Thanks to Misty Bushee. these approved minutes are very timely. – Lil

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Board Meeting

Fall Mountain Regional High School Library

Monday, September 9, 2013

Chair Mary Henry called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM.  In attendance were Andy Collins, Mary Henry, Linda Christie, Gabe St. Pierre, Jim Elsesser and John Streeter.  Also in attendance were Lori Landry and Jamie Teague.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve the minutes from the Monday, August 26, 2013 public session. Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve the minutes from the Monday, August 26, 2013 non-public session. Passed unanimously

REPORT OF ADMINISTRATORS

Superintendent Landry provided the board with an update on the DOE Monitoring/Priority school visit. Alstead is making steady progress and continuing the transformational model.

Ms. Landry also provided an update on the SWIFT initiative. A committee will be coming to visit on September 18^th for a tour of Charlestown and on October 3^rd, a statewide meeting will be held at the DOE. This will give us an opportunity to meet with other districts involved.

Ms. Landry reported the eight teacher candidates for National Board Certification have met a couple of times.  She stated that she has spoken to the commissioner that informed her that only two teachers in the state of New Hampshire are National Board Certified and that she is proud and excited to help our district with the process in any way that she can.  John Streeter asked about the grade levels of the teachers that are applying. Ms. Landry stated that they are at every level and throughout the district.  Mr. St. Pierre commended the Teachers Union and Negotiations committee for their role in this process.

Chair Henry recognized Jamie Teague who informed the board that the district has a large surplus of funds in the areas of employee healthcare, out of district tuition and larger than expected revenues.  Ms. Teague explained that $250,000 would go into the HS Capital Reserve Fund, $250,000 would be split among the five towns Capital Reserve based on ADM. The remainder would be used to offset appropriations for taxes in each town.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Chair Henry recognized Brandon Hill, Teacher Representative who provided the board with an update on happenings throughout the district.

Chair Henry introduced and welcomed Simon Pierpont the 2013-2014 Student Representative.  Mr. Pierpont provided the board with student feedback on the 1:1 initiative and how it is working so far.  He also discussed the new TEAM advisory and explained to the board how it worked.

Gabe St. Pierre reported that RVTC would like to host a satellite meeting.  Mr. St. Pierre requested that the FMRSD guidance department be invited to attend the satellite meeting. The board members were excited about the idea and are looking forward to it.

Gail Rowe reminded the board that there would be an informational meeting on September 16^th at 7:00 PM regarding the Vilas Renovation Project.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion: (Elsesser/Christie) to approve an unbudgeted request for a Classroom Paraprofessional, Vilas. Passed unanimously

Motion: (Elsesser/Streeter) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Lisa Therrien, AAA School Nurse. Passed unanimously

Motion: (Elsesser/St. Pierre) to approve the following resignations:

Kate Boardman, Permanent Substitute-WES

Suzanne Chamberlain, Paraprofessional-CMS

Lisa Mulhearn, Math Team Coach-WES

Laurel Smith, Paraprofessional-NCCS

Lauri Abbott-Guidance Counselor-AAA

Passed unanimously

Motion: (St. Pierre/Christie) to approve a conditional contract for Laurel Smith, Paraprofessional, NCCS effective September 10, 2013. (S10/C3) Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve the following co-curricular contracts:

Marilyn Ferreira, Math Team Coach, WES

Mitch Harrison, MS Football Assistant, FMRHS

Tammy Vittum, Professional Development Chair

Tammy Vittum, Preschool Coordinator

Passed unanimously

Motion: (Collins/St. Pierre) to approve the following Sunday Events:

Sunday, September 29, 2013-Westmoreland Soccer Tournament (CMS/WES)

Sunday, October 13, 2013-Bellows Falls Fireman’s Parade (FMRHS)

Passed unanimously

A brief discussion ensued regarding policy on Sunday events.

