Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - September 21, 2011
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
September 21, 2011 at Quincy High School. Present were: Mrs. Jo-Ann Bragg,
Mrs. Elaine Dwyer, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mr. Dave McCarthy,
Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair
Presiding
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The Superintendent called the roll and Mayor Koch was absent. Also present were:
Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Acting Clerk; Messrs. Draicchio,
Gilbert, Hennessy, Mullaney, Mulvey, Rendle, Keith Segalla, and Taglieri; Mrs. Roberts,
Erler, Fredrickson, Papile, Ms. Todd, and Ms. Allison Cox, President, QEA.
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The Committee observed a moment of silence for Ms. Chik Ching Law, who passed
away recently. Ms. Law was a Quincy Public Schools employee for over 25 years. First
hired as a Bilingual Counselor, Ms. Law was a key staff member in the development of
transition plans and bilingual education programs for children who did not speak English
as their first language. She was most recently a Guidance Counselor at Quincy High
School and an integral part of Central Registration.
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Mrs. Bragg made a motion to amend the minutes on page 8, third paragraph, last
sentence to add “that this item be removed from Policy Subcommittee.” Also, on
page 9, line 6, add “pool” after “Lincoln-Hancock” and 2nd paragraph from bottom, add
“backpacks” after “2,700.”
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 9/7/2011
On a motion by Mrs. Bragg, seconded by Mrs. Lebo, the Committee approved
the regular session minutes for September 7, 2011 as amended. The ayes have it.
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Superintendent’s Report
The Superintendent recognized Athletic Director Jim Rendle, who introduced
Mr. Ernie Arienti, President and Mr. Paul Moody, Vice President of the Quincy
Firefighters Association. Mr. Arienti spoke of the Quincy Fire Department’s tradition of
community involvement, including a book that was written and illustrated by two firefighters
and distributed to all of the public and parochial students in Grade 2 in Quincy. The fund is
created through a percentage of the union dues and the focus is giving back to the community.
Given the recent budget issues that caused freshman sports to be eliminated, the QFA decided
to hold a golf tournament in June. They had a great turnout and raised $6,000 for freshman
sports at both high schools (coaches, referees). Both Mr. McCarthy and Dr. DeCristofaro
thanked Mr. Arienti and Mr. Moody and everyone involved with organizing the tournament
and for all of the events they participate in across the city, including Muscular Dystrophy
Association, Leukemia Society, Germantown Neighborhood Center, among others. Mrs.
Mahoney cited the Quincy Fire Department for working together with the School department
over the years.
Dr. DeCristofaro then introduced a new partnership between the Quincy Public Schools,
Community Rowing, Inc., the Parks and Recreation Department, and Thayer Academy, which
will allow Quincy High School students to be introduced to rowing. This is a great
opportunity for students to have this activity on their college applications and resumes and
there is significant interest from both girls and boys about participating. Mrs. Dwyer inquired
about fees, the boats, and supervision. Mr. Rendle replied that the fee will be the same as
other athletic fees; the boats (shells) belong to Thayer Academy; and there are two new
certified coaches (Matt Conso and Alicia Golden), who will be paid a stipend from athletic
fees. There is no cost to the Quincy Public Schools to participate in this program. Mrs.
Dwyer asked about safety issues in terms of boat traffic and Mr. Rendle stated that the shells
would not be in the water when boat traffic is scheduled. Mrs. Lebo asked for clarification
about whether the rowers wear life vests. Mr. Rendle replied that all rowers have to pass a
rigorous swimming test and there is a trailing boat for safety. Mr. Rendle is planning that
students will be out on water Monday, September 26, weather permitting.
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Open Forum
Ms. Jill Gichuhi, President of the Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special
Education spoke about the Quincy Public School’s summer programs, She stated that
the Extended School Year, English Language Learner and academic support student
programs are concurrent with Summer Scene and so these students cannot participate.
She asked that the Quincy Public Schools investigate staggering Summer Scene to
allow for more opportunities for participation.
Mr. Scott Alessandro, a Bernazzani parent, spoke of concerns about lack of Media
Specialist, full-time aides in Kindergarten, and Art classes every two weeks and
objected to taxpayer’s money being directed towards Faxon Field track project.
