Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
Vice-Chair Presiding
A meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room at the Coddington Building.
Superintendent Kevin Mulvey called the roll and present were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair and School Committee Members Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Courtney Perdios, and School Committee Vice Chair Mrs. Tina Cahill.
Also present were: Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Erin Perkins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Andrea Huwar, Mr. Michael Marani, Mr. James Mullaney, Ms. Maura Papile, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri; NQHS Student Representative Anthony DiBella and QHS Student Representatives Anabelle Chin; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Superintendent Mulvey recognized former Quincy Public Schools employees who passed away recently: Genevieve Bertoni was a Quincy Public Schools secretary for 20 years at the former Pollard School and in the Curriculum office, and was later at Quincy Junior College; Patricia Cardarelli was the Central Registration administrative nurse for 18 years; Warren Lewis was a teacher for 40 years at Mass Fields, Montclair, and Squantum Elementary Schools and also served as Squantum’s Assistant Principal; Pamela Mateuwas a teacher and administrator for 23 years, first a Spanish & French Teacher at North Quincy High School and later Assistant Principal at Broad Meadows and North Quincy High School.
Mayor Koch recognized former Quincy Fire Department Chief Thomas Gorman, who passed away recently.
Mrs. Cahill read the following statement into the record: Pursuant to the Open Meeting Law, any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium. Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions are being made whether perceived or unperceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible.
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Open Forum
As there was no one present who wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee went on to the next item on the agenda.
There were no letters submitted online for Open Forum.
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Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Mulvey opened his report by congratulating School Committee Member Mrs. Emily Lebo for being recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees Board of Directors in honor of her contributions to the children of the Quincy Public Schools. Mrs. Lebo’s career with Quincy Public Schools began in 1985 with her appointment as a substitute school nurse before becoming an Instructor in the Health Assistant program, then became the Director of Occupational Education at the Quincy Vocational Technical School, and later was appointed Director of Career and Technical Education at Quincy High School. Mrs. Lebo is now in her 13th year as a Quincy School Committee member, and has served a term as Vice-Chair as well as being a founding member and chair of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee. The award will be presented at a dinner on November 8 during the MASC conference in Hyannis. Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Lebo on this recognition.
Mrs. Lebo said that after retirement, she missed Quincy Public Schools and so ran for School Committee. Mrs. Lebo thanked the Mayor, School Committee, Superintendent, and Leadership Team.
Superintendent Mulvey continued his report by noting that over 3,000 backpacks filled with school supplies were recently delivered across the city to students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Distribution events were held on Thursday, September 5, 2024.Thank you School Committee members who were able to attend as well as SLT members and Principals for their assistance. Special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Cradles to Crayons, Granite Telecommunications, MASS BAY Credit Union, and Quincy Credit Union for once again supporting the Backpack and School Supply initiative.
By the end of September, Quincy Public Schools will be completing initial fire and safety drillsat all of our schools. Throughout the school year, there will be additional fire and lockdown drills at each school site scheduled. Thanks to Transportation & Security Director Mike Draicchio and the Quincy Police and Fire Departments for their assistance with these important safety measures for students and staff.
Mrs. Perdios asked if Mr. Draicchio could appear at a future meeting to talk about the safety training that the Quincy Police Department and other first responders have in terms of response to school incidents. Superintendent Mulvey said that the specifics may be better suited for an Executive Session conversation, but there is general information that can be shared with the public.
Mayor Koch said that the City of Quincy received a grant to train the Quincy Police, Fire, and Brewster EMS in advance planning and response for emergency public safety events. Mayor Koch suggested inviting QPD Chief Kennedy and QFD Chief Jackson to a future meeting to present on their preparations.
Mrs. Lebo requested an update on the Safety Audit at a future Executive Session.
The Quincy Public Schools Music Department recently completed two successful weeks of instrument demonstration: Grades 4 and 5 students saw demonstrations of woodwind instruments, and Grades 2 and 3 students were introduced to stringed instruments. Over 250 students expressed interest in joining the elementary school band program and received their rental instruments this past Monday night. Next Monday, students who are interested in playing a stringed instrument in our After-School String Lesson Program will receive theirs. Band lessons have begun for Grades 4 and 5 students and the After-School Strings Program is scheduled to begin the week of October 15th.
For the upcoming November 5 Professional Development Day for QPS Educators, over 80 different small-group sessions are available for 950 professional staff members to choose from with topics ranging from literacy, STEM, English Learner and Special Education supports to integrating music and movement, educator wellness, and restorative practices. We are looking forward to this special day for Quincy Public Schools professional staff members and thanks to Dr. Perkins and the Superintendent’s Leadership Team for organizing this event.
