May 11, 2015 Health/Safety Sub Meeting

Agenda

Quincy School Committee
Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee
Monday, May 11, 2015, 5:30 pm
Coddington Building
Mr. Noel DiBona, Chair

  1. PBIS Update - Maura Papile

  2. Health Services/Student Transitions - Rita Bailey

  3. Wellness/Alliance for a Healthier Generation Update - Rita Bailey

  4. Elementary School Learn to Swim Program Update - Dr. DeCristofaro

  5. Adjournment/Thank You!

Minutes

Quincy School Committee
Special Education Subcommittee Meeting
Monday, May 11, 2015

A meeting of the Health, Transportation & Safety Subcommittee was held on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 5:00 pm at the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. David McCarthy, and Mr. Noel DiBona, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Mrs. Rita Bailey, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Mrs. Joanne Morrissey, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile; Mr. Scott Alessandro, Citywide Parent Council Co-President; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Mr. DiBona called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Senior Director of Student Support Service Maura Papile reviewed the third year of the Positive Behaviors and Intervention Strategies initiative (PBIS). The Rural Lodge of Masons provided funding for full-day training for teacher representatives and principals for Cohort 2 (eight elementary schools and five middle schools) that will be held in June. Lincoln Hancock, Parker, and Marshall pilot programs have such impressive results that the May Insitute invited representatives from New Zealand to observe their Tier 2 interventions in a recent visit. Data collection at these school sites is being used for positive reinforcement and is seen by a decrease in office referrals.

Mrs. Papile reviewed that in the three levels of PBIS, 80-90% of students fall into Tier 1 (classroom and school rules and routines), 5-10% in Tier 2 (requiring some intervention outside the classroom), and 1-5% fall in Tier 3 (requiring higher levels of intervention). Schools identify three to five behaviors and share the expectations with all students. School staff uses positive language to engage students, positive reinforcement rather than threatening consequences and appropriate behavior is recognized on a regular basis. Definitions for referrals to office vs. classroom management are set for staff. At the June training, QPS focus will be on developing school-site specific implementation plans.

Mr. Bregoli asked whether PBIS is being implemented for all levels. Mrs. Papile said that the pilot schools were elementary (Lincoln Hancock, Marshall, Parker); all other elementary and middle schools are in the process of rolling out the system. For Cohort 2, which launched last September, Squantum Elementary School psychology and guidance staff members had previously worked at Lincoln Hancock and were able to get the staff started in Fall. PBIS is not being used at the high school level. Mr. Bregoli asked about students in substantially-separate classrooms, schools are using consistent language across general and special education. Mrs. Papile said PBIS can provide a bridge for students transitioning from special education to general education. Mr. Bregoli asked if there is a decrease in incident reports and this has been documented through the data collection at school sites.

Mrs. Hubley asked if there were concerns from the teachers at the pilot schools. Mrs. Papile said that teachers are happy to implement the program when they see the success of their colleagues and the change in their classroom routines and outcomes.

Health Services Coordinator Rita Bailey reviewed the Health Services role in student transitions. Any time a student transitions from one school to another, the nurses consult on health needs assessments, emergency action plans, and one-on-one meetings between nursing staff and/or parent/guardian. For Grade 8 students, baseline Impact testing is performed in June during Health or Physical Education classes. Follow-ups occur in the fall to ensure that new students receive this baseline test as well.

Mrs. Bailey reviewed that the Alliance for a Healthier Generation partnership has continued to grow, many wellness initiatives underway within the school district. Nurses collaborate with their schoolbased team to re-assess each year based on the program framework. 100% of QPS schools completed the assessment, developed goals, and implemented a new activity. In Fall 2016, sitebased Wellness Team leaders will gather with Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Morrissey, and AHG representatives to create system-wide goals.

Mr. Bregoli asked for clarification whether Impact testing must be repeated in Grade 11. Mrs. Papile and Mrs. Bailey said they will look into this; it can be discussed as part of the Policy Subcommittee Concussion Policy review.

Mr. Bregoli asked if middle school students who participate in intramural activities are tested. Mrs. Hubley agreed that this should be explored. Mrs. Papile suggested adding this to Concussion Policy review; concussion awareness has expanded exponentially since the policy was first created.

Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mrs. Morrissey for her involvement with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the citywide Wellness Team.

Dr. DeCristofaro said that 450 students have taken part in the elementary Learn to Swim program this year: Clifford Marshall, Lincoln Hancock, Parker, Atherton Hough, Snug Harbor, Wollaston, Montclair all participated this year. Mr. Bregoli asked if the Learn to Swim program means QPS will have a state championship swim team in a few years. Dr. DeCristofaro agreed and noted that we are looking to expand the middle school swimming program into the fall season.

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to adjourn the Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee meeting at 6:00 pm. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.