FHS SCHOOL COUNCIL
Monday, November 7, 2022
3:30 pm - FHS Library
AGENDA

1. Welcome

○ Approval of Agenda
○ Review of Note Taking & Minutes Procedure

2. Procedural Issues

● Purpose of School Council
○ School Council Statute - M.G.L. c. 71, § 59C - By law, the School Council is an advisory body
that works together to provide ideas and opinions to help the principal review (i) the educational
needs of students, (ii) the annual budget, (iii) the school improvement plan/school-district goals,
and (iv) the student handbook.
○ School Councils Questions and Answers - Education Laws and Regulations
○ The School Council may also review the student handbook and provide feedback regarding
same, and may also raise issues of concern that may arise throughout the school year.

● Selection of Co-Chair
○ M.G.L. c. 71, § 59C provides that the principal is a co-chair and the other co-chair is to be
selected by School Council members at the first meeting which must be held within 40 days of
the first day of school. School Councils can set their own internal rules of operation, including
rotating responsibilities for the co-chairs.

● MA Conflict of Interest Law
○ School Council parent/guardian members are considered to be “municipal employees,” and as
such, are subject to conflict of interest provisions.
■ According to the State Ethics Commission, School Councils are considered municipal
agencies and their members, although they serve without compensation, are considered
municipal employees for purposes of the conflict of interest law.

○ Falmouth School District's Conflict of Interest Training - Once you review the Conflict of
Interest Summary in this link, you will need to complete and submit the form in the link for
verification and tracking purposes: Conflict of Interest Summary & Confirmation.

3. Discussion Items

● Budget (Next School Council Meeting - 1/9/23 @ time tbd (5:00 pm - IF it precedes/coincides with
Joint Budget Presentation w/ Lawrence School School Council)
● School Improvement Plan - District/School Goals (Copy of District Goals Presentation August 2022)
○ Goal 1 = Equity Through Cultural Proficiency
○ Goal 2 = Woods Hole Partnership
○ Goal 3 = Safety, Student Engagement, & Learning

● School Handbook (Student Handbook / Student Handbook)

○ Discipline Philosophy & Restorative Practices (Student Handbook / Discipline Philosophy &
Restorative Practices; Restorative Practices; Student Handbook / Code of Discipline Overview –Code of Conduct)

4. Upcoming Dates/Events
● Junior Work Day 11/5
● VOTING at FHS 11/8
● Math MCAS Retest 11/9 and 11/10
● Q1 Grades Close 11/10
● No School 11/11
● ELA MCAS Retest 11/15 - 11/16
● All Cape Auditions 11/16
● Winter Sports Meeting 11/17
● Fall Play 11/18 - 11/20
● Powder Puff Flag Football / Tailgate 11/21 (rain date 11/22)
● Q1 Report Cards 11/22
● Senior Quotes & Questions Due 11/22
● No School 11/23 - 11/25
● Winter Sports Begin 11/28
● Fall Sports Awards 12/1
● Greenery Pick Up 12/2
● Holiday Stroll 12/3
● Christmas Parade 12/4
● Early Release 12/6
● Grade 8 Tours 12/6 @ 6:30 pm
● Instrumental Music Concert 12/8
● Choral Music Concert 12/15

5. School Council Meeting Dates
● 1/9/23 - or to coincide with Superintendent Annual Budget Presentation.
○ 5:00 pm if preceding 6:00 pm Joint Budget Presentation w/ Lawrence School Council
● 3/6/23 @ 3:30 pm in FHS Library
● 5/8/23 @ 3:30 pm in FHS Library

6. Adjournment