Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – April 12, 2017
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
April 12, 2017 at the Coddington Building. The Superintendent called the
roll and present were School Committee Chairman Mayor Thomas Koch,
Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. James DeAmicis, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo,
and Mrs. Anne Mahoney.
Chairman Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens,
Clerk; Mrs. Rita Bailey, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Danielle Fernandez, Ms.
Beth Hallett, Ms. Kerrian Hart, Mr. Ryan Herlihy, Ms. Kristin Houlihan, Ms.
Robin Kaplan, Ms. Kathy Mahoney, Ms. Rebecca McInnis, Ms. Karen
McPartlin, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs.
Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Caitlyn Plaskasovitis, Ms. Madeline Roy,
Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms. Kathy Toracco; Quincy Education Association President
Allison Cox; and Quincy High School Student Representative Owen Doherty.
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There was a moment of silence in memory of Ms. Sharon Jarvie, Pre-Kindergarten
Paraprofessional for over 20 years.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
3.15.2017
Mrs. Hubley made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeAmicis to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for March 15, 2017. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee went on to the next
item on the agenda.
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Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by noting that there were
pins for School Committee in recognition of autism awareness. Dr. DeCristofaro
then introduced Quincy High School Career & Technical Education Department
Chair Rebecca McInnis McInnis, Skills USA Advisor Kerrian Hart and the SkillsUSA
District Medalists: Norapat Rerngkasetig and Ben Parrish (Gold Medal for 3-D
Visualization and Animation; Thanh Tung Duong (Gold Medal for Electronics
Technology); Terry Deng (Silver Medal for Electronics Technology); Chi Tsao
(Bronze Medal for Electronics Technology); Aniruddha Doke and George McGee
(Silver Medal for Robotics and Automation Technology); Dashiel Chin (Bronze
Medal for Information Technology Service); and Vincent Tran (Bronze Medal for
Internetworking).
Ms. McInnis then introduced Fashion Technology Teacher Robin Kaplan and the
Career & Technical Education Student of the Year Emily Barker, Fashion
Technology Major. Ms. Barker is a member of the National Honor Society (ranks
14th in graduating class), Horizons Choir, Drama Club, and was costume
coordinator for Quincy High School’s recent production of Hello, Dolly.
Executive Director of Career & Technical Education Keith Segalla noted that at the
May 3 School Committee meeting, the CTE Program Advisory Team will present.
Quincy High School’s annual Fashion Show will be held on May 12 at 7:00 pm, and
on May 24, Quincy High School will host a Women in the Trades Summit
sponsored by Callahan Construction.
Mrs. Lebo said the SkillsUSA accomplishments are incredible, noting that Quincy
High School swept the Electronics Technology medals. Mrs. Lebo also enjoyed
seeing Ms. Barker’s fashion designs.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked all the students, so proud to have them here and thanked
parents for support.
Dr. DeCristofaro introduced Inspire Quincy, featuring highlights from Digital
Learning Week, Atlantic’s Young Writers magazine, Central’s STEM Fair, the North
Quincy & Quincy High School Spring Concerts featuring the choruses and
combined high school band.
Dr. DeCristofaro then reviewed the recent Parent Academy events: Learning to
Read, Part 3 on Dyslexia and Brain Boosters for Breaks.
The Sterling Building Committee met on April 11 and discussed site preparations
that will begin in June once school is out for the summer. Dr. DeCristofaro is
working with Public Buildings, the City Solicitor, and City Councilors to schedule a
Community Meeting and prepare for an upcoming presentation for Sterling Staff.
North Quincy and Quincy High School Physics students visited Boston University
and Nobel Laureate Sheldon Glashow; student evaluations were enthusiastic and
we hope to plan another Nobel Laureate for next Fall.
The 2nd Annual Picnic in the Park will be held on Saturday, April 29 from 11:00 am
to 2:00 pm at the Adams Historic Site. The event is a collaboration of the National
Park Service, the city’s Planning & Community Development Department, and
Quincy Public Schools, with funding provided through the USDA Farm to School
Grant.
The 2nd Annual Healthy Choices Family Night will be held on Thursday, April 27 at
Central Middle School (middle school parents) and Veterans Stadium for
Elementary & Middle School students.
