Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – November 9, 2016
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
November 9, 2016 at the Coddington Building. The Superintendent called the
roll and present were Mr. James DeAmicis, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley,
Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, and Mr. Paul Bregoli,
Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens,
Clerk; Mr. Michael Draicchio, Dr. John Franceschini, Ms. Higgins-Steele, Mr.
Michael Marani, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey,
Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla;
Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; Quincy High School
Student Representative Owen Doherty.
Mayor Koch was absent.
§
There was a moment of silence for long-time Quincy Public Schools Physical
Therapist Patrick Barry, who passed away suddenly last week.
§
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
10.19.16
Ms. Isola made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for October 19, 2016. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Open Forum
As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee moved on to the
next item on the agenda.
§
Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report with Inspire Quincy,
featuring the Quincy Lodge of Elks donation of dictionaries to all Grade 3
students; Callahan Construction tour for Career & Technical Education
students; Middle School Tennis; the Quincy Band Boosters grant from the Music
Drives Us Foundation; the Close Reading Parent Academy for middle school
parents; Middle School Cross-Country; the Educator Mini-Grant reception; and
NQHS Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).
Dr. DeCristofaro spoke about recent Quincy Public Schools events, including the
Middle School Parent Academy on Close Reading. About 30 parents attended
this very topical presentation and the evening received many positive
evaluations, plus ideas for future workshops from parents. 55 middle school
students competed last Saturday at the state Cross-Country Championships in
Devin. The Educator Mini-Grant Ceremony was held on November 3,
sponsored by Quincy Retired Teachers Association. 16 business partners gave
over 100 grants.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that the 2016 Holiday Concert Schedule was shared with
School Committee and ‘Tis the Season will be held on Thursday, December 1 at
Quincy High School, featuring the Quincy Symphony Orchestra and students
from the middle and high school band and combined high school select chorus.
Water testing results continue to come in, 630 sinks and bubblers have been
tested. Results are shared with parents as they are received and action items
have been addressed: sinks are labeled for handwashing only and bubblers are
turned off. Water coolers will be installed on Thursday at schools where
bubblers have been turned off. Thanks to former Assistant Commissioner of
the Department of Public Health Suzanne Condon for her assistance in creating
the response to testing plan, crafting the letter to staff and families, and
presenting at the parent meeting held at Bernazzani on Monday, November 7.
Creedon Field will be dedicated on Saturday, November 19 at noon (formerly
Teel Field). Other retired Quincy Public Schools staff will be recognized,
including Paul Bregoli, Eileen Feeney, and Mary Pratt.
American Education Week will be recognized at the December 7 School
Committee Meeting, which will begin at 6:00 pm as students from Kindergarten
through Grade 10 will share posters, essays, and video entries around the
theme of celebrating public education, a right and a responsibility.
Voter Registration was held at both high schools the week of October 25, over
60 students registered, thanks to City Clerk Nicole Crispo for organizing the
first of this annual event. The Grade 8 Open Houses at Quincy High School and
North Quincy High School were held the week of October 24. Each school had
around 300 families tour the school and hear about the programs.
Dr. DeCristofaro announced that Sterling Middle School will host a Veterans
Day celebration on Thursday, November 10 at 1:00 pm and a Community
Health Night on November 16 at 6:00 pm.
Dr. DeCristofaro reflected on the bus accident that took place on Tuesday,
October 25, where 32 students and the bus driver were shaken up but not
seriously injured. Thanks to Quincy Police and Fire Departments, and Brewster
Ambulance for their responsiveness and Bernazzani and Student Support staff
for their work in reuniting families and supporting students in their return to
school.
§
New Business
Superintendent’s
Evaluation
Ms. Isola deferred this agenda item to the December 7 School Committee Meeting.
§
New Business
Superintendent’s Goals
for 2016-2017
Dr. DeCristofaro shared a draft of his goals for the 2016-2017 for School
Committee to review. These will be voted on at the December 7 School Committee
meeting.
§
Mrs. Mahoney arrived at 6:50 pm.
New Business
2016-2017 Curriculum
& Assessment Team
Initiatives Update
Ms. Roy, Mrs. Perkins, and Mr. Marani presented the Curriculum and Assessment
Team Initiatives Update. Beginning with Rapid Reset, Mrs. Perkins reviewed that
following the interventions of last winter and spring, Snug Harbor achieved Level
2 status, increasing the school percentile and the median school-wide Student
Growth Percentile for ELA and Mathematics. Sterling Middle School raised
Mathematics scores above targets across all grades, for all students, and for all
subgroups, along with establishing the first middle school Integrated Learning
Team model. Sterling also developed a new block schedule designed to increase
time on learning for Grades 6-8 for this school year. Bernazzani surpassed their
High Needs target and increased school-wide percentile and percentage of
proficient and advanced. In Grade 3, no students scored in the Warning category.
