Rochester School Board
Instruction Committee
School Department Boardroom
January 18, 2007
7:00 PM

Members Present:	Members Absent:	Others Present:
Mrs. Anne Grassie, Chair Mr. Robert Watson Mr. Charles DeVito Mr. William Brennan	Mrs. Pamela Hubbard	Mr. Kent Hemingway Mrs. Nancy Warren Mr. Robert Pedersen Ms. Susan Deese Mr. Barry Smith Ms. Sabrina Kirwin

The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. with a quorum present.

SHS Math Department Presentation – Math Department Chair Barry Smith and math teacher Sabrina Kirwin informed the Committee of current mathematics curriculum, courses, assessments and professional development at Spaulding High School. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is attached.

Science Textbooks – Mr. Watson inquired about the use of science textbooks for freshmen. Mr. Hemingway informed the committee that there is currently one classroom set of textbooks for each freshman science class. This year, the science department is transitioning to a new integrated science curriculum. Students are given appropriate support materials, class notes and other resources for all classwork. Texts are used in class only and all outside class work can be completed without the text.

Ms. Deese discussed details of the high school procedures and the plan for the coming semester. She will make sure that all science teachers communicate to parents class expectations regarding the text and support materials.

Enrichment Programs Update – Mr. Hemingway distributed current information on Virtual High School enrollment (attached). This week, 21 students began their second semester work through VHS.

New elementary enrichment programs are beginning this month. ThinkQuest, a worldwide web design contest, will be offered at East Rochester School led by teacher Gayle Gary. Touring Actors Company will offer a theatre class after school at Chamberlain Street School. More new programs will be initiated in the next month.

Rochester Gym Use/Defibrillators – Mr. Hemingway reported on his meeting with the Rochester Recreation Department regarding the installation of defibrillators. Fire Department Captain Tom Bonneau is organizing the effort, providing training, and overseeing installation of defibrillation units in the city. Any new school installations will be coordinated with Mr. Kalisz.

Field Trips – reviewed

Other – Mr. Hemingway reported on his participation in the Governor’s Dropout Prevention conference earlier the day in Concord. He shared information with the Committee about NH – JAG (New Hampshire Jobs for American Graduates), APEX grant and Project PRIDE, all programs serving at risk youth supporting their educational and employment development.

At 9:10 pm, Mr. DeVito moved, second by Mr. Watson, to adjourn. The motion passed 4-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Anne Grassie, Chair