Board of Education Work Session

Superintendent Michael Polizzi gave a slide presentation displaying a sample of the New Milford Coat of Arms that will be presented to parents, teachers and a committee of students for comments. 

The idea for designing a district-wide coat of arms was presented to the superintendent by a group of about 10 students ranging from freshmen to seniors two years ago.

The students wanted one image that would represent the qualities that the concept of “Knight” embodies--honor, courage, loyalty, leadership, integrity, chivalry, unity, community and, most importantly, service.

Polizzi said that the students chose the motto “In Service to Others” for the coat of arms because “the New Milford community and families do an exceptional job imparting that responsibility on them.” 

The general consensus of the board was that they were very happy with the design and the great amount of thought that the students put into it. The coat of arms will be presented to parents at the upcoming PTO meetings for comments.

October is National Anti-Bullying Month

Polizzi reported on the required monthly harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) report for the district. For the month of September, the number of alleged HIB cases was eight; out of those eight alleged cases only two were confirmed. Polizzi stressed that although the other six cases did not meet the criteria of HIB that doesn’t mean that there weren’t consequences.

All HIB incidents are reported immediately, parents are contacted immediately, and the cases are investigated immediately. Once a HIB report is made there are specific guidelines that must be followed. 

High school teacher, and district HIB specialist, Darlene Zacher has developed the “Buddy Program” at the high school. Approximately five percent of the high school population is involved in preparing presentations dealing with harassment, intimidation and bullying for the middle school and elementary school students. 

Polizzi added that the students involved in the presentations are speaking from a place of "experience and a high level of sensitivity."

The program is designed to develop a peer mentoring process.

Other Business

Business Administrator, Michael Sawicz, reported that the auditors have completed their review and will be at the November Board of Education Meeting. 

Sawicz also reported that the facilities committee had met earlier in the evening to look at revenue resources, such as state funding, in order to update the facilities. Sawicz said they’re looking at resources that will have the least impact on the taxpayers.

The meeting went into closed session and was adjourned.