Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – November 14, 2018
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
November 14, 2018 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent
DeCristofaro called the roll and present were School Committee Chair Mayor
Thomas Koch, 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. Marianne Collins, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Kathleen Harrison, Dr. Beth Hallett, Ms. Thao Nguyen Ippolito, Mr. Kevin Mahoney, Ms. Rebecca McInnis, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mr. Jean-Jacques Niamkey, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Bridget Vaughan, Ms. Heather Wojcik; Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; and Citywide Parent Council Co-President Courtney Perdios.
There was a moment of silence for Thomas Manning, Quincy Public Schools Custodian for 28 years in and retired Principal Morris (Morrie) Hibbard, a 37 year veteran teacher and administrator.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 10.24.2018
Mrs. Hubley made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bregoli to approve the
Regular Meeting minutes for October 24, 2018 as presented. On a voice vote, ayes the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
Ms. Janet Baglione spoke about her concerns with the air quality in her classroom on the basement level of the Wollaston Elementary School.
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Superintendent's Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by introducing the Inspire Quincy video featuring Middle School Cross-Country; the Elks Dictionary donation for Grade 3 students; Special Olympics at Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center; the Teacher Mini-Grants Celebration; and the Combined High School Marching Band in the Veterans Day Parade.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that the High School Marching Band program has grown over the last few years, over 90 students marched in the Veterans Day Parade with their new uniforms thanks to Mayor Koch, the Quincy Band Boosters, instructors Matthew Cavanaugh, Michael DeMarco, and Richard Kinneally.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that American Education Week will be recognized at the December 12 meeting, posters and essays from students in Kindergarten through Grade 10 will be shared with School Committee.
Recent Quincy Public Schools events include the Teacher Mini-Grant Ceremony held on November 1 at the Neighborhood Club, where over 100 mini-grants were be awarded by fifteen Partners. Upcoming Quincy School~Community Partnership events include the 18th Annual ‘Tis the Season, Symphony and Song on December 4 at 7:00 pm at Quincy High School, sponsored by Mayor Koch. The event features the Quincy Symphony Orchestra, the John & Abigail Adams Orchestra, and the Combined High School Choir.
Thanks to the ongoing partnership with the South Shore YMCA, the new Swim Safety and returning Splash programs are underway for elementary school students across the school district. The Quincy Fire Department is another continuing partner, staff are visiting Kindergartens across the city to share fire safety information with our youngest students. Once again, the Quincy Lodge of Elks donated 800 dictionaries to all Grade 3 students.
The “Fresh Green Wandering Machine” is a traveling salad bar visiting all of the elementary schools over Spring and Fall 2018. Thanks to School Nutrition Director Sara Dufour for her innovative ideas in reinforcing healthy eating with our students.
182 graduating seniors have been awarded the John & Abigail Adams Scholarships for scoring in the top 25% district-wide on the Grade 10 MCAS Assessments. The scholarship covers eight semesters of tuition at any University of Massachusetts, state university, or community college campus.
Seventeen members of the high school Hyper Robotics Team competed recently in Manchester, New Hampshire, thanks in part to the continuing support of Gillette. Gillette also recently hosted 65 middle and high school students for a site visit.
At the upcoming Health Symposium on November 28, Wellness Teams from each school will be meeting together focusing on Social Media Safety, thanks to Maura Papile and Rita Bailey for organizing this semi-annual event.
Athletic Directors Kevin Mahoney and JJ Niamkey introduced the Fall Athletic Tournament Team Captains: Colleen Connor, Gianna Franceschini, Julianne Gazzola from Quincy High School Volleyball; Kayli Wu, Aleksandra Qose from North Quincy High School Volleyball; Theo Fox, Sheelens Ostine, Matthew Sheridan from Quincy High School Soccer; Abby Murphy from Quincy High School Cross-Country; Andrew Airosus, Josh Dangora, Ryan Kelson, Tim Layden, Win Tran, Jackson Zhao from North Quincy High School Football.
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Old Business
Emergency Procedures
Chart Update
(Discussion)
Mr. Bregoli reviewed that the Emergency Procedures Chart Update was approved at the November 6, 2018 Policy Subcommittee meeting and is open for discussion; as there was none, this item is eligible for vote on December 12, 2018.
