“The intent of this policy is to improve support for an environment where people’s unique identities and differences are an appreciated part of community, learning, and problem-solving. Working together to actively improve our systems improves the quality of life for all diverse peoples.”  

—Tasha Cooper, School Committee member, about the proposed policy on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-racism

Middle School students enjoyed Field Days focused on fun activities, community-building, and simply spending social time together.

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS: 

• Carolyn Miller congratulated 8th graders, all students on finishing this year; welcomed newest School Committee member, Dominic Cassamassina from Middleton; welcomed the public back to in-person meeting attendance
• Comments from the Audience addressed the proposed policy on antiracism, teachers’ union negotiations, and summer programs for learning loss
• Student SAB Olivia Richards reported from the students:
• Proud of accomplishments this year, such as Small Town Hero Awards
• Request for large projects and tests to be spread throughout the term to reduce stress at the end of the year
• Glad to hear next year will be “back to normal” and hope some new things from this year continue, such as lunch and mental breaks outside
• Gratitude for listening to the students this year
• Phil McManus presented a Middle School Principal Report
• Field Days
• 8th-Grade Moving Up Ceremony
• SEL support, community-building, team unity
• Mike Harvey presented a report, also published in his Superintendent Blog
• DESE guidance on Acceleration Roadmap
• Credit Recovery Summer School and Extended School Year program
• Developing district goals and plans to facilitate acceleration, including relationship-building, mindfulness, and Project Adventure for middle school
• Policy: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-racism - second reading 
• Approved in a majority vote of 9 yes, 2 no
• Second vote required since vote was not unanimous, to be held at meeting via zoom in July
• Policy supports Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-racism in Masco’s curriculum, experiences, and professional development
• Driven by several student presentations throughout the year
• Some edits made to improve policy language based on thoughtful consideration of feedback shared in emails, comments, and during 6/14 subcommittee meeting 
• Negotiations Subcommittee
• SC believes negotiations are at an impasse and has requested a mediator
• SC values teachers and aims for all parties to have what they need for success
• SC priorities are:
• flexibility to allow for daily schedule improvements, including WIN block
• structured Professional Development time
• acknowledgement of contract costs relative to tight town budgets
• more detail in summary notes

Further notes can be found in the Summary Notes* from the 6/23/2021 meeting.  *These are not meeting minutes and not intended to be a transcription of the meeting.

MASCO RESOURCES:

• NEW! Masco Minute: a publication by Masco Middle School students
• Chieftains Chronicle: a publication by Masco High School students
• Morning Update, news / video produced by Masco students
• ACE Club’s website features current events, holidays, recipes, and student perspectives
• News from the Masconomet Superintendent
• HS Principal blog includes updates on awards, clubs, activities, info and more 
• Middle School Principal blog includes updates and information
• Middle School Seventh Grade Art - Visuals and process
• Use the Masco App to consolidate Masco messages in your Activity Stream. Emails, blog posts, resources, as well as student grade updates
  
  

DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Justin Crosby: Our Job is to Achieve What We Once Thought Impossible
• Pete Delani: Patience and Persistence
• Mowers on to UNH gymnastics after leading Chieftains to state prominence
• Middleton Stream Team awards scholarships to Masco, Essex Tech students
• NEC Track meet
  
  

COMMUNITY RESOURCES:

• Mental Health Resources - recommended by Masconomet Student Services
• Print and have available at home
• TriTown Council is an excellent support resource for families. Follow them on facebook
• Mental Health and Wellness Covid-19 Resources and Information compiled by TTC
• With Project Safety Net, the 24/7 telephone support and referral service, students can talk with a local counselor at any time, day or night, by calling (978) 771-4619.
• SEPAC is an excellent support resource for families. Follow them on facebook to be informed about events, articles, and issues
  
  

NEXT SC Meeting: 

Our next School Committee meeting will be Wed, July 14 at 7pm. This meeting will be held via zoom. PLEASE NOTE: FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS: members of the public may make a brief statement or ask a question during the “Comments from the Audience” section of the agenda. The zoom link in the agenda is the method for watching the live meeting and making a public comment; recorded video will be posted.

Meeting agendas, minutes, documents, and videos are posted on-line at: https://www.masconomet.org/domain/41. Email any questions, comments or concerns to our committee chair Carolyn Miller at cmiller@masconomet.org.