Pathways

A weekly collection of information, thoughts, reflections, and accolades for the Reading Public Schools Community

March 10, 2019 Volume 6, Number 24

Upcoming Dates • March 12 – (7:00 p.m.)

SEPAC Meeting in the RMHS Library

• March 13 – Gr 6 – 12 Early Release

• March 14 – (7:00 p.m.) RISE PTN Meeting in the RISE Staff Room

• March 15 – (6:00 p.m.) Joshua Eaton Make-n-Take Math Night, (7:00 p.m.) MISSTER RMHS in the High School PAC

• March 22 – No School for Students, Teacher In-Service Day – The Reading Institute

• March 23 – (7:00 p.m.) RMHS Sophomore Semiformal in the RMHS Cafeteria

• March 25 – (7:00 p.m.) Grade 5 Student & Parent Transition Meeting at Parker Middle School

• March 27 – Grade 6 – 8 Early Release

• March 28 – (7:00 p.m.) School Committee Meeting in RMHS Library

• March 29 – (6:00 p.m.) Joshua Eaton Make-N-Take Math Night

• April 2 – Local Election in the Hawkes Field House

Swastika Graffiti Found at Reading Memorial High School Unfortunately, we had an incident of hate this past week in our community when a swastika was found in the building at Reading Memorial High School. Because this is an ongoing investigation with the Reading Police Department, we cannot provide any further details at this time. Below is a letter that RMHS Kathleen Boynton sent to the RMHS Community earlier today. We are disheartened that this type of incident has happened again in our community and we will continue to focus our time, energy, and resources to investigate, take action, and educate our staff and students on the meaning of this hateful symbol. Dear RMHS Families and Staff, I am writing to the RMHS Community to inform you of another incident of hate speech at Reading Memorial High School. A Swastika was found in the building. I immediately communicated with the superintendent and Reading Police and we implemented our incident response protocol. A thorough sweep of the building was conducted and no additional graffiti was found. We are treating this incident with the utmost importance and urgency. These acts are not who we are or what we stand for as a school and they are not who we are as the greater Reading community. In a society that has turned increasingly divisive and polarized, it is crucial that we emphasize kindness, empathy, and respect for difference and continually speak out with a unified voice against hate. We seek to find those responsible for these acts and we must continue to educate our entire community if we hope to prevent these acts from reoccurring. We are sponsoring a professional day for faculty and staff this month focused around equity and diversity and are hosting two more courageous conversations for students this spring. I urge any student or staff member with information about who might have committed this or any of this heinous act to come forward and speak to administration. To the individual(s) responsible, I implore to do the right thing and take responsibility for your actions and come forward. The time is now to be Upstanders and speak out against hate. We will continue to work closely with the Reading Police Department, the Superintendent and the Town of Reading to address this and any future issues. If

Kudos and Accolades

• Congratulations to the cast & crew of the Parker Middle School production of the Music Man, Jr.

• Congratulations to the RMHS Jazz Bands on outstanding performances at the recent MAJE Jazz festival held at RMHS.

you have any questions, concerns or information about this incident, please do not hesitate to contact me. Additionally, see the information below to text an anonymous tip to the Reading Police Department. You can provide an anonymous tip to the Reading Police Department by texting the keyword READINGPD and a message to 847411 (tip411) Sincerely, Kathleen M. Boynton Kathleen M. Boynton Principal, RMHS

