BAMS and Putney Central School Leadership Council Meeting Minutes

Putney Central School Leadership Council
February 9, 2023, Meeting Minutes 6-7:00PM
Attendance: April Brown, Ruby McAdoo, Lynne Borofsky, Jon Sessions, Carolyn Olivier, Jaime Contois,
Tara Castine, Steve Hed
Missing: Nancy Gagnon
Visitors: Aidy Holding, Carey Fay-Horowitz, Ellen Strong, Shannon Chaney
Note Taker: Ruby McAdoo

AGENDA
I. Call to Order / Introductions / Recognition of Visitors
II. Acknowledgment of minutes from January 12, 2023
III. Review of Meeting Norms & Community Support Document
IV. Administrative Report from Principal Jon Sessions
a. Carey & Aidy are teacher leaders at PCS, focusing on social justice. They joined to talk about Black Lives Matter (BLM) at school week and Black History Month.

Each class was assigned a principle from BLM and explored that through their work. Teacher leaders are resources for the community at large and support learning for social justice. Carey & Aidy run two different LGBTQIA+ clubs during lunch hours.

b. Jon provided a staffing update, including sharing that Marisa is back in school and everyone has been thrilled to welcome her back. Lynne is also retiring at the end of the school year – after 25 years at PCS, 37 years of teaching.
c. Jon acknowledged a stellar crew of substitute teachers who has really buoyed
the staff. Building subs come in on scheduled days, which has been a really effective and supportive set up.
d. Grounds update: playground work is picking up steam and work is ongoing with Adam Hubbard. (Also focusing on accessible design for intensive services)
e. Some new students coming in to PCS, which brings our student count to just over 180 kids.
f. Preparing to start session #3 for afterschool enrichment. The school is reaching out to families who have not yet participated to ensure that they know what is available to them and there are no barriers to participation.
g. Summer camp schedule has gone out to the community and registration will open next week.
h. Jon shared some data regarding a snapshot of academic performance measures that show positive improvement.
i. Update on school visioning team – looking at what teachers identify as PCS values, student climate data, etc.
j. Middle school dance with Mr. Bristol as the DJ!
k. PCS is hosting a community supper on March 10.

V. Report from School Board – Key Issues Facing District and PCS
a. WSESU – administrator mentor & district-wide CIP

b. WSESD – annual meeting and school board elections, Policy & amendment committee (H7), PCS will be presenting at the 2/14/23 bd meeting on outdoor education.
c. Central office will be holding a coordinating meeting with LCs

VI. Projects – updates/next steps for ongoing projects
a. Social Justice Book Club (Jaime & April) – Parenting 4 Social Justice book club will start next week.
■ Flyer & form
b. Teacher Appreciation – plan for semester (Jaime) – plan for staff appreciation on valentine’s week.
c. Social Justice Committee Support (April) – tabled
d. Multi-media art project – (collab w/ Wendy Windle & with Next Stage) (Jon/Carolyn/Ruby) – art walks in the forest for learning are starting with student artists on 2/15/23
e. Apprenticeship programs & Life Skills/Career Center focused project (Shannon, Ruby) – tabled

VII. New Business: Special Education Advisory Group – Tara shared that the committee/advisory group focusing on special education is looking for folks who are interested in serving. Suggestion to have a zoom district-wide conversation around special education. Tara shared that this level of outreach is part of the focus of the advisory group.

VIII. Next meeting is on March 9th from 6-7 EST via Zoom

IX. Adjourned at 7:15pm