Cashman School Council Meeting
Council heard concerns about special education service delivery and compensatory services and reviewed a PreK–3 Playful Learning Grant application submitted in collaboration with Shay Elementary to embed more play into schedules and recess.
The Amesbury Cashman School Council met on December 19, 2024 with the interim principal, teachers, parents, and staff in attendance. The group approved the prior meeting minutes and then heard community concerns centered on student supports and daily operations: requests to include a Public Comment opportunity on council agendas, fourth- and fifth-grade student complaints about lunch variety and quantities (with fifth graders reporting food runs out since they have the last lunch), and questions about minor vs. major behavior definitions under PBIS. The council noted an upcoming visit from PBIS/SEB coach Jim Vetter on January 9. Parents also raised concerns about delivery of special education services; the school reported that two communications had been sent and that plans for compensatory services will be provided individually based on the level of missed services. Some parents felt missed services have impacted report card progress and suggested hiring a reading specialist instead of another special education teacher.
The meeting reviewed program and curriculum initiatives: staff reported a state-level Playful Learning (PreK–3) grant application submitted in collaboration with Shay Elementary to embed more purposeful play into instruction and recess; the grant status is pending. The council discussed the district’s Vision of the Graduate work (a three-year development plan including student voice) and noted Mendon/Upton as a model. Technology updates included grade-level coding classes and planned small-group 3D-printing projects intended to teach iterative design and collaboration. Other items raised included appreciation for receiving agendas/notes a week in advance, positive feedback on Spirit Week, a request to replace the gym basketball hoop, and questions about staffing/support during flexible math group time and peer discussions across ability levels. The council set 2025 meeting dates running January through June.