Quincy Public Schools

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 17^th 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.

Quincy School Committee

Policy Subcommittee

Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Coddington Building, School Committee Room

Mr. Paul Bregoli, Chair

Mr. Doug Gutro & Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Subcommittee Members

AGENDA

1.    QPS Cell Phone and Other Personal Electronic Device                  Mr. Bregoli

Usage Policy for Students

·       Review & Discussion of Staff Survey Results

·       Review of Revised Policy Draft

Members of the public can access the meeting in person or live on QATV Channel 22 or at qatv.org.  The meeting will also be recorded for rebroadcast and posted on on Friday, December 2, 2022 on the QPS SchoolTube channel https://www.schooltube.com/channel/Quincy+Public+Schools/139795111 .

QUINCY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING

A meeting of the Policy Subcommittee was held on November 30, 2022 at 7:10 pm in the Coddington Building.  Present were Subcommittee members Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mr. Paul Bregoli, Subcommittee Chair.  Also present were School Committee Members Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mr. Frank Santoro; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Maura Papile. Ms. Madeline Roy, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Mr. Bregoli reviewed that the staff survey on student use of personal electronic devices has been completed and the information shared with School Committee.  A revised draft policy was also shared with School Committee for their review.

Mr. Gutro said the survey comments showed that some staff would like discretion to allow for use of cell phones as part of instruction.

Mr. Bregoli said that exceptions to the Policy are available for students with 504 Plans and IEPs and at the Principals' discretion.

Ms. Roy and Ms. Perkins said the Digital Literacy curriculum addresses safe usage of computers and cell phones beginning in elementary schools.  Ms. Perkins said using the Chromebooks for instruction allows for certain apps to be blocked.

Mr. Santoro said this is a concise Policy to be shared with all students, staff, and parents/guardians. 

Mrs. Cahill said that the comments cited that parents text with students during the school day, asked about how we can share the message with parents on calling the school in case of an emergency.

Mrs. Hubley noted that one comment supported the idea that students are communicating to meet up for vaping.  Other school districts are reporting a decrease in vaping incidents with the stronger cell phone policy.

Mrs. Lebo spoke of a program called SmartPass where students log into to leave a classroom so that it limits the number of students out of class in the same area of the school.

Mr. Gutro asked for clarification on the disciplinary section, Superintendent Mulvey said it gives schools flexibility to impose discipline with the administrators supporting teachers.  The Policy can be adjusted if needed after the full roll out.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Policy on Student Usage of Personal Electronic Devices as presented.  Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.  Mr. Gutro voted Present.

The Policy will appear on the agenda of the December 7 School Committee meeting under Old Business for discussion by the full School Committee.  It will be eligible for vote at the January 11, 2023 meeting.

Mrs. Hubley asked if the staff survey can be re-administered in June to see if there is additional feedback after a full school year of policy implementation.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn at 7:30 pm, seconded by Mr. Gutro.  On a voice vote, the ayes have it.