Jan. 27, 2016 School Committee Meeting

Agenda

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Wednesday, January 27, 2016, 7:00 pm
Coddington Building

I. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting Minutes for January 13, 2016.

II. Open Forum: An opportunity for community input regarding the Quincy Public Schools. After giving his or her name and address, each speaker may make a presentation of no more than four minutes to the School Committee. An individual may not exchange their time or yield to others.

III. Superintendent’s Report:

A. Inspire Quincy

B. Eastern District Senior Concert ~ Recognitions

C. Sterling Middle School Community Meeting February 4

D. Parent Academy: New SAT, February 9

E. Kindergarten Registration, February 23

F. Upcoming Partnership Events: A Matter of the Heart and Student Leadership Summit

G. Aspen Publication #18

H. Program Newsletters: Community Service, Health Services

IV. Old Business:

A. 2016-2017 School Year Calendar (Vote)

V. New Business:

A. MSBA Statements of Interest (Vote) - Mayor Koch/Dr. DeCristofaro

  • Squantum Elementary School (Core Program)

  • Atherton Hough Elementary School (Accelerated Repair/Boiler)

  • Beechwood Knoll Elementary School (Accelerated Repair/Boiler)

  • Merrymount Elementary School (Accelerated Repair/Boiler)

  • Wollaston Elementary School (Accelerated Repair/Boiler)

B. Initiative Update: Math Reteach - Ms. Todd

C. Ad Hoc Subcommittee/Athletics - Mr. Bregoli

D. Overnight Travel/In-State: Quincy High School Skills USA to State Leadership & Skills Conference, Marlboro, Massachusetts, April 28-30, 2016.

E. Overnight Travel/Out of State:

  1. North Quincy High School Debate Team to Washington, D.C., February 26-28, 2016.

  2. North Quincy High School Debate Team to Greenwich, Connecticut, April 23-24, 2016.

VI. Additional Business:

VII. Communications:

A. Upcoming School Committee Meetings: February 10, 2016; March 2, 2016; and March 16, 2016, all at 7:00 p.m.

B. Upcoming Subcommittee Meetings:

  1. Budget & Finance, Monday, February 1, 2016, 5:00 p.m.

  2. Policy, Monday, February 1, 2016, 5:30 p.m.

  3. Health, Transportation, and Safety, Wednesday, February 3, 5:00 pm

VIII. Reports of Subcommittees:

A. Special Education: Mrs. Mahoney to report on the January 20, 2016 meeting.

B. Teaching & Learning: Ms. Isola to report on the January 25, 2016 meeting.

IX. Executive Session: None

X. Adjournment:


Subcommittees of the School Committee

Budget & Finance
Lebo/Bregoli/DeAmicis/Hubley/Isola/Koch/Mahoney

  1. Additional Funding Appropriation: Referred to Subcommittee at the September 30, 2015 School Committee meeting. With the reinstatement of the Full-Day Kindergarten Grant from DESE for Kindergarten Aides, there is an additional $250,000 available for one-time FY2016 expenses.

Facilities & Security
Hubley/Bregoli/Isola

  1. President’s City Inn Referred to Subcommittee at the October 10, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Safety concerns have been expressed about this property that abuts the new Central Middle School. Current construction plans were reviewed at the March 18, 2014 Subcommittee Meeting and updates provided during the 2014-2015 school year.

  2. North Quincy High School Campus Expansion/Teele Field Project Referred at the January 22, 2014 School Committee Meeting. A presentation on the proposed enhancements will be scheduled.

  3. Faxon Field Equalization Pipe Referred at the October 14, 2015 School Committee meeting. Requesting information on the communications between the City of Quincy and Mass. DEP.

Health, Transportation & Safety
DeAmicis/Lebo/Mahoney

  1. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Referred to Subcommittee at the September 24, 2012 Special School Committee Meeting. Student Support Services working with elementary and middle schools to implement this initiative.

  2. Traffic Concerns at North Quincy High School Referred to Subcommittee at the March 5, 2014 School Committee Meeting. Concerns about East Squantum Street crosswalk/parking lot entrance.

  3. Solar Array Installation on School Roofs Referred from the Facilities & Security Subcommittee on September 10, 2014. Monitoring of the ongoing projects and the educational opportunities.