Update on Birch Meadow Student Illnesses We wanted to update the Community on the number of student illnesses at the Birch Meadow School. On Friday, March 1st, we saw a significant increase in the number of students who were absent from school due to a stomach “bug”. It was determined that there were 87 absences on Friday, March 1st, 2019. Of the 87 absences, 10 students were out on vacation, 9 students were out with “the bug”, and 68 students were out and did not give a reason. Additionally, 12 additional students were sent home on Friday for symptoms that included nausea and vomiting. As a result of the increase in student absences, on Saturday March 2, 2019, the Facilities Department conducted additional cleaning activities throughout the Birch Meadow Elementary School as requested by the School Principal Julia Hendrix and Director of Nurses Lynn Dunn. Each classroom, bathrooms, cafeteria, and support spaces that are occupied by students were carefully cleaned with disinfectant. The process conducted included wiping of all touchpoints, including, but not limited to: plumbing fixtures, horizontal surfaces, chair legs, cubbies, doors and door jambs, flooring. After wiping with disinfectant, these surfaces were sprayed with disinfectant allowing the product to dwell for 10 minutes as recommended by the manufacturer. An additional disinfectant was applied via an aerosol fogger to the nurse’s suite and classrooms that had a higher number of reported student absences. For more information on the specific chemicals used, please contact Joseph Huggins, Director of Facilities, Town of Reading at 781-942-5492. On Monday, March 4th, 2019 the Health Agent for the Town of Reading, Laura Vlasuk, conducted an inspection of the Birch Meadow Elementary School, including the kitchen, and determined that the absences were not caused by a food borne illness outbreak. Principal Hendrix and the Birch Meadow School Nurse, Peggy Costello, have been monitoring the student absences this past week and have been in daily contact with the Board of Health. The reported absences for this week have been as follows:

• Tuesday, March 5th-22 students absent (Corrected from a previous email sent out)

• Wednesday, March 6th-15 students absent

• Thursday, March 7th-23 students absent

• Friday, March 8th-26 students absent

Superintendent’s Office Half-Hours this Week

All are welcome

There are no office half hours this week.

We should note that we do not always know the reasons why a student is called in absent by a parent, so some of these absences may be due to reasons other than illness. The student absences this week range from 4%-6% of the student population, which is normal for this time of year. In addition, as of this report we have not been notified of any child being seen by a pediatrician. Most parents stated that within 24 hours the symptoms regarding the stomach bug have subsided. The link below contains information provided by our Board of Health and the CDC regarding the Norovirus, which is a common virus that causes stomach illnesses. If a child is showing the symptoms of the Norovirus, we encourage parents to bring their child to the pediatrician and to not allow them to come to school until the symptoms have subsided for 48 hours.

https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/downloads/keyfacts.pdf We will continue to maintain our daily cleaning practices and monitor the situation. If you have any questions, please contact the Reading Public Schools Administration Offices at 781-944-5800.

Director of Student Services Search Announcement

We wanted to update you on the search process for the Director of Student Services. Over the last few weeks, the 16 member Director of Student Services Screening Committee has been engaged in designing questions and conducting interviews. The Screening Committee interviewed 5 qualified candidates, all with districtwide special education administration experience. From that process a group of pre-finalists were moved to a second round of interviews with the Central Office Leadership Team consisting of Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Chief Financial Officer Gail Dowd, Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching Christine Kelley, and Interim Director of Student Services Sharon Stewart. As a result of both rounds of interviews, one candidate has been moved forward as a finalist.

We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Stys is a finalist for the Director of Student Services. Jennifer is currently the Director of Special Education for the Lowell Public Schools. A copy of Jennifer’s resume is attached.

Because our process is ending quicker than anticipated, we will be changing it slightly. The Community is invited to attend a question and answer session with Jennifer on Monday, March 11th, from 6:00-6:40 p.m. in the Patrick A. Schettini Library Media Center. Community members who attend the evening session will have the opportunity to submit questions for the candidate to answer. Immediately after the question and answer session with the candidate, the School Committee will be meeting to discuss the process which may also include voting on the Superintendent’s recommendation of Ms. Stys as the next Director of Student Services for the Reading Public Schools.

If you have any questions, please contact the Reading Public Schools Administration Offices at 781-944-5800.

