1.Devon elementary school had a day of peace, it was a worldwide event on the fall
equinox.
2. ARCH presented their upcoming events. 30 years of existence. They will have a
adolescent brain lecture on 11/3 at TEMS, booktalk this winter (no date given) and a
spring parent event on the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the developing brain.
(no date given) webinars and other materials can be found at www.archcares.org
Most interesting is PA youth survey on drugs and alcohol and where T/E ranks in
Pennsylvania.
3. Safety and Disaster response in schools in T/E, Andy Phillips
Mostly concerned how staff responds to emergencies and the steps which exist during
those emergencies. Please see the emails which came out for specifics.
4. Elementary support program was reviewed, Rich Gusick
covered math, reading and gifted programs, they are juggling elementary staffing to
provide the same amount of support while saving money. Wendy Towle
presented literacy intervention program for struggling readers, 250 students attend
summer reading camp out of 2400 elementary students.
5. Todd Parker challenge program and changes in staffing affecting elementary schools, currently 4.52
FTE in elementary schools, projected need of 3.9 FTE next year, currently have 4-6
pupils per challenge group, suggested research that 8-12 students per group more
appropriate learning.
Lastly, teachers have filed a grievance over teaching 6 classes or 5 classes plus lab in
any given day, T/E has replied publicly at the educational committee meeting and the
teachers union considers this an unfair labor practice due to the public nature of the
reply.