PHOENIXVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

BOARD CURRICULUM COMMITTEE – MAY 5, 2008

Call Meeting to Order, Jill Slawecki, Chairperson

Mrs. Slawecki called the May 5, 2008 Board Curriculum Committee meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  The meeting was held in the High School Auditorium. 

Board Curriculum Committee Members in Attendance: Mrs. Jill Slawecki, Committee Chairperson; Mrs. Lisa Starczewski; and Mr. Keith Wickstrom.

Board Curriculum Committee Members Absent: None

Other Board Members in Attendance: Mr. Paul Slaninka, Mrs. Debbie Dawson, and Mrs. Mary Parris.

Others in Attendance: Dr. Maria M. Schwab, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent; Dr. David R. Noyes, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools; Miss Maryann Cox, East Pikeland Principal; Dr. Troy Czukoski, Middle School Principal; Mrs. Amber Gentile, High School Assistant Principal; Mr. Charlie Kramer, Middle School Assistant Principal; Ms. Carolyn Marchetti, Supervisor of Mathematics; Mrs. Margaret Pearsall, Supervisor of Reading; Ms. Karen Moore, East Pikeland Grade 3 Teacher; Ms. Maureen Bierhoff, East Pikeland Reading Specialist; Ms. Robin Kowalski, East Pikeland/Kindergarten Center IST; Ms. Elizabeth Houseman, East Pikeland Grade 1 Teacher; Ms. Donna Elicker, East Pikeland Guidance Counselor; Ms. Stacey Pugh, East Pikeland Learning Support Teacher; Mr. Edward Yeager, High School Guidance Counselor; Mr. Anthony Stavenski III, High School Social Studies Teacher; Ms. Sandra Waltz, High School English Teacher; Ms. Susan Krenicky, High School Librarian; Ms. Venetsana Levin, High School English Teacher; Ms. Shelly Sobel, High School Social Studies Teacher; Mr. Jay Jennings, High School Physics Teacher; Ms. Alison Nesta, High School Spanish Teacher; Ms. Karen Davies, High School Chemistry Teacher; Ms. Ilyse Perloff, High School Special Education Teacher; Ms. Robyn Spear, High School Chemistry Teacher; Mr. John Odell, Middle School Science Teacher and PAEA Representative; Mr. James Phipps, High School Science Teacher; Ms. Maggie Karlin, High School Science Teacher; Ms. Julie Cordingley, High School Chemistry Teacher; Ms. Jeanne Havrilla, High School IST/Gifted Teacher; Mr. Chris Dunleavy, Barkley/Kindergarten Center Physical Education/Health Teacher; Ms. Tamara Kurtz, Schuylkill Physical Education/Health Teacher; Mrs. Susanne Lash, East Pikeland Physical Education/Health Teacher, Mr. Wesley Frazier; Ms. Marianne Peppare; and Mrs. Nan Odenthal, Director of Development.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the April 7, 2008 Board Curriculum Committee meeting were approved as presented.

Informational

Smaller Learning Community: Questions and Answers

Dr. Schwab noted that several questions were presented to her, high school administration, and high school teachers regarding the Ninth Grade Academy.  Dr. Schwab categorized the questions for the Committee.  The following topics were presented:

History:  Mr. Kaskey gave a brief overview of how the Ninth Grade Academy was developed.  Mr. Kaskey remarked that in 2006 the social studies department agreed to eliminate all standards level classes.  In looking at the standards courses, teachers wanted to raise expectations and challenge students.  In 2006 the Social Studies department and English department decided to pilot a freshman academy with six teachers from each department and the librarian with the common goal of working with those students in cross curriculum work and library and technical integration skills.  Students and teachers remarked positively about this experience.  In 2007, he and Dr. Schwab began working with the high School Reform Group, comprised of Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) and Chester County administrators.  Their goal was to research effective high schools.  A few years ago the High School of the Future Committee researched different literature and developed a summary of the future of Phoenixville Area High School.  That research pointed toward academy or house settings. 

Mrs. Slawecki asked Mr. Kaskey if he would like to discuss alternatives to the Ninth Grade Academy.  Mr. Kaskey noted that several areas were researched:

Block Scheduling – Mr. Kaskey noted that this was discussed, but will not be used.  Dr. Schwab explained block scheduling will not be used due to the teacher contract.  Mrs. Slawecki noted that the teacher union had been approached about revamping the schedule (the 8 period day). 

Theme-Based or Focus Schools – Mr. Kaskey noted that our high school is not large enough for this concept.

