Bellmawr Parents Address Recess And Physical Education In Schools
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
By Chris Concannon
Gloucester City News
Policy concerns regarding physical education and recess brought parents out to last week’s Bellmawr Board of Education (BOE) meeting in greater numbers than usual.
Several parents wondered what the School District considered acceptable physical education and health requirements.
Dave Magpiong cited state Department of Education protocol, namely State Law NJSA 18A:35-7 and 8, which state:
“Students in Grades 1-12 receive 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) of health, safety and physical education per week, prorated for school holidays. Local school districts decide how many minutes per week are necessary in each area, in order to achieve the core standards.”
Schools may also utilize recess periods to achieve the required blocks of time, which led to certain parents being told by their children that the mandated curriculum was not being followed by staff.
Magpiong also asked if the use of recess for certain phys ed requirements was as the result of the District losing a P.E. teacher following the close of the 2010-11 school year.
Superintendent Annette Castiglione said the District was not notified of Mr. Drebus’ retirement until near the very end of term, and added that the District does have enough money budgeted to hire another phys ed teacher.
No statements were made to indicate that the Board would commit to that hiring as of press time.
Amanda Mackin relayed her concerns that what was being provided was not what the students should be getting.
Castiglione said she was unaware of the possibility that some teachers were not following curriculum, and vowed to look into that possibility. She also said the District can go with one phys ed teacher for both Bellmawr Park and Burke Schools.
Regarding snacks for 1st Graders, Karen Tobey wondered why they were cut out of the school day.
Sissy Gordon asked if 4th Graders would have the same lunch time frame when they move on to Bell Oaks, and Board members said they would fall into a similar time frame.
When the BOE meeting started, an Executive Session was called to address the ongoing staff issues regarding Bellmawr Park School teacher Karen Metzger.
Metzger, accompanied by her attorney, has been answering allegations of several disciplinary matters from her nearly 30-year tenure as a Bellmawr educator.
The Board had already voted to withhold a pay increment from her, based on their findings, at a prior meeting.
Under committee reports, Board Vice President Jody Mangus commented on teachers for the after school programs, and said the Board was pleased to be able to provide laptops for every teacher in the District.
Mike Williams commented on finance issues, along with remarks regarding the phys ed/recess situation.
Regarding policy matters, Bill Murray said background checks would now be required for all new Board members, and include fingerprinting for security purposes.
Other policy revisions involve: Board Member Qualifications, Prohibited Acts and Code of Ethics; Prevention and Treatment of Sports-Related Concussion and Head Injuries; Staff Attendance; and Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying.
Castiglione said two novice teachers would attend upcoming professional development courses, adding to the list of those already slated to attend.
She also said the District took part in the Borough 4th of July Parade, winning 1st Place for their Phanatic About Reading float.
She lauded the District staff for their work on the float and their turnout at Bellmawr’s National Night Out event on August 2, pointing out that these appearances gives the District more visibility in the community.
Students from the Betty Sheppard Summer Camp then made a presentation on their activities over the summer recess, including a well-rounded PowerPoint show, produced by Nicole Davenport.
Castiglione said the camp was held at no cost to the District, as Mrs. Sheppard’s family funded the program.
The late Mrs. Sheppard was a long-time Board member, and a champion of providing programs for special needs students. Another summer camp was held, also at no cost to the District, for ESL (English as a Second Language) students under the direction of Miss Hirsch.
Miss Cranin and Miss Miller then presented information on their Extended School Year program, now in its fifth year. The seven-week program encompassed almost every Grade level, including older Betty Sheppard Camp students.
School reports returned to September’s agenda, and were read by the following students:
Bell Oaks, Scott Draham, Grade 7; Bellmawr Park, Billy Evans, Grade 4; and Ethel M. Burke, Domenic Kidd, Grade 4.
Business Administrator Christopher Rodia commented on improvements to the District over the summer, including the completion of the Smart Board initiative, placing one in every classroom in Bellmawr Park School.
Under PTO reports, Park Principal Elizabeth Calabria commented on the book fair held recently.
Lisa Young said the Burke PTO is finishing up their book fair, adding comments on their Cherrydale fundraiser.
Additional public portions included Mrs. Tobey’s asking about emergency egress through the new windows installed at the elementary schools.
Rodia said the windows are factory-set to open only six inches.
The Superintendent added that the District practices strict fire drill procedures on a continuing basis.
Also, she challenged parents to get a referendum on an upcoming ballot to raise funds for new roofs and central HVAC units for the District.
Mr. Magpiong, returning to the much-discussed phys ed/recess issue, suggested hiring another phys ed teacher, as it was reported the District had the salary within their budget.
Castiglione said she is working with District principals on the matter.
Mrs. Young cited an issue with lunch periods at Burke. Castiglione said that an eighth lunch period was added to aid in the backlog.
Kathy Ryan suggested the District create a Lego Club, as her son takes part in one, adding it would develop student creativity.
As to the HVAC situation, Maintenance Supervisor Glenn Cook stated that only Bellmawr Park has the capability to add window AC units, where the other two schools do not.
All business on the evening’s agenda was approved, including:
As to Item #J-9, the Board approved the consulting contract with Fred Carrigg and Associates which, as noted by the Superintendent, will analyze student data, as the District had not accomplished its AYP requirements.
She noted further, that the District’s cluster analysis is keeping pace with the District Factor Group.
Fundraising requests were also approved for the following: Drama Club for concession stand operations on March 15 and 16 (2012); Bellmawr Park School, from 1/23/12 to 2/10/12, for Leukemia/Lymphoma fundraising, which will build a sense of charity among its student body.
Facilities requests were approved for the following: Drama Club for the Bell Oaks All-Purpose Room, from 3/5/12 to 3/14/12, between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. for practice; Bellmawr Park for elementary intramurals Mondays and Thursdays, on the enclosed field, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., 9/26/11 through 11/30/11; and Burke School, for the fenced-in field on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., 3/5/12 through 5/31/12.
Field trips were also approved for the following: Bell Oaks Chorale for a trip to Radio City Music Hall in New York City (NY) on 12/16/11, with a 5 a.m. departure from the School, returning approximately 4:30 p.m. the same day; and Burke Kindergarten for a trip to the Philadelphia (PA) Zoo on 4/25/12, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Both trips are being conducted at no cost to the District.
Upcoming October District activities:
Week of October 3rd will be a “Week of Respect.”
Monday, October 10, District closed for Columbus Day.
Tuesday, October 18, Progress Reports distributed.
Friday, October 28, Bell Oaks, PTO Dance (7 to 9 p.m.); and Burke Spirit Day/Halloween Dance.
October 31, Park/Burke, Halloween Parade.
For information call the District office, at 931-6298, or on the web, at bellmawrschools.org.