Dec. 9, 2015 School Committee Meeting

Revised Agenda

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Wednesday, December 9, 2015, 6:00 pm
Coddington Building

I. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting Minutes for November 18, 2015.

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. ‘Tis the Season

B. Student Recognitions: Project 351

C. QPAC Family Event

D. Farm to School Grant

E. E-Day Resources

F. Home School Connections: Atherton Hough Elementary School Monthly Newsletter

G. Program Connections: Extended Education Newsletter

IV. Old Business:

A. FY2016 Additional Budget Appropriation - Dr. DeCristofaro

V. New Business:

A. American Education Week Poster and Essay Contest Winners - Ms. Hallett, Mrs. Perkins, Ms. Roy

B. Narcan (for referral to Policy Subcommittee) - Mr. Bregoli

C. Out of State Travel:

1. Central Middle School Grade 8 to New York City, New York, June 8-10, 2016.

2. North Quincy High School AFJROTC to Fredricksburg, Virginia, April 8-12, 2016.

D. Overnight Travel: Quincy High School to Harvard Model Congress, Boston, Massachusetts, February 18-21, 2016.

VI. Additional Business:

VII. Communications:

A. Upcoming School Committee Meetings: January 13, 2016; January 27, 2016; February 10, 2016, all at 7:00 p.m.

B. Upcoming Subcommittee Meetings:

1. Budget & Finance: Monday, January 11, 2016, 5:00 p.m.

2. Facilities & Security: Monday, January 11, 2016, 5:30 p.m.

3. Special Education: Wednesday, January 20, 2016, 6:00 p.m.

4. Teaching & Learning: Monday, January 25, 2016, 5:00 p.m.

5. Health, Transportation, & Safety: Monday, February 8, 5:00 p.m.

6. Policy: Monday, February 8, 6:00 p.m.

VIII. Reports of Subcommittees:

A. Teaching and Learning: Ms. Isola to report on the December 7, 2015 meetings.

B. Policy: Mr. Bregoli to report on the December 7, 2015 meeting

IX. Executive Session: None

X. Adjournment:


Subcommittees of the School Committee

Budget & Finance
Hubley/Bregoli, DiBona, Isola, Koch, Mahoney, McCarthy

  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 and Security
McCarthy/Bregoli/Hubley

  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/Teel 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.

  4. Security Audit Referred at the November 18, 2015 School Committee meeting. Consideration of an outside review of Quincy Public Schools safety and security practices.

Health, Transportation & Safety
DiBona/Bregoli/McCarthy

  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/Isola/Hubley

  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 OpportunitiesReferred 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.

Special Education
Mahoney/DiBona/McCarthy

  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
Hubley/Isola/Mahoney

Teaching and Learning
Isola/Hubley/Mahoney

  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
DiBona/McCarthy

Sterling/Point Webster Grade 5
McCarthy/Bregoli/DiBona/Hubley/Isola/Koch/Mahoney

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/Bregoli/DiBona/Hubley/Koch/Mahoney/McCarthy

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

Minutes

Quincy, Massachusetts – December 9, 2015
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

Regular Meeting

A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at the Central Middle School. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Noel DiBona, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mayor Thomas Koch, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. David McCarthy, and Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Vice Chair.

Vice-Chair Presiding

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The Superintendent called the roll and all were present. Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mr. Nicholas Ahearn, Ms. Christine Barrett, Mr. Robert Cavallo, Mr. Michael Connor, Mrs. Susan Shea Connor, Mr. Rick DeCristofaro, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Mr. Daniel Gilbert, Mr. James Hennessy, Ms. Margaret MacNeil, Ms. Maureen MacNeil, Mr. Michael Marani, Mrs. Robin Moreira, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Ann Pegg, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Marisa Qualter, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Kevin Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Judy Todd, Ms. Ruth Witmer; School Committee member-elect James DeAmicis; and Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox.

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There was a moment of silence for Eric Bigham, Grade 5 student at Wollaston Elementary School and Gil DiLorenzo, former Music teacher at Broad Meadows Middle School.

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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 11/18/15

Ms. Isola made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bregoli, to approve the Regular Meeting minutes for November 18, 2015. 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 introducing Central Middle School Principal Rick DeCristofaro, who welcomed the Mayor, School Committee, students and parents to Central Middle School.

Dr. DeCristofaro introduced the three Project 351 Ambassadors for 2016: Alyssa Gonzales (Central Middle School with Mentor Aaron Skowyra), Juliana Tracey (Broad Meadows Middle School with Mentors Ron Adams and Daniel Gilbert), and Virginia To (Point Webster Middle School with Mentor Jacqueline Principi).

Dr. DeCristofaro announced the MCAS Accountability Data had been released by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This year’s Level 1 schools are Merrymount, Montclair, and Parker Elementary Schools and Atlantic and Point Webster Middle Schools.