The week of March 27-31 was Digital Learning Week and featured professional
development opportunities for staff members, thanks to Digital Learning Team
chairs Ed Smith, Quincy High School’s Science Department Chair and Senior
Curriculum Director Madeline Roy.
The Middle School Swimming Championship was April 1, over 100 students
participated, supported by parents, middle school principals and assistant
principals, coaches. The McGillicuddy family was there as well to be part of the
event, in recognition of Bob McGillicuddy’s organization of this annual event.
For Beyond the Bell, the STEM Saturday morning program concluded on April 1,
130 students over 6-week program under the direction of Bernazzani teacher
Case Deaguero and Extended Education Coordinator Mike Marani.
A Choral Camp will be held on April 18 and19, over 100 Grades 3-5 students will
participate at Montclair and Quincy High School. Dr. DeCristofaro announced that
North Quincy High School Drama Club will present Back to the 80s on May 5, 6,
and 7.
The Quincy Public Schools Spring Concert schedule was shared with School
Committee, along with Newsletters for QHS Athletics, QPS Food Services, and the
QPS Band Program. Additional Inspire Quincy footage was shared with School
Committee on CD.
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Old Business
There was no Old Business.
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New Business
Student Support
Initiatives
Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile presented an update on
Student Support Initiatives focused on protecting teens from the devastating
effects of addiction. Quincy Public Schools is in a unique position to make an
impact through the leadership of Mayor Koch, Superintendent DeCristofaro and
the School Committee. Our professional educators go above and beyond the
school day to engage students and families
Central Middle School Guidance Counselor Kathy Mahoney and Health Teacher
Caitlin Plaskasovitis presented the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
program which is being introduced at the middle school level, providing peer to
peer education that provides support for healthy decisions.
Quincy High School Dean Karen McPartlin presented on Care Dimensions, a
program offering bereavement supports within our schools. Grief support groups
are important as 1 in 10 students affected by death of someone close to them. The
program provides opportunity for peer sharing and support; both high schools are
offering this program, referrals are from staff and sometimes other students.
Quincy High School Health Interventionist Kerriann Hart presented on Substance
Use Prevention Week held the week of January 4, sponsored by Mayor Koch’s
office. Kathy Torraco presented on Pay It Forward, a group where peer support
leaders to assist with transition from middle to high school, positive healthy
decision-making, and resisting negative peer pressure. Meaningful collaborations
include Manet Health, the Caron & Gavin Foundations, Impact Quincy, and the
Thompson Family. One example of outreach is Sports Injury Management,
support for alternates for prescription medications. MIAA Opioid Use Prevention
program supports information sharing between coaches, students, parents, and
health care professionals.
North Quincy High School Health Interventionist Ryan Herlihy presented on
Substance Use Prevention Curriculum through the Life Skills Curriculum,
understanding the impact of alcohol and marijuana on the adolescent brain. North
Quincy High School Nurse Kristin Houlihan spoke of how the middle and high
school programs work together to reinforce the importance of making safe
choices. North Quincy High School teacher Danielle Fernandez, Student Council
advisor, spoke of the collaboration of Student Council with SADD, ROTC, Quincy
International Student Association, and the Rainbow Alliance. Looking ahead, 40
sophomore mentors will be trained to prepare for September 2017 freshman
supports.
Rebecca Fiddler from Baystate Community Services discussed her collaboration
with both high schools to provide training; her clinical background is in intensive
adolescent recovery, both residential and outpatient. Ms. Fiddler also works with
Manet Community Health Centers on screening tools for substance abuse
prevention and recovery. Being in the schools is an opportunity for
communication, allows students to ask for help before so far down the road to
require interventions. Legalization of marijuana will present new challenges for
all providers.
Mrs. Papile reviewed new collaborations with BlueCross/Blue Shield and Boston
Children’s Hospital. Parent engagement tools provide support for substance
abuse topics and keeping teens safe. At the upcoming Family Healthy Choices
night, middle school parents will be invited to see a presentation of Drug Story
Theater, Thursday, April 27.
Mr. Bregoli thanked all the presenters, very important to see all the supports
provided. Mrs. Lebo said the wrap-around services are incredible, very concerned
about the mixed messages of the marijuana legislation. Suggested the topic would
be a good one for a Parent Academy. Mrs. Papile said this is a complicated issue,
the April 27 is the first event, there will be others to follow.
