The Walpolean

They’re back!!! Concerts on the Green for 2013

June 30…..Springfield Town Band
July 7…..Westmoreland Town Band
July 14…..Keene American Legion Band
July 21…..East Bay Jazz Ensemble
July 28…..The Temple Band
August 4…..Brattleboro American Legion Band
August 11…..Montague Community Band
August 18…..The Jazz Express
S p o n s o r e d b y :
All performances are on Sundays from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Bring a blanket or lawn chair.
In the event of rain, the concert may be cancelled.

Sponsored by the Savings Bank of Walpole

Earlier today at the Fall Mountain end of the year picnic, Elaine Maney (secretary at the high school) was honored as the Joan Jenkins Employee of the Year; Walpole’s own grade five teacher, Jackie Ronning received the Dr. Harry Westcott Teacher of the Year and the Robert H. Brown Award of Excellence (goes to a community member who has demonstrated outstanding support of our schools) was given to Sue and Chuck Bingaman.  A fitting tribute to four special people.

For the second time in two years, The Bread Shed will be nearly doubling their bakery space that supports several Walpole sales locations. The newly renovated 2,000 square foot 80 Krif Road location near the Keene State College Athletic Center enables new equipment to bake a greater variety of all-natural breads delivered fresh to stores, farm stands, restaurants, and the Walpole Farmers’ Market.

The Bread Shed was started two years ago by Monadnock region native Brittany Migneault after an extensive apprenticeship with her uncle Glenn Loati, founder of Vermont’s largest independent bread bakery La Panciata. Popular Bread Shed products include traditional Italian Garlic, Toscano, and Ciabatta as well as sliced Sunflower Flax Whole Wheat, Cinnamon Raisin, Jalapeno Cheddar, and Cranberry Pecan Power Bread.

Once the move is complete mid-July, the primarily wholesale bakery will post retail customer visiting hours on Facebook.com/TheBreadShed.

If you tossed your invitation I wanted to remind you of the Block Party tomorrow night.  Great chance to see old friends and get a free hamburger!

On Friday there is another chance to renew old acquaintances.  The Walpole Recreation Center pool opens and kicks off the season with a picnic.   Two chances in the same week to have someone else do the cooking and clean up.  Don’t you love summer?

A special thank you to Mr. Jacobs for working with Officer Mike Tollett to bring the D.A.R.E. program back to Walpole Elementary after a twelve year hiatus.  A thank you as well to Chief Paquette for his support of the efforts of both Officer Tollett and the teachers; Justin Cassarino, Jackie Ronning, Jana Sellarole (teacher intern), and Linda Lake (class aide) – Lil

45 children took part in the D.A.R.E. program.  D.A.R.E. is a ten-week program that stresses personal responsibility, a decision-making model and role playing to emphasize a drug free/healthy lifestyle.  Students are empowered to take charge of the peer pressure that they will be faced with as they grow older.

For his part, Officer Tollett took special training in order to lead the program.  He prepared the lessons and worked directly with the students.  A goal of the program is to teach students that police officers are their friend and should be seen as a help if needed.  It would appear that this goal was reached thanks to his efforts.

Students had to complete lessons, a workbook, homework and a one to one and a half page essay in order to complete the program and graduate today.  For their efforts they received a sports bag, a sports water bottle, bumper stickers, a Walpole Police Junior Officer sticker, and three neon pencils.  Each student was awarded a certificate from the dignitaries (Chief Paquette, Representative Tara Sad, Superintendent Debbie Livingston, Selectman Chas Street, School Board member Lilla DeCoste and Principal Sam Jacobs) who came to honor their work.

If there was a question of what they learned, one only had to listen to Gabriel Andrus and James Ronning  read their winning essays explaining what they now feel capable of doing.  They spoke of strategies they can now utilize when confronted with peer pressure, or to make good decisions and deal with bullying.  In Superintendent Debbie Livingston‘s remarks she also mentioned that one student told her that she finds the decision making model even helpful when getting dressed for school.  It is quicker now because she no longer has to say, “eenie, meenie, minni, mo”!

After the ceremony, students and parents enjoyed a pizza party provided by Diamond Pizza and the Walpole Police Department.  The students say, “It was fun and a great educational experience.  Thank you Officer Tollett.”

If you are a fan of WMUR-TV, you have been kept up-to-date about our Superintendent, Debbie Livingston, being chosen as the new Superintendent in Manchester, NH.  On a personal note, I was very sad to get the news because I have enjoyed working with Debbie and have a great deal of respect for her.  As I told a reported this morning, “our loss is Manchester’s gain”!  Stay tuned for news about future plans regarding the process for moving forward here in Fall Mountain.

