HOLDERNESS SCHOOL BOARD
Holderness, NH
Minutes
March 2, 2009
Board Members Present: Martha Macomber, Robert Heiner, Wendy Mersch, Joseph Casey
Administration Present: William Van Bennekum, Kathleen Boyle
Others Present: None
The Board entered Non-Public Session at 5:15
On a motion by Ms. Mersch seconded by Dr. Casey, the Board entered into Public session at 5:37 PM.
On a motion by Dr. Heiner seconded by Ms. Mersch made a motion to accept Joe Dodge for a custodial position. Mr. Dodge was accepted unanimously.
Agenda Review and Disposition –
Minutes of February 2, 2009: On a motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Ms. Mersch, the minutes of February 2, 2009 were approved unanimously.
Privilege of the Floor #1 –
Principal’s Report:
Mr. Van Bennekum would like to begin this evening by acknowledging the hard work of our faculty and staff. They continue to work with a commitment to meeting the needs of all our students. Mr. Van Bennekum also wanted to share that over the course of the school year a resounding theme constantly comes to the surface of conversations between parents, teachers, staff and me. This theme is centered on “no student falls through the cracks” --this theme, per say is the resounding philosophy found throughout our school. Regardless of the grade level or circumstances surrounding a student(s) at HCS. Mr. Van Bennekum needs to share as the principal the amazing feeling that overcomes him, when teachers embellish this approach to education. In truth, it can be
hard – especially dealing with difficult children, however it speaks volumes about the commitment of our teachers and staff to the students and community they serve.
Mr. Van Bennekum would also like to share some of the initiatives that are still in the process of developing as the year progresses. We will be looking at the recent NECAP scores to determine areas of weakness and how we can improve instruction in the classroom. There is a level of concern about how our students performed in grade 3 in mathematics, but we are committed to using performance pathways (student data system) combined with curriculum guides and teacher input in grades K-2 looking at areas in need of attention. The focus will be on our math program and how it aligns with the NECAPS.
Our other focus will be closely examining the writing process and how we teach writing throughout the grade levels. Mr. Van Bennekum wants to assure you that our students are good writers; however we are not for some reason meeting the standards set by the state assessment program. It is his belief that we should be performing at a much higher level than the results indicate. Our teachers are committed to the writing process and students do write throughout the curriculum, which means in all subject areas. This is one way of addressing the concern, but we are looking at state rubrics and strategies for improving in this area.
Mr. Van Bennekum would like to recognize the following individuals for their outstanding work over the course of the school year. These individuals continue to support the network of communication and provide important feedback concerning how our school operates. They are the team leaders within the building. We meet every Thursday morning from 7:50 – 8:40 sharing, collaborating, and ensuring information is clearly communicated throughout the faculty. These individuals include
Mrs. Barbara Guinan – Grades K – 2
Ms. Ruth Harlow –Grades 3 -5
Mrs. Angie Miller – Grades 6 – 8
Mrs. Melody Funk –Unified Arts.
Mr. Van Bennekum would also like to acknowledge the work of our school nurse Mrs. Ruthann KlineSmith, who has over the past month dealt with an on slot of colds, coughs, flu-like symptoms, medications and all the other related aspects of her job. She is committed to the welfare and health of all HCS students, staff, and faculty and remains an integral part of the overall operation of the school.
There was discussion about testing results and the NWEA test and NECAP testing and how students perform on these tests.
There was discussion about class sizes and differentiated and individualized instruction.
Consent Items:
- Claims and Payroll A/P manifest #34 was signed.
- Correspondence – Mr. Van Bennekum showed the Board the mural that Valeria Giordano painted outside the cafeteria.
Discussion Items
- District meeting review: Ms. Boyle asked the Board what they would like to have prepared for the meeting. She shared with the Board a handout for the meeting. Ms. Macomber reviewed the power point presentation. The Board would like to have a list of class sizes available at the meeting.
- Calendar 09-10: Ms. Boyle reviewed the Calendar with the Board. The High School will be starting on August 27th. Mr. Van Bennekum reviewed the proposed Calendar with the Board. The committee wanted to start on September 1st as they thought that it is easier for students to start school with a 3 day school week. Mr. Van Bennekum reviewed the proposed teacher in-service days. February 9th was removed as an early release day.
There was a discussion about Parent/Teacher Conferences.
On a motion by Mr. Stewart seconded by Dr. Casey the board approved the calendar with a vote of 4-1.
- Other: April meeting date. Ms. Boyle and Mr. Van Bennekum will both be unavailable for a meeting on April 6th and would like to move the meeting to March 30th. On a motion by Ms. Mersch seconded by Mr. Stewart the board approved moving the meeting unanimously.
Recognition and Awards: -
Privilege of the Floor # 2:
Mr. Van Bennekum indicated that Mr. Riehs has been working with Mr. Melanson to get permission to have track students be able to cross his property so that they can then run on Perch Pond Road
Mr. Martin Riehs will be the assistant track coach, Mrs. Amanda Bussolari will be the girls’ softball coach and Mr. Dan Molinari will be the boys’ baseball coach. We are still looking for a head coach for track.
On a motion by Dr. Heiner seconded by Ms. Mersch the board voted unanimously to approve the spring sports coaches.
On a motion by Ms. Mersch, seconded by Mr. Stewart, the board unanimously to adjourn at 7:15 P.M.
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Respectfully Submitted,
Ann McKenney
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