The City of Quincy is hosting the annual Food Truck & Music Festival on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from noon to 6:00 pm along Coddington Street, with entertainment for families on the lawn of the Thomas Crane Library and four bands on the main stage in the Coddington Building parking lot.
Mayor Koch noted that on November 9, 2024, a new memorial will be dedicated at the Mount Wollaston Cemetery. Veterans from 1980-present are invited to attend, please reach out to the Veterans Services administration for additional information.
Mrs. Lebo thanked the Custodial and Maintenance staff, the schools looked amazing for the start of the school year.
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Old Business
There was no Old Business.
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New Business
Student Support Services PIP
Senior Director Maura Papile presented the 2024-2025 Student Support Services Program Improvement Plan and began by reflecting on last year’s goals. Due to grant funding, supports for students were provided by Walker Therapeutic Programs and Aspire Health. With the increased focus on chronic absenteeism, the Supervisors of Attendance conducted home visits, referrals to Special Education, and attendance hearings. In addition, they performed residency verification visits to assist with new student registration and confirming continued residency in Quincy. The Homeless Liaison supported families of 209 students struggling with housing insecurity and unaccompanied youth and coordinated the support of a number of community organizations to support these families.
In looking ahead to the 2024-2025 goals, the Student Support staff will continue to collaborate on supporting students’ mental health through a variety of interventions. Mental health and wellness and social-emotional learning opportunities will be provided through community partnerships, grants, and the Sandy Hook Promise Program. The Hope & Comfort program will be expanding to additional schools this year and Big Brother Big Sister is launching a mentorship program at Quincy High School. Through grant funding, Quincy Public Schools will be hiring a behavioral health navigator and Manet Community Health will be assisting with training. Professional development will focus on trauma informed classroom interventions, vaping cessation, and the Sandy Hook Promise program. The Supervisors of Attendance and the Homelessness Coordinator are continuing to support families and remove barriers to regular school attendance.
Mrs. Lebo said the Student Support staff are doing an incredible job in coordinating these interventions, asked and received confirmation that DOVE is still involved as part of the mental health interventions.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the Big Brother Big Sister mentorship program, Ms. Papile said the recruiting is taking place in the Quincy community, including QPS alumni. To date, 65 Grade 9 students have signed up for the program and there are 30 mentors so far.
Mr. Gutro asked about the metrics of the Supervisors of Attendance, Ms. Papile said that there was a decrease in legal interventions,
Mr. Gutro asked about the decrease in federal funding for McKinney-Vento programs, Ms. Papile said there are housing assistance and recovery programs that have expired.
Mr. Gutro asked if ESSER funding was used for any Student Support programs and Ms. Papile confirmed that there was none.
Mrs. Hubley asked for an update on the Hope & Comfort program. Ms. Papile said the summer YouthWorks program students assembled the kits for Broad Meadows, Point Webster, and South~West Middle Schools as well as Snug Harbor Community School. The Snug Harbor families who had received kits were surveyed and the response was positive.
Mrs. Perdios said that a Girl Scout troop reached out about hygiene products being provided in school restrooms.
Mrs. Perdios asked about background checks for the BBBS mentors, Superintendent Mulvey said this is contractually mandated by the agreement with BBBS, they will have CORI/SORI and fingerprints.
Mrs. Perdios asked about the members of the Coalition for Mental Health. Ms. Papile said Ms. Connolly, the school adjustment counselors, BBBS, QARI, Manet, Bay State Community Services, Walker Therapeutic, Aspire, and Maria Droste are all members of the Coalition.
Ms. Papile said that clinicians from QARI will be at Atlantic and North Quincy beginning later this school year.
Mrs. Perdios asked about students in transition living at the ENC shelter, there were no students enrolled last school year. There were 9 students registered recently, but 7 have transitioned to another district this week.
Mrs. Cahill said that the “see something, say something” message is so important for students and parents to learn. Their assistance in expressing concerns that might be outside of school is important.
Mrs. Cahill said that maybe School Committee can help with the next round of the Hope & Comfort distribution
Mrs. Cahill suggested a Parent Academy on the mental health supports available.
