Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – March 15, 2017
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
March 15, 2017 at the Coddington Building. The Superintendent called the
roll and present were School Committee Chairman Mayor Thomas Koch,
Mr. James DeAmicis, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mrs. Anne Mahoney.
Chairman
Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens,
Clerk; Mr. Nicholas Ahearn, Mrs. Diane Babcock, Mrs. Susan Shea Connor, Mr.
Richard DeCristofaro, Jr., Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mr. Daniel Gilbert, Ms. Beth
Hallett, Mr. James Hennessy, Mrs. Robin Moreira, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy
Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Diane O’Keeffe, Mr. Kenneth Panaro,, Mrs.
Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr.
Robert Shaw, Mr. Edward Smith, Mr. Steve Sylvia, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Mrs.
Ruth Witmer; Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; Citywide
Parent Council Co-President Courtney Perdios; and Quincy High School
Student Representative Owen Doherty.
Mr. Bregoli was absent.
§
There was a moment of silence in memory of Ms. Carol Wong, Kindergarten
Paraprofessional at the Squantum Elementary School for over 30 years.
§
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
3.1.2017
Ms. Isola made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for March 1, 2017. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Open Forum
Ms. Lisa Johnson spoke in support of adding an additional staff member at the high
school level. A full-time choral/vocal/general music teacher for each school would
provide options and aid in retention of students and potentially revive the
program as the additional staff position enhanced the Band program.
§
Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by introducing the High
School Science Fair winners. Quincy High School Science Department Chair
Edward Smith reviewed that at the 10th annual QHS Science Fair, 120 students
submitted 105 projects (individual or teams). 14 students qualified for the
Regional Science Fair earning one second prize, two third prizes, and two
honorable mentions. Four of those students are moving on to the State
Competition. Mr. Smith introduced Alexander Ireland (3rd prize), Dash Chin and
Klei Hamzallari (2nd prize) and Rachel Shen (1st prize). North Quincy High School
Science Department Chair Kenneth Panaro reviewed the 59th annual science fair,
where 78 students submitted projects. 12 students qualified for the Regional
Science Fair, earning three third prizes and two honorable mentions; five students
will move on to the state science fair. Mr. Panaro then introduced Tamara Liang
(1st prize), Grace Kelliher (2nd prize), and Luke Molloy (3rd prize).
Dr. DeCristofaro announced that the Middle School Citywide Swimming
Championship will be held on Saturday, April 1 at 9:00 am. Over 100 swimmers
from all five middle schools will compete.
At the recent Student Council Leadership summit, over 80 Grade 5 students
participated in activities with the high school class officers and the YMCA. The
Credit for Life Fair is scheduled for March 23; over 100 high school seniors will be
invited to participate.
The HYPER Robotics team, sponsored by BlueFin Robotics, competed in
Worcester, 20 students qualified for the semi-finals. Thanks to Robotics Advisor
Michael Gendron. The Elementary & Middle School Robotics Challenge will be
held on May 20 at Quincy High School.
High School Course Selection Night was held at North Quincy High School on
Monday, March 13; Quincy High School was rescheduled to Monday, March 20 due
to snow.
The MSBA Accelerated Repair Program projects appropriation for new boilers at
Atherton Hough, Beechwood Knoll, Merrymount, and Wollaston Elementary
Schools was approved by City Council at their meeting on March 6. At the April 11
Facilities & Security Subcommittee meeting, the Summer 2017 projects to replace
the windows, doors, and roof at Beechwood Knoll will be reviewed.
Upcoming Quincy Public Schools events includes a visit to Boston University for
Physics students from both high schools on March 30 as part of the Nobel
Laureates program. A Choral Music Camp for Grades 3-5 will be held during the
April vacation week. Parent Academy, Learning to Read 2 will be March 23 at 6:30
pm at Central Middle School. Quincy High School Drama will present Hello, Dolly!
March 17-19.
Dr. DeCristofaro recognized Quincy High School Student Representative to School
Committee Owen Doherty for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his report by noting that the newsletters for Quincy
High School and Food Services were shared with the School Committee.
