Rochester School Board

School Board Agenda February 11, 2010

Rochester School Board Regular School Board Meeting

City Council Chambers February 14, 2013

7:00 PM

I. Roll call and Pledge of Allegiance

AGENDA

II. Reading of Records of the Previous Meetings: Regular Board Meeting of January 10, 2013 and Special Board Meeting of January 31, 2013.

III. Superintendent’s Report and Communications

IV. Spaulding High School Student Senate Report

V. Public Comment

VI. Committee Reports – Standing Committees

A. Building Committee

1. Review of the February 5, 2013 and February 7, 2013 meetings.

B. Instruction Committee

1. The Committee recommends the Board waive the conditions outlined in Policy IICA, Guidelines for Field Trips and Other School Sponsored Travel for the Spaulding High School trip to Quebec.

2. Review of the January 24, 2012 meeting.

C. Personnel Committee

1. The Committee recommends the Board accept the following resignations:

Brett LeProhon ..................................................................................... Para-Educator Andrew Merrill .................................................. Interim System Technician Level II David Doucet ............................................................................ Mathematics Teacher

2. The Committee recommends the Board accept the following resignations for retirement purposes:

Deborah Day ................................................................................. Spanish Teacher Barbara Feldman ................................................................................... Art Teacher David Foote ...................................................................................CTE/IA Drafting Patricia Glasson ....................................................................... Guidance Counselor Mary Horton ..................................................................................... Cook Manager Jerome Lachance ............................................................................ Science Teacher Lynda Morgan ................................................... Early Childhood Program Teacher Priscilla Sawyer ........................................................................ Elementary Teacher Gail Sciabarrasi ............................................................. Special Education Teacher Linda Sohlman .................................................................................Title 1 Teacher Kevin Vachon .................................................... CTE/IA Auto Mechanics Teacher Brenda Walker .................. Interim Special Education Middle School Coordinator David Wentworth .............................................................................Groundskeeper

School Board Meeting Agenda February 14, 2013 of 4

3. The Committee recommends the Board approve the nomination of David Velazquez, Para-Educator at McClelland School and Wendy Bober, Para-Educator at Rochester Middle School.

4. The Committee recommends the Board approve the following Co-Curricular/Extra-Curricular Nominations:

Paul George ................................................................. Baseball, Varsity (B) Coach Gary Bryant ................................................. Baseball, Varsity (B) Coach Assistant Lou Ferullo .................................................. Baseball, Varsity (B) Coach Assistant Carl Douglas ............................................... Baseball, Varsity (B) Coach Assistant Robert Gee ....................................................... Baseball, Junior Varsity (B) Coach Christopher Gagne ........................................... Baseball, Junior Varsity (B) Coach Joshua Nesbitt .................................................. Baseball, Junior Varsity (B) Coach Rock Rouleau .......................................................... Baseball, Freshman (B) Coach Christopher Tebo .................................... Baseball, Freshman (B) Coach Assistant Timothy Roberts ........................................................ Lacrosse, Varsity (B) Coach Robert Roy .................................................. Lacrosse, Varsity (B) Coach Assistant Jonathan Rourke .......................................... Lacrosse, Varsity (B) Coach Assistant Robert Conley ............................................. Lacrosse, Varsity (B) Coach Assistant David Murdoch .......................................................... Lacrosse, Varsity (G) Coach Patty McNally ............................................. Lacrosse, Varsity (G) Coach Assistant Tyler Nutter ...................................................................... Lacrosse, MS (B) Coach Kari Geisler ...................................................................... Lacrosse, MS (G) Coach Sheila Colson ............................................................... Softball, Varsity (G) Coach Joanne Riker ................................................. Softball, Varsity (G) Coach Assistant James Knowles ............................................. Softball, Varsity (G) Coach Assistant Paul Cormier ................................................ Softball, Varsity (G) Coach Assistant Paul Nelson ....................................................... Softball, Junior Varsity (G) Coach Randy Cook ............................................. Softball, Freshman (G) Coach Assistant Claudine White ......................................................................... Tennis, Varsity (B) Gregory Riley ............................................................................ Tennis, Varsity (G) Bonnie Varney-Lachance .......................................... Track, Spring (Mixed) Coach JoshuaWhite ...................................................... Track, Spring (B) Coach Assistant Ian Culling ........................................................ Track, Spring (G) Coach Assistant Normand Sanborn ................................................... Track, Spring Coach Assistant Sheila Colson ........................................................Weight Room Advisor – Winter

5. Review of the February 5, 2013 and February 7, 2013 meetings.

D. Special Services


E. Finance Committee

1. The Committee recommends the Board approve Cynthia Lamontagne, MSN to provide LNA Certification for second year students in the CTE Health Occupations Program.


2. The Committee recommends the Board approve the following low bids for Health Science Equipment:

- Laerdal Medical Corp. of Wappingers Falls, NY for: Sani CPR Family Pack, $441.75

- School Nurse Supply of Schaumburg, IL for: Electronic Thermometer, $217; Infared Tympanic Thermometerr, $229.

- Pocket Nurse of Monaca, PA for: Stretcher, $1,510; Stainless Steel Shelf, $440. - Moore Medical of Farmington, CT for: Mobile Unit Stand, $313; Aneroid Stand with

Cuff, $261.64. - Fishcher Scientific Co. of Hanover Park, IL for: Simulaids Adult Choking Manikin,

$231,78. - Bound Tree Medical of Dublin, OH for: Rediscan Infared Thermometer, $53.01;

Stethoscope: Blue and Red, $5.60 each; Life/Form Kerie Complete Manikin, $1,096.39.

- Products Unlimited of Justin, TX for: Clinton Lab X Series Blood Drawing Chair, $427.18.

3. The Committee recommends the Board approve the bid from Laerdal Medical Corporation of Wappingers Falls, NY for Nursing Anne Equipment as bid; total bid price $26,689.02 for items required.

4. The Committee recommends the Board approve increasing one Para-Educator position at Rochester Middle School to 35 hours per week, and eliminating a 27.5 hour position.

5. The Committee recommends the Board approve the donation of up to 45 sick days for Para-Educator TD.

6. Review of the February 7, 2013 meeting.

F. Discipline

1. Review and recommendations from the January 22, 29, 31, 2013 and February 13, 2013 meetings.

G. Policy

1. The Committee recommends to the Board for second reading and adoption the following policies:

- BCA, Board Organization and Meetings - JED, Student Absences and Excuses

2. The Committee recommends to the Board for first reading the following policies: - JECC-1, Assignment of Students to Magnet Schools - IKA-R1, Grading Policy

3. The Committee recommends the Board approve deleting policy JEDA, Truancy for deletion.

4. The Committee recommends to the Board for first reading policy IKA-R, Grading Guidelines for deletion.



VII. Committee Report – Special Committees

A. Ad Hoc Committee – School Starting Times

1. Review of the January 29, 2013 meeting

VIII. Old Business

IX. New Business

X. Non-Public

XI. Adjournment

Rochester School Board Special School Board Minutes

January 31, 2013 School Department Board Room

Members Present: Mr. Robert Watson, Chair Mr. Matthew Pappas Mrs. Audrey Stevens Mr. Paul Lynch Mrs. Susan O’Connor Ms. Caroline McCarley Mr. James Gray Mrs. Anne Grassie Dr. Anthony Pastelis Ms. Julie Brown Mr. Daniel Harkinson Mrs. Karen Stokes

Members Absent: Mrs. Laurie Beaulieu

Also Present: Mr. Michael Hopkins, Superintendent Mrs. Mary Moriarty, Asst. Superintendent Ms. Linda Casey, Business Administrator Public

Mr. Watson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. on a roll call with a quorum present. Members participated in the pledge of allegiance. FY 2014 Budget

Mr. Hopkins and Ms. Casey presented an overview of the FY2014 budget; giving a general idea of where the budget is before the Board begins work at the Committee level. Mr. Hopkins noted that significant cuts had to be made within personnel to reach the City Tax Cap. Ms. Casey has scrutinized each line item of the budget making reductions wherever feasible, before looking at staff reductions. The Proposed Operating Budget for FY 2014 is $56,273,652; increasing of 1.9% for a total increase of $1,039,257. The total budget increase with grants and food service is 2.1% or an increase of $1,239,257. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget final total is waiting for final figures to include East Rochester School construction, roofing projects, and security enhancements throughout the District. Ms. Casey reviewed the Revenue portion of the budget, noting that the local revenue portion of the budget has decreased by approximately $74,000; former tuition students are moving into Rochester. A detailed explanation of the Tax Cap Calculation was presented; the 2.1% increase is on local taxes only, the Operating Budget increase is the 1.9%. Mr. Hopkins reviewed each item on the Reductions/Additions in Personnel List, emphasizing this was the only option left to reduce the budget to reach the City Tax Cap. Board members asked questions and expressed concerns regarding reduction of personnel. Mr. Hopkins indicated that specific details of the budget will be worked on at each Committee level beginning next week. A lot of work will be done before having a final budget to submit to City Council. Mr. Hopkins explained that a final CIP figure should be received for the Building Committee budget review. He clarified that the CIP budget is bonded and does not impact the Operating Budget; a reduction of CIP funding will not allow for an increase in the Operating Budget – they are two separate budgets.

Regular School Board Minutes January 10, 2013 Page 2 of 2

Public Comment

None.

Adjournment

Ms. Brown moved, second by Mrs. O’Connor, to adjourn. On a unanimous vote, the Board adjourned at 7:29 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael L. Hopkins Board Secretary

Rochester School Board Regular School Board Minutes

January 10, 2013 City Council Chambers

Members Present: Mr. Robert Watson, Chair Mrs. Anne Grassie Mrs. Karen Stokes Ms. Caroline McCarley Mr. James Gray Mrs. Laurie Beaulieu Mr. Daniel Harkinson Mr. Matthew Pappas Ms. Julie Brown Dr. Anthony Pastelis Mrs. Audrey Stevens Mrs. Susan O’Connor

Members Absent: Mr. Paul Lynch

Also Present: Mr. Michael Hopkins, Superintendent Mrs. Mary Moriarty, Asst. Superintendent Ms. Linda Casey, Business Administrator Atty. Jerome Grossman Guest & Press

Mr. Watson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. on a roll call with a quorum present. Members participated in the pledge of allegiance. Last Minutes Mrs. Grassie moved, second by Mrs. Stevens , the Board accept the minutes of

the December 13, 2012 Regular School Board meeting. The motion carried unanimously.

Superintendent’s Report

Student Spotlight Mrs. Moriarty, Assistant Superintendent with Mr. Ryan Kaplan, SHS Assistant Principal recognized Spaulding High School senior Kiana Brigham for her numerous contributions to the school and community. Mr. Kaplan stated that Kiana’s ambassadorship to Spaulding will leave a legacy long after her graduation – her commitment and dedication to Spaulding is evident in all that she does.

Volunteer Recognition Mrs. Nancy Booth, School Street School Principal assisted with the presentation for Volunteers of the Month, Joe and Beth Manzi. She felt it was important to recognize these parents for their tireless volunteerism over the past five years at SSS. Mrs. Manzi has organized the Box Tops for Education at school; through her dedication over the past five years the school received $2,500 from this program. Thanks and appreciation from everyone at SSS was offered.