Houses – Mr. Kaskey noted that this is usually for larger high schools.

Career Academies – Mr. Kaskey remarked that this could be reviewed in the future for our Career Pathways.  It would take instruction of the staff on working with businesses and industry to utilize the curriculum we are teaching.  It is more geared toward a certain pathway.

Magnet Schools – Mr. Kaskey remarked that this is done in inner cities and larger cities.

Looping – Mr. Kaskey noted that there was insufficient research on this topic.

Mr. Kaskey concluded that other areas were also considered, such as hiring of more staff for remediation. 

What other school districts have instituted the SLC concept and what sort of communities do they have?  Mr. Kaskey did not have a list of other schools; however, teachers contacted and visited three schools. 

Dr. Schwab asked teachers to report on their visitations.  Sandy Waltz, High School English Teacher, noted that she visited several schools.  Ridley had honors and regular courses in ninth grade.  Haverford had an entire academy within the ninth grade.  They eliminated the standard track and have two tracks.  They have experienced positive results.  Every school they visited had different needs or goals.  The teachers asked what the overall goal was at each school they visited.  Many of them said that they were trying to close the achievement gap, and one common thread was the transition period between eighth grade and high school.  Having the academy will nurture those students and give them skills to be able to integrate them into high school life.  The first couple of months are difficult for students.  Having this program to ease that transition would benefit the students. 

Shelly Sobel, High School Social Studies Teacher, remarked that she noticed that each school had opportunities for students who needed help with study, reading, math, and research skills.  Springfield focuses on student behavior and team building.  Ridley focuses on academics, and Haverford was in between.  All had block scheduling.  Mrs. Sobel noted that she had never heard of Ninth Grade Academies, but went online and found many.  If we are going to do this, then the extra time is necessary to work with students and work collaboratively with teachers.  In response to a question, Mrs. Sobel noted that math is not included in our academy.  Mrs. Starczewski questioned the two tracks – will students be in either honor classes or CP classes.  Mrs. Sobel noted that she has students in AP courses who are taking CP English.  Mr. Kaskey noted that we want students to take challenging courses.  He has met with two parents who had a concern that their child would not succeed in an honors science course, while exceeding in Honors English.  The students are doing very well in the Honors classes.  The support of teachers will help students.  Mrs. Starczewski asked if students have the ability to take a CP English and Honors Science, or do they have to take all Honors or all CP courses.  Mr. Kaskey remarked that students will have the ability to take CP and Honors courses.  Mr. Slaninka asked if students would be able to take CP English and Honors Social Studies.  Mr. Kaskey responded yes. 

Anthony Stavenski, III, Social Studies Teacher, remarked that he asked English students at Springfield Delco if they felt the teachers were more in tune with them.  Students quickly responded yes.  Mr. Stavenski noted that the high school is doing a good job, and, with this plan, can do better.  This plan will allow teachers to have more contact with other teachers and students. 

Training – how much is required?  Dr. Schwab remarked that teachers will need help using data to form instruction, team building strategies, understand how to implement comprehension strategies, and study skill strategies into their content areas.  Regarding the research, Dr. Schwab noted that knowledge of professional development was important.  Staff development will be workshop presentations and follow-up with support from each other and will be ongoing.  Teachers are asking to implement a course, Success in High School.  Mr. Jeff Wynne, High School Social Studies Teacher, spoke about the course, Success in High School.  This course will give students the opportunity to meet with teachers to receive specific help if they are struggling.  Also, a skill set will be developed to develop a common vernacular, so when students go onto 10^th, 11^th and 12^th grade, there will be a common language that teachers use so students will understand what is expected for research, homework, writing, reading skills.  This will be a little more work for the teachers, but it is a good use of time to ensure student success.  Mrs. Starczewski inquired if there will be an actual curriculum.  Mr. Wynne noted that the course would address note-taking, reading apprenticeship skills, and transition issues, etc.  Inside that class, there will be an opportunity to meet with teachers.  Teachers are developing a notebook of materials for this course.  Mrs. Starczewski asked if this course would have homework or a research paper.  Mr. Wynne responded no.  Mr. Slaninka inquired if this team concept would be for all ninth graders.  Mr. Wynne noted that yes it would.  Dr. Schwab remarked that this is a deviation from our normal procedure, but teachers are excited about this concept.  She will be asking the Committee for approval to create this course and for Board approval.  Mr. Kaskey noted that students taking band and chorus would receive band and chorus 3 times a week and Success in High School two times a week.  Students not taking those electives would attend the Success in High School course four times a week.  Mrs. Dawson asked how the course will be credited.  Mr. Kaskey remarked that it would be worth 1.0 credit.  Mrs. Dawson inquired how a student would receive help with an English problem, if that teacher is teaching a class.  Mr. Kaskey noted that teachers have the course at the same time, so all teachers would be available.

