Superintendent Mulvey recognized Mayor Koch for the Chairman’s Report.
Mayor Koch announced that at the recent Massachusetts School Building Authority Board Meeting, the Squantum Elementary School was invited into Eligibility Phase, beginning June 1. Public Buildings Commissioner Paul Hines will chair the School Building Committee. Thanks to everyone who participated in Cleaner Greener on May 1, many staff, students, and parents participating at school and park sites.
Mayor Koch will present the FY2022 Budget to City Council on May 17 and to School Committee on May 19. Analysis is underway for the recently allocated federal funding, summer school programming and infrastructure are the priorities.
Mrs. Perdios asked if Chromebooks purchases are eligible and Mayor Koch said we can look at that area of need.
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Superintendent Mulvey reviewed that of the 9,711 students currently enrolled in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, 55% are attending school in-person and 45% are attending school remotely. Students who attend remotely may request to return to school by contacting their school principals.
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Superintendent Mulvey reviewed the COVID-19 metrics for the two weeks April 21-May 4. There were 21 student cases: 16 in-person and 5 remote and one staff cases. No evidence of in-school transmission during these two weeks.
For the QPS Pooled Testing Initiative, 753 students and staff are signed up to participate. Last week, the positivity rate was 0.13% with one positive case.
In partnership with Manet Community Health Center, 70+ students (with parent consent) and staff members at North Quincy High School received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine today. Quincy High School’s clinic is Monday, May 10.
Mr. Bregoli asked whether there was an increase in cases post-April vacation, and Superintendent Mulvey confirmed that there was not.
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Superintendent Mulvey updated on planning for the High School Graduation ceremonies; new guidelines released last week will allow for one ceremony for each high school: June 7 for Quincy High School and June 8 for North Quincy High School. Each graduate will be allowed to bring two guests and the guests will register and be assigned seating.
Mr. Bregoli asked for enrollment for graduating classes: 320 for North Quincy High School and 400 for Quincy High School.
An outdoor prom event is being planned for the Class of 2021, to be held in Upper Merrymount Park on June 18 for Quincy High School and June 19 for North Quincy High School. Thanks to Public Buildings Commissioner Paul Hines, Natural Resources Commissioner Dave Murphy, the high school principals, class advisors, the staff and parents involved in the planning.
Mrs. Lebo asked for clarification, due to current gathering restrictions, only QPS seniors can attend the event.
Mrs. Lebo asked for and received assurances about security for the event.
Superintendent Mulvey announced that thanks to the South Shore Plaza Macy’s department store, the Salvation Army, and Christine Koch, Quincy Public Schools has received a donation of 500 brand new prom dresses. Seniors are invited to Central Middle School on Saturday, May 15 between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm to choose a prom dress.
Superintendent Mulvey acknowledged the petition generated by seniors at both high schools that requested an earlier sign out date. Due to the requirements of the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education’s Time on Learning regulations, this cannot be accommodated. The Class of 2021 will sign out on Wednesday, June 2.
Superintendent Mulvey noted that both high schools are hosting virtual Senior Event information nights for students and parents on Thursday, May 6.
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Superintendent Mulvey spoke about this being Educator Appreciation week, an opportunity to acknowledge our teachers, guidance counselors, nurses, paraprofessionals, and administrators for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of our students and families. This past year, more than ever before, educators have been called on to be creative, supportive, and adaptive and he expressed appreciation of all they do every day.
Mr. Santoro thanked all of the Quincy Public Schools educators, every person who works in the system at every capacity. Mr. Santoro thanked Superintendent Mulvey for his leadership, he has brought us through this crisis.
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Superintendent Mulvey updated on upcoming Parent & Community Events: Early College High School Information Night, May 12 at 6:00 pm and Welcome to Kindergarten Parent Orientation, May 27 at 6:00 pm. EL Coordinator Heather Wojcik and EL Parent Laura Riofrio were invited by DESE to present yesterday on QPS Student Success Plans along with other state-wide school district EL Leaders.
Mrs. Lebo is concerned that the Early College presentation to School Committee is after the Parent Information evening.
All seniors enrolled in CVTE programs or business elective courses at North Quincy and Quincy High School are invited to participate in the Credit for Life Fair: A Digital Experience. Quincy Public Schools' business partners have come together virtually for a second year to support the event which will be presented via Google Classroom.
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Thanks to School Nutrition Director Sara Dufour and Assistant Director Jane Minton, Quincy Public Schools was recently awarded a Summer Food Service Program grant of $9,812. Funding can be used to increase the number of families reached during the summer through extending hours and/or creating new meal sites. On April 20, the US Department of Agriculture announced that they will continue to reimburse school districts for all meals served during Summer 2021 and the 2021-22 school year for all students. April vacation meals were distributed on Friday, April 16. The meal kits provided five breakfasts and lunches for 250 students.
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Superintendent Mulvey recognized students who received regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards that celebrate the creative achievements of high school students: Art: Hedy Lin (NQHS, Silver Key); Art: Meiying Wu (NQHS, Honorable Mention); Writing: Christiana Nguyen (QHS, Honorable Mention)
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Superintendent Mulvey reviewed the FY2022 Budget Timeline: Mayor Koch will present the City of Quincy FY2022 budget at City Council on May 17 and at the School Committee Meeting on May 19. The Budget Subcommittee will meet on Wednesday, May 26 and June 2 (including the Public Hearing). The City Council hearing not yet scheduled. Final FY2022 budget will be voted on at the June 9 School Committee meeting.
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Superintendent Mulvey concluded his report by noting that the Quincy School~Community Partnership Newsletter and the Summer Scene brochure were both shared with School Committee.
Mr. Bregoli asked about recruiting for summer school staff, to date over 60 educators have applied.
Mrs. Perdios asked about Chromebook returns. Students participating in summer programming remotely will keep their Chromebooks until the summer programs conclude in early August.
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