QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE
TEACHING & LEARNING SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
A meeting of
the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on November 30, 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 Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair; School Committee Members Mr.
Paul Bregoli, Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey,
Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Diane Babcock, Ms. Kim Connolly, Mr.
Peter Dionne, Ms. Marisa Forrester Rodriguez, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Laura
Latini, Ms. Robin Moreira, Ms. Maura Papile, Mr. Scott Perfetuo, Ms. Kimberley
Quinn, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Christopher Tierney, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; and Ms.
Laura Owens, Clerk.
Principal
Robin Moreira presented the Atherton Hough Elementary School Improvement Plan, noting
that the school is home to seven citywide Special Education classes
(Transitional Kindergarten and Language Development Center) and twelve General
Education classrooms. The pandemic has
had long-term effect on student learning and social-emotional skills, the
school staff have helped students and families to maintain stability, providing
strong communication with parents, and regular community meetings with grade
levels on age-appropriate topics. Academic
teams meet in grade level and vertical teams, targeted action steps ensured
meeting MAP goals for the 2021-2022 school year. MCAS proficiency levels showed growth,
especially for Science and analysis of these assessment results identified
areas of academic needs. Goals for
2022-2023 are for both MAP and MCAS, and are based on rigorous expectations for
all of our students.
Mrs. Lebo noted
the rigorous goals and the detail of the action steps and the strong Family
Engagement through events and the weekly newsletters.
Mrs. Hubley asked
about the facilities needs, the Principal’s Office has been moved into a former
conference space and needs a window installed.
Mrs.
Cahill made a motion to approve the Atherton Hough Elementary School
Improvement Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded
the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal
Peter Dionne presented the Bernazzani Elementary School Improvement Plan,
noting this is his 17th year as principal. In reflecting on last year’s goals, the
school’s strengths are evident in the number of standards where MCAS results
are well above the state levels, MAP goals were exceeded for all grades and
curriculum areas except for Grade 5 ELA.
VOCAL data was very positive in most areas. Goals for 2022-2023 are for both MCAS and
MAP, with specific areas of focus identified and targeted action steps. The staff is providing social-emotional
learning opportunities for students, including restorative circles and Open
Parachute. Professional development
supports the implementation of the new curriculum in English Language Arts and
Mathematics, as well as the Open Parachute program. With the support of the very active PTO, a
number of family engagement events have already been held with more scheduled
for the winter and spring.
Mrs. Cahill
asked about the initiative to expand diverse book options, Mr. Dionne said that
thanks to a donor there has been a continued purchasing of new titles with DEI
focus over the last few years. .
Mr. Santoro
complimented the clear review of the strengths and weaknesses of the data and
the targeted steps.
Mrs. Lebo
said that the new classroom materials will also assist with students seeing
themselves reflected in the curriculum.
Mrs. Lebo
asked about Zones of Regulation, Mr. Dionne explained that this is a program
that teaches students about identifying stressors and appropriate reactions.
Mrs. Lebo
noted that the issues around the roadway and parking on Furnace Brook Parkway
have lingered for years, complications because this is a DCR roadway.
Mrs. Lebo
noted that Extended Day listing does not reflect the full year offerings,
Robotics and other programs will begin in January.
Mr. Bregoli
is concerned about the safety around the school, no guardrail on Furnace Brook
Parkway to protect walkers.
Mrs.
Cahill made a motion to approve the Bernazzani Elementary School Improvement
Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded the motion
and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Acting
Principal Scott Perfetuo and Assistant Principal Diane Babcock presented the
Snug Harbor Community School Improvement Plan, thanked Superintendent Mulvey, Assistant
Superintendent Perkins, and the SLT for assisting in the transition. Snug Harbor has an amazing staff, dedicated
to providing the best possible opportunity for all students. Last year’s MCAS and MAP data showed
indication of growth in all grades and curriculum areas, all goals were met or
made significant progress towards. CARES
students submit portfolios for the Alternate MCAS and the majority of students
received the Progressing rating, above state averages for English and
Mathematics. Data analysis identified
areas for improvement for all students, and VOCAL survey data was largely
positive. Looking forward, the goals for
this year are MAP focused and will utilize the new curriculum and the support
of the Math Interventionists, opportunities for cross-curricular and
project-based learning. There are an
array of extended day activities and family engagement is growing with the
support of a revitalized PTO. Parent-Child
Days are once again being held monthly for Grades K-2 families.
Mrs. Cahill
complimented the growth of family engagement and the participation in the REACH
program.
Mrs. Lebo
said the school’s MAP growth is phenomenal, the data for the CARES students is
impressive, and family engagement is great.
Mayor Koch thanked
Mr. Perfetuo, noted that the VOCAL data had some areas of concern. Ms. Babcock said there is work being done
this year to support students in resolving conflict and providing structure for
students to express concerns.
Mrs. Hubley
is impressed with the family engagement and noted there are some very positive
things in the VOCAL data about staff support of students.
Mr. Bregoli
asked about the basement flooding issue, Mr. Perfetuo is working with the
Public Buildings Department to address a long-term solution to the drainage
issue.
Mrs.
Cahill made a motion to approve the Snug Harbor Community School Improvement
Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded the motion
and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal
Marisa Rodriguez and Acting Assistant Principal Laura Latini presented the
Beechwood Knoll Elementary School Improvement Plan, representing the high
expectations for the students supported by the staff and their families. High achievement and growth were evident from
the MAP and MCAS data, showing recovery from the learning loss of the
pandemic. For many grades and curriculum
areas, the MAP performance exceeded the national norms. VOCAL data was very positive overall. Goals for 2022-2023 are based on data
analysis of last year’s scores and the fall MAP data.
Electrical
power went out in the Coddington Building at 7:02 pm, so the Beechwood Knoll
School Improvement Plan presentation was cut short.
Mr.
Santoro made a motion to approve the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School
Improvement Plan. Mrs. Cahill seconded
the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to adjourn at 7:05 pm, seconded by
Mr. Santoro. On a voice vote, the ayes
have it.