QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE
TEACHING & LEARNING SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
A meeting of
the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on November 29, 2022 at 6:00
pm in the Coddington Building. Present
were Subcommittee members Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mr. Frank Santoro and Mrs. Emily
Lebo, Subcommittee Chair. Also present
were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair; School Committee Members Mr.
Paul Bregoli, Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey,
Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Ms. Susan Shea Connor,
Ms. Kristin Dwyer, Ms. Julie Graham, Mr. James Hennessy, Ms. Janet Loftus, Ms.
Margaret MacNeil, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Heather Patch, Ms. Kimberley Quinn, Mr.
John Rogan, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Christopher
Tierney, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Principal
Janet Loftus and Assistant Principal Kristin Dwyer presented the Lincoln
Hancock Community School Improvement Plan, a positive and inclusive atmosphere
for students supported by the dedicated staff.
Community building includes families and integrates the new Open
Parachute program, extended day programs, data from last spring’s MCAS exceeded
state levels and met or exceeded MAP goals for most grade levels and curriculum
areas.
Mrs. Cahill
thanked Ms. Loftus for moving to Lincoln Hancock in the middle of the school year.
Mrs. Cahill asked
for a glossary of acronyms to be available for Quincy Public Schools parents. Ms. Loftus suggested looking at the QPAC
website as a model.
Mrs. Lebo
praised the collaboration with South~West Middle School and for setting goals
for Grades K-2. The data showed strong
growth for the students.
Mr. Gutro asked
about Lexia. Ms. Loftus said Lexia is an
online program that supports Literacy development, Lincoln Hancock has licenses
for all students to use independently and allows teachers to monitor the
student progress.
Mr. Gutro
asked about parent involvement in the development of the School Improvement
Plan. Ms. Loftus said the School Council
has reviewed.
Mrs.
Cahill made a motion to approve the Lincoln Hancock Community School
Improvement Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded
the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal
Jim Hennessy presented the Wollaston Elementary School Improvement Plan,
thanking Mayor Koch and School Committee, Superintendent Mulvey and the
Leadership Team, the resources provided allow for optimal class sizes, teachers
who create a positive learning environment for all. Wollaston is fortunate to have a supportive PTO
and strong relationships with parents.
In reflecting on last year’s goals, continuous growth was demonstrated
for all grades in MAP and MCAS, and the staff is proud of the results of the
VOCAL survey. The staff are implementing
the CKLA curriculum for Reading, utilizing Scholastic News and Lexia Core 5, and
use MAP data to differentiate instruction. In supporting the continued
implementation of Illustrative Mathematics, the Math Interventionist has been a
valuable addition and family engagement in Mathematics planned. Family connections are enhances using the
SMORES newsletter format with translation capabilities, and many community
events are planned.
Mr. Santoro
noted that the PTO is very financially supportive and the school’s MCAS scores
were impressive, especially for Grade 5 Science.
Mrs. Lebo
said the MAP data was impressive, likes the Kindergarten being included in
goals. Wollaston’s Chronic Absenteeism
is 0, reflects the positive culture along with the VOCAL survey.
Mrs. Cahill
asked about the oven in the basement hallway.
Mr. Hennessy said that creating a kitchen area has been discussed but
the work is not yet completed by Public Buildings.
Mr.
Santoro made a motion to approve the Wollaston Elementary School Improvement
Plan. Mrs. Cahill seconded the motion
and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Acting
Principal Susan Shea Connor and Assistant Principal John Rogan presented the
Merrymount Elementary School Improvement Plan,
Merrymount’s MCAS results and MAP data showed positive growth and the
VOCAL data shows the sense of community among students. Merrymount’s very supportive PTO sponsors
community events and the School Council is valuable partner in developing the SIP.
Staff are focused on supporting the
social-emotional needs of students, implementing the Open Parachute program,
reinvigorating the PBIS initiative, and continuing with restorative
circles. Extended day programs offer
academic support, enrichment, and athletic options.
Mr. Santoro noted
the positive data and the creative thinking about involving students in
creating school rules.
Mrs. Lebo
said the MAP scores were impressive along with 0 Chronic Absenteeism. The VOCAL data is impressive and next year’s
goals include the youngest students.
Mrs.
Cahill made a motion to approve the Merrymount Elementary School Improvement
Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded the motion
and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal
Margaret MacNeil and Acting Assistant Principal Kathryn Welch presented the
Parker Elementary School Improvement Plan, focused on continued improvement in
teaching and learning and providing a safe and nurturing environment for
students. Before and after school
activities are underway, the DEI team is planning events including a One Book,
One School event and hosting an Author Craft night, and the Thanksgiving PBIS
focus was gratitude. Staff are busy
implementing new curricula resources, providing safety net for students through
ILT and Intervention options, including new Math Interventionists. VOCAL survey results were very positive,
reflecting the efforts of the staff. 2022
MCAS was the first full administration since 2019 and there is evidence of
learning loss, but there were many grades and subject areas where performance
was above state levels. Similar gains
were seen in MAP performance. Parker
staff worked collaboratively to create the goals and action steps for the
2022-2023 SIP, ambitious goals based on MAP and MCAS data. Focus for Reading is on thinking and writing
critically, social-emotional learning continues to utilize community circles
and introduce Open Parachute, cultural events, PBIS and guidance lessons.
Mrs. Cahill
noted the high level of English Learners and Former English Learners at Parker
and asked about communication with families.
Ms. MacNeil said the Language Line and the SMORES platform have both
been instrumental in improving communication with families.
Mr. Santoro
said that Parker is a welcoming community and successful in growing the student
achievement.
Mrs. Lebo
said the MAP growth is outstanding, especially in Math. The school has impressive extended day
programs and community activities.
Mrs.
Cahill made a motion to approve the Parker Elementary School Improvement
Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded the motion
and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to adjourn at 7:00 pm, seconded by
Mr. Santoro. On a voice vote, the ayes
have it.