Mr. Chris Chetwynd spoke about the Faxon Field track issue. He cited concerns
including traffic, flooding, and safety concerns as well as difficulty communicating
with the administration and City Council. He expressed the opinion that Robert’s
Rules of Order state that the School Committee cannot rescind July, 2008 vote, but if
they should decide to do so, that they will consider the neighborhood resident’s
concerns.
Ms. Linda Perry thanked the School Committee for keeping an open mind about the
issues presented before them and reminded the public that the School Committee is
elected body and trusted by voters to do the right thing.
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Superintendent’s Report continues
Dr. DeCristofaro resumed his Superintendent’s Report to discuss the Instant Alert
System. The system was first implemented in 2007 in the elementary schools,
followed by 2008 in middle and high school in an effort to have a consistent
communication system across the school system. Currently, Student data is shared with
Honeywell in late August and early September, rolling students from grade to grade and
into new schools where necessary. Transitional years are more difficult to manage: new
Kindergarten students, Grade 5 at Sterling and Point Webster, Grade 6 to Central,
Atlantic, Broad Meadows, and Grade 9 at the high schools. Honeywell processes
information by the 3rd week of September, but adjustments need to be made if students
have moved between schools or left the system completely. IT can help with the
transition, but there are instances early on where students may get an incorrect message.
Staff is also on instant alert and they update their information, as do parents (about
preferences).
Ms. Isola clarified her concern that North Quincy High School freshmen parents missing
alerts. First impressions are important with transitioning parents and so she asked can
this time frame be improved? Mrs. Bragg thanked Honeywell for providing the system,
but is concerned about privacy issues and how the information is gathered and shared.
Mr. Keith Segalla stated the information is shared with Honeywell electronically;
exported from Starbase into an Access database. Honeywell is setting up multiple
school systems simultaneously. Mrs. Roberts clarified that information can be rolled
over for the majority of students, but there are new registrations the week before school
starts. Mr. McCarthy asked whether we can release the data earlier to Honeywell. Mrs.
Lebo noted that it is sometimes difficult to get information from students and parents
and suggested that during the transition, notifications could be more generic. For
example, all ninth graders would know orientation is being held in both high schools.
Mrs. Mahoney suggested directing parents to the website for information about
individual schools.
Dr. DeCristofaro then spoke to class sizes and noted that there are some high school and
middle school classes that need adjusting to be inside the School Committee parameters.
The October 1 state numbers will be shared at the October 5th School Committee
meeting. In addition, there will be a presentation of MCAS results. Quincy Public
Schools have made positive improvement in student achievement and student growth.
Three Quincy Public Schools were commended: Snug Harbor (for narrowing the
proficiency gap among subgroups), Beechwood Knoll (for high growth), Squantum (for
exiting NCLB Accountability Status). Three schools were also commended for
improvement on Accountability Status: Snug Harbor, Sterling Middle School, and
Quincy High School.
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Building Projects Update
Dr. DeCristofaro presented the update on building projects, renovations, and
construction in Mr. Murphy’s absence. Work was completed on twelve schools,
including resolving the Sterling Middle School drain issue/water leak and repairing the
damage it caused. Painting was completed in several building and monitor installations
at North Quincy High School. The Food Services offices were moved from Coddington
Hall to Point Webster Middle School. Roofing repair is underway on the bus garage.
Mrs. Bragg inquired about the flagpoles in front of schools, specifically at Squantum.
Are there issues with safety, maintenance? Dr. DeCristofaro replied that Kevin Segalla
is evaluating all the schools’ flagpoles and whether they need to be scraped and painted
or replaced with fiberglass poles. Mrs. Bragg liked the new roofing repair and
restoration report prepared by Walter MacDonald from the Public Building department.
She asked about the Bernazzani roof and whether this is the new wing that has the metal
roof. Dr. DeCristofaro confirmed that it was.
Ms. Isola mentioned an issue that had been raised about ventilation at the Squantum
School in a bathroom area. Dr. DeCristofaro responded that the school nurse’s records
are being reviewed for reports of allergies, asthma, headaches in that area of the school.
Mrs. Dwyer reviewed the new detailed roofing project report and complimented the
presentation. She clarified that the work is being done outside of school hours and on
weekends, so as not to interfere with learning time. Della Chiesa and Bernazzani may or
may not be completed until spring, weather must be 50 degrees or higher. Mrs. Dwyer
expressed concern about Sterling Middle School and why this was roof repaired if this
school is going to be renovated next under SBA funding.
