May 4, 2022 School Committee Meeting

May 4, 2022 School Committee Meeting
Posted on 05/02/2022
QPS logo

Agenda

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

Wednesday, May 4, 2022, 6:30 pm
City Council Chambers, Historic City Hall

I. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting Minutes for April 13, 2022

II. Open Forum: An opportunity for community input regarding the Quincy Public Schools. Community in this context is defined as a resident of the City of Quincy, a parent of a student who attends the Quincy Public Schools, or an employee of the Quincy Public Schools. Non-community persons not permitted to speak at Open Forum may submit written statements to the School Committee. After giving his or her name and address, each speaker may make a presentation of no more than four minutes to the School Committee. An individual may not exchange their time or yield to others.
Interested parties may also submit written statements to: [email protected].

III. Superintendent’s Report

A. Student Recognitions: National Honor Society Members of the Class of 2022

B. QPS Enrollment & COVID-19 Metrics

C. Educator Appreciation Week

D. Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremonies: NQHS, June 6 & QHS, June 7

E. Nobel Laureate Presentation, April 28

F. QHS Culinary Students Grab & Go Lunch Initiative

G. QPS Family Engagement:

  • Multicultural Festival, May 5

  • QHS Fashion Show, May 11

  • Special Education Track & Field Event, May 20

  • NQHS Drama Presents: The Addams Family, May 21 & 22

  • Parent Academy: Welcome to Kindergarten, May 26

  • Elementary & Middle School Spring Concerts

IV. Old Business:

A. 2022-2023 QPS School Year Calendar (VOTE) - Mr. Bregoli

V. New Business:

A. QPS Summer Programs - Superintendent Mulvey, Ms. Perkins, Ms. Roy

B. Naming the NQHS Band Room in Memory of Rich Kenneally - Mayor Koch
For referral to the Facilities, Transportation & Security Subcommittee

C. South Shore Educational Collaborative Representative - Superintendent Mulvey

D. Approval Out of State Travel (One Day) (VOTE): - Superintendent Mulvey
Atherton Hough Elementary School Grade 5 to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire on June 17, 2022.

VI. Additional Business:

VII. Communications:

A. Upcoming School Committee Meetings (Coddington Building, 6:30 pm): Regular Meetings: May 18, 2022 and June 15, 2022

B. Upcoming Subcommittee Meetings (Coddington Building, 6:00 pm):

  • Quarterly Budget & Finance, May 11, 2022

  • Teaching & Learning, May 11 & June 1, 2022

  • FY2022 Budget Meetings, May 25 & June 1, 2022

  • Facilities, Transportation & Security, May 25

VIII. Reports of Subcommittees: Athletics & Wellness: Mrs. Cahill to report on the March 28, 2022 meeting.

IX. Executive Session: Contract Negotiations

X. Adjournment:

Minutes

Quincy, MASSACHUSETTS – May 4, 2022
--------

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

Regular Meeting

Vice-Chair Presiding

A meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, May 4 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers in Historic City Hall. Superintendent Kevin Mulvey called the roll and present were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mr. Frank Santoro, Vice Chair.

Also present were: Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Lauren Canning, Ms. Allison Cox, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Julie Graham, Mr. James Mullaney, Ms. Cara Pekarcik, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri; Quincy Education Association President Ms. Gayle Carvalho; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

School Committee observed a moment of silence for the people of the Ukraine and the men and women of our armed forces at home and overseas.

Superintendent Mulvey recognized former Quincy Public Schools employees who passed away recently: Lloyd Hill, 35 years as an educator, retired as Quincy High School Principal and Paul McSweeney, retired after 18 years as a custodian.

Mr. Santoro read the following statement into the record: Pursuant to the Open Meeting Law, any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium. Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions are being made whether perceived or unperceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible.

§

Approval of Minutes

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting for April 13, 2022. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

§

Open Forum

As there was no one to speak at Open Forum, School Committee went on to the next item on the agenda.

