Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – November 18, 2015
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
November 18, 2015 at the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli,
Mr. Noel DiBona, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mayor Thomas Koch, Mrs. Anne Mahoney,
Mr. David McCarthy, and Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair
Presiding
§
The Superintendent called the roll and all were present. Also present were:
Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mrs. Kathryn
Clancy, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Mr. Michael Joyce, Mr.
Patrick Lane, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs.
Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr.
Robert Shaw, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Judy Todd; former School
Committee member Emily Lebo; Quincy Education Association President
Allison Cox; and Student Representatives to School Committee Sarah Clancy
(Quincy High School) and Nicholas O’Connell (North Quincy High School).
§
There was a moment of silence for service members overseas.
§
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
10/28/15
Ms. Isola made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bregoli, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for October 28, 2015. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Open Forum
As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee proceeded to the
next item on the agenda.
§
Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report with recognition of five
National Merit Scholars from Quincy High School and North Quincy High School.
Each year, 1.5 million Grade 10 students take the PSAT exam and the top 50,000
are Commended Scholars, recognized when they are seniors. Quincy Public
Schools has five Commended Scholars this year: Megan Fox and Alicia Walker
from Quincy High School and North Quincy High School’s Gary Hu, Alexander
DeJesus, and Ken Zou, who placed in the top 16,000 nationwide and is a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship.
§
Athletic Directors Patrick Lane and Michael Joyce then presented the Fall Athletics
teams who qualified for the MIAA post-season tournaments:
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Quincy High School Girls Volleyball, Coach Jacqueline Niosi, Seniors
Amanda Broughton, Catherine Buttomer, Sarah Gibbons, Anxela Hoti,
Nicole Jorgensen, Tien Li, Si Li, Maggie Parker, Andrea Pomaloza, Robin
Ross, Alicia Walker. With a 20-1 regular season record and CoChampionship of the Patriot League-Keenan Division, the team won their
first two playoff games to qualify for the Division 1 sectional finals.
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Quincy High School Boys Soccer, Coach Mark Spendlove, Seniors Derek
Andrade, Antonio Barbosa, Rene Carbajal, Enes Ekren, Mason Francouer,
Ahmad Hamdi, Hashim Hamdi, Ben Morse, Uyi Ogiugo, Robert Smith, Aidan
Smyth, Xhuljo Zyba. With a 9-8-1 record, the team qualified for the
Division 1 Quarter Finals.
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North Quincy High School Girls Volleyball, Coach Kerry Ginty, Seniors Trina
Liang, Cassidy Lothrop, Katie Sautter, Sarah Tsan. With a 15-5 record, the
team qualified for the Division 1 Quarter Finals.
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North Quincy High School Girls Soccer, Coach Paul Bregoli, Seniors Emily
Anglehart, Molly Kate Cannon, Kara Carchedi, Charlotte Chretien, Ali
Coleman, Annie Doherty, Molly Donahue, Shaina Donovan, Hailey Houlihan,
Marissa McGue, Julia O’Donnell. With a 12-5-4 record, the team qualified
for the Division 1 Quarter Finals.
§
Dr. DeCristofaro then introduced the Inspire Quincy video, which featured the
Motor Skills Activity Day at Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center, Aspen Gradebook
Professional Development for Elementary School teachers, Veterans Day at
Sterling Middle School, Middle School Cross Country, Middle School Tennis, the
Mini-Grant Reception, and Emily Z’s BOKS Quincy launch at Clifford Marshall.
§
Aspen Publication #17 was shared with School Committee. At the November 17
Parent Academy, 20 elementary parents attended to learn about the access to
student report cards through Aspen. Another Parent Academy for Elementary
Parents and Aspen will be held on December 1 at Atlantic Middle School.
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Dr. DeCristofaro reminded School Committee that American Education Week will
be celebrated at the December 9 meeting at Central Middle School at 6:00 pm.
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The Middle School Lego League meet will be held at Newton North on Saturday,
November 21 with over 100 students from all five middle schools with teacher
coaches taking part in the meet.