Motion: (Collins/Elsesser) to approve the following Sunday Events:

Sunday, December 8, 2013-Winter Concert (FMRHS)

Sunday, May 18, 2014-Spring Concert (FMRHS)

Failed-1:4 (Collins, Christie, Streeter/Elsesser)

Tom Ronning agreed to go back and discuss alternatives to the Sunday dates requested per the boards request.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve amended policy GBCD-BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND CRIMINAL CHECK for second reading and adoption. Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve amended policy GBCBC-CHILDREN IN THE WORKPLACE for second reading and adoption. Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve amended policy ECAE-SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS for second reading and adoption. Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/Collins) to accept the Treasurer’s Report for period ending September 9, 2013.

Payroll:                                    $686,967.96

Accounts Payable:             $111,897.90

Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to accept the DOE 25 and MS 25 for signature as presented. Passed unanimously

OTHER

Gabe St. Pierre commended the Varsity Boys’ Football team for a game well played Friday evening.

Motion: (Elsesser/Collins) to enter into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 (a)(c). Passed unanimously

The board entered into non-public session at 7:47 PM.

The board exited non-public session at 8:47 PM and resumed public session.

Motion: (Elsesser/Christie) to accept the apportionment “scale” for signature as presented. Passed unanimously

Respectfully submitted,

Misty D. Bushee

School Board Clerk

Looks like it could be a short meeting unless this turns into a hot topic. – Lil

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PLANNING BOARD WORKSHOP SESSION

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

MEETING LOCATION:  Walpole Town Hall Downstairs Office at 7:00 PM.

AGENDA

1.  Review – “Town Well Source Protection Ordinance” –
   1. Section 4.  Conditional Uses
   2. Other Business

Linda Smith asked that I include this so you can plan your shopping. – Lil

The Walpole Seniors will meet for potluck lunch at the Congregational Church on the Walpole Common at noon on Monday, October 21, 2013.   Everyone is asked to bring a contribution for the Fall Mountain Food Shelf.  Bring a dish to share.  All Walpole Seniors are welcome.  Come for fun and good socialization.  The Charleston Silvertones will sing for us.  The Bylaws will be presented.

A free Genealogy Workshop Sponsored by the Walpole Historical Society will be offered Saturday, October 19, 2013 from 10 am to noon.  Sharing information about how to start or how to solve problems will be Jeanne and Peter Jeffries, with over 35 years of research experience.  All welcome whether experienced or novice.  Reservations required at 603 756 2933.

Alyson’s Orchard

Annual APPLE FESTIVAL &

APPLE PIE COMPETITION

Sunday, September 29 (11-3)

• Enter the Scarecrow Competition!  A fun project for families, groups or individuals.  We have extended the deadline to register until the day of set up, Sept. 26.  Download form at http://www.alysonsorchard.com/upcoming-events/
• Bring your HOMEMADE PIE to the Orchard on Sunday, September 29th by 11 AM for judging &           prizes. Adult and Kid’s category (12 years and under) No pre-registration necessary!

Alyson’s Orchard will host their annual Apple Festival and old-fashioned Apple Pie Competition on Sunday, September 29,^th complete with local judges, ribbons, and prizes.

Other events will include a cider making demonstration, music, PYO apples and tractor wagon rides, as well as face painting.

Starting at noon, the public will be able to taste too – apple & fruit wines, cider, ice cream, and apples.

For lunch (11AM – 3PM,) savory BBQ from the Pit Stop Smokehouse in Westmoreland and Gourmet Delights from Shona Grill in Bellows Falls, along with Walpole Creamery Ice Cream, will be available for purchase.

Don’t  miss Alyson’s Farm Stand filled with fresh Apple Pies, Chicken Pot Pies & local products.

Winners of our Scarecrow Contest will be announced at 1:00 on this day.  Check Alyson’s website for more details on the Scarecrow Contest and other events:  www.alysonsorchard.com

A Family Dance & Silent Auction for the benefit of Sophia’s Hearth starts at 2PM  in our big hall.