Employee Recognition Mrs. Moriarty, Assistant Superintendent introduced January Employee of the Month recipients: Ms. Deborah Allard, Title I Teacher at Chamberlain Street School; Ms. Amy Beranger, Special Education Teacher at Rochester Middle School; Ms. Michelle Ackerson, Safety Team Para-Educator at Spaulding High School; and Mrs. Betty McCrillis, District Special Education Secretary.

Emergency Procedures Mr. Hopkins provided a detailed overview of the emergency plans and procedures that are in place and practiced within the schools. He noted that in addition to the traditional fire drills, two emergency drills are conducted throughout the school year.


Mr. Hopkins spoke about the installation and set-up of the aiphone/swipe card system that the Board approved in the fall for all elementary schools. The Finance Committee will be requesting Board approval for the transfer of funds to install these safety systems at the high school, middle school, and central office. It was noted these systems greatly enhance security for students and staff.

Additional safety procedures that have been implemented throughout the District to include locking all doors at the high school were reviewed. Mr. Hopkins stated that the students have adapted to the security measures quite well.

A brief overview of the District’s involvement with City’s Emergency Operation Center was presented.

Mr. Hopkins wants to ensure that the safety of our students and staff has been and will continue to be a priority.

Brock Street The Superintendent reminded the Board and community that at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning Brock Street would be one-way for traffic. Updates and information have been provided for parents preparing for a new traffic pattern. Parents should anticipate that busses may run late for a few days, until everyone becomes adjusted to the changes that will occur with one-way traffic.

Student Senate

The Student Senate request they be excused from the first School Board meeting of the new year.

Public Comment

None

Committee Reports

Building Committee:

No action required.

Instruction Committee:

No action required

Personnel Committee:

Nominations Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Ms. Brown, the Board approve the following nominations:

Lindsay Fournier .................................................................. Para-Educator Elisabeth Laurent ................................................................. Para-Educator Jennifer Stevens ................................................................... Para-Educator Nathan Carson...................................................................... Para-Educator Kimberly Conley............................................ Human Resources Secretary Susan Hourihan .................................................................... Para-Educator

The motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Ms. Stokes, the Board approve the nomination of Karrie Brady as the Co-Mathematics Department Head. The motion carried unanimously.


Co/Extra Curricular Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Ms. Brown, the Board approve the following Co-Curricular/Extra-Curricular nominations:

Sheila Colson ..................................... ($1.00) Swimming Assistant Coach Dustin Ahadi ..................................................... Wrestling Assistant Coach Michael James...................................... ($1.00) Wrestling Assistant Coach

The motion carried unanimously.

Special Services Committee:

YRB Survey Ms. Brown moved, second by Mr. Gray, the Board approve administering the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey for middle and high school levels. The motion carried unanimously.

CHINS Support Ms. Brown moved, second by Mr. Gray, the Board write a letter to the legislature supporting reinstatement of the Children in Needs of Service (CHINS). The motion carried unanimously.

Finance Committee:

Donation of Days Mrs. Grassie moved, second by Ms. Brown, the Board approve the donation of up to 45 sick days on behalf of teacher BA. The motion carried unanimously.

Position Mrs. Grassie moved, second by Mrs. Stevens, the Board approve one 35 hour Para-Educator position; funded 50% by Rochester and 50% by Seabrook. The motion carried unanimously.

Security Equipment Mrs. Grassie moved, second by Mrs. O’Connor, the Board approve the proposal from Precision Access in the amount of $19,570 for security equipment, funded from the cash CIP line. The motion carried unanimously.

Transfer Funds Mrs. Grassie moved, second by Mrs. Stokes, the Board approve the transfer of $1,469.25 from gym floor refinishing to the electrical line. The motion carried unanimously.

Discipline Committee:

Mr. Harkinson moved, second by Ms. Brown, the Board accept the recommendations by the administration for the two cases heard, as detailed in the backup material. The motion carried unanimously.

Policy Committee:

Second Reading Dr. Pastelis moved, second by Mr. Harkinson, the Board approve second reading and adoption policy BH, Issuance of High School Diplomas.

Mr. Gray presented proposed language changes to the policy that would address all graduations and provide the opportunity for Rochester and Wakefield School Board members to present diplomas if they wanted to.

Requested roll call vote on the motion follows:

YES: Mrs. Beaulieu, Mr. Watson, Mrs. O’Connor, Mr. Harkinson, Ms. McCarley, Dr. Pastelis

NO: Ms. Brown, Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Grassie, Mrs. Stokes, Mr. Pappas, Mr. Gray

The motion failed with a vote of 6 to 6.


Mr. Harkinson moved, second by Ms. Brown, the Board approve amending policy BH, Issuance of High School Diplomas read: “High School Graduation ceremonies will be unique to each school. Programs are to be developed by the Principal/Administrator and reviewed by the Superintendent. Participation by school administrators and School Board members is highly encouraged.

Presentation of diplomas to the graduates shall be restricted to the School Principal or Administrator, the Rochester and Wakefield Superintendent, and Rochester and Wakefield School Board members.”

Requested roll call vote on the motion follows:

YES: Mrs. Stokes, Mr. Harkinson, Mrs. Stevens, Mr. Gray, Mr. Watson, Dr. Pastelis, Mr. Pappas, Ms. Brown, Mrs. O’Connor, Mrs. Grassie, Mrs. Beaulieu, Ms. McCarley

NO: None

The motion to amend passed unanimously.

Dr. Pastelis moved, second by Mr. Harkinson, the Board approve second reading and adoption policy IMBA, Online/Virtual Education. The motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Pastelis moved, second by Ms. Brown, the Board approve second reading and adoption policy INA, Teaching Methods. The motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Pastelis moved, second by Ms. Brown, the Board approve second reading and adoption policy INB, Teaching About Controversial Issues. The motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Pastelis moved, second by Mr. Harkinson, the Board approve second reading and adoption policy INC, Controversial Speakers. The motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Pastelis moved, second by Ms. Brown, the Board approve second reading and adoption policy INDA, School Ceremonies and Observances. The motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Pastelis moved, second by Mrs. O’Connor, the Board approve second reading and adoption of policy INDB, Flag Displays. The motion carried unanimously.

First Reading The Committee recommends the following policies to the Board for first reading:

- BCA, Board Organization and Meetings - JED, Student Absences and Excuses

Policy Deletion Dr. Pastelis, second by Mr. Harkinson, the Board approve the deletion of policy INDB-R, Flag Displays. The motion carried unanimously.

The Committee recommends to the Board for first reading policy JEDA, Truancy for deletion.

Committee Reports – Special Committees

Ad Hoc Committee – School Starting Times:

No action required.


Old Business

None

New Business

Tuition Students Mr. Watson moved, second by Mr. Gray, the Board approve accepting up to ten tuition students at every level – High School, Middle School, Bud Carlson Academy, and elementary for the 2013-2014 school year. The motion carried unanimously.

2013-14 Calendar Mr. Watson moved, second by Mr. Harkinson, the Board approve second reading and adoption of the 2013-2014 school calendars. The motion carried unanimously.

Non-Public

Mr. Harkinson moved, second by Ms. Brown, that the Board enter non-public session at 7:56 p.m. in accordance with RSA 91-A:3, II (c ) to discuss personnel matters that would adversely affect the reputation of any person, other than a member of the Board. The roll call vote as follows:

YES: Mrs. Stokes, Mrs. Grassie, Dr. Pastelis, Mr. Gray, Mrs. Beaulieu, Ms. Brown, Mr. Watson, Ms. McCarley, Mrs. O’Connor, Mrs. Stevens, Mr. Pappas, Mr. Harkinson

NO: None

After a brief recess, the Board entered non-public session at 8:05 p.m.

Public Session

Mr. Pappas moved, second by Ms. Brown, to re-enter public session. On a unanimous vote, the Board entered public session at 9:05 p.m.

Board members asked the Superintendent to submit a request to eliminate rehearsals in the Opera House during scheduled School Board meetings in Council Chambers.

Adjournment

Dr. Pastelis moved, second by Ms. Brown, to adjourn. On a unanimous vote, the Board adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael L. Hopkins Board Secretary

Rochester School Board Building Committee Minutes

School Department Board Room February 7, 2013

6:30 PM Members Present: Ms. Caroline McCarley, Chair Dr. Anthony Pastelis Mr. James Gray Mrs. Audrey Stevens

Members Absent: Mr. Matthew Pappas

Also Present: Mr. Michael Hopkins Ms. Linda Casey Mr. Richard Bickford Mr. Robert Watson Mr. Daniel Harkinson Mrs. Anne Grassie Mrs. Karen Stokes Mrs. Susan O’Connor Ms. Julie Brown Public

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with a quorum present. Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, to approve the minutes from January 3, 2013. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Bickford provided a facilities update. Precision Access is installing the aiphones at Spaulding High School, the Tech Center, Bud Carlson Academy and the Superintendent’s office. Mr. Bickford is working on the specifications for the oil tank removals and the High School roof replacement. Mr. Hopkins explained that at the February 19th meeting, the cost estimates for East Rochester School should be available and ready for action from Building Committee. Mr. Hopkins updated the Committee on the information being gathered for the security updates at Spaulding High School and throughout the District. Mr. Gray moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, to adjourn the meeting at 6:37 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.

Rochester School Board Building Committee Minutes


6:00 PM Members Present: Ms. Caroline McCarley, Chair Dr. Anthony Pastelis Mr. James Gray Mrs. Audrey Stevens Mr. Matthew Pappas

Members Absent:

Also Present: Mr. Michael Hopkins Ms. Linda Casey Mr. Richard Bickford Mr. Robert Watson Mr. Daniel Harkinson Mrs. Anne Grassie Mrs. Karen Stokes Mrs. Susan O’Connor Public

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum present. Ms. Casey reviewed the Proposed Operating Budget for FY 2014. The Committee discussed the operating budget and realized that there is little or no room to make any reductions on the budget. The Committee looked at the Cash CIP. Mr. Bickford reviewed all of the proposals. The Committee discussed moving the boiler renovations into bonded CIP, and reducing the truck from the cash CIP. Dr. Pastelis moved, second by Mrs. Stevens, to move the boiler retrofit of $38,638 to the bonded CIP budget. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, to remove the truck for $30,000 from the Cash CIP. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, to send the FY 2014 Building Operating Budget forward to the Finance Committee. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Pappas suggested looking into closing one or more small schools as a cost saving. Mr. Hopkins explained the Board had looked at that option previously. Mr. Watson stated that the Space Study has looked at that option over the last two years, and is considering expanding, instead of closing those buildings. Mr. Hopkins emphasized that the cost savings are not significant, and may result in a cost increase if you need to build a new building to replace those classrooms. Mr. Hopkins will bring back Dr. Yeagley’s recommendation that the Board adopted in 2002. Mr. Hopkins will do a quick analysis of the cost of a new school to replace classrooms in smaller schools. Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Mr. Gray to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Caroline McCarley, Chair

Rochester School District District Goals Update

The Phases of Teaching One of the most powerful observations that can be made about the Rochester School District is the extent to which teachers go in order to personalize their instruction. We understand that students don’t care what you know until they know that you care. It is through developing relationships and by establishing clear and safe rules & procedures in our learning communities that we are able to deliver high-quality instruction. This month we focus on that daily instruction through the lenses of the four phases of teaching, with awareness that 90% of our instructional time should be spent in phases 2 & 4.

