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Minutes - June 2, 2008

Wellness Committee Minutes October 20, 2008 A meeting of the Wellness Committee was held on Monday, October 20th, at 7 a.m. in the Pond Cove Conference Room. Committee members present: Elaine Brassard, Scott Shea, Julie Tselikis, Jeff Saffer, Paula Harris, Janet Hoskin,  Andy Strout, Mary Jane Johnston, and Karen Burke (Chair) Wellness Committee Action Plan- Topics discussed: H.O.P.E: Karen mentioned article and calendar in Cape Courier for H.O.P.E.. Andy and Mary Jane are also on this team and will give us an update with Andrea Cayer at our next meeting. Staff Wellness Survey: What will this look like? (Staff Wellness Profile…What does staff think would be beneficial?…Feedback on possible Wellness offerings and activities?…Feedback on teacher absenteeism, etc.) Discussion ensued that opportunities for Team Building and activities that are mindful of the Wellness concept (ex., stress reduction) would benefit all staff. There was agreement among members present that the most successful programs are ones that are run during the day and that give faculty and staff the opportunity to communicate and get to know their colleagues better in a personal way. There were several creative ideas as to how this might look. Several mentioned that the loss of discounted memberships for faculty and staff has had a negative impact in terms of how faculty and staff feel supported, enabled and encouraged to take good care of themselves. Several creative ideas were mentioned as alternative solutions. Dr. Saffer commented that there was a “relational and spiritual piece” around our conversation that was indicative of a desire for a more connected and supportive cultural environment in our schools. Karen to contact Tory Rogers and Jessica Siraco about staff wellness survey and support ideas. Dr. Saffer to review survey ideas from Andrea and Karen and eventually meet with Alan Hawkins with recommendations. Paula to get ideas from upcoming conference she is attending. High School Leadership Team Update: Elaine reported on the success of the Grand Opening of the HS Cafeteria and several present gave positive feedback from what they have heard or experienced. The Chef’s of the Month have been a huge hit with staff, students and several community members with the next one being a local lobsterman working with Penny Jordan and possibly Kelly Strout and others. There were several ideas about continuing to strengthen our connection with the greater community, especially senior citizens. Middle School Leadership Team Update: Julie reported on the Guest Speaker that came to speak with students and parents. Although the parent portion was not well attended, the time spent with kids was worthwhile and inspiring. Julie is excited about moving forward with the MS/PC cafeteria overhaul and has said that the MS Team has decided to contribute the $500 from Let’s GO! toward this effort. Pond Cove Leadership Team Update: Paula reported on the latest PC Wellness meeting and discussed how all members are on board for the PC/MS cafeteria overhaul. Their team has also earmarked the $500 from Let’s GO!  for this project. Plans for the Logo Design Contest are in the works and the contest will take place beginning in January. Paula is working closely with Mary Jane and the MS Art teacher to think through how the students will be able to participate at all levels. Walk/Ride to School: Janet reported on some of the glitches from the Fall Walk/Bike to school and presented ideas and recommendations for how we might approach things differently in the Spring. She will be contacting Courtney Thoreck, who expressed interest in helping, to see if she might be interested in coordinating volunteers and helping us take this to the next level (Bike safety, Bike Rodeo, ideas from BCM, etc.). Andy and perhaps a health teacher from PC would ideally be involved to raise awareness in the phys ed classes and with all students. The next Wellness Committee Meeting will be held on December 1st from 3:15-4:30 in the Fire Station Main Meeting Room. It would be great to get feedback from everyone on the different meeting times…should we alternate early morning meetings with afternoon meetings?