I am splitting the recap from our March 13th Meeting into two parts, one just on the budget presentation and one on everything else during the meeting.
Authorizing the Superintendent to Submit a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for Conte Community School and Crosby Elementary School
The Pittsfield School Committee voted unanimously to authorize the Superintendent to Submit a Statement of Interest.
Note that the issue’s with our budget are separate from a school building project. Chapter 70 funds are not used for a school building project and the project will be financed on the city side with borrowing so the cost is spread out over many years. Additionally the submission of a Statement of Interest starts the process and does not commit us to any funding until we are selected for a feasibility study.
Curriculum Matters
The School Committee voted to approve all of the curriculum items on our agenda:
First Reading on the Adoption of Piloted Courses
- Personal Finance (PHS) – For 11th and 12th graders, this half year course “focuses on sound financial management decision-making that results in long-term personal financial success. Financial planning, budgeting, investing, credit, financial services, and insurance protection are the primary focus areas. Students will complete an online simulation that will utilize the skills they have learned throughout the semester.”
- Facilitating Community Change (PHS) – “This course is designed to provide students with more independence and ownership as they explore their passions and desire to impact a community. In this course, students will work towards progress in six competency areas: communication, life-long learner, global citizen, prepared individual, responsible person, and critical thinker. Over the semester, students will self-reflect and evaluate their growth in these areas. Collaborating along the way and exploring various industries in Berkshire County, students will present their research, action steps, and final products to community members. “
- Honors Algebra 2 Summer (PHS and Taconic) – This course would allow students students who are placed into Algebra 1 in their Freshman year of high school to take Algebra 2 during the summer between Sophomore and Junior year to allow them to take advanced math courses, such as Calculus, in their Senior year.
- Introduction to Engineering Design – Project Lead the Way (PHS) – “Students are introduced to the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to identify and design solutions to a variety of real problems. They work both individually and in collaborative teams to develop and document design solutions using engineering notebooks and 3D modeling software.”
- Introduction to the United States Legal System (PHS) – “Intro to the United States Legal System is the first course within the Legal and Protective Services Pathway. This will serve as an exploratory course for freshmen to provide students with the basic knowledge of the federal, state and local court systems. This project based course will include field trips to local courthouses, as well as guest speakers.”
Additionally, Introduction to Engineering Design and Introduction to the United States Legal System are all part of the new Innovation Pathways programs at PHS.
First Reading on the Approval to Pilot a New Course Graphic Novels at Pittsfield High School
Second Reading on Various Curriculum Items
- New Textbooks
- Environmental Science for the AP Course – For AP Environmental Science at PHS
- Young Producers Group Complete Curriculum – For Music Production 1 and 2, Music Appreciation, Career Awareness for Young Producers
- Pilot Program – UFLI Foundations (Morningside)
- New Course Pilots
- High School Playwriting & Directing (PHS)
- High School Musical Theatre Performance (PHS)
- Middle School STEM Lab (Reid)
- Middle School Personal Finance (Reid)
- Middle School Introduction to Digital Literacy (Reid)
- Pilot Program – TeachTown’s Meta Play