The Walpole Village School held its graduation last Friday.  In addition to learning each graduate’s favorite color and what they learned in school this year, parents also heard some good news about the school.  Fred Yates, presented outgoing treasurer, Lil DeCoste with a check from the Al Southwick Financial Holdings to pay off the school’s second mortgage.  This will mean a great deal to the future fund-raising efforts of the School.  On behalf of the Walpole Village School, thank you to Fred and Mr. Southwick.

Only 11 more days until the Walpole pool opens!  If the weather doesn’t warm up, it won’t be hard to wait.

When Gale Davis sent this she indicated that she wan’t sure if it should go to Chuck or to me.  For future reference, you can send just to me because Sue is keeping him busy packing boxes. – Lil

Soft ice cream (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Real Twist Soft Serve Ice Cream stand in Walpole, NH will hold its next Classic Car Cruise Night, weather permitting, on Sunday, June 16th, from 5 till dark. Here’s a chance for the whole family to enjoy a Sunday evening looking at old and antique cars, while enjoying a soft serve ice cream or frozen yogurt. There will be live music by Doc Vinnie Dibernardo (vet on-call duties permitting). Anyone who brings his classic car to show will get a free regular sized sundae. Everyone visiting can get free jimmies, diptop or flavorburst with any cup or cone. Make sure to enter the drawing for gift certificates to the Real Twist or Real to Reel!

The Real Twist is located next to Real to Reel Video at the North Meadow Plaza in Walpole. It is open noon – 9 PM, seven days a week. Enjoy your ice cream outside, in the lovely garden, or under the porch.

Future 2013 Season Cruise Nights are scheduled for, July 14^th, August 11^th ,  and September 1^st . See you there!

Meeting Waters YMCA’s popular and respected after-school program will serve the three Walpole schools starting on the first day of the 2013-14 school year. ASPIRE (which stands for After-School Program for Inspiration, Recreation and Education) has served thousands of youth and parents over the past 15 years at program sites up and down the Vermont side of the Connecticut River.

Since its founding in 1895, Meeting Waters YMCA has been responding to community needs in the Fall Mountain, Bellows Falls, Brattleboro and Springfield regions with high-quality programs, according to Executive Director Steve Fortier. “As an example, we created ASPIRE in 1998 as a response to a call-to-action by the Superintendent of the Windham Northeast schools,” said Fortier. “He was pointing out that schools need partners to develop thriving young people. We responded with ASPIRE. A few months later, the leaders of the Brattleboro School District called us because they had the same need and they were hearing a lot of positive feedback about our program up north. Hard to believe, but that was 15 years ago, now.”

Fortier says the process of getting ASPIRE into the Walpole Schools has taken several months and involved input from many people. “We’re always thinking about how our resources can strengthen the foundations of community. We’ve kept the Fall Mountain elementary school principals informed about our ASPIRE program over the years,” Fortier adds. “A forum held last fall in Walpole on challenges facing local youth and families gave us a big push. The program develops 36 of the 40 ‘Developmental Assets’ Sam (principal) and Glen (guidance counselor) talked about as being key to all kids thriving academically, socially, physically and emotionally. We followed up with them after that forum and talked about how ASPIRE is far more than child care for working parents. It is a powerful youth development program that happens to also be of great value to working parents.”

Sam Jacobs, Principal of the Walpole schools also sees great value in the new partnership. “I’m well aware of the good work of the Meeting Waters YMCA and their commitment to the Developmental Assets model of youth development that we use at the Walpole Schools,” said Jacobs. “So, we are delighted for this new partnership between our two organizations. I feel it will benefit our kids, our families and the larger Walpole community.”

Thank you, Misty Bushee for sending these minutes on after they had been reviewed and approved by the board – Lil

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Board Meeting – FMRHS Library

Monday, May 13, 2013

6:30 PM

Chair Henry called the meeting to order in the Fall Mountain Regional High School Library at 6:30 PM. In attendance were Andy Collins, John Streeter, Lil DeCoste, James Elsesser, Linda Christie and Gabe St. Pierre. Also in attendance were Debra Livingston, Lori Landry and Jamie Teague.

Motion:  (Elsesser/Streeter) to approve the minutes of the April 29, 2013 Public Session. Passed-Unanimous

Motion:  (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve the minutes of the April 29, 2013 Non-Public Session. Passed-Unanimous

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS/ PUBLIC INPUT

Sean Kelly, Student Representative stated that fellow students were looking forward to the end of the school year. He also commented that the senior class trip is coming up and that Prom was a huge success. Mr. Kelly thanked the board and the IT Department for the Chrome update, and stated that it is working great. 

