Committee approves Blanche Ames handbook, accepts affirmation‑card donation and adopts athletic booster handbook

The Easton School Committee approved several school governance items in a single consent‑style sequence: it accepted a donation of 31 decks of positive affirmation cards presented by Lisa Pont for Blanche Ames Elementary (motion approved by roll call), approved the new Blanche Ames PreK–2 handbook presented by the principal (vote unanimous), and adopted a new Oliver Ames High School Athletics Booster handbook intended to provide consistent guidance on booster organization, fundraising, advertising, uniform support and raffle/fundraiser procedures.

During discussion on the Blanche Ames handbook, administrators clarified that the current week‑by‑week recess area rotation is an interim behavior‑management measure and is not permanent; they said they hope to return to open playground choice after behavior improves. A committee member asked that the handbook explicitly reference toy‑and‑trading‑card rules; the principal said she will add that language.

Booster leaders and committee members discussed equity concerns about sponsor advertising rates and uniform funding expectations. Athletic staff acknowledged inconsistent historical practice on uniform funding and said the handbook is intended as a living document to be refined with booster input.

Public comment echoed those concerns: a booster president asked the committee to reconsider or tighten uniform‑funding language to avoid overburdening smaller boosters. The administration offered to work with boosters on clarification and to stage future handbook updates as needed.

The committee accepted the donation and approved both handbooks by roll call votes (all unanimous).