Quincy Public Schools

QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

TEACHING & LEARNING SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING

A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on November 9, 2022 at 6:00 pm in the Coddington Building.  Present were Subcommittee members Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mr. Frank Santoro and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Subcommittee Chair.  Also present were School Committee Members Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Doug Gutro, and Mrs. Kathryn Hubley; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Kim Connolly, Mr. Keith Ford, Mr. Daniel Gilbert, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Noreen Holland, Ms. Rebecca McInnis, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms. Helena Skinner, Mr. Edward Smith, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Mr. Christopher Tierney; Quincy Education Association President Gayle Cavalho; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Executive Director for CVTE Keith Segalla and Quincy High School CVTE Department Chair Rebecca McInnis presented the Career Vocational & Technical Education Program Improvement Plan.  Between North Quincy High School and Quincy High School, there are 19 Chapter 74 programs, 3 non-Chapter 74 programs with 1431 students currently enrolled and 36 professional staff members.

The 2022-2023 CVTE Program Goals: (1) to support our high school’s School Improvement Plan Academic Goal, the CVTE Team will design and develop a new Writing Prompt, including rubrics, for the CVTE Career Portfolio Initiative.  The Writing Prompt will include the six CVTE frameworks, including Safety & Health, Technical, Embedded Academics, Employability, Management & Entrepreneurship, and Technical Knowledge & Skills.  (2) To support our high school’s School Improvement Plan goal of Social-Emotional Learning, the CVTE will continue to implement a variety of character development strategies, including empathy, ethics, and growth mindset, into our CVTE curriculum.  (3) To increase non-traditional pathway opportunities for high school students, including Quincy’s CVTE program to ensure success beyond graduation.  (4) The CVTE Team will continue to provide students a variety of additional curriculum enhancements and educational opportunities.  

Mr. Santoro asked if the English Department collaborated on developing the writing rubric, but the CVTE team developed independently.  Mr. Santoro asked about Professional Development for CVTE staff, Mr. Segalla said that staff participate in the whole-school segment, then meet as a department.  Ms. McInnis said that the CVTE programs utilize the Collins writing program, emphasizing that written articulation of their skills and goals are important for interviewing skills.

Mr. Gutro asked about certifications, a new one was added for this school year and there are additional options available that will be integrated for the 2023-2024 school year.  Mr. Gutro asked about parental participation, Mr. Segalla said each CVTE Advisory program team has a parent advisor.

Mrs. Lebo suggested that the writing goal emphasis should begin earlier, before Grade 12.  Mrs. Lebo said the non-traditional participation statistics are good and complimented the advisory team membership, professionals in our community support our students and programs.  Mrs. Lebo said the Core Indicators are very good, the programs are doing well.

Mrs. Cahill made a motion to approve the Career Vocational & Technical Education Program Improvement Plan.  Mr. Santoro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Principal Keith Ford and Assistant Principal Edward Smith presented the Quincy High School Improvement Plan.  In reflecting on last year’s goals, improvement was seen in ELA, Mathematics, and Science MCAS results, with last year’s goals being met.  For Social-Emotional, there was a decline in the overall climate rating on the VOCAL survey.  Department goals for English Learners, Special Education, World Languages, Library and Wellness were met.

Quincy High School’s 2022-2023 goals are organized under two initiatives:  (1) identifying the needs of low-performing students and implementing strategies to improve student outcomes and (2) continue to implement social-emotional learning strategies, incorporate restorative justice practices, and utilize curriculum initiatives and programs to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for students, staff, and families.  Each department has created goals and measurable action steps for these two initiatives.  An extensive array of extended day offerings are available for students, including new cultural clubs, a Badminton club, Student Council.  Of the school’s 1452 students, 63% are low income, 20% are Special Education, 10% are English Learners.  Participation in Advanced Classes is not equitable across demographic subgroups, so there are steps planned to address this. 

Mrs. Cahill asked about monitoring the action steps for the climate and culture goals, Mr. Ford said the Culture & Climate Team is developing a 50-question survey to be administered in December, then will implement action steps, and then survey again later in the spring. 

Mr. Santoro thanked Mr. Bretsch for the initiative to create the interdisciplinary teams which empower the teachers to come up with the solutions to issues.  Thanked Mr. Ford for his hard work and appreciates everything he does.

Mrs. Hubley thanked the presenters and requested that Facilities Needs be moved to the Facilities, Transportation & Security Subcommittee. 