District-Wide Early Release Days

April 10

By April Early Release

Participate in Co-Planning a Unit of Instruction with Either a

Colleague from the Same Content Area, Special Education

or Other Specialized Area

"The Mission of the

Rochester School Department

is to ensure quality

educational experiences."

January 2013

“There are no silver bullets in education. But writing—particularly nonfiction

writing- is as close as you can get to a single strategy that has significant and positive effects in nearly every other area of the curriculum. Nonfiction writing is the backbone of

successful literacy and student achievement.” ~Doug Reeves

What did your students write

today?

It is hard to believe that over four months ago we opened our “roadmap to excellence” for this school year. So, as we navigate January’s thaws and cold spells it is a great time for us as a district to evaluate where we are on our journey to ensure quality educational experiences for all students. To the right of the page and below notice the road signs we saw ahead of us in late August and take into account what markers we have passed and will continue to pass. As we know some days our journey can feel like we are trapped in a roundabout because with a mission of excellence it ensures we are never done with our journey; however, the road we travel continues to improve! Traffic reports indicate that folks feel overwhelmed with all the navigation our journey requires and the challenging detours that get in our way. However, it is important to take a moment on page two to review our itinerary to date and what we are looking forward to ahead us. We are grateful and thankful to Team Rochester for traveling together on this journey to provide our students with good teaching in every classroom every day every year! Thank you, Team Rochester! Mike Hopkins Mary Moriarty

Rochester Road Signs

•

Dis

tric

t

Completed In Progress • Competency Camp held

Summer 2012. • Competency Based

Assessment Coaches established in each building.

• CIA Website redesigned. • Rochester School District

Assessment & Grading Philosophy Statement • Check out the current

document on the CIA website.

• First draft created over the summer by K – 12 teachers and administrators.

• Provided to all staff at the opening of the 2012 – 2013 school year.

• Elementary feedback provided during October’s Early Release Day.

• Middle school feedback provided through PLC’s.

• High school feedback provided through Competency Based Assessment Coaches.

• Revised draft created with K – 12 teachers and administrators.

• Presented to Instruction Committee on December 20.

Dis

tric

t • RSD Assessment & Grading Philosophy Statement will be reviewed by Instruction

Committee on January 24 • Anticipate it will be voted on by the Rochester School Board at their February

meeting • Monthly Competency Steering Committee meetings held; representation from all

schools and levels are at these meetings (check with your principal for who represents your school).

• Promotion Policy is being revised. • A Special Education Summit will be held shortly with administrators and others to

address questions about special education and competencies; following this meeting some guiding information will be shared.

• April – June – teachers will have training on how to use Infinite Campus. • A Grading Handbook will be developed by April to assist teachers in grading in a

competency based system.

Ele

men

tary

• Reading and mathematics competencies will be in place for the 2013 – 2014 school year; science and social studies competencies will be rolled out during the 2014 – 2015 school year.

• Starting the 2013 – 2014 school year, all elementary teachers (K – 5) will use Infinite Campus.

• Reading competencies drafts to be posted on CIA website by January 25 (working documents are on the website now).

• Mathematics competencies drafts to be posted on CIA website by mid-February (working documents will be posted shortly).

• January 25 (1/2 day Teacher Workshop) – each school will be reviewing the reading competencies and providing feedback.

• A group of teachers will develop a Model of Practice, which is a complete unit plan and instructional model for working with competencies and core programs. This will include instructional, assessment and grading components.

• March 15 (Teacher Workshop Day) – each school will review and provide feedback on the mathematics competencies and have a peer presentation on the Model of Practices for both reading and mathematics.

• Alignment of competencies to core programs. • Each school is working on developing a process for relearning.

Mid

dle

Scho

ol • PLC’s have been working on creating their competencies and rubrics (check them

out on the CIA website). • Beginning to work on examining current assessments and aligning them with the

competencies. • Working on developing a process for relearning for the school. • A group of teachers will develop a Model of Practice, which is a complete unit plan

and instructional model for working with competencies. This will include instructional, assessment and grading components.

• Implemented Competency Based Learning & Grading 2011 - 2012

Hig

h Sc

hool

• Continuing to implement competency based learning, instruction, assessing and grading.

Keep in mind the change to competencies: • Aligns our curriculum with the Common Core State Standards; this alignment is critical

as students will be assessed on the Smarter Balanced Assessment Spring 2014 (pilot year). • Identifies clear learning targets for students. • Ensures consistent grading and assessment practices are in place throughout common

grade levels and courses.

Itinerary for Our Road to Excellence & Competencies

Phases of Teaching

Phase 1: Getting their Attention,

Freeze Body & Above Pause Whisper

Having consistent and predictable methods for getting the attention of your students produces results.

The highly effective teacher’s students react to their teacher’s use of physical cues. How do you get

your students’ attention?

Phase 2: Teaching,

Raise Hand vs. Speak Out

Research indicates that 82% of all teacher communications are non-

verbal messages. As such we would want to be sure those

messages are clear, consistent, and elicit the desired behaviors. How do you unleash the power of non-

verbal cues during teaching?

Phase 3: Transition,

Exit Directions, Most Important 20 Seconds

When providing instructions,

enhancing them orally & visually provides greater clarity and

doubles the length of memory. Allowing a few quiet seconds

assists students in learning how to process internally. How do you

empower your students to be more independent during classroom

transitions?

Phase 4: Practice,

Off Neutral On

Research indicates that 80% of students’ seatwork time is spent on 4-6 students. These 4-6 students

are the ones who have not yet been “turned on”, ready to engage in

their practice work. How do you identify the students you help from

those who you manage? Once identified, how are your responses

to those groups of learners differentiated?

Advanced Classroom Management Strategy

Last month we talked about the Conflict Cycle, and if not broken it will Spiral into a Crisis for the student.

1. View conflict as a natural and inevitable part of a student’s life. 2. View conflict as neither good nor bad for the student, but as a function of the

student’s perceptions and thoughts. 3. Remember during conflict, the student’s irrational beliefs trigger his/her feelings and

emotions. 4. Remember during conflict, feelings and emotions usually drive the student’s

behavior which frequently is inappropriate causing problems between staff, peers, rules and most important student learning.

5. During a conflict, students are their own worst enemy and will defend, deny, blame, rationalize and regress from owning their behavior or having any responsibility for their behavior.

6. As a result, the student in conflict frequently creates in others their feelings, and if not trained the staff may not only pick up student’s feelings/emotions but also may mirror the student’s inappropriate behavior.

7. If we as adults allow the conflict cycle to follow its normal pattern, the initial stressful incident becomes escalated into a new and painful “Power Struggle” in which there are No Winners, especially the student involved.

• Knowledge of the Conflict Cycle (CC) raises our consciousness about conflict since we know in advance that a student in stress will create in us his/her feelings. “To be Forewarned is to be Forearmed”

• Knowledge of CC enables us to accept our own “Counter-Aggressive Feelings” toward the student. This is a genuine feeling that provides the adult with a useful indicator of how the Student must also be “Feeling”.

• Knowledge of CC helps the adult to choose not to take part in a Power Struggle with the student. (This is a conscious choice by the adult).

• The Knowledge of using “I” messages instead of “You” messages when handling student’s in conflict.

• The knowledge of focusing our energy on what the student Needs instead of what we are Feeling.

• Knowledge of CC enables us to help the student make the connection between the student’s behavior, feelings/emotions and the original stressful situation.

• Knowledge of CC enables us to help the student focus on managing stress, coping skills, the Here and Now, Personal Responsibility and Self-Worth.

Seven Techniques and Strategies to Help Break the Destructive Force of the Conflict Cycle

Change the Conflict Cycle to a Coping Cycle Below are a few “Key” Concepts and Skills the adult will need in order to change the Conflict Cycle to a Coping Cycle.

Remember, during a crisis, we must

Act Like a Thermostat, Not Like a Thermometer!

Learning and using the above information will begin to help us understand why the Conflict is starting and most important how we can help the student turn the Conflict into a Learning and Coping Experience.

Coaches’ Corner Heidi Zollman & Erica Stofanak

Check out Power Points on the Strategies - go to the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

Website found on the Intranet!

As Team Rochester continues striving toward our goal: K - 12 Student learning in the Rochester School District will be fostered through a 100% Competency Based Instructional Model by September 2013, we continue to make exceptional progress on our Competency Documents from K to 12! Competency Documents are being uploaded to the CIA site weekly! https://sites.google.com/a/sau54.org/cia/home While that work continues, we now begin to deepen our own depth of knowledge of this work, as we begin to apply our learning to our instructional and assessment systems. At the district level this year, that product is the co-planned Unit Plan. What are the expectations of the Unit Plan?

• Collaborate! You may choose to work with one other colleague, with your entire PLC, with your grade level, with a Special Education Teacher, with a Unified Arts Teacher, the list goes on! If you’re working with at least one other colleague, you’re meeting the expectation!

• Aim to incorporate all 9 of the RSD Adopted Instructional Strategies! These strategies are research-based, proven to produce significant gains in student learning. Last year we focused on each strategy in isolation. This year we make an effort to ensure that all 9 are intentionally embedded in each unit of instruction.

• Assessment through Writing! The expectation is to engage all students in assessment through writing. A great way to do this is to ask students to explain their thinking!

Your collaborative unit plan should be completed by April 10th.

Additional support materials, including a district-adopted Understanding by Design (UBD) template, can be found on the CIA site (under the header Instruction, click on RSD Student Engagement & Learning Plan)! https://sites.google.com/a/sau54.org/cia/ubd-unit-design-materials

The Unit Plan

Last year, we became familiar with Robert Marzano’s high-yield instructional strategies. This year, as we continue to refine our practice, we will discover when to use particular strategies during our instruction. Marzano’s research studies give us the evidence so we know which strategies work! High student achievement can be attained through planning targets of learning.

There are four major questions that we need to consider when planning a unit of study. The chart above outlines which strategies are the most effective at each stage of the planning process. Cooperative learning, homework and practice, and reinforcing effort are on the side to encourage us to use those strategies throughout instruction. These general strategies have a significant impact on students’ overall attitude and perceptions of learning. As we ask the last question regarding assessment practices, we will continue to focus on effective formative and summative assessments.

Targets of Learning and

The Nine Strategies

https://sites.google.com/a/sau54.org/cia/home�

https://sites.google.com/a/sau54.org/cia/ubd-unit-design-materials�

Getting Gains in Student Learning What strategies have you incorporated into your instruction plan today?

Instructional Strategy Percentile

Gains Identifying Similarities and Differences Compare/Contrast/Creating Metaphors/Creating Analogies

45

Summarizing and Note-Taking 34 Reinforcing Effort and Providing Recognition 29 Increasing Value in Homework and Practice 28 Using Non-Linguistic Representations Visual Learner Digital Learner

27

Incorporating Cooperative Learning Effectively 27 Setting Objectives and Providing Feedback (Goal Setting) 23 Generating and Testing Hypotheses 23 Utilizing Questions, Cues, and Advance Organizers 22

A Handbook for Classroom Instruction that Works

Marzano, Norford, Paynter, Pickering & Gaddy

High Yield Instructional Strategies

Research says Examples

Generating and Testing Hypothesis

Students should generate, explain, test and defend hypotheses using both inductive and deductive strategies through problem solving, history investigation, invention, experimental inquiry, and decision making.

Thinking processes, constructivist practices, investigate, explore, social construction of knowledge, use of inductive and deductive reasoning, questioning the author, etc.

