Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting - October 30, 2018
A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 6:00 pm in the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. Anthony Andronico, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Christine Barrett, Ms. Stacy Bucci, Ms. Susan Shea Connor, Mr. Richard DeCristofaro, Jr., Dr. John Franceschini, Mr. Daniel Gilbert, Dr. Elizabeth Hallett, Ms. Maureen MacNeil, Ms. Courtney Mitchell, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Kimberly Quinn, Ms. Madeline Roy, Ms. Aliza Schneller, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Edward Smith, Ms. Bridget Vaughn, Dr. Adam Wolf, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to refer all School Improvement Plan Facilities Areas of Need to the Facilities & Security Subcommittee. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Daniel Gilbert presented the Broad Meadows School Improvement Plan, noting that Public Buildings and Commissioner Paul Hines’s responsiveness after the flooding at the school during last winter’s storm minimized the impact on the school and community. There are many incredible things that the school’s staff and administrators do for students every day, MCAS is one indicator of student progress, the first priority being sure that students have a comfortable environment to learn for both general and special education students. Mr. Gilbert shared evidence of the strong curriculum initiatives, family and community engagement, and the tradition of Community Service at Broad Meadows.
Mrs. Hubley complimented the inclusive culture at Broad Meadows, the drama productions and peer mentoring.
Mrs. Lebo said the MAP assessment growth is an indicator of the progress made and there was definite progress in Grade 8 Science.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Broad Meadows Middle School Improvement Plan. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Maureen MacNeil presented the Atlantic Middle School Improvement plan, a collaboration of the staff and administrators and integrating the Principal’s Path initiative. Student individual needs are addressed through whole class and small group instruction. Aggregate student achievement surpassed statewide results for both ELA and Mathematics in all grades. After school groups will provide targeted intervention for the lowest performing cohort. English Learner students made progress, but just below the targeted level. Atlantic offers an array of extended day programming for academic supports, athletics, the arts, and enrichment. Family engagement opportunities include a Family STEM Night, the Ancient Civilizations Fair, and a new Astronomy Night event.
Mr. Bregoli is impressed with the Atlantic Literary Magazine, an incredible effort each year. Ms. MacNeil said the students are really proud of continuing the tradition.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the Activity Block, once a week on Fridays, allows for full Band and Chorus rehearsal.
Mrs. Hubley complimented the idea of the Astronomy Night.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Atlantic Middle School Improvement Plan. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Christine Barrett presented the Point Webster Middle School Improvement Plan, noting that MCAS results showed strong growth and performance at or above the state level. MAP scores showed strong student growth as well. Goals for next year are consistent with the district goals, staff is focused on Science for both Grades 5 and 8. Point Webster and Clifford Marshall will be collaborating on vertical strategies and launching the new Science curriculum for Grades 3-5. Principal’s Path is continuing to be a framework for sustaining the culture and climate of the school. Family engagement activities will include a Cultural Fair, Substance Use Prevention and Education.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Point Webster Middle School Improvement Plan. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal John Franceschini presented the Sterling Middle School Improvement Plan, noting that the staff are committed to planning, implementing, and adjusting instruction to meet the individual needs of students. Students are involved with the community through the Girls Rising project, the Junior Building Committee, and Grade 8 project-based learning. For MCAS results, student performance met or exceeded state levels for ELA and Mathematics achievement. This year’s goals and action steps are focused on continued growth for all students.
Mr. Gutro said that he recently visited the new South~West Middle School, asked about any impacts on Sterling from the construction. Dr. Franceschini said that Bond Construction has been exceptional, have done everything possible to minimize the disruption to staff and students.
Mrs. Lebo asked about ELA and Math goal, the RIT increase will be 10 points. Mrs. Lebo asked about the Student Support Block, a daily period where students can visit teachers for additional help and Guidance for PBIS.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Sterling Middle School Improvement Plan. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Rick DeCristofaro presented the Central Middle School Improvement Plan, the academic successes of the students are complemented by the many before and after school activities. Two-thirds of the student participate in one or more activities, including Chorus, Band, Drama, and Robotics. Incredible response from students in observing Enough is Enough Day last spring, focus on the right for safe and secure school environment. Through QARI, students are mentored by high school students for assistance with academics and social development. Through Principal’s Path, teachers collaborate on refining instruction and individualizing student learning, especially for writing for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences and specific Mathematics topic for each grade level.
Mrs. Hubley noted that the Fashion Show is always a highlight at Central.
Mr. Gutro asked about the process of goal development, Mr. DeCristofaro said there is always room for improvement in student achievement. Mr. DeCristofaro said that the increases are usually by strand, so cumulatively, there would be multiple opportunities for improvement across a grade level.
Mrs. Lebo suggested that MAP assessment growth may be reflective of many of the students starting close to the ceiling. Mrs. Lebo asked about the number of APC students, about one third of the school population. Mrs. Lebo requested disaggregated data for APC. Mrs. Lebo noted that Mr. DeCristofaro also is well-known for communication home, emails and Instant Alert messages.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Central Middle School Improvement Plan. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 pm. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.