At the 17th annual Educator Mini-Grant reception held on November 12, $32,000
was awarded to over 100 educators representing 87 grant proposalsl. Mini-grants
will enhance curriculum, classroom technology and equipment, and fund special
projects and field trips. This year’s grant recipients were: Laura Anderson,
Michelle Andrews, Carol Austin, Deborah Baird, Kate Baldwin, Janet Bargar, Rachel
Bloom, Lori Cahill, Laurie Carnes, Erina Carr, Paul Carson, Loren Catrambone, Diana
Cavallo, Matthew Cavanaugh, Mark Chella, Paul Cheney, Natalie Coady, Theresa
Corbo, Rebecca Cordero, Michelle Cunniff, Jennifer Currie, Amber Dame, Casey
Deaguero, Kimberly DeBello, Melissa DeGraan, Michael DeMarco, Taylor Dennehy,
Thomas Doucette, Marcy Eaton, Matthew Edgerly, Katherine Ell, Jackie Fitzpatrick,
Susan Foley, Marisa Forrester, Dan Frank, Trish Gannon, Jennifer Garrett, Julie
Graham, Sean Greene, Jill Griffith, Mary Griffith, Kelli Guarino, Lauren Guarriero,
Wendy Hanlon, Deborah Harper Padula, Tracey Hennault, Laurel Hendrickson, Elise
Higgins-Steele, Mary Ann Hunter, Mary Hurley, Michael Imhoff, Lauren Jensen, Anna
Jorgensen, Sally Joyce, Robin Kaplan, Michelle Kaye, Richard Kenneally, Sarah
Kearns, Julie Krieger, Danielle LaRose, Jennifer Leary, Maureen Lynch, Alicia Lyons,
Sarah Magnuson, Michael Maguire, Joanne Martell, Helen Mastico, Rachel Matzdorff,
Aileen McGinnity, Colleen Meskell, Kimberly Michaud, Clare Murphy, Deirdre
Murphy, Emily Murphy, Jennifer Murphy, Lisa Nasanofski, Sarah Norwood, Katherine
O’Connell, Johanna O’Connor, Alyse Olivieri, Debra Peters, James Phelan, Mary Ellen
Phillips, Kenneth Reichel, Holly Rendle, Caitlin Schmidt, Aliza Schneller, Maura
Shaughnessy, Jessica Sikora, Timothy Smith, Lynn Sullivan, Kim Taglieri, Dennis
Thibault, Abby Thorell, Desiree Troy, Dorinda Vale, Bridget Vaughn, Ellen Wallace,
Loksze Wong, Jessica Worden, Hallie Yohe, Angela Yu.
§
Rachel’s Challenge will be presented to over 700 Grade 7 students this week,
thanks to the support of the Rural Lodge of Masons, Maura Papile and the Student
Support staff at all five middle schools.
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On November 17, the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education met to
make the determination on the state assessment plan for 2016 and beyond. For
2016, districts who administered MCAS in 2015 may stay with MCAS (which will
contain a limited number of PARCC-like items) or move to PARCC. Districts that
administered PARCC in 2015 will remain with that assessment. Grade 10 students
will continue to take the MCAS through 2017. The board recommended that a
new hybrid exam will be developed for Spring 2017, containing elements of
PARCC and MCAS. Massachusetts will remain a member of the PARCC consortium.
School accountability data will be released on Thursday, November 19. School
Committee may choose to select PARCC as the Spring 2016 assessment option and
the deadline for notifying the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
is December 18.
§
At the November 18 Massachusetts School Building Authority Board Meeting, the
Sterling Middle School project was moved from the Feasibility Study phase to the
Schematic Design Phase. Mayor Koch addressed the Board and Mr. Timmins, Dr.
DeCristofaro, Mr. MacDonald, and Dr. Franceschini all attended today’s meeting.
Mayor Koch said that the Board was very complimentary of Quincy’s Educational
Plan and the project team was recognized for the work put into preparing for this
stage of the process. One of the reasons we have been successful in working with
the MSBA is due to the hard work of the Superintendent and the whole team.
Dr. DeCristofaro said that architects from Ai3 began meeting with Sterling Middle
School staff and Superintendent’s Leadership Team members today to begin
developing the Schematic Design; the meetings will continue throughout the week.