Cues & Questions

Teachers should use cues and questions that focus on what is important (rather than unusual), use ample wait time before accepting responses, eliciting inference and analysis.

Graphic organizers, provide guiding questions before each lesson, think alouds, inferencing, predicting, drawing conclusions, skim chapters to identify key vocabulary, concepts and skills.

January/February Strategies Spotlight

In each of our newsletters this year, we highlight one instructional strategy and celebrate our vertical work. This month we place that focus on Identifying Similarities & Differences, Comparing & Contrasting, and Creating Metaphors & Analogies. As we celebrate the K- 12 vertical work, we reflect on the following questions:

WHAT is the purpose of identifying similarities and differences? WHEN do I ask students to compare and contrast concepts?

Focus Instructional Strategy Le

t’s ta

ke a

pee

k in

to so

me c

lass

room

s!

Why do I use this strategy? I want to know that students have internalized the meanings of the words beyond the textbook definition. How does it impact student learning? It asks students to place ideas in their own words & understand the properties of different terms. When do I use this strategy? When two terms have a relationship or could possibly be confused by students.

Grade 6 Social Studies Professional Learning Community Rochester Middle School

Karrie Brady Mathematics Teacher Spaulding High School

How does it Impact Student Learning? When students have to make comparisons between sets of information, they need to read about the different pieces of facts from each set. For example, while both Sparta and Athens had a Council and an Assembly, these bodies were not structured in the same way; in Sparta’s case the Council was more important, while in Athens’ case the Assembly played the central role in governing. Such comparisons our PLC feels result in a deeper level of understanding than simply looking at the two government systems separately. When do I use this strategy? Our PLC will use some form of this strategy (Similarities and Differences), whenever there are two sets of information that can be compared and contrasted. While the foldable is one avenue that our PLC can use to accomplish this goal, we also use Venn Diagrams, tables and charts. This strategy could be used in virtually any Social Studies Unit.

Why do I Use This Strategy? Making a foldable is a nice strategy to use with students because this allows them to not only to outline similarities and differences between two concepts, but this also allows them to use their creativity by making a visual presentation. In the case of this foldable, students were to compare and contrast the parts of the governments of Sparta & Athens.

This lesson occurred in Nicole Merrigan's 1st grade class to review the characteristics of insects. The class did an oral review and Mrs. Merrigan recorded on the white board the characteristics that the students mentioned. The students then did a picture sort where they cut out the pictures and organized them into insect/non insect categories according to the characteristics reviewed.

Why do I use this strategy? Provides multisensory opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning/knowledge Allows students to implement organizational skills independently Reinforces class discussion How does it impact student learning? Accommodates tactile learners Affords differentiated student participation When do I use this strategy? Woven throughout lessons to reinforce the concept with 1st grade Re-teaching concepts

Submitted by Debbie Cooper Reading Teacher

East Rochester School

Rochester School Board Personnel Committee Minutes


Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: Mrs. Audrey Stevens, Chair Mrs. Anne Grassie Mrs. Susan O’Connor Mrs. Karen Stokes

Mr. Paul Lynch

Mr. Michael Hopkins Mrs. Mary Moriarty Ms. Linda Casey Mrs. Christiane Allison Ms. Julie Brown Mr. James Gray Mr. Daniel Harkinson Dr. Anthony Pastelis Mr. Robert Watson Press and Guests

Mrs. Stevens called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. with a quorum present. Members participated in the pledge of allegiance. Mrs. Stokes moved, second by Mrs. O’Connor, to approve the January 3, 2013 Personnel Committee minutes. The motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Stokes moved, second by Mrs. O’Connor, to recommend that the Board approve the resignations of Brett LeProhon, Para-Educator at the Middle School, Andrew Merrill, Interim System Technician Level II for the district and David Doucet, Mathematics Teacher at Spaulding High School. The motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Stokes moved, second by Mrs. O’Connor, to recommend that the Board approve the following retirements:

Deborah Day ........................................................................................... Spanish Teacher Barbara Feldman ............................................................................................. Art Teacher David Foote .............................................................................................CTE/IA Drafting Patricia Glasson ................................................................................ Guidance Counselor Mary Horton .............................................................................................. Cook Manager Jerome Lachance ...................................................................................... Science Teacher Lynda Morgan ............................................................. Early Childhood Program Teacher Priscilla Sawyer ................................................................................. Elementary Teacher Gail Sciabarrasi ....................................................................... Special Education Teacher Linda Sohlman ...........................................................................................Title 1 Teacher Kevin Vachon .............................................................. CTE/IA Auto Mechanics Teacher Brenda Walker ............................ Interim Special Education Middle School Coordinator

David Wentworth .......................................................................................Groundskeeper

Mrs. Stokes moved, second by Mrs. O’Connor, to recommend the Board approve the nominations of David Velazquez, Para-Educator at McClelland School and Wendy Bober, Para-Educator at the Middle School. The motion carried unanimously.

Personnel Committee Minutes February 7, 2013 Page 2 of 2

Mrs. Stokes moved, second by Mrs. O’Connor, to recommend the Board approve the following Co-Curricular/Extra-Curricular Nominations:

Paul George ........................................................................... Baseball, Varsity (B) Coach Gary Bryant ........................................................... Baseball, Varsity (B) Coach Assistant Lou Ferullo ........................................................... Baseball, Varsity (B) Coach Assistant Carl Douglas ......................................................... Baseball, Varsity (B) Coach Assistant Robert Gee ................................................................. Baseball, Junior Varsity (B) Coach Christopher Gagne ..................................................... Baseball, Junior Varsity (B) Coach Joshua Nesbitt ............................................................ Baseball, Junior Varsity (B) Coach Rock Rouleau .................................................................... Baseball, Freshman (B) Coach Christopher Tebo .............................................. Baseball, Freshman (B) Coach Assistant Timothy Roberts .................................................................. Lacrosse, Varsity (B) Coach Robert Roy ............................................................ Lacrosse, Varsity (B) Coach Assistant Jonathan Rourke ................................................... Lacrosse, Varsity (B) Coach Assistant Robert Conley ....................................................... Lacrosse, Varsity (B) Coach Assistant David Murdoch .................................................................... Lacrosse, Varsity (G) Coach Patty McNally ....................................................... Lacrosse, Varsity (G) Coach Assistant Tyler Nutter ................................................................................ Lacrosse, MS (B) Coach Kari Geisler ................................................................................ Lacrosse, MS (G) Coach Sheila Colson ......................................................................... Softball, Varsity (G) Coach Joanne Riker .......................................................... Softball, Varsity (G) Coach Assistant James Knowles ...................................................... Softball, Varsity (G) Coach Assistant Paul Cormier .......................................................... Softball, Varsity (G) Coach Assistant Paul Nelson ................................................................. Softball, Junior Varsity (G) Coach Randy Cook ....................................................... Softball, Freshman (G) Coach Assistant Claudine White ................................................................................... Tennis, Varsity (B)

Gregory Riley ...................................................................................... Tennis, Varsity (G) Bonnie Varney-Lachance .................................................... Track, Spring (Mixed) Coach Joshua White ............................................................... Track, Spring (B) Coach Assistant Ian Culling .................................................................. Track, Spring (G) Coach Assistant Normand Sanborn ............................................................. Track, Spring Coach Assistant Sheila Colson ..................................................................Weight Room Advisor – Winter The motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Stokes moved, second by Mrs. O’Connor, to recommend the Finance Committee approve a Special Education Para-Educator position be increased from twenty-seven and one half hours per week to thirty-five hours per week. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Hopkins updated the Personnel Committee regarding the two adjusted Facility positions. Mrs. Grassie moved, second by Mrs. Stokes, to recommend the Finance Committee approve the request for forty-five (45) days of sick time to be donated for Para-Educator T.D. The motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Stokes moved, second by Mrs. Grassie, to adjourn. On a unanimous vote, the Committee adjourned at 6:17 p.m. Mrs. Audrey Stevens, Chair

Rochester School Board Personnel Committee Minutes


Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: Mrs. Audrey Stevens, Chair Mrs. Anne Grassie Mr. Paul Lynch Mrs. Susan O’Connor Mrs. Karen Stokes

Mr. Michael Hopkins Mrs. Mary Moriarty Ms. Linda Casey Mrs. Christiane Allison Mr. Robert Watson Ms. Caroline McCarthy Mr. James Gray Mr. Daniel Harkinson Dr. Anthony Pastelis Press and Guests

Mrs. Stevens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with a quorum present. Members participated in the pledge of allegiance. The potential staff reductions for fiscal year 2014 were discussed. The Personnel Committee cancelled the February 19, 2013 meeting to allow all other committees to review their budgets to see if additional funds can be found in order to save any Personnel positions. Mrs. Stokes moved, second by Mr. Lynch, to adjourn. On a unanimous vote, the Committee adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Mrs. Audrey Stevens, Chair

Rochester School Board Special Services Committee Minutes

School Department Board Room January 17, 2013

Members Present Members Absent Also Present Ms. Julie Brown Mr. James Gray Mrs. Laurie Beaulieu Mrs. Anne Grassie Mrs. Karen Stokes

None Mr. Michael Hopkins Mrs. Mary Moriarty Mr. Rob Seaward Mr. Kevin Hebert Mrs. Christiane Allison Mr. Robert Watson Mr. Daniel Harkinson Dr. Anthony Pastelis Mr. Matthew Pappas Mrs. Susan O’Connor Community Members

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with a quorum present. Approval of Minutes – Mrs. Beaulieu moved, second by Mr. Gray, to approve the minutes of the December 20, 2012 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Bid Specifications –

• Athletic Trainer – reviewed. • Special Education Transportation – reviewed.

No action required. Youth Educational Employment Services (YEES) – Mrs. Allison, Director of Student Services, provided an overview of the Youth Educational Employment Services program. Jim Perry, Vice President of YEES, was also present and shared information on the program (see attached). No action required. Hockey Update – Mr. Hebert, Athletic Director, provided an update on the hockey fundraising. Mr. Hebert reported positive parent involvement in the fundraising. No action required. Public Comment – Mrs. Gates asked whether or not the district utilizes the Wildcat Youth Mentors. Other – Athletic Update – Mr. Hebert shared an update on winter athletics and upcoming spring sports. No action required. Mrs. Brown shared a thank you note for the additional funding for the elementary band program from Melissa Hunt and Mike Bergeron. Mrs. Stokes asked the district’s policy on students walking to school and sidewalks. Mrs. Moriarty shared the two mile distance for middle school and high school and one mile for elementary. Mrs. Beaulieu moved, second by Mrs. Stokes, to adjourn. On a unanimous vote, the Committee adjourned at 6:48 p.m.

Ms. Julie Brown, Committee Chair

Request for Proposals for Athletic Training Services

The Rochester School Board will accept bids for Athletic Training Services until 12:00 noon EST on February 13, 2013. The bids will be opened publicly and read aloud at that time. Bids shall be submitted to Mr. Michael Hopkins, Superintendent of Schools, Rochester School Department, 150 Wakefield Street Suite 8, Rochester, NH 03867-1348. Specifications may be obtained at the Superintendent of Schools Office.

Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes plainly marked Athletic Training Services. Failure to properly mark the envelope will result in disqualification of the bid if it is prematurely opened. Bids received via fax transmittal will not be accepted.

The Rochester School Board reserves the right to reject any or all of the bids received and to waive any informality in the bidding. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of the Owner.

