the state.

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We are also thankful to his lovely wife and two beautiful daughters for sharing him with us.

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Steven, your honor, we have made a donation to the opportunity fund.

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A program that you created to financially assist students best wishes. As you move on to.

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Our neighboring district, we are very excited to be able to continue working with you. Thank you, steve.

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Okay, I think we can all go back to our seats.

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Thank you all. Thank you.

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You're welcome. Thank you margo. I thought I was gonna have to sit in the queen's chair.

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Okay, thank you, everyone. um I guess we go to special presentations uh wellness. We have a report.

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From our wellness committee- and we have yes, we have our wellness coordinator chris burke here.

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To give you a brief update on some of the efforts, since I was the only one left in the audience.

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Please don't retire for a while chris right. Well, people were saying: oh you're retiring, I'm like no.

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I'm not retiring, don't let that rumor get around um okay! So when I was here in march.

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I gave a pretty comprehensive um update of where some of the wellness initiatives were.

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And since then, we did have a wellness committee meeting.

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Where we updated again, some of the initiatives and and looking at potentially.

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Needs that have yet to be met, and so I just want to make sure I'm hitting the mark on what it.

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Was that you guys were looking for, and I think we also want to talk a little bit about the wellness.

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Funds that have been allocated for staff and for students. Okay, so um I think that I'll start with.

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A quick update from um the high school as far as the work that's gone on from there. I think the the.

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Big win um among many, but was the progress made around the suicide prevention, training efforts.

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Led by ailey she had secured a grant from nami.

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The national association for mental illness and she was able to train 25 students and 15 staff.

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On identifying suicide risks and referrals for help, and out of that, I know that they were able.

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To meet with the students from that group met with and trained the athletic captains of the.

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Athletic teams- and they have subsequently reached out to the pta to do a training with the parents.

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Around recognizing signs and symptoms of risks around suicide, so um both of those I thought.

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Were really, I love the idea of the parent association um training as and I think, from.

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The parent perspective really appreciate it, so I think the plan is for that to happen in early fall.

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um Then, from we also were able to get some high school students down from the wellness club and.

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Other organizations down to the middle school uh to meet with all of the eighth graders and.

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Really do a q a with them about transitioning to high school and what are some of the concerns.

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The eighth grade teams collected questions from the students ahead of time, and then they were.

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Forwarded to the five students which included korean tech, education, students who came down.

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To talk about some of the programs available at the high school and those were also really well.

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Received ailee and lisa jacobus from the middle school coordinated those.

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And I think it was really appreciated that the students were really honest and open about you.

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Know being true to yourself, um pursuing your own interests, really positive affirmations for.

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The upcoming eighth grade, so that was uh up rising eighth graders into freshman year, so that was.

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That was a good initiative as well, and then plattsmouth middle school continues to be.

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Really um successful with their social emotional learning initiative in during success block times.

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And I'm working with matt mitchell right now to supply to purchase some supplies for that program.

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That's set to continue under his leadership next year and then the big initiative from the.

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Elementary schools has been the social emotional curriculum search process. We have vetted two.

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Curriculum and we are set to- we have a workshop day scheduled for august 23rd. I believe it's the.

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Day before we're all due back, where we're going to vet for additional curriculum and from there.

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Identified two that we want to move forward with to potentially do site visits at schools.

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Who are currently implementing them and then to make recommendations back to the administration.

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On recommendations so putting together a timeline for implementation during next year,.

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ah So that's that's the long and short of some of the things that wrapped up the year.

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And I'll and I'll just give you a few comments of what I've um gathered or thought about when.

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It comes to the funds that you have generously allocated for both students and staff, well-being.

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My recommendation is that, from this point, we go forward with um an equal distribution of.

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Funds between the five five schools with um robert lister's staff and students, kind of.

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They have, in the past, been kind of pulled on to new franklin and, to a certain degree, when it came.

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To support from the nurses but really bringing it back to the schools to discuss and to identify.

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What are the resources, what are the initiatives that they need for their school? So, for example,.

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One of the initiatives that I would love to see happen at the middle school or any school, but.

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Specifically, at the middle school from teacher's perspective is the development of a respite area.

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In the building so a place where teachers could go to meditate to just take a break to.

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Listen to some music just to regroup. um I've had several teachers who have said to me that they.

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Literally sit in their closet to get a break from stimulus and people talking and and so initiative.

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Something like that might be a good use of those resources, but I think each each school has.

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Different needs, I think new franklin, I know for sure- wants to continue their staff yoga program.

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So I want to make sure that they that each school is heard before decisions are made about how to.

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Use those funds um and then my goal is to revive revitalize the wellness district-wide committee.

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With the use of some of the staffs from each of the buildings who are working on those fun.

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Allocations of funds, so that's kind of where we are deb. Thank you. Do we have any questions from.

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Members markup um chris, thank you so much can you speak to what are we doing for the sel.

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In the um elementary school in this interim, are we following castle or well we're still.

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Open circle is still being used. It's just not necessarily being supported by the uh by wesley.

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College anymore, so that program is still in place and actually I'm glad you mentioned that because.

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A recommendation has been made that we continue to support and implement that effort until the point.

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Of which we can uh switch over to another program, one of the things that came up at the meeting.

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With the selection committee last week was um an effort that we're going to try to identify some.

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Teachers who feel strongly still committed to open circle and try to mentor them with potentially new.

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Teachers who may not have had just in an effort to keep that work moving um while we wait for.

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Until we get to the point of identifying the right program to take the place of open circle,.

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And if I could follow yes on that, note then are: are we thinking in light of the great success.

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Of success block sel: are we thinking about having some elementary teachers meeting with matt to talk.

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About some of the language common language they've been using in the open circle to draft that into.

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The sel during 6m just sort of like how are we growing our? I guess I would see us.

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Growing from a selection of the newer new sel into because the curriculums we're looking at.

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We're looking at ones that are k to eight and, if not k, to 12. okay, so I'm hoping to build in that.

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Language as we grow as the elementary kids move into the middle school in that common language and.

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um I mean I certainly think that what matt is working on as far as I mean the language is.

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Common language anyway and the people doing the work, know the language. So I don't think that what.

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He's working with is that far different from what kids may have heard around open circle, but that.

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Being said, there are much more comprehensive programs that expand into the middle and high.

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School that I'm that we're looking at when we're that's one of the criteria that we're using in.

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Selecting a new seo that sounds fabulous. Thank you liz. I have a couple questions as well. um I'm.

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Just sort of trying to understand, I'm obviously not on the wellness committee, um but I appreciate.

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You coming in here and having spoken before and I'm obviously fairly new to the board. Having.

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Joined you know I've been elected this year, so I haven't really been involved in um establishing.

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uh Your role and whatnot, so I I appreciate it, and so I guess I'm trying to understand a little bit.

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um Where we're at and why we're? Why we're there? So I guess my first question would be.

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Why not, and maybe it's due to employment contracts, but you know why not start the.

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Sel or pick an sel before we start the school year so that the training can happen. Those first days.

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Of school, I just feel like you know right now, we're hit so hard with covid behavioral issues.

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You know a teacher burnout, you know, do we need to get the teachers before the kids come in.

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Going on something new, I'm a little bit concerned with starting something new, you know continuing to.

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Explore and then starting something new a couple months into the school year, especially if it's.

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Anything like the school year that we just had where you know that adjustment period is was a.