Bill Ranauro, Teacher Representative gave a brief update on the happenings around the district. Nancy Leclair’s North Walpole School class visited McAuliffe Discovery Center, funded by the FMEEA. The students enjoyed themselves and learned a lot. Sue Rondeau’s classroom in Acworth has been working in the gardens and are preparing for the upcoming NECAPS. Jean Kobeski’s North Walpole class recently attended the Mill Yard Museum.

REPORTS OF ADMINISTRATORS

Superintendent Livingston reported that Tom Ronning, Chris Young and Katie Harmon gave a presentation at Southern New Hampshire University on the Teacher Evaluation Model. Dr. Livingston commended them stating that they did a wonderful job.

Dr. Livingston reported that this morning, Karen Brown, along with three of her students represented Walpole Elementary, Vilas Middle School and Charlestown Middle Schools in Manchester during a Women in STEM event. They presented their products from a manufacturing unit that was developed in conjunction with Whelen Engineering in Charlestown, NH.

Lynne Phillips notified the board that FMRSD has been awarded a $25,000 prize for the next three years for a “Website Makeover” from Schoolwires.  When asked what happens after the three-year term, Ms. Phillips explained that the fee would be able to be applied to e-rate funding. We will own our data and will be able to move it as we see fit.

OLD BUSINESS

Gabe St. Pierre reported that he attended a RVTC presentation. He commented that it went very well and he is looking forward to working with them in the future.

John Streeter reported that the Policy Committee met and that some revised policies were being brought forward this evening.

The board discussed who would be attending some of the upcoming events around the district.

A discussion ensued in regards to the Board Beliefs and Vision.

Motion: (St. Pierre/Elsesser) to table the FMRSD Beliefs for the upcoming May 23^rd board workshop. Passed-   Unanimous

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to table the FMRSD Beliefs and Vision and further discuss at the May 23^rd Board Workshop. Passed-Unanious

NEW BUSINESS

Motion: (Elsesser/Collins) to approve the FMRSD Master Plan for Professional Development. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (Elsesser/Streeter) to accept the donation of choral risers from the Feminine Tone Women’s Chorus. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (DeCoste/Streeter) to approve conditional contracts for Kevin Hicks and Lynda Chandler, Middle School Summer School. Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve the following for co-curricular contracts for:

Mark Ferenc – Girls Soccer Vilas

Greg Amend -Boys Soccer Vilas

Ed Evensen -Volleyball Vilas

Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve a conditional contract for Kate Boardman, Permanent District

Substitute, effective May 14, 2013. Passed-Unanimous

Motion:  (St. Pierre/DeCoste to accept the retirement of Marjory Bissette, District Psychologist and Jennifer Rock, FMRHS Front Door Monitor, effective at the conclusion of the 2012-2013 school year.  Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (St. Pierre/Streeter) to approve unpaid leave for Jennifer Aiken, Vilas Library Assistant and Roger Wilbur, District Bus Driver. (Gabe/John) Passed-Unanimous

Motion: (St. Pierre/Elsesser) to accept the resignations of Breien Milton, District Student Services Counselor; Maricel Lucero, FMRHS Music Teacher effective at the conclusion of the 2012-2013 school year; Michelle Cousino, FMRHS paraprofessional, effective May 1, 2013 and Jack Yukica, FMRHS Science Teacher, effective May 24, 2013.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pieere) to table until after non-public session. Passed-Unanimous

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

Motion: (Streetre/Elsesser) to approve amended policy EBCA-Emergency Plans for first reading. Passed-Unanimous

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

A brief conversation ensued regarding some of the language in this policy.

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve new policy JJC-The Use of School Provided Web Enabled Devices for first reading.

After a brief discussion the board voted to table the policy for first reading until after they have had the opportunity to review the regulations.

Motion:  (St. Pierre/Collins) to table the JJC-The Use of Web Enable Devices for first reading.

The regulations will be brought forward at the next school board meeting on the 28^th.

OTHER

Chris Young requested that the teachers be present for the presentation on the Teacher Evaluation Model.

The next board workshop is scheduled for Thursday, May 23^rd at 5: 00 PM in the FMRHS Library.

Motion:  (Streeter/St. Pierre) 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 7:34 PM.

The board resumed public session at 8:02 PM.

Motion:  (Streeter/Christie) to accept the resignations of Breien Milton, District Student Services Counselor; Maricel Lucero, FMRHS Music Teacher effective at the conclusion of the 2012-2013 school year; Michelle Cousino, FMRHS paraprofessional, effective May 1, 2013 and Jack Yukica, FMRHS Science Teacher, effective May 24, 2013. Passed-Unanimous

Motion:  (Elsesser/Streeter) to adjourn the meeting.

Hearing nothing further, the meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Misty D. Bushee

School Board Clerk