§
On November 10, 37 Quincy Public Schools staff members were trained in the
BOKS program. In memory of Central Middle School teacher Emily Zarnoch,
“Emily Z’s BOKS Quincy” will be supported through a donation from Reebok
International of $50,000 per year for four years, benefitting all elementary and
middle schools. Thanks to Mayor Koch, Mr. Bregoli, and the Zarnoch family for
attending the launch, and Ms. Isola for introducing Quincy to the program. A part
of the program is a research study with Harvard University that will begin in
February.
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Upcoming events include ‘Tis the Season on Thursday, December 3 and the Quincy
Parent Advisory Council to Special Education Gingerbread Decorating event on
Friday, December 4. Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by noting that the
Wollaston, Atherton Hough, Montclair, Squantum, and Beechwood Knoll
Elementary School and Quincy High School monthly newsletters had been shared
with School Committee.
§
New Business
Curriculum Update:
Handwriting Instruction
Elementary Curriculum Director Erin Perkins shared a Curriculum Update on
Handwriting Instruction in the Quincy Public Schools. In Pre-Kindergarten and
Kindergarten, the Handwriting Without Tears program has been adopted.
Developed by occupational therapists, the program is conscious of developing fine
motor skills. According to research studies, practicing handwriting assists in
comprehension and brain development since it becomes automatic, freeing up
brain space for other skills. The program starts with pre-writing skills and follows
a developmental sequence. Pre-Kindergarten begins with readiness skills: body
awareness, drawing and pre-writing, counting, and building. Letter part
manipulatives assist in developing comprehension about letter forms.
In Kindergarten, more formal structure and writing begins. Capitals are taught
first, and lowercase letters follow. Writing form is emphasized, holding the
writing instrument correctly.
Professional Development included a voluntary training in August 2015 for
Occupational Therapists and Kindergarten teachers. In September, all PreKindergarten teachers and therapists were trained. On November 24, all
remaining Kindergarten teachers, ELL, and Literacy teachers will be trained.
In Summer 2016, training will begin for Grade 1 teachers for 2016-2017 school
year implementation.
Within educational research, there are two differing opinions about cursive
writing: (1) it has been replaced by technology or (2) it is critical as a
developmental tool. Mrs. Perkins surveyed current practices of cursive
instruction in Quincy Public Schools elementary schools. Across the district,
cursive is taught in Grade 3, an average of 2-3 times per week for 15-20 minutes.
It is most commonly taught as part of ELA or as morning work. Schools are using
a variety of curriculum resources. In Grade 4, cursive writing is expected, but not
usually practiced. Mrs. Perkins shared samples of student work for elementary,
middle, and high school students.
Next steps will include assessing the efficacy of the Handwriting Without Tears
pilot and implementing next year for Grade 1 and possibly Grade 2. In the
meantime, Mrs. Perkins will research materials to pilot for Grade 3 cursive
instruction as there is a need for consistent curriculum through all schools.
Mr. McCarthy complimented Mrs. Perkins, it is nice to take a step back in time and
recognize that this fundamental skill is still being taught in Quincy Public Schools
Ms. Isola thanked Mrs. Perkins, she asked for the agenda item as she has been
concerned that we were losing cursive writing in the face of technology and is
pleased to see what QPS has been doing. Keyboarding is important, but cursive
writing is integral to brain development. In the workplace, Ms. Isola sees the
ramifications of illegible writing. The ability to read cursive writing is also critical
to understanding historical documents.
Mr. Bregoli thanked Mrs. Perkins for her terrific presentation. Mr. Bregoli for
follow up later with information on whether there is a decline in Occupational
Therapy referrals as a result of this program. Mrs. Perkins said one of the goals is
to build up stamina and develop correct form. Mrs. Perkins said that the
Professional Development is key to the success of the program, allows teachers to
know how to identify and correct problems with student positioning and form.
