2-24-2021 School Committee Meetings

2-24-2021 School Committee Meetings
Posted on 02/22/2021

Quincy School Committee

Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee

**This meeting is a Committee of the Whole**

 

Mr. Doug Gutro, Athletics & Wellness Chair

Ms. Kathryn Hubley & Mrs. Emily Lebo, Subcommittee Members

 

Wednesday, February 24, 2021, 5:30 pm

via Zoom

 

Per Governor Baker’s order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A sec. 20, the public will not be allowed to physically access this School Committee meeting.  Members of the Public can access the meeting live on QATV Channel 22 or at www.qatv.org.  The meeting will also be recorded for rebroadcast and posted on the QPS SchoolTube website on Friday, February 26, 2021.

 

AGENDA

  1. Winter 2020-21 Athletics Update   Mr. Mahoney, Mr. Niamkey

     

  2. Fall II 2021 Athletics Overview

                                                     Mr. Mahoney, Mr. Niamkey

QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

ATHLETICS & WELLNESS SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING ~

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

A joint meeting of the Athletics & Wellness and Policy Subcommittees was held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 5:30 pm via Zoom.  Present were Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Courtney Perdios, Mr. Frank Santoro, and Mr. Doug Gutro, Subcommittee Chair.  Also attending were Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Susan Foley, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Jill Kyranis, Mr. Kevin Mahoney, Mr. Jean-Jacques Niamkey, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; Quincy Education Association President Sean Green; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk. 

Quincy High School Athletic Director Kevin Mahoney reviewed the Winter 2020-2021 Athletics Season, thanked the coaches and students and the support of the nursing staff.  Participation was at similar level to past years.  QHS did not have a Freshman Girls Basketball team, a trend in the league; rebuilding year for both Boys and Girls Basketball.  QHS Hockey was competitive, a younger team with only two seniors.  Quincy-North Quincy Girls Hockey had nine wins and made it to the Patriot Cup Quarter Finals.  The Quincy-North Quincy Swim Team competed virtually at the Quincy YMCA location with the rehabilitation of the Lincoln Hancock pool underway.  Basketball and hockey games were livestreamed, which the families appreciated as attendance was limited due to COVID protocols. 

North Quincy High School Athletic Director JJ Niamkey agreed that the support of the nurses and the Quincy Health Department was important to the success of the season.  Mr. Niamkey also thanked the Superintendent and Leadership Team for their assistance with situations as they arose.  QATV, the Mr. Kevin Segalla and Mrs. Doreen Colarusso from the Custodial Department, the Quincy Youth Arena, and the Transportation Department were also key to the success of the season.  Both Boys and Girls Basketball saw the rewards of their rebuilding, some good young talent.  Girls Basketball played into the second round of the Patriot Cup and  Boys Hockey played into the second round of the Patriot Cup.

Mr. Gutro recognized QHS Principal Taglieri and NQHS Principal Shaw who recognized the Athletic Directors, coaches, players, and families for the flexibility.  There were constant scheduling changes and everyone handled the day to day changes well.

Mrs. Lebo thanked the Athletic Directors and asked for clarification about participation.  Mr. Niamkey and Mr. Mahoney said that the rosters were capped so there were fewer players overall, but they had consistent level of interest.  Mr. Mahoney said only a few student-athletes did not participate because of COVID-19 concerns.

Mr. Santoro thanked both the Athletic Directors, a very uncertain season but so important to the students and the community (including extended families and alumni).  Mr. Santoro encouraged the Athletic Directors to keep the Athletics website updated with scores as quickly as possible.

Mrs. Perdios thanked the Athletic Directors and asked if the livestreaming will continue into the next school year and they agreed this will continue. 

Mrs. Hubley asked about students who tried new sports, Mr. Niamkey said these students will be encouraged to stay with this in future years.

Mr. Gutro said that Athletics is a bridge to normalcy for students, so important to social-emotional wellness.  Mr. Gutro asked about any COVID-19 concerns, cases and contact tracing.  Mr. Niamkey and Mr. Mahoney said the school nurses coordinated with students and families and the Health Department for cases and household contacts.  Students filled out the daily self-assessment form which allowed for students with symptoms to be identified early.  Neither high school had any evidence of community spread. 

Mr. Gutro asked about missed games, the Athletic Directors said almost all games were able to be rescheduled.  Mr. Gutro thanked the Athletic Directors, especially important to the seniors some may be hoping to play in college and others who are ending their athletic careers.

Superintendent Mulvey echoed the thanks of the Athletic Directors, many members of the Quincy Public Schools community worked very hard to create these opportunities for our student-athletes.

The next item on the agenda was an overview of Fall II Athletics, a unique season created for sports that were unable to be played in the regular Fall or Winter seasons due to COVID-19 restrictions.  Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Niamkey said that this presentation is based on the guidance for Phase III, Step 1 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA).  The EEA defines sports as “lower risk” (sports or activities that can be done individually); “moderate risk” (sports or activities that involve intermittent close proximity); and “higher risk” (sports or activities with a requirement or substantial likelihood of routine or sustained proximity).  Fall II sports that are approved are Football, Cheerleading, and Indoor Track & Field.  Wrestling is eligible to be a Spring sport this year.  The Fall II season began on February 22 and conclude on April 25.  The Spring season is scheduled to run from April 26 to July 3, but the MIAA will be meeting to finalize this.  Scheduling is underway for Fall II games within the Patriot League.