Mayor Koch thanked Mrs. Papile and the team of presenters, we are talking about
these issues and that is important. The additional program and information
provided to families, collaboration with the partners and outside resources to
leverage the message to family. Praised the staff for their work, can’t measure
how many kids each of these adults have saved from going down the path.
Mrs. Mahoney asked for clarification on Ms. Fiddler’s collaboration with Quincy
Public Schools. Ms. Fiddler provided a professional development for deans,
guidance, high school nurses, and health interventionists. Student groups have
started at Quincy High School and will begin at North Quincy High School after
April vacation. Mrs. Mahoney applauds all of the efforts, we are doing a much
better job than we have ever done. The availability of edibles is another topic to
be discussed, can be ingested by a student of any age.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the status of a specific grant opportunity from Attorney
General Healy’s office. Mrs. Papile said we are combining funding from many
sources to address parent concerns and partner with them and provide
educational tools.
Dr. DeCristofaro said these incredible adults are role models and supports for our
students and families, building trust and relationships. They all give so much
above and beyond the school day, living what is in their hearts. The leadership of
Maura and Rita Bailey makes a difference in the lives of so many kids and families.
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New Business
Out of State Travel
(One Day)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Montclair
Elementary School Grade 5 to Canobie Lake Park, Windham, New Hampshire on
June 15, 2017. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a voice vote, the
ayes have it.
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New Business
Overnight Travel
(In-State)
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel of Quincy High School
SkillsUSA to the State Competition in Marlboro, Massachusetts on April 27-29,
2017. The motion was seconded by Mr. DeAmicis and on a voice vote, the ayes
have it.
§
New Business
Overnight Travel
(Out of State)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Overnight/Out of State Travel of North
Quincy High School AFJROTC to the JROTC Academic Bowl at Catholic University
in Washington, D.C. on June 23-27, 2017. The motion was seconded by Mayor
Koch and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Overnight/Out of State Travel of North
Quincy High School AFJROTC to the Cardigan Lodge in Bristol, New Hampshire on
June 27-29, 2017. The motion was seconded by Mayor Koch and on a voice vote,
the ayes have it.
§
Additional Business
There was no Additional Business.
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Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: School Committee on May 3, 2017 and June
14, 2017at the Coddington Building at 6:30 pm; the May 17, 2017 meeting will be
held at Central Middle School.
Upcoming Subcommittee meetings were announced: Teaching & Learning will
meet on May 1, 2017 at 5:00 pm. Facilities & Security will meet on May 8, 2017 at
5:00 pm. The FY2018 Budget & Finance Subcommittee meetings will be held on
May 10, May 16, and May 22, 2017 at 5:00 pm. Special Education will meet on
May 24, 2017 at 6:00 pm. The FY2018 Public Hearing is May 31, 2017 at 6:00 pm.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
Mr. Bregoli noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes
are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com.
Special Education
Mrs. Mahoney reported on the March 22, 2017 Special Education Subcommittee,
featuring presentations on the new Unique Learning System Curriculum and the
LEAP Program at North Quincy High School.
As there were no corrections, the minutes for the March 22, 2017 Special
Education Subcommittee meeting, the minutes were approved as presented.
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Teaching & Learning
In Ms. Isola’s absence, Mrs. Lebo reported on the April 3, 2017 Teaching &
Learning Subcommittee meeting, which featured presentations on Science
Curriculum at Grades K-12 and the High Needs English Learners Team.
As there were no corrections, the minutes for the April 3, 2017 Teaching &
Learning Subcommittee meeting, the minutes were approved as presented.
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Facilities & Security
Mrs. Hubley reported on the April 11, 2017 Facilities & Security Subcommittee
Meeting which focused on the Massachusetts School Building Authority
Accelerated Repair Program projects at Beechwood Knoll Elementary School to be
completed in the Summer of 2017. These include new windows, doors, roof, and
boiler replacement.
The minutes for the April 11, 2017 Facilities & Security Subcommittee were
approved with one correction.
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Quarterly Budget &
Finance
Mrs. Lebo reported on the Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee Meeting
held on April 11, 2017. Mr. Mullaney presented a 3rd Quarter reconciliation of
deficits and surpluses showing that the line items balance out within the total
Quincy Public Schools FY2017 budget.
The minutes for the April 11, 2017 Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee
were approved with one correction.
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Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:25 p.m. The motion
was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.