Other Comments

Dr. Noyes remarked that he wanted the Board to be aware that there is a scheduling problem regarding a certification solution for Biology.  This is not related to the academy, but for another grade.

Ed Yeager, High School Guidance Counselor, remarked that the social/emotional part has been missing since he began in Phoenixville.  Even the academic superstars are having difficulty.  He looks forward to getting into the classroom and teaching these skills to students. 

Dr. Schwab remarked that common planning does not mean that teachers are required to be together during their planning time every single day.  It is an opportunity for teachers to have planning time at the same time to discuss a student or plan a project together; all teachers will have time available.  There will be no violation of the contract. 

Partnerships and Higher Education – Who will monitor the West Chester students, etc.?  Dr. Schwab remarked that they have been working with West Chester University.  Dr. Jim Rice joined the group on April 22 to listen to their planning.  He was very impressed with the group and their enthusiasm.  At this time they are discussing placing West Chester students in the Academic Assistance Lab for field experience.  This would be staffed by teachers on a duty rotation with a teacher always on duty.  A professor would work with these students and work with our teachers to provide them additional help.  They are very interested in working with us.  This would supplement our program. 

Dr. Schwab noted that a list of goals from teachers, Mr. Kaskey, and his administrative team were developed.  Not all of the goals are specific.  The goals will be narrowed to five.  Information on assessments was also provided.  Study Island is being reviewed for use as a benchmark assessment at the middle school.  If successful at the middle school, it may be used at the high school. 

Dr. Schwab remarked that what baselines will be established for each student was brought to her attention.  She noted that baselines are usually used for students who have academic concerns.  At this time, workshop classes in Math and English for students who were not proficient on the PSSA are available and baselines are established for those students. 

Dr. Schwab noted that progress reports will be completed once a year so the data can be collected and compiled.  At a September or October Board Meeting, achievement reports would be presented. 

Dr. Schwab noted that by using the quarterly exam and charting the scores will indicate if the curriculum is being implemented consistently and with integrity. 

Mr. Kaskey remarked that special education students are given a QRI and depending upon the results, the IEP team determines if they will be in a learning support classroom vs. a co-taught classroom.  If students succeed in a co-taught class, the IEP team determines their placement. 

Dr. Schwab noted that the name of CP level classes can be changed.  Dr. Schwab asked teachers to determine the name of the class. 

Dr. Schwab remarked that the only additional cost would be a summer workshop for teachers writing the Success in High School planned course.  However, this is in the budget, just like every year.  No textbook is necessary.

What is Early Admission?  Mr. Kaskey gave an example of a student who moved in with a parent in our district who had attended another district.  The parent asked if it would be possible for her child to enroll in early admission with Montgomery County Community College.  The student only needed several high school courses in order to graduate.  Mr. Kaskey explained to the parent what was needed in order to grant approval.  The student took a full load in the fall and the spring at the college.  Dr. Schwab noted that many colleges offer early admission for students.  Students must still take the PSSA and fulfill all high school requirements.  Mr. Slaninka asked how a student moving into ninth grade from another state would be handled.  Mr. Kaskey noted that student transcripts are sent.  He places them to the best of his ability.  In response to a question, Dr. Schwab noted that the college is the one who chooses to have early admission.  Students also have to fulfill the requirements determined by the college.  There was further discussion regarding dual enrollment courses and early admission to college.  After further discussion it was noted that explaining early admission to the Board would be included in the discussion at the Board Workshop Meeting.  Mr. Slaninka remarked that if a student takes college and honors courses he wants to ensure that they will not be forced to take both at the same time because it fits better in the schedule.  Dr. Schwab noted that with the Ninth Grade Academy, there may be an instance where scheduling prohibits students from taking certain courses or a certain combination of courses.  Mrs. Slawecki noted that students have choices and they make that choice.  It is currently that way now.  Mr. Kaskey emphasized that with the current schedule, there are 4 sections of honors and 5 sections of CP and one of co-taught.  If there is a need for more, it will be difficult to schedule.  Mr. Kaskey answered several questions about the scheduling.  Dr. Schwab noted that it is necessary to understand that the answer to these questions is what we know and what we have planned at this time.  This is evolving.  As the program continues, teachers and administrators may discover other ways that work better.  Mr. Kaskey noted that eliminating the electives freshmen take does happen.  Mrs. Slawecki noted that she also wanted to address a question she had that was not in the packet of information.  She inquired about the 8^th grade team concept being eliminated.

