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Cohasset School Committee Meeting
School Committee Minutes
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Cohasset Middle-High School
Community Use Room
143 Pond Street
Cohasset, MA
In Attendance: Jeanne Astino, Chairman
Ellen Maher
Jennifer Madden
Paul Kearney
Not Present: Barbara Stefan
Also in Attendance: Louise Demas, Superintendent
Dr. Patrick Sullivan, Assistant Superintendent
Michael MacMillan, Director of Finance& Operations
Chairman Astino called the meeting back to order at 7:05 p.m.
Motion by Mrs. Maher to change Walk to Read to the beginning of the agenda,seconded by Mr.
Kearney and the vote was unanimous (4-0).
Pledge-Recited.
Chairman Astino asked for a moment of silence to recognize George H. W. Bush.
Superintendent's Report-Walk to Read-Principal of Osgood Lisa Farrell, Reading Specialist Liz Deininger,
2nd Grade Teacher Jen McPhillips, 15Y Grade Teacher Gina Steele and Instructional Technology Specialist
Cassie O'Brien were present. They discussed The Wilson Language FUNdations program. The students
receive a systematic program in critical foundational skills emphasizing five skills of phonemic
awareness,vocabulary, comprehension,fluency, phonics &word study. They have 30 minutes daily of
class instruction. This helps build stamina and independence. They discussed the Walk to Read program
for Grades 1 & 2 which happens twice a week for 30 minutes. They discussed the student benefits,
staffing and grouping process. They re-evaluate each of the groups after 6-8 weeks. They discussed the
Pre-K-Grade 2 Technology Integration which includes, Padlet, Seesaw, eBook Maker, Felt Board
applications, Mimio, Epic, Popplet and Bee Bots. The Osgood staff is hosting a Literacy Talk on January
10, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.
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Public Statement-Chairman Astino read aloud a prepared statement regarding the resignation of Mr.
Jeffrey Knight. Within her statement she advised everyone that they are still awaiting a 51B Report from
the DCF and Title 9 investigation. Mohammad Omran-19 Ledgewood Farm Drive stated the general
conclusion is that they have the image that the kids are safe but, any teacher can take any kid and it
becomes a "he said", "she said" situation. So,the parents really don't have the support of the School
Committee. Chairman Astino reminded Mr. Omran they are not having back and forth discussions about
this topic. The Committee has read their statement. Patty Gillis-492 Jerusalem Road stated she has had
children in the Cohasset School system for 18 years and comments like Mr. Omran's are not helping the
situation. She said he is blaming the wrong people. The Committee must follow the law. She suggested
Mr. Omran should run for School Committee.
Warrant-Motion by Mrs. Maher to approve Warrant#19-095,seconded by Mrs. Madden. Roll Call
Vote; Paul Kearney-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye.
Superintendent's Report-Adams Scholars-Superintendent Demas stated 34 students have been
awarded the 2018-19 John &Abigail Adams Recipients. She read aloud the names of students.
2019-2020 Kindergarten Enrollment Process/Timeline-Superintendent Demas reviewed the registration
timeline for Kindergarten. She reviewed the dates of the Information session, Registration, Lottery,
Screening, Lottery results, Orientation, Meet&Greet and Class Assignments.
2019-2020 Preschool Registration Timeline-Superintendent Demas reviewed the timeline for Preschool
Registration.
MCAS Report-Dr. Sullivan stated that MCAS testing has changed dramatically this year. He broke it
down into three parts; Overview, Results from Spring 2017,Accountability& Next Steps. Dr. Sullivan
discussed the Next Generation MCAS(computer-based testing), Scoring Reports and the Perspective on
Scores. He discussed Cohasset's strengths and opportunities for growth. Dr. Sullivan discussed the
action steps for each school. He will continue to update the Committee.
Professional Development Update-Dr. Sullivan stated that the recent Professional Development day
went well and he has gotten a lot of positive feedback. One of the day's highlight's was a discussion led
by professional speaker and health expert,Jacqui Bryan,who focused on the topic of wellness. The Staff
then created wellness plans for themselves. This helps teachers be less stressed which in turn helps
students be less stressed. They also had Trish Morse and The Cohasset Working Dog Foundation in to
work with staff. They watched the Mr. Rogers film 'Won't You Be My Neighbor', which was highly
regarded. The reaction to the film as SEL was interesting and very emotional. The Sixth-Grade teachers
went to Norton Middle School as part of the recommendation of the NELMS Study. They came back
with a lot of great ideas. Next Friday's Professional Development is on Digital Citizenship.
Chairman Astino stated Katie Dugan will be at the next School Committee meeting on 12/19/18 and will
give an update on the Master Plan. Mrs. Maher reminded everyone that Special Town Meeting is on
Monday, December 10, 2018 @ 7 p.m.
SC Comments&Communications-Special Education Reserve Fund Policy Update-Mrs. Maher reviewed
the minor edits that were made. Motion by Mrs. Maher to approve the Special Education Reserve
Fund Policy as amended, seconded by Mr. Kearney. Roll Call Vote; Paul Kearney-Aye,Jeanne Astino-
Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye.
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Superintendent Demas stated the Start School Later meeting is scheduled for next Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Mrs. Maher stated the Safe Harbor is meeting on Tuesday. The PEB Committee is meeting tonight.
Motion by Mrs. Maher to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Kearney and the vote was unanimous (4-0).
The meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
Documents Used at the Meeting
Adams Scholars F-1
2019-20 Kindergarten Enrollment Timeline F-2
2019-20 Preschool Registration Timeline F-3
Special Education Reserve Fund Policy G-1
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