RHINEBECK HIGH SCHOOL

BUILDING LEVEL PLANNING TEAM

MINUTES OCTOBER 30, 2003

OMISSION CORRECTED IN ITALICS

Member’s Present: Stephen Lezon, Parul Saxena, Diane Brown, Sarah Rogine, John Murphy, Ted Alban, Susan Volin, Gary Sutherland

Member’s Absent: Larry Montalto, Nina Saxena, Barbara Wolcott, Pat Beecher

Introductions: All the members present introduced themselves, and identified their role as regards the Rhinebeck High School BLPT.

Ground Rules: Ground rules were discussed. After a short discussion, the team recommended that the Ground Rule, “Hang Loose”, be eliminated. The team approved this recommendation.

Last Year’s Accomplishments: A lengthy discussion by the Team centered not so much as to the H.S. BLPT 2002-2003 accomplishments, but on getting back on track. Where are we currently, and where are we going.

Discussion further focused on Issues/Goals that the Team had been working on, but had not reached a formal conclusion. These Issues/Goals were identified as: (Not in Priority Order)

¨ Assembly Programs for students

¨ Questionnaire/Survey of H.S. Graduates with the feedback from graduates on how to improve the school.

¨ After School Program – those students/athletes who remain after school and is there an available supervised area where they can go while waiting for practice? How many students are we talking about? A place where they can do homework? A snack? Is there a need for this program?

Other Issues/Goals Identified: (Not in priority order)

¨ Drug Free School Zone

Mr. Murphy felt this goal would need to be re-developed. Discussion followed, and team agreed to make this issue a top priority.

The following topic was brought up for discussion as recommended by Mr. Alban and Mr. Celenza (H.S. Interim Principal):

¨ Students Signing Out of School During The School Day.

Should it be allowed? (Exceptions being medical/family emergencies). Does it disrupt the education process? Is it a liability waiting to happen?

Mr. Lezon and Mrs. Volin to review one week of sign-out notes. How many students sign out? Daily basis/weekly basis? Why? Is there a scheduling problem? Do students have too many Study Halls? Mr. Lezon will research what other school policies are, regarding students leaving school during the school day.

Discussion:

¨ Handout of DSPT Subcommittees and DSPT 2002-2003 Summary of Progress and DSPT 2003-2004 Carry Over Goals.

¨ Discussion held concerning the possible change of the H.S. BLPT meeting time.. Team felt that flexibility is possible, tabled pending review by the full team.

¨ Ms. Volin asked a question regarding the High School Motto, “Striving to be a place where people like to come and want to stay”. Is it still current? It has been noticed that the motto has been eliminated from the H.S. answering service. Do we need a motto? No further action to be taken currently.

¨ Brief discussion of statistics about students who graduate High School and go on to a 4 year college program – 70% of Rhinebeck High School students as compared to 30%-40% at other area High Schools.

¨ Discussion on how can we improve communications between BOCES and Rhinebeck High School. What is available at BOCES and how are programs changed? Mr. Lezon to see Mr. Phelan for any information. Possible to have a H.S. guidance counselor to present to BLPT.

After meeting, Mr. Sutherland mentioned that his daughter, Sarah Sutherland, grade 11, would like to volunteer her services as a Student Representative for the RHS BLPT.

Cc. BLPT Members

Mr. Anthony Celenza

Mr. Joseph Phelan

Mr. Ken Oclatis