Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee Meeting - March 13, 2019
A meeting of the Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee was held on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 6:00 pm in the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. Anthony Andronico, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mr. Doug Gutro, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent Richard DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Sarah Anderson, Ms. Rita Bailey, Mr. Kevin Mahoney, Mr. Jean-Jacques Niamkey, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri; Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Athletics & Well Subcommittee Chair Doug Gutro called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm.
Special Education Coordinator Sarah Anderson updated on the Special Education programs held at the South Shore YMCA. One hundred elementary, middle, and high school students are involved from the Learning Center, CARES, and PASS programs at Snug Harbor, Squantum, Sterling, Atlantic, Broad Meadows, and NQHS. Students participate in spin, yoga, and Zumba classes, basketball, soccer, swimming, and field house activities. Eight teachers and 16 paraprofessional staff members support the students through team and social skills building.
Dr. DeCristofaro said that the South Shore YMCA has been a very generous partner and this program began last year and expanded this year. Each class is there for an hour each week.
Health Services Coordinator Rita Bailey presented an overview of the types of School Wellness Activities through school nurses: My Plate, Try a New Vegetable, extended day activities, walking club. The Quincy Public Schools Health & Wellness Symposium is held each fall and spring, upcoming on April 3, Wellness teams from all schools collaborate. A Matter of Heart is held each year in February, all Grade 8 students for the last 5 years (over 3000 students) have basic skills class. Over 400 parents and students have received full certification on voluntary basis.
Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile reviewed Professional Development opportunities. The second SADD Summit will be held on May 9, a follow up to the fall event with student representatives from NQHS, QHS, and Braintree High School. Planning will begin on Friday, March 15, the students will showcase what they have accomplished.
Mr. Bregoli is interested in ensuring parallel opportunities at all schools. Ms. Papile said that each site has unique needs, many activities fall under the larger categories of social-emotional learning or enhanced activities. Ms. Bailey said that through the Health Symposium the Wellness teams from each school have the opportunities to collaborate and share their initiatives. Mrs. Hubley said that each school has unique programs that reflect the demographics of the school. Mr. Gutro suggested a matrix that documents the types of initiatives that are at each school.
Athletic Directors JJ Niamkey and Kevin Mahoney presented an update on Winter Athletics, another very successful season for student athletes at both schools. NQHS Hockey played into Quarterfinals, the relay swimming team qualified for States, and indoor track athletes qualified for Sectional & D1 for Long Jump and Hurdles. QHS Boys & Girls Basketball and Boys Hockey all played in the first round of the MIAA tournaments. 11 All-Stars for QHS and 8 for NQHS, each had five Sportsmanship Awards and 4 Scholar Athletes. Cooperative teams for Wrestling, Swimming, Girls Hockey all saw growth in numbers and competitiveness. Overall participation levels were slightly increased at NQHS and QHS, NQHS Boys Hockey saw growth with a Freshman/JV team this year. There was a new Swimming coach for the Cooperative team.
The Spring Athletics season begins March 18 with tryouts, preseason meetings with coaches are completed, including AED & CPR training. Parent & athlete meetings at NQHS on March 11 and QHS on March 25. Both Athletic Directors have met with the new Parks & Recreation Commissioner Dave Murphy about scheduling and field conditions.
Mr. Gutro asked about Bishop Field, there was some discussion about improvements needed for multiple fields, including Pond Street, Welcome Young, and Bishop Field.
Mr. Bregoli asked about collection of user fees. Dr. DeCristofaro said that the Athletics Revolving account will be reviewed during the budget process. Mr. Bregoli asked about waiving user fees for students on free & reduced lunch. Dr. DeCristofaro said that the Athletic Directors and Principals work with families to evaluate financial issues and make accommodations as needed.
Mrs. Hubley asked about Girls Hockey, Mr. Niamkey said the team consistently dresses 12-15 players, including several Grade 8 students on waivers. Mr. Niamkey is expecting an increase as current middle school players age into high school.
Mr. Bregoli said that he has also met with Mr. Murphy and is looking forward to a collaborative working relationship.
Dr. DeCristofaro said that Mr. Murphy will be presenting at an upcoming School Committee meeting, either April 10 or May 1.
Mr. Gutro said that the Athletic Directors have a great connectivity to youth sports in Quincy
Mr. Mahoney said that Middle School Volleyball was again very successful, over 250 students participated in the varsity and jv levels. The middle school wrestling program had 25 students and competed in a citywide meet at Quincy High School supported by the high school wrestlers. The Middle School Swim program is just underway and a Middle School Golf program pilot is planned for this spring, the high school coaches are supporting.
Mr. Bregoli would like to see middle school Soccer and Basketball programs to support connectivity to the high school programs.
For the Coach Evaluations, the winter process went well, coaches appreciate the constructive feedback. The Athletic Directors feel the rubrics established works well, Principals also participate in the process.
Mr. Bregoli said both Athletic Directors put in so much time, attend many practices and games and are consistent in observing the coaches.
Mr. Taglieri concurred, both Athletic Directors are supportive to coaches and accessible to parents and students.
Mr. Andronico made a motion to adjourn the Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee at 7:10 pm.