School Committee Talks Social Networking Policy, Relay for Life

School Committee Meets with Athletic Director

The Stoneham School Committee kicked things off Thursday night by discussing a variety of topics with Athletic Director David Pignone.

“We have a need and a wish list,” Pignone said, “unfortunately, nowadays, we only get what we need.”

The School Committee requested an inventory summary from Pignone to better examine the “needs” and “wishes” and assess any changes to future budgetary actions.

Pignone said that the athletic department is fully staffed, adding that the average gym class is roughly 20-22 students per teacher which he deemed, “satisfactory.”

Uniforms (appropriate general gym ware) and cleanliness were then discussed. Pignone detailed that the policy for uniforms is, “recommended, but not necessary,” as the athletic department is empathetic to the financial impact of uniforms on families. However, Pignone stressed that gym uniforms are important for safety and hygienic purposes. Pignone added that improper attire for some students has kept them out of certain activities which resulted in a lower grade. Pignone also recommended students take their gym clothes home at least once a week for a wash and commended the custodial service for keeping Stoneham locker rooms clean.

Lastly, Pignone mentioned that two new sports are in need of support. The athletic department is trying to get lacrosse up and running for a five to six-game season next spring, with sign-ups happening soon. Meanwhile, winter cheerleading needs 10 participants to have a season; sign-ups are waiting at the High School.

Stoneham's Social Network Policy

The School Committee announced it has completed a first draft of a new social networking policy they seek to either add to the student handbook next year or, “at least summarize in a press release to parents and teachers,” according to School Committee member Jeanne Craigie.

Superintendent Les Olson summed up the intent and need for the new policy when he stated, “we need to remind our staff, because it seems you read a story or two every year around the country about a teacher discussing inappropriate material in regards to a student; we need to make sure our teacher's know this policy.”

School Committee member Shelley MacNeill said, “This policy is meant to safeguard the teachers as well as students against inappropriate behavior online.”

The School Committee still needs to connect with the Teachers Association to flesh out a final draft of the social networking policy. The School Committee mentioned Nov. 2 as a date to be finished with the policy and added that an email blast campaign could be used to spread the word once the document is finished.

Relay for Life at Stoneham High School

The School Committee expressed their admiration for Relay for Life, a 24-hour cancer walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society and various other local and national donors, taking place at Stoneham High School June 22-23 in 2012.

“We are very pleased with Relay For Life's decision to come to Stoneham,” Olson said. “It will be valuable to the community and we want to help offer it to them at no charge. We don't have the right to waive fees for use of facilities, but I recommend we waive any overhead charges like lights.”

The School Committee also agreed upon a motion to recommend the waiving of custodial fees to garner community support. The School Committee envisioned Stoneham High paying for these fees which would amount to, “a couple hundred dollars,” mentioned Craigie, adding, “this is a wonderful community event that celebrates life and brings together cancer survivors and patients … it's very moving.”

MacNeill added, "This is giving back to the community and brings people together from all walks of life and I think we should support it any way we can … obviously we don't have a lot of money to throw around, but the joy people will get from this outweighs the cost.”