Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – January 23, 2019
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
January 23, 2019 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent
DeCristofaro called the roll and present were School Committee Chair Mayor
Thomas Koch, Mr. Anthony Andronico, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. James DeAmicis,
Mr. Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Vice Chair Mrs. Emily Lebo.
Vice-Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Ms. Christine Barrett, Mr. Richard DeCristofaro, Jr., Ms. Diana Cavallo, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Marisa Forrester, Dr. John Franceschini, Mr. Daniel Gilbert, Mr. Paul Griffith, Dr. Beth Hallett, Ms. Elizabeth Kelly, Ms. Laura Latini, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Ms. Aliza Schneller, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Edward Smith, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; and Citywide Parent Council Co-President Courtney Perdios.
There was a moment of silence for men and women serving in the armed forces at home and overseas.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 1.9.2019
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley to approve the
Regular Meeting minutes for January 9, 2019 as presented. On a voice vote, ayes the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee went on to the next item on the agenda.
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Superintendent's Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report with recognition of the five Project 351 Grade 8 Ambassadors from each middle school who took part in the Annual Launch Day of Service on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Broad Meadows Middle School Principal Dan Gilbert introduced the students: Abigail Coughlin, Atlantic Middle School; Mallory Rimovitz, Broad Meadows Middle School; Madeline Baryza, Central Middle School; Isabella Carinci, Point Webster Middle School; and Collincia Agyapomaa, Sterling Middle School.
The annual Massachusetts Music Educators Association District Senior & Junior Festival Chorus and Band members were recognized: from Quincy High School Chorus: Kevin Chen, Stephen Hallahan, Rebecca Morris, Cecily Zhao; Quincy High School Band Daniel Hagborg; North Quincy High School Chorus: Kobe Khuong.
Mr. Bregoli thanked Dr. Hallett for her leadership in hiring dedicated staff for the arts and music programs.
The Inspire Quincy video featured an update on the South~West Middle School construction project. Mrs. Lebo asked about the projected opening date for the new school. Due to the National Grid lockout, the installation of the gas service to the building has been delayed. This will delay the commissioning of the HVAC system system and the opening will be delayed into May. A Building Committee meeting will be scheduled to tour the facility.
Dr. DeCristofaro highlighted recent administrative changes in Quincy Public Schools administration. Former Point Webster Middle School Assistant Principal Aliza Schneller was appointed Acting Principal at Atlantic Middle School as of January 2 and current Sterling Middle School Assistant Principal Courtney Mitchell has been appointed Acting Principal of Merrymount Elementary School, effective February 15, 2019. Merrymount Elementary School Principal Ann Pegg is retiring on February 15, 2019 after over 50 years in Quincy Public Schools as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.
Upcoming Partnership Events include A Matter of Heart February 4-9, 2019 at all middle schools in collaboration with Brewster Ambulance, the Grade 5 Student Council Leadership Summit on February 14, 2019 sponsored by the YMCA and Mayor Koch’s Office; and Read Across America held at all elementary schools the first week of March, sponsored by the Quincy Education Association and the Quincy Retired Teachers Association.
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed the Quincy Public School incident communication protocol, a response to unique safety and security situations. Site and system crisis teams evaluate the available information, outside resources are sought (i.e., Quincy Police and Fire Departments) and appropriate information shared with staff, students, and families.. A recent example of an incident outside the school at night was met with a staff meeting, a parent Instant Alert voice, text, and email. The same information was shared with Mayor Koch and School Committee. At the same time, the balance of informing the community and respecting privacy issues must be balanced.
The high school and middle school STEM Fair schedule was shared. A Saturday STEM Academy will be held in March at each elementary and middle school.
Newsletters highlighting Community Service, Extended Education Programs, and Athletics at both Quincy and North Quincy High School were shared with School Committee.
Mrs. Lebo complimented Dr. DeCristofaro for the timely incident reports and how communication has improved over the last couple of years. Mr. Gutro appreciates the timeliness and clarity of the communication, concurrent for parents and School Committee while respecting confidential information. Mr. Gutro suggested reviewing the range of incidents at an upcoming Subcommittee meeting.
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Old Business
There was no Old Business on the Agenda.
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New Business
Curriculum Update:
Digital Learning
Special Education Director Erin Perkins introduced the Elementary Digital Literacy Teachers: Marisa Forrester, Elizabeth Kelly, Laura Latini. These teachers work with students at Grades 3-5 in a co-teaching model at all eleven elementary schools. The process began at each school in September to collaborate with the Library Support Staff to reinforce basic computer skills: proper ergonomics, identifying computing devices and their functions; input and output devices; hardware and software (Grade 3); evaluating sources and performing sources (Grade 4); safety and security including passwords, safe practices with online communication, and appropriate and inappropriate uses of technology (Grade 5).