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Old Business
MASC Conference
Resolutions Review
Mrs. Hubley reviewed the results of the resolutions presented for vote at the Massachusetts Association of School Committees Conference:
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Resolution 1: Rejecting the Arming of Educators The MASC conference delegates voted to support this resolution.
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Resolution 2: On Small and Rural Districts The MASC conference delegates voted to support this resolution.
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Resolution 3: Elimination of the Federal Department of Education The MASC conference delegates voted to support this resolution, amending it to indicate this was a rejection of eliminating the department.
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Resolution 4: Regional School Transportation The MASC conference delegates did not support this resolution and sent it back to committee to be re-written.
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Resolution 5: Regarding Reporting and Accountability Standards The MASC conference delegates voted to support this resolution.
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Resolution 6: Regarding Reproductive Health Education The MASC conference delegates voted to support this resolution.
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Resolution 7: On Gender Identity Inclusive Athletic Participation Policy The MASC conference delegates voted to support this resolution. There were amendments to remove wording on “gender-neutral” and to request the MIAA create standards of accountability.
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Resolution 8: Relative to Sports Wagering The MASC conference delegates voted to support this resolution.
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Resolution 9: Relative to Access to Information for Parents and Students Who Are Clients of Special Education The MASC conference delegates voted to support this resolution as amended to refer to a specific Massachusetts regulation.
Mrs. Hubley shared the written concerns of the Quincy School Committee and those were entered into the record.
Mrs. Hubley noted that the delegates also voted to amend the schedule for submitting new resolutions; these will now need to be submitted to MASC by June 1, 2019 to be considered for the November 2019 conference.
Mrs. Lebo said that MASC offers free Professional Development for School Committee members, including Procedural Protocols and Evaluating the Superintendent. She would like to schedule those for the Quincy School Committee.
Mrs. Lebo noted that the resolutions approved at the MASC conference are non-binding, they indicate the resolve of the delegates to work with the Legislature on these issues.
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New Business
Program Improvement
Plan Presentation:
English Learner Education
Director of English Learners Beth Hallett presented the English Learner Education Program Improvement Plan, along with teachers Heather Wojcik, Thao Nguyen Ippolito, and Quincy High School English Learner Department Chair Kathleen Harrison. Quincy’s English Learners are from 48 countries and speak 56 different languages. 65% of students are from China, 11% from Vietnam, 4% each are from Spanish- or Arabic-speaking countries, 3% are from Brazil; 2% from Albania; and 11% are from other nations. Quincy Public Schools has 1600 English Learner students, over half are elementary school students. The students have a variety of school experiences, some with limited or interrupted formal education and others above grade level. English Learner students typically develop conversational fluency within 2 years, while academy proficiency can take 5 to 7 years to develop. In addition to active English Learner students, Former English Learners who have exited from receiving services are progress-monitored for four years.
In reflecting on last year’s goals, Quincy Public Schools English Learners and Former English Learners scored higher than the state level in every grade for MCAS ELA, Mathematics, and Science. For Access for ELLs, 67% reached their benchmark target within two years and 72% achieved high to average growth. However, the specific goals of improving scores were below the target levels. The administrative goals for the Principals ELE Team, the High Needs EL Team, and the Central Registration Team were all met.
The goals for 2018-2019 include improving Literacy scores on the ACCESS for ELLs test; creating an English Learner Parent Advisory Council focusing on increasing parent engagement and improving communication; and working with the new English Learning Success Template to plan interventions for English Learners not making target benchmarks.
Mrs. Hubley asked about parent outreach at Lincoln Hancock, Dr. Hallett said six families have signed up so far but we are hoping to enroll more as the school year goes on.
Mrs. Lebo asked about Bilingual Guidance counselors, Atlantic Middle School and North Quincy High School both have bilingual staff members. Mrs. Lebo noted that Quincy Public Schools has long been doing the progress monitoring in advance of LOOK Act requirements.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Dr. Hallett for her leadership, we are very proud of our English Learner Education program.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the English Learner Education Program Improvement Plan. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Program Improvement
Plan Presentation:
Career, Vocational &
Technical Education
Executive Director Keith Segalla, accompanied by CVTE Department Chairs Rebecca McInnis (QHS) and Marianne Collins (NQHS) presented the Career, Vocational & Technical Education Program Improvement Plan.
