Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting ~ November 20, 2019
A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 6:00 pm in the Coddington Building. Present were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, Mr. Anthony Andonico, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mr. Peter Dionne, Ms. Marisa Forrester, Ms. Julie Graham, Mr. James Hennessy, Ms. Renee Malvesti, Ms. Margaret MacNeil, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Kimberly Quinn, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Edward Smith, Mr. Stephen Sylvia, Ms. Bridget Vaughan, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Principal James Hennessy presented the Wollaston Elementary School Improvement Plan, in reflecting on last year’s accountability, very positive results with students meeting or exceeding goals for ELA and Mathematics, including Lowest Performing and High Needs. For Science, there was a slight decline, but from a high level the previous year. For the VOCAL Survey, very positive results, indicating that students feel respected, teachers have high expectations and help students learn, classroom environment is collaborative, students feel safe and happy at the school. Goals were met or exceeded for MAP Assessments. Wellness goals continue to be important, and the Wellness Team are looking for opportunities to engage students in planning this year’s events.
Looking ahead, instructional focus will be on developing critical thinking skills with the Principals Path teams creating focused after school programs on STEM and the Vertical team for Science expanded to Grades K-5. Family Engagement is very important at Wollaston, strong PTO,
Mrs. Lebo noted that all Facilities Needs will be referred to the Facilities Subcommittee for School Committee review and prioritization.
Mrs. Lebo asked about air quality issue in the basement area, Mr. Hennessy said the responsiveness of the City made the staff feel secure that the issue is resolved.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to approve the Wollaston Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Steve Sylvia presented the Squantum Elementary School Improvement Plan, noting that this school year is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the school. VOCAL Survey indicated strong culture and climate and this is enhanced by the buzz in the community about the potential new building. MCAS growth is strong with students meeting or exceeding targets in most categories for ELA, Mathematics, and Science, with Science having 63% meeting or exceeded expectations, above the state level. Chronic absenteeism goals were met or exceeded, except for Lowest Performing Students. This year’s goals reflect areas for growth and achievement, with digital literacy skills integrated into action steps. The Principals Path provides the framework, enrichment programs provide academic support, PBIS focus on kindness and positive supports. Mr. Sylvia is thankful for the staff and Superintendent’s Leadership team support. The recent Senior Study visit from the MSBA showed some progress towards the City’s goal of building a new school facility in Squantum in the near future, with School Committee and City Council support.
Mrs. Lebo asked about Lowest Performing Students and attendance, Mr. Sylvia said this represents 23 students and plans this year is to constantly communicate within the school staff and out to the families. The ILT meetings will include a review of this data.
Mr. Bregoli asked if the lowest-performing students live further away in the Squantum district and are transported, Mr. Sylvia said this is not a factor.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Squantum Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mr. Gutro left the meeting at 6:20 pm.
Principal Renee Malvesti presented the Montclair Elementary School Improvement Plan, reflecting on last year’s achievement data, met MCAS and MAP achievement or exceeded the state levels by a large amount. English Learners outscored the state on all curriculum strands and grades. High needs represent 70% of student population, and this group met or exceeded all targets. Chronic absenteeism is very low, exceeded target for reducing the chronic absenteeism rate.
Digital literacy support for recovery curriculum very helpful in assisting students with medical issues. Principal Malvesti is very proud of the Montclair learning community, which was reflected in positive VOCAL results. 100% of students surveyed indicated they are happy to be at Montclair, over 95% feel supported by other students and the staff. With 28 different home languages at Montclair, looking to expand classroom libraries to reflect the student population and get students more involved in creating events at the school. Family engagement is strong at Montclair, Parent Academies at PTO meetings, and support from QARI including English language classes. Extended day activities include academic and enrichment, student council takes leadership on community service projects. Dedicated teachers and support staff, understand the concept of educating the whole child. Principal Malvesti thanked Mayor Koch for sponsoring the recent Fall Academy.
Mr. Andronico arrived at 6:30 pm.
Mrs. Hubley noted that the students want more of a voice but feel that the rules are fair, according to VOCAL survey data.
Mrs. Lebo said the MCAS and MAP date is incredible and the Family Engagement sustain a strong community.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the Facilities Needs for the windows, these were installed about seven years ago. There are issues with window operation and all have been submitted to Public Buildings.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Montclair Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Margaret MacNeil presented the Parker Elementary School Improvement Plan, noting that VOCAL data showed that students are happy to come to school in a safe environment where they feel accepted and respected. Families are partners in their children’s education and teachers meet students where they are through whole and small group instruction and individual interventions. Student success is the result of the whole school community working towards clearly articulated goals and action steps. Families are engaged through curriculum and cultural events, teachers are committed to ongoing professional growth. There is a safety net for students for academics and social emotional; chronic attendance met target for improvement.
Mrs. Lebo asked if the students who did not meet expectations are common across the MCAS curriculum areas and Ms. MacNeil agreed there are definitely some students who struggle with literacy and this effects all areas. Ms. MacNeil said that additional daily checkins are being added for these students.
Mrs. Lebo noted that room 14A needing an intercom is a safety issue.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Parker Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Peter Dionne presented the Bernazzani Elementary School Improvement Plan, noting he is happy to share the vibrant and collaborative culture of the school. The school has an active and involved parents and PTO, the student council is open to all Grade 5 students during school time to broaden opportunities, and Mr. Dionne thanked Mayor Koch for the Fall Academy sponsorship. Through the Principals Path, grade-level and vertical team meetings provide collaborative opportunities for lesson planning and Integrated Learning Team evaluation of student needs. Principal Dionne is very proud of MCAS achievement, the Lowest Performing Students showed growth, and Chronic Absenteeism improved for All Students and High Needs. Bernazzani’s VOCAL survey results were very positive, students indicating that they feel welcome and safe. As with many other schools, students are looking for curriculum materials that reflect their own diversity. Principal Dionne is appreciative of the support of School Committee, Superintendent, Leadership Team and Principal Team.
Mrs. Lebo complimented MCAS data, and noted some impressive growth on the MAP testing. Mrs. Lebo concerned about the absenteeism among Lowest Performing Students,
Mr. Andronico asked about the collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Recreation on the traffic and paving issues. Mr. Dionne said that Ms. Helen Murphy in the Mayor’s Office has been instrumental in the improvements made to date and hopefully, additional work will be done in the spring.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Bernazzani Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 pm. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.