Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – December 6, 2017
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
December 6, 2017 at Central Middle School at 6:00 p.m. The Superintendent
called the roll and present were School Committee Chairman Mayor Thomas Koch,
Mr. James DeAmicis, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo,
Mrs. Anne Mahoney, and Mr. Paul Bregoli, Vice Chair.
Vice Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens,
Clerk; Mr. Nicholas Ahearn, Ms. Christine Barrett, Mr. Peter Dionne, Mr.
Michael Draicchio, Ms. Christine Flynn, Dr. John Franceschini, Mr. Daniel
Gilbert, Dr. Beth Hallett, Ms. Tiffany Helling, Mr. James Hennessy, Ms.
Breanne Higson, Ms. Margaret MacNeil, Ms. Maureen MacNeil, Ms. Robin
Moreira, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms.
Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Kimberly Quinn, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr.
Keith Segalla, Mr. Kevin Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Edward Smith, Mr.
Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; School Committee Member-Elect
Anthony Andronico; Ward 1 City Councillor-Elect David McCarthy; Quincy
Education Association President Allison Cox; Citywide Parents Council CoPresidents Scott Alessandro and Courtney Perdios; Quincy Parent Advisory
Council to Special Education President Cassandra Beck; NQHS Student
Representative and Student Advisory Council Chair Luke Molloy and QHS
Student Representative Timothy Nguyen.
Mr. Bregoli noted that this is his last meeting as Vice-Chair, and as he did at
his first meeting, he is using the gavel presented to former Ward 2 City
Councillor Ted DeCristofaro by former City Councillor Paul Harold.
§
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
11.15.2017
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for November 15, 2017. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
11.15.2017
Ms. Isola made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeAmicis to approve the Executive
Session minutes for November 15, 2017. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Open Forum
Citywide Co-President Courtney Perdios recognized Mrs. Mahoney and Ms. Isola
for their advocacy on behalf of the students and families of Quincy Public Schools.
The Citywide Parent Council is looking forward to continue working with Mayor
Koch, Mr. Bregoli, Mr. DeAmicis, Mrs. Hubley, and Mrs. Lebo, along with the new
members Mr. Andronico and Mr. Gutro.
Citywide Parent Council Co-President Scott Alessandro read the following letter
which was sent to all School Committee members:
Dear Dr. DeCristofaro and members of the Quincy School Committee:
The Quincy Citywide Parents Council, also known as the Citywide Parent
Teacher Organization or Citywide PTO, embraces Quincy Public Schools’
mission to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for students to
achieve their individual maximum potential. We also support students
learning to value and respect each other’s uniqueness. It is for these reasons
that we, as an organization, believe that action is required regarding North
Quincy High School’s current mascot.
Citywide PTO acknowledges that the School Committee voted in 1993 to keep
the mascot despite being asked three years earlier by the US Department of
Education to voluntarily remove it. In 1995 the Boston office of the Federal
Civil Rights Office found the mascot offensive but ruled that offensiveness did
not equate a hostile environment. Today we have a more informed
understanding of what is deemed appropriate for our learning environments
and what students, all students, need to be successful in school. Offensive but
legal should not be the standard for our district. In order for QPS to be a
district where students and their needs are the priority, we must ensure that
all of our messaging and actions and all of the symbols of our messaging and
actions are true to this mission. Citywide PTO does not believe the current
North Quincy High School mascot lives up to this ideal.
Citywide PTO proposes the following steps to address the North Quincy High
School mascot. Our desire to start this dialogue is not intended to discount or
detract from Dr. Yacubian’s contributions to our city. We are also not passing
judgment on the motivations or character of those involved in the creation, or
support of, the mascot. We are sensitive to and understand the history and
enthusiasm for the current mascot. We ask for the same sensitivity in
understanding why we feel it is time for a change.
Recommendations for School Committee and QPS Administration: Work with
Visions, Inc. to explore how best to frame the discussion around the current
North Quincy High School mascot. Develop a strategy and timeline for
inclusive discussions in the appropriate Quincy schools and appropriate
grade levels. Provide teachers and administrators professional development
time to participate in planning and to determine how best to hold these
conversations in their respective schools.