New Business

American Education Week Poster & Essay Contest Winners

Dr. DeCristofaro asked to move to New Business and proceed to American Education Week Poster and Essay Contest Winners.

Elementary Curriculum Director Erin Perkins introduced the Grades K through 5 winners:

  • Grades K through 1: Wollaston Elementary School, Mrs. Fallon’s Kindergarten (1st place); Snug Harbor Community School, Mrs. Lynch & Ms. Carr’s Grade 1 classes (2nd place); Atherton Hough Elementary School, Mrs. Qualter’s Grade 1 class (3rd place)

  • Grades 2-3: Shauna Foran, Clifford Marshall Elementary School, Grade 3 (1st place); Gia Hua, Lincoln Hancock Community School, Grade 3 (2nd place); and Casey Perdios, Clifford Marshall Elementary School, Grade 2 (3rd place)

  • Grades 4-5: John Thomas Malvesti, Merrymount Elementary School, Grade 5 (1st place); William Lam, Snug Harbor Community School (2nd place); Niamh Roland, Clifford Marshall Elementary School (3rd place)

  • Grades 6-8: Jennifer Small, Central Middle School, Grade 8 (1st place); Jackson Zhao, Atlantic Middle School, Grade 8 (2nd place); Ryleigh Smith, Broad Meadows Middle School, Grade 7 and Margaret Fay, Broad Meadows Middle School, Grade 6 (3rd place tie)

  • Grades 9-10: Klei Hamzallari, Quincy High School, Grade 10 (1st place); Peter Anderson, North Quincy High School, Grade 10 (2nd place); Frances Papandile, North Quincy High School, Grade 10 (3rd place)

Each first place winner read their essay or shared their poster with School Committee.

Ms. Isola thanked the students, teachers, parents, this is the most enjoyable evening of the year.

After a brief recess, Dr. DeCristofaro resumed the Superintendent’s Report.

Superintendent’s Report (resumed)

‘Tis the Season was held on Thursday, December 3, thanks to the support of community business partners, including the Quincy Symphony Orchestra. Almost 800 staff, students, parents, retired teachers, and other community members attended.

On Wednesday, December 2, Undersecretary of Agriculture Kevin Concannon visited Quincy High School in recognition of Quincy receiving a Farm to School Implementation Grant of $72,000. The grant will be used to support STEM education and Health & Wellness initiatives and increase opportunities for locally sourced foods. Thanks to the Mayor’s Office and Planning & Community Development for their initiative in developing the grant proposal in collaboration with Quincy Public Schools.

The Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education held a gingerbread decorating night on Friday, December 4. Over 35 families attended, thanks to QPAC Board members Debby Nabstedt and Cassandra Beck. Students also attended the Enchanted Village under a grant secured by QPAC.

Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by noting that the Atherton Hough, Montclair, and Squantum Elementary School and Extended Education Program Newsletters had been shared with School Committee.

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Old Business

FY2016 Additional Budget Appropriation

Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed the additional $250,000 appropriation given to Quincy Public Schools by the Mayor this fall when the Full-Day Kindergarten grant from the state was partly reinstated. School Principals were surveyed and members of the Curriculum & Assessment and Principal teams saw presentations and proposals for several vendors. 80 Eno Interactive whiteboards and 76 short-throw projectors will be installed in 58 elementary school classrooms; 16 middle school classrooms at Atlantic, Broad Meadows, and Point Webster; and 10 classrooms at North Quincy High School. Central Middle School will receive replacement pens for their already-installed Eno Boards, Quincy High School will receive 4 replacement short-throw projectors; and Sterling Middle School will receive portable projectors and whiteboards reallocated from other schools.

Installation and introductory staff training will begin in January. Follow-up training to support the new users and accelerate advanced users will continue through the winter and spring. Looking at establishing technology champions in each building. The hope is to reach the maximum potential for student engagement. Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Madeline Roy, Keith Segalla, and Robert Cavallo, and the Mayor for the allocation, which will make a huge impact on hundreds of students.

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New Business (resumed)

Narcan to Policy Subcommittee

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to move training school nurses to administer Narcan into the Policy Subcommittee. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Out of State Travel

Ms Isola made a motion to approve the Out of State travel of Central Middle School Grade 8 to New York City, New York, June 8-10, 2016. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Out of State travel of North Quincy High School AFJROTC to Fredricksburg, Virginia, April 8-12, 2016. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Overnight Travel

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel of Quincy High School to Harvard Model Congress, Boston, Massachusetts, February 18-21, 2016. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Communications

Upcoming meetings were announced: Regular Meeting on January 13 and 27, 2016; February 10, 2016, all at 7:00 pm at the Coddington Building; Subcommittee Meetings for Special Education on Wednesday, January 20, 2016; Teaching & Learning and Budget & Finance on Monday, January 25, 2016.

