The Gorham School Committee held their monthly meeting on October 8. Five members were present (Jaci Reynolds). They approved the minutes of the September 10 meeting and the September 24 workshop meeting.
Four students from Narragansett School; Anna, Sophia, Curtis, and Noelle presented a special lunchtime and recess club that they participate in called The Writing and Drawing Club. Each week, twenty five students meet with Lori Littlefield, the school librarian, to work on children’s books, picture books, graphic novels, and other creative works. The students enthusiastically presented what they were working on and their appreciation to Mrs. Littlefield for hosting this club.
Lola, the GHS representative on the board, presented a list of events occurring at the high school including the upcoming homecoming activities, NWEA testing for freshmen and sophomores and the upcoming drama presentation of “Our Town” on November 7 and 8.
Dr. Heather Perry presented her monthly report, beginning with a review of one section of the State of Our Schools Report which is available on the school website. This month she talked about the continuing spike of students receiving special education, 504, Gifted and Talented and Multi-Lingual services. The only area that has not shown an increase is RTI (Response To Intervention) services. Reviewing this data documents that although the number of students might remain constant, the level of need for services is increasing. She also reminded the public about the ballot referendum question which reallocates the already approved funding to other much-needed projects. Dr. Perry also highlighted the Education Pre-Apprentice Program with USM which is allowing ten students to receive three credits for an education requirement course at the college.
From the podium, Chairperson, Nicole Yeo-Fisher recognized and thanked member Jennifer Whitehead for her two years working on the school committee, as this was her last meeting.
Each school committee member reported out on their recent observations. Eric Thistle thanked the Recreation Department for their work and thanked Travis Grant for his five years working for the town, Mia DeSanctis recognized the Special Education Department for taking steps to involve students in the IEP (Individual Education Plan) process, and Nicole Yeo-Fisher mentioned the award ceremony in which the Gorham Schools were recognized as the seventeenth best “large company” place to work in the state of Maine.
Each subcommittee reported out on their recent responsibilities and their next scheduled meetings.
As part of their on-going review of the policies and procedures for the school system, the committee approved policy (JIH) Questioning and Searches of Students for a second reading. They also approved for a first reading, the policies: Student Social Events (JJB), Student Fundraising Activities (JJE) and Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion (JKAA).
The committee then went into Executive Session to consider a request for sabbatical leave.