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Lot lengthier than it had been in the years past um for children and behaviors and routines and.

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Whatnot, so um I guess I'm wondering if there's any way to push up the selection process and.

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Determining something to move forward with, I know you're. I know you mentioned that some teachers.

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Are continuing with open circle, so I guess I'm just wondering if there's any way to sort of.

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Streamline this a little bit quicker before school starts or, if there's a reason behind.

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That and any thought behind that. Absolutely so actually, there's there's a lot of thought behind.

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That and I I can appreciate the concern that it's not going to be ready to launch in september.

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What I, what I can tell you, is that the selection of an sel program that is going to be the baseline.

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Of a multi-tiered system of support, like literally the foundation of sel across the district.

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Is critically important and so the idea of having taking the time to make sure we get.

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The right program with the right fit and we get the stakeholder buy-in. Because if we don't.

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If we don't implement it effectively and take the time to vet and to discuss and to look at.

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Different programs and find the right fit, then it's literally selecting something and saying.

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Here just go: do this without any particular buy-in from staff or from administration, so.

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It's as as hard as it is to feel like we need to get this done, and I can appreciate that.

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Our vision is far far longer than september and um I didn't push the issue of bringing together.

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People over the summer, because, quite frankly, um I'm more concerned about the teachers needs to.

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Step away and to regroup and to regenerate and be ready to come back refreshed. So I think that.

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Yes, from a perspective of september being the beginning of the year and that's the best.

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Time to implement a new program, it's in my opinion, far more effective.

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To implement it effectively than necessarily on the timeline of september, so I think we're.

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Going to continue to do what we can do to support the students on many different levels on the sel.

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But as far as the curriculum implementation, um I think this. The approach that we're taking is in.

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The best interest of the students in the district, and is there like a huge monetary buy-in into some.

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Of these programs that have already been designed, designed that may have material or what curriculum.

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There is well, it depends on the curriculum. It depends on what the cost is associated with it. So.

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Some of them are significant one of the ones we've looked at leader in me.

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Is about a 90, 000 investment and other ones? Are they purchased by kits they? They determine cost by.

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Enrollment, so it really depends on the program as to what um the actual cost ends up being. Okay and.

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Then I want to circle back to, and I don't know if steve I mean I know obviously we're steve's moving.

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On here, but I don't know if we could circle back or if it would be your role to pick up.

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um um You know when my son started kindergarten. He came from unh child study center and we advocated.

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For play based kindergarten, um you know it was told to me that portsmouth already does play base.

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Kindergarten but unh did all of these trainings surrounding play-based kindergarten. A statute was.

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Enacted- and I don't know you know, I don't know what changed if anything within kindergarten or.

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If our teachers had gone through the play-based kindergarten training and to sort of integrate.

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That at all- and I guess I just wondered if it was your role or if any piece of this role could be.

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Really focusing on that kindergarten piece, because those are the kids that.

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You know you know my. My son was fortunate to have that sel piece before he went to dondero.

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And was able to communicate effectively where other children are either. You know, they're going.

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To a preschool, maybe doing rote memorization and where they haven't built the social skills or you.

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Know they could be coming from nothing, you know and just being home with their parents all day. So you know, there's all sorts of backgrounds and I feel like if we can really.

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Hit the kindergarten piece hard as far as the sel piece and that play base piece.

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um You know, hopefully there'd be a trickle trickle, trickle-up effect, so to speak.

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With our children being able to communicate more effectively, I mean I've seen the benefit.

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In my son in preschool having done it, and so I guess I'm just wondering if there's a any sort.

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Of consideration surrounding this kindergarten piece and if we could think about it, a little.

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Bit more well, although my job encompasses a lot, that's not one of the things, but I will.

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Say that the seo curriculum is impo intended to implement at the kindergarten level, so they would.

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Be having it as well and they and they do as well without open circles. So they having some level of.

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Sel would begin at the elementary schools, but I would defer to steven george as far as the play.

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um Curriculum, that's beyond my. I don't they've all had a lot of they've all had a lot of training.

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In play-based kindergarten, uh it's not really a curriculum per se by itself, but in terms of that.

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General um approach, um all our teachers, I believe- and kindergarten teachers have been trained in it.

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And just as just to read one of chris's points, we still use open circle k through five. So it's just.

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That they're no longer updating the program. So it's going to sunset soon and that's just.

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And then my last question sorry to have so many, but my last question I wanted to circle back to.

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Peer mediation and I and and understanding how that's being used in the school. I.

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You know I came from the middle school and was a peer mediator and I just found it to be so.

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Effective in I- and I don't know you know if george or steve had any experience with.

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The peer mediation program or why you know why, maybe we don't have it anymore if we do have it.

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um And what decisions were made, but I just I found it very effective as a peer mediator when.

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Kids were having conflict to be able to address that conflict in a way that didn't exacerbate.

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The situation and actually brought people together to talk about how they were feeling.

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Versus pointing the finger- and I I felt like it was extremely effective and obviously put me in.

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The position for employment and what I do now it encouraged me to go in that direction of of.

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Trying to resolve conflict in that way, so I didn't know if that could be a part of our wellness piece.

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Moving forward- and you know, can we scale it at all or where we're at with peer mediation.

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We don't currently have pure mediation in the district that I know to some degree at the high.

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School, maybe not not not peer-to-peer mediation, um you know and and the the results of its the.

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The data on its effectiveness have always been mixed. um It's sort of gone up and down in vogues.

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Over the years, I've been in schools that have used it and and it's anecdotally seemed effective, but I.

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Know there, the the data is generally mixed on pure mediation, okay, kerry and then brian. Thank you. Liz.

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Oh okay, is your question regarding yeah just a quick question: I I don't know if I missed it.

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But what is the milestone timeline that you're thinking that you'll choose the new curriculum.

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And what are you so? I would envision um in august selecting two and from that point, setting up site.

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Visits in september making recommendations, I would hope by the beginning of october,.

H

And then decide on an implementation plan and what that might look like. Okay, thank you. um Does anyone.

A

Else have a question about this lisa really quick, sel question um I've seen a lot of success from.

E

Using guidance as a ua this year at little harbor, and I was just curious if any of the programs that.

E

You're looking at have some component of maybe providing more direct sort of social, emotional.

E

Education, sort of outside of the classroom setting- I don't know if that's appropriate in middle.

E

School as high school as much given the academic demands. Well, the the sal programs again is where.

H

And- and I think this is part of how much has developed even since open circle.

H

Is not only are they now looking k-12 they're, also looking at parent.

H

Components and community components, so I think there's opportunity and really looking at.

H

um All the staff in the building being educated in the language and the so things are happening.

H

In the ua classes, in the same format that they're happening in the english classes, and so I think.

H

We're looking at a much broader implementation area in general um for the sel stuff.

A

Thank you. Anyone else before we go to our covent question kerry. This is a role that you have had. I.

B

Know that there's some transition and things like that, I'm just curious. As far as I I and I know.

F

That when we've talked before this is a really hard year for folks, a lot of changes and protocols.

F

And things like that and sort of you know how that planning, I believe, there's a transition.

F

In supervising the nurses, but anyway, how are people feeling about that transition? Is there any.

F

Other support that is needed there. Oh you mean the chair of the department transition yeah and with.

F

That the cove in management and yeah, um I'm not concerned, I mean I think we as a team- have worked.

H

Really closely together and I would continue to go on, go and support to whatever way I can.