Stys Resume

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

READING CULTURAL COUNCIL Supports 22 Organizations for 2018-2019 Activities

March 2019-- The Reading Cultural Council (RCC) has awarded $7,500 to support

the arts and humanities programming of twenty-two (22) Reading organizations

for activities which will take place during 2018 and 2019. The Reading Cultural

Council received 25 requests totaling $23,333 for this funding cycle. Awards from

the Reading Cultural Council are competitive based on the number of requests and

the funds available. The RCC tries to partially fund worthy projects. Awards in 2018

were small, with $500 as the greatest individual award. Programs must be

performed at an accessible Reading venue, field trips excepted.

Funds were awarded to the following organizations: Arts Reading for Discover the Arts in Reading Festival Austin Preparatory School to support a field trip to The Nutcracker by Northeast School of Ballet BeatHeart Foundation for the 2019 Jams for Jake Concert Birch Meadow PTO for its Creative Arts Core Values Project Colonial Chorus for a performance by Fairy Tale Players Theater Color in Sound for The Creative Equals Project: Sound Off Coolidge Middle School for an in-school author visit by Tara Sullivan for grade 7 Coolidge Middle School for an in-school author visit by Karen McManus for grade 8 Coolidge Science Olympiad in support of the Science Olympiad Team Fairy Tale Players for a theater performance at CCP Ivy Chord Coffeehouse for its 2018-2019 concert program The Musary for its musical instrument lending program Northeast School of Ballet for its Fall 2018 Program North Suburban Child & Family Resource Center for Lindsay’s Puppet Pals’ Earthworm Aerobics Reading Antiquarian Society for the 325th Anniversary Celebration of Our House Museum Reading Art Association for the Fall 2018 Exhibit Reading Community Concert Band for its Reading 375th Performance on June 15, 2019 Reading Community Singers for its 100th Anniversary Concert Reading Community Television for the Reading 375th Celebration: If This House Could Talk Reading Public Library for a visit by author Raul the Third Reading Senior Center for a performance of “Ann and Abby” Reading Symphony Orchestra for its Spring Pops Concert, “American Dream” “We are pleasantly surprised by the number of organizations involved in cultural programming in Reading this year. This fall our committee received the largest number of funding requests and the largest amount requested overall,” notes Donna Schenkel, committee chair. “The Reading Cultural Council strived to give funds to as many viable projects as we could. The range of projects highlights the growing richness of cultural, artistic and experiential opportunities in our community.”

Quote of the Week . . .

“Enjoy every moment you have. Because in life, there

are no rewinds, only flashbacks. Make sure it's all worth it. I don't care

about popularity. I live in reality. Based on

originality. Forget looks. I respect personality.”

-Unknown

How to Apply for a Cultural Council Grant Individuals and organizations planning cultural activities in Reading during 2019-2020 are encouraged to apply for support from the Reading Cultural Council. Application forms are available online at mass-culture.org/Reading beginning September 1, 2019. The deadline for the next round of applications is October 15, 2019. The application process can be competitive based on the number of requests and the funds available. Average grants tend to be modest and are reimbursement-based, meaning applicants expend their own money, and if approved for a grant, submit paperwork for reimbursement for the amount of the award. About the Reading Cultural Council The Reading Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils (LCC) serving all cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Reading Cultural Council members are volunteers appointed by the town’s Board of Selectmen. The Massachusetts state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to Local Cultural Councils which make awards based on community needs. Learn more about the Reading Cultural Council on the Town of Reading website (readingma.gov/cultural-council). Individuals interested in joining the RCC can email Donna Schenkel, Reading Cultural Council Chair [donnaschenkel@icloud.com] or contact the Reading Town Clerk.

RMLD Honors Local Elementary Students

Barrows Elementary School Winners with Principal Beth Leavitt and RMLD Board

Member Dave Hennessy

A release from the Reading Municipal Light Department:

Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) recently honored 33 students from 11 local elementary schools in Reading, North Reading, Wilmington, and Lynnfield for their winning entries into RMLD's annual art contest. Award ceremonies were held on Feb. 5th and 26th at RMLD's office in Reading. Awards were presented by members of RMLD's Board of Commissioners.

Disney Quote of the Week

““Sometimes the right path is not always the easiest.”

