HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 02/11/2020Approved 11-18-20
Mansfield School Committee and
Mansfield Student Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes for February 11, 2020
Principal's Conference Room, Mansfield High School
A meeting of the Mansfield School Committee was opened and called to order at 7:32 a.m.
SC Members Present: Lynn Cavicchi, Lauren Scher, Jenn Walsh
Absent: Kiera O'Neil, Linda Fernando
SAC Members Present: Trevor Flint'21; Greta Hobbs, '22; Jack Mousette '20; Ellie Weinstein '21
Others present: Mary Watkins, MHS Principal; Michael Connolly, Assistant Superintendent
1. Welcome and Vote on Meeting Minutes (12/17/19) — Jenn Walsh made a motion to approve
the meeting minutes of December 17, 2019; seconded by Lauren Scher. Motion carried 3-0.
2. Topics for Feedback
a. Class Rank —Mary Watkins gave an overview of the class rank proposal and review process in
advance of the School Committee meeting that evening. The proposal supports keeping the
ranks of Valedictorian and Salutatorian, which would be calculated and announced right before
graduation. Jack Mousette asked how the change could affect athletes; in his experience
applying to college, he did not have the GPA to meet the cut-off for his top choice school, but
that particular college would consider his class rank as well. Mary Watkins explained their
research showed that class rank was being used by colleges to rule students out instead of
reviewing a student's application as a whole. Greta and Ellie both noted that they checked their
class rank initially and then didn't think about it much beyond that; they are focused on
achieving at school in other ways. Trevor mentioned that in some of his classes, students who
know they are in the Top 10 are often comparing grades on quizzes and other assignments; he
also did not feel strongly about keeping class rank. Lauren Scher asked about other ways high -
achieving students could be honored. Mary Watkins explained a bit about Class Day and
Underclassmen Awards, and some of the awards given out at those events.. Lynn mentioned
the Underclass Awards Night is not well known unless you are a student or parent invited to
attend and that perhaps better publicizing those awards could help show the community that
high academic achievement is being recognized.
b. Student Handbook — Mary Watkins explained that student handbooks are reviewed once a
year and that the handbook committee would be meeting later in the spring to suggest
revisions. She asked if students had any suggestions for issues that should be looked at and
mentioned the Chromebook roll out and backpacks in the classroom as possible items. Students
were in agreement about being allowed to carry backpacks with them to class. Lynn Cavicchi
asked about student petitions circulating in support of students being allowed to wear hats at
school and to allow students to bring coffee into the school. All the SAC members felt wearing
hats was an issue of personal style, fashion, and comfort and did not see any gang affiliation or
other concerns which might have been the initial reasons for the dress code regulations years
ago. Mike Connolly and Mary Watkins mentioned that when visiting schools where hats are
Approved 11-18-20
Mansfield School Committee and
Mansfield Student Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes for February 11, 2020
Principal's Conference Room, Mansfield High School
allowed, there is a different feel in the school. Mike Connolly said teachers who are disciplining
students about wearing hats may see hats as a distraction in the classroom and it becomes a
classroom management issue, not just about wearing a hat. SAC members were encouraged to
reach out to students to submit the petitions. Mary Watkins noted that no petitions have been
submitted to her and that no action can be taken on any of those issues outside of the
established governance process.
c. Student views on individual topics to discuss —tabled due to lack of time
3. Upcoming Meeting Dates
The SAC is scheduled to meet on April 14 and June 9. Mary Watkins will confirm the April 14 date and
meeting time.
Motion made to adjourn by Jenn Walsh, seconded by Lauren Scher (3-0).
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Cavicchi
Vice Chair
School Committee