§

Superintendent’s Report

School Committee recognized the 115 Class of 2022 National Honor Society members, presented by advisors Cara Pekarcik (NQHS) and Lauren Canning (QHS). From North Quincy High School: Charles Affleck, Gulisumauayi Aihemaiti, Carly Amendolare, Jenny (Yoon) Aung, David Bridges, Caroline Cavicchi, Adelin Chan, Katelyn Chan, Alven (Chonghao) Chen, Rou Chen, Michelle Chen, Nicholas Chen, Brian Choi, Grace Hickey, Tina Hoang, Emily Kuang, Trista Lee, Sabrina Leung, Jaden Liang, Tanisha Liang, Ada Lin, Victor (Ting Shing) Liu, Annie Lu, Francesca Magnarelli, Owen Masur, Ashley Morash, Andrea Ngo, Michael Schinazi, Teresa Sheedy, Kiera Sleiman, Oliver Smith, Melody Tai, Jada Tu, Grace Xu, Rima Zahreddine, Hao Zheng, Jilin Zheng, Joyce Zhong. Vivian Zhu. From Quincy High School: Leila Akhouzine, John Alessandro, Noel Alvero, Maurice Ampane, Meira Baliton, Kathleen Bowden, Conor Byrne, Jerry Caldwell, Kevin Chen, Ellen Chen, Jack Collings, Dany Darwich, Amyah Davis, Aleksandra Dedo, Rebecca Deng, Natalya Desmond, Maya Dijkstra, Aisling Donoghue, Zachary Donaghue, Joie Eng, Margaret Fay, John Fehan, Rachen Feng, Nicholas Ferrara, Meaghan Foley, Iain Gillespie, Emma Glavin, Cassandra Gordon, Matthew Gratch, Lindsey Hatfield, Mia Heim, Emily Huang, Antenella Ibrahim, Updana Joshi, Natalia Kepczynski, Kellen Kopp, Sai Kuchulakanti, Tony Le, Daniel Lung, Thu Luong, Lucy Lynch, Adriana MacPherson, Madeline Mayo, Kayla McNelley, Jennifer Meng, Rebecca Morris, Thomas Murphy, Nandan Nair, Lisa Ngo, Cindy Nguyen, Aria Oakes, Gabriel O’Brien, Isabella Pagliarulo. Kaitlyn Paiva, Anee Patel, Vansh Patel, Vraj Patel, Athena Perry, Dhanvi Puttur, Paige Raber, Jordan Reilly, Elise Roche, Coleman Ross, Megan Ross, John Shen, Renea Smart, Jamie Tam, Lily Tang, Mackenzie Thai, Ninh Thi, Marissa Tolini, Kayla Tran, Teyah Wilson, Matthew Wong, Celine Zheng, Gina Zheng, Jia Ye Zou.

After a brief recess, Superintendent Mulvey continued his report by updating that Quincy Public Schools enrollment is 9,924 for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, an increase of 15 students since the April 13 School Committee Meeting. Superintendent Mulvey thanked the school secretaries and Central Registration, 1,000 new students have been registered in Grades 1-12 during this school year and 800 students transitioned out of the school system, more than double the volume over previous years.

For COVID-19 statistics, there were 144 student and 32 staff cases in the two weeks ending May 3, an increase from the previous two weeks. 2,681 staff and students are participating in pooled testing, 23.5% of the staff and students in the district with a 0.75% positivity rate. Just under 2,200 staff and students are signed up to receive home testing kits.

Superintendent Mulvey noted that this is Educator Appreciation Week, an opportunity to acknowledge our teachers, guidance counselors, nurses, paraprofessionals, and administrators for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of our students and families. In the last few years, educators have been called on to be creative, supportive, and adaptive and all of their daily efforts are deeply appreciated.

The Class of 2022 will be celebrated at their graduation ceremonies at Veterans Memorial Stadium: Monday, June 6 for North Quincy High School and Tuesday, June 7 for Quincy High School, both at 6:00 pm.

Mr. Santoro asked about what will happen in case of weather issues. Superintendent Mulvey said the ceremonies will be moved indoors to their respective school gymnasiums.

On Thursday May 28th, forty-five students from Quincy and North Quincy High School Psychology classes met remotely with Nobel Laureate, Dr. Henry Abraham. Dr. Abraham is a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize of 1985, awarded to Physicians for Social Responsibility and the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, two organizations which he helped form. Special thanks to Mayor Koch, City of Quincy Chief Financial Officer Eric Mason, and Financial Coordinator Michael Rowland and Dr. Ed Shapiro for their support and help organizing this event; department chairs Danielle Fernandez and Kevin Bell and host teachers Bill Doyle and Ben D’Amore.

