In its final public meeting of the 2022-23 academic year, the Marion School Committee heard an update on the two-year School Improvement Plan.
Principal Marla Sirois said seeing students make “such strides during the pandemic and seeing the outcomes at the end” was a thrill. Thanking stakeholders, Sirois highlighted 21st century and project-based learning, noting the recent science fair and many other activities and accomplishments.
Assistant Principal Peter Crisafulli discussed the progress of students in various areas, including social-emotional skills and camaraderie.
Sirois thanked School Committee Chairperson April Nye for her work on the Character Council and expressed appreciation for community partnerships.
Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson said the two-year plans were simultaneously implemented in all three of the Tri-Towns with impactful results.
The committee heard a presentation from Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Shari Fedorowicz regarding the year-long effort to arrive at a literacy program curriculum.
Fedorowicz gave a status update, outlining a process that will move from Part 2, writing grants and determining core-literacy programs to finalizing the choice of programs from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The project, guided by The Hill for Literacy, included meeting with programs’ publishers for demonstrations and samples, a final round of discussions and consultation with other school districts.
Among those programs gaining enthusiastic approval were “IntoReading” by Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt and “DIBELS” 8th Edition Early Literacy Screener. Fedorowicz said it was the first time that the district leadership teams from all three elementary districts were in agreement.
“The rubric was very comprehensive,” she said, adding that ORR will continue to work with The Hill on rolling the program out.
The committee voted to approve Marion Institute Grow Education, a project-based supplemental set of lessons that ties outdoor garden classrooms to State Frameworks. Nelson told the committee he does not consider the partnership an alteration of curriculum but a supplemental addition.
Upon returning from a 34-minute executive session, the committee voted unanimously to approve the Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) between the School Committee and the Marion Teachers Association that will go into effect on September 1, 2023, and expire on August 31, 2026.
The committee voted to approve the lease renewals of SMEC and Countryside Day Care for the 2023-24 academic year. Nelson encouraged review of lease rates for the future but recommended approval of current lease renewals.
The committee approved the following donations: from Shutterfly $2,055.60 for school pictures in 2019; from Volunteers at Sippican Elementary (VASE) the book “Fantastic Bureau of Imagination” by Brad Montague; from Marion Teachers Association the book “Giant Island” by Jane Yolen; from Marion School Sunshine Committee the book “When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left” by Marc Colagiovanni; and from Sirois and Crisafulli the books “Wonder Walkers” by Micha Archer and “Whoo Hoo! You’re Doing Great!” by Sandra Boynton.
The committee approved a list of materials to be withdrawn from the Sippican School Library. April Nye pointed out that 18,273 books were checked out during the 2022-23 school year.
A “reorganization” vote resulted in April Nye maintaining her seat as chairperson and likewise Nichole Daniel as vice chair.
In her final Chairperson’s Report of the season, April Nye emphasized team dynamics in Sippican’s successes. “I’m truly grateful for everyone who walks through those doors every morning and puts their best foot forward. … We are truly a strong, successful team.”
In his Central Office Report, Nelson alluded to “the great flood of 2023” and expressed appreciation for Jones and Leonardo, the first responders and the vendors who arrived on the scene to repair damage. He was pleased to announce that Sippican’s school year would end this week in synch with the other ORR District schools.
Nelson also said information from a survey on education modes, including remote education would be presented for its consideration. He also wished Davidson well.
Davidson announced that funding has been secured, and registration is open for ORR’s Enrichment Academy. With that, he thanked the committee and staff for their support.
In her Principal’s Report, Marla Sirois summarized numerous highlights and events, including concerts undeterred by changing weather.
Penny Sullivan, retiring Special Education/Grade 2 teacher, was recognized for her years of service at Sippican, and April Nye complimented her and announced the donation of a book to the school library in her honor.
Nelson called her “one of the ultimate team players at Sippican.”
Sirois presented Sullivan with a copy of the book “Wonder Walkers,” saying, “Pete and I are grateful to work with you.”
Among several Grade 6 students recognized for their poems submitted to a statewide contest, Sophie Zhou’s entry will be published in the agency’s monthly magazine.
Two Teachers Association Merit awards went to Ashley Sweatland and Nicole Boussy.
April Nye recognized Cody Leonardo and Gene Jones “for the work they did getting us up and running again after the floods. They got everybody back in this building and safely,” she said, drawing applause.
The committee also recognized departing Director of Student Services Craig Davidson.
During Open Comment, Alexis Cottam spoke via Zoom and suggested a greater focus on transparency where it concerns needs for improvement and their recording in meeting minutes. She also suggested a greater allocation of funds in the budget to keep pace with an increase in mental-health needs.
The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, September 14, at Sippican Elementary, and the next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, at ORR Junior High Media Room. Both meetings begin at 6:30 pm.
Marion School Committee
By Mick Colageo