RFP – Specifications: Athletic Training Services for Spaulding High School

The Rochester School District is seeking a proposal for training services for the school years to include 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16. Any bidder will need to meet the following requirements, and propose a fee for these services. The District is seeking a total cost for 30 hours per week during the required seasons.

1. Vendor agrees to provide up to thirty (30) hours per week of athletic training services to the athletes of Spaulding High School. The hours of coverage will be determined by the Athletic Director of the High School and the Vendor; and will vary according to the High School’s needs and Vendor’s availability during a given season. Coverage required by any changes to the agreed upon schedules will be contingent upon availability of the Vendor to provide it.

2. The program will be conducted in space provided by the High School and on the field during specified games and practices.

3. The Athletic Trainer is an employee of the Vendor and an independent contractor for Spaulding High School.

4. The Athletic Trainer is responsible for monitoring and maintaining basic medical materials and supplies in medical kits, and informing the Athletic Director of needed supply reordering.

5. The Athletic Trainer will perform all record keeping functions as required by the Athletic Director, including joint development of parental consent forms and emergency cards to allow the treatment of an athlete in the event of an injury.

6. The duties of the Trainer will include consulting with coaches, pre-game taping as time allows, assessing injuries on site, initiating/coordinating basic first aid treatment to injured athletes, and recommending referral of more seriously injured athletes to a local hospital or other appropriate health care provider. He/She will recommend measures to reduce injury potential, if appropriate. The assigned Athletic Trainer will remain as consistent and visible as possible to facilitate an effective working relationship with coaches and athletes of the school. While at school he/she will function under the direct supervision of the Athletic Director. Performance issues requiring resolution of any kind will be the responsibility of the Vendor Director/Coordinator as such issues are reported by the Athletic Director to ensure that the needs of the school are met. Sick coverage will be provided for said Trainer for scheduled games/events, with practice coverage only as available.

7. Spaulding High School agrees to provide:

a. Payment of $40/hr for coverage exceeding 30 hours per week as approved by the Athletic Director.

b. Designated space for the Trainer to provide services. c. Support and assistance to the Athletic Trainer in coordinating medical treatment for injured

athletes. d. Materials and supplies as determined by the Athletic Trainer. e. Event schedule coverage requests to the Vendor in writing at least four weeks prior to the

first coverage event of each season. f. Immediate notice of event cancellation (see 8c below for provisions for event rescheduling). g. An acceptable location for Vendors banner or sign to be displayed at all home athletic events.

h. Game PA announcements and event program advertisements recognizing the Vendor as the provider of Spaulding High School athletic training services at all home events.

8. The Vendor agrees to provide:

a. A single primary qualified, NATA certified, New Hampshire licensed Athletic Trainer to provide training services according to the predetermined schedule and consistent with the above duties. The Athletic Trainer will be employed by the Vendor. Trainer hours are up to an average of 30 hours per week.

b. Professional liability insurance coverage with a minimum amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 c. Coverage will be provided for rescheduled makeup events if given at least 24 hours notice of

the change.

d. Coverage will be provided for any weekend and holiday events.

e. Daily access to facilities for treatment and evaluation within a 25 mile radius of Spaulding High School within a 24 hour period.

9. Both parties agree to indemnify and hold each other harmless from and against all claims, demands,

cost, expense, and losses caused by the negligence of the other party.

The parties agree to adopt this proposal and to activate athletic training services for the 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 academic years, consistent with the finalized event schedule. This agreement may be terminated at the conclusion of the 2015-16 academic year by four weeks written notice given by either party or by mutual agreement at any time. Contract renewal in subsequent years will require renegotiation.

Questions regarding specifications may be directed to: Michael L. Hopkins, Superintendent of Schools 603-332-3678 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]�

Invitation for Bids Special Education Transportation Services

for the Rochester School Department

The Rochester School Board will accept bids for Special Education Transportation Services until 12:00 noon EST on February 20, 2013. The bids will be opened publicly and read aloud at that time.

Bids shall be submitted to Mr. Michael Hopkins, Superintendent of Schools, Rochester School Department, 150 Wakefield Street Suite 8, Rochester, NH 03867-1348. Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes plainly marked Bid for Special Education Transportation Services. Failure to properly mark the envelope will result in disqualification of the bid if it is prematurely opened.

Specifications may be obtained at no cost from the Superintendent’s Office and are available on the District website at: http://www.rochesterschools.com/SAU/bids/bids.html

Specifications for Special Education Transportation Services for the Rochester School Department

The Rochester School Board [the BOARD] invites interested persons to bid on the transportation of pupils with disabilities to Rochester’s elementary and secondary schools and other locations in and outside of Rochester. The successful bidder [the CARRIER] will receive a contract for a five-year period beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2018. Prices must be submitted on the “Bid Sheets”, with all required information completed in full according to the following specifications, which shall become a part of the contract.

1. All laws, rules and regulations of the State of New Hampshire, the BOARD, and agencies

of the United States Government shall be strictly observed. The operation of the school bus shall be under the direction of the BOARD by its agents.

2. The school bus shall be driven at all times by a person who is twenty-one (21) years of age or older, of good character, and approved in advance by the Superintendent of Schools and the New Hampshire Department of Safety. The school bus driver must be approved annually prior to the opening of school and must provide a medical certificate showing satisfactory physical condition, a criminal background check including fingerprinting, complying with the BOARD Policy and State regulations.

3. The CARRIER and all drivers must have telephone service in their names.

4. The school bus driver shall be responsible for the safety and good conduct of pupils in transit. The CARRIER shall be responsible for developing and implementing an ongoing professional development plan for bus drivers; this plan shall address all areas of safety, behavior management and working with students with disabilities. This plan must be approved by the Superintendent of Schools or designee.

5. The CARRIER shall use route software to establish school bus routes and bus stops. The CARRIER shall be responsible for providing the district with route publications, including route lists.

6. The contract may be terminated by the BOARD after due hearing under the following conditions:

A. Whenever, in its judgment, pupils are not properly conveyed. B. Whenever the CARRIER does not exercise proper supervision of pupils. C. For any breach of contract by the CARRIER. D. Whenever, in its judgment, the conveyance used is unsatisfactory for the

transportation of pupils. 7. No commercial merchandise shall be carried on any school bus route.

8. The CARRIER shall provide a sufficient number of buses that no student will spend more than one (1) hour in transit during the morning and one (1) hour during the afternoon, except that the CARRIER will not be held responsible for time beyond this if it is caused by inefficient route planning done by the BOARD.

9. Motor, brake and all other specifications of all new buses will meet state and federal regulations. All buses shall be handicapped accessible and shall have the capacity to receive and secure wheelchairs and other devices designed for the safe transportation of persons with disabilities. Mud and snow tires are required on all rear wheels and chains must be available for regular tires.

10. The CARRIER shall only use buses that met all New Hampshire Department of Safety requirements and shall not use any bus more than five (5) years old on August 30 of the contract year in which it is used.

11. The CARRIER shall have available replacement buses in case of a breakdown.

12. The successful bidder shall submit to the Superintendent of Schools an inventory and/or description of buses proposed for purchase for use under this contract, including make, model, engine specifications, and capacity.

13. Cost shall be calculated on a per bus basis only. The per bus cost shall include transporting approximately 230 students. The current transportation includes door to door transportation for Middle School and High School students AM and PM routes, Elementary students AM and PM routes, Pre-School students for 8:45 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 noon drop-off, and corresponding pick up times and transportation for students PK -12 to and from various programs and placements within and outside of the Rochester School District. No bus will unload students earlier than twenty (20) minutes before the start of the school day.

14. All school buses will be equipped with a two-way communication device capable of transmitting clearly from any point within the city limits of Rochester to the Rochester School Department's main office and the CARRIER’s main office of operations for Rochester. At least one device capable of communicating with this system will be located at the Rochester School Department Superintendent’s Office and shall be purchased at the expense of the CARRIER. Said equipment shall remain under the control of the Rochester School Department for the duration of the contract and shall be returned to the CARRIER upon termination of the Contract. The CARRIER shall provide a designated dispatcher at the CARRIER's main office that is responsible to communicate with parents, the Superintendent's office, the individual schools and the bus drivers.

15. The CARRIER shall be responsible to provide a digital video only monitoring system on one hundred percent (100%) of the school buses in service in the district. The CARRIER shall monitor the digital video only monitoring system on a regular basis to ensure that system is operating properly and shall review the digital video only recordings on a regular basis to ensure quality of service.

16. The CARRIER shall be responsible to provide an intercom system on one hundred percent (100%) of the school buses in service in the district.

17. Bids for regular school bus routes will be accepted only on a citywide basis. A bid for regular transportation shall include the following:

A. The cost of 100% performance bond for the term of the contract B. The cost of liability insurance, naming the City of Rochester as co-insured, with a

$6,000,000 aggregate limit of liability C. Semiannual bus evacuation drills D. Annual physicals for school bus drivers

18. No increased payment will be made because of an increase in the number of pupils

transported.

19. Payment for school bus transportation will be made monthly for ten (10) months depending on the school calendar and the payroll period of other employees of the Rochester School Department.

20. The CARRIER shall submit monthly reports indicating the number of pupils transported on a daily basis, the number of miles traveled by each bus, and the cost of said transportation.

21. Changes in school calendar and schedule:

A. Should the school calendar be increased beyond one hundred eighty (180) school days for all schools in the district, the contract will be increased by an amount equal to 1/180 of the total base bid for all routes approved for the year in which the calendar change occurs.

B. Should the school calendar be increased beyond one hundred eighty (180) school days for an individual school or schools, but not including all schools in the district, the Board will pay a pro-rated amount agreeable to both parties based on the number of routes operated and the number of days increased.

C. The BOARD reserves the right to negotiate a new contract or negotiate changes in the existing contract in the event of any other major changes in school schedules.

22. Bidders are invited to inspect current bus routes and discuss anticipated changes prior to submission of their bids.

23. All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked BID FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION. Failure to properly mark the envelope will result in disqualification of the bid if it is prematurely opened.

The Rochester School Board reserves the right to reject any or all of the bids received and to waive any informality in the bidding. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of the Owner.

ROCHESTER SCHOOL DEPARTMENT SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION

BID SHEET

Vehicle 1: Wheelchair buses

Make: See Below __________________ Model: _________________________

Capacity: _________________________ Positions: _______________________

Daily Yearly

Cost per bus: FY 2014 $ $

FY 2015 $ $

FY 2016 $ $

FY 2017 $ $

FY 2018 $ $

Vehicle 2: Non-Wheelchair buses

Make: See Below __________________ Model: _________________________

Capacity: _________________________

Daily Yearly

Cost per bus: FY 2014 $ $

FY 2015 $ $

FY 2016 $ $

FY 2017 $ $

FY 2018 $ $

No vehicles greater than five years old after August 30, 2013.

Time above the 6 hours per day, including summer transportation, must be pre-approved by the Rochester School Board or designee and will be based upon the daily rate.