All players, coaches, spectators, staff, and referees are required to wear face coverings.  Records must be kept of all individuals present at team activities and social distancing between players observed including on bench areas.  Indoor practice participants are capped at 25; additional groups can be added provided there is 14 feet of group separation.  Locker room usage is limited for changing at the school sites.  For spectators, no more than 50 are allowed (under 40% capacity) as long as six feet of distance at all times.  Quincy Public Schools will issue two lanyards to each player’s parents and siblings will be allowed as well for Football. 

Sports-specific modifications were reviewed for Football (limited roster to 45 players and 6 coaches; players must be spaced apart in huddles and face in the same direction; full contact drills allowed up to 30 minutes per week; all equipment disinfected at end of practices); Cheerleading (no sharing of equipment, spacing at a minimum of six feet, and virtual competitions); Indoor Track & Field (meets will be held outdoors with indoor distances; designated spacing for teams, warmups, and mask breaks; event-specific alterations).

As with Fall and Winter Athletics, there are no MIAA post-season tournaments planned.  There is hope to continue the Patriot Cup format into Fall II Athletics.   

The Athletic Directors concluded their presentations by reviewing the preliminary teams planned for the Fall II Athletics season, both schools will have Varsity, JV, and Freshman Football; Cheerleading; Varsity Boys & Girls Indoor Track (Collaborative Team).

Mr. Gutro asked about yesterday’s announcement at the state level that three feet is acceptable for in-person school.  Mr. Niamkey said the EEA and the MIAA have not adjusted their guidelines.  Mr. Niamkey and Mr. Mahoney said adjustments will be made mid-season if necessary.

Mrs. Hubley asked if the roster limits for Football and Cheerleading are drastic reduction from previous years.  Mr. Niamkey said that because of the multiple levels at Football, everyone interested in playing will be able to be on a team.  The challenge will be spacing everyone out on the field.

Mrs. Lebo asked if the Cheerleaders will be able to be at the Football games and Mr. Mahoney confirmed they will and their competitive season will be in the Spring.

Superintendent Mulvey thanked the Athletic Directors for their dedication

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to adjourn the Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee meeting at 6:30 pm.  Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Quincy School Committee

Teaching & Learning Subcommittee

**This meeting is a Committee of the Whole**

 

Mrs. Emily Lebo, Teaching & Learning Chair

Mr. Paul Bregoli & Mr. Frank Santoro, Subcommittee Members

 

Wednesday, February 24, 2021, 5:45 pm

via Zoom

Per Governor Baker’s order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A sec. 20, the public will not be allowed to physically access this School Committee meeting.  Members of the Public can access the meeting live on QATV Channel 22 or at www.qatv.org.  The meeting will also be recorded for rebroadcast and posted on the QPS website on Friday, February 26, 2021.

AGENDA     

  1. One Book, One School Initiative                  Ms. Papile, Ms. Roy

     

  2. APP Planning Meeting Update                     Ms. Perkins, Ms. Roy

     

  3. QPS Student Re-Entry Plan Update            Superintendent Mulvey, Ms. Perkins

QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

TEACHING & LEARNING SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING ~ February 24, 2021

A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 6:30 pm via Zoom.  Present were Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Courtney Perdios, Mr. Frank Santoro, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Chair.  Also attending were Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Susan Foley, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Jill Kyranis, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Edward Smith, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; Quincy Education Association President Sean Green; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Senior Director of Curriculum Madeline Roy introduced the One Book, One School Initiative, an outgrowth of the work of the South~West Middle School Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team.  The concept of “One Book, One School” focuses on selecting a title for all students to read, use book talks or book circles to celebrate themes and to make connections to social-emotional learning.  Coordinator of English Language Arts Bridget Vaughan reviewed the curriculum benefits of the initiative, including demonstrating an integrated model of literacy with increased coherence among reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language standards and reading a literary text that builds knowledge, enlarges experiences, and broadens world views.

Thanks to the Curriculum Text & Learning Budget, every middle school student (and Grade 5 students at Point Webster & South~West) and staff member have received a copy of the book New Kid by Jerry Craft.  This graphic novel is the first of this genre to be a Newbury Award winner.  There will be in-class discussions and school community meetings; each middle school will host a meet the author student and family virtual events in the next few weeks.  The Visions Frameworks will be utilized to assist with conversations about race, equity, and inclusion.  The Meet the Author events are scheduled for each school with a 30-40 minute presentation, Q&A, and a drawing demonstration.

