Coalition for Glen Cove
Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 1, 2003, 7:30 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Helen Kotzky introduced James Lethbridge,
the new principal of Finley Middle School. Mr. Lethbridge has Bachelor’s and
Master’s degrees from the State University of New York
at Oswego and has administrative certification from
Hofstra University. He taught for seventeen years in the
Bellmore-Merrick district as a technology teacher,
director of a youth recreation program, dean of
students, and assistant principal. Mr. Lethbridge’s experience has been in
the middle school throughout his career in various capacities.He joined the
Glen Cove school district in September.
James Lethbridge stated that there are
several middle school initiatives taking place in order to effect change for
the betterment of the students. The curriculum is being unified in order to
implement a plan to meet their goals. There is also an effort to increase
student participation in extra curricular activities. Mr. Lethbridge is
concerned about the transportation issue. He feels it is a deterrent for
students who might wish to participate in after school opportunities.
Mr. Lethbridge informed the Coalition of his
goal of expanding to a nine period day at the middle school. This would be
accomplished by shortening current classes by about five minutes, from
46minutes to 41minutes each class. This expanded schedule would enable music
and chorus rehearsal to take place during the day. It would also enable
students to take advantage of academic intervention services (AIS) without
losing opportunities to take unified arts classes.
Helen Kotzky discussed the importance of
giving students choices on how they are asked to present information and
demonstrate their knowledge.
Bob Desiano felt that classroom instruction
is being driven by the assessments. He is also concerned that students
scheduled for academic intervention services do not have the time to take
advantage of computer classes.
Ted Holmes stressed the use of computers as
a tool to meet the goals and objectives of the academic subjects.
Betty Cammisa is concerned about the science
curriculum in the middle school, which presently has no lab period scheduled.
She is very concerned that students are not interested in participating in
science fairs or science research. Ms. Cammisa also asked Mr. Lethbridge
about Glen Cove’s position on the providing the special graphing calculators
in the classroom.
Don Scarl broached the issue of hazing. He
asked Mr. Lethbridge how it is handled in Glen Cove. Mr. Lethbridge informed
the Coalition that guidance counselors do enter the classroom and athletes are
given a conduct book. Ted Holmes believes that we need to be proactive,
teaching children to treat each other with respect. Don Scarl continued by
stressing the importance of teaching students not to harass verbally,
physically, or emotionally.
Don Scarl asked Mr. Lethbridge what his
budget needs were for the 2004/2005 school year. Mr. Lethbridge explained
that there would need to be capital improvements to the middle school. He
also explained that increased staffing could result by expanding to a nine
period day.
Helen Kotzky discussed the issue of class
size and asked Mr. Lethbridge if there would be more of a balance in the
future. He responded that he would be accounting for class size when he plans
his budget. He would also like to increase the number of honors classes
provided.
Mr. Lethbridge ended by thanking the
Coalition for this opportunity.
Submitted by – Maria Reyes
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Coalition for Glen Cove
Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 1, 2003, 7:30 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church