Bid Sheet Page 1

Bid Sheet – Page 2

VEHICLES

Year Type Model # of Passengers with # of wheelchairs

Rochester School Board Finance Committee Minutes


7:00 PM Members Present: Mr. Robert Watson, Chair Mrs. Anne Grassie, Vice- Chair Ms. Caroline McCarley Mr. Daniel Harkinson Mrs. Audrey Stevens Mr. James Gray Dr. Anthony Pastelis Ms. Julie Brown

Members Absent: Mr. Paul Lynch

Also Present: Mr. Michael Hopkins Mrs. Mary Moriarty Mr. Richard Bickford Mrs. Susan O’Connor Public

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum present. Dr. Pastelis moved, second by Ms. Brown, to approve the minutes of the January 3, 2013 minutes. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Casey reviewed the financial report from January 2013. We still have a spending freeze with no changes anticipated for the remainder of the year. With the 13 retirements approved by the Personnel Committee, we will not have any additional funds from the anticipated retirement line. Ms. Brown moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, to recommend the Board approve Cynthia Lamontagne, MSN to provide LNA certification for second year students in the CTE Health Occupations Program. The motion passed unanimously. This is funded by the Perkins Grant. The Committee reviewed the letter from Middleton and it was suggested that Mr. Hopkins contact Mr. Garry to talk about options for Middleton students in Rochester. Mr. Harkinson moved, second by Ms. McCarley, to approve the low bids for the Health Science Equipment. These are funded by the Perkins Grant.

- Laerdal Medical Corp. of Wappingers Falls, NY for: Sani CPR Family Pack, $441.75 - School Nurse Supply of Schaumburg, IL for: Electronic Thermometer, $217; Infared Tympanic

Thermometer, $229. - Pocket Nurse of Monaca, PA for: Stretcher, $1,510; Stainless Steel Shelf, $440. - Moore Medical of Farmington, CT for: Mobile Unit Stand, $313; Aneroid Stand with Cuff,

$261.64. - Fishcher Scientific Co. of Haover Park, IL for: Simulaids Adult Choking Manikin, $231,78. - Bound Tree Medical of Dublin, OH for: Rediscan Infared Thermometer, $53.01; Stethoscope: Blue

and Red, $5.60 each; Life/Form Kerie Complete Manikin, $1,096.39. - Products Unlimited of Justin, TX for: Clinton Lab X Series Blood Drawing Chair, $427.18.

The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Brown moved, second by Mrs. Stevens to recommend to the Board Laerdal Medical Corporation of Wappingers Falls, NY for Nursing Anne Equipment as bid. The total bid price for the items required is $26,689.02. The motion passed unanimously.

Finance Committee Minutes February 7, 2013 Page 2 of 2

Financial Items from Personnel Committee

Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Ms. Brown, to recommend increasing one Para-educator position at Rochester Middle School to 35 hours per week, and eliminating a 27.5 hour position. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Ms. Brown, to recommend the Board approve the donation of up to 45 sick days for Para-Educator TD. The motion passed unanimously. Public Comment

Mr. Gates asked about items purchased and their relationship to the spending freeze. Ms. McCarley moved, second by Mr. Harkinson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Mr. Robert Watson, Chair

Bid Results for: Health Science EquipmentBid Opening: Tuesday, January 29, 2013

1 of 1

Meadow Medical

Laerdal Medical Nasco

School Nurse

Henry Schein, Inc. Pocket Nurse

Claflin Medical Moore

Fischer Scientific Armstrong Bound Tree

Products Unlimited

9002M Mobile Unit w/stand $ 625.00 $ 395.46 $ 400.98 $ 505.00 $ 313.00 $ 470.20 $ 364.00 $ 411.27 $ 380.46

Welch Allyn 767 Mobile Aneroid w/stand & cuff $ 375.00 $ 308.73 $ 278.14 $ 300.00 $ 261.64 $ 467.78 $ 298.00 $ 285.75

Mabis Rediscan Infared Thermomether $ 70.00 $ 61.85 $ 58.73 $ 56.32 $ 135.00 $ 60.00 $ 53.01 $ 62.19

Wlech Allyn SureTemp Plus 690 Electronic Thermometer $ 275.00 $ 217.00 $ 239.65 $ 261.75 $ 240.00 $ 228.88 $ 323.33 $ 240.00 $ 249.94 $ 245.82

Genis 2 Infrared Tympanic Electroic Thermometer $ 295.00 $ 229.00 $ 260.00 $ 300.00 $ 304.88 $ 252.00

Sprague Rappaport Type Stethoscope - Blue $ 12.00 $ 9.95 $ 8.02 $ 9.50 $ 20.00 $ 5.84 $ 9.93 $ 8.85 $ 5.60 $ 15.08

Sprague Rappaport Type Stethoscope - Red $ 12.00 $ 9.95 $ 8.02 $ 9.50 $ 20.00 $ 9.93 $ 8.85 $ 5.60 $ 15.08

Simulaids Adult Choking Manikin $ 299.00 $ 484.50 $ 305.00 $ 300.61 $ 277.50 $ 239.89 $ 231.78 $ 260.00 $ 257.23 $ 313.83

Sani Cpr Family Pack $ 539.00 $ 441.75 $ 550.00 $ 677.95 $ 470.00 $ 469.51 $ 490.00 $ 463.86 $ 501.00

Life/Form Keri Complete Manikin $ 1,595.00 $ 2,676.15 $ 1,650.00 $ 3,711.91 $ 1,501.50 $ 1,480.77 $ 1,558.33 $ 1,387.00 $ 1,096.39 $ 1,333.20

Pocket Nurse Adjustable Height Transport Stretcher (3 $ 1,510.00 $ 3,685.00 $ 2,407.82 $ 2,719.39

Stainless Steel 3 shelf Linen Cart w/cover $ 475.00 $ 1,381.81 $ 440.00 $ 800.00 $ 1,321.79 $ 454.00 $ 442.16

Clinton Lab X Series Blood Drawing Chair CLI-6010-F $ 600.00 $ 492.60 $ 540.00 $ 495.00 $ 430.97 $ 742.77 $ 427.18

Shipping - $ 114.44 free

Bid Total $ 5,172.00 $ 3,602.40 $ 2,505.00 $ 527.75 $ 6,905.54 $ 6,223.14 $ 6,500.00 $ 3,430.99 $ 8,378.05 $ 3,510.70 $ 2,542.90 $ 6,993.14

Bids are under review

Bid Results for: Nursing AnneBid Opening: Tuesday, January 29, 2013

1 of 1

Laerdal Medical Laerdal Options Nasco Pocket Nurse Armstrong

Nursing Anne (SimPad capable) Laerdal 325-05050 $ 4,229.40 see below inclusions $ 4,452.00 $ 4,273.92 $ 3,737.00

SimPad System Laerdal 200-30001 $ 3,420.00 $ 3,600.00 $ 3,456.00 $ 3,022.00

Portable Patient Monitor SimPad 12" PC Laerdal 200-09201 $ 2,175.50 $ 2,290.00 $ 2,290.00 $ 1,975.00

Nursing Anne Wound Care Assessment Male Laerdal 300-01050 inc. w/manikin $ 1,640.63 $ 1,032.30 $ 1,449.00 Nursing Anne Wound Care Assessment Female Laerdal 300-010550 $ 1,646.35 $ 1,559.70 $ 1,507.00

Nursing Anne Mastectomy Model Laerdal 325-00650 $ 425.60 $ 420.00 $ 403.20 $ 393.00

Nursing Anne Breast Exam Model Laerdal 325-00750 $ 591.85 $ 584.06 $ 560.70 $ 546.00

Nursing Anne Pad, ventral guteal ulcer female laerdal325-02450 inc. w/manikin $ 51.00 $ 60.00

SimPad Patient Monitor Solftware License - laerdal 200-11950 inc. w/manikin $ 990.00 $ 990.00

SimPad eLearning 8 licenses - Laerdal 200-10051 $ 285.00 $ 300.00 $ 300.00

Nursing Anne Denture set - Laerdal 300-00950 $ 34.20 $ 36.00 $ 31.00

Nursing Anne Trach Plug - Laerdal 300-00850 $ 9.98 $ 10.50 $ 9.00

Blood Pressure Cuff Assembly - Laerdal 200-00550 inc. w/manikin $ 164.40 $ 121.00

Nursing Anne Airway Lube - Laerdal 250-21050 $ 10.45 $ 9.90 $ 9.00

Simulated Blood Concentrate 3 fl. Oz - Laerdal 300-00750 $ 16.15 $ 17.00 $ 15.00

In tergrating SimPad Customer site - Laerdal 200-90151 $ 1,211.25 $ 1,224.00 $ 1,275.00

Nursing Anne Extended Warranty - Laerdal 325-05050EXW $ 416.00 $ 440.00 $ 440.00

Shipping $ 101.03

Bid Total $ 14,572.76 $ 12,986.69 $ 16,818.62 $ 15,879.00

NOTES Under Review Under Review Under Review Under Review Under Review

Rochester School Board Policy Committee Minutes


6:00 PM Members Present: Members Absent: Others Present: Dr. Anthony Pastelis, Chair Mr. James Gray Mr. Daniel Harkinson Mrs. Susan O’Connor Mr. Matt Pappas (6:14 p.m.)

Mr. Michael Hopkins Mrs. Mary Moriarty Mr. Robert Seaward Mr. Robert Watson Ms. Julie Brown Public

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. with a quorum present. Mr. Gray moved, second by Mr. Harkinson, to approve the minutes of the January 3, 2013 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Harkinson moved, second by Mr. Gray, to recommend policy BCA, Board Organization and Meetings as amended for second reading and adoption. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Gray moved, second by Mr. Harkinson, to recommend policy JED, Student Absences and Excuses as edited for second reading and adoption. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Gray moved, second by Mr. Harkinson, to recommend policy JEDA, Truancy to the Board for second reading and deletion. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Gray moved, second by Mr. Harkinson, to recommend policy JECC-1, Assignment of Students to Magnet Schools as amended to the Board for first reading. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Gray moved, second by Mr. Harkinson, to recommend policy IKA-R, Grading Guidelines to the Board for first reading for deletion. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Gray moved, second by Mr. Harkinson, to recommend policy IKA-R1, Grading Policy as amended to the Board for first reading. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Pappas moved, second by Mr. Harkinson, to adjourn the meeting 6:23 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Dr. Anthony Pastelis

BCA

BOARD ORGANIZATION AND MEETINGS In accordance with Rochester City Charter, Section 32: School Board Meetings - The School Board shall meet on the second Tuesday not later than the second Thursday of each January immediately following municipal election. The date, time, and place of such meeting shall be set by a majority vote of the School Board at the December meeting immediately after said municipal election., The School Board shall meet and at least once in every other month at such hours, on such days of the week, and at such intervals as the School Board determines at its January meeting. Special Meetings Meetings of the School Board shall be held upon notice being delivered by the Superintendent of Schools to each School Board member, or delivered to an address within the City of Rochester previously specified by each School Board member to the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent of Schools shall call a Special Meeting of the School Board at the written request of the Chair of the School Board, or at the written request of a majority of the School Board. The School Board shall establish its own rules. A majority of the School Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of its business. The School Board shall, at its first regular meeting in January following each regular municipal election, choose one of its members to be Chair for a term of two (2) years. The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the School Board, and may speak and vote in such meetings. The School Board shall, at its first regular meeting in January following each regular municipal election, choose one of its members to be Vice-Chair for a term of two (2) years. The Vice-Chair of the School Board shall act as Chair in the absence of the Chair. Upon the School Board declaring the office of Chair of the School Board vacant, the Vice Chair shall serve as Chair for the balance of the unexpired term. Adopted: April 8, 1993 Amended: June 12, 2008 Policy Committee Review: January 19, 2012(tabled); December 20, 2012; January 17, 2013