Beginning in October, the Digital Literacy teachers worked with classroom teachers on specific curriculum areas, including ELA (Google Docs, Boomwriter, and skills such as drag and drop which will be applicable to MCAS); Science (partnering with new digital curriculum resources, Nearpod.com, collaboration on Google Docs, Slides, and digital artifacts). In December, students participated in the global Hour of Code and have moved into Mathematics and a focus on Computational Thinking. Next steps include co-teaching in Social Studies, reinforcing Digital Citizenship and developing additional STEM lessons, MCAS Prep. Digital Learning Week will be celebrated March 11-15.
Mrs. Lebo is thrilled to hear about the content being delivered by the Digital Learning teachers. Mrs. Lebo said that shifting student focus to productive use of technology and not just consuming technology is good to see. Mr. Gutro thanked the presenters and asked if the students have surprised the teachers with their advanced knowledge. Ms. Kelly said that the experience is reciprocal, students sometimes have more efficient shortcuts. Ms. Latini said there is a wide range of abilities among students, they are willing to work hard and learn. Ms. Forrester said that students are excited to see them when they arrive, are very engaged.
Mr. Gutro asked about keyboarding, what is the appropriate age for students to learn this. Ms. Perkins said this will be demonstrated at next week’s Teaching & Learning and the recommendation is to begin teaching this in Grades 2 and 3. Mr. Gutro asked how we can assist students who are older. Ms. Perkins said there are some site-based initiatives underway so many students have learned through the Library Support teachers and Extended Day
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the Elementary Digital Learning teachers, they have done an extraordinary job of learning to collaborate with so many teachers and students to develop this meaningful program.
Senior Director of Curriculum Madeline Roy, Science Curriculum Team Administrator Ed Smith, NQHS Business Teacher Diana Cavallo, Central Middle School Social Studies Teacher Paul Griffith, and Executive Director of IT Keith Segalla presented an update on the activities of the Middle & High School Digital Learning Team. The team was formed in 2014 to support the development and expansion of digital learning and computer science to reach all students in all content areas. A group of digital champions from each middle and high school collaborates to share examples of digital learning that emphasizes high-quality instruction and access to challenging content, as well as student feedback through online assessments and classroom forums. In addition, the team works with the QPS Technology Planning & Training Team to provide training, guidance, and resources to school administrators and personnel in support of the state and local learning standards that contribute to the academic performance and development of all students.
Technology training is led by QPS Administrators, Principals, and teachers, offered during the summer, after school hours, and during Professional Development. NQHS Business teacher Diana Cavallo shared the Aspen Teacher page for one of her courses, examples of Google Classroom pages that foster interaction between teachers and students, Curriculum Supplements including online learning communities (including EduTyping) and online simulations. Central Middle School Geography Teacher Paul Griffith shared uses for Google Forms, including preliminary student surveys, flipping the classroom through Screencastify, and Google Maps used in cross-curricular lessons with English Language Arts and Geography courses.
In terms of implementing the Digital Literacy and Computer Science Standards, the the Digital Learning Team will provide guidance and support, promote the connected educator and assist teachers using technology to develop relationships outside of their schools to develop professional growth and student learning opportunities. The Digital Learning Team will assist the high schools in preparing students, parents, and staff for the transition to computer-based testing online assessments.
Ms. Roy concluded the presentation by sharing examples of the various tools currently in use by individual classroom teachers to provide age-appropriate curriculum and enrichment experiences. Next steps include site-based support for computer-based Next Generation MCAS assessments, improved communication and sharing of digital learning lesson ideas among teachers and supporting the continuing rollout of Project Lead the Way.
Mr. Gutro asked about the different approaches for elementary and
middle/high school, there is a uniform approach for elementary schools while the middle and high school focus is more about teacher training. Ms. Roy said that the Elementary teachers have their own Digital Learning team plus the teachers teach across multiple content areas. In the middle and high schools, teachers are working in one curriculum area so assisting those teachers in expanding their digital options is the approach. The Library Media Specialists also serve a similar role at the middle and high school levels. Mr. Gutro’s concern is about teacher and learning opportunities for all students. Ms. Roy said the curriculum resources and instructional tools are uniform in each area.
Ms. Cavallo clarified that the Computer Applications I and II classes are available to all students at both high schools. Both cover the Microsoft Office suite at the beginner and then more advanced levels.
Mrs. Lebo noted that the Middle School Library Media Specialists and Technology Education teachers have been working on this for several years. Ms. Roy agreed and that the Project Lead the Way Grant is giving access to incredible curriculum. Mrs. Lebo said that the Grade 5 students at Point Webster and Sterling Middle Schools are taught by the Technology Education teachers.