  4. Learn to Swim Referred at the September 10, 2014 Special School Committee Meeting. Monitoring the ongoing partnership between QPS and the South Shore YMCA.

  5. Farm to School Referred at the September 10, 2014 Special School Committee Meeting. Monitoring the Planning Grant rollout, a collaboration of QPS and the Planning Department.

  6. CPR Certification Referred from the Policy Subcommittee at the September 10, 2014 Special School Committee meeting.

  7. Before School Exercise Programs Referred at the September 10, 2014 Special School Committee meeting. Monitoring the implementation of these programs across QPS.

  8. Peer Mentoring for Grade 9 Students Referred at the September 29, 2015 Special School Committee meeting. Monitoring the implementation of this program at both high schools.

Policy
Bregoli/Hubley/Isola

  1. Graduation Requirements Referred to Subcommittee at the September 7, 2011 School Committee Meeting and discussed at the October 11, 2011 School Policy Subcommittee. The discussion centered around adding a fourth year of Math as a graduation requirement; the issue is tabled until more is known about the impact of the new Common Core Standards on the Massachusetts frameworks.

  2. Advertising/Sponsorship Opportunities Referred at the June 13, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Review and discussion of amending the existing policy requested to explore the possibility of raising revenue by accepting advertising sponsorships.

  3. Review of High School Academic and Extracurricular Programs Referred at the November 13, 2013 School Committee Meeting. A comparison of the offerings at both schools to be analyzed to ensure equitable and parallel opportunities for all students at both facilities.

  4. Open Enrollment Referred at the October 8, 2014 School Committee meeting for review and discussion to focus on the timeline for placement decisions and communication to parents.

  5. Middle School Grading System Referred at the December 10, 2014 School Committee meeting for review and discussion.

  6. 2016-2017 School Year Calendar Referred at the April 8, 2015 School Committee meeting.

  7. Weather Cancellation Schoolwork Referred at the April 8, 2015 School Committee meeting and shared with the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee. Exploring options for creating Policy for schoolwork during extended periods of weather-related school cancellations.

  8. Concussion Policy Referred at the May 6, 2015 School Committee meeting; as required by law, the policy must be reviewed and amended or reaffirmed every two years.

  9. Voter Registration at the High Schools Referred at the September 16, 2015 School Committee meeting for discussion of implementation with the City Clerk’s Office.

  10. 2016-2017 School Committee Meeting Calendar Referred at the January 13, 2016 School Committee meeting.

  11. School Committee Policy Book Referred at the January 13, 2016 School Committee meeting for review and updating as needed.

Special Education
Mahoney/DeAmicis/Lebo

  1. Student Information for Substitute Teachers Originally referred at the January 17, 2007 School Committee Meeting. Aspen Student Information System Special Education module reports will be utilized to share information with substitute teachers beginning in 2015-2016 school year.

Rules, Post Audit & Oversight
Bregoli/Hubley/Mahoney

Teaching and Learning
Isola/Hubley/Lebo

  1. Advanced Program Pathways Referred at the May 20, 2015 School Committee Meeting to review opportunities to challenge above-level students at all grades.

  2. Enrollment Data/Class Size: Referred at the October 14, 2015 School Committee meeting for further review and discussion.

  3. Resolution on Student Assessment: Referred at the October 28, 2015 School Committee meeting for review and discussion.

AD HOC COMMITTEES:

Sterling Building Committee

Sterling/Point Webster Grade 5

Created at the September 10, 2014 Special School Committee meeting to review issues related to Grade 5 being located in middle school buildings.

School District Maps
Isola

Created at the September 10, 2014 Special School Committee meeting to review issues related to school district maps.

Minutes

Quincy, Massachusetts – January 27, 2016
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

Regular Meeting

A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at the Coddington Building. The Superintendent called the roll and School Committee members present were Mr. James DeAmicis, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms. Barbara Isola,Mayor Thomas Koch, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, and Mr. Paul Bregoli, Vice Chair.

Vice-Chair Presiding

Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mrs. Rita Bailey, Mrs. Catherine Carey, Mrs. Donna Cunningham, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Ms. Beth Hallett, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms. Judy Todd; Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; Citywide Parent Council Co-President Paula Reynolds; and North Quincy High School Representative Stephen Condon.

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There was a moment of silence for U.S. Marine Christopher Orlando and all service members serving at home or overseas.

