The Walpolean

At the Board meeting last night some important steps were taken to continue to move our school district forward.  This press release explains what will be happening. – Lil

“On Monday, June 24, 2013, Lorraine Landry, Assistant Superintendent, was named Acting Superintendent for SAU 60.  The Fall Mountain Regional School District will work with the NH School Boards Association to search for an Interim Superintendent to oversee the 2013-2014 school year.  The Interim Superintendent search has begun with hopes that an Interim Superintendent will be named by the beginning of the school year.  All of the initiatives currently underway will continue moving forward.  A formal Superintendent search will begin early in the Fall anticipating a successor will be named for July 1, 2014.  The Board intends to use focus groups and surveys to get stakeholder input on the superintendent search.”

If you read the Sentinel last week, you also realize that Lynn Carey, Principal of the Charlestown Primary School has been hired as the Principal of Mt. Caesar School in Swanzey.  The Board hired Chris Young to replace her.  Chris is presently the Assistant Principal at the Alstead Primary School.  No decision was made regarding that position.

While the Board traditionally does not hold meetings during the month of July, it voted to continue the usual schedule of the second and fourth Mondays this summer.

Julie Rios wanted everyone to know that the Spanish Conversation Group will not be meeting in July.  They will resume their first Wednesday of the month meetings again on Wednesday, August 7th from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Walpole Town Library.  I can’t help but note that that will probably be here before we know it.  Haven’t you noticed that time goes so much faster in July than it does in January?

Jill Robinson wanted to share this press release.  Being an avid shopper at the WFM, I wanted to post in plenty of time to see you there. – Lil

The Walpole Farmers Market’s summer season is well underway with many familiar faces as well as a host of new vendors. The market has become a great family and community event on the beautiful Walpole Common.

As the summer weather comes in so does the bounty of our produce vendors. Abenaki Springs Farm, Harlow’s Farm, Old Drewsville Farm, and Hillside Springs Farm offer a wide variety of organically grown heirloom vegetables. They offer some tasty treats you may never have heard of, including a radish-size sweet salad turnips, and both green and purple kohlrabi that look like a little space ships, but are great to eat raw.

There are two local cheese makers at the market: Sawyer’s Artisanal Cheese and, new this season, Hollyhock Farm with local chevre (goat cheese). These cheeses, coupled with the local breads from Orchard Hill or the Bread Shed, make a fabulous treat.

The WFM has a new mushroom vendor this year, CNC Mushrooms, selling three varieties of Oyster mushrooms: Tree, Blue, and Pearl.

Sweet treats are available from Twin Spruce Farm, with a wide selection of maple products; and from Penni’s Pantry, with an intriguing selection of jams and jellies, like jalapeno and strawberry jam. A number of vendors offer fresh eggs and a wide variety of locally grown meats, including pasture raised veal and chevon (goat meat) as well as beef, pork, lamb and poultry. You’ll also find veggie starts and local hand crafts.

Iris X and Wes’s Culinary Creations have joined us this season with wildcrafted and herbal products, all natural lotions and skincare products, culinary creations and beverages. You may remember Wes, a chef at Burdick’s Restaurant, from his annual guest chef grilling demos.

The WFM has something for everyone. What is missing are new customers!! Visit the Walpole Farmers Market this week. The WFM is held every Friday, from 4-6 on the Walpole Town Common, rain or shine.

For more information, see the WFM website (walpolefarmersmarket.com), look up the market on Facebook, email jill@walpolefarmersmarket.com or call 756-3168.

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Board Meeting

North Charlestown Community School

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

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

Motion: (Streeter/Elsesser) to accept the minutes from the May 13, 2013 Public Session. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to accept the minutes from the May 13, 2013 Non-Public Session Passed-Unanimous

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS/ PUBLIC INPUT

Paula Stevens welcomed the board to the North Charlestown Community School and introduced

the second grade class. The second graders performed an encore performance of the Three Little Pigs, which they had performed at the spring concert in April. Two students gave a tour of their school to the school board. 

REPORTS OF ADMINISTRATORS

Dr. Livingston introduced Bill Botting, Maintenance Director who explained that recently four new water heaters were installed in district schools. They are currently installed in North Walpole School, Walpole Elementary School, Walpole Primary School, Alstead Primary School and Vilas. Mr. Botting reported that with rebates and electricity cost savings, the district anticipates a savings of approximately $13, 000.00. He also stated that the plan is to have them installed in every school by 2015.