H

Karen and I worked, we started together. We worked together since we both came into the district.

H

um And I actually have a meeting scheduled with her on thursday to begin talks about transition.

H

And budgetary stuff, and and and in all honesty, karen has led a lot of the district-wide language.

H

Around covid, um with her clinical background, so I think honestly, I think you're in great.

H

Hands so I'm not all concerned about it when we, when we conducted the department head interviews.

C

uh It was evident from talking to the nursing department heads that they, as a department have.

C

Just gelled so much during all this, a group chat was referenced constantly, so they now they have.

C

This sort of they'll consult with each other on individual cases and uh they really um have.

C

A fluid communication across the buildings that we did not have before uh and are a lot.

C

More unanimity on on subjects and and support of each other. So it's really impressive. Yeah.

H

Yeah, it's it's good! Thank you! So much! Okay! I have. I have a question quick question. um I have heard.

A

Nothing, but so many accolades about I leagues at the high school could we use another one of her.

A

Or two of her or three three four I mean it just sounds like her role is invaluable to our students.

H

Yes, I think I think her role is invaluable and I think she's particularly strong at what she does. I.

H

Think one of the things that needs to be looked at is that the difference between her role and.

H

The student assistance person role, which was her predecessor's role, so I think at some point it.

H

Almost got merged into one when they're really two separate, um and I don't think eilee can do.

H

Both jobs, so um I think ailey. Her strength is in the clinical um therapeutic role and I think that.

H

Potentially, a a sap person, somebody with substance, abuse background um and an.

H

Alcohol drug counselor, which is what marcy was so it's kind of like they're, two different roles, but.

H

They're, not one, and so I think that may is maybe something that would be worth looking at for sure.

H

um And I think honestly, looking like even the work between ailee and lisa at the middle school.

H

I mean the social worker role in the schools is so critical right now um and not that I mean their.

H

Licensing is a little bit different, but their their mantra is is the same and they work really.

H

Well together, and I think I think the elementary schools are in need of something like that as.

H

Well, because there's just so much happening in the schools that we need connect to resources.

H

And keep kids moving along and um especially this year, because there were so many barriers to.

H

Treatment for availability and access and and we've just seen at the middle school, so many.

H

Issues resolved so much quicker since lisa has been there. So if you had a pot of gold, how many.

A

Who would you add and where I mean when you add someone to each elementary school, how many more.

A

To the high school I mean you know is that is that not a fair question? Well, it's it's a hard question.

H

To answer, because I think in some ways you could say: there's never enough resources right. That.

H

Every kid could use more support and whatever it is they're doing so. um But that being said, I think.

H

And I and I started this work when I first began before covert and then my job became covered, but.

H

This concept of this multi-tiered system of support, that's a framework of which we should.

H

Be building our operations around when it comes to social, emotional and so looking at each school.

H

And trying to figure out what what what do we have as tier one? What do we still need as tier one, so.

H

For me to to just say what we need would not be it wouldn't be professional. It literally needs to be.

H

A decision based on data- and I and my goal- is to get us shifted back to this multi-tiered framework.

H

And working with the principals and trying to build that in each school.

H

And I think from there we can more effectively identify needs than just saying we could use.

H

Three more social workers. I think there would be a much better use of resources to do that. So I'd.

H

Be happy I'd love to come back in the fall and talk about the multi-tiered system of support and.

H

Where we are and where we could see that going, okay, thank you, chris. Any other questions. Liz.

A

um Just a follow-up too, um I guess I'm wondering if there's a role in the wellness for in the sel.

J

Piece too for addressing- and I hope that you know the board is able to address through some.

J

Coveted funds or funding in general, the lunch monitor situation and the recess situation at the.

J

Elementary schools, I'm not sure what the middle schools in the high school might face for you know.

J

The monitoring type situation, but I just feel like it's a huge, missed opportunity in elementary, where.

J

The children are, you know, really playing together. You know with their bodies on the playground and.

J

Whatnot and you know the interactions and conflicts and things that happen and I think.

J

You know it's my understanding that, given that there's just so many kids, we may not be able.

J

To ever effectively sort of address that, but I guess I just wondered if that has ever been a.

J

Conversation um and I guess in saying the board to address it, I guess I'm saying that I'm hoping that.

J

You know we could address the financial needs of folks that might be in that position to bring in.

J

The most qualified folks in key and retain and retain staff in those positions or even obtain.

J

Staff, um but I guess I wondered if that's part of the consideration or could be part of the.

J

Consideration in this sel, um uh you know and covet addressing some code issues oops all right.

H

Sorry, I I and again I'm not an expert in the elementary specific.

H

Issues as far, but what I would go back to is that multi-tiered system support framework right so.

H

It would be within it would behoove the elementary schools to be able to identify.

H

Those needs and then develop a programmatic response and then seek support for that.

H

And whether it be more monitors on the playground or whether it's more purposeful social, emotional.

H

Activities in the playground- I I wouldn't be able to answer that, but I think that's see to answer.

H

The breath point of your question is yes, that is a part of well-being. Absolutely um is safety on.

H

The classroom on the schoolyard and appropriate play so I I think that's a building specific.

H

Issue that the building has to address in in what's in the best interest of their.

H

Students. Okay, thank you. Yes carrie. I I I want you to correct me if I'm wrong, but it just is.

F

Coming up- and I know that we've talked about this- I want to just make sure I think it might just be.

F

Wellness committee conversations but like this multi-tier system of support was supposed to be.

F

um Your objective years ago, and then covet is really: you really took the lead on that.

F

So this is something that has continued to evolve and improve, but is now more of your focus. Is that.

F

So as far as as we're talking about this, I think you mentioned it, but I just wanted to like.

F

Highlight it and bring it to the top that that's where we needed your time to really be spent right.

H

And well, and for the past three years the wellness issue was covered yeah, so yeah it was appropriate.

H

For me to switch my focus and my background around emergency planning helped, but I think.

H

Now we're able to kind of reshift back to the infrastructure and the school board goal around.

H

Student wellness and the sel indicators, and all that language is where my work is returning.

F

I think we're all excited for that. I mean as well.

H

Although I've enjoyed my time with covent- I'm not sorry to say, I'm.

H

Stepping away from it all right, thank you very much. Thank you. Chris we'll see you in the fall.

A

Okay, we'll move on to our superintendent's report yeah. So in your packet, you have the june edition.

G

Of the board and administrator, as well as the email, correspondence, summary and email.

G

Correspondence, you have a notice of two of the recent field, trips that we've had over overnight.

G

Field trips and you have a letter, a joint letter from a variety of public safety, police fire.

G

The city, as well as us, around school safety and that's something that obviously has been.

G

In the forefront of people's minds, and so always brings open opportunity for us to communicate with.

G

The community number one: what plans do we already have in place? How do we go through a process of.

G

Planning for school safety, uh so we wanted to make sure that we were clear, particularly in the.

G

Incident out of texas, where there has been a lot of criticism for the response.

G

We wanted to be very clear over what the planning, in general terms means here.

G

And, as I said before, we're very fortunate to have a very good partnership with particularly the.

G

Police department, as well as the fire department, but around all of our emergency planning.

G

And we go through a process of reviewing emergency plans annually. We submit them to the state as well.

G

And I think you know in reflecting at the end of this year I would say certainly on the forefront.

G

Of people's minds, probably still as we begin next year, would be. What are those pieces and planning.