Increases in student growth percentile were also seen for ELA and Mathematics.
All three schools will continue the Reset Renewal as an initiative for this school
year.
Ms. Roy introduced Ms. Elise Higgins-Steele in a spotlight on teacher leadership.
Ms. Higgins-Steels presented the Girls Rising program, using Skype in the
classroom, breaking down barriers and educating students about access to health
care and education. One of the topics within the classroom was equality in
education, and led the students to see education as an active experience.
Multidisciplinary approach, art, writing, reading, speaking are all part of the unit.
Ms. Isola said that the impact of this documentary is profound, can see the effect
and enthusiasm of Ms. Higgins-Steele and students. So important to look outside
our own community and glad that we are taking the opportunity to empower girls
everywhere.
Mrs. Lebo said that building citizens is very important work of schools, reflective
of the best of Quincy Public Schools teachers. Glad to hear that with all the
curriculum and testing-focused initiatives
Mrs. Mahoney thanked the students and Ms. Higgins-Steele and the opportunity
the unit provides for both boys and girls to learn about each other. Was happy to
see the use of technology to communicate with students and adults all over the
world. It empowers us to see that we have much to learn about the world beyond
our city, state, and country.
Mrs. Hubley encourages everyone to see the documentary, great opportunity for
parents and students to see together. Ms. Higgins-Steele said that school provides
validation of your existence, you are acknowledged on a daily basis.
Mr. Bregoli said that education is often carried through mothers as the center of
the family, would love to see this initiative expanded city-wide to all middle
schools.
Dr. DeCristofaro said Ms. Higgins-Steele takes pride in her work, and presents
innovation, creative thinking, and making a tremendous difference. Dr.
DeCristofaro noted that the new Sterling Middle School will have project-based
learning spaces to complement this type of explorations.
Mrs. Perkins presented on the Collaborative Connections initiative which is
focused on improving student achievement in targeted areas (academic, socialemotional, parent engagement, building capacity and leadership of teachers). For
this year, Beechwood Knoll, Clifford Marshall, Lincoln Hancock, and Broad
Meadows are launching this initiative to build consensus and investment in
making decisions on areas of target, site-based ongoing Professional Development
that are identified through the collaboration process, and increased opportunity
for parent engagement in different ways, giving parents the tools to assist their
children. At the elementary level, Kindergarten through Grade 2 teachers typically
meet in grade-level teams, with upper elementary meeting vertically by
curriculum area. Mini-ILTs provide check-ins for students at risk so that
interventions can be instituted quickly. For Broad Meadows, a new diagnostic
assessment is being used and family engagement activities include Spaghetti
Supper, some academic workshops at parent teacher conferences.
Mrs. Perkins presented on the Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten Report Card
initiatives, which will be published through Aspen in December. Teacher training
for Gradebook posting will be held on November 22.
Ms. Roy shared an update on the planning for MCAS 2.0 implementation, a
collaboration of the Superintendent’s Leadership, Curriculum & Assessment,
Principal, and Technology & Training teams. Significant changes are expected,
especially for Grades 4 and 8 taking computer-based assessment. Blueprint and
sample items will be available in January. Quincy Public Schools is creating sitebased teams, along the lines of the elementary report card and DDM teams. In
terms of instructional content, teachers have been working on preparing students
with practice on the types of assessment items they will likely se. In addition, the
CAMT has surveyed elementary and middle school teachers on needs for student
support for digital literacy and professional development. Keyboarding
instruction is underway at many elementary schools, usually under the direction
of the library support staff. Another concern was practice for using online tools,
such as highlighting, dragging and dropping, scrolling, and accessing calculators,
video, audio. A big concept for emphasis is that some of the items will allow
multiple responses and developing the ability to generate a written response
(short or long).
Snug Harbor Assistant Principal and Extended Day Coordinator Michael Marani
thanked Dr. DeCristofaro and Mrs. Perkins for the support for the Reset initiative.
Mr. Marani presented Fall Scene highlights of the programs ending in early
December. Each elementary and middle school offer options for academic and
enrichment, theater arts, athletics, chess. Robotics is strong, 100 middle school
students. Community service through peer leaders and student councils, Interact
club at the high school level. District-wide programs include the John & Abigail
Adams Orchestra and strings lessons. Thousands of student are involved at a
given time of the year, and this programming has a real impact on the students
and families.
In February, Winter School will offer SAT Prep and Credit Recovery. In March,
STEM Academy will be held on Saturdays for Grades 2-5, focusing on CAD design
using TinkerCAD, online program for design and build. The Extended Day Team
meets throughout the year, elementary and middle school assistant principals and
teachers share ideas and best practices, valuable input. Mr. Marani thanked
School Committee for their continued support of the Extended Education
programs.