§
Athletics Program
Improvement Plan
Athletic Directors Michael Joyce and Patrick Lane presented the Athletics Program
Improvement Plan. The purpose of Athletics is to provide learning experiences
which contribute to physical, mental, social, and emotional growth. Mr. Joyce and
Mr. Lane outlined the Athletics program goals for 2015-2016 and shared
supporting documentation for the progress of meeting these goals.
Goals for 2015-2016: To continue to work (1) with coaches in order to monitor
the School Committee Policy of “zero tolerance” in regard to hazing, harassment,
and bullying to ensure compliance and (2) in collaboration with the high school
Deans, Guidance, and Coaches to monitor student-athletes who may be at-risk or
who have attendance/disciplinary issues. (3) To collaborate with the systemwide Wellness Team to ensure compliance with current QPS Wellness Policy and
comply with the new State and Federal regulations governing nutrition and
wellness in schools and to provide guidance and support to individual school
wellness teams throughout the school year. (4) To collaborate with the Athletic
Advisory Team to address current QPS athletic issues, with specific focus related
to continuing to increase the participation rate in athletics at both high schools by
2% by June 2016 as compared to the 2014-2015 school year participation rates.
Mr. Lane also spoke about growth in the middle school Athletics programs, with
new offerings for 2015-2016 for tennis and competitive swimming in the fall and
wrestling (Winter 2016).
For high school students, Winter Sports signup is underway and school-wide
efforts to promote athletics continue through communication with students,
parents. The Athletics pages on the Quincy Public Schools website have been
revamped and both schools utilize social media and Channel 22. Athletics
Assistants Mr. Mahoney, Mr. Niamke post daily updates on the Athletics websites
with game schedules. The Athletics registration process is online through
FamilyID, organizationally streamlined, verify medical and academic clearances,
Athletic Directors are both teachers, talking with students daily and have shown
increases at both schools in participation.
Mr. McCarthy complimented both Athletic Directors and their Assistants, the
Athletics department has made much progress utilizing online tools and sharing
information. All efforts have shown the results of getting more students involved
in Athletics. Mr. McCarthy suggested consideration of re-classifying the Athletic
Assistants jobs. He complimented the Program Improvement Plan and
appreciates the Athletic Directors hard work.
Mr. DiBona thanked the Athletic Directors for their work and asked whether the
success of the teams has begun to improve with the increased participation. Mr.
Joyce said the coaches’ enthusiasm and recruiting has bred some slight success,
community support is important, students see that the city is supporting them.
Mr. DiBona asked whether the coaches who are not QPS employees can access
student information. The Athletic Office sends information to all coaches – the
Athletics Assistants generate reports from Aspen and create PDFs to share. Mr.
DiBona asked for and received confirmation that absence makes a player ineligible
to play or practice.
Mr. Bregoli asked if a student is tardy, does that affect their eligibility to play or
practice and if there is a rule about missing a certain percentage of the day. Mr.
Joyce said this is handled on a case by case basis, even a student who is
consistently 10 minutes late may have their ability to play affected. Mr. Bregoli
said perhaps a policy should be set that holds students accountable for tardiness.
Mr. Joyce said most coaches are very strict, many do not allow any unexcused
tardiness at all.
Mr. Bregoli asked about Varsity Coaches being employed within the building. Mr.
Bregoli noted that he is not a NQHS staff member and it does make it more
difficult to monitor student academic performance. Mr. Lane said that’s where the
in-building Athletic Director is important.
Mr. Bregoli asked whether progress reports are being helpful in monitoring
academic performance. Mr. Joyce said there has been no increase in academic
eligibility problems. Mr. Joyce said the progress report is an effective tool, as
teachers he and Mr. Lane are primarily focused on the students’ athletic success.
Mr. Joyce said the Athletic Assistants are checking attendance daily and surfacing
concerns as needed.
Mr. Bregoli requested updated participation rates for fall athletics in the Patriot
League.
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Athletics Program Improvement Plan.
Mr. McCarthy asked about North Quincy High School Boys hockey, there will be a
team for the 2015-2016 school year.
Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mrs. Clancy for her work with the Athletics Directors.