JED

STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES Regular and punctual patterns of attendance will be required of each student enrolled in the district. It is recognized that absences from school may be necessary under certain conditions. However, every effort should be made by students, parents, teachers, and administrators to keep absences and tardiness to a minimum. Student attendance at school is basically the responsibility of the parents and student. In order for the parents to fulfill their responsibility the school must keep them informed of student absences. If a student misses more than four school days per quarter, a plan to improve the student’s attendance will be developed in consultation with the parent. An adequate and comprehensive system of attendance records will be maintained for each student. Each teacher is responsible for accurate reporting of daily attendance in his/her classroom. The building principal is responsible for submitting attendance information to the Superintendent's office. The Board recognizes two kinds of absence: excused absence, and truancy. Any absence other than an excused absence is considered truancy. Truancy means an unexcused absence from school or class and “unexcused absence” is an absence which has not been excused in accordance with RSA 189:34, II(a).. Excused absence is absence because of illness, death in the student’s immediate family, participation in school activities, or other approved reason that has been verified with a written note from a physician or other qualified health professional who is treating the student, from a school official or a parent. Students are not excused from any academic requirements for grading, regardless of the reason for the absence, except for reasonable modifications as required in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) pursuant to the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Any absence other than an excused absence is considered truancy. A student who skips or leaves a class without permission after reporting to school is truant. Any student who is absent from school without the knowledge and permission of his/her parents and/or school authorities is truant. Absences, even with the approval of the parents, which are excessive and/or which interfere with the student's educational program will be interpreted as truancy and follow-up legal procedures will be instituted. See RSA193; 1, 2, 7 and 16. Truancy means an unexcused absence from school or class and “unexcused absence” is an absence which has not been excused in accordance with RSA 189:34, II(a). In addition, excessive excused absences from class will be dealt with by individual teachers and may result in lowering of the student's grade or failure in the class if course requirements have not been met. Assignment of lower grades because of excessive absences and/or truancy shall occur on the basis of grading terms as outlined below: Spaulding High School When a student has been absent from a class more than four days per quarter, an intervention team will contact the parent and student to develop a plan to improve the student’s attendance.

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Bud Carlson Academy When a student has been absent from a class more than four days per quarter, an intervention team will contact the parent and student to develop a plan to improve the student’s attendance. Rochester Middle School When a student has been absent) from a class more than four days per quarter, that student will receive an incomplete, or the actual grade earned, if lower, for the term. A student may make up excessive absences based on attending afterschool tutoring. The plan for making up excessive absences will be developed with the parent and student and approved by the Principal. If the required work is not completed in 10 school days, the grade becomes an administrative failure. Rochester Elementary Schools When a student has been absent from a class more than four days per quarter that student will receive an incomplete in all subject areas, or the actual grade earned, if lower, for the quarter. The student will need to attend after school tutoring or additional activities to have the incomplete changed on their report card. A team will develop an intervention plan to improve the student attendance for any student with excessive absences. If the required work is not completed in 10 school days, the grade becomes an administrative failure. When an elementary student has been absent from school for more than four days during a term, a team, including educators and parents, will be formed to develop a plan to ensure improved attendance and to design required academic support strategies. These strategies may include completion of missed assignments and/or participation in compensatory instruction, possibly during non-school hours. Failure to satisfy the conditions of the support plan may result in an incomplete grade or in either academic or administrative failure for the term.

When a student has been absent for four days eight half days a school team will determine if an intervention plan needs to be developed. If a plan is put in place, the parents will be notified of the plan.

If attendance concerns continue after the plan is implemented, the student (if appropriate) and parent will need to meet with the principal.

If a student has two half-days of unexcused absence after the meeting with the principal, then the Assistant Superintendent will schedule a meeting with the student (if appropriate), parents and school representation at a date determined by the Assistant Superintendent. At the meeting the Assistant Superintendent shall verify the accuracy of the School District’s records regarding the number of unexcused absences, and also determine whether good cause exists to not refer the parents to the Rochester Police Department for prosecution under N.H. RSA 193:1-7. At the conclusion of or after said meeting the Assistant Superintendent will inform the parents in writing whether the School District is referring the parents to the Rochester Police Department for prosecution under N.H. RSA 193:1-7. The parents shall have two days from the date of service in hand of said decision, or four days (not including Saturdays and Sundays) from the postmark of any mailed decision, in which to appeal the Assistant Superintendent’s decision to the School Board. If no appeal is timely taken, then the Assistant Superintendent shall refer

JED Page 3 of 4

the matter to the Rochester Police Department. If the parent(s) fail to meet with the Assistant Superintendent within seven school days of the postmark on the Assistant Superintendent’s request for a meeting sent by U.S. Mail, then the Assistant Superintendent will refer the matter to the Rochester Police Department for prosecution under N.H. RSA 193:1-7.

Appeal Process

The parents shall have two days from the date of service in hand of said decision, or four days (not including Saturdays and Sundays) from the postmark of any mailed decision, in which to appeal the Assistant Superintendent’s decision to the School Board. The request for an appeal must be in writing and submitted to the Assistant Superintendent’s office.

Any appeal by the parents of the Assistant Superintendent’s determination, shall in the first instance go to the Discipline Committee of the School Board. The Discipline Committee will determine whether good cause exists to vacate the Assistant Superintendent’s decision to refer the matter to the Rochester Police Department. The Assistant Superintendent’s findings as to the number of unexcused absences shall not be appealable. The Discipline Committee shall make its determination and inform the parents of that determination at the conclusion of the hearing with the parents. If the Discipline Committee does not find good cause to vacate the decision to refer to the Rochester Police Department, then the parents may appeal such decision to the Rochester School Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The parents shall have two days from the date of service in hand of the Discipline Committee’s decision, or four days (not including Saturdays and Sundays) from the postmark of any mailed decision, in which to appeal the Discipline Committee’s decision to the School Board. If no appeal is timely taken, then the Assistant Superintendent shall refer the matter to the Rochester Police Department.

If attendance issues persist, the student (if appropriate), parent, and school administrator will need to meet with the Assistant Superintendent for possible referral to the Rochester Police Department. If referred to the RPD, parents may appeal this decision by requesting in writing within 48 hours after meeting with the Assistant Superintendent, a hearing with the Rochester School Board Discipline Committee. This written request should be submitted to the Assistant Superintendent and the hearing will be scheduled at the earliest convenience.

Habitually Truant

NHRSA 193:16 empowers the Rochester School Department to define habitually truant as: a child that misses 10 half days of school.

Excused Absences: 1. Illness or injury requiring a doctor’s visit or consultation. (Official documentation from a doctor is

needed upon return to school.)

2. Legal matters, death of relative or friend, religious holidays, and college visitations must be verified by official documentation.

JED Page 4 of 4

3. School sponsored field trips/athletic events must be verified by the staff member in charge of the event.

4. Family vacations at the Elementary School, High School and Middle School must be submitted two weeksto the Principal one month in advance of the trip and students must be in good academic standing. Students at the Rochester Middle School must pick up and complete a request for excused absence for from the main office and submit it prior to the trip. A student not in good academic standing will have it noted on the request and the parent must decide on the advisability of the trip. The Principal may recommend that the student not miss school. A student may not have more than five days excused for a family vacation.

5. High School student absences can only be excused at the discretion of a High School administrator and are not recommended because of Block Scheduling concerns.

6.5. All suspension days will be considered as excused absences at Spaulding High School, Rochester Middle School and Rochester Elementary Schools

Dismissals: 1. The only grounds for dismissal are medical, funeral, approved work coop or senior privilege at

Spaulding High School, legal, and/or extenuating family circumstances. 2. Parents/guardians are strongly urged to schedule medical/therapeutic appointments outside of the

school day. 3. If a student is dismissed for more than one hour of class time at the Middle School and Elementary

School level he/she is considered absent for one half of a day. 4. If the school nurse at the High School and Middle School, and the school nurse or building principal

at the elementary school dismisses a student for illness, it is considered an excused absence. If, in the opinion of the school nurse or building principal, the cause of the student’s dismissal and subsequent absence justifies multiple days of absence, no additional note from a physician, parent or other professional will be required.

Adopted: April 8, 1993 Amended: August 12, 1999 Amended: August 14, 2008 Amended: October 14, 2010 Policy Committee Review: December 20, 2012; January 3, 2013; January 17, 2013

JECC-1

ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO MAGNET SCHOOLS It shall be the duty of the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee to assign students to schools. The Maple Street Magnet School Assignment will be based on the criteria outlined below. Elementary students from the entire Rochester community are eligible to request the magnet school. The Superintendent will determine the number of students in each class, which will determine the available slots. Requests for available slots will be accepted from February 1st. If there are more requests than slots available, then a lottery will be used for any open slots and a waiting list established. The lottery will occur near the end of March each year. The lottery will select student ID numbers and families will be chosen to attend the magnet school based on the order of the lottery. If a family is applying for the magnet school, each student would have a chance to be selected. The first family member selected would allow entry of all students into the magnet school, if there is room in the grade for that student. If a student will be enrolled in the magnet school, for the following school year their younger siblings will be enrolled without being included in the lottery. If an older sibling had attended the school, but is not currently enrolled, the student must be part of the lottery. If a student is offered an available slot before the start of the school year, and decides not to accept the slot, they will be removed from the waiting list. If a slot becomes available during the school year, not accepting the transfer does not remove the student from the waiting list. The waiting list will continue from year to year, and new requests for attendance will be added to the waiting list, based on the lottery.

A full-time staff member at the Magnet School, living in Rochester, may enroll their child without the need to use the lottery system. The Superintendent can determine if the class size should be expanded to allow this enrollment, or an available slot is designated for the student.

Adopted: July 12, 2012

Policy Committee Review: January 17, 2013

IKA-R1 GRADING POLICY

The Superintendent and the building Principals will develop a grading system appropriate for the grade levels of the respective schools. The grading system will be approved by the Board and published in the Parent-Student Handbook. Any changes would require two readings at the Board level.

All grading decisions shall be made at the building level and the decision shall be final.

Grade point average (GPA) is the total number of grade points accumulated using the weighted scale shown below, divided by the total number of credits attempted. A weighted scale is used to reward students who challenge themselves by taking more rigorous classes. A student’s class rank is determined by their cumulative GPA. For more information on GPA or a chart of the weighted scale, please see the high school’s program of studies, website, or contact the Guidance Department. Any change to the GPA or weighted scale requires School Board approval.

Academic Achievement K-8

Academic Achievement shall be at least 90 % of the total Grade for each subject. The following areas would be part of a normal grading procedure. Each teacher will be expected to report to students and parents the percentage of the academic grade that each area includes:

1. classwork 5. informal assessments 9. final exam or mid-term exams 2. writing assignments 6. quizzes 10. service learning (optional) 3. projects 7. authentic learning activities 4. formal assessments 8. in-class teacher observations

It is recommended that the maximum percentage for any single area will not exceed 30%. Homework and final exams/mid-term exams may not exceed 20%. Each teacher shall submit his or her grading policy and procedures to the Building Principal for approval, no later than the first Friday of the school year. Upon receiving approval of the plan, each teacher shall provide parents and students with a copy of their grading policy and procedures. The guidelines listed above in this policy may be altered by approval of the Building Administrator on a case by case basis. The principal and supervisor may review the educational needs of the students, and approve a change in grading procedures or policies. This approval must be granted on an annual basis. Performance based classes at all levels may require different grading criteria in achievement and effort. Non-Academic Factors K-8

10% of the academic grade may include the following non-academic items: Effort, behavior, class participation, work completion, following rules, and teamwork. Each teacher’s grading policy will clearly define what factors are used and the method for evaluating those factors. Each teacher shall submit a grading policy to the Building Principal within the first week of each term. Competencies and Grading 9 - 12

For each course the teacher shall define summative and formative assignments. The summative assignments shall account for 75% or more of the final grade, with the formative assignments

IKA-R1 Page 2 of 3

25% or less. Students must be provided multiple opportunities to demonstrate competency on course performance indicators. Assessments must be offered in a variety of forms (papers, projects, labs, tests, quizzes, oral presentations, demonstrations, authentic activities, etc.) addressing diverse learning styles.