G

Around safety that are in place- and so this is particularly an important need around parent.

G

Communication, and so I would certainly recommend that the year start off with.

G

Was attention to that in terms of how we're outreaching to parents and what the planning is.

G

I would also say just because it had come up one of the visible things we did with the police.

G

After the most recent incident was to have them have a bit of a presence at our elementary schools.

G

Of course we have our sros at the middle school in high school, so you may have noticed additional.

G

Cruisers and patrols around our elementary schools over the last couple of weeks, and we again we.

G

Certainly appreciate the police department stepping in at any point to partner with us.

A

Any questions liz ian- I know I mentioned this to steve uh briefly, but obviously steve.

J

You know may join us from rye at some point, but I guess I was wondering if we could um add the.

J

School safety piece to our board, retreat as an item and possibly hear from the chief of police.

J

At the board retreat for you know, or at some point um you know if that would be more appropriate or.

J

You know I don't know if it'd be appropriate for a non-public. I guess I just want to make sure.

J

That some of the concerns that the community had um stated in emails, as well as what what our plan.

J

Is for next year, as well as addressing um you know, reflecting on past incidents and and what.

J

You know what can we learn from these things um uh to be able to go over that? So I don't know if the.

J

Board retreats the most appropriate time if we can add that or consider adding it to an agenda.

J

At a later date, as well, we'll be discussing with zach um what the future agenda items will be and.

A

The format for the retreat- so, yes, I have written it down, so we can talk to him about that. All right.

A

Thank you you're welcome, who had the hand up over here? No ann, oh ann! Sorry! I liked this letter very.

A

Much- and I wondered, is this going to be published in the paper- I think it should be yeah. um I there.

G

Was discussion of sending it out? I don't know if that is out of the city directly. It's pretty.

C

Wide on social media, they did a story about it in the herald and linked to it all right.

A

Yes, thank you for that steve! um Okay, are you finished yes, okay over to mason, thank.

A

You very much um now we move on to nathan for the financial report.

D

In the interest of brevity, I would tell you that the message is the same as it's.

D

Been in recent months, the same categories are generating surplus because really we've had.

D

Vacancies uh that have plagued us, but uh we're surviving. uh I would tell you that that.

D

The one comment that I would make is everything that I've said continues to be the same about.

D

Your financials, um the hope that the costs that we had born that were potential uh potentially.

D

Reimbursable under some of our federal funds we'll easily cover that um cover that with budget.

D

Dollars because we've categorized them here, you'll see that these costs have been born.

D

And have been represented all through the cycle so working now on trying to prep us and ramp up to a.

D

Close and uh the budget was approved two mondays ago- yes a week a week ago yesterday, so we have an.

D

Operating budget to engage for july 1 and off we go into the summer to make our transition.

A

Any questions for nathan.

J

um It's just me tonight. Yes, um I'm sorry to take a various time, but I guess I.

J

You know I just first off wanted to say that I was glad to see the budget pass.

J

um The way it was, and I hope to meet staff needs and um and we're able to do what we.

J

Can to create incentive to get what we need done in our schools and the folks that we need hired.

J

I was a little bit disappointed, obviously that there was, you know a bit of a cut back from.

J

What was being asked, I understand the reasoning behind it. I just I'm a little bit concerned with.

J

Moving some of these funds to esser- and um you know the needs of you know- I don't know what the.

J

School's plan is for this week with heat and whatnot. If it's going to get up there or not,.

J

In the next couple days, but you know I'm a little bit concerned about how we're going to address the.

J

Air conditioning issue moving forward and making decisions- and you know, do we need to get on a.

J

Quicker timeline for contracting out or bidding out um air conditioning piece and in our school so.

J

That we actually have something for next summer to help educate kids over the summer, because I think.

J

Educating children over the summer is part of this coveted recovery that we need and.

J

So I'm a little bit concerned I mean obviously the the board was. I mean the steve in the department.

J

Was asked to see if we could cut back and where it could be, um but I think you know maybe some.

J

Of us, you know, we've planned or understood going into it that we may be requested to cut back, but.

J

I am a little bit concerned about where we're going with esser dollars moving forward and.

J

Just wondering what that might look like, as far as are we going to be voting or making determinations.

J

um Because, obviously, all of our reasoning, you know, I think the superintendent can only present so.

J

Much of our reasoning for why we chose the things in the budget that we did or why we went one way.

J

Or the other, so um I'm just a little bit concerned about how we're going to make up for that cutback.

J

And also for the shift into esser funds- and you know: when would we make a determination or do we.

J

Need to have a vote given that esser's, essentially part of the budget. What does that look like.

J

And I understand the difficult you know a difficult place that you were in nathan.

J

And and obviously um I appreciate the council um taking on the community campus too,.

J

But again I guess I'm wondering how we're going to address the ac.

J

Issue and- um and you know, voting on how we move forward or adjust our budget accordingly,.

J

I guess that a lot there, but maybe the overarching answer is we shared. We shared last time a timeline.

D

And it was, it was at the literally the 11th hour. It was maybe chasing up against 11 o'clock when.

D

We shared it, and so we didn't spend a ton of time there but tried to compartmentalize and.

D

And remind folks, we've been talking about doing these elements and they're timely, like we're.

D

Moving ahead with some of the with hiring we're moving ahead with planning for summer programming,.

D

Chris, just got done talking about wellness programming, school and students and staff.

D

Those are all elements of those things need to start happening. We need to be working on that.

D

And largely that was because not because we're spending any of it today, but because.

D

It's coming as we launch through the summer and into the next school year, the capital items.

D

And some of those others which which right now represent uh a plan for the bulk of the of the the.

D

Corpus of the funds that we have really, I think, wait for our new superintendent to join us. The new.

D

Leadership team to be established and the retreat to happen in the and the board to in general.

D

Bring on this leadership team and then contemplate what are our priorities and are there other things.

D

That will rise to the surface quickly that had not been considered. uh It's important to note.

D

We have a- and I will say this and I don't mean to by exception point to things that we don't have.

D

But we are, we are possessed. uh We are positioned right now with air conditioned spaces at the high.

D

School in the middle school for programming that needs to happen in the summer time we are.

D

Working at new franklin this summer to bring that to fruition as well, so that that highway, locked.

D

Air quality challenge space will provide us not only for that school year round, but for.

D

Our elementary population, for instance in the summer months, moving forward a space that can.

D

Be climate control that we can have programming in so I think right now the short list of items.

D

That we had talked about are moving forward based upon our conversation over the last few months,.

D

uh And those bigger items we'll wait until we get the new leadership in place and then.

D

Have some more conversation, I I certainly uh I'm certainly help. I'm I'm hopeful that some of the.

D

Rumblings I've heard about the opportunity for capital projects to extend beyond the previous.

D

Deadline, uh I guess what I'm saying is if we were able to put a capital project like an air.

D

Conditioning project in place, but simply not be able to based on the availability of labor and.

D

Material to complete it by the deadline there's a possibility that there may be.

D

Some ex some deadline expense, extend extensions or trying to think they used enough. They used.

D

Another word in the federal literature that I saw. I don't know that that's available to.

D

Us yet in new hampshire, but I think there's a possibility that may come that might help.

D

And so as soon as we've had a chance to talk more about that, I think we can start some of those.

D

Capital conversations, but um otherwise I think the budget conversation is always a difficult one.