Recommendations for Quincy Public Schools: Since the North Quincy High
School mascot represents not just North Quincy, but all Quincy Public Schools,
conversations about the mascot should not be limited to North Quincy. QPS
should provide opportunities for students at all Quincy schools to discuss the
appropriateness of the North Quincy High School mascot in a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere where differences of opinion are recognized,
understood, appreciated, and utilized for the benefit of all. We invite the
Social Studies departments and teachers to lead their students in critically
examining the history, perception, and accuracy of the current mascot and
whether or not it reflects the educational excellence and culture of inclusion
expected in Quincy Public Schools.
Citywide PTO would welcome the opportunity to be part of this process. We
will dedicate the time and energy needed to assist and support students,
teachers, administrators, and school committee members to move forward
the steps outlined above.
Respectfully, Quincy Citywide PTO
Mr. John Rodophele spoke in favor of retaining Yakoo as the mascot at North
Quincy High School.
Ms. Sherrie Noble spoke in favor of reviewing the appropriateness of the Yakoo
mascot.
§
Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report recognizing the National
Merit Commended Scholars: Andrew Lee, Samuel Serjani, and Jing Yi Zhao from
North Quincy High School and Paul Donahue and Rachel Zisk from Quincy High
School. Ryan Wong from North Quincy High School was also recognized as a
National Merit Semi-Finalist, one of 16,000 nationwide.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that the students from all five Middle School Robotics
teams attended the First Lego League Qualifier at Worchester Polytechnic
Institute last Saturday. 36 teams from 16 cities and towns competed; special
thanks to the teacher/coaches from each school.
Dr. DeCristofaro announced that the 2nd Annual Bob McGillicuddy Memorial Swim
Meet for Quincy and North Quincy High Schools Swim Team Alumni will be held
on December 30, 2017 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Lincoln Hancock Pool. ‘Tis
the Season will be held on Monday, December 11 at 7:00 pm at Quincy High
School. Other upcoming events include Holiday Concerts at all schools and the
Gingerbread House decorating event on Friday, December 8 hosted by the Quincy
Parent Advisory Council to Special Education.
At last night’s Parent Academy, over 80 parents attended to hear Dr. Nadine Gaab,
a neurologist from Boston Childrens Hospital speak on brain development.
A New School Committee Orientation will be held in early January for new
members Anthony Andronico and Doug Gutro.
Dr. DeCristofaro concluded his Superintendent’s Report by thanking everyone
who was a part of the Thanksgiving Day Football Game: players, coaches, athletic
directors, administrators, Quincy Police Department, parents, cheerleaders, and
the marching band, who debuted their new uniforms, courtesy of Mayor Koch.
§
Old Business
There was no Old Business on the Agenda.
§
New Business
American Education
Week Poster & Essay
Contest Winners
Director of Special Education Erin Perkins, Senior Curriculum Director Madeline
Roy, and Curriculum Director Beth Hallett presented the winners of the annual
American Education Week Poster and Essay Contest:
Kindergarten through Grade 2 Posters: 1st Place: Ms. Higson’s Grade 1 class,
Wollaston Elementary School; 2nd Place: Ms. Flynn’s Grade 1 class, Parker
Elementary School; 3rd Place: Ms. Helling’s Grade 2 class, Atherton Hough
Elementary School
Grades 3-5 Essays: 1st Place: Vanston Ly, Grade 5, teacher Ms. Healy, Bernazzani
Elementary School; 2nd Place: Xuan-Mai Ippolito, Grade 5, teacher Mr. Mullen,
Point Webster Middle School; 3rd Place: Emily Davis, Grade 3, teacher Ms. Kitoski,
Clifford Marshall Elementary School
Grades 6-8 Essays: 1st Place: Nghi Hua, Grade 7, teacher Ms. Rizzo, Sterling Middle
School; 2nd Place: Ruby Levine, Grade 7, teacher Mr. Walsh, Broad Meadows
Middle School; 3rd Place (tie): Vivian Chen, Grade 8 and Ada Lai, Grade 8, both from
teacher Ms. Phillips, Atlantic Middle School
Grades 9-10 Essays: 1st Place: Hannah Murphy, Grade 9, teacher Ms. Cesso, Quincy
High School; 2nd Place: Patrick Rak, Grade 10, teacher Ms. Bacchieri, Quincy High
School; 3rd Place: Liana Gao, Grade 9, teacher Ms. Hanson, North Quincy High
School
Students in Grades 11 and 12 will compete in the Lions Club Speech Contest next
week.