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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 1/13/16

Mrs. Hubley made a motion, seconded by Ms. Isola, to approve the Regular Meeting minutes for January 13, 2016. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Open Forum

Ms. Paula Reynolds, Citywide Parent Council Co-President presented information encouraging the teaching of foreign language in the elementary grades, citing the many benefits for students.

Mr. David Blaton also spoke in favor of expanding Foreign Language instruction opportunities.

NQHS Student Representative Stephen Condon spoke about the revised Mid-Year Examination schedule, expressing concerns about the change from the open campus format to exams being integrated into the school day.

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Superintendent's Report

Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report with Inspire Quincy, featuring Lincoln Hancock PBIS Shout-Outs, Project 351 Ambassadors, Middle School Technology Engineering, the Quincy vs. North Quincy High School Swim Meet, the North Quincy High School Quiz Show team, and the MME Eastern District Senior Chorus members from Quincy High School.

Dr. DeCristofaro then introduced Director of English Language Learners & Academic Programs Beth Hallett who recognized Quincy High School students Emily Crosta, Leanne Gough, and Marcus Johnston, selected to perform in the Massachusetts Music Educators Eastern District Senior Chorus on January 9, 2016. The students were accompanied by Chorus Director Timothy Carew. All three students were also accepted to the All-State Chorus and will perform at Symphony Hall on March 12 as part of a 200-member chorus.

For the new Sterling Middle School, a neighborhood meeting will be held on Thursday, February 4 at 6:00 pm at the Lincoln Hancock Community School. The procurement process for the project’s Construction Manager is underway; six prequalified firms participated in a walkthrough of the current Sterling facility on Tuesday, January 26.

A Parent Academy will be held on Tuesday, February 9 at 6:30 pm at Central Middle School for high school parents to review the new SAT. A representative from the College Board Testing Service will speak about the redesigned testing format and supporting resources available through Khan Academy.

Kindergarten registration will be held at all elementary schools on Tuesday, February 23 between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. Kindergarten registration packets are available under Parent Links on the Quincy Public Schools website: www.quincypublicschools.com.

Upcoming Quincy School~Community Partnership events include A Matter of the Heart CPR training for Grade 8 students in partnership with Brewster Ambulance Service the week of February 1 at all middle schools and culminating with a fullday certification opportunity on Saturday, February 6 at Central Middle School.

The Student Leadership Summit for Grade 5 Student Council members will be held on February 11 at the Tirrell Room.

Merrymount Elementary School has been nominated by the state to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School. Principal Ann Pegg is assembling a team to begin preparing the application for submission. Only seven schools in the entire state of Massachusetts have been nominated.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recognized Quincy Public Schools for having a dropout rate below state average and 4-year graduation above state average. These statistics are recognition that our many high school programs support students and make sure that all students have a place that they feel comfortable and support their educational vision.

125 middle school students competed in the Middle School Volleyball Championship on Saturday, January 23 at Quincy High School. After several rounds of preliminary competition, the Broad Meadows Middle School Girls and Atlantic Middle School Boys won the City Championship.

Dr. DeCristofaro attended the North Quincy High School team competing on WGBH’s High School Quiz Show on Sunday, January 24. Over 70 North Quincy High School students attended to cheer on the team during the taping. Team members Alexander DeJesus, Zachary Erickson, Lincy Shen, and Ethan Sit and alternate Cameron White were supported by North Quincy High School staff members Mira Kriz, Danielle Fernandez, Peggy Farren, and Principal Rob Shaw.

On Saturday, January 23, a career exploration day was held at Quincy High School, Teacher Patrick Noe hosted eight students for the Future Chefs program.

Dr. DeCristofaro noted that Aspen Publication #18 and program newsletters for Community Service, Health Services, and the School~Community Partnership were shared with School Committee.

Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by noting that Director of Assessment & Data Analysis Mary Fredrickson will be retiring on Friday, January 29. He read the following remarks:

It is certainly bitter/sweet as we say “good luck” and “thank you” to Mary Fredrickson as she retires after almost 30 years of dedication to our Quincy Public Schools. Mary graduated from Lexington High School, went on to Emmanuel College, and earned her Masters Degree in Counseling from Suffolk University.

Mary came to Quincy Public Schools following social work/counseling experiences in Boston, Weymouth, Duxbury, New England Medical Center, and as an Educational Coordinator in the “Survival Program”.