– Pocahontas

For the contest, fourth grade students were asked to design a poster demonstrating their knowledge of topics presented in an educational video produced by RMLD. The video covers electricity basics, electrical safety, and energy conservation during peak periods, which is also referred to as "shredding the peak." Peak periods are times of high usage when the price of electricity is at its highest, and when the more inefficient and environmental impacting generating plants are called into action.

A first, second, and third place winner was selected from each participating school based on the artwork and message. Each winning student was awarded a Barnes and Noble gift card, and each participating school was awarded a gift certificate for art supplies.

RMLD would like to thank the teachers and faculty at participating schools for their continued partnership in this important educational initiative.

A full list of the winners and photos from the award ceremonies may be found on our website.

Important Websites

RPS District Website www.reading.k12.ma.us

Interface Health Services

https://interface.williamjames.edu/community/reading

Reading Public School Happenings

RMHS High Five For This Week

Below is the RMHS High Five for this week.

Megan Coram, Class of 2019

Megan Coram is recognized for her commitment to excellence in all that she takes on, from academic work, to artistic exploration, to personal inquiry. Megan has achieved at the highest level in the classrooms of RMHS, often taking the most challenging classes and excelling in those classes. Her efforts have won her several recognitions. Last year she was inducted into the National Honor Society and she was recognized at the Underclassmen Awards Assembly with the prestigious Harvard Book Award. Megan’s most impressive academic recognition may be her latest. She was recently recognized as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, one of only 15,000 high school seniors across the country to receive the distinction. This respected designation makes her eligible for a number of possible scholarship opportunities as she moves on to college from RMHS. Megan plans to study architecture or engineering in college, both pursuits that would call upon her talents in math, science, and the arts. Artistic pursuits have been a passion of Megan’s throughout her time at RMHS. She cites Mr. Radvany’s Studio Art class from her junior year as her favorite class at RMHS so far. And, in her after-school hours, she has cherished her time working with the RMHS Drama Club both on and behind the stage. Some highlights include playing the role of Berthe in the musical Pippin and helping to create some of the more intricate costumes used over the last few years in her work as part of the wardrobe crew. Lastly, Megan has sought enrichment opportunities inside and outside RMHS. She loved her experience with the French exchange program, as she both hosted a student and visited France. She has also sought enrichment opportunities during the summer. In the summer of 2018, she took courses in 3D animation, gender studies, DIY crafts, and graphic design at a summer school program hosted at Yale University. And in the summer of 2017, she took courses in the iD Tech program at Wesleyan University. Congratulations, again, to Megan for the achievement and love of learning that have marked her years at RMHS.

Contact Us

The Pathways newsletter is published weekly for Reading Public School Staff. If you have anything that you would like to share, please email your info to John Doherty at:

john.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us

Joshua Eaton Celebrates Read Across America This past week, Joshua Eaton students and staff have been celebrating Read Across America with literature based activities, Seuss-inspired literacy spirit days and visiting guest readers. Below are some pictures of the event.

Amy Lannon, Reading Public Library Director and former Eaton parent, visiting Mrs

Conant's 3rd Grade class

Stacy Kress, Joshua Eaton Reading Specialist, visiting Mr. Derosier's 5th Grade class