Mayor Koch thanked the students, their hard work is evident from the essays and
posters shared tonight.
Mrs. Mahoney said she enjoys seeing students from the youngest grades to the
oldest and their very thoughtful approach to the topic.
Ms. Isola said that this is her favorite School Committee meeting of the year, so
special to see the students and their supportive families.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the Curriculum Team, the Principals, Assistant
Principals, and Teachers for all their efforts on this contest. Our teachers are the
best and give so much beyond the regular classroom day.
§
New Business
Extended School
Day/Recess to Policy
Subcommittee
Mayor Koch made a motion to move Extended School Day/Recess to the Policy
Subcommittee. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have
it.
§
New Business
Out of the Country
Travel
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the February 16-24, 2018 Out of the
Country Travel of Quincy High School to Japan.
On the motion, Mr. Bregoli expressed his concern with our students traveling to
this part of the world and he is voting against the request.
Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it with Mr.
Bregoli voting No.
§
New Business
Out of State Travel
(Overnight)
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the June 7-8, 2018 Out of State Travel
(Overnight) of Point Webster Middle School Grade 8 to New York City, New York.
Mr. DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
§
Additional Business
There was no Additional Business.
§
Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: Organizational Meeting, January 10 at 6:00
pm and Regular Meetings on January 10 and 24, 2018 at the Coddington Building
at 6:30 pm.
Mrs. Hubley noted that the Seaside Stitchers and other knitters at the Kennedy
Senior Center knitted over 250 hats, mittens, and scarves for Quincy Public
Schools students in need. A thank you note will be sent on behalf of the School
Committee.
Mayor Koch invited Dr. Alan Yacubian to appear at a future School Committee
meeting to thank him for endowing a scholarship fund of $400,000 for students at
both high schools. The goal is for five students from each school to receive
scholarships annually.
Mrs. Lebo suggested adding the impact of the MBTA closing the Wollaston station
to the Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee.
Mrs. Mahoney suggested that the North Quincy High School mascot conversation
be advanced in Policy Subcommittee and include Dr. Yacubian and Citywide PTO
in the meeting.
§
Reports of
Subcommittees
Mr. Bregoli noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes
are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com.
Athletics
Subcommittee
Mayor Koch reviewed the Athletics Subcommittee meeting held on November 13,
2017. Athletic Directors Jean-Jacques Niamkey and Kevin Mahoney presented a
review of Fall Athletics and looked forward to the Winter Athletics season.
As there were no corrections, the meeting minutes for the November 13, 2017
Athletics Subcommittee were approved as presented.
§
Teaching & Learning
Subcommittee
Ms. Isola reviewed the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meetings held on
November 20 and 21, 2017. The Elementary School principals presented their
School Improvement Plans and all plans were approved. Ms. Isola noted that all
School Improvement Plans are posted on the Quincy Public Schools website.
As there were no corrections, the meeting minutes for both the November 20 and
November 21, 2017 Teaching & Learning Subcommittee were approved as
presented.
§
Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
§
School Committee
Member Recognition
Ms. Isola (2010-2017) and Mrs. Mahoney (2006-2017) were recognized as this is
their last meeting on the School Committee. Dr. DeCristofaro shared a special
Inspire Quincy recognizing the accomplishments of both members and School
Committee members thanked them for their leadership and Ms. Isola and Mrs.
Mahoney were presented with commemorative chairs.
Mayor Koch, Mr. Bregoli, Mr. DeAmicis, Mrs. Hubley, and Mrs. Lebo all
acknowledged the many contributions Ms. Isola and Mrs. Mahoney made to the
students, staff, and families of the Quincy Public Schools.
§
Adjournment
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:30 p.m. The motion
was seconded by Ms. Isola and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.