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.