Minutes
Quincy School Committee Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting
A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on November 28, 2022 at 6:00 pm in the Coddington Building. Present were Subcommittee members Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mr. Frank Santoro and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Subcommittee Chair. Also present were School Committee Members Mr. Paul Bregoli and Mr. Doug Gutro; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Mr. Nicholas Ahearn, Ms. Christine Barrett, Ms. Kim Connolly, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Mary Hurley, Ms. Renee Malvesti, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Heather Patch, Ms. Kimberley Quinn, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Steve Sylvia, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Principal Christine Barrett presented the Point Webster Middle School Improvement Plan, noting that that in the last few years, the focus of goals has shifted from MCAS to MAP. The MAP assessment is more readily accessible data and provides real-time information for targeted student interventions. Emphasis on Social-Emotional Learning will continue into this school year, with restorative practices, the attendance incentive program with the Boston Celtics, and family communication and community activities. The exterior ground improvements have made a difference to the school and community, many grants support the innovative classroom efforts of the teachers.
Mrs. Cahill asked about the Pre-Kindergarten play area, the improvements are still to be done. Superintendent Mulvey will follow up with Commissioner Hines.
Mrs. Cahill asked about opportunities for principals to share strategies for curriculum and instruction with each other. Ms. Barrett said that there are system-wide professional development days and Ms. Perkins noted the regular Principal meetings.
Mr. Santoro asked about curriculum for Grade 5, all students in this grade use the same materials.
Mr. Santoro asked about the rate of new student registration and students moving away; Ms. Owens will compile the data for all schools.
Mrs. Lebo suggested that Point Webster should have Math Interventionist services for Grade 5 students.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the REACH program for Grade 5, the percentage of students at each school often is not 20%. Ms. Perkins said that was the goal, a few students declined to participate and a few others moved away.
Mrs. Lebo asked to be updated about the caseloads for Speech & Language, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the Pre-Kindergarten program, there are 70 students in four classrooms (2 Integrated, 2 CARES).
Mr. Gutro noted that the Point Webster SIP was reviewed by the PTO prior to submission to School Committee.
Mr. Santoro made a motion to approve the Point Webster Middle School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Cahill seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Nicholas Ahearn and Assistant Principal Heather Patch presented the Clifford Marshall Elementary School Improvement Plan, noting that the elementary schools are implementing new Reading and Mathematics curricula. Mr. Ahearn shared highlights of growth in achievement for the school community and the data-driven strategies and action steps to achieve the goals for this school year, including a continued focus on social-emotional learning, a robust extended day program, and family communication. Ms. Patch explored the content-area focus of the new Reading program, which will work in partnership with the inquiry-based Science program.
Mrs. Cahill asked that issues that impact security are addressed in Facilities subcommittee. Mrs. Lebo noted that the Security assessment is underway by the outside company commissioned by Mayor Koch.
Mrs. Cahill asked about staffing, Mr. Ahearn said that he is grateful for the staff provided by the QPS budget.
Mr. Santoro asked about the traffic issues for morning dropoff and afternoon pickup, Mr. Ahearn said the staff work with the School Resource officers and the crossing guards to ensure student safety. Mrs. Lebo complimented that VOCAL data.
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to approve the Clifford Marshall Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Steve Sylvia presented the Squantum Elementary School Improvement Plan, thanks to the support of Mayor Koch, the School Committee, the Superintendent and Leadership Team this past year was another step in the recovery from the pandemic. This plan was developed by the staff working together to focus on student growth and social-emotional learning, during the school day and beyond the bell. The school community is energized by the prospect of building a new Squantum Elementary School building; an Owner’s Project Manager has been selected as of this afternoon at the Building Committee Meeting.
Mr. Santoro noted that MCAS results were well-above the state average for Squantum students. As the School Committee representative on the School Building Committee, Mr. Santoro is looking forward to working with Mr. Sylvia on the new school project.
Mrs. Cahill said that Squantum staff are clearly doing all the right things, the data supports the staff efforts and the social-emotional initiatives are reflected in the VOCAL data.
Mrs. Lebo agreed that both the MCAS data and VOCAL data are impressive. Mrs. Lebo asked about Class Dojo, Mr. Sylvia said this is a direct communication tool with parents.
Mr. Gutro asked if the SIP was reviewed by parents, Mr. Sylvia said that there are parent representatives who are part of the process of developing the School Improvement Plan.
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to approve the Squantum Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Renee Malvesti and Assistant Principal Mary Hurley presented the Montclair Elementary School Improvement Plan, Ms. Malvesti noted that this is the first year with Ms. Hurley as a full-time Assistant Principal, a change that has made a huge difference to the administration of the school. With the return to a more normal school year, the focus has been on strengthening connections between students, staff, and families and addressing the lingering effects of the pandemic. Social-emotional learning is through student-centered activities, including the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Ropes Course, a fun run, and other school-spirit building events. The students and parents value the interpersonal connections with the staff, the VOCAL data reflects the efforts of the EDI team. An upcoming opportunity for parent involvement and EDI is Read Across America in March, where parents can share with their student’s classes in person or virtually. The gardening club has continued to be popular, three staff members work with the students in planting and maintaining gardens on school grounds. Communication has greatly been enhanced by the availability of the on-call interpretation service and the PTO support for a Smores subscription for parent newsletters (including translation option).
Mrs. Cahill asked about the flag displayed in the cafeteria. Mrs. Malvesti said the flags represent the countries the students where students were born.
Mr. Santoro said that he attended Montclair, the school has the same nurturing and welcoming environment. Mr. Santoro noted the MCAS scores were well-above the state average.
Mrs. Lebo agreed that both the MAP and MCAS data is good, as well as positive VOCAL survey data. Mrs. Lebo has participated with the garden club, many enthusiastic students and a very supportive parent group.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the window issues, these are fairly new windows, only about 10 years old. Work orders have been filed with Public Buildings.
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to approve the Montclair Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Lebo noted that the class sizes are phenomenal across all the elementary schools.
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to adjourn at 7:15 pm, seconded by Mr. Santoro. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.