Nov. 18, 2013 Health/Safety Sub Meeting

Agenda

Quincy School Committee
Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee
Program Improvement Plan Presentations
Monday, November 18, 2013, 5:00 pm
2nd Floor Conference Room, NAGE Building

Presentation Schedule
  1. Food Services - Joanne Morrissey

  2. Student Support Services - Maura Papile

  3. Health Services - Jane Kisielius

  4. Transportation - Michael Draicchio

Minutes

Quincy School Committee
Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee Meeting
Monday, November 18, 2013

A meeting of the Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee was held on Monday, November 18, 2013 at 5:00 pm in the 2 nd floor Conference Room of the NAGE Building. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mr. Dave McCarthy, and Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Maria Anastasi, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Mrs. Jane Kisielius, Mrs. Joanne Morrissey, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms. Judy Todd, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Mrs. Hubley called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.

Director Joanne Morrissey presented the Food Services Program Improvement Plan. Last year, installation of the computerized point of sale system was completed at all middle schools and Wollaston; elementary school implementation will continue throughout this year. In collaboration with the Food Service Employee Association and Human Resources, an evaluation tool was developed and approved last year. Mrs. Morrissey also collaborated with Health Services and the School Committee on creating the revised Quincy Public Schools Wellness Policy.

For 2013-2014 school year, Food Services are goals: (1) Complete the implementation of computerized point of sale system for all QPS schools by installing hardware/software at all elementary schools by June 30, 2014. In October, the system was implemented at Squantum and Merrymount. Each school takes around two weeks to get up and running from hardware installation and training. Issues include students memorizing their PIN number (which they will keep through high school). In a related goal, (2) By December 30, 2013, select and implement a system whereby parents/guardians can access an online payment system for student meal charges using credit/debit cards or electronic check. System will allow parent/guardian to review student purchase history, check meal account balances, set low-balance reminders, and configure automatic or recurring payments for meal purchases. (3) Collaborate with school principals and cafeteria managers to conduct performance evaluations of all Food Service Employees Association members by June 30, 2014. Mrs. Lebo asked about the Food Service drivers; they are members of the Custodians Union and will be evaluated using a different tool. (4) As a member of the system-level wellness team, work with school Wellness teams to: (a) expand awareness of the QPS Wellness Policy and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation guidelines for competitive foods in schools, (b) promote compliance with current policy, (c) provide resources and assistance to school wellness teams to implement school wellness team goals.

Mrs. Morrissey said that since the interim final Federal nutritional guidelines have been published, more food product variety is available for purchase. The state may modify some of their standards to be in compliance with the Federal standards. Mrs. Lebo asked about food waste; Mrs. Morrissey said that the menu is being adjusted based on student preference within the guidelines. Mr. McCarthy asked about the PIN numbers and whether this was working efficiently; students are issued a card that can be scanned, but also encouraged to memorize their number.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the Food Services Program Improvement Plan. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile presented the Student Support Services Program Improvement Plan and reflected on last year’s achievements. The Guidance Team focused on social skill training, professional development for substance abuse and the impact of brain development; PBIS training and implementation at three schools; and educator evaluation.

Goals for 2013-2014: (1) The Student Support Services Team will continue to analyze high risk data that identifies students at risk system-wide by June 2014. (2) The Student Support Services team will provide guidance and support for the following initiatives: social skills training, PBIS, professional development to all Student Support staff regarding social/emotional barriers to learning by June 2014. This support will extend to assessing and analyzing the effectiveness through student data. Guidance teams at all levels and the Psychologists Team will participate in professional development that is focused on social skills training for students; implement educator evaluation system; and assist in the creation of District-Determined Measures.

The Supervisors of Attendance will assist sites in early interventions, especially for elementary schools and identifying high-risk students. The family assistance conferences are being assessed for their value and the outcomes. They will also continue to verify and monitor residency issues as referred by individual schools. Mail returned to the school is the main way residency issues surface.

The Homeless Liaison is assisting an increasing number of families with housing system issues; families are in hotels for longer time periods and are moved further away. The issue of unaccompanied youth transitioning to college is becoming supported at the college level and the Coordinator has been instrumental in assisting with our students’ transition.

