Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – October 24, 2018
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
October 24, 2018 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent
DeCristofaro called the roll and present were Mr. Anthony Andronico,
Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. James DeAmicis, Mr. Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley,
and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Vice Chair.
Vice Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Ms. Janet Baglione, Ms. Kerri Connolly, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Colleen Dufresne, Ms. Julie Graham, Dr. Beth Hallett, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; and Citywide Parent Council Co-President Scott Alessandro.
Mayor Koch was absent.
There was a moment of silence for Ellen Verdun, retired Special Education teacher at Snug Harbor Community School Pre-Kindergarten for 17 years.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 10.10.2018
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion, seconded by Mr. Andronico to approve the
Regular Meeting minutes for October 10, 2018 as presented. On a voice vote, ayes the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
Citywide Parent Council Co-President Scott Alessandro spoke in favor of adding a Health & Wellness class for High School students. In some neighboring cities and towns, this is a graduation requirement and commonly offered in Grade 10.
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Superintendent's Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by introducing the Inspire Quincy video featuring the New England Aquarium at Clifford Marshall, North Quincy & Quincy High School Soccer Captains, Grade 8 Project-Based Learning at Sterling Middle School, the SADD Summit with students from Braintree, North Quincy & Quincy High Schools.
Dr. DeCristofaro then recognized the National Merit Commended Scholars: Samuel Hwang, John Liu, Nicole Setow, and Samantha Smith from North Quincy High School and Joseph Amendolare, Lesley Chen, Tiffany Chen, Joseph Desmond, Matthew Sheridan, and Samantha Vangestel from Quincy High School. Of the 1.6 million students who took the PSAT in October 2017, these students are among the top 50,000 nationwide.
Recent Quincy Public Schools events include the Professional Educator Status reception held on October 17, where 35 teachers, guidance counselors, and nurses were recognized.
Quincy Public Schools Nurses are offering CPR & AED training to professional staff members several times this year. The partnership with the South Shore YMCA is continuing to expand, SPLASH program for Grade 2 students on Tuesday afternoons and the new Safe Swim water safety program.
CTE Advisory Board meetings will be held at Quincy High School on October 25, 2018 and was held at North Quincy High School on October 18, 2018.
Upcoming Quincy School~Community Partnership events include the Teacher Mini-Grant Ceremony on November 1 at the Neighborhood Club, where over 100 mini-grants will be awarded by fifteen Partners and ‘Tis the Season, Symphony and Song on December 4 at 7:00 pm at Quincy High School, sponsored by Mayor Koch.
Recent Parent Academy events were held on October 16, 2018 to introduce Digital Learning initiatives to middle school parents. Expectations for Pre-Kindergarten Development was held on October 23, 2018.
Special Student Recognition: Athena Perry, Grade 8 from Sterling, was part of the International Girl Rising event in New York on October 8, accompanied by teacher Elise Higgins-Steele
Upcoming community events include the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School Fall Festival on October 27.
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Old Business
As there was no Old Business on the Agenda, School Committee moved on to the next item on the Agenda.
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New Business
Program Improvement
Plan Presentation:
Literacy
Coordinator of English Language Arts Bridget Vaughan and Literacy teachers Janet Baglione and Colleen Dufresne presented the Literacy Program Improvement Plan. The Literacy Program was developed to identify and support students who struggle to acquire foundational literacy skills. Students are selected by the Integrated Learning Team (ILT) based on assessments and overall reading performance. Literacy teachers provide intervention, utilizing scientifically-based programs to struggling readers in Kindergarten through Grade 4.
Integrated Learning Teams meet at elementary schools three times each school year and review assessment data and overall performance level for each student. Students are tiered into a three-level system indicating the degree of support required: Tier One (no risk for low reading achievement, classroom instruction); Tier Two (some risk for low reading achievement, may require supplemental instruction in the classroom setting); and Tier Three (at risk for low reading achievement and requires intensive instruction and reading interventions designed to accelerate student growth.) Literacy teachers have a range of interventions and these are administered on an individual basis.
In reflecting on the 2017-2018 goals, the first goal was to decrease the number of Tier 3 students in Grades K-2 by 3% and this was exceeded as the actual decrease was 34%. The second goal was to increase the RIT score by 10 points on the MAP Growth assessment and this was exceed as the actual growth was 11.7 points. The third goal was professional development to support the MAP Assessment reports and this led to more effective use of data to inform instruction.