Located in Walpole, NH, just 10 miles north of Keene on Rt. 12

www.alysonsorchard.com   603-756-9800

Apple pie (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In case you don’t have enough to read from The Walpolean, I found these minutes hidden in my Inbox. Misty Bushee sent them in a much more timely fashion than I have posted them. – Lil

School Board Meeting 

Fall Mountain Regional High School

Monday, August 26, 2013

Chair Mary Henry called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM in the Fall Mountain Regional High School Library. In attendance were Mary Henry, Andy Collins, Lil DeCoste, Jim Elsesser, Linda Christie, Gabe St. Pierre and John Streeter. Also in attendance were Jamie Teague and Lori Landry.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve the minutes from the Monday, August 12, 2013 public session. Passed unanimously

Motion: (St. Pierre/Streeter) approve the minutes from the Monday, August 12, 2013 non-public session. Passed unanimously

RECOGNIZITION OF VISITORS

Chair Henry recognized Brandon Hill, Teacher Representative form the 13-14 school year. Mr. Hill reported that the school year is off to a good start. He provided the board with a brief update on the happenings throughout the district.

Gail Rowe introduced Bill Harris, Assistant Principal of the Alstead Primary School. Mr. Harris spoke briefly stating that things were off to a good start.

REPORT OF ADMINISTRATORS

Superintendent Landry stated that last week started with a successful New Teacher Day. Ms. Landry commended the principals for a terrific job. Dr. Jane Bluestein, a guest presenter, came to speak to the staff during teacher in-service day and also the public the same evening. Nearly 50 guests attended for the presentation that evening.

Lil DeCoste commented that she was amazed how many daycare providers attended the presentation and that it was great that we provided the opportunity for them.

Superintendent Landry introduced Paula Southard-Stevens and Chris Young, who gave a brief presentation on the SWIFT Initiative. A study was conducted through the University of Kansas, 5 states were selected to participate. Mississippi, Maryland, Oregon, Vermont and New Hampshire were those selected, 4 districts in the State of New Hampshire. The district has been provided with a SWIFT advisor who will make recommendations on how to improve on initiatives that are already in place. The initiative is based on “best practice”. It provides a district with a specialist in the area of need.

Ms. Landry gave an update on staffing, stating that all major content area vacancies have been filled.

Tom Ronning provided the board with an update on the 1:1 computer rollout. Approximately 400 computers were handed out on Saturday. They are currently working out the details of getting the remaining computers to the students who were unable to attend.  Mr. Ronning also reported that approximately 25% of student body worked off the 40.00 insurance fee over the summer.

Gabe St. Pierre asked about the possibility of community service as a requirement in the future.

Mr. Ronning explained that there are no plans for required community service but that there would be opportunities given to those who choose to offer it.

Jamie Teague announced that the computer lotteries were successful.

Jamie Teague provided an update on the Orchard School transportation request. Jane Stansbery has been in contact with Eleanor Elbers of the Orchard school. Ms. Teague has scheduled a tour of the route to assess.

Gail Rowe commended the district’s administration for their collaboration efforts with the Orchard School.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Lil DeCoste (PD Committee) reported that the PK teachers in Charlestown are looking to get parents more involved in the classroom. They will be hosting a couple of Early Childhood nights in October and November focusing on behavior, speech, gross motor as well as Reading, Writing and Math.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve an unbudgeted request for a Paraprofessional, North Walpole School effective August 27, 2013. Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to accept the following resignations:

Heidi Plummer, Paraprofessional-Alstead Primary School

Donna Burns, Food Service-Vilas

Amy Rumrill, Inclusionary Paraprofessional-FMRHS

Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve the following co-curricular contracts:

Jay Fisher, Cat Shock-FMRHS

Kevin Hicks, Lead Teacher-Vilas

Julie Parrott, Ski Club & Table Tennis-FMRHS

Meghan Hanson, MS Cross Country Running

Melinda Harrison, Concert Choir/Madrigals-FMRHS

Kristy Zurmuhlen, Boys JV Soccer-FMRHS

Beth Gosekamp, CTE Technology Dept Chair-FMRHS

Alexandra Robinson, JV Volleyball-FMRHS

Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve the following conditional contracts:

Heidi Plummer, Inclusionary Paraprofessional-Vilas (S10/C3)

Melinda Harrison, Choir Teacher-FMRHS (S1/L1)

Amy Rumrill, Inclusionary Paraprofessional-FMRHS (S3/C4)

Pilar Fowle, Food Service-CPS (S5/C1)

