BOE REVIEWS DARE AND NEXT YEAR'S SCHOOL CALENDAR

At the Board of Education meeting on October 22, members spent most of their
time discussing two issues: changes in the DARE program and the 2004-2005
school year calendar.

A Shortened DARE Program

At the federal level, the DARE curriculum is being shortened from 17 to 10
weeks. District 13 has been running a 15-week program, and local
coordinators and instructors are uncertain how the changes will affect
District 13.

"We're going to get more information before making any decisions," explained
Memorial School principal Kevin Brough. "They're going to change some
lessons, and we want to withhold judgment until we look at those changes."

Middlefield and Durham resident state troopers and DARE instructors Tom
Topulos and Pete DiGioia explained that the content and purpose of the
program will remain the same.

DARE will still focus on five topics: substance abuse, peer dynamics,
refusal skills, self-assertiveness training, and role playing. Plus, though
the program will be shorter, Topulos and Digiola feel that they will have
increased flexibility to cover new concerns, such as ecstasy, oxycontin, and
internet safety.

"If you have to add things, such as ecstacy and oxycontin, how can you cut
back the duration of the program?" asked superintendent Dr. William Breck.
Digiola explained that "the program was developed in a large city and was
designed to address issues n such as gangs and gang violence n that don't
apply to this community." When those topics are taken out, DARE instructor
will have more time to cover community-relevant issues.

But, Topulos added, "We'll ask those questions to our in-service
instructors. We want to hear what they have to say." Topulos and Digiola,
along with state police and DARE instructors Scott Halligan and Mike
Polanski, will attend an eight-hour training program training learn about
the changes. "We'd be glad to come back before the board after the training
and share what we learn," offered Topulos.

Brough explained that extra five sessions could be used to cover other
relevant topics which are not part of the DARE curriculum. "We're exploring
some options as far as providing students with programs relating to
diversity and respecting others." Plus, interjected Topulos, "we have the
flexibility to increase it from 10 sessions if we feel that we need to."

The discussion then shifted to the general effectiveness of the program and
the possibility of expanding it beyond the 6th grade. Digiola mentioned that
he has been brought into the high school to interact with students, but he
has had little contact with middle school students.

"If, in five year's experience," he offered, "I can say where we're missing
the kids, it's at the middle school. We lose them for two years and then
reconnect with them freshman year in high school. We may get lucky with
seventh graders with DARE being fresh in their minds, but we lose them in
eighth grade."

Throughout their presentation, Brough, Digiola and Topulos emphasized the
interaction between the officers and the students as the key to success with
DARE. Expanding to the eighth grade "wouldn't take a lot," said Digiola,
"just one or two visits to reconnect with the students."

2004-2005 School Year Calendar

The BOE approved the calendar for the 2004-2005 school year. Superintendent
Breck initially presented three possible calendars. They reflected the input
of teachers, team leaders, and administrators. "As you know," said Breck to
the board, "this is one of those things that is truly in your hands."

The board first considered Columbus Day, which has not been a school holiday
for the last two years. Teachers and different members of the community have
requested that the holiday be reinstated. Assistant to the superintendent
Rob Gourley confirmed that the board promised to put the holiday back in the
calendar and that having school on Columbus Day next year would require
contract renegotiation. It was unanimously decided to reinstate the holiday.

The board next considered dates for the first and last days of school. There
was some debate about whether to bring staff in on Thursday August 26 or
Friday, August 27. Since the board felt that it is preferable to end the
school year as early in June as possible, they chose the 26th.

Pushing the start of school any sooner wasn't an option because it would
create a five-day first week of school, which everyone agreed was too
exhausting for the youngest students. This puts the first day of school on
Tuesday, August 31, 2004 and the last day of school on Friday, June 17,
2005.

The board agreed with the curriculum committee's recommendation to cut the
early dismissal days at the end of the school year from four to three,
allowing two days for transition meetings and a half-day for the last day of
school.

Other Issues

The board approved the revised Physical Education/Health curriculum that was
presented at the October 15 meeting. Superintendent Breck announced that
high school teacher Marilyn Horn has been recognized by the CT Council of
Language Teachers. She has received a $1,000 award, which she will
contribute to this year's student trip to Mexico.

Dr. Daniel Shoemaker reported that he'd "heard a lot about the Strong school
progress reports" and recommended that the curriculum committee review them.
Debbie Golschneider mentioned that because of temporary signs, it is
difficult for drivers exiting Pickett Lane to see traffic coming south on
Route 17.

Bill Currlin questioned why walkers at Strong school are being held for 15
minutes after dismissal. Gourley explained that it is to keep them from
being around the grounds while the buses are moving around.

The next BOE meeting is scheduled from November 12 at 7:30PM at Korn School.
The meetings are always open to the public, with time set aside at the
beginning of each meeting for public comment.