Published in the August 27, 2019 edition.
By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD – With summer on the wane and the first day of school nine days away, tonight the School Committee is expected to hear a report on the recently completed summer school session. Superintendent Douglas Lyons will also provide an update on the opening of the 2019-2020 school year.
Students will be reporting for the first day of classes on Thursday, Sept. 5. Teachers report two days earlier.
Other than approving the minutes of previous meetings, the only matter scheduled for a vote tonight is a request for School Committee approval of an 8th Grade French class field trip to Quebec City, Canada from Wednesday, May 20, through Saturday, May 23, 2020.
Galvin Middle School World Language teacher Roseanne Bakos is requesting permission to take up to 61 8th grade French students on the trip to Quebec City by charter bus. There will be one adult chaperone for every 10 students on the trip. The cost per student will be about $750 (depending on the number of students participating) and will be funded by the students and their families. Students and chaperones will stay at the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Quebec City.
According to Bakos’ description, the trip will afford students the opportunity to experience various aspects of life ion the bilingual city. The students will also visit a number of historical sites.
Any overnight student trips require the approval of the superintendent and all international trips must be approved by the School Committee.
Parents have the option to not allow their child to participate in the field trip. It is the responsibility of the school to offer students not participating in the trip with an alternative program, which provides, to the extent possible, similar educational opportunity and curriculum exposure.
Also at tonight’s meeting, the School Committee is expected to review and discuss the new Elementary School Handbook.
Lyons will also provide a report on last week’s retreat for school administrators. The retreat was held at the Galvin Middle School on August 20, 21, and 22 and included principals, assistant principals, assistants to the principals, directors, and coordinators. The program included topics such as instructional leadership, a review of instructional strategy, a discussion on how to support teachers and quality instruction, and individualized student learning. Guest speakers included an associate dean of Boston University.
Also on tonight’s agenda are reports from the chairs of various subcommittees, including Finance and Facilities (Chris Callanan), Labor and Personnel (Tom Markham), Student Services (Aimee Purcell) and Policy and Communications (Suzy Veilleux).
Tonight’s School Committee meeting gets underway at 7:30 p.m. in the WCAT Studio at 24 Hemlock Rd. (rear of Wakefield Memorial High School).
