Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting
A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at
5:00 pm in the Coddington Building. Present were Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Ms.
Barbara Isola, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin
Mulvey, Mr. Nicholas Ahearn, Dr. Elizabeth Hallett, Mr. Michael Marani, Ms. Robin Moreira, Ms.
Diane O’Keeffe, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Kimberly Quinn, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith
Segalla, Mr. Edward Smith, Mr. Steve Sylvia, Ms. Bridget Vaughn, Ms. Ruth Witmer; and Ms. Laura
Owens, Clerk.
Ms. Isola noted that all School Improvement Plan Facilities Areas of Need will be referred to the
Facilities & Security Subcommittee.
Principal Diane O’Keeffe presented the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School Improvement Plan,
noting that the School Design Team consists of 18 members, all grades are represented. All school
staff benefit from the additional time to meet and collaborate, develop agendas for Principal’s Path,
timely use of data for teachers to meet and plan a course of action. Positive results will be continued
through new action steps, fostering home school connections, and Kindergarten curriculum nights.
Principal Ruth Witmer presented the Lincoln Hancock Community School Improvement Plan, noting
that the hard-working staff of Lincoln Hancock saw results from their efforts with this MCAS
performance. In the second year of Principal’s Path, the Design team will focus on extended day and
family engagement. This year’s focus is on strengthening Science instruction, including academic
enrichment after school hours. Engaging families through curriculum events will be expanded to a
multicultural night and wellness night. Each PTC meeting is framed by a mini-Parent Academy. The
Design team has enhanced the general school culture.
Acting Principal Mike Marani presented the Snug Harbor Community School Improvement Plan,
noting that he is grateful for the hard-working staff’s assistance in his transition as principal. The
Design team focuses on the status of the Action Steps, checking in on whether they been achieved or
what alterations are needed. Extended day activities include Prep for Success, data driven
placement; the Robotics program supports STEM-based learning and the spring competition gives
students the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned. Family engagement has been
expanded through Harvest Festival, Family Soccer and Kickball games throughout the year. Family
Math Night is very popular, as are the monthly Kindergarten Parent-Child days. Thanked the
Superintendent and the Leadership Team for their assistance.
Principal Robin Moreira presented the Atherton Hough Elementary School Improvement Plan, noting
that Atherton Hough’s Design Team is a collaboration of Special Education and Regular Education
2 Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting 11-21-2017
teachers. Atherton Hough’s MCAS results showed strong growth for Students with Disabilities and
strong scores for Grade 4 in the first year of computer-based testing. Mrs. Moreira reviewed the
Integrated Learning Team, an important collaboration of Academic Support staff (Literacy, Special
Education, and English Language Education) and classroom teachers three times annually. As part of
Principal’s Path, mini-ILTs are discussed for progress for students receiving interventions and check in
about students of concern. Parent engagement for Kindergarten and Grade 2 (STEM activities). Mrs.
Moreira sends weekly update through Aspen to families, very positive feedback from parents. MiniParent Academies are also scheduled before PTO meetings.
Principal Nick Ahearn presented the Clifford Marshall Ellementary School Improvement Plan, focusing
on the PBIS system, tiered system providing support and common expectations for all students. Hats
Off to You phone calls to parents to celebrate accomplishments of students daily. Physical well-being
is supported by the school’s enthusiastic Health & Wellness team, nutrition and sun safety
emphasized by school nurse. The BOKS program very successful, 80 students currently participating.
Marshall Masters before or after school programs, 260 students, arts, coding, STEM, gardening, and
academic support programs.
Principal Steve Sylvia presented the Squantum Elementary School Improvement Plan, expressing
gratitude to the school community and staff. The SLT-supported Principal Path provides for focus on
instruction and interrelation with school and site-based professional development. The Squantum
Design Team has sought additional training on utilizing the MAP data and Guided Math. Wellness &
Nutrition lessons are provided to students to facilitate common planning times. Additional
collaboration and structure will benefit the school, explicit action steps will produce high
achievement.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the Science data analysis for Squantum and Mr. Sylvia will follow up.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the Atherton Hough, Beechwood Knoll, Lincoln Hancock,
Clifford Marshall, Snug Harbor, and Squantum Elementary School Improvement Plans. Mrs. Hubley
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Ms. Isola thanked the principals and Dr. DeCristofaro, clearly a lot of work and effort when into
creating the School Improvement Plans.
Mrs. Lebo said the visible Superintendent’s Leadership Team support and coordination is great to see.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee for their work, this is one of the
most meaningful School Committee connections, and thanked Ms. Isola for her leadership over the
last four years.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 pm. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and
on a voice vote, the ayes have it.