Delia Blanchard, Bus Driver-Transportation (S9/C7)

Kathleen Kathan, Secretary-Alstead Primary School (S4/C3)

Mike Sanborn, Physics Teacher-FMRHS (S7/MA+30)

Debra Hood, Food Service-Vilas (S5/C1)

Alexei Fleming, Alt Ed Paraprofessional-CMS (S2/C3)

Chris Fecteau, Distance Learning/1:1 Media Generalist-FMRHS

Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to accept the request for a 3-day leave of absence for Patti Neal, Secretary, FMRHS. Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve amended policy GBCD-BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND CRIMINAL CHECK for first reading. Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/Elsesser) to approve amended policy GBCBC-CHILDREN IN THE WORKPLACE for first reading. Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve amended policy ECAE-SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS for first reading. Passed unanimously

Motion: (DeCoste/Collins) to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with Meeting Waters YMCA Y-Aspire Program for the 2013-2014 school year. Passed unanimously

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve the Treasurer’s Report for period ending August 26, 2013 as presented. Passed unanimously

Payroll:                                    $459,480.74

Accounts Payable:             $719,790.97

OTHER

Tom Ronning reported that the new soccer field is ready to use. A special thank you to Bruce Ferland who put in the extra effort to get it there. Mr. Ronning also reported that the Bellows Falls field has been closed temporarily due to a possible hazard with the light install. He has offered use of the high school fields until further notice.

Mr. St. PIerre asked about the use of other district fields, however it was explained that youth soccer takes up the use of those fields.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to enter into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 (c). Passed unanimously

The board entered into non-public session at 7:42 PM.

The board exited non-public session at 8:41 PM and immediately adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Misty D. Bushee

School Board Clerk

Parents receive a colorful Newsletter from the Walpole Schools each month.  As a School Board member, I also receive a copy.  In an effort to ‘Keep the Community up to date on Community Events”, I have taken the liberty to copy and paste items from that newsletter that I hope will be of interest to the community at large. If you have questions about anything you may read here, feel free to call any of the school offices. Walpole Primary School:  756-­‐4241,  North Walpole School:  445-­‐5450,  Walpole Elementary School:  756-­‐4728 – Lil

WALPOLE’S NEW STAFF MEMBERS

Doriane Gordon, Grades 6-8 Language Arts Teacher at WES – Mrs. Gordon is an experienced language
arts teacher from Miami-Dade County, Florida. She Graduated from Florida International University and
Florida State.
Marilyn Ferreira, Grade 6 Science and Math Teacher at WES – Miss Ferreira was a paraprofessional in
the Bedford School District, a summer math teacher in the Windham-Pelham School District, a basketball
coach and has been a substitute teacher in the Amherst School District. She graduated from St. Michael’s
College in Colchester, VT.
Elizabeth Snide, Title I Teacher at WPS – Mrs. Snide has been a Title I teacher in the district for many years and will be part-time at the Walpole Primary School.
NWS Aide – David Baldasaro
Skills Center Aides – Selina Thomas & Tina LeClair

In an Emergency

from Mr. Jacobs, Principal

If an emergency or disaster situation ever arises while your child is in school, we want you to be aware that our school has made preparations to respond effectively. Walpole School has a detailed emergency plan that has been formulated to respond to a large or small emergency and includes evacuation to an off-site location. This plan has been developed in conjunction with the local emergency management teams as well as the fire and police departments.

First of all, please be assured that your child’s safety is of paramount importance to us. Our entire staff is trained to respond to emergencies in a calm, reassuring manner. You can help us in an emergency situation:
1. Do NOT telephone the school.
Our telephone lines may be needed for emergency communication with police, fire, and other emergency
personnel.
2. Do NOT come to the school until requested.
During an emergency, access to the school must be kept clear for emergency vehicles. By “Self
Responding” to the school you may jeopardize the safety of your child.
3. If your child has a cell phone, please do not call that line.
Not only can cell phone connections create unsafe electrical charges (in the case of a bomb threat) but
conflicting and unconfirmed information is better left to be sorted out by the adults.
4. Impress upon your children the need for them to follow the directions of any school personnel in times of an emergency.
The decision to keep students at school, or at an off-site location, will be based upon recommendations from our local responders. In the event our students are evacuated to an off-site location, and we have received permission to dismiss them, we will release students to only parents or persons you have specified on the emergency card you filled out on the first day of school. In such a situation, you should expect our dismissal process to be tightened up to ensure student safety. Please be patient if staff members ask you to show some form of identification or if you have to wait a few extra minutes.

