BCS Board Prepares For H1N1 Flu Virus

by Erin Hogan
The topic of the night at the September 15 Berlin Central School Board Meeting was the H1N1 flu. The question was how to spot it and what will be done to contain the flu if spotted at school. Superintendent Charlotte  Gregory explained that teachers and other staff would be on watch for symptoms. If a student is suspected to be sick, they will be sent down to the health office where they will be evaluated and will stay until picked up by a parent. Gregory pointed out that in some schools the children were equipped with masks. Everything in the BCSD schools is being done to make sure that students will not contract or spread the disease. The schools will have posters up, a flyer will be sent home, teachers will receive information and information will be put up on the school website about the flu. In the elementary schools there is a mandatory time in the morning and afternoon when the children must wash their hands.
Gregory raised the possibility of having a flu shot clinic for the District. The shot would not be necessary but optional. There was discussion of having school buses pick up parents with no transportation and bringing them back to the school in order to get the shot.  It will be offered, and people can take advantage of the opportunity or not.
In the Legislative Liaison report given by Elizabeth Miller the H1N1 flu was also addressed.  Miller attended a Healthy Schools Leadership Institute conference in Syracuse. At this meeting discussion revolved around healthy students. In studies it was found that if students are malnourished, over tired and not physically active outside of school, they won’t be the best students they can be inside of school. If students are active and healthy, they will be the best students they can be. It’s a “simple message” as Miller said.  In this conference levels of physical education were also addressed.  The Physical Education levels are being updated, and Berlin is in compliance for the sixth grade levels. For kindergarten through third grade students should have PE class daily. For fourth through sixth grade there should be no less than 3 PE classes per week or 120 minutes of physical activity. Some elementary classroom teachers can help fulfill the PE the requirements without teaching volleyball in the classroom. Miller didn’t indicate how to do so but there are ways, she said.
Another strategy to keep schools healthier is to buy foods from local farmers. Some schools already do this, buying apples, peaches and potatoes from local farmers. Because of State regulations though this is quite difficult. Miller and Mr. Paine are attending another such conference addressing “Preparing the District for H1N1.” Miller also took this time to thank the Health Council and Kelly Kayshack for all their hard work.
Code Of Conduct Changes
Many parents may have already heard the grumbles from students about changes in the Code of Conduct. Cathy Allain and Dennis Healy spent a “long time tweaking” the code of conduct for the Middle and High School.  One major change from previous years is students not being able to carry around backpacks during school hours. Studies show that carrying around a backpack is bad for the students’ backs especially during this age while their bodies are still developing.  This means students have to leave their backpacks in their lockers and make more frequent locker stops. While this may seem like a bad idea causing students to be late to classes,  Allain pointed out that this will help students learn time managing skills that will be useful in the future.
Other changes in the policy this year include students not being able to drive other students to school. This is a safety precaution for the students who are mostly new drivers. As Board Member John Greene pointed out, statistics show that new drivers with passengers in the car are more likely to crash than other drivers. The issue of siblings driving with student drivers was brought up. Mr. Healy said that with parent consent it seemed reasonable for a student to be able to ride with an older sibling. Another major change is in the Senior Privileges area of the Code of Conduct. There was discussion on seniors being able to leave early. This would only be allowed for students with good academic standing. In previous years seniors couldn’t leave early because of rules in the Code of Conduct. Healy is trying to change this because many seniors don’t have to take so many credits and are left sitting around school for hours with nothing to do.
Board Member Tom Morelli brought up the issue of technology in school, focussing on the use of computers and cell phones to cheat on exams. Allain made it clear that that issue was addressed in the Code of Conduct and students know that if they misuse the computer their privileges will be taken away and if found with a cell phone it will be confiscated. She pointed out that cell phones are allowed as long as they are in students backpacks in their lockers. She understands that they are necessary for after school just not during school.
Overall many changes were made to the Code of Conduct. Inconsistencies were changed relating to more reasonable discipline and punishment that fits the crime.
The rough draft of the Budget Development Calendar was presented to the Board. Superintendent Gregory let the Board know that the school got half a million dollars in school aid from a federal grant. The Board will have to report quarterly on what the money is being used for and be careful since the money is federal. The draft will be looked over and finalized later on.
President’s Report
Frank Zwack told the Board that Joe Rechen was offering a NIMS training session on October 1, 15, 29 and 30 to any members interested on what to do during a national disaster and how to get things done during one of these events.  Zwack already had NIMS training which was useful during the flooding in Stephentown. He told all Board members that it’s a “worthwhile” experience.
Zwack also wanted to know if there could be a workshop two to three times a year for educational review. He was wondering how to break up the grade levels and when would be a good time.  This way staff could be brought in to review educational programs.
Superintendent’s Report
Gregory told the Board that Tim Kramer and the auditor are rescheduled to come to the October 20 meeting. It was decided to start at 6:30 to accommodate all that needs to be done.  Also she made the Board aware that there would be a Financial Workshop with Bernie Donovan at Berlin Elementary in the cafeteria. Also, she reported that all’s well in the schools with kids just getting back into the swing of things. Berlin Elementary is “coming along.” There are 44 new students and the staff is working well together.
This meeting ended in executive session so the Board could discuss their Superintendent search.
The next meeting will be at 6:30 pm on October 20.