The High School Health Interventionists are focused on substance abuse awareness and prevention education among the other initiatives. The Middle School Health Educators are collaborating on improving school culture and anti-bullying awareness across all schools.

Mrs. Lebo asked about homeless students and Food Services; approximately 135 students are receiving free or reduced lunch. Mrs. Morrissey said that Ms. Bridson is very good about notifying about unaccompanied youth as well. Mrs. Hubley asked about the collaboration between the Health Services and Student Support Services for homeless students. Mrs. Kisielius said the registration process is different and that Ms. Bridson coordinates with the school offices and nursing staff.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the Student Support Services Program Improvement Plan. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Health Services Coordinator Jane Kisielius presented the Health Services Program Improvement Plan. Reflecting on last year’s achievements, the all-day professional development in September combined health services, food services, physical education and health staff, under the training of Alliance for a Healthier Generation staff. 100% of schools completed Wellness inventories, developed goals, and implemented at least one goal, very impressive results. School-based initiatives include before and after-school exercise programs; Jam'n Minutes; walks for causes; healthy snack choices; and health fairs. The team also completed the portfolios for Elementary and Secondary Health Services grant requirement documenting procedures.

Going forward, the Health Service Teams goals for 2013-2014 are: (1) To identify and implement in collaboration with individual school Wellness Teams 1-2 new wellness initiatives based on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation framework and school inventory for the 2013-2014 school year. Nurses, Physical Education teachers, and Health educators attended a workshop about advanced leadership with the goal of implementing 1-2 new initiatives at their schools. Quincy Public Schools is hosting a regional Alliance summit where eight local school districts will collaborate and share best practices. The other team goal is to implement the caseload educator evaluation for this school year; nursing staff have been actively involved in training and goal development.

Student encounters remain high (88,000 last year) but the return to class rate is 91.9%. Nurses collaborate with students and families on concussion (78 last year); BMI screenings (notifications will no longer be shared with parents); complete screenings for sight and hearing. Health aides are assisting with parent follow up. The goal is to complete the screenings earlier, to allow additional time for follow up. Collaborate with Department of Public Health on the dental health program, 1,000 students received services at elementary and middle school level.

The Health, Nutrition, and Wellness Advisory Council will be focusing on parent engagement through expanding awareness of the QPS Wellness Policy and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation guidelines for competitive foods in and promote compliance with current policy in schools and to provide guidance and support to individual school Wellness Teams. Mrs. Lebo complimented the impact of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and how it can be seen throughout the School Improvement Plans and activities. Mrs. Hubley asked about a grant the high school nurses have received; Mrs. Kisielius said there will be activities during Drug Awareness Week in the spring.

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Health Services Program Improvement Plan. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Director of Transportation Michael Draicchio presented the Transportation Program Improvement Plan, noting that the department is busy year-round, summer programs and preparation for the new school year. 83 additional students are being transported this year, including homeless students. Transportation collaborates with Principals and Quincy Police Department on routes, bus stops, and safety issues. Transportation’s goals are continued from previous years and are focused on Professional Development and operational effectiveness for monitoring student transportation. Transportation works collaboratively with Principals and Health Services staff to share medical issues and concerns. Regular contact with the Registry of Motor Vehicles assists in keeping up to date with scheduled inspections and providing safe and well-maintained vehicles. Mr. Draicchio collaborates with the Quincy Police Department on traffic supervisor placement in appropriate locations. Safety measures are in place at the bus yard and we continue to work proactively to ensure continued safety for the staff and vehicles.

Mrs. Lebo asked about the interactions with the outside transportation vendors; Mr. Draicchio said multiple meetings are held throughout the year with the five vendors. Most of the vendors are for out of district placements and some in-district Special Education program. Mrs. Lebo asked about Transportation revenue; it will be similar to last year.

Mr. McCarthy asked about bus availability to cover athletics; no issues currently, but Mr. Draicchio is focused on developing new part-time staff. He also asked about security at the bus yard and Mr. Draicchio said the gate is consistently closed and locked. Mr. McCarthy asked about whether there have been any further discussions about a joint facility with Maintenance and there have been no recent updates.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the Transportation Program Improvement Plan. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn the Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee meeting at 6:15 pm. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.