I don’t think there is any professional staff member in the school system who has served as many programs or has had as many supervisors as Mary. A Career Counselor, Gender Equity Specialist, the first Coordinator of the School~Community Partnership, served/coordinated in many mainstream and alternative programs: Heritage, STEP, High Schools That Work, Tech Prep, Project Catalyst, Career Pathways, Career Connections, CTE Advisory Board, the Assessment Center at QHS, Thomas Jefferson Forum (Community Service), Institutes for Academically Talented/Motivated Students, NEASC, Perkins Advisory Boards, Parent Academies, and ultimately becoming the system Assessment Specialist and Academic Support Coordinator.

Mary shared her expertise through presentations for the School Counselors Association, Fitchburg and Westfield State Universities, as well as several presentations to the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. Not to mention the many well-prepared and informative presentations to the Quincy School Committee and Teaching & Learning Subcommittee, Citywide PTO, and school councils.

This incredible woman has passionately and tirelessly served with four Superintendents, eight Assistant Superintendents, several Directors, Coordinators, and a multitude of Principals, Assistant Principals, Student Support, and professional staff members. More importantly, Mary’s intense focus has always been on our students. Pathways for increasing student achievement, improving programs, and offering hope to so many high school students and parents even after graduation.

A plethora of wonderful words and praise about Mary’s enormous talent, boundless energy, diligence, determination, and dedication. Coordinator Gail Murphy commended that your work was “impeccable” and that “you have the ability to communicate with students, parents, and colleagues in a most respectful manner that always maintains dignity and honesty.” Director Emily Lebo stated that you “were never just analyzing numbers, you were looking into the faces of our students.” Director and Assistant Superintendent Colleen Roberts commented on your “excellence and thorough comprehensive knowledge of Career Education, School to Work, Assessment, and Vision.”

So as we say farewell this evening, what matters is not necessarily your work with the: DIP and SIPs --PIPs or PARCC -- MCAS and MAP -- A-Days or NWRA -- IEPs, ILTs, IT, or SLT -- CTE, CAMT, and QSC -- Test Wiz or Teams and More Teams -- DESE, DSAC, DIBELS, or DRAs -- EPPs, CPI, PPIs, or AYP -- APC, ELL, ELC, or ACTs -- SIMS, Standards, or SCLS -- SATs, PSATs, and of course, the Common Core -- Beyond the Bell or SWELL…

In the words of Michael Josephson, So what will matter? How will the value of your days with QPS be measured? What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built, not what you got, but what you always gave. What will matter is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged. What will matter is not your confidence, but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will miss you as you retire. What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who respected you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom, and for what!!

Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It is not a matter of circumstances, but of choices. Mary, you have chosen to live a life that matters to so many staff, students, and their families that are so grateful because they knew so deeply that they mattered. Your QPS tradition of teaching, caring, and devotion will be sorely missed and your legacy will live in the hearts of so many for so many years to come.

The best of health and happiness to you and your family – God bless!

Mrs. Fredrickson thanked Mayor Koch, the School Committee, and Superintendent DeCristofaro and said that she always felt as if she worked with so many giants in Quincy Public Schools.

Mrs. Lebo said that Mrs. Fredrickson exemplifies the term “thought partner,” and was always positive and supportive. Mrs. Mahoney said that Mrs. Fredrickson educated so many parents and helped them understand the complicated nature of data, that a set of scores is only a snapshot of the students’ education. Mr. Bregoli said that Quincy Public Schools will miss Mrs. Fredrickson and thanked her for hard work and professionalism.

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Old Business

2016-2017 School Year Calendar (Vote)

Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the 2016-2017 School Year Calendar as presented. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a role call vote, the ayes have it, 6-1. Mrs. Mahoney voted NO.

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New Business

MSBA Statements of Interest (Vote)

Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed the process of submitting Statements of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for their Core Program (new or renovated buildings) and the Accelerated Repair Program (windows and doors, roofs, boilers). Statements of Interest are due to be submitted to the MSBA by February 12, 2016 for the Accelerated Repair Program and April 8, 2016

To date, new windows and doors for Merrymount, Parker, Lincoln Hancock, Wollaston, and North Quincy High School were installed in the summer of 2015. At today’s MSBA Board Meeting, schematic designs for the Beechwood Knoll (windows, doors, roof) and Merrymount (roof) projects were approved and are on track for Summer 2016 installation, pending project funding approval by City Council.

