Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - April 3, 2013
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
April 3, 2013 at the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Present were
Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mayor Thomas Koch, Mrs. Emily Lebo,
Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. David McCarthy, and Ms. Barbara Isola, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair
Presiding
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The Superintendent called the roll and Mr. Bregoli was absent. Also present
were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk;
Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Mrs. Kristin Houlihan, Mr.
Michael Marani, Mrs. Laura Marstjepovic, Mr. James Mullaney, Mr. Kevin
Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile, Assistant Superintendent Colleen Roberts, Mr. Frank
Santoro, Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms. Judy Todd; Ms. Allison Cox, President, Quincy
Education Association, and Ms. Jill Gichuhi, President, Quincy Parent Advisory
Council to Special Education.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
3/20/2013
Mrs. Hubley made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Lebo, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for March 20, 2013. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Executive Session Minutes Approved
3/20/2013
Mr. McCarthy made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Executive
Session minutes for March 20, 2013. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
As no one wished to be heard at Open Forum, the School Committee moved to the
the next item on the agenda.
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Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent DeCristofaro opened his report by introducing a video of highlights
from North Quincy High School’s recent show All Shook Up! and Quincy High
School’s upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz. He also reminded the School
Committee about Quincy High School’s upcoming Artistry Month events,
including an Art Show, Student Film Festival, Poetry Reading, and Fashion Show.
Mr. Keith Segalla spoke of the upcoming HYPER Robotics event and the team’s
supporting partners, including Bluefin Technologies, Silicon Valley Community
Foundation, and the HYPER Alumni Association. At a recent regional event, the
team ranked fifth out of thirty five teams. Mr. Segalla expressed thanks to Eddie
Smith for his coaching and mentoring,
The Credit for Life Fair was held on March 28 at the Tirrell Room. This one-day
seminar for 200 seniors from both high schools had students role-play the life of an
independent adult to illustrate the importance of financial literacy. Students were
given a salary and worked to create a budget for necessities, expenses, and savings.
Many School-Community Partners supported this event, including local banks and
businesses.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that the Statements of Interest for the Sterling Middle
School project and window replacement projects for North Quincy High School,
Wollaston and Merrymount Elementary Schools have been submitted to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority. An update on the Central Middle
School project was shared with the School Committee featuring photos of the
building’s exterior and interior.
Seventeen student athletes received Winter Sports All-Scholastic recognition from
the Boston Globe. Basketball: Caitlin Bulger, Dan Gould, Pat Gould, Marquis
McClendon, Jane Minton, Maya Umoren from North Quincy High School and
Tino Goncalves, Jaquan Harris, Nicole Jorgenson, Kayla McArdle from Quincy
High School; Hockey: Nolan Greene, Rudy Tryon from North Quincy High
School and Pat Freeman, Jake Hallisey, and Erin McGinnis from Quincy High
School; Wrestling: Kevin Pappadopolous from North Quincy High School and
Matt Roach from Quincy High School.
The Middle School Swimming Championships will be held on Saturday, April 6 at
the Lincoln Hancock pool with over 150 students from all five middle schools
competing in a range of events. A Middle School Competitive Swimming and
Diving program will be held during the April Vacation week, coached by Bob
McGillicuddy and supported by members of the Quincy and North Quincy High
School Swim Team.
The City Council met on Monday, April 1 to discuss the Mayor’s proposed
appropriation for school security upgrades. The appropriation passed
unanimously. Dr. DeCristofaro is looking forward to working with the Public
Buildings Department and the Facilities and Security Subcommittee on setting
priorities for moving forward to implement these projects.
Dr. DeCristofaro spoke of the ongoing partnership between the Quincy Public
Schools and the Quincy Police Department, He thanked Quincy Police Chief
Keenan and Mayor Koch and announced that a new School Resource Officer will
be added to work with the Elementary and Middle Schools. In addition to the two
School Resource Officers already in place, the DARE Officers, and over 40 traffic
supervisors, Quincy Public Schools benefits from tremendous support from the
Quincy Police Department.
Dr. DeCristofaro completed his report by noting the examples of Home School
Connections shared with the School Committee: Curriculum Newsletters from
Lincoln Hancock and Snug Harbor Community Schools and the monthly
newsletter from the Squantum Elementary School. Mrs. Lebo complimented
Lincoln Hancock for their inclusion of the Guidance Curriculum model
information in their newsletter and the information about the Snug Harbor
Preschool program.