Lynne Phillips, Technology Director, provided the board with an overview of Infosnap. She explained that Infosnap is an exciting online solution that will be beneficial in several different ways. It will take the parent forms and turn them into an electronic form that will allow parents to fill them out at home and then filter in to PowerSchool. Parents will have the ability to pay fees online-via credit card.

OLD BUSINESS
Bill Ranauro, Teacher Representative, provided the board with an overview of the happenings around the district. 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion: (Elsesser/Streeter) to accept the resignations of Wendy Gendron, District Speech Pathologist effective at the conclusion of the 2012-2013 school year; Heidi Westover, 5^th grade Teacher, NCCS effective May 15, 2013; Denise Tholey, Special Education Teacher, FMRHS, effective June 30, 2013.  Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to accept conditional contracts for Liilian Morena, District School Psychologist; Zandra Reagan, District School Psychologist and Heidi Westover, Health/PE Teacher (Step4, Lane MA15), FMRHS, effective August 2013. Passed-Unanimous 

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve the following co-curricular contracts for the 2013-2014 school year: Passed-Unanimous

Lead Teacher CMS:  Mary Lord

Lead Teacher NCCS:  Brenda Cook

Lead Teacher Middle School Alt. Ed. Program:  Cynthia Pomasko

CMS Boys’ Soccer:  Shane Remur

CMS Girls’ Soccer:  Brandon Hill

CMS Volleyball:  Lynda Chandler

CMS Band:  Julia Armstrong

CMS Drama (Musical):  Karin Sheehan

CMS Chorus:  Karin Sheehan

CMS 8th grade advisor:  Karin Sheehan

CMS Recycling:  Shawn Brodeur-Stevens

CMS Student Council:  Stephanie Hazlett

CMS Yearbook:  Marie Weller

CMS Math Team:  MJ Bentley

CMS Activities Director:  Jason Bardis

CMS Wellness:  Karla Chaffee

The board reviewed JJC-R The Use of Web Enabled Devices. A discussion ensued. The board would like the Policy Committee to review the policy on Monday, June 3, 2013

 Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to send the regulations to Policy Committee for review. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to table approval of JJC-The Use of Web Enabled Devices for first reading. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve amended policy KFA-Public & Media Conduct on School Property for second reading and adoption. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (St. Pierre/Collins) to approve amended policy EBCA-Emergency Plans for second reading and adoption. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (Streeter/Elsesser) to approve amended policy EBCC-Bomb Threats for second reading and adoption. Passed-Unanimous

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

After an affirmative roll call vote, the board entered into non-public session at 7:29 PM.

The board exited non-public session at 7:55 PM and resumed public session.

A discussion regarding policy procedures ensued.

Hearing nothing further, the board adjourned at 8:17 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Misty D. Bushee

School Board Clerk

According to Jennifer Kelly, Summer programs for children start June 27th.  From an observer’s standpoint, it would appear like they have a busy summer planned! – Lil

Picks, shovels, buried treasure, and archeology are some of themes Walpole and North Walpole area children will have the chance to explore during a summer long “Dig Into Reading” program.  All programs are free.  Refreshments will be served. Kids (and their parents) can sign up at the library anytime for any and all of the programs below:

Zoo, Digging Animals – Thursday, June 27^th, 2 p.m. Walpole Library

Digging for Treasures – Saturday, June 29^th, 9-11 a.m., Walpole Library

Burrowers – Saturday, July 6^th, 9-11 a.m., Walpole Library

Digging Up Trouble – Saturday, July 13th, 9-11 a.m. North Walpole Library

Mariposa, Mummies and Treasures of Egypt – Wednesday, July 17^th, 10 a.m., Walpole Library

Lindsay and Her Puppets – Thursday, July 18^th, 2 p.m., Walpole Library

Our Earth Rocks – Saturday, July 20^th, 9-11 a.m., North Walpole Library

Mad Science – Dig for Dinosaurs – Thursday, July 25^th, 2 p.m. Walpole Library

Make Your Own Graphic Novel – Saturday, July 27^th, 10-11:30 a.m., Walpole Library

Children’s Museum of NH, Dig into the Deep Sea – Thursday, August 1^st, 2 p.m., Walpole Library

Nature’s Art – Saturday, August 3^rd, 10-11:30 a.m., Walpole Library

Big Animals at the Zoo – Thursday, August 8^th, 2 p.m., Walpole Library

End of the Summer Reading Program Party – Saturday, August 10^th, 10-11:30 a.m., Walpole Library

Contact Mary Farrell or Julie Rios at the Walpole Library for more information (756 9806 or librarydirector@walpoletownlibrary.org).