South~West Middle School Assistant Principal Susan Foley and Student Support staff member Jill Kyranis reviewed the process of creating a school-wide project that incorporated social emotional learning with daily teaching, gave teachers and staff a platform for meaningful conversations, and builds community within the school that incorporates both hybrid and remote learners.  In reviewing potential titles for the project, the South~West DEI team looked for issues that resonate with and are important to middle school students, illustrates real world issues that students are thinking about and experiencing, and an accessible format.  Once the title was selected, staff members from different departments planned how and where to read, discuss, teach, and expand on the book, including projects that will be showcased virtually.  Ms. Vaughan reviewed the similar plans for the One Book, One School initiative at Atlantic, Broad Meadows, Central, and Point Webster Middle Schools.

Mrs. Lebo thanked the presenters, a very exciting initiative tying together curriculum and the Visions frameworks.  Mrs. Lebo asked about access to the book for English Learners and students with disabilities.  Ms. Foley said that some of the strategies include teacher read aloud or accessing the audio version. 

Mrs. Hubley asked if the parents or staff will be surveyed as well for their feedback.  Ms. Roy agreed that this is something to pursue.

Mrs. Perdios thanked the presenters, the passion for the project is evident.  Mrs. Perdios asked if there will be parent forums or opportunities to support them in accessing these topics.  Ms. Papile said through PTOs and school-based DEI groups, especially at the elementary schools, parents have had some opportunities and we will be looking for further opportunities.  Mrs. Perdios said this is especially important during the middle school years.  Mrs. Perdios would like to be cautious about Grade 5 students being included as middle school students as there has been emphasis on them retaining their status as elementary students.

Mr. Santoro said that 20 years ago, Central Middle School hosted a similar event where there were small discussion groups of parents, staff, and students.  This is a great idea that Ms. Foley and Ms. Kyranis have taken to another level.

Mr. Gutro echoed all of his colleagues’ comments, an enormous effort to bring the school community together.  Mr. Gutro asked if there is a way to measure the success of the initiative, have other districts done this successfully.  Ms. Roy said that this isn’t a new idea, has seen a resurgence on the South Shore as an effective community building event.  Ms. Roy said what is unique for Quincy is integrating the DEI frameworks, so that instruction and student support are integrated.  Ms. Foley said she has experienced this initiative as a family and the books have remained important to the family.  Ms. Papile said this is really a model of curriculum and student support initiative.  Ms. Roy noted that Clifford Marshall has been doing this for several years.

Superintendent Mulvey thanked the presenters, all of the work in different initiatives coming together in a comprehensive way. 

Ms. Perkins updated that the APP program team consisting of parents, teachers, principals, and SLT members met earlier this week.  Much of the discussion focused on screening Grade 5 students for admission to the Central Middle School Grades 6-8 program, potentially administering the CTP screening along with other data points.  Ms. Perkins will create an information letter for Grade 5 parents to share the screening timeline.  There was also discussion about the current Grade 5 program and expanding the pathways for younger students and ensuring representation from all schools.  No final decisions were made and there will be a follow up meeting on March 3.

Superintendent Mulvey updated that the Grades 1-3 hybrid students returned to full in-person learning on Monday, February 22.  The transition has gone smoothly, thanks to the planning of the Principals and staff, assisted by the Superintendent’s Leadership Team.  Grade 12 hybrid students will transition to full-in-person learning on Monday, March 1.  Planning is continuing for Grades 4-5, 6-8, Kindergarten, and 9-11 and a further update will be shared at the March 10 School Committee meeting.

Ms. Perkins said that the transition went very well, the students and parents are very happy.  Ms. Perkins said the first pooled testing pilot will be at Beechwood Knoll on Thursday, February 25.  There will be two nurses from our partner CIC/Medex to train the staff and the other schools will roll out next week.  The testing will occur over four days and families will be notified of a positive pool, but not of a negative pool.

Mrs. Lebo asked about number of students and staff participating, around 150 students and 50 staff members. 

Mr. Gutro asked about the families requesting changes in their educational model, Superintendent Mulvey said fewer than five families elected to move to remote learning to date.

Mr. Gutro asked about Governor Baker’s recent press conference where Massachusetts Commissioner of Education Jeffrey Riley spoke of the urgency of returning students to in—person learning.  Superintendent Mulvey said that we have been continuing to maintain the six foot distance and should the metrics continue to improve from yellow to green, a smaller distance can be considered.  That would allow students currently in remote to opt to move to in-person learning.  Superintendent Mulvey noted that remote learning will remain an option for the remainder of the school year

Mr. Santoro asked if high school teachers will be teaching in person and remotely simultaneously and Mr. Mulvey confirmed they are.

Mrs. Perdios asked about the percentage of staff and students participating in pooled testing.  Currently, about 10% of those eligible have elected to enroll.  Mrs. Perdios suggested creating a flyer to educate families about pooled testing.

Mrs. Lebo is concerned that three-foot distance could jeopardize yellow status for the city by causing more in-school transmission.  Mrs. Lebo asked about the vaccine availability for educators.  Superintendent Mulvey said we have co-signed a letter with other South Shore communities asking Governor Baker to prioritize educators, may have more definitive information as early as next week.  Mayor Koch and his staff are continuing to work with the Governor and state officials.

Mr. Santoro made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm.  Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.