Mrs. Bragg added that Sterling has been third on our list since 1997; SBA makes
distinction between general maintenance and improvement and this was probably
necessary given how long the school has been waiting for rehabilitation.
Mrs. Dwyer asked Dr. DeCristofaro to find out from the Massachusetts School Building
Authority when the next funding will be available. Rather than waiting for Central to be
completed in 2013, can we begin a new project halfway through. The notice of intent
for Sterling is filed.
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Quincy High School
Mrs. Dwyer did not have any issues to report; the building committee is no longer
meetings.
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New Central Middle School Project
Mrs. Bragg reported that there has not been a meeting of the Central Middle School
Building Committee since the last School Committee meeting. Amended minutes
were shared with the School Committee, but these have not been approved. The
next meeting is scheduled for October 17th
.
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School Calendar 2011-2012
Mrs. Roberts presented several changes to the School Year 2011-2012 Calendar.
For the Elementary Schools, March 20 is full day of school due to the Grade 4 MCAS
long-composition test. Due to contractual obligations, the suggestion is that the last
day of school, now Friday, June 15th, be an early release day. For Middle Schools, it is
suggested that the calendar be changed to move the Tuesday, June 12th early release day
to the last day of school, currently Friday, June 15th
.
A motion to amend the School Calendar 2011-2012 was made by Mrs. Bragg, seconded
by Mr. McMcCarthy. On a roll call vote, the motion passed 6-0. The Mayor was
absent.
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New Business
Dr. DeCristofaro requested that the next item be taken out of order.
Study Island Presentation
Mr. Keith Segalla introduced Principals Dan Gilbert, Jim Hennessy, and Larry
Taglieri who presented an overview of the Study Island software program, now being
used in all elementary schools and middle schools for Grades 3 through 8. The purchase
of this software was funded in the FY2012 budget for citywide implementation; in
previous years, some elementary schools had purchased the software through grants or
PTO funding.
Mr. Hennessy started the presentation by reviewing that Study Island is an interactive,
web-based program, aligned to the Massachusetts State Framework Common Core
Standards. Study Island is assessment-driven, motivating, and fun. It can be used in
classrooms and the computer lab, for individualized instruction and remediation, and for
whole group instruction through the use of MOBIs and clickers. Most importantly, it
can be used at home, connecting classroom learning to homes and families. Students
use their unique username and password at home and this allows parents to share in the
children’s learning experience, strengthening the home-school connection. The program
is flexible, allowing teachers to choose to open the entire program (Math, English
Language Arts, and Science for some grade levels) at once or assign particular topics.
Mr. Hennessy reviewed the available modes: testing mode and game mode. In addition,
teachers or parents can print worksheets.
Mr. Taglieri spoke of how the program is now being implemented in Middle School for
Grades 6-8. Study Island allows parents, teachers, and administrators to monitor
progress by subject or in summary. These reports make parents aware of their child’s
comparative progress in school and across state, areas where standards are being met or
exceeded, and where remediation is needed. Students can self-monitor by meeting their
passing goals or utilize the available support for topics that students have not mastered.
Study Island is an important tool in the arsenal, complimenting the .
Mr. Gilbert reviewed the incredible amount of data available for teachers and
administrators; real-time information that allows teachers to adjust instruction as needed.
Reports can be customized to monitor cohorts, subgroups, individual students, or topics.
The program automatically adjusts to students’ needs and remediates as needed; for
example, for ELL students, there is a text to talk feature. Weekly campus reports track
statistics such as the number of questions completed, the number of blue ribbons earned.
Mr. Keith Segalla concluded the presentation by highlighting the on-line training and
professional development opportunities. Upcoming training will be held at multiple
locations to get more teachers and school sites involved. Educational Technology is
most meaningful when connected with curriculum and the leadership of the principals
such as integral to its success.
Mrs. Bragg noted the important points: the software doesn’t replace teachers and
extends school days; she is glad to see that equity issue has been addressed in that all
schools will now have it. Are there issues with platform (Mac, Windows) or versions?
Mr. Gilbert responded that since this is a web-based program, the program will work on
any computer with Internet access.