Dr. Czukoski remarked that they tweak their transition process every year trying to accommodate fifth graders entering sixth grade to make them feel comfortable and ready for middle school.  The high school will do this with the Ninth Grade Academy.  At the middle school, teachers approached him about the transition to high school and thought perhaps eighth grade should de-team in order to help students transition to the high school.  Now with this concept, they want to re-team at the eighth grade.  Also, they want to include math which has not been part of teams before.  He applauded this concept being proposed at the high school. 

Dr. Schwab remarked that there are guidelines for students who take courses outside the district.  She suggested that this be given to the Policy Committee to form into a Policy.  Mr. Kaskey noted that he and a group of teachers at the high school would be willing to work on this policy. 

Dr. Schwab noted that information on results of PSSA math and reading data were distributed to the Committee.  This information was developed by Ms. Marchetti.

It was mentioned that the new class being proposed at the high school could be included for eighth grade students.  Dr. Czukoski remarked that the middle school’s course is tailored for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students and will include integrated study skills across departments, common set of study strategies, etc.

Mr. Slaninka inquired about a student receiving a D in a CP course rather than in a B in a standard levels class hurting the student’s class ranking.  Mr. Kaskey noted that it depends upon where the numbers fall for the B and the D.  There is a scenario where a D in CP will be weighted to determine the quality points.  It may be less quality points than a B in a standards course. 

Mr. Yeager remarked that if a student is an athlete, the NCAA will not accept standards level courses.  From 2008 on, they are only accepting CP or Honors courses. 

A teacher inquired where special education students are placed with the elimination of standards courses.  Mr. Kaskey remarked that we have to utilize to the best of our ability our current special education staff with their certifications and identify those students who can succeed in co-taught classes or those who need learning support classes.  Dr. Schwab noted that teachers will provide support to all students in ninth grade. 

Mary Myers inquired about scheduling the 250 ninth graders.  Does every student have to be scheduled during period 3 with one of the teachers?  Mr. Kaskey noted that with the number of students it would work out to 96 students working with one team, 96 students working with another team and the other students would be with another team.  Mrs. Myers proposed that if 40 students are in band or choir, they would not …Mr. Kaskey noted that students would take the course in 10^th period.  Mrs. Myers asked if students are assigned a specific teacher, how would they receive support if they are assigned to an English teacher?  Mr. Kaskey remarked that there will be proximity to classrooms so teachers would be readily available.  When teams meet with students, the team will make determinations based on student need.  One day out of the five-day cycle, teachers will meet to make those decisions.  He, Mrs. Gentile, Mr. Yeager and others will also meet with students to do sustained silent reading, bring in speakers, etc. 

Dr. Schwab and Mrs. Slawecki expressed their thanks to the high school teachers in attendance.  She asked the teachers in the Ninth Grade Academy to stand up.  The audience expressed their thanks by applauding.

There was discussion about the Board Curriculum Committee Agenda and how it was received.  Mrs. Slawecki noted that the Curriculum Agenda and the Personnel Agenda were sent via e-mail by Sue Raimondo on Friday.

Mrs. Slawecki noted that the Committee will deviate from the Agenda and present:

Update on Response to Intervention (RTI)

Miss Maryann Cox noted that she and teachers will present a brief overview of RTI for East Pikeland.  RTI is a standards-aligned intervention strategy.  The goals are early identification and early intervention.  This is a general education strategy, but it was prompted by special education concerns.  Special education directors across the country were concerned about the number of students identified as having learning disabilities, especially in the area of reading.  In 2004, congress authorized school districts to utilize RTI as an intervention strategy.  It is comprehensive, multi-tiered, standards-aligned and enables early identification for students at academic or behavioral risk.  At East Pikeland, a core group of teachers were trained and inserviced on RTI.  East Pikeland is ready for implementation, while other district buildings are at different steps in the process. 

Miss Cox remarked that RTI is for all students.  It is data driven with teachers meeting to review the data and plan instruction for students based on their needs.  Additional support to ensure strong academic results is being reviewed.  RTI will put interventions in place at all levels and for all students.  Miss Cox noted that interventions in each of the tiers will be explained further by Robin Kowalski.  Karen Moore remarked that it is important to know that this is a team approach and the goal is for the classroom teachers to work together and help each other. 