Although no one likes to dwell on emergency situations, we believe that planning ahead will help alleviate additional stress and concern. You might want to assure your children that, whether they are at home or at school, the adults in their lives are there to keep them safe.
Until our teachers and staff members get to know new faces, please take a few moments to introduce yourselves as you enter our school buildings. Please encourage other family members to do the same.

TECHNOLOGY RECYCLING EVENT

When: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 9 – 11 AM
Place:  Fall Mountain Regional High School Parking Lot

Do you have old computers, laptops, fax machines, TV’s, microwaves, cameras, old stoves or air conditioners you want to get rid of? Then please clean out your garage, attic, or basement and bring them to Fall Mountain’s Five Town Collection Day. A special box will be setup to collect any old cell phones for a HS Fundraiser!! Most items are free, with the exception of the charges below.

CRT Recycling, Inc. has been in the business of recycling e-waste (used computers and electronics), cathode-ray- tubes (CRT’s) and white goods since 1999. We are a State approved third party vendor that properly disposes of used electronic and computer items along with cathode-ray-tubes that can no longer be accepted by landfills as of April 1, 2000. Our main purpose, by either reusing or reselling these used electronic and computer items, is to reduce the amount of solid e-waste that actually reaches the landfill. CRT Recycling, Inc. currently does regular pick-ups of e-waste (used electronics and computers) for businesses, schools, non-profit organizations and municipalities all across New England. We also pick up items bearing freon and remove capacitors from items in which they are found before disposal. Drop offs of items to be recycled are accepted at our facility in Brockton, MA. Our hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 8am – 3pm. The only item we charge to recycle is televisions. All other electronics are recycled for free!

CRT Recycling will charge for:
Computer Monitors $3.00
Plastic TV’s below 27″ $12.00
Plastic TV’s above 27″ $20.00
Wood consoles $20.00
Projection TV’s $25.00

The following information was sent, again to parents, but others in the community are also welcome to join the ranks of volunteers.  I know that Joan Taylor read with 1st graders for years and so looked forward to doing it. – Lil

2013-2014 WALPOLE SCHOOL AND WPTG VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM

Dear Walpole School Parents,
The Walpole School is fortunate to have generous parents and friends that donate their time and expertise to the students and staff. This letter is an invitation to you and other friends of the Walpole School to volunteer your time.
NAME______________________________________________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS___________________________________________________________________________
TOWN____________________________________STATE__________________________ZIP________
WORK PHONE____________________________HOME PHONE____________________________________

EMERGENCY CONTACT_________________________________________PHONE____________________________
My child(ren) in the Walpole Schools:
Child’s Name School Grade
___________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
I am interested in (check all that apply):
( ) assisting in classroom, i.e. listen to students read, read to classrooms, flash cards,
tutoring, etc.
( ) helping with classroom projects such as class parties, field trips and plays
( ) assisting with computer research and/or computer lab
( ) working on special events or activities, i.e. book fairs, field day
( ) helping to coordinate school volunteers
( ) helping to cover recess/lunch duty
( ) chaperoning dances/activities
( ) PTG – fundraising and Walpole Walk a Million
( ) PTG – family programs/guest speakers/roller skating
( ) volunteering in a classroom that your child is not a student
( ) other_______________________________________________________________________________
These are the times I would prefer to volunteer:
( ) flexible ( ) mornings ( ) afternoons ( ) evenings/weekends
Do you wish to volunteer on a regular basis? ( ) occasionally ( )
Parent Signature________________________________________________Date________________________
The WPTG is always there to support programs for the students, teachers and the community. The programs that the WPTG has sponsored over the years are part of what makes the Walpole School special.
SURVEY QUESTION:
Would you like to be invited to a meeting to learn more about the WPTG?