Worcester School Committee meets Thursday!

The Worcester School Committee meets Thursday at 7 pm at City Hall. You can find the agenda here.
First off, a nice round of thank yous and honors: recognizing Hanover for donating the new playground at Wawecus, recognizing Shelia Harrity's recent selection by NASSP as their principal of the year, acknowledging Worcester Tech for their being named a Blue Ribbon School, and recognizing Garrett Levesque from Burncoat for being selected to participate in the All-National Honor Ensemble. Good stuff! Here's hoping that Garrett plays for us as well!
The report of the Superintendent is on the new PARCC test; we also have a response to frequently asked questions and the list of classes and hours that the state is proposing to pilot the PARCC at in Worcester. Take a look and WEIGH IN if this is of interest to you (you can even come to the meeting and ask for a suspension of the rules for public comment).
We have a few more appointments coming in, including Mr. Ganem's as Manager of Staff Development.
We're being asked to prior fiscal year payments in the amount of $965.59 for special education transportation; for $125 for a bus for North High; for $498 for several athletic officials; for $368.80 for a police detail for freshman orientation at Worcester Technical High School.
Mr. Monfredo is asking for a report on the new changes to MGL Chapter 222 around student exclusions.
We're being asked to accept a donation of a camera surveillance system to Nelson Place School.
We're asking administration for a report on options to expand music lessons to all elementary schools.
And we're setting a date to thank the Quinsigamond Land Task Force for buying new cafeteria tables for Vernon Hill School.

Also, coming attractions: there is a joint F&O/Education subcommittee meeting on TUESDAY at 4:30 at the Durkin Administration Building. Expect to talk budget and facilities!