Mayor Koch left the meeting at 7:00 pm.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the 2024-2025 Student Support Program Improvement Plan. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Health Services PIP
Coordinator of Health Services Andrea Huwar presented the 2024-2025 Health Services Program Improvement Plan, reflecting on last year’s goal of upgrading health assessment skills, with a goal of keeping students in school as much as possible. The Quincy Public Schools nursing staff had 105,928 Health Office visits last school year. Last school year, nurses created school-wide public health campaign to increase awareness of preventative health measures and identifying symptoms of COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory infections. This will continue through this school year, with an emphasis on immunizations, recognizing/reporting symptoms, and proper handwashing. Professional development will focus on cardiac and respiratory assessment and updated Basic Life Support CPR certifications through the American Heart Association. Through community partnerships, student vision and dental health is being supported through referrals and on-site visits.
Mrs. Perdios asked for clarification about Quincy Public Schools staff members who are CPR certified. Ms. Huwar said it is a two-year cycle and some staff may be in the recertification process.
Mrs. Hubley asked about training for students with hearing aids. Ms. Huwar said that is not a training they have had, but would be happy toadd to the list.
Mrs. Lebo said the data is impressive as are our supports for dental and vision.
Mr. Gutro thanked Ms. Huwar for the data comparisons with previous years, the staff make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Quincy Public Schools students and families.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the LifeVac system, Ms. Huwar said it is not FDA-approved so the school nurses cannot use it as a tool. As licensed providers, nurses must use the abdominal thrusts technique for a student or staff member.
Mrs. Cahill thanked Ms. Huwar, the staff is amazing, and the extra programs in place support our families and make them comfortable to come to school.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the 2024-2025 Health Services Program Improvement Plan. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
School Improvement Plan Template
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Erin Perkins and Curriculum Director Michael Marani presented an overview of the proposed School Improvement Plan template. Department of Elementary & Secondary Education required components include the impact of class size on student performance; student-to-teacher ratios; rations of students to other supportive adult resources; professional development for the school’s staff; enhancement of parental involvement in the life of the school; and school safety and discipline; extracurricular activities; documentation of a school environment characterized by tolerance and respect for all groups; and the means for meeting the diverse learning needs of students. In addition, principals include information about school facilities.
Beginning last year, principals are encouraged to develop SIP goals that are determined by individual school needs, with targeted domains and standards, grades, and/or subgroups. Goals can use assessments such as MCAS, MAP, ACCESS, mClass/Dibels, or the Vocal Survey; metrics can be achievement category, average percent correct, average RIT score, average growth percentile, or year to year changes. In addition, schools are now noting the status of action steps as new, revised, or continued; a new section of the appendix documents completed action steps from the past school year. Schools are presenting the draft SIP to the school community prior to the School Committee presentation.
The Superintendent’s Leadership Team is recommending that the Grade 8 MAP be administered in the fall and winter, but not the Spring. With the Social Studies MCAS pilot and the additional Science assessment this year, the students will have a lot of days focused on testing in the late winter/spring.
Mrs. Hubley emphasized that principals should list the full year of projected extracurricular activities in their SIP, even if there are not firm dates yet.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the new Accountability System. Dr. Perkins confirmed that this will be presented at the October 23 School Committee meeting along with the district data.
Mrs. Perdios agrees with the more flexible format for goal setting for principals and would like to see all school needs articulated, including facilities, technology, and other items such as library books. Mrs. Perdios agrees with skipping the Grade 8 Spring MAP Assessment.
Mr. Gutro thanked the presenters, important information for School Committee and the public about the requirements and updates. Mr. Gutro asked for additional conversation about the school safety and discipline data to understand more about the categories.
Mr. Gutro asked for School Improvement Plan presentations to be scheduled as Committee of the Whole; Chair of Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Mrs. Lebo agrees.
Mrs. Cahill thanked the presenters, it is especially important to see the caseloads for the service providers.
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Referral to Subcommittee
Mrs. Perdios referred the Amelio Della Chiesa ECC building to the Facilities, Transportation & Security Subcommittee.
On the motion, Mrs. Perdios would like an update on the building status now that the students have moved to the Dr. Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center.
Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Consent Agenda
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the items listed under the Consent Agenda: Approval of the September 11, 2024 Regular Meeting and Executive Session minutes; Quincy High School student travel to the Yale Model Congress December 5-8, 2024; a donation of backpacks and school supplies from the Quincy School~Community business partners valued at $50,000.00; and a grant of $250,000.00 from the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (Planning & Implementation Grant). Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 6-0. Mayor Koch was not present.
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Additional Business
There was no Additional Business.
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Communications
Mrs. Cahill noted that upcoming School Committee meetings will be held on October 9, October 23, and November 13, 2024, all at 6:30 pm at the Coddington Building.
Ms. Owens sent an email today with proposed dates for the School Committee Goals Workshop, will finalize as soon as possible.
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Reports of Subcommittees
There were no Reports of Subcommittees.
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Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
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Adjournment
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 8:15 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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