Allsion Straker, Humanities Curriculum Coordinator, visiting Mrs. Manna's

Kindergarten class

2019 Reading FLL Science & Engineering Exhibition

The FIRST LEGO League challenges kids to think like engineers and scientists. During this year’s Into Orbit season, each team chose and solved a real-world problem in the Project. They also built, tested, and programmed an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology to solve a set of missions in the Robot Game. Throughout their experience, each team operates under the FIRST LEGO League’s set of Core Values, celebrating discovery, teamwork, and Gracious Professionalism. The Core Values are the heart of the FIRST LEGO League. Kids learn that friendly competition and mutual gain are not separate goals, and that helping one another is the foundation of teamwork. On Saturday, March 2, 2019 the Reading FLL Science & Engineering Exhibition was held at the Coolidge Middle School and included twelve teams comprised of elementary and middle school students. Each of these teams have been meeting since October and this event was the culmination of all of their hard work. The Coolidge School Science Olympiad was also at the event fundraising. Each of the teams was judged by professional and parent volunteers from Reading. Teams were judged in three categories: Robot Games, Project Presentations, and Robot Design & Software Assessment. The Space Turkeys from Parker Middle School led by Coach Greg Brown and Space Junk from Joshua Eaton Elementary School led by Coaches Garth Benedict and Peter Madden were the overall winners of the day. Congratulations to both teams for their wins and to all of the teams for their hard work! Thank you to all of the coaches for their time and dedication to the students and to the FLL Program!

Stepping Stones… • Congratulations to Wood End teacher Lisa Breed on the birth of her

daughter Olivia Grace on March 3rd weighing 7 lbs., 3 oz.

• Our thoughts go out to Parker Teacher Brian Cormier on the passing of a family member.

• Our thoughts go out to Parker staff member Sue Cotter on the passing of a family member.

• Our thoughts go out to Parker Teacher Jamie Walsh on the passing of a family member.

• We welcome the following new staff to the Reading Public Schools: ✓ Kevin Hackley, Substitute, District ✓ Sary Thach, Substitute, District ✓ Michele Sanphy, Learning Center Special Education Paraeducator,

Killam

• We have posted a new position. If interested, please visit https://reading.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx to view the job detail

1.0 FTE Literacy (reading) Specialist, Birch Meadow Elementary School (19-20) https://reading.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=692

Regular Education Paraeducator, 29 hour biweekly, Birch Meadow Elementary School https://reading.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=693

Town Job Opportunities

Senior Administrative Assistant – Human Resources https://www.readingma.gov/sites/readingma/files/uploads/2019_sr._admin_assistant_-_hr.pdf

Blazing Trails…

"Learners Front and Center for Learner-Centered Design." School design should

always be student-centered. You are making a school for the students. You should

always empower student voices, since they are the people who will be attending the

school. Get their input and opinions. Trust students first. If there's no trust, there is

nothing there to build on. -Taylor Dervishian, lead student designer, Resiliency

Preparatory Academy, Fall River, Massachusetts. Read More

"The Text Disrupters." All children deserve to see themselves and their experiences

reflected in books, but too many students, especially students of color, are denied

such opportunities. An educator-led Twitter movement called #DisruptTexts seeks

to diversify K-12 literature and upend a white-centric reading curriculum long set in

stone -- starting with the individual choices educators make every day. Read More

"Is a 'Good Enough' School Good Enough for My Kids?" A "good enough" school

isn't adequate or average, much less mediocre, but rather one that, by design, helps

to prepare kids for life's endless frustrations. And public schools, thanks to their oft-

exasperating rules and frequently-unruly students, tend to do this better than their

elite counterparts. Academic learning might happen more efficiently and effectively

with homeschooling or private schools. But maybe that shouldn't be all we're after.

Perhaps getting a taste of both greatness and daily annoyances is the best

preparation for an excellent life. Read More

"The Power of Instructional Leadership." School leaders set the tone and direction

for what happens in the classroom. The March 2019 issue of ASCD's Educational

Leadership magazine explores strategies and processes school leaders can use to

better understand students' and teachers' needs and guide teaching and learning

more effectively. Read More

"PISA Is a Unique Resource for Testing Educational Attainment of 15-Year-Olds in

78 Countries; Adding 40 More Would Be a Mistake." A proposal to include an

additional 40 countries in the Program for International Student Assessment would

be a mistake, writes Mark Schneider, director of the Institute of Education Sciences

at the US Department of Education. Schneider asserts that the move would amplify

already existing challenges and make the rankings less meaningful. Read More

Please note that the Journey and Pathways Newsletters will not be

published on March 16th or 23rd.

Have a Great Week!