D

Because it's a multi-stage or multi-step, we make our. We make our appeal here. We make our we make.

D

Our decisions to recommend forward a budget that has to that has to then be um added to the city's.

D

uh Priorities in general and the council had a lot to consider as they consider not only the needs.

D

Of schools, but the community and all of the other departments under the umbrella of the city. So I I.

D

Would suggest to you that I think uh we certainly, we certainly made some had to make some changes.

D

But in the grand scheme compared to the totality of the budget priorities that we had and what we.

D

Did receive in this fiscal 23 budget, I I I don't want you to. I don't want you to have great concern.

D

That we can't manage it. uh I think that we we reasonably can't shift those positions that they.

D

That they didn't pinpoint we we pinpointed as a part of our.

D

Trying to meet the certain dollar threshold, what things that are here reasonably would qualify for.

D

Us or that, maybe we could shift and help tackle this financial challenge that was posed to us.

D

And so those were the most appropriate that we had at our disposal, um and so hopefully uh we.

D

Can we can make that work for fiscal 23 and begin our deliberations and plans? You know for what we.

D

Want to do for 24 and beyond, I think there's funds there to make it happen. This financial looks good.

D

As I said, unfortunately, it's because we had a lot of vacancies, that you know that we hopefully won't.

D

See every year moving forward and right now: let's, let's wait and get the team together and then keep.

D

Talking through the summer and into the fall and we'll make our plan for next year and just.

J

To clarify, what's the process like um we have the new team on uh fall comes and maybe there's.

J

Something we need that we didn't contemplate. Do we then vote to sort of switch funds from one.

J

Allotment to another allotment or or do we just uh vote to sort of have that move forward and then.

J

As we fill vacancies address, the funds like how does that? How does our role or voting sort of.

J

Play in uh moving forward- and I think that we'll we'll bring this conversation back as we have.

D

Repeatedly and make sure that the conversation is here so that you have some sense of what the.

D

Priorities are you help to shape where we're headed and how we're going to spend the funds.

D

I don't I don't. I don't know yet how the new superintendent will want to interact.

D

With the board, in terms of deliberating on those things and and um and contemplating priorities,.

D

That's something you guys are going to build in your. You know your first few days or weeks months.

D

Together- so um I guess I don't want to- I don't want to suggest much more than that other than.

D

The idea is, as we have now for the last year, we'll continue to talk about the plans and make.

D

Sure that we're all on the same page as we as we contemplate, certainly something like a capital.

D

Project has to go out to bid and you'll. Certainly, you'll know that we're talking about that before.

D

We put it on the website and launch it so, but when we do um just so the first like just the policies.

J

Being a new member with the budget, I guess we do all these rounds of budget workshops right where.

J

The community is allowed to give input, and so when we commit to what our budget is, are we just.

J

Are we as the board only committing to a dollar figure? I mean? Maybe we need to. I don't know if I.

J

Need to get legal clarification on this, but are we committing to a dollar figure? Are we.

J

Committing to everything, that's in the binder that we're sort of doing our work sessions and whatnot.

J

So if you know how how um how not so much stuck it stuck, it doesn't feel like the best word, but.

J

How stuck are we in our vote and commitment to the community after these sort of rounds of workshops.

J

In um the positions that we uh voted on after the workshops and whatnot in public comment,.

D

So I mean we certainly could talk to the legal department and try to help answer the questions. If.

D

There's additional questions, but I guess I would say to you: we put together the budget binder that.

D

You guys go through. It is, to some extent, a bible that we refer back to for what was our plan? How.

D

Many teachers did, we think we'd have there, but it's, but the budget is really a total number.

D

And ultimately, your your administration will, with your support, deliver on the needs of the schools.

D

You put this budget together. Now we put this budget together, starting back in october right so.

D

Some of what our foresight would provide then doesn't reflect what ultimately has already.

D

Started to change and what will continue to change as we go through the summer and.

D

Then launch into the new school year. So if, for instance, in the course of the year, we determined.

D

That we don't need one of those, but we do need one of those. Then we talk about it. We do that.

D

And so I guess in answer to your question: it's a road map, it's a plan that we put together, but.

D

The budget is really a number and, and the goal is don't ever overspend the number, because that's you.

D

Know where we're collecting anticipated revenues and raising taxes as we need to to address all.

D

Of the needs- and that was what we had as a roadmap for it, so um so I I don't think I've ever expected.

D

That everything will be to the letter exactly what we thought 18 months in advance. We have to.

D

Be more flexible than that and dynamic as we face the changes um in our community and our conditions.

J

Okay, thank you. Thank you for the clarification, any other questions for nathan and I'm just.

A

Hoping that you will spend you will spend all this down, so we don't have to give any back.

D

I I uh I'm sorry today today is it's early today, um every year I think we chil we chase a little.

D

Bit closer at me having a better sense, I'd like to have a really firm sense by say the first of april.

D

Rather than the 30th of july or something but but um we're getting closer, and I think this.

D

Is going to be given the covet dollars that we had that spent, I think we're going to be pretty.

D

Close to having spent the funds good. Thank you. Thank you. Any other questions for nathan.

A

Thank you, nathan. Okay, now we move on to uh old business.

A

I guess the only thing I would say is please remember: our retreat is august, 2nd and august.

A

3Rd, so we're going to have two nights for a retreat in five to eight five to eight. I just.

E

Are we confirmed on those dates? Now? Yes, no! Okay, because the when we were talking at almost 11 at.

E

Night last time you would said the fourth and then I think we went back and then I saw in the minutes.

E

It was the second and third because I think it was always that I was unavailable. Those two nights.

E

What what did you just say? I was unavailable both of those nights and I'm? Oh, I'm just likely.

F

To be unavailable, one of them at least, I thought we were somehow. I thought we.

E

Were looking at the end of that week, I had the ninth for some reason on there too, so I.

J

Had the second third and ninth, the ninth was never on uh okay, maybe a little dog.

E

um That's interesting, august or september those weren't the dates that the most people were.

E

Available, that's why I'm curious august. Second, third and fourth, I think the fourth had the.

E

Most people available, so I don't know if there was somebody who wasn't on the doodle, maybe who.

E

Was available so you were not available both the second and the third right you but you're.

A

Available the fourth, yes, um should we try to? If that's, if that was an option, I'm still trying to.

F

Push for I'll be on star island as the medical provider I'm happy to host us all for a retreat.

J

Now you're talking that's just an hour, but we'll have to see if you don't have zoom availability.

A

But I'm the medical provider so it depends. I tried to attend a retreat by zoom last year and it was.

E

A failure- it didn't really work. So maybe we can just re-address that, because.

E

It sounds like now there's three of us three out of nine that aren't available for sure, so.

A

Are people available august 4th? Can we change one of those to august 4th.

A

Thursday august 4th, okay, so kerry is not available. Hope is available by zoom, correct.

A

Okay, so why don't we change one of those two nights to fourth with zach, you need to august.

I

Yeah yeah yeah, I thought we were gonna confirm. I thought there was gonna, be one.

I

More round of confirmation, that's why I'm we had confirmed, and the minutes were in.

I

There, so I think we were, it was just confusing when, when everybody signed off on the minutes,.

I

Yes, um I should have said something: so that's, okay, yeah we'll go back to the drawing board. I had it.

B

As a second and that's what the doodle yeah, we had it at the third and rolled back on the second.

I

Because when it was needed to have two nights- okay, that was the other night that was on so.