Mr. Gutro appreciates the focus on data analysis and culturally responsive teaching.  Mr. Gutro is concerned about the subgroup rates for Chronic Absenteeism, Dropouts, Advanced Coursework, and Graduation Rates.  Mr. Ford said the Student Support team is meeting weekly to follow up about absenteeism, including looking at alternative programs such as PASS or Quincy Evening High School for students with social-emotional or financial barriers to academic success. 

Mr. Gutro asked if there are behavioral incident trends.  Mr. Ford said that there is groundwork being done to establish behavioral expectations, getting students to understand the effect of social media on school community, feels a lot of the issues are related to transition to high school for younger students.  Expanded security staff are building relationships with students and this has benefitted as students have confided in trusted adults about issues.  Mr. Ford is hopeful and optimistic about positive experience for the majority of the school population.  A small number of students’ behaviors can have a large impact. 

Mr. Gutro asked about parent input in the School Improvement Plan.  Mrs. Lebo suggested that moving forward, the School Site Councils be involved in reviewing the School Improvement Plan prior to submission to School Committee.

Mrs. Lebo thanked Mr. Ford for the transparency in communicating to families about incidents.  Mrs. Lebo noted that last year, student who had COVID were out 10 days and if they had to quarantine, it could be another 10 days and this impacted Chronic Absenteeism data.

Mrs. Lebo is concerned about the VOCAL data, but noted this is a snapshot of Grade 10.  Mrs. Lebo said that across the district, the work from last year has assisted students in regaining self-regulating skills.  Mrs. Lebo noted that anything related to grading will be discussed in Policy Subcommittee.  Mrs. Lebo is looking for an updated Curriculum Map for Social-Emotional Learning.

Mr. Santoro made a motion to approve the Quincy High School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Cahill seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Principal Dan Gilbert and Assistant Principals Noreen Holland and Helena Skinner presented the North Quincy High School Improvement Plan.  Principal Gilbert thanked the Assistant Principals for their assistance in transitioning to his new position, the opportunity for our students at the high school level in Quincy Public Schools is amazing and prepares our students for college and career readiness.  Support comes in many forms, from challenging the highest performing to mentoring students struggling with transition to high school or new to the US.  The MCAS data is indicative of success in the classroom, especially for the high-risk students.  Across the board, performance levels were above the state average for meeting or exceeding expectations.  In addition to achievement, growth will be an emphasis moving forward.  The VOCAL data is encouraging, but the school is planning to administer a survey to all grades to better assess the school climate. 

For 2022-2023, the NQHS Goals are: (1) English Language Arts students will demonstrate an increased ability to analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of two different texts relate to each other and to the whole, as measured by a 5% increase (from a base of 54% in 2022) on the Reading Standards for Informational Text: Craft & Structure on the Spring 2023 ELA MCAS results.  (2) Mathematics students will increase the percentage of students scoring in the Meeting Expectations and Exceeding Expectations category as compared to the State Average by at least 10% as measured by the Spring 2023 Mathematics MCAS results.  (3) Science students will show improvement in student performance on MCAS Open Response Questions.  This improvement will be demonstrated by increasing average MCAS Open Response Question scores above points by 5%.  (4) The Student Support Team will review the overview, scope and sequence and plan for implementation of the Open Parachute SEL program and implement four modules (one per grade level) to support our student social-emotional learning.

For Social-Emotional needs, the Student Support team work with groups and individuals to address issues inside and outside of school.  The Open Parachute program is beginning with Grade 9 through lessons with the Health Interventionist, resources for parents are provided as well.  Student feedback is positive for the program, the lessons feel relevant.  The intensive Special Education program collaborates with the Business program students and the relationships are amazing.

Mr. Gilbert thanked School Committee for funding the QPS Webmaster position, this has been very helpful with Family Engagement to have the enhanced website showcase the regular parent newsletter.  So many improvements were completed at the school over the summer, and work will continue for replacement of lighting, carpet, and ceiling tiles over school vacations and next summer.

Mrs. Cahill said that Quincy Public Schools did a good job in sustaining achievement through the pandemic, very proud of the school system and leadership and the way our students are supported.

Mr. Gutro is looking forward for a deeper dive on the accountability data, asked about the increase in incidents.  Mr. Gilbert said this seems like a more normal school year with regular behavioral issues.  Mr. Gutro mentioned the incredible benefit of Dual Enrollment and Early College High School. 

