The May School Committee meeting began with the Highlight in Education on the Barnstable Intermediate School’s (BIS) Project-Based Learning (PBL). Dawn Fontaine, the Project-Based Learning Specialist at BIS, spoke about PBL and the history of PBL at BIS. She spoke about a PBL activity that Superintendent Dr. Meg Mayo-Brown, Assistant Superintendent Kristen Harmon, and School Attorney Jane Moynihan participated in recently. It was a job readiness activity where English Learner students were interviewed and interviewed other community members. Students realized that they could communicate and interview in English and walked away with confidence. She spoke about the impact of PBL: teachers are able to tap into creativity and it is an opportunity for students to practice skills and collaboration. Students have ownership of the learning; reflect more in the experience, which yields confidence. PBL made an impact: the work has raised money, resulted in real life proposals, and have worked with Barnstable Adult Community Center.
There was public comment from the Barnstable High School Celebration Committee looking for volunteers and donations. BHS Celebration is still in need of overnight chaperones. Volunteers are needed from 9:00pm Saturday, June 4 through 6:00am Sunday, June 5. You can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4eafa72fa31-overnight. They are also in need of monetary donations and prizes. Checks can be made out to BHS Celebration, and donations can be dropped off at Barnstable High School, clearly marked for Celebration. They also have an Amazon Wish List for prizes and activities during Celebration: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1R571ENYXD5YB?ref_=wl_share.
In other School Committee business, the Committee approved:
- Raising the number of credits needs to graduate to 25 credits starting with the Class of 2026.
- Funds for portable classrooms at Hyannis West and Barnstable Community Innovation School.
- The contract award for the new Barnstable High School track replacement project.
