Following are some highlights from the School Committee meeting of 11.03.09:

Parents voice concern over loss of reading specialist: During Citizens Speak several parent rose to voice concern over the cuts made to the reading specialist. Many cited the need to build a firm foundation in early grades for success later as primary need to resinstate the position. Ms. Bagley Jones addressed the concern later in the meeting, acknowledging the issue. She identified lasck of cunds as the cause and that the school committee was forced to make the cuts. However, she wanted to assure parents that their concerns were heard.

Representatives from Milton Foundation for Education update committee: Members from the Milton Foundation of Education reported that the recent Monster Dash which they organize annually to benefit the Sam Cichello Memorial Fund. The proceeds will assist Barbara Plonski, Science chair, fund educational initiatives in concert with the Trailside Museum. There were 280 runners in this years race and 144 fun kid tickets sold. The MFE raised over $12,000 in sponsors and registrations. (See race results here.) The group also spoke about the upcoming Celebration for Education (see link in right column). They will be conducting a casino night again this year as well as have auction items including a tour of Washington DC with Congressman Lynch and one of the original Gold discs awarded the Dropkick Murphy’s (one of whom is a MHS grad).  If you have never heard “Shipping Up to Boston” you must be living under a rock. But there’s hope . . . see bottom of this post.

Cunningham Site Council brief committee: The Cunnigham Site Council briefed the school committee on a variety of measures that are taking to improve communication and address student needs. It was a logical segue from MFE in that one of their initiatives is a k-5 assessment program that enbles teachers to select more reading level appropriate materials for students in their classes. Teachers conduct assessments then select materials from library based on individual student results. The program is a result of funding from the MFE and Principal Gerber thanked them. Ms Kelly asked more than once if teacher’s had the time to devote to this “differentiated” teaching approach. Gerber acknowledged that it did take time but that teacher’s felt the student information returned was well worth it.

Milton School Open House! all Milton schools will be open to the public on November 14th from 10:00 – 12:00 (some will be open until 2:00). Every citizen is encouraged to attend. Administrators will be on hand to answer questions. The schools are fundamental to the health of this town. Regardless of whether you have a student in attendance: if you have a question, a concern, an issue, or advice, then you have a responsibility to attend this open house and speak with the staff on hand.

. . . and for those of you who have never heard what a punk band can do with a banjo and accordian – here you go. Thank you Milton Foundation for Education! See you on the 21rst!