Robin Kowalski noted that universal screenings, benchmark assessments, database decision making, quarterly progress monitoring, etc. are in place.  In the fall a parent presentation will be held.  She noted that the tiered model speaks to the level of intervention given to students.  It is a continuum of time intensity and instruction depending on which tier a student needs.  Tier One is 80% of the population – for all students.  Tier Two is 15% of the students – students who require more intensive level of instruction, with support in place to help deliver instruction in a smaller group setting.  Tier Three, 5% of the population is an increased level of support for students with the need for more intensive instruction.  Those students would be progress monitored on a weekly basis.  Next year RTI will be implemented for reading in grades one and two.  There will be a 45-minute daily block taken from language arts.  There is flexibility for students to move from tier to tier based on their needs. 

Miss Cox noted that the staff is excited about RTI.  Shared ownership makes this appealing to teachers.  No longer will it depend on one teacher to make sure a student is successful.  The students belong to all of us.  The audience offered their applause for this presentation.  Mr. Slaninka inquired about the RTI framework that was 5% of the population.  Miss Cox noted that the initial tier is the instruction for all students.  Usually 80% of the students are successful there.  Even though those students are successful, we want to ensure that they are making progress.  Interventions will also be put in place for students.  Mrs. Slawecki and Dr. Schwab thanked Miss Cox and the teachers for presenting this information.

Board Approval

Approval of Grades 4/5 Health Planned Course

Dr. Schwab noted that last year a pilot health course in fourth grade was conducted with the intention of moving it into fifth grade in 2008-2009.  This is the first time there will be a formal health class at the elementary level in many years.  The curriculum needs to be approved for this class and teachers will align the health curriculum with the middle and high school to ensure that the curriculum is not overlapping.  Mrs. Kurtz noted that they have met with the middle school teachers and the curriculum has been aligned.  It is standards based and they will use Health.com curriculum.  They have received positive feedback from the students in the pilot program.  Mrs. Lash remarked that they piloted with fourth grade this year and the same students will be in fifth grade so curriculum will be continuous into fifth grade and more in-depth.  Mr. Dunleavy noted that there are not many elementary schools that have health curriculum.  Feedback from his students and parents was positive.  It will be wonderful to have this instruction at fifth grade next year.  Mrs. Kurtz noted that several other school districts have contacted them regarding the process they used. 

Dr. Schwab noted that cost incurred has been the writing of curriculum.  In addition, each elementary teacher has a subscription to Health.com which is $75 per building.  No textbook will be used.  Health.com is a resource for the curriculum, with links for use with students.  All sites are approved and standards-based.  Dr. Schwab noted that this is similar to the web based Smarts program presented last month.  Mrs. Lash noted that a web site available through the district has very good up-to-date, cutting edge curriculum also.  Mrs. Kurtz noted that students use these web sites in the lab.  Students work with the teacher and also individually.  She remarked that she budgeted for health supplies, such as paper, etc., using part of her PE monies.  Mrs. Lash noted one item they would like was the CPR “Annie” but found out it can be borrowed from the community.  Mrs. Kurtz noted that the hospital has been amazing in providing information and resources and will also visit the schools.  Elementary teachers would share materials, which they do now.  Mrs. Slawecki and Dr. Schwab thanked the teachers for this information and attending the meeting.  The Board Curriculum Committee recommended that this item be included on the May 15, 2008 Board Meeting Agenda.

Informational

Mrs. Slawecki noted that at this time, Development Update information would be presented.

Mrs. Odenthal remarked that on April 22 the grant request to Exelon Generation in the amount of $17,000 was funded.  This will enable the district to begin the search for certified teachers needed for the SAFE Summer Program.

The District was asked to assist the Weller Health Center to seek grant funding for services to public schools during 2008-09.  This was filed on May 1.  Teacher feedback regarding programs from the Weller Center indicated they were successful in the district.

$20,000 was secured from Valley Forge Music Fair this school year.  The final award of $6,000 was received in April which funded Barkley, High School, and East Pikeland student’s attendance at the dance performance of Grand Derangement. 

Two UNSUNG Heroes Award applications were filed on April 29 and 30.  These applications will fund the Instant Success at Barkley.  This is the band program run in conjunction with the SAFE Academics Summer Program.  The program provides instruments and lessons for underprivileged students.  It also covers the cost of busing for college tours for Destinations With Direction.  If selected, the awards range from $2,000 to $27,000.