I

We'll throw the fourth in thank you, okay, so we'll get to zach, but everybody zach says he.

A

Can make the fourth oh good? Okay, shall we change it right now, then, to the second and the fourth.

A

Tuesday and thursday, who could make tuesday and thursday august 2nd and august 4th.

A

Should we do individual, I mean each night exactly okay! Well, we know that you can do.

A

The fourth correct, let's just say the second okay, who can do the second okay.

E

And I know hope, can okay yeah and then who can do the fourth and I know hope, can as well.

I

Okay, so it's the same numbers except we add pep, so it'll be the second and the fourth from.

A

Five to eight pm and we'll provide sandwiches correct. We will provide dinner both nights. Okay,.

E

Okay, wait a second while we're doing this. Are we confused show of hands for the third.

I

Oh okay, can you do the third? You can't do the third either. So, okay can't do the third, okay.

A

And neither can carry so so it's okay, so the second I can hopefully be there part of some.

F

Of them, but it's just a total. If something happens, you have to you get called away. Okay,.

A

All right, so it is august, 2nd and august 4th from 5 to 8 p.m.

A

We don't know where yet, but probably the school board conference room well yeah. I wouldn't. I also.

I

Think we should just I would pencil those in, but I would say that the importance of having.

I

Everybody there for that. First discussion is huge and it might require us to really.

I

Reconfigure once again, so I'm not in the conversations that we've had with zach.

I

I think that first conversation the the fact that we have now two members that.

I

Won't be there, I think we might need to really reconsider whether we can start on the second.

I

I think we might have to start on the fourth and look at an additional date. The week a.

I

Week after okay, which would have you back in portsmouth yeah well, so that's why we're here.

I

Yes, I have permission. This is fun. I love planning. um This runs in I'm not here.

I

uh Show of hands for august 8th if you're present in town that day for a five to eight meeting.

I

Looking good four five: six: how about you? Well, I'm looking.

F

Great okay, seven! I don't know about hope what about august? Ninth we have a school.

J

Board meeting scheduled for that day. Thank you. So that's it! That's what I was looking.

I

Okay and then I'll roll to august 10th.

I

One two three, four: five: seven, okay, I'm out that week, but that's fine! Are you available by zoom? No.

I

Okay, so let's all say we have the fourth confirmed and we'll figure out.

I

The second night, okay, I think that makes no sense for now. Is everybody clear on that.

I

We'll move it on our calendars to five to eight on august 4th.

I

And um further scheduling will be communicated through email, good question: mm-hmm we're not.

E

Looking at going earlier in the summer, we'd be looking at later: okay yep because of conflict with.

I

The admin retreat and the july dates that came in yep, yep, okay, good question. Thank you for my sanity.

I

Okay, thanks for clarifying that pip good catch, good catch right, okay, um I'm losing my agenda.

I

What's next um consideration: approval of association enforcement teachers, agreement, okay,.

A

Thank you margo. um We will turn it over to steve. Yes, so uh you've been briefed by.

G

Tom claussen of the negotiations that have concluded now with the association of portsmouth.

G

Teachers, lisa and anne were both on that committee and given uh tom's summary and the details of that.

G

Agreement, we would ask for your approval of the collective bargaining agreement for teachers.

A

Move to approve second, do we have a second second, okay, any comments, questions.

A

All those in favor.

A

Aye aye any opposed okay. The motion passes. Thank you. Next, we have consideration and approval of.

A

Leave of absence yeah in your packet, you have a letter from molly danderon.

G

Dondero teacher requesting a one-year leave of absence to care for her infant child. Do we.

A

Have a motion to approve second, okay, yep, all in favor aye aye. Any opposed motion passes.

A

Steve consideration and approval of employment, so we have a number of positions to go over with you.

G

uh Tonight uh for your consideration, um I guess we would take the first one separately. Perhaps.

G

But we could probably take the rest of them as a as a bulk. Okay, we have been through a process.

G

Zach and I obviously zach needing to be very closely involved in the process of selecting.

G

The very big shoes to fill to my left for assistant superintendent.

G

And worked with zach to develop a committee of diverse stakeholders and perspectives.

G

Went through a process of screening, a number of applicants interviewing semi-finalists.

G

And eventually doing site visits to two finalists in great depth and brought back to the committee.

G

To help inform zach of a very important choice for the position of assistant superintendent, his.

G

Right-Hand person, if you will to lead the district towards the visions that you've started to set out.

G

So we're very, very happy to bring forward to you, the nomination of patty haynes for the.

G

Position of assistant superintendent patty comes to you with a phd in education from.

G

Capella university, a master's in elementary ed from central, connecticut state university.

G

Most recently she's been the director of teaching and learning at sanborn regional district, but.

G

Has also spent plenty of time in curriculum roles, as well as elementary principalships.

G

Through a career and we're very excited to nominate her for assistant superintendent,.

A

Do we have a motion to approve dr haynes? I move to approve, and second second, marco.

A

Discussion any questions or comments, liz um I just um hoping the superintendent can just elaborate.

J

uh Briefly, why this process may have been different than other processes and.

J

You know whether you know going forward, you know, you know, is it a case-by-case basis or.

J

Any sort of recommendation that we kind of get on the same page, because this seemed a bit different.

J

Than um the other processes we had placed for other positions, but obviously a shorter notice.

G

Yeah, so um so, first of all, the position is is unique in the sense that you've.

G

Already been through a process to to search for a superintendent which was much about the district.

G

Vision and what you expect from the leadership in the district.

G

George and I have always worked, I think, as I hope, the ideal team works to say. You know.

G

Here's the vision we need to get to. We need to work as a team to do it and so.

G

The assistant superintendent's position has always been pretty uh focused on what that superintendent.

G

Sees as a need to help uh hammer her deliver on on that vision, so um so the process also, as you.

G

Reference is uh was had to be urgent because we were in late may into june uh to find a position.

G

While people are already um settling into other contracts and where they are, where they're going.

G

uh And so uh the process itself, um I would say I would characterize it as a very, very thorough.

G

Process uh diving deeply into the candidates, uh but not including um by design right or wrong.

G

Not including a large-scale public forum as part of that process at the end you know I.

G

Have every confidence zach has chosen uh the person who is going to best partner with him to.

G

Lead the district to where, where everybody wants it to go so going forward liz I mean that would be.

G

A question for the future to what what process, I certainly would hear um and be empathetic to.

G

Other people's interest in being involved, and that certainly could be a conversation going forward.

A

Any other questions comments.

A

Do we need a roll call vote? No? Okay, all in favor of dr haynes, as our assistant, superintendent,.

A

Hi any opposed motion passes. Thank you very much. Thank you. So I'll run through the the.

G

Rest because there's a quite a few uh in terms of nominations for you to bring to you this evening,.

G

We have abigail clark as a one-year science teacher at portsmouth middle school abi gail.

G

Comes to you with a master's in education from unh and, most recently, a science teacher in farmington.

G

We bring catherine jester a drama teacher for the middle and high school. uh Catherine comes to us.

G

With a bachelor's in theater in english from unh and has done a variety of directing in terms of.

G

Camp theater work in the city as well as a stint as a little harbor theater teacher last year.

G

We bring carolyn durfy a speech and language pathologist for portsmouth middle school.

G

Carolyn comes to us with a masters of speech, language pathology from lasalle university.

G

And most recently, a speech language pathologist at interlake school in meredith.

