Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Special Education Subcommittee Meeting
Thursday, May 28, 2015
A meeting of the Special Education Subcommittee was held on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 6:00 pm at
the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. Noel DiBona, Ms. Barbara Isola, and Mrs. Anne Mahoney,
Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Mrs. Catherine Carey, Mrs. Donna
Cunningham, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Mr. Richard Kelly, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs.
Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Ms. Judy Todd; Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education
Board Members Ms. Beck and Ms. Nabstedt; Parent Andrea White; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Mrs. Mahoney called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Ms. Todd presented a video of Beyond the Bell activities, including therapeutic opportunities at Snug
Harbor, Squantum, and Clifford Marshall and a Lego activity at Parker. Many teachers and therapists
volunteered for these programs, an extraordinary effort on the part of staff.
Ms. Todd updated that School Committee voted on May 20 to adopt the new Physical Restraint
regulations. Next steps include developing a procedure manual for implementation by January 1,
2016. Ms. Todd also announced that the DESE Special Education parent survey is available online
through May 29. Information was shared with parents through Instant Alert and the QPS
website/social media platforms.
Ms. Todd reviewed an issue discussed at the March meeting that MassHealth/Medicaid members
cannot be reimbursed for services in school and outside school on the same day. Deputy
Superintendent Mulvey researched the issue and has found two possible solutions: one option would
be to request a waiver from Medicaid so that both therapies are reimbursable. Alternately,
scheduling therapies on different days, except where required by doctor’s prescription. Parents and
school will be working together to schedule services so that reimbursement is not impacted.
Ms. Beck asked if there is the option for QPAC to write a letter of concern to Medicaid. Mr. Mulvey
said he would provide contact information; Ms. White suggested contacting state legislators as well.
Ms. Todd reflected on the progress towards the Special Education Program Improvement Goals for
2014-2015. For the Grade 3 DIBELS fluency goal, multiple strategies have been implemented to move
student fluency levels and final data is due in June. For Middle School Math, MCAS scores will be
available in the early fall. The Math Reteach Team has met multiple times, shared strategies, sample
lessons and activities, and will be focusing on math study skills moving forward. Ms. Carey spoke
about compliance issues and IEPs; in reviewing the spring IEPs, language around sensitivity to social
or bullying issues have been added to all IEPs. In addition, for students on the autism spectrum disorder, a checklist was developed and has been utilized in all appropriate IEPs reviewed. For the
out of district students, Mr. Kelley and Ms. Pattavina are employing the same language and checklist.
For the QPAC update, Ms. Beck said the board’s goal is to rebrand QPAC in an effort to get more
parents involved and aiding the students as the first priority. QPAC will be a resource to parents
about the many options available outside the school setting; for example, camps and activities that
will help students build critical social skills so that they will have the tools to participate in schoolbased activities. Ms. Beck said it is difficult for parents to get out once a month. The hope is that
next year, the meeting types and times will be set up to reach the maximum number of parents.
For upcoming events, QPAC will be hosting a Sensory Night on Thursday, June 4 from 6:00 pm to 7:00
pm at Quincy High School. This is a student-focused activity night, with no age limit.
For General Parent Concerns, Ms. Nabstedt mentioned that at Quincy High School, Math & English
Assist is available for Grades 9-10. For Grades 11-12, there are Study Skills classes offered. Several
students have expressed concerns about the transition, so Ms. Todd will speak with the Department
Chair about addressing the needs of these students although the intention is for Grade 11 is to be a
transition to independence and preparation for college.
Mrs. White asked about students with sensory issues and exposure to first responders. Mrs. White
offered her husband for an after-school activity to help familiarize students with police, firefighters,
etc. Ms. Todd said the middle school CARES program at Sterling would be a good site for this activity.
Mrs. Mahoney noted that next year’s Special Education Subcommittee meeting dates will be
scheduled at the School Committee Special Meeting in early September.
Mr. DiBona made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 pm. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion
and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.