Mrs. Lebo agreed that both high schools have a huge array of opportunities for students to become involved.  Mrs. Lebo praised the department goals, especially the Civics goal for Social Studies department and the Special Education transition plans.  Mrs. Lebo said the VOCAL survey data is very good, but is concerned that students at both high schools don’t see the relevance of what they are learning.

Mrs. Lebo asked about class size data, classes at 28 and 29 are advanced and administrators are looking to break up larger sections for the 2^nd term beginning on November 14.

Mrs. Cahill made a motion to approve the North Quincy High School Improvement Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Lebo reminded School Committee that the Student Advisory Committee needs to be re-established.  Mrs. Cahill suggested offering Community Service hours for participating. 

Mrs. Cahill made a motion to adjourn at 7:40 pm, seconded by Mr. Santoro.  On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Quincy School Committee

Policy Subcommittee

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Coddington Building, School Committee Room

Mr. Paul Bregoli, Chair

Mr. Doug Gutro & Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Subcommittee Members

AGENDA

1.    QPS Cell Phone and Other Personal Electronic Device                  Mr. Bregoli

Usage Policy for Students

·       Discussion with High School Principals      

·       Review & Discussion of Revised Staff Survey Questions

Members of the public can access the meeting in person or live on QATV Channel 22 or at qatv.org.  The meeting will also be recorded for rebroadcast and posted on on Friday, November 11, 2022 on the QPS SchoolTube channel https://www.schooltube.com/channel/Quincy+Public+Schools/139795111 .

QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING

A meeting of the Policy Subcommittee was held on November 9, 2022 at 7:40 pm in the Coddington Building.  Present were Subcommittee members Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mr. Paul Bregoli, Subcommittee Chair.  Also present were School Committee Members Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mr. Frank Santoro; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Kim Connolly, Mr. Keith Ford, Mr. Daniel Gilbert, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Quincy High School Principal Keith Ford and North Quincy High School Principal Dan Gilbert spoke with School Committee about their banning of cell phone usage during class time for this school year.  Students can use school-issued Chromebooks for any technical needs during class time. Information and expectations were shared in grade-level assemblies for students and at parent information night.  Both principals agree that cell phone usage during classtime is a distraction and that the new policy has been effective.  Students can use their cell phones during lunch or study periods.

Mr. Gilbert said the middle schools do not allow cell phones to be used during the school day.  In his experience, repeat violators were asked to turn their phones in at the office when they arrived at school each day. 

Mr. Gilbert said the balance of allowing students to use the cell phones during lunch or study has been good.  Mr. Ford said this is a policy that can be enforced, as opposed to saying that students can’t use them at all during the school day.  Mr. Ford said that this is one of the basic student expectations that is posted in every classroom.  When a student does not want to comply, they will be referred to a dean.  There were twelve situations at QHS in October where a Dean was involved, NQHS had fewer than 10. 

Mr. Gutro explained that School Committee is considering creating a formal policy for the district.

Mrs. Hubley asked what School Committee can do to make this Policy enforceable.  Mr. Ford said that helping to educate parents that if there is a family emergency, contacting the school administration to relay message to student during school hours.  Mr. Gilbert said the value of the School Committee Policy is that it will be consistent district-wide. 

Mr. Gutro asked if staff or parents have expressed concerns about the limitations and neither principal have heard any pushback.

Mr. Gilbert said the Grade 9 students are used to not being allowed to use their cell phones, for the older students, there were some bad habits developed during remote learning.

Mr. Santoro said that we need to be sure that the cell phone policy is reflected in the student handbooks.  Mr. Santoro is concerned about teachers being put into a situation of trying to remove a student’s phone.

Mrs. Lebo agreed that the policy being in the handbook is important as well as it is important for the policy to have consequences. 

Mrs. Lebo suggested a draft K-12 Policy be shared with the principals for their review.  Mrs. Cahill agreed, School Committee Policy would back the principals up and the balance they have created is important.  Mrs. Cahill and Mrs. Lebo both have heard from high school parents who are pleased with the limitations imposed this year. 

Mr. Bregoli agreed that the Policy needs to support teachers and not put them into the position of taking a student’s phone.

School Committee then reviewed the revised draft survey for professional staff members about cell phone usage in school.  The survey data will be reviewed at the next Policy Subcommittee meeting on November 30, 2022.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the survey as amended from the discussion.  Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it. 

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn at 8:15 pm, seconded by Mr. Gutro.  On a voice vote, the ayes have it.