Thanks to the support of Stop & Shop, the QHS Culinary Students will be providing lunch for the residents at the Hancock House on School Street on Wednesday, May 11. The students will prepare and serve three grab and go meal options for 150 seniors.

Mr. Santoro asked about the QHS Presidents Café restaurant, Superintendent Mulvey said it is open to the public several days a week, the hours are posted on the Quincy High School page of the Quincy Public Schools website.

Superintendent Mulvey concluded his report by reviewing upcoming QPS Family Engagement events: the Quincy Multicultural Festival on May 5, 2022 at 6:00 pm at Pageant Field; the QHS Fashion Show on May 11, 2022; the Special Education Track & Field event on May 20 at Pageant Field; NQHS Drama Club presentation of The Addams Family Musical on May 21 & 22; and the Welcome to Kindergarten Parent Academy on May 26 at 6:00 pm at Central Middle School. Elementary & middle school concert dates are being finalized and a schedule will be shared at the next School Committee meeting.

§

Old Business

2022-2023 QPS School Year Calendar

Mr. Bregoli reviewed the four options for the 2022-2023 Quincy Public Schools School Year Calendar: the current calendar format with and without observation of the Lunar New Year and a new calendar format with and without observation of the Lunar New Year.

Mrs. Lebo prefers the current calendar format and Mrs. Hubley agrees. Both suggested the information on cultural holidays be shared with staff and families in another way.

Mrs. Cahill prefers the new format, feels it is important for families to see which holidays would be observed by the schools.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Option A 2022-2023 School Year Calendar. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion.

On the motion, Mr. Santoro said he will vote no because he feels Lunar New Year should be observed.

On a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-1. Mr. Santoro voted NO.

§

New Business

QPS Summer Programs

Superintendent Mulvey introduced the Quincy Public Schools Summer Programs, which will once again be funded by Mayor Koch to provide opportunities for student enrichment and skills support. Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins and Senior Curriculum Director Madeline Roy presented an overview of the programs, beginning with thanking the Curriculum Team staff who worked on the planning and execution of this array of programs that will be offered free of charge.

The Quincy Public Schools Summer programs will be focused on in-person instruction and aligned to the pre-requisite content standards identified for success in the next grade level. The programs will incorporate supports for social-emotional learning and provide a range of opportunities for all students in these 4-week programs held during the month of July.

Academic Supports for Elementary school students identified as needing assistance for essential literacy and math skills are provided in the Bridge to Reading & Mathematics program; enrichment opportunities in the Quest for Learning program which incorporates reading and mathematics skills, STEM academy, and an introduction to civics. For middle school students, Summer Boost and Hands-On Math are options for reinforcing and mastering foundational skills. In addition, STEM academy programs give students the opportunity to work collaboratively and engage in hands-on learning. For Grade 8 students transitioning to high school, the Bridge to High School program provides academic continuity and transition skills. The Ladders to Success program is another opportunity for Grade 8 students to develop interpersonal skills, learn about health & wellness, financial literacy, technology, employment skills, and entrepreneurship. For students in high school, summer pathways include Credit Recovery and SAT Prep. The Summer YouthWorks program is a collaboration with local public, private, and non-profit organizations within Quincy to explore careers and gain workplace experience in paid positions.

Students with disabilities who are eligible to receive speech, occupational, and physical therapy have these services continue over the summer and also are invited to participate in special programs designed to limit regression during the summer months. The Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Learning Center program is at the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center and Grades 1-12 is held at North Quincy High School. Clifford Marshall hosts the Transitional Kindergarten and Language Development program for elementary students. Last year, 50 students received individual or small group tutoring for Orton Gillingham and other reading skills and these supports will be offered this year as well.

English Learners are invited to participate in programming appropriate for their grade and skill levels: Camp Can Do for elementary school students held at Clifford Marshall, the middle school SWELL Academy at Point Webster, and high school AccELerate, where the curriculum will integrate with students interests.

Social-emotional and wellness summer opportunities will include DOVE Peer Leader trainings for both high schools; BOKS and Yoga programs; Walker & QARI Wellness Groups (held at Eastern Nazarene). Each of the summer programs will have in-person and on-site field trips, summer crafts, and guest speakers and presenters. Suggested summer reading titles are available for elementary and middle school, in collaboration with the Thomas Crane Public Library.