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New Business
High School Peer Leaders
Ms. Isola requested the School Committee’s permission to take the agenda out of
order to recognize the High School Peer Leaders next. Director of Student Support
Services Maura Papile, along with North Quincy High School Nurse Kristin Houlihan
and Quincy High School Teacher Laura Marstjepovic presented on the students’
positive impact on school culture. Mrs. Papile thanked the Mayor’s Drug Task
Force, the Masons, and the Rotary for their support of these many initiatives.
Students from Quincy High School reviewed explained the creation of the Friends
of Rachel chapter following the Rachel’s Challenge presentation last year. They
signed the pledge to accept Rachel’s Challenge and created a paper chain of
kindness which extended to 171 feet. The group then established a goal of raising
student consciousness through selling bracelets with the message “I will not be
labeled as average.”
The North Quincy High School students presented about Students Against
Destructive Decisions; their group holds many events to support students in
making positive decisions and understanding the impact of destructive decisions.
Their focus is on constructive decisions, including fundraising through the Photo
Show and creating public service announcements about bullying, drug abuse, and
drunk driving.
Mrs. Mahoney complimented both high schools on the many wonderful programs
offered, including drama, sports, and peer leadership opportunities. Mr. McCarthy
thanked both groups of students for sharing their impressive work as peer leaders,
and thanked their parents for their influence. Ms. Isola spoke of the impact of the
Rachel’s Challenge and the SADD program and noted that through her position as
Assistant District Attorney she often sees young people who do not think through
the consequences of their actions. Dr. DeCristofaro thanked both advisors for their
dedication and passion and expressed appreciation for all the wonderful things that
happen every day at both high schools. He also thanked Mrs. Papile for her
leadership and initiative.
Mr. Bregoli arrived at 7:45 pm.
Extended Day and Summer Programs
After a brief recess, Assistant Superintendent Colleen Roberts introduced an
overview of Extended Day Programs. Curriculum Coordinator Madeline Roy
presented on Title I grant-funded programs, including after-school programs Reach
Out and Read and Make Math the Story. Grant funding allowed for the purchase
of Common Core- Aligned materials; almost 400 students were provided with
supplemental instruction in Reading and Math at Snug Harbor, Lincoln-Hancock,
Parker, Clifford Marshall, Montclair, and Grade 5 students at Point Webster and
Sterling. Ms. Roy thanked the thirty teachers at these seven schools who took on
the challenge of learning new materials and implementing them.
Mr. Michael Marani, Coordinator of Extended Day Programs spoke about the
After School Music Programs (string and instrumental) and the many offerings at
the individual elementary schools funded through the Activity Stipend Fund.
Extracurricular offerings at the Middle School include Flag Football, Quiz Bowl,
Cross-Country, Volleyball, Early Bird Basketball, and Spring Track. At the two
high schools, Winter School is offered for credit recovery and standardized test
prep. Saturday programs for elementary students include Innovative Engineers
and Robotics; an Open House will be held on Saturday, April 6 at Beechwood
Knoll.
Ms. Roy then introduced the Title I summer programs, including Bridge to
Reading for 240 identified students entering Grades 2, 3, and 4 with enrichment in
speaking, listening, and writing to strengthen connections to the Common Core in
small group settings. Mr. Marani outlined the Summer Scene offerings, including
the All-City Honor Band, Summer Institute (Orientation to Kindergarten, Crafty
Kids, Innovative Engineers and Robotics, Windows Wizards, Newspaper) The
Summer Scene Brochure will be published the second week of May.