The Teaching Tolerance Grant was submitted in April to fund Destinations With Direction in the amount of $20,000.

The Educational Improvement Organization Tax Credit Application was filed May 1 and information for businesses has been prepared.  Between now and mid-June, the information will be sent to businesses.  The total revenue secured this year was $78,000.

The planning meeting for the Annual September Endowment Gala is scheduled for May 9.  Volunteers and sponsors are needed.

Update on REL

Ms. Marchetti noted that in February she presented information from Regional Educational Laboratory (REL).  This is the sixth grade math research project being proposed for the 2008-2010 school years.  At that time, she did not believe the district would be awarded this project, as one of her stipulations was that the project would not be offered to our pre-algebra students.  The district was awarded the project for general math students; however, she does not know if we are a treatment school and have the Connected Math or if we are a control school.   That information will be forthcoming this month.

Board Approval (Continued)

Approval of Middle School Math Apprenticeship Planned Course and Approval of, Hands-on Standards for Grades 7 and 8 and Fraction Works for Grades 6-8

Ms. Marchetti noted that she and Dr. Czukoski developed this course for students not proficient on the PSSA.  At this time there is no additional help for those students.  This course will be held three days a cycle, or every other day.  For students at the middle school who are basic or below, math becomes abstract for them.  Ms. Marchetti researched many different programs and found two that were very good.  They are Hands-on Standards and Fraction Works.  Both programs are in alignment with manipulatives.  They are also mirrored with the regular courses students take.  Dr. Czukoski noted that when this concept was discussed with teachers, teachers volunteered to rework their schedule to accommodate this course.  This course will mirror the content skills that students have in their regular math class in a math lab setting.  Every math student at the middle school receives 44 minutes a day of math instruction.  This course will give those students an additional 44 minutes every other day of math instruction.  This is a bonus program for our students, with very little cost.  In response to a question if this course will be held during 11^th period, Dr. Czukoski, noted that two years ago a pilot program was held during 11^th period.  There were some conflicts.  This course will be scheduled in lieu of a world language or communications course, depending on the student.  Ms. Marchetti remarked that she has the money in the math budget to fund this course.  These materials will not have to be repurchased every year.  The Committee recommended that this item be included on the May 15, 2008 Board Meeting Agenda.

Approval of Driver Education Providers for 2008-2009

Dr. Schwab remarked that there was one response to the request to provide Driver Education services for our students.  The Committee recommended that this item be included on the May 15, 2008 Board Meeting Agenda.

Approval of 2008 Summer Enrichment Program and 2008 Summer Middle and High School Academic Program

Mr. Kramer noted that after discussion with the high school, two high school courses will be offered for credit.  Mr. Kramer discussed the cost of courses and available scholarships.  Courses are also open to students in surrounding districts, for a higher cost.  The Summer School Enrichment program helps fund the academic program.  There are 60 classes offered from arts to sports to just for fun.  There are also academic enrichment courses being offered comprised of 6 classes, plus 2 classes with five subgroups.  These courses include reading remediation, math remediation, etc.  In the past, there have been approximately 350 students in Summer School Enrichment.  They usually hold 35 of the 50-60 classes.  This is the seventh year of the Enrichment program, which has funded the academic program at no cost to taxpayers.  The Committee recommended that this item be included on the May 15, 2008 Board Meeting Agenda.

Next Meeting Date – Monday, June 9, 2008 – 6:30 p.m. – High School Library

Public Comment

Nancy Brown, Director of Sheltering Arms Family Center in Kimberton

Mrs. Brown noted that she is the mother of two grown sons.  The oldest has Down syndrome and the youngest graduated from Phoenixville in 2000.  She remarked that the Ninth Grade Academy proposal is wonderful and she encourages this program.  She mentioned Queen Latifia who as a teen was in a gang, drugs, etc.  Then one person cared about her and from there she succeeded.  When her younger son was in Phoenixville, at parent conferences, she was amazed how the teachers knew him and how much they cared.  When a group of teachers come together and speak about this program that makes a great difference.  Sheltering Arms follows this concept.  She also noted there is a moral viewpoint in caring for each other.  She is very excited to hear about this.  She noted that her youngest son did not read until he was in 4^th grade.  He graduated in geography from a program that is similar to a master’s program.  He has secured a job working with satellites.  Dr. Schwab and Mrs. Slawecki thanked Mrs. Brown for her comments.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board Curriculum Committee, Mrs. Slawecki adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.

Mrs. Slawecki, Board Curriculum Committee Chair  

Minutes were prepared by Kris McArthur.