February 3, 2025

In Attendance

• Stacey Lazzar – Abbot-Downing & Christa McAuliffe
• Alison Casco – Abbot-Downing
• Tracy Tsouros – Abbot-Downing
• Allison Davis – Broken Ground
• Haily Lincoln – Rundlett Middle School
• Donna Reynolds – Central Office
• Fern Seiden – Central Office
• Melissa Witherspoon – Central Office
• Elizabeth Boucher – Board of Education
• Bevan Tulk, Guardian/ Community Member

Absent

• Brittany Mahany – Beaver Meadow
• Jenny Fennelly – Mill Brook
• Sarah Williams – Mill Brook
• Kristen Curren – Rundlett Middle School
• Erin Stewart – Rundlett Middle School
• Quinci Worthey – Rundlett Middle School
• Leslie Barry – Concord High School
• Laura Anderson – Central Office

Discussion

• The group welcomed a new member, Bevan Tulk. He is raising two grandchildren who attend Concord High. He is very interested in wellness and was a former hospice coach.
• There was a discussion on meeting norms. Bevan suggested adding confidentiality to the language.
• There was a discussion on telling parents they can only bring in food if requested by teachers. It was mentioned we should include all celebrations, not just birthdays.
  • Teachers may request food donations for educational purposes.
  • There was a discussion on why bringing in cupcakes, etc. Is so disruptive.
  • Group will make a proposal that will go to Superintendent Murphy and then elementary principals.
• There was a discussion on non-food celebrations. A list was provided. Ally said she wouldn’t be able to do most of the things on the list but did circle the ones she would be able to do.
  • This list wouldn’t go home to parents. Only teachers would have access to the list.
  • Liz asked if the list was even necessary and suggested teachers can choose their own celebration ideas. The group decided not to use the non-food list at all.
• Fern sent an email to Superintendent Murphy regarding staff surveys but hasn’t heard back.
• We discussed the survey questions and all were in favor.
• Stacey mentioned wellness committee members could go to school staff meetings to get feedback on the surveys.
• Bevan asked what the purpose of the survey was and Stacey explained.
• Melissa mentioned a Cigna rep will do a presentation on the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness incentives at the March Professional Development (PD) Day. 
  • Fern talked about new possibilities for PD days, Strands for wellness topics. We'll brainstorm together in the future. Bevan can provide information on self-care.
• Group will talk about newsletters next meeting.