Mayor Koch announced the Inauguration will be on Monday, January 4, 2016 at 10:00 am in the Great Hall at Old City Hall.

Joint Convention of the City Council and School Committee will be held on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 6:30 pm for the purpose of appointing the School Committee member to fill Noel DiBona’s term.

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Reports of Subcommittees

Mrs. Hubley noted that all Subcommittee meeting minutes are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com.

Teaching & Learning

Ms. Isola reviewed the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting held on December 7, 2015. E-Day Resources for students and families will be posted on the Quincy Public Schools website to provide opportunities for student enrichment beyond the bell. Mrs. Perkins presented on the opportunities for advanced elementary school students in Quincy Public Schools and in cities and towns in Massachusetts. North Quincy High School Principal Robert Shaw and Senior Curriculum Director Madeline Roy presented on Advanced Placement pathways from Grade 5 through 12 in Quincy Public Schools.

Policy

Mr. Bregoli reviewed the Policy Subcommittee Meeting held on December 7, 2015. Executive Director Keith Segalla presented the Technology & Training Program Improvement Plan and the goals for 2015-2016. The plan was approved by the Policy Subcommittee. The Subcommittee also reviewed and re-affirmed the Concussion Policy with no changes.

Subcommittee Meeting Minutes Approved

As there were no corrections to the meeting minutes for the December 7, 2015 Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting minutes and the December 7, 2015 Policy Subcommittee Meeting minutes, all minutes were approved as presented.

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Dr. DeCristofaro wished each member of School Committee Happy Holidays on behalf of himself, Deputy Superintendent Mulvey, and the Superintendent’s Leadership Team.

Dr. DeCristofaro noted that this is the last School Committee meeting for two School Committee members. Mr. Noel DiBona (2014-2015), served as chair of the Health, Safety, and Transportation Subcommittee, monitored many Health & Wellness initiatives, looking forward to working with him as a member of the Quincy City Council. Mr. DiBona thanked Dr. DeCristofaro, Mayor Koch, and School Committee colleagues, learned much from the different perspectives each member brings. Looking forward to continuing with Quincy Public Schools as a parent, the whole experience has been unmatched. Thanked Dave McCarthy for mentoring him.

Dr. Decristofaro spoke about Dave McCarthy, School Committee member from 2004 to 2015. Mr. McCarthy knows every inch of every school building and was School Committee Chair for 2008-2009, two very difficult budget years. Mr. McCarthy chaired the Budget Subcommittee, Health & Safety, and Facility & Security and served on every Subcommittee. Mr. McCarthy served with 14 different School Committee members and 2 mayors. He was an advocate for class sizes, music and band programs, athletics, building facilities, Full-Day Kindergarten, investments in technology, curriculum, infrastructure and most of all, student and staff safety.

Mr. McCarthy was presented with a chair commemorating his years of service.

Mr. McCarthy said that he is most proud of work to shore up building security with the support of Mayor and City Council, Quincy is ahead of other cities and towns. The Special Education department is near and dear to Mr. McCarthy and he always wanted to be sure that the program was strong. Director Judy Todd has done a great job, but Mr. McCarthy stayed on the Subcommittee throughout his tenure, partly from understanding how tough it can be as a parent.

When Mr. McCarthy first joined the School Committee, he learned from some committed veterans, served with two Mayors who both care about the city and felt strongly about education. He enjoyed all colleagues, past and present, strong work ethic. The Superintendent and Leadership Team have been an honor and privilege to work with.

Mayor Koch extended his gratitude to Mr. DiBona, will look forward to further conversations on City Council. Mr. McCarthy, grew to respect work ethic and passion for the school system, dedication has made a difference. Expects to see him in future service to the City of Quincy.

Mrs. Mahoney appreciated the time serving with Mr. DiBona. Mr. McCarthy has been an enormous treasure for Quincy Public Schools with such dedication to families, will be sorely missed.

Ms. Isola wished Mr. DiBona best in work on City Council. It has been an absolute privilege to serve with Mr. McCarthy. As a parent, Mr. McCarthy always treated her with respect. As a colleague, Mr. McCarthy set a strong example as she learned to be a School Committee member. Mr. McCarthy is always prepared, passionate, but advocates in a respectful way. In twelve years of service, he has always brought a sense of humor to lighten the room when topics are controversial and has a talent for leading the group to compromise. Ms. Isola is confident that we will see him again and will miss sitting next to him.

Mr. Bregoli feels sad for the loss of both colleagues from School Committee, congratulated Mr. DiBona on his election to City Council. Mr. McCarthy leaves a legacy for his work on School Committee, especially his relationships with colleagues. Mr. McCarthy made a significant mark on the community and the School Committee.

Mrs. Hubley wished Mr. DiBona and Mr. McCarthy both well.

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Adjournment

Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 7:45 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. McCarthy and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.