The Quincy Public Schools School Nutrition department will provide free healthy lunches during July and August at the Parker Elementary School, Lincoln Hancock Community School, Ward II Community Center, the Snug Harbor Community School, and the Montclair Elementary School.

Summer program registration is underway, along with recruitment of professional staff members, paraprofessionals, and administrators. Invitations have been mailed out to identified students and registration links are open. Registration will close in early June to ensure appropriate staffing.

Mr. Gutro thanked the presenters and everyone involved in planning and staffing the programs. Mr. Gutro asked about how this program compares to last summer. Ms. Perkins said that there will be competition from outside camp programs that may not have been open last summer, but is expecting a robust response.

Mr. Gutro asked what percentage of the programs are designed to address learning loss. Ms. Perkins said that since so many of the programs are for identified students who are invited and encouraged to attend at the school level, the majority of the students who need to be there are enrolled. Over 500 students have already registered in the first few days.

Mr. Gutro asked about the funding source, Superintendent Mulvey said that the total cost is around $500,000, special funding provided by Mayor Koch from a variety of sources. Mayor Koch said that funding the Quincy Public Schools Summer programs eventually will need to become a budget line item.

Mrs. Hubley asked about the capacity for the High School SAT Prep. Ms. Roy said that the program will be in-person for Grade 10 and 11 students and will be around 25-28 students.

Mrs. Hubley asked about the high school summer reading lists, these will be available around the end of May.

Mrs. Hubley asked about meals for students at North Quincy High School and Clifford Marshall, snacks are provided by the School Nutrition department at all locations. Superintendent Mulvey will follow up with Ms. Dufour to see if this can be expanded to offering lunch.

Mrs. Lebo said these are incredible offerings, thanks to the staff who are willing to work over the summer. Mrs. Lebo asked about the Ladders to Success and YouthWorks, Ms. Roy there are income qualifications for these programs.

Mrs. Cahill thanked the presenters, asked for clarification on the registration process and deadlines. Ms. Perkins said that registration is online for all programs and the Family Liaisons are working to assist families. Mrs. Cahill suggested sending School Messenger alert when the deadline is approaching.

Mr. Santoro thanked Mayor Koch for providing the funding, Quincy has very impressive offerings for our students and families.

§

New Business

Naming the NQHS Band Room

Mayor Koch made a motion to move naming the North Quincy High School Band Room in memory of Rich Kenneally to the Facilities, Transportation & Security Subcommittee. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

§

New Business

SSEC Representative

Mr. Gutro made a motion for Superintendent Mulvey to continue to represent the Quincy Public Schools as the representative to the South Shore Educational Collaborative. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

§

New Business

Overnight Travel

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Atherton Hough Elementary School Grade 5 to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire on June 17, 2022. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

§

Additional Business

There was no Additional Business.

§

Communications

Mr. Santoro noted that School Committee Regular Meetings will be held on May 18 and June 15, 2022 at 6:30 pm in the Coddington Building. Upcoming Subcommittee Meetings include Quarterly Budget & Finance and Teaching & Learning on May 11, 2022; FY2023 Budget on May 25, 2022; and FY2023 Budget and Teaching & Learning on June 1, 2022, all beginning at 6:00 pm.

Mr. Gutro requested an EDI Subcommittee meeting be scheduled before the end of the school year.

§

Reports of Subcommittees

Mr. Santoro noted that Subcommittee minutes are published on the School Committee page of the Quincy Public Schools website (quincypublicschools.com)

Mrs. Cahill reviewed the March 28, 2022 Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee, where Athletic Directors JJ Niamkey and Kevin Mahoney reviewed Winter 2022 Athletics and previewed Spring 2022 Athletics. Senior Director of Student Support Maura Papile and her team presented on Social-Emotional Learning at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

As there were no corrections, the minutes of the March 28, 2022 Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee were approved as presented.

§

Executive Session

Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of Contract Negotiations at 8:05 pm, seconded by Mrs. Lebo.

On the motion, Mayor Koch noted that School Committee will not return to Regular Session.

On a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.

Adjournment

Since School Committee moved to Executive Session and will not return, the May 4, 2022 Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.

§