G

We have jennifer schump coming to us for as an elementary teacher at dondero.

G

Jennifer comes to us with a masters in elementary education from unh, and most recently has actually.

G

Served as a long-term sub at don darrow and before that, a kindergarten teacher in california.

G

And jennifer berg, a special education teacher also for dondero jennifer, comes to us with a.

G

Bachelors from plymouth state university has served, has worked with us as a literacy tutor.

G

Here in the district and has come to us also from coming georgia as a special education teacher.

G

We have amanda buckley coming to us as a school psychologist. District wide amanda comes to us.

G

With a skype school psychology degree from the university of southern maine, a master's.

G

In shakespeare's theater, which I'm sure will come in handy as well and as most recently, a graduate.

G

Research assistant for a special education and literacy departments and has also served as an.

G

English teacher at massabesic high school, we have brennan lynch coming to us as math.

G

Teacher portsmouth middle school brennan has a master's in math and curriculum instruction.

G

From university of vermont and comes to us as a special educator from montpelier.

G

We have joseph lemay coming to us as a business teacher in our cte program. Joseph comes to us a.

G

Masters of science and accounting from peter paul college, business and economics and unh.

G

And most recently, as a business, I.t, mathematics teacher in north middlesex, regional high school.

G

And we have jennifer branch as a one-year elementary teacher at little harbor jennifer.

G

Comes to us with a master's in education from university of connecticut and most.

G

Recently from as an elementary teacher at memorial, elementary school in newton, and that is the slate.

A

Yes, carrie um one question that involves two of these: is it.

F

Is it in in the certifications other states they usually translate um and.

F

Then, for specific things like everyone has, it seems like doe level accreditations in whatever.

F

State they're coming from aside from science and business, so this is probably just a learning thing.

F

For me, but how are those qualifications determined? Do they have to become state certified educators.

F

In their roles, yes, so they will have to for those who are coming from out of state, they will have to.

G

Secure new hampshire certification, which and george can speak to a bit too, is is typically.

G

A process of particularly if they've, served in a similar role, not not a big hurdle for them to.

G

Jump through, but it is something that they have to do their contract that they get is contingent.

G

Upon them having new hampshire certification, so most of these people are certainly in process. If.

G

They're not already done yeah on the first stage of that, often in the transfer. Some are straight.

C

It's called alternative two, just taking your credential in massachusetts and transferring.

C

It to new hampshire, um in some cases in in certain roles we a lot of this happens a lot in cte. A lot.

C

Of people don't have a um have a certification in auto tech, say or something like that.

C

um So they get something called a statement of eligibility which makes them hirable by.

C

The district and then there's a interim plan, that's put in place, they get an interim license.

C

And they have three years to work on these set of competencies and demonstrate them. So.

C

In some cases, like business, um that that's often the case so you'll get the in order.

C

They need the statement of eligibility or an endorsement for us to hire them.

F

I know in general, most are masters prepared, folks and.

F

Could you just speak to drama in particular um and like the teaching, I just don't know how, in the.

F

Department of education things, certain subjects fit under like literacy fits not like. I just don't.

F

Understand it, so what's the question about drama specifically, so is there.

F

Does that person need to have a high school drama certification or a high school educator?.

G

Yeah, so they will have to be certified and in fact, alden also went through a process when he.

G

Was hired to get and again, as george says, there are alternative pathways typically involve being.

G

Mentored by somebody who already has so similar to the cte- that was, I believe, that's a six or.

C

Twelve certification, I'm trying to pull it up now, but my zoom is taking up my screen here.

A

Any other questions I get. I don't think we put a motion on the floor yet do we have a motion to.

A

Approve the slate of candidates, no probe and second second.

A

List on favor all right, any opposed. Okay, the motion passes.

A

Okay, next, we have committee updates. Does anyone have anything they would like to share regarding.

A

A committee or on kim sure um I just wanted to share that we had the equity council retreat.

K

On june 1st, I don't think we've met since then right um and it was very well attended.

K

There was about 20 members who came many students, five students, I guess out of the group- so.

K

25 but um steve was there: zach was there board members were there and two middle school teachers.

K

Two high school teachers, but the um the goal of the meeting was to kind of organize and clarify.

K

Some of our values and belief statements and um we organized a mission statement. That's in draft form.

K

uh And sort of set a vision for what we think the work would be through those satellite.

K

Groups that I talked about um next year, so um it was a it was a good time very good.

A

Thank you and how is the portsmouth 400 group doing absolutely so we um we have not met recently.

K

And yeah we've had the last two meetings: canceled yeah, um so I think end of the year with the kids.

C

But uh they are still working on their interviews. I believe the oral histories, that's the main.

C

Opening driver so, and I I did talk to tammy joslin and um she is putting something together with.

K

Hadley bond dollar um some type of cookbook um that they want to connect with the portsmouth 400.

K

And I I'm not exactly clear she was a little bit, not sure, but the kids are going to write it. So.

K

That the kids are looking at the different things that they cook in their homes and.

K

Creating this cookbook- and I know I know hadley- is very much involved at the green leaf wreck so.

K

That is one small update. I have anyone else. Thank you kim. Anyone else have a committee update. Yes,.

B

Well, it's not, I mean, obviously it's not exactly a committee, but uh the student council had an.

B

Election recently, um we had uh the best turnout, I've observed um since at least before covet and.

B

Actually, we had unusually enough a tie in the junior class election, which means that.

B

uh If we get a full 12 person council from the freshman coming in next year,.

B

We'll actually have the largest council to my knowledge on record wow. That's cool and.

B

We've also been seeing a much better turnout from unelected members attending meetings as well, so.

B

If that can continue into next year, that'll be really encouraging.

I

Can I ask how you communicate those meetings to the to the school population? Yes, so um senate.

B

Meetings are posted on the site and also we try and do our best just to communicate them.

B

From word of mouth um and those are generally the much larger things class meetings uh which.

B

Tend to uh mostly concern prom class gift, more just class-centric, things um are generally more.

B

Word-Of-Mouth and then also it's, um I think we do try and post the meeting day on the website.

B

I believe as well. um Senate meetings are the ones that we really hope to get a high turnout on, but.

B

Class meetings, we actually have been getting more people in them as well. That's fantastic.

I

Thank you nick. Thank you. I can give them policy. Yes, marco is going to give a policy committee.

A

Yes, or are there other updates from committees before we go to the policy? No okay, um so.

I

Not too much different from the last time we reported, the policy committee continues to be.

I

Looking in depth at um igd, jic and jicd, as well as jicde, which it's our respect, policy, basically.

I

Taking a look at our larger scale, discipline policies in light of some.

I

Of the information that we've received and the concerns that are being raised, we did.

I

Have the advantage of having both our incoming principal at the high school, steve kenosi.

I

And zach was present at our last meeting and they offered a great lens by which other districts are.

I

Looking at these same issues as well, some of the history of how some of these policies came about.

I

What was interesting in that discussion, as we flushed out and pip, can correct me the.

I

um The challenges of all of them, in terms of how do you meet the intention of the policy well.

I

How do you get the data to even understand if the policy is meeting the need and are we responding.

I

In an appropriate matter that grows the student to avoid further situations. What was brought up by.

I

That by our school board lawyer is that the new hampshire school board association has changed.

I

um The way they look at policies now and has added the desire to create an intervention step.

I

Before um what what you would traditionally see as a disciplinary measure, of course, not.