Culminating experiences may be calculated as a summative assessment. These assessments are often complex and include a variety of opportunities to demonstrate depth of knowledge.

Each teacher shall submit his or her grading policy and procedure toanAdministrator for approval, no later than the first Friday of the school year. Year-long courses shall be defined prior to the start of the year, semester and quarter courses within the first week of that term. Upon receiving approval of the plan, each teacher shall provide parents and students with a copy of their grading policy and procedures.

Accepting late assignments, grading late assignments (K-12) The acceptance and grading of late assignments is a policy that shall be developed by each individual teacher, approved by their supervisor and provided to parents and students as part of the homework policy. It is expected that the policy for each teacher will balance the need for completing homework and assignments in a timely manner, and the understanding of life events and the impact they may have on completed work. Each teacher will be expected to consider all factors, when asked by a parent and student to accept a late assignment. This does not mean all late assignments must be accepted, but within a teacher’s policy, there should be a review of the factors involved in the late delivery of the assignment, and consideration of the factors. Several research studies have shown that, timely grading of student’s papers, may improve the turning in of assignments. The studies have also shown that the requests for accepting late papers are reduced, when graded assignments are quickly returned. Acceptance of revised work A teacher may set up a policy to have students revise work and adjust the grade according to the teacher’s policy. This information needs to be included in the teacher’s assessment policy that is sent home. Mid-term Reports Mid-term Reports are required for all students grades 3-12 in all schools. Communication with the parents and students is required if the grade drops to near failing between the mid-term and final grade. Communication with parents in K-2 classrooms is important and should be provided for any students working below grade level. Summative Assessments

In order to measure a student’s mastery of learning standards, summative assessments are used. Summative assessments provide cumulative data that indicate the level of student learning. Summative assessment tools may be tests, quizzes, projects, performance and/or products. All summative assessments shall be returned to students within five school days of the completion of theassessment, under normal circumstances. The day of the summative assessment

IKA-R1 Page 3 of 3

is not counted when computing the return date. Teachers are expected to communicate with students and parents if there is a need for a change in the expected timeline for returning assessments. If a summative assessment is given before a vacation period, it is expected that it will be returned within two school days after the vacation period. Formative Assessments

In order for a teacher to measure student attainment of academic standards, formative assessments are used to gauge student understanding and to provide feedback for further learning. Formative assessments are informative for the teacher; the teacher uses the student learning data gained from formative assessments to shape his/her instruction for the students. These assessments help students move forward in their learning for a specific goal. Examples of formative assessments include, but are not limited to: verbal and written checks, activities which reinforce skills, small daily quizzes, worksheets and practice exercises. The form and feedback provided on formative assessments may vary depending on the purpose of the assessment. Adopted: August 12, 2004 Amended: August 12, 2010 Amended: February 10, 2011 Amended: November 10, 2011 Policy Committee Review: December 20, 2012; January 17, 2013

JEDA incorporated in – JED, Student Absences and Excuses

TRUANCY Truancy means an unexcused absence from school or class and “unexcused absence” is an absence which has not been excused in accordance with RSA 189:34, II(a) (refer to Policy JED). Ten (10) half days of unexcused absence during a school year shall constitute habitual truancy (RSA 193:16). When a student has been absent for four days a school team will determine if an intervention plan needs to be developed. If attendance concerns continue after the plan is implemented, the student (if appropriate) and parent will need to meet with the principal. If attendance issues persist, the student (if appropriate), parent, and school administrator will need to meet with the Assistant Superintendent for possible referral to the Rochester Police Department. If referred to the RPD, parents may appeal this decision by requesting in writing within 48 hours after meeting with the Assistant Superintendent, a hearing with the Rochester School Board Discipline Committee. This written request should be submitted to the Assistant Superintendent and the hearing will be scheduled at the earliest convenience. Absent students not having parent/guardian permission are considered by the school as being truant. Students so identified will be contacted by either a school official or the attendance officer and brought to school. The school administration will send a letter to parents of the truant student requesting a conference within three (3) days to discuss the matter. If the truancy problem continues, the school administrator will request a meeting with the Discipline Committee with the student and parent present. If truancy still continues, the truant officer will prepare and issue a summons to the truant students and their parents. This summons will serve notice of time and date for the student and parent to appear in Juvenile Court. Adopted: April 8, 1993 Amended: October 14, 2010 Policy Committee Review: December 20, 2012; January 3, 2013; January 17, 2013

IKA-R GRADING GUIDELINES

CRITERIA FOR GRADING - GRADES 1-8 Letter Grades Effort Grades

A - Outstanding 1 - Excellent Effort B - Above Average 2 - Good Effort C - Average 3 - Average Effort D - Below Average 4 – Poor Effort F - Failing 5 – Extremely Poor Effort U - Unsatisfactory Numerical Equivalents in Grades 1 through 8 A+ = 98-100 B+ = 91-92 C+ = 83-84 D+ = 75-76 F = <70 A = 95-97 B = 88-90 C = 80-82 D = 72-74 P = 70-100 A- = 93-94 B- = 85-87 C- = 77-79 D- = 70-71 Absence from school for more than 20 (twenty) days during the school year can result in non-promotion to the succeeding grade. Extenuating circumstances will be considered. CRITERIA FOR GRADING IN GRADES 9 THROUGH 12 Student performance is graded on the following criteria:

I incomplete W withdrawal (while passing) WF withdrawal (while failing)

A Advanced B Beyond Expectations C Competent NYC Not Yet Competent IWS Insufficient Work Shown (See Grading Scale below)

Grading Scale Teachers will report student progress using the grading mastery rubric outlined below. Student assessment will be graded with an A (Advanced), B (Beyond Competent), C (Competent), NYC (Not Yet Competent), or IWS (Insufficient Work Submitted). Insufficient Work Submitted (IWS) is applied when a student does not submit enough work to measure competence.

A Advanced

B Beyond Competent

C Competent

NYC Not Yet Competent

Effectively synthesizes, analyzes, evaluates and reformulates content knowledge and skills (e.g. creative, novel, multiple approaches)

Applies content and skills with greater depth of knowledge (e.g. analysis, interpretation, transfer of content knowledge and skills)

Minimum or Baseline competency mastery. Effectively demonstrates comprehension of defined objects. Essential content knowledge and skills are secure.

Does not meet mastery. Demonstrates an incomplete and/or inaccurate comprehension of objectives. Content knowledge and skills are not secure and are not applied with consistency.

IWS – Insufficient Work Submitted Students who do not submit sufficient work to measure competence will earn an IWS.

IKA-R Page 2 of 2

1. A plan will be developed within one week of the end of the course for all students that have an

IWS or NYC. A grade of IWS will have two weeks from the end of the marking term to progress to a NYC, or be converted to a F.

2. Any student failing to meet the conditions of their plan will have their grade converted to a F. If a student refuses to develop or follow the plan, the grade will be converted to a F.

3. A grade of NYC can be recovered for credit within one semester or longer if required by the student’s plan.

4. A grade of NYC will be converted to a C based on the student’s successful completion of work required in the student’s plan.

5. The High School Principal may modify the above conditions based on an individual student’s needs.

Grade point average (GPA) is the total number of grade points accumulated using the weighted scale shown below, divided by the total number of credits attempted. A weighted scale is used to reward students who challenge themselves by taking more rigorous classes. A student’s class rank is determined by their cumulative GPA. For more information on GPA or a chart of the weighted scale, please see the high school’s program of studies, website, or contact the Guidance Department. Any change to the GPA or weighted scale requires School Board approval. WARNING GRADES (K-12) Parents shall be alerted and conferred with as soon as possible when a student’s performance or attitude becomes unsatisfactory or shows marked or sudden deterioration. GRADES K-5 The interim report form is a warning and teachers are encouraged to make use of this form. The teachers shall make the determination concerning which students receive the forms and when the forms are distributed. GRADES 6-8 Warnings will be issued to all students in grades 6-8, who are failing at the midpoint of each ranking period. A list of all such warnings will be turned into the principal's office for processing. Additional warnings may be issued at the discretion of the teacher, to any student not doing satisfactory work. The additional warnings will not be included on the office list. Warnings are to be returned to the teacher issuing them by Monday following the listed date of issue. Teachers will keep a record of warnings issued and report all delinquent returns to the office. Students are responsible for having warning slips signed by their parents or guardian and returning same on time. Incomplete marks should be made up as soon as possible. Do not allow unnecessary delay. If incomplete marks are not made up within a reasonable time, failing marks will be entered on the records. Numerical value will be used in the teacher's rank book for grades 6-8. Letter grades will show on the student's report. GRADES 9-12 Student achievement will be reported through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal at bi-weekly intervals. Additionally, two printed reports will be distributed at designated points throughout the course.

Adopted: April 8, 1993 Amended: July 8, 2010; February 10, 2011; August 11, 2011; January 5, 2012; August 9, 2012; December 20, 2012; January 17, 2013

Rochester School Board Ad Hoc Starting Time Minutes


5:00 PM Members Present: Mr. James Gray, Board Member Mr. Daniel Harkinson, Board Member Mrs. Susan O’Connor, Board Member Mrs. Vivian Macedo, Wakefield Board Member Also Present: Mrs. Mary Moriarty Mr. Jay McIntire Community Members

Mrs. Valerie McKenney, RMS Principal Mr. Ryan Kaplan, SHS Assistant Principal Ms. Sarah Quinn, SHS Teacher Ms. Meghan Haskell, SHS Student Mrs. Michelle McAlister, Elementary Principal Mrs. Anne Grassie, Board Member (absent)

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance. Parent Survey The Committee reviewed feedback on the draft parent survey. A revised copy will sent to the Committee for review. The parent survey will be open from February 6 – March 20 in order to accommodate various school opportunities which will assist to engage parents in completing the survey. Each school will work with families to communicate the survey and assist with them completing the survey. CTE/Athletics Mr. Kaplan reported that he had followed up with the CTE Director and Athletic Director on what the impact might be to these programs if there was a change in start time. It was shared that for a half hour adjustment the impact would be manageable and it may require athletes to be dismissed early at the end of the day in order to participate in athletic events. Bus Information Mrs. Moriarty shared that shifting start and end times would not have an impact on transportation costs. Also, as requested, Mrs. Moriarty reported that the cost to have the same start K – 12 (i.e. transporting all students at once) would require potentially twelve (12) additional routes at an annual increase of $610,000. Next Steps The parent survey will be completed. The Committee will meet again on Tuesday, March 26 at 5:00 p.m. at Central Office, Board Room 1. Public Comment Mrs. Doris Gates shared comments on childcare. The meeting ended at 5:45 p.m.

Rochester School Board

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