Schools

Antonelli Discusses Bridge Program, Interface Program Receives Funding

Second half of the Oct. 28 Westford School Committee meeting.

8:31 p.m. to 8:52 p.m.  (1:01:46 to 1:22:15) Robinson School principal Denise Arvidson, Nabnasset School principal Susan DuBois and Edwards School principal Sarah Mullavey discuss improvement plans for their schools.

8:52 p.m. to 9:03 p.m.  (1:22:15 to 1:33:36) School Committee members make assorted and generally positive comments and questions following up on the three lower elementary school principals’ presentations.

Kohl specifically asks whether additional emphasis on data has led to new learning advantages.

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Westford Academy principal James Antonelli makes comments in regards to district-wide integration of data on questions made by School Committee member Margaret Murray.

Keele says not to overlook students having fun when looking at data.

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9:03 p.m. to 9:24 p.m. (1:33:36 to 1:54:48) Antonelli talks about school improvement efforts by Westford Academy, thanks in large part to Westford Academy trustees, to aid students coming back to school from severe head injuries, saying the program was built largely on a program in Wellesley.

School Committee member Angela Harkness asks whether the program reintroducing students to school following traumatic injury will come to lower levels. Olsen says yes, but not immediately.

Another significant point of discussion includes stress on students, particularly regarding what role parents and educators should have in influencing what classes students should take.

Antonelli continues to indicate that he will start doing shows on Westford CAT

9:24 p.m. to 9:43 p.m. (1:54:48 to 2:13:19) Stony Brook Schoool nurse Sue Hanly discusses the Interface Program. The board in the past has approved $3,000 during earlier years. It is paid for by school choice funding, as well as private funding. 

Keele makes a motion to approve $3,000 for the next two years. The board is supportive of the program, including Murray, although she notes that the board cannot bind future boards to monetary decisions.

The motion is amended to just one year, and is approved unanimously.

9:43 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. (2:13:19 to 2:15:34) Olsen elaborates on the window projects, with bidding being done by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The School Committee also designates Olsen as the School Committee’s agent on the Permanent Town Building Committee, which enables him to recommend minor changes as needed. The School Committee would still have control over major changes if needed.


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