I

In situations of which safety is of concern, where you would before you can intervene, you.

I

Might need to actually remove the concern, and I think that is a nice place for that change to.

I

Happen in light of the conversations that we've been having and that will need to filter into the.

I

Conversation in terms of where do we go next with the policy in terms of next steps, we have another.

I

Board another policy meeting coming up in july and I think at that point we will be ready to.

I

Make some recommendations with our new leadership team as far as what's the right direction to go.

I

With igd, we don't want to fine tune, one part here and one part there if it doesn't.

I

Fit into the larger backdrop of what are we saying as a district, in terms of how do we respond.

I

How do we manage, how do we prevent and how do we communicate? So that's the lens.

I

By which we're looking at them is that there's an excellent summary yeah? Do you.

A

I'm thinking of like the student handbook in the fall, this won't be all resolved by the fall.

A

Correct no, but that's I'm glad you asked it was raised as a thought and I it was. It was.

I

My understanding I I cannot speak for steve canosi, but it was mentioned that what would.

I

Be really helpful for our student body and even our parent body is a yes. We have the handbook, but.

I

Can we boil it down to a one pager third sixth grade language on these? Are all the you know.

I

These are the expectations of you. These are what would happen if not here so sort of summarizing.

I

Our policies, in a way that it pops out on one page and isn't lost in pages and pages.

I

Of language as a first step towards improving communication, around expectations and consequences.

I

And I would that would be ready for the fall. The hope is that would be ready for the fall. Yes.

I

Well, that's encouraging with the change of leadership, team and new training of things.

I

Of that um I don't want to make that right promise, but it was definitely well received and.

I

That the intention is there to move in that direction.

I

Would you say you were both present? Would you say that's a fair okay, any other questions for.

A

The policy committee well good work. Thank you. It sounds like you're really quitting the medal to.

E

Them what grinds or whatever that expression is we're busy margo you had mentioned in a previous.

E

Meeting that we were going to be changing the documentation on our policy so that the board.

E

Might be able to not spend hours at this table, making all the commas and uh grammars cleanups? Yes,.

E

Do you have any update on that yeah sure what the status of that was, so the the new rollout would be.

I

When um a week before the policy meeting, all board, members will be sent a copy of the policy agenda.

I

With the hyperlinks for the policies in that portion, that's the place to communicate out.

I

To the board, these are the policies the policy committee is looking at. If you have specific.

I

Questions or concern, please direct those back to the policy committee so that we can discuss those.

I

Then the second half is when a policy is ready to be presented to the board for approval. You will.

I

Get that policy in your board packet we're trying to get the board packets out even earlier, and each.

I

Line of the policy will have a number. So, as you read the policy, if you have grammatical changes.

I

Or corrections you would email, those to me line. 24 third period should be a comma line. 12 eucharistic.

I

Capitalization so that we can take the goal, is let's take the word smithing, the lengthy net of.

I

The word smithing it's incredibly important to have the most amount of eyes on our policies, but.

I

Doesn't necessarily sit properly in a board meeting. The beginning part is to front load making.

I

Sure, there's ample input into the conversations that we're having as a policy committee.

I

About, maybe why was the policy even put on the agenda or, as you read the policy, what sticks out.

I

As not sensical for you or um maybe no longer, in keeping with our board goals that you would like.

I

To be mentioned so that we can avoid that part at the board meeting we're supposed to approve.

I

A policy it should not be the time to discuss. Why do we have the policy that sounds really awesome.

E

I have one quick follow-up on that. Would the intention be like, let's just say, for example,.

E

You know I look at it and there's a line that really doesn't make sense to me that.

E

Would fundamentally change how it's implemented? Would we kick it back to the policy committee.

E

Or like would a certain number of board members have to raise the same question. I'm just trying.

E

To think how we can condense the amount of time we're spending at these meetings debating the.

I

Yep verbiage, that's a great question and um when we changed the when we had so many new members.

I

A couple years ago we decided everything was going to go through two reads other than the ones.

I

That were just updating to keep up to date with new hampshire, school board association. So we'll.

I

Still keep the two reads, so that gives us the opportunity that if enough people say this line.

I

Does not seem to match with the purpose that kicks back to policy they adjust for.

I

Second reading great question, and that would be an appropriate conversation in a board meeting thanks.

A

Any of the questions of the policy committee- thank you, marco and lisa, and.

A

Thank you for your work on that and steve for being there also okay, um what else do we have.

A

Future agenda items um we discussed that we would like to talk to zach about that at our first.

A

Pre-Meeting that we have with him in july before our next meeting, um so we will. My guess- is a lot.

A

Of these will continue, but we will um list the new future agenda items if anybody has.

A

Anything let us know, because we're going to meet with zach before our next meeting and.

A

Finalize that list, so if you have any ideas, let us know margo or myself and upcoming events.

A

Do we have any upcoming events last day for students and friday.

C

Middle school middle school, graduation, thursday, night, eighth grade graduation thursday night, oh.

E

That's right and where is that drive by us there's a drive-by at the uh from the middle school.

A

Because somebody had mentioned to me that they think that their granddaughter.

H

Graduation and I said car parade it's a car parade. Apparently they don't know that. I don't know.

A

And lisa, can you just help me if aquarius dunham there is a gofundme page, so is there a I forgot to.

A

Mention that in my remarks, is there a specific address or it's a very long address. I believe.

E

Steve has it if we do want to share it out yeah, I would refer people back to the newsletter we sent.

G

Out a week or so, okay, that's in the parent square thread. Okay, I I failed to mention that.

I

Could we just, I know that, um could we make mention of the fact that the time at which school ends on.

I

Friday is different by building, and if people have questions they should go directly back to them.

G

Those will be communicated out if they haven't already, but yes, everybody's, going to be depending.

G

On when buses are picking up, yep, yep, okay, yes liz- I just want to thank you or thank the high school.

J

For the invite to the graduation, unfortunately didn't get my response back in time, but I.

J

Appreciate the thought that went into sending all of us invitations and providing that space for us.

J

To be there as well, I don't know if any of you all were able to attend, unfortunately, was not there. So.

J

I thought you guys got a great picture out of it and congratulations to everybody and I just.

J

Want to say a big thank you at the end of the year to all of our teachers and everything that.

J

They've gone through this year and um you know I know it's been rough, but I hope everybody's.

J

Able to enjoy their summer and recuperate and come back next year, refreshed and ready to.

J

You know tackle another year, so I appreciate that. Thank you, liz that was very thoughtful.

A

um Anything else I would just like to say again a deep thanks to steve and george for being with us.

A

For so many years and giving us guidance and leadership and love, so thank you and we'll.

A

Be seeing steve, certainly but george you'll have to keep us updated, find me on the street support.

A

We'll be watching we'll be watching your channel you're. Looking for your application, george.

J

When you're ready to come back, wandering aimlessly you'll, see me barefoot playing your guitar. Do.

A

You either of you have any last comments or no just thank you for all your support and uh we.

C

Have a message for staff, but uh do you want to thank you for all of your support and your.

C

Acknowledgments tonight appreciate it yeah and thank you for for your service and look forward.

G

To partnering in other ways, yes, we certainly will okay well, thank you. Do we have a motion to adjourn.

A

No people want to stay here. It's a little early. Don't you think literally, a second do.

A

We have a second and second hips, a second okay. All in favor. All right motion passes.

A