In reflecting on last year’s goals, all were completed, including student creation of a safety digital learning media tool, expansion of mathematics in the CVTE program frameworks, and the acquisition of a variety of curriculum enhancements. The Program Advisory Teams also completed their goals to host site visits, present on-site lessons, and complete the Advisory Team reports. The Advisory Team goals are continuation goals. For 2018-2019, the program goals include expanding opportunities for CVTE student Financial Literacy Skills, along with continuing the goals of enhanced mathematics instruction and curriculum enhancements. As part of the LOOK Act, all CVTE staff will be required to earn the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement by July 1, 2021. Beginning in Fall 2019, CVTE teachers will have the opportunity to participate in SEI endorsement courses.
The Fall CVTE Advisory Team meetings were held on October 18 and 25, focusing on a review of employment knowledge and skills, management and entrepreneurship knowledge and skills, and technical knowledge and skills. These advisory teams will meet again in the spring to review progress towards goals.
North Quincy High School Film & Television Production student Ryan Fiasconaro and Quincy High School Metal Fabrication & Joining Technologies student Tiffany Li presented on their experiences with the CVTE programs.
Mr. Andronico asked for information about the number of graduates employed in the trades.
Mrs. Lebo complimented the presentation and noted that the core indicator data is very impressive, very difficult to make a difference in the non-traditional representation. Mrs. Lebo noted that the follow-up survey is conducted through Naviance, ⅓ of all graduates are CVTE students and most responded to the follow up survey. Mrs. Lebo reminded School Committee that she would like to pursue this for all graduates.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the Diversity goal, Mr. Segalla said that through the curriculum initiatives, these are ongoing. Mrs. Lebo thanked the student presenters, great representatives of the program.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Career, Vocational & Technical Education Program Improvement Plan. Mr. DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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SIP Goal Development
to Teaching & Learning
Subcommittee
(Referral)
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to refer School Improvement Plan Goal Development to the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gutro and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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SIP Facilities Areas of
Need to Facilities,
Security & Transportation
Subcommittee
(Referral)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to refer School Improvement Plan Facilities Area of Need to the Facilities, Security & Transportation Subcommittee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gutro 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 Point Webster 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.
Mrs. Hubley 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. Andronico seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
Mrs. Lebo and Mr. Gutro requested to be updated on the Wollaston School air quality issue. A Facilities, Transportation & Security Subcommittee meeting will be scheduled to review the issue.
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Communications
The next School Committee Meeting will be held on December 12, 2018 at 6:00 pm at Central Middle School.
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Mayor Koch noted that the Kincaide Park project improvements are before the City Council for review. Mayor Koch wished families Happy Thanksgiving and announced the Christmas Festival & Parade the weekend of November 23-25, 2018.
Mrs. Lebo requested that pursuant to communication received by School Committee from a parent, Policy Section 11.8.2 Public Solicitations in Schools appear on the next agenda for referral to Policy 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. Lebo reviewed the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meetings held on October 29 & 30, 2018 and November 5 & 6, 2018. At the meetings, the School Improvement Plans for all Elementary, Middle, and High Schools were presented by their respective principals. All were approved as presented.
Mayor Koch left the meeting at 8:25 pm.
Mr. Bregoli reviewed the Policy Subcommittee meetings held on November 6 & 13, 2018. On November 6, the Emergency Procedures Update was reviewed and approved as presented. On November 13, the resolution on moving Veterans Memorial Stadium ownership from School Committee to the City of Quincy. This issue will be discussed at a subsequent Policy meeting on November 28, 2018.
Mr. Gutro reviewed the Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee meeting held on November 13, 2018. The two high school Athletic Directors presented a review of Fall Athletics for middle and high school, the new evaluation process for coaches, and the exploration of league change for North Quincy High School.
As there were no corrections, the minutes of the October 29 & 30, 2018 and November 5 & 6, 2018 Teaching & Learning Subcommittee; the November 6 & 13, 2018 Policy Subcommittee; and November 13, 2018 Athletics & Wellness Subcommitee meetings were all approved as presented.
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Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
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Adjournment
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:35 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.