Mr. McCarthy thanked Mr.Segalla and the principals for their presentation and growth
in this area. He noted that the program is fun for students and at the same time the
statistics for total year participation are impressive. He is happy to see school leaders so
involved, making presentation, understanding program. Mrs. Dwyer asked how much
time is spent in a week on Study Island? Mr. Gilbert responded that at Snug Harbor, 30
minutes per week in the computer labs; Mr. Hennessy said that at Wollaston the average
is 60 minutes per week, plus learning center in classroom for enrichment (small groups).
Mrs. Dwyer asked about whether teachers make home assignments regularly. Mr.
Hennessy clarified that the use of Study Island is never mandatory, but some children
choose to work on it at home. Some schools use in after-school programs. Reports
show how much a student is utilizing it and even when a student not utilizing at all.
Mrs. Dwyer concluded by asking if the program is available for Grades K through 2.
Mr. Gilbert responded that Snug Harbor has Grade 2, which they purchased through
other funding and they also have the computer lab open after school and some days in
the summer. Mr. Segalla clarified that Study Island is available for Grades K through
12.
Mrs. Lebo said this is an incredible tool for differentiating instruction.and asked whether
it was mandated use or up to the individual teacher, and also what subjects are available.
Mr. Taglieri responded that for middle schools, use is not mandated, but encouraged.
The Math, English, Science, and Special Ed teachers have all been trained. Mrs. Lebo
asked whether this could this be an assessment measure for Educator Evaluations and
Mrs. Roberts said yes. Mrs. Lebo concluded with asking about parent orientation and
could we get the Thomas Crane children’s librarians to encourage use of the program.
Mr. Taglieri agreed that Broad Meadows is exploring ideas on how to introduce to
parents since it is new to the school this year and through the PTO meeting is one idea.
Mrs. Isola expressed concern about equity issues about computer availability. Mr.
Hennessy responded that through the reporting function, teachers are aware of access
issues and can handle this by allowing children to stay after school or creating printouts.
What percentage of teachers have been trained and are using program in classroom? Mr.
Hennessy said that Study Island was funded by the Wollaston PTO for the previous two
years, and while there was no formal training, one teacher trained all of the teachers in
the building. All teachers have signed up for the formal training now being offered. Mr.
Gilbert said that they had a similar experience at Snug Harbor and Study Island has been
generous and supportive. Mrs. Isola suggested that Open House might be a good time to
demonstrate the program.
Mrs. Lebo asked if we have district license and Mrs. Roberts said that we have a twoyear license for ELA/Reading and Math for Grades 3-8 and Science for Grades 5 and 8.
Mrs. Lebo asked for clarifications on the grades available and also for ELL students.
Mrs. Roberts confirmed that grades K-12 and ELL modules are available. The ELL
modules purchased for ELL students at QHS previously, and we will consider again for
future years. Mrs. Mahoney reiterated that this is a great program and is proud that it is
now available equitably. Mrs. Bragg asked that the School Committee keeps the impact
of a program like this in mind when funding next year’s budget. It reaches a lot of
children across the city. Dr. DeCristofaro concluded by thanking the principals for their
presentation and their instructional leadership in their buildings.
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New Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks
Mrs. Roberts then presented an update on the new Massachusetts Curriculum
Frameworks. She gave information on the DESE multi-year transition plans and the
QPS curriculum goals and plans during this transition. The Common Core Standards
define the knowledge and skills that students should have to prepare students to be ready
for college and careers. The Common Core Standards with Massachusetts additions
were adopted officially in December 2010; final 2011 Massachusetts Frameworks were
distributed in June 2011. Forty-five states have now adopted the Common Core
Standards; the standards are designed to be focused, concise, coherent, and clear to help
students, parents, and teachers to know what’s expected of them. Major differences
between the current and new frameworks are the emphasis on college and career
readiness, intentional coherence between the standards for reading literature and
informational text for English Language Arts and includes both content standards and
mathematical practice standards for Mathematics.
The plan to Transition Curriculum and Instruction to the New Frameworks stretches
over three years with 2010-2011 as the Initial Planning year, 2011-2012 as Partial
Implementation, and 2012-2013 as the year of Near-Full Implementation. DESE will
support the transition through Readiness Centers (the closest to Quincy being at
Bridgewater State University) workshops, model curriculum, Professional Development,
and extensive online resources. The MCAS tests will also transition over three years
with 2014-2015 being the first year of full implementation of the new assessment
(tentatively called PARCC). In the intervening years, there will be overlapping
standards tested plus selected standards added in each year.