§
Old Business
As there was no Old Business on the agenda, School Committee moved on to the
next item on the agenda.
§
New Business
Reset Renewal,
Collaborative
Connections &
Principals’ Path
Initiatives
Dr. DeCristofaro introduced a review of the Reset Renewal (Bernazzani, Snug
Harbor, Sterling), Collaborative Connections (Beechwood Knoll, Broad Meadows,
Clifford Marshall, Lincoln Hancock), and Principal’s Path (Squantum, Wollaston,
Central) Initiatives. These initiatives are based on the principles of distributive
and relational leadership, participatory and contributory decision-making,
building capacity by nurturing learners and developing leaders.
Rapid Reset began in December 2015 with Bernazzani, Snug Harbor, and Sterling
and all three demonstrated gains on the Spring 2016 MCAS Assessments, with
Snug Harbor moving up a level. In September 2016, Collaborative Connections
was initiated with Beechwood Knoll, Broad Meadows, Lincoln Hancock, and
Clifford Marshall. Principal’s Path began in January for Squantum, Wollaston, and
Central. The initiative will continue in the next school year with the remaining
elementary, middle, and high schools beginning their process.
Key elements of the initiative include an initial design team, where a voluntary
group of school staff decide on areas of focus. Vertical and grade-level team
meetings and integrated learning team meetings focus on student work and link
the entire team of specialists. Site-based professional development support the
areas of curriculum focus. Academic after-school offerings and family engagement
events complete the outreach of the initiative into the community.
Senior Director of Curriculum Madeline Roy reviewed how the alignment of Goals
and Action Steps begins with the District Improvement Plan Curriculum Goals,
which are based upon the analysis of school data and the creation of site-based
goals and aligned action steps. Special Education Director Erin Perkins reviewed
the three Assessment Days: The school year begins with Assessment Day 1, where
school data is reviewed and analyzed to look for root causes of students’ learning
difficulties. On Assessment Day 2, student work and benchmark assessments are
analyzed. Action steps are reviewed and reset based on current data. On
Assessment Day 3, site-based teams review and reflect on goals and action steps
and begin planning for the next school year.
Clifford Marshall Principal Nicholas Ahearn reviewed that the Collaborative
Connections Design team has 19 staff members, representing all grade levels,
English Learners, Guidance, and administrators. Literacy Night was hosted by
Clifford Marshall Literacy staff, one book for all levels with companion texts, cross-curriculum connections and attended by over 250 students and family members.
Beechwood Knoll Principal Diane O’Keeffe shared how grade level and vertical
teams are re-assessing their own practices and the instruction provided to
students, developing a more rigorous and personalized curriculum. Lincoln
Hancock Principal Ruth Witmer spoke of how vertical teams for ELA and
Mathematics have long existed, but have been re-energized under Collaborative
Connections. Teams have been able to move forward on independent
reinforcement and common assessments. Working in smaller groups allows for
honing in on topics particular to grade levels. Family engagement will feature
some new events, including parent mini-lessons, short topical meetings before
general PTO meetings. Broad Meadows Middle School Principal Dan Gilbert
reviewed how Collaborative Connections has put structure in place to focus on
student learning. The Design team looked for Professional Development to
support differentiation and every student’s ability to learn; Building capacity to
quantify and qualify where each student is on the continuum so that instruction
can be personalized. The MAP Assessment tool was purchased for Broad
Meadows, depth of data allowed for interventions far beyond previous years.