The Literacy Program goals for 2018-2019 are continuations of last year, decreasing the Tier 3 students by 3% at each grade Kindergarten through Grade 2; increase RIT scores for Grades 2 and 3 by 10 points, and Literacy Teachers will collaborate with classroom teachers, Special Education teachers, and EL teachers and parents on use of the MAP reports and resources.
Mr. Gutro asked for a breakdown of students in each Tier, Ms. Vaughan will follow up. Mr. Gutro asked about the menu of interventions, Ms. Baglione said there are updates the curriculum options, Orton Gillingham is the largest innovation in recent years.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the Social Emotional learning professional development, Ms. Vaughan said Dr. Boyles will be giving us guidance for expanding to this area at DESE’s suggestion. New texts are being introduced at Grades 1-5 that will support self-awareness, kindness, emotional intelligence. Mrs. Lebo asked for additional information once the professional development is complete. Mrs. Lebo also asked for a presentation on the MAP reporting at a Teaching & Learning subcommittee.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the higher percentage of children in Tier 3 in Kindergarten, is that attributable to English Language learners and/or other factors. Ms. Vaughan said this may be a factor, as well as student’s school experience can be a factor as the assessment process is unfamiliar. Mr. Bregoli asked about the process of assessing if Literacy interventions are not enough and a student needs Special Education supports. Ms. Vaughan said that the ILT meetings and for some students, mini-ILTs at more frequent intervals to keep track of student progress. Until students have some foundational reading skills, it is difficult to assess where the issue lies. Ms. Dufresne reiterated that the collaboration between Literacy, English Learner Education, Special Education, and the classroom teacher is critical to ensure that student interventions happen as early as possible and concerns are addressed.
Mr. Bregoli asked if outside resources are used to assist with English Learner students. Ms. Baglione said there is a High Needs team at each school whose focus is on figuring out the specific student. Ms. Perkins said that there are some outside resources, but this is getting more difficult as fewer provide this service with translation. Quincy Public Schools is bringing in translation and doing the assessments in house. Ms. Perkins said there is so much documentation from the DIBELS and MAP Assessment, there is less need for outside assessment. Dr. Hallett said the High Needs EL Team will be part of the English Learner Education Program Improvement Plan being presented on November 14. One of the complications is that students may have a home language other than English which they speak, but may not read or write it.
Mrs. Lebo said the Literacy team does a fantastic job, both in providing early interventions and in referring students for Special Education.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the presenters, the support of the School Committee for the staff members and the curriculum and assessment is critical to the success of the program.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to approve the Literacy Program Improvement Plan. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Program Improvement
Plan Presentation:
Early Childhood
Special Education Team Administrators Kerri Connolly and Julie Graham presented the Early Childhood Program Improvement Plan. The Early Childhood Program is for young children identified with special needs, as well as their typically developing peers. The curriculum meets the social, emotional, cognitive, and developmental needs of our young children. Due to the generous support of School Committee, 400 3 to 5 year olds are attending classes at Snug Harbor, Point Webster, and the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center. Full-day Kindergarten classrooms are at all 11 elementary schools and both Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten classes are staffed with a Teacher and a full-time Paraprofessional.
There is continuity in curriculum, beginning at Pre-Kindergarten with Telian Lively Letters and Handwriting Without Tears. Professional development for Foundations in Math and PBIS was also for Pre-Kindergarten and upper grade teachers. Common Assessments include the Early Screening Inventory.
In reflecting on 2017-2018 goals, the Pre-Kindergarten team implemented Calm Classroom and PBIS; created hands-on instructional materials for Mathematics instruction; and collaborated on school and community-based events. For 2018-2019 goals, the Pre-Kindergarten team with develop and implement a minimum of five Thematic Play Units based on the DESE standards for Social & Emotional Learning (Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsive Decision-Making) and Approaches to Play & Learning (demonstrating initiative, self-direction, and independence; the ability to maintain focus and attention; cooperate with others in play and learning; demonstrate organizational skills; ability to retain and recall information).