§
FY2016 Additional
Budget Appropriation
(Vote)
Mr. Mullaney reviewed the need to transfer $250,370 from the Academic Support
salary line to the Computer and Technology Acquisition line. This funding was
provided to fund salaries for Kindergarten aides when the Full-Day Kindergarten
grant was unfunded. Since the state Legislature has restored the grant funding,
Mayor Koch has made this appropriation for one-time purchases.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to transfer $250,370 from the Academic Support
salary line to the Computer and Technology Acquisition line in the FY2016 budget.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Isola and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 7-0.
Dr. DeCristofaro said that the intention of the funding is to purchase classroom
technology as was outlined at the November 9 Budget & Finance Subcommittee
meeting. A final plan purchase plan will be presented at the December 9 School
Committee meeting.
§
MASC Conference
Resolutions
Mrs. Hubley attended the Massachusetts Association of School Committees
(MASC) conference from November 4 through 6 and representing the Quincy
School Committee, voted on the resolutions that were presented. All resolutions
were passed, except for Resolution 5 which the Quincy School Committee had
declined to vote on at the October 28, 2015 School Committee meeting.
The moratorium on Student Assessment which was approved at the November 2
Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meeting was not allowed to be presented as it
was beyond MASC’s deadline for submission. Mrs. Hubley attempted to attach to
Resolution 3 as an amendment, but the Parlimentarian would not allow it. After a
challenge, the delegates were allowed to vote on whether to accept the
amendment and it was defeated. A survey of delegates was allowed, with
favorable results 66-44.
Ms. Isola thanked Mrs. Hubley for her efforts, it is a huge task to challenge
parliamentary rules in front of a large group.
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Out of State Travel
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of the Sterling Middle
School Chorus to the Providence Bruins, Providence, Rhode Island on November
22, 2015. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Point Webster
Middle School Grade 8 to New York City, New York from June 9 to June 10, 2016.
Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Sterling Middle
School Grade 8 to Washington, D.C. from June 6 to June 9, 2016. Mr. McCarthy
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: Regular Meeting on December 9, 2015 at
6:00 pm at Central Middle School; Subcommittee Meetings for Teaching &
Learning on Monday, December 7; and Policy on Monday, December 7.
Mrs. Hubley noted that the Parker Elementary School PTO has posted a petition in
support of the Community Preservation grant request to update the school
playground. This is the last step needed to fulfill the grant submission
requirements.
Mr. Bregoli announced that the North Quincy-Quincy High School Football Hall of
Fame dinner will be held on Tuesday, November 24 at the Sons of Italy on Quarry
Street.
§
Reports of
Subcommittees
Mrs. Hubley noted that all Subcommittee meeting minutes are posted online at
www.quincypublicschools.com.
Mrs. Hubley reviewed the Budget & Finance Subcommittee Meeting held on
November 9, 2015. Mr. Mullaney presented the FY2016 Quarterly Report as of
September 30, 2015, reporting that all accounts were on target. Also discussed
was the additional $250,000 appropriation for technology investment due to the
partial reinstatement of the Full-Day Kindergarten grant.
Ms. Isola reviewed the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meetings held on
November 2, 9, 12, and 16, 2015. On November 2, 2015, the subcommittee met to
review the resolution calling for a moratorium on standardized testing. At the
November 9 and November 12 meetings, all Elementary School Improvement
Plans were presented and at the November 16 meeting, all Middle School
Improvement Plans were presented by their respective principals and were
approved.
Mr. McCarthy reviewed the Facilities & Security Subcommittee meeting held on
November 16. Custodial Coordinator Kevin Segalla presented the Custodial
Services Program Improvement Plan and Director of Safety & Security Michael
Draicchio presented the Security Program Improvement Plan, with both being
approved.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to add an outside review of our security practices to
the Facilities & Security Subcommittee. On the motion, Mr. McCarthy also asked
School Committee to consider establishing a senior security position at each high
school. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes
have it.
As there were no corrections to the meeting minutes for the November 9, 2015
Budget & Finance Subcommittee; the November 2, 9, 12, and 16, 2015 Teaching &
Learning Subcommittee; and the November 16, 2015 Facilities & Security
Subcommittee, all minutes were approved as presented.
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 9:15 p.m. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.