Board of Education Meeting Notes

Wednesday night's Board of Education (BOE) meeting opened with a presentation of yearbooks, starting with Huckleberry Hill Elementary School's (HHES) yearbook staff addressing the board. Fourth grade students Erin Kincade and Cameron DiCosta shared about the effort and time given to create the HHES yearbook. The process included holding a cover art contest, which was won by third grade student Sascha Siegel.

Ali Missulo and Stephanie Ferrari, co-editors of the Whisconier Middle School (WMS) yearbook, spoke about the process of creating this year's book.  "We did most of our yearbook online," said Ferrari, which allowed them to check how much money they had raised, design different layouts and "easily track our progress." Missulo added, "We learned a lot of time management skills." She also said that working on the yearbook helped develop her leadership skills and was a "really great experience."

WMS students also presented their newly named WOW (Whisconier's Outstanding Writers) Literary Magazine and several students read their work to the BOE.  

Additional points from the meeting:

• Brookfield High School's  (BHS) Top 11 Students were recognized by the board and presented with a small token to mark their achievement.
• The Brookfield Big Brothers/Big Sisters Volunteers, presented by Monica Walsh, were recognized for their hard work and dedication to HHES students this year. Together, the 41 BHS students served 917 hours. Walsh called it "a program that truly connects two schools."
• The BOE thanked Mitch Fenton for his time served as the student representative to the BOE.  Board Member Harry Shaker said, "It's been really great having you."  Rob Gianazza added, "You leave some pretty big shoes to fill."  Mitch thanked the board for the opportunity and said the experience over the past year was very helpful to him.
• Kristen Bott, a Center Elementary School (CES) parent, addressed the board regarding the elimination of the T1 (transition first grade) program at CES, and the short notice that was given to the families who were planning on T1 next year for their children. Until the beginning of June she thought her son would be attending T1, but the program was eliminated due to low enrollment numbers. Bott cited a  study showing the long term success of the program for participants and asked that the board answer her questions and reevaluate their decision to cancel the program. Additionally, she requested documentation related to the elimination of the program.  
• Parent volunteers invited the public to an open house for the Grad Party on Saturday afternoon starting at 3 p.m. at BHS to see what they have created for the graduates. Planning for the Grad party began back in October and decorating began early this week. The Grad Party tradition is in its 25th year, with over 98 percent student participation. It is an all night event with food, fun and prizes. The Grad Party utilizes a volunteer work force and requires a  budget of $20,000, which comes completely from donations.
• Pauline Smith, Director of Pupil Services, has resigned. She will be taking a position in the Norwalk Public School District. Superintendent Bivona called her work in Brookfield "highly commendable." He added, "We wish you well and we will sorely miss you." Smith thanked the BOE and said, "I have loved every minute of my job here." 

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