Mayor Koch said these projects are an example of the collaboration between Public Buildings, Quincy Public Schools, the City Solicitor’s Office, and Mayor’s Office. The recently submitted Sterling Middle School Educational Program document has been cited by the MSBA as a model for preparation for other communities. Mayor Koch thanked the City Council and the taxpayers of Quincy for their support of the city’s school buildings, which provide the environment for the high quality educational program. Mayor Koch also thanked the Quincy Legislative delegation for their support, Chapter 70 funding and oversight of the MSBA program. City Council will be reviewing the $6.7 million bond appropriation for the summer 2016 projects at the February 1 Finance Subcommittee.

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MSBA Core Program Statement of Interest (SOI) for Squantum Elementary School

Ms. Isola made a motion to support submitting the Core Program Statement of Interest for the Squantum Elementary School.

Be It Resolved:

Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, prior to the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated April 8, 2016 for the Squantum Elementary School located at 50 Huckins Avenue, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 7: Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with the state and approved local requirements.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 7: The Squantum Elementary School was built in 1919 and an addition constructed in 1971. In almost forty-five years, it has not received any substantial upgrades or improvements to the infrastructure or to the interior/exterior structures. Although the custodial and maintenance staffs are attentive to this building’s operational needs, a large portion of Squantum’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were installed during the original construction of the facility. Aside from the improvements needed to the physical plant, educational components crucial for 21st century elementary schools are lacking, specifically classrooms equipped for the integration of educational technology and STEM concepts integral for standards-based instruction for regular education, Special Education, and English Language Learner students. Squantum’s nurse’s office, student support staff offices, cafeteria/ gymnasium, and media center are all undersized and under-equipped by modern educational standards.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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MSBA Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest (SOI) for Atherton Hough Elementary School

Ms. Isola made a motion to support submitting the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Atherton Hough Elementary School.

Be It Resolved:

Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, prior to the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated February 12, 2016 for the Atherton Hough Elementary School located at 1084 Sea Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The Atherton Hough Elementary School was built in 1911 and renovated in 1950. Given the innovations in HVAC technology since the building renovation was completed, the Atherton Hough Elementary School’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the installation of a replacement boiler.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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MSBA Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest (SOI) for Beechwood Knoll Elementary School

Ms. Isola made a motion to support submitting the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School.

Be It Resolved:

Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, prior to the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated February 12, 2016 for the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School located at 225 Fenno Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The Beechwood Knoll Elementary School was built in 1952 and renovated in 1995. Given the innovations in HVAC technology since the building renovation was completed, the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the installation of a replacement boiler.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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MSBA Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest (SOI) for Merrymount Elementary School

Ms. Isola made a motion to support submitting the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Merrymount Elementary School.

Be It Resolved:

Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, prior to the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated February 12, 2016 for the Merrymount Elementary School located at 4 Agawam Road, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The Merrymount Elementary School was built in 1928 and renovated in 1977. Given the innovations in HVAC technology since the building renovation was completed, the Merrymount Elementary School’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the installation of a replacement boiler.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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MSBA Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest (SOI) for Wollaston Elementary School

Ms. Isola made a motion to support submitting the Accelerated Repair Program Statement of Interest for the Wollaston Elementary School.

Be It Resolved:

Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, prior to the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated February 12, 2016 for the Wollaston Elementary School located at 205 Beale Street, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy-related costs in a school facility.

Description of Deficiencies for Priority 5: The Wollaston Elementary School was built in 1912 and renovated in 1987. Given the innovations in HVAC technology since the building renovation was completed, the Wollaston Elementary School’s energy efficiency would be substantially improved by the installation of a replacement boiler.

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

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New Business

QPS 2015-2016 Initiatives Update: Math Reteach

Director of Special Education Judy Todd, Director of Assessment & Data Analysis Mary Fredrickson, and Special Education Team Administrators Catherine Carey and Donna Cunningham presented an update on the Middle School Math Reteach Initiative, a collaborative effort of Grades 7-8 Special Education teachers, Team Administrators, and Middle School Principals. With the goal of raising middle school Math assessment scores, the initiative focused on developing alternative means to teach lessons and directly impact Math performance.