Mr. Keith Segalla announced that Quincy Public Schools is the recipient of a
Financial Literacy Pilot Program Grant, an initiative to support high schools in the
development of personal finance knowledge and skills for college and career
readiness. This is a three-year grant worth $50,000, with $20,000 being the initial
award to plan the program and develop curriculum. There will be teacher-led
project based lessons and activities, stressing the importance of financial literacy
and introducing students to careers in the field. The program will align to the
National Standards for Financial Literacy. The targeted population will be the
students at GOALs, Teen Mothers, PASS, Quincy Evening High School, and ELL
students.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the Winter Scene and whether all middle schools have the
21st Century Grant. Mr. Marani said that the schools that do not have the grant
have programs that are tuition-based. Dr. DeCristofaro said there are some
activities that have nominal fees, but the Activity Stipend Account has been
utilized wherever possible. Dr. DeCristofaro suggested that this was an area for
discussion during the budget process. Mrs. Lebo congratulated the staff for
writing the Financial Literacy Grant, but is concerned about the target population
rather than this being offered to all students. She asked if these courses will count
as mathematics for Evening School Students. Mr. Segalla said that those
discussions are underway, but not finalized. Mrs. Lebo asked that the School
Committee be kept apprised of the program as it is developed.
Mrs. Mahoney reiterated that giving all students access to these programs would be
desirable. She inquired whether the Summer Institute tuitions would be increasing.
Mr. Marani said it is possible, some programs will run for more weeks than in
previous years. Mrs. Mahoney asked whether parents had been surveyed to ask
about their preferences for hours and length of courses. Mrs. Roberts said that the
program administrators collected information about preferences and that was
factored in to this year’s planning. The grant-based programs often have time
length requirements; summer school also requires a certain number of hours to
receive credit. Mrs. Mahoney also asked for clarification of payment options;
tuition-based programs must be paid by credit card or bank check. Mrs. Mahoney
asked about adding the option to make payments online; it is important to make the
signup process as easy as possible for parents.
Mayor Koch thanked all of the presenters and noted that State Treasurer Grossman
has been supportive of many high school programs, the Financial Literacy Pilot
Program being one example. Dr. DeCristofaro suggested that the Financial
Literacy Pilot would be a topic for follow up at a Teaching and Learning
Subcommittee.
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Gift: Medical Supplies
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the gift of medical supplies and equipment
for students with asthma from the Alliance for Respiratory Care, valued at $1,072.41.
Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Overnight Travel
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the overnight travel of Quincy High School
SkillsUSA members to the SkillsUSA Massachusetts Conference in Marlborough, MA
from April 25 to April 27, 2013. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote,
the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
Mr. McCarthy thanked the Mayor for the additional School Resource Officer,
working with the current School Resource Officers, the Community Police
Officers, the crossing guards, and the continuing support of the Police Chief.
Mr. McCarthy announced that he would like to have a Facilities and Security
Subcommittee meeting on Tuesday, April 9 and will be inviting Parks Director
Chris Cassani to attend the meeting to discuss fields and school grounds.
Mr. McCarthy would also like to have a Facilities and Security Subcommittee
meeting on April 30 on the topic of Quincy High School.
Mrs. Lebo asked that an update on the Maintenance Department transition to the
Public Buildings side be added to an upcoming agenda.
Mrs. Mahoney asked about the quarterly updates for the Maintenance Department.
She mentioned that she had heard of an issue with leaking roof at the Squantum
Elementary School on the cafeteria end and asked for an update at next week’s
Subcommittee meeting.
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Reports of Subcommittees
Athletics Rules Subcommittee
Mr. McCarthy reported on the March 25, 2013 Athletics Rules Subcommittee
meeting. There were three items on the meeting agenda: the proposal to create
two part-time Athletic Directors, one for each high school; Athletic Eligibility;
and issues for MIAA clarification.
After discussion, the Subcommittee, with the support of the two high school
principals agreed to go forward with posting the two part-time Athletic Director
positions. All agreed it would be beneficial for the two schools, but that
administrative support will be critical the success of the position. Mrs. Lebo asked
that the Subcommittee be kept updated as the responses to the job postings are
received. Ms. Isola requested that budget numbers be shared as they are available.
The next item on the agenda was Academic Eligibility. By School Committee
policy, student athletes must have passing grades in all core academic subjects.
After discussion, since this question affects all extracurricular activity, a motion
was made to move the item to the Policy Subcommittee. On the motion, Mrs.
Lebo asked for data from neighboring cities and towns on their requirements for
extracurricular eligibility.
The last item on the agenda was Issues for MIAA Clarification. Mr. McCarthy
reviewed the issues that were discussed at the October 24, 2013 School Committee
about offseason contact, recruitment, and the “50% rule.” After thorough
discussion, it was agreed that the earlier questions have been answered by Mr.