Mr. Bregoli thanked the presenters for the informative presentation, testament to
all of the components that go on every day.
§
New Business
MCAS 2.0 to Teaching &
Learning
Subcommittee
Ms. Isola made a motion to move MCAS 2.0 to the Teaching & Learning
Subcommittee, seconded by Mrs. Hubley. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
New Business
NQHS Mascot to Policy
Subcommittee
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to move the North Quincy High School Mascot to the
Policy Subcommittee, seconded by Mrs. Mahoney. On a voice vote, the ayes have
it.
§
New Business
Snug Harbor Traffic to
Facilities & Security
Subcommittee
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to move the Snug Harbor traffic issue to Facilities &
Security Subcommittee, seconded by Mr. DeAmicis. On a voice vote, the ayes have
it.
§
Agenda Item Request
Mrs. Hubley requested to add the Repair/Replacement of Water Bubblers to
Facilities, looking for an update on the timeline.
§
New Business
Gift: Computers from
Bluefin Robotics
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to accept the donation of computers from Bluefin
Robotics, valued at $12,000.00. Mr. DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a voice
vote, the ayes have it.
§
New Business
Out of the Country
Travel
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the April 17-21, 2017 Out of the Country
travel of North Quincy High School to Montreal and Quebec City, Canada. The
motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
New Business
Out of State Travel
(Overnight)
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the December 1-4, 2016 Out of State travel of
Quincy High School to Yale Model Congress, New Haven, Connecticut. The motion
was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
New Business
Out of State Travel
(Overnight)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the April 7-11, 2017 Out of State travel of
North Quincy High School AFJROTC to Gettysburg, Pennsylviania. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Isola and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
New Business
Out of State Travel
(Overnight)
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion to approve the June 7-9, 2017 Out of State travel of
Central Middle School to Gettysburg, Pennsylviania. The motion was seconded by
Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
New Business
Out of State Travel
(Overnight)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the June 8-9, 2017 Out of State travel of
Atlantic Middle School to New York City, New York. The motion was seconded by
Mr. DeAmicis and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: School Committee on December 7, 2016,
the School Committee meeting will be held at Central Middle School at 6:00 pm.
Upcoming Subcommittee meetings were announced: Teaching & Learning will
hear Elementary School SIPs on November 15, 2016 and November 16, 2016.
Budget & Finance Subcommittee will meet on November 14, 2016 at 5:00 pm,
followed by the Facilities & Security Subcommittee at 5:15 pm, and the Policy
Subcommittee at 5:30 pm.
Ms. Isola saw Lincoln Hancock Grade 3 students on the news today with a visiting
meteorologist.
§
Reports of
Subcommittees
Mr. Bregoli noted that all Subcommittee meeting agendas and minutes are posted
on the Quincy Public Schools website www.quincypublicschools.com.
Teaching & Learning
Subcommittee
Ms. Isola reported on the October 24, 2016 and November 2, 2016 Teaching &
Learning Subcommittee meetings, noting that all Program and School
Improvement Plans are posted on the Quincy Public Schools website. At these two
meetings, School Improvement Plans for North Quincy High School, Quincy High
School, Atlantic Middle School, Broad Meadows Middle School, Central Middle
School, Point Webster Middle School, Sterling Middle School and Program
Improvement Plans for Career & Technical Education and English Language
Education were presented.
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve these Program and School Improvement
Plans. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
As there were no corrections, the minutes of the October 24, 2016 and November
2, 2016 Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meetings, the minutes were approved
as presented.
Policy Subcommittee
Mr. Bregoli reviewed the October 24, 2016 Policy Subcommittee meeting;
proposed revisions for Sections 1 and 2 changes were shared for School
Committee review. These sections will be discussed at the November 14, 2016.
Mrs. Lebo has a few suggestions for clarification, these will be shared with School
Committee prior to the next Subcommittee meeting.
As there were no corrections, the minutes of the October 24, 2016 Policy
Subcommittee meeting, the minutes were approved as presented.
Special Education
Subcommittee
Mrs. Mahoney reported on the October 26, 2016 Special Education Subcommittee
meeting, thanked Special Education Director Erin Perkins for sharing the Special
Education Program Improvement Plan. The meeting also included the annual
Special Education Rights and Responsibilities presentation and a review of QPAC
goals and parent concerns.
Mrs. Mahoney made a motion to approve the Special Education Program
Improvement Plan. The motion was seconded by Mr. DeAmicis and on a voice
vote, the ayes have it.
As there were no corrections, the minutes of the October 26, 2016 Special
Education Subcommittee meeting, the minutes were approved as presented.
§
Adjournment
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:00 p.m. The motion
was seconded by Mr. DeAmicia and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.