Middle School Principals utilize the daily Student Support Block as opportunity for students to meet with teachers for reteach opportunity on the same day as the original lesson. The design team focused on how to engage students meaningfully with hands-on and multi-modal lessons. The benefits of teacher collaboration and the inclusion model are many: different learning methods support achievers of all levels and enhance understanding. Multiple system-wide opportunities for Professional Development and collaboration between general and special education teachers. Teacher collaboration fosters improving student understanding and achievement through shared resources and teaching strategies, building relationships and collegiality, and developing alternative methods for instruction. The Math Reteach model is about evolving from a fixed mindset that math ability is somehow a gift that is fixed and unchangeable to a growth mindset, where students understand that with effort, they can learn.

Mrs. Fredrickson reviewed the progress in narrowing the gap between students with and without disabilities. In 2015, the median Student Growth Percentile for students with disabilities in full inclusion classes moved 10 points to 64.5. 33% of students with disabilities in full inclusion classes scored Advanced or Proficient on the 2015 MCAS. 66% of students without disabilities scored Advanced or Proficient on the 2015 Mathematics MCAS.

Mrs. Lebo said this is an amazing progress and asked for clarification that the data was for all Grades 7 and 8 students. Ms. Isola said the progress is great to see, many positive steps, and would like to continue to monitor the initiative.

Ms. Todd thanked Senior Director of Middle School Curriculum & Programs Madeline Roy for her collaboration on this Initiative.

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New Business

Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Athletics Created

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to create an Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Athletics for the purpose of analyzing student athletic participation and exploring the current MIAA league status of both Quincy and North Quincy High School teams. The Ad Hoc Subcommittee team will work with the high school Principals, Athletic Directors, and the Superintendent. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion.

On the motion, Mayor Koch suggested a friendly amendment to create a Subcommittee rather than an Ad Hoc Subcommittee.

Mrs. Lebo amended the motion to create a new Athletics Subcommittee for the purpose of analyzing student athletic participation and exploring the current MIAA league status of both Quincy and North Quincy High School teams. The Athletics Subcommittee team will work with the high school Principals, Athletic Directors, and the Superintendent. Mayor Koch seconded the amended motion.

On the motion, Ms. Isola suggested that an Athletics Subcommittee would still refer items to the Budget & Finance and Policy Subcommittee as needed.

On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 5-2. Mr. DeAmicis and Mrs. Hubley voted NO.

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New Business

Overnight Travel

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Overnight travel of Quincy High School Skills USA State Leadership Conference, Marlborough, Massachusetts, April 28-30, 2016. On the motion, Mrs. Hubley noted that the QHS Nurse signature was missing from the form. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Out of State Travel

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Out of State travel of North Quincy High School Debate Team to Greenwich, Connecticut, April 23-24, 2016. On the motion, Mrs. Hubley noted the question about signed permission slips was left blank on the form. Mr. DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mayor made a motion to approve the Out of State travel of North Quincy High School Debate Team to Washington DC, February 26-28, 2016. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mr. Bregoli asked that care be taken to ensure that the Student Travel Request forms are filled out completely.

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Communications

Upcoming meetings were announced: Regular Meetings on February 10, 2016, March 2 and March 16, 2016 all at 7:00 pm at the Coddington Building; Subcommittee Meetings for Budget & Finance on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 5:00 pm; Policy on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 5:30 pm; and Health, Transportation & Safety on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 5:00 pm.

Ms. Isola noted that when an email is sent to all members of the School Committee, members may not “reply all” as this is a violation of the Open Meeting Law.

Mrs. Hubley noted that this also applies to communications on social media platforms.

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Reports of Subcommittees

Mr. Bregoli noted that all Subcommittee meeting minutes are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com.

Special Education

Mrs. Mahoney reviewed the Special Education Subcommittee Meeting held on January 20, 2016. Agenda items included a review of the next generation motor skills program being piloted at Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center, the Aspen Special Education Module implementation, and an update on QPAC goals and events.

Ms. Isola reviewed the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting held on January 25, 2016. Mrs. Fredrickson and Mrs. Papile presented the Annual System Profile, reviewing statistics and indicators for the 2015-2016. In addition, Next Generation Assessments currently being piloted were reviewed.

Subcommittee Meeting Minutes Approved

As there were no corrections to the meeting minutes the January 20, 2016 Special Education Subcommittee and January 25, 2016 Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting minutes, the minutes were approved as presented.

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Adjournment

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:25 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mahoney and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.