Rendle. Mr. McCarthy will follow up with the questions to be sent to the MIAA to
be on the record and confirming Athletic Director Rendle’s interpretation of the
MIAA rules. Mrs. Mahoney asked for an opinion on an issue raised by a parent
and Mr. Mulvey will pursue this with outside legal counsel. Mrs. Mahoney also
asked for specific information about salaries and stipends and projections into
future years.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the March 25, 2013 Athletics Rules
Subcommittee Meeting minutes. Mrs. Lebo requested that the notes be amended
to include that the Athletic Director position is still subject to discussion pending
the outcome of the posting process and seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the
ayes have it.
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Special Education Subcommittee
Mrs. Mahoney reviewed the Special Education Subcommittee meeting which was
held on March 27, 2013. Dr. Christopher Denning from the University of
Massachusetts/Boston presented on the Young Athletes (YA) Initiative being
piloted at the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center (ECC). The program uses
games and motor play activities to support gross motor skill and social skill
development. The curriculum is evolving and Dr. Denning is working with the
ECC to determine what additional support is needed (for example, more
illustrations or ways to adapt activities). Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy,
and Adaptive Physical Education are all involved in implementing this program.
The parents present were very enthusiastic about the program and the potential for
enhancing social skills. Ms. Gichuhi asked about a connection with the BOKS
program at Squantum and suggested that parent orientation include children for
lesson modeling.
Ms. Todd gave an update on the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
initiative. Defined behavioral expectations will be taught and monitored;
instruction is targeted for tiers of behavior. Mrs. Perkins presented an overview of
Professional Development for Mathematics and Language Arts. Other types of
professional development offered focused on Study Skills/Executive Functioning,
Social Skills, and Formative Assessment.
Ms. Gichuhi reviewed that QPAC Goals for 2012-2013 are moving towards
completion; the new website has been launched, a needs assessment is underway,
including a parent survey. Information from the survey will be used for goal
development for 2013-2014.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the March 27, 2013 Special Education
Subcommittee Meeting minutes. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice
vote, the ayes have it.
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Teaching and Learning Subcommittee
Mrs. Lebo reviewed the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee meeting which was
held on April 2, 2013. The first item on the agenda was a discussion of the passing
grade level at both high schools. Currently, 63 is the final grade that must be
earned at the end of the course in order to earn credit for the course. Mrs. Skinner
presented a proposal to change the minimum passing grade and update the
weighted GPA scale. Of thirteen local communities and private schools, ten use
60 as the minimum passing grade and three use 65. Mrs. Skinner and Mrs.
McGeady noted that they see transferring student transcripts from all over the
country with 60 as a minimum passing grade. A motion was made and approved
to move the item to the full School Committee for further discussion.
The next item on the agenda was a discussion of the new Elementary Support
Teachers. In response to a request for information from the School Committee,
Ms. Owens shared research on Elementary School libraries in surrounding
communities, in the Gateway Cities, for the cities and towns that DESE considers
comparable to Quincy, and MSBA model school communities. There are a variety
of options being employed at elementary schools, ranging from the traditional
librarian at each building to library teachers or other staff shared between buildings
or paraprofessional support. He outlined the initiative and the goals developed
with a group of the elementary principals: increasing the use of libraries, creating
opportunities for extended day library hours, supporting summer reading/open
library opportunities, providing preparatory time for elementary staff, and
increased technology support. The elementary principals present spoke of the
increased technology support, additional curriculum connections, collaborative
time for teaching staff, utilization of parent volunteers, and additional professional
support.
Mrs. Lebo noted that this solution is not creating a media program equivalent to
what existed previously but does address equity of access for all elementary
students. Ms. Isola said she sees this as a rebuilding step, part of the recovery from
the budget cuts imposed several years ago.
Mrs. Lebo amended the motion contained within the notes to move the grading
issue out of the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee to the Policy Subcommittee.
Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the April 2, 2013 Teaching and Learning
Subcommittee Meeting minutes. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice
vote, the ayes have it.
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Adjournment
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. The motion was seconded
by Mrs. Lebo and on a voice vote, the ayes have it. There was no Executive Session.