Central Middle School Principal Rick DeCristofaro reviewed how opportunities for
curriculum sharing are part of the Principal’s Path. In Vertical team meetings,
student data is reviewed, alignment for MCAS 2.0, parent resource guide for MCAS
were created. Beyond the Bell, RaMCAS program was created, for all grades in the
curriculum areas of ELA, Mathematics, and Science. Additional collaboration
between staff members translates to additional benefit for students. Squantum
Elementary School Principal Steve Sylvia shared that the Principal’s Path has been
an opportunity to connect with staff on a different level, and to formalize and
focus for grade level and vertical teams. The initiative strengthens the academic
culture of the school, raises awareness of the activity going on in different grade
levels or curriculum areas, and facilitates a connection between the system and
site-based professional development. Integrated Learning Teams generally meet
three-times annually; mini-ILTs were conducted during the site-based grade level
team meetings so that interventions could be adjusted or added as needed at the
mid-term point. Wollaston Elementary School Principal Jim Hennessy reviewed
how Design Team meetings focused on grade and vertical teams, creating an
academic calendar, an after-school family event tied to Read Across America, and
after-school programs that meet student needs and interests. Vertical team
meetings focused on strengths and weaknesses and sharing resources, very good
conversations. For Grades 3-5 Science, work done on analyzing the Next
Generation Science Standards. The ELA team created a common writing rubric
and focused on consistency among grade-level teams.
Ms. Roy reviewed that Communication is the one of the keys to sustaining the
initiative, the principal’s weekly newsletters to staff share reminders and areas of
focus with curriculum; family newsletters are focused on topics; and events and
lessons are shared through photos.
Dr. DeCristofaro summarized that this is an ongoing initiative, the school year will
conclude with assessment of the Design Teams’ work at each school. In the fall, all
sites will begin again and additional schools will begin the process. The hundreds
of staff members put the words into action and are valued for their input in how
we can continue to improve at the school and system level.
Mrs. Mahoney thanked all the presenters, many schools represented and each
highlighted the unique challenges for their site. It is impressive to see the
variation embedded in this initiative, but focus on student achievement really
comes through. Mrs. Mahoney asked about the MAP tool being used at Broad
Meadows, it is being piloted at the middle school level at Broad Meadows. Mrs.
Mahoney said that managing the staff, students, and parent expectations is a big
job, passion is evident from all principals.
Ms. Isola said that in 2015, conversations began about concerning performance
data. This was a difficult conversation to have, but as is emblematic for Quincy
Public Schools, the creativity of the Superintendent, Principals, and Leadership
Team found answers. The principals’ enthusiasm for the initiative and the staff’s
embrace of change is wonderful to see. Ms. Isola mentioned a recent New York
Times article about the importance of principals in schools, agrees they don’t often
get enough accolades for individual student achievement.
Mrs. Lebo said presentation was amazing and would like to highlight that this
would never happen if there wasn’t trust. School staff trust the Principals that this
is based on the best of intentions; Principals and Leadership Team trust the
Superintendent in the same way. Mrs. Lebo is very interested in the MAP
Assessment at Broad Meadows pilot and how will this data inform student
success.
Mayor Koch echoed his appreciation of the great leaders in the Quincy Public
Schools. Our teachers always go the extra mile, so proud of the school system,
putting it on the line every day for the benefit of our students.
§
New Business
Choral Music Program
Curriculum Review to
Teaching & Learning
Subcommittee
Ms. Isola made a motion to review the Choral Music Program, K-12 Curriculum in
the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on
a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
New Business
Out of State Travel
(One Day)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Bernazzani
Elementary School Grade 5 to Canobie Lake Park, Windham, New Hampshire on
June 15, 2017. The motion was seconded by Mr. DeAmicis and on a voice vote, the
ayes have it.
§
Additional Business
There was no Additional Business.
§
Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: School Committee on April 12, 2017 at the
Coddington Building at 6:30 pm.
Upcoming Subcommittee meetings were announced: Special Education will meet
on March 22, 2017 at 6:00 pm. Teaching & Learning will meet on April 3, 2017 at
5:00 pm. The Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee will meet on April 11,
2017 at 5:00 pm, followed by Facilities & Security.
§
Reports of
Subcommittees
Mr. Bregoli noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes
are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com.
Teaching & Learning
Ms. Isola reported on the March 6, 2017 Teaching & Learning Subcommittee
meeting, which featured presentations on Guided Math and Close Reading, an
update on the new Kindergarten Report Card, and a review of the Homework
Policy for vacation weeks.
As there were no corrections, the minutes for the March 6, 2017 Teaching &
Learning Subcommittee meeting, the minutes were approved as presented.
§
Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
§
Adjournment
Ms. Isola made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:15 p.m. The motion was
seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.