The second goal is for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten teachers will create and implement a minimum of 5 Close Reading lesson plans to further support student success in the content area of Literacy. The third goal is for the Pre-Kindergarten team to collaborate with English Learner Education staff to implement the LOOK Act. Dr. Hallett will explain more about
Mr. Bregoli asked about creating the Pre-Kindergarten classrooms at Point Webster Middle School rather than at an elementary school. Ms. Graham said that some of the Pre-Kindergarten students have middle school siblings, the parents are happy to be at a neighborhood school.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Early Childhood Program Improvement Plan. Mr. DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
MASC Conference
Delegate (Vote)
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to appoint Mrs. Hubley as the Delegate to represent the Quincy School Committee at the Massachusetts Association of School Committee Conference. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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MASC Conference
Resolutions (Vote)
Resolution 1: Rejecting the Arming of Educators Mrs. Lebo made a motion to support this resolution. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Resolution 2: On Small and Rural Districts Mr. Gutro asked for background, Mrs. Lebo said that DESE has suggested that smaller districts regionalize. Mr. Gutro asked if there will be a potential impact on Quincy Public Schools from this resolution, Mr. Mullaney said not at this time. Mr. Gutro made a motion to abstain on this motion. Mr. Andronico seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Resolution 3: Elimination of the Federal Department of Education Mr. Gutro made a motion to support this resolution. Mr. DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Resolution 4: Regional School Transportation Mrs. Lebo made a motion to support this resolution. Mr. Andronico seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Resolution 5: Regarding Reporting and Accountability Standards Mr. Bregoli made a motion to support this resolution. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Resolution 6: Regarding Reproductive Health Education Mr. DeAmicis made a motion to support this resolution. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Resolution 7: On Gender Indentity Inclusive Athletic Participation Policy Mr. DeAmicis made a motion to support this resolution. Mr. Andronico seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Resolution 8: Relative to Sports Wagering Mr. Bregoli made a motion to support this resolution. Mr. Andronico seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Resolution 9: Relative to Access to Information for Parents and Students Who Are Clients of Special Education Ms. Perkins explained the concerns with the resolution, the impact on mandated timelines due to availability of timely translation. At this time, there are 66 languages spoken in Quincy Public Schools, availability of translation and the increased costs for translation of all assessments, including observations. 471 students are currently on IEPs and have a home language other than English, it would be very difficult to meet these requirements in the time frame specified. Ms. Perkins said translators attend all IEP meetings, DESE has some translated standard forms that are utilized, and translators assist with assessments when needed.
Mr. Gutro asked for clarification, the translator at the IEP meeting verbally translates the the assessment results. The resolution seems aspirational, but would like to learn more.
Mr. Bregoli and Mrs. Lebo agreed this resolution is untenable.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion not to support the resolution. Mr. DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Wellness Policy to
Subcommittee
(Referral)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to refer discussion of the Wellness Policy Section 1.7 (inclusion of Share Tables) to both the Athletics & Wellness and Policy Subcommittee. The motion was seconded by Mr. DeAmicis and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Out of State Travel
(Overnight)
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel (Overnight) of Central Middle School Grade 8 Students to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on June 4-6, 2019. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Out of the Country
Travel
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Out of the Country Travel of Quincy High School Grade 10-12 Students to Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy on April 12-21, 2019. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion to approve the Out of the Country Travel of Quincy High School Grade 11-12 Students to France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria on April 11-22, 2019. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Communications
Upcoming meetings include School Committee Meetings on November 14, 2018 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 pm and on December 12, 2018 at 6:00 pm at Central Middle School. Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meetings will be held on October 29 and 30, 2018 and November 5 and 6, 2018 at 6:00 pm. The Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee will meet on November 13, 2018 at 6:00 pm.
Mrs. Lebo referred a review of the Health Curriculum to the Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
Mrs. Hubley noted that School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com/schoolcomm/2018-2019.
Mrs. Hubley reviewed the Quarterly Budget & Finance Subcommittee meeting held on October 15, 2018. Director of Business James Mullaney presented a reconciliation of staffing and a report of FY2019 first quarter expenditures.
Mr. DeAmicis reviewed the Facilities, Security & Transportation Subcommittee meeting held on October 15, 2018. At this meeting, Director of Security Michael Draicchio presented the Safety & Security Program Improvement Plan.
Mr. Bregoli reviewed the Policy Subcommittee meeting held on October 15, 2018. Executive Director of Information Keith Segalla presented the Technology & Training Program Improvement Plan.
As there were no corrections, the minutes of the October 15, 2018 Quarterly Budget & Finance; Facilities, Security & Transportation; and Policy Subcommittee meetings were all approved as presented.
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Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
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Adjournment
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:45 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. DeAmicis and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.