During the Nov. 13 meeting of the Coventry School Committee, Coventry High School history teacher Lisa Johansen was recognized for being named 2012 Rhode Island History Teacher of the Year. Johansen was presented with the award on Sept. 18 by the Rhode Island Foundation during a ceremony at a school faculty meeting.
"We are very lucky to have the Rhode Island History Teacher of the Year right here at Coventry High School," said Superintendent Mike Almeida.
Almeida went on to share some of Johansen's past accomplishments including being named 2009 Coventry High School Teacher of the Year and being selected with one of her AP history students last June for a National History Day project called Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom, a project that included stops in Maryland and Washington, D.C., before heading to Normandy, France to honor the soldiers they studied.
"I am very excited to receive this award and I hope I represent the area well," said Johansen.
Click here to read more about her award.
Bond Update/Memorandum
Superintendent Almeida explained that since all of the School Improvement Bonds were passed on Nov. 6, the Building Committee will be reconvening to discuss the next steps. The process will require Stage 3 and Stage 4 RI Dept. of Education (RIDE) approval.
Almeida also stated that the RIDE - Coventry Public Schools Memorandum of Agreement must be signed by Nov. 23, 2012. The agreement confirms dollar authorized, scope, and any contingencies that the district must comply with for the school construction projects to be approved by the Board of Regents. It also confirms that representatives of the district are aware of and comply with the School Construction Regulations.
Superintendent's Report
During his report, Almeida spoke of an IRS training that was recently attended by Director of Administration and Finance Robin Pelletier and staff from Payroll and Accounts Payable. The training was presented by government specialist Mary Rogers.
Inspired by the recent Amica customer service training that many district SRP staff members attended, Almeida explained the "Good Deeds Bucket" program that has now been implemented during staff meetings. To identify good deeds that are done within the Central Office or throughout the district, staff members will write a deed that they have witnessed on a sticky note and add it to a display board which will be cleared before each meeting to make room for new deeds.
"This will help us continue to recognize people for their efforts," he said. "Its important to continue to praise and recognize people so that they enjoy coming to work on a daily basis."
Coaching Appointment
School Committee members approved the appointment of Charles Gaffney, to the position of Head Wrestling Coach at Coventry High School, effective Nov. 13, 2012.
The next School Committee meeting will be held on Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. at the School Administration Offices, 1675 Flat River Rd.