The Walpole Library is offering two junior book clubs this summer.   The clubs will be reading two books tied into the summer theme “Dig Into Reading”:  Jules Vernes’ Journey to the Center of the Earth and Louis Sachar’s Holes.  Multiple copies of both books are available at the library.  Refreshments will be served.

Kids who are interested in reading other books, or forming their own clubs, should contact the library, which can be provide the books, the meeting space and refreshments.

Again, get in touch with Mary Farrell or Julie Rios at the Walpole Library for more information, including times and dates of meetings (756 9806 or librarydirector@walpoletownlibrary.org).

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Board Meeting

Fall Mountain Regional High School

Monday, June 10, 2013

Chair Mary Henry called the meeting to order at 6:31 PM in the Fall Mountain Regional High School Library. In attendance were Linda Christie, Jim Elsesser, John Streeter, Andy Collins, Lil DeCoste and Gabe St. Pierre. Also in attendance were Debra Livingston, Lori Landry and Jamie Teague.

Motion: (Streeter/Elsesser) to accept the minutes from the May 28, 2013 Public Session. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to accept the minutes from the May 28, 2013 Non-Public Session Passed-Unanimous

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS/ PUBLIC INPUT

Mary Henry called on Bill Ranauro who gave an update on the happenings around the district.

REPORTS OF ADMINISTRATORS

Dr. Livingston introduced Chris Young and Tom Ronning who gave a presentation on the teacher Effectiveness Model. Principal Ronning explained that a committee was formed, comprised of a member form each school in the district.  Alstead Primary was used as a pilot school for tis evaluation tool. Assistant Principal Young explained that the overall feedback has been positive. There will be a training held this summer for all teachers.  The district will implement this school wide, Fall of 2015.

Dr. Livingston also introduced Michelle Gould, Human Resource Manager who gave a brief PowerPoint presentation on healthcare reform.

OLD BUSINESS

Professional Development Committee – Lil DeCoste explained that the teachers have completed the requirements for renewal and the Master Plan has been submitted to the state.

RVTC – Gabe St. Pierre reported that the RVTC teacher’s contract is in the works and getting closer to completion.

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. John Streeter explained that the policy committee reviewed JJC-R The Use of Web Enabled Devices on June 3, 2013.

A discussion ensued regarding the monitoring of social networking. Student privacy and school liability were also discussed.

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve JJC-The Use of Web Enabled Devices for first reading. Passed-Unanimous

A brief discussion ensued.

Motion: (Streeter/Collins) to change the wording from “laptop” to “web enabled device”. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (St. Pierre/Streeter) to accept the resignations of Chelsea Cary, Paraprofessional, Vilas, effective June 14, 2013 and Kelly McGrath, Language Arts Teacher, Vilas, effective at the conclusion of the 2012-2013 school year. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Julie Hogan, FMRHS. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (DeCoste/Streeter) to approve a conditional contract for Doriane Gordon, Language Arts Teacher, Walpole Elementary School, effective Fall 2013. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (DeCoste/Streeter) to approve an overnight for to the 2013 NH State Heptathlon & Decathlon June 15& 16, 2013. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (Elsesser/Streeter) to approve request for an unbudgeted 2.5 hours to be added to existing 1:1 Paraprofessional position at NCCS. Passed-Unanimous

 Motion: (Streeter/Elsesser) to accept the Treasure’s Report for period ending June 10, 2013 as presented. Passed-Unanimous

Payroll:                            $673,966.26

Accounts Payable:             $349,392.42

Dr. Debra Livingston read her letter of resignation to the board. She explained that she has accepted the position as Superintendent of the Manchester School District commencing on July 1, 2013.

The school board congratulated her and expressed their gratitude for all she has done for the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to accept the resignation of Debra Livingston, Superintendent. Passed-Unanimous

Under RSA 91-A:13 (a) and after an affirmative roll call vote, the board entered into non-public session at 8:47 PM.