The Quincy Public Schools transition will include setting up working teams for
curriculum development and assignment, monitor and evaluate the transition process
quarterly, and understand the implications on local and state assessments. Additional
standards are being developed for Science, History and Social Studies, English
Language Learners, Health, the Arts, and Foreign Languages and framework changes
will follow. Quincy Public Schools goals include this past summer’s curriculum
alignment project, which looked at how the current curriculum meets the new standards.
One step already taken was the purchase and implementation of Go Math! at Grades K
through 2. Teachers will be involved every step of the way, researching supplemental
curriculum and creating common assessments and pacing guides. As more information
is available, it will be shared with the School Committee at future meetings.
Mrs. Lebo complimented the plan and the concrete benchmarks and the support that
DESE is offering. Ms. Isola underscored how important professional development will
be for the implementation. She also noted that the adoption of the Common Core
Standards was agreed to in order to preserve Federal funding, but costs districts money
to implement. Mrs. Bragg requested clarification about pacing guides. Mrs. Roberts
replied that these help teachers figure out the best way to utilize instructional materials
in the allotted time. Mrs. Bragg concluded by asking whether all teacher lesson plans
will need to be revised. Mrs. Roberts agreed that yes they would and cited the amount
of work that will need to go into this.
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Communication
Mrs. Lebo complimented the Quincy Teen Mothers program booklet as incredibly
informative. Thanks to Janice Walsh for her leadership on this program. Mrs. Bragg
echoed her compliments, citing the 33 years the program has been held and the 327
graduates and GED recipients who might otherwise have dropped out of school.
Mrs. Bragg also reminded the School Committee that there will be Policy Subcommittee
Meetings on Monday, September 26th and Thursday, September 29th both in the
Superintendent’s Conference Room at 4:15 pm. Four Program Improvement Plans will
be reviewed at each meeting.
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Reports of Subcommittees
School Facilities Subcommittee
Mrs. Dwyer reviewed the recent School Facilities meeting held on Monday, September 19th
.
At the meeting, the recent litigation was reviewed and it was decided that the Mayor
will make a formal presentation to the School Committee at the October 19th meeting.
School Committee members suggested additional items to add to the presentation.
Mr. McCarthy asked whether a traffic study will be available for the presentation and
Mrs. Dwyer will follow up on that question.
In addition, Mrs. Mahoney requested a complete timeline of track-related events, Mrs.
Bragg requested engineering plans, and Mrs. Isola agreed that while past information is
relevant, hopes that all will listen to the presentation and make decisions based on the
current plan’s merits.
A motion was made by Mrs. Dwyer to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2011
School Facilities Subcommittee Meeting minutes. Mrs. Bragg seconded the motion; the
ayes have it.
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Ad Hoc Subcommittee on New Educator Evaluation Regulations
Mrs. Lebo summarized the minutes of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on New Educator
Evaluation Regulations held at 6:00 pm this evening. The purpose of the meeting
was to work towards establishing a knowledge base by reviewing current evaluation
process and to have an overview of the new regulations. One item of note is that DESE
is behind schedule, so no model tool is currently for schools in the first year of
implementing these regulations. One positive note is that we have similar language in
our current evaluation tools. In the next meeting, the group will explore in more detail
the third piece of the evaluation process, the integration the first two parts: student
growth and teacher evaluation.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 21, 2011 Ad Hoc
Subcommittee on New Educator Evaluation Regulations. Ms. Isola seconded the
motion; the ayes have it.
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Appointments
The School Committee noted the following appointments:
Teachers: Martha Barbadoro, Alexander Barry, Kathryn Begin, Jane Bowe, Susan deVarennes, Gregory Lannon, Michelle Maguire, Jacqueline Principi, Alysa Scordo, Brian Tandy
Civil Service
Appointments
The School Committee noted the following Civil Service Appointments:
Paraprofessionals: Debra Corley, Peace Hui, Eunice Lau
Resignations
The School Committee noted the following resignations:
Teachers: Kristen Rampino, John Zuccaro
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Adjournment
On a motion by Mrs. Dwyer, seconded by Ms. Isola, the Committee
adjourned at 9:45 p.m. for the evening. There was no executive session.
The ayes have it.