The board exited non-public session at 9:23 PM.

Motion: (St. Pierre/DeCoste) to approve the following 2013 co-curricular contracts: Passed 2:4 (Streeter/Christie)

                Lisa Therrien-AAA Wellness/SHAPE Coordinator

                Dori Ferreira-AAA Recycling

                Laura Rheume-APS Para Staff Development Committee

                Jennifer Aiken-Vilas Para Staff Development Committee

                Rich Meek-Vilas Student Councll

                Mitch Harrison– Vilas Student Councll

                Ed Evensen-Vilas Band and Chorus

                Greg Amend-Vilas Drama Club/Co-8^th Grade Advisor

                Claire Higgins-Vilas Drama Club/Co-8^th Grade Advisor/Vilas Yearbook Advisor

                Kevin Hicks-Vilas Activities Director

                Linda Hanatow-APS Lead Teacher

                Kari Brodeur-Stevens-Sarah Porter Lead Teacher

                Susan Rondeau-Acworth Lead Teacher

                Meryl MacDonald-Science Chair/Health/PE Chair FMRHS

                Sally Eaton-Math Co-Chair FMRHS/Math Team I

                Jennifer Mackay-Math Co-Chair FMRHS/Math Team II

                Bill Ranauro-Social Studies Chair FMRHS

                Glen D’Eon-Fine Arts Chair FMRHS/Jazz Band/Band

                Teri Fenando-Zelenetz-Foreign Language Department Head FMRHS

                Lisa Ranauro-Guidance Chair FMRHS

                John Cenney-JROTC Manager FMRHS

                Diana Bushway-Special Education Chair FMRHS

                Taunya Lincoln-Block 5 English FMRHS

                Inge Cummings-Junior Class Advisor FMRHS

                Peggie Jellie-Sophomore Class Advisor FMRHS

                MT Lester-Student Congress FMRHS

                Tina Nash-Yearbook Advisor FMRHS

                Claudia Istel-National Honor Society FMRHS

                Kathryn Wright-Teacher Council WPS

                Lorraine Brooks-Lead Teacher WPS

                Jean Kobeski-Lead Teacher NWS

                Kim Lewis-Lead Teacher WES (3/4)/Recycling (1/2)

                Jackie Ronning-Lead Teacher-WES (1/2)

                Toni McDougle-Activities Director/Recycling (1/2)

                Lisa Mulhearn-Math Team WAA

                Sarah Beauregard-Yearbook (1/2) WAA

                Wendy Whiton-Yearbook (1/2) WAA

                Michelle Whitney-Grade 8 Advisor

                Julie Armstrong-Band WAA

                Lillie LeBlanc-Chorus WAA

                Mary Aumand-Student Council WES

                Sheryl Chuda-Wellness WAA

                Nick LeBail-Volleyball WES

                Justin Cassarino-Girls Soccer WES

Motion: (St. Pierre/Henry) to adjourn the meeting. Passed-Unanimous

Hearing nothing further, the board adjourned at 9:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Misty D. Bushee

School Board Clerk

From Lil DeCoste:

Joe Dionne called to ask me to let everyone know that the cherries at Alysson’s are ready to be picked.  There is a very smaill window when they are ready so you better get there quickly.  (Sure hope the window is bigger than the 20 minute one when you buy pears at the super market!)

The Walpole Seniors will meet for potluck lunch at the Congregational Church on the Walpole Common at noon on Monday, July 15, 2013.  Sandra Hunting will share information about the Certified Therapy Dog program.  This program is relevant for seizure and hearing disorders.
In addition to a dish to share, everyone is asked to bring a contribution for the Fall Mountain Food
Shelf. All Walpole Seniors are welcome. Join us for fun and good socialization. Trip Planning information will be available.

Jeaane Jeffries asked me to share with you. – Lil

A free Genealogy Workshop, sponsored by the Walpole Historical Society
will be offered Saturday July 13, 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.

Photo by Chuck Bingaman

If you Google “leading citizen” or “prize example of civic virtue” you’ll probably get this photo featuring 95-year-old Tucker Burr doing his monthly two-hour stint at the Walpole Recycling Center!  Pretty
amazing fellow, don’t you agree?