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New Business
Professional
Development
Update
Dr. Hallett, Ms. Perkins, and Ms. Roy presented an update on Professional Development in the Quincy Public Schools. Professional Development is intended to be strategic, meaningful, and timely; connected to subject, age-level, or program area. Elementary Professional Development is focused on social-emotional learning for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 2; Close Reading, Math Differentiation, and the new Science program for Grades 3-5. For Middle School educators, Professional Development opportunities include Math Manipulatives, Common Writing Traits, Unpacking History & Social Sciences Framework, and Organizing Students with Executive Function and Study Skills. At the High Schools, teachers had the choice of Social & Emotional Student Support, Special Education, or Technology. Site-based Professional Development coming up will include training for administering the online assessments and working on the 9-10/11-12 Teams. Academic Program Professional Development includes Co-Teaching for Special Education; Reading Skills for English Learners; MAP Reports & Resources Guide development for Literacy; and ongoing training for Orton Gillingham, EL High Needs Workshop, and the ICAP for ELs. Art teachers had a workshop in opportunities for Special Education strategies and PD by the Museum of Fine Arts. Music teachers have been learning about the new Sight Reading Factory software and will be working on revising the K-12 Choral Curriculum Maps. Physical Education staff worked with Project Adventure Games and Health Educators with the Improbable Players.
Mr. Gutro is impressed with the range of Professional Development opportunities, very different from the professional world, asked about the contractual obligations and DESE requirements. Dr. DeCristofaro said that in the last 10-15 years, there has been a comprehensive effort to revamp professional development so that teachers have opportunities beyond their classroom, their grade, and their school. Dr. DeCristofaro said that these are multiyear efforts to support QPS Initiatives and the plan for the school year is developed for the summer. Dr. DeCristofaro said that there are evaluations of each session, teachers have the opportunity to provide feedback. Ms. Cox noted that Quincy Education Association is part of the Professional Development team. Mrs. Lebo said that each teacher has a Professional Development plan approved by supervisor, this is required to maintain licensure.
Mrs. Hubley asked about rescheduling the Professional Development day and Parent Academy with Greg Tang, which was cancelled when QPS was closed on January 22. Ms. Perkins said that Ms. Quinn is working on rescheduling, will update School Committee with new date when available.
Mrs. Hubley asked about Civics curriculum, Ms. Roy said that this has been incorporated throughout the new History & Social Sciences Grades K-12 standards. Curriculum teams are working on a plan for revising the Grades 6-7 curriculum maps.
Mrs. Lebo asked for an update at a future meeting on the new History & Social Sciences frameworks and the effect on the curriculum and courses.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the Resource Room teachers and whether they are trained in Wilson and/or Orton Gillingham. Ms. Perkins said that all teachers are Orton Gillingham trained while some of the veteran teachers have experience with both.
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New Business
MSBA Statement
of Interest: Squantum
(Vote)
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is currently accepting Statements of Interest for capital building projects and the City’s plan is to refile the Statement of Interest for the Squantum Elementary School with the hope that this project will move into the acceptance phase with the completion of the South~West Middle School project.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to support the submission of an MSBA Statement of Interest for the Squantum Elementary School:
Be It Resolved:
Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, prior to the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated April 12, 2019 for the Squantum Elementary School located at 50 Huckins Avenue, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:
Priority 7: Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with the state and approved local requirements.
Description of Deficiencies for Priority 7: The Squantum Elementary School was built in 1919 and an addition constructed in 1971. In forty-six years, it has not received any substantial upgrades or improvements to the infrastructure or to the interior/exterior structures. Although the custodial and maintenance staffs are attentive to this building’s operational needs, a large portion of Squantum’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were installed during the original construction of the facility. Aside from the improvements needed to the physical plant, educational components crucial for 21st century elementary schools are lacking, specifically classrooms equipped for the integration of educational technology and STEM concepts integral for standards-based instruction for regular education, Special Education, and English Language Learner students. Squantum’s nurse’s office, student support staff offices, cafeteria/ gymnasium, and media center are all undersized and under-equipped by modern educational standards.
and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
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New Business
MSBA Statement
of Interest: Broad
Meadows (Vote)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to support the submission of an MSBA Statement of Interest for the Broad Meadows Middle School:
Be It Resolved:
Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, prior to the closing date, the Quincy School Committee, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated April 12, 2019 for the Broad Meadows Middle School located at 50 Calvin Road, Quincy, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:
Priority 1: Replacement or renovation of a building which is structurally unsound or otherwise in a condition seriously jeopardizing the health and safety of school children, where no alternative exists.
Description of Deficiencies for Priority 1: On January 4, 2018, a winter storm caused coastal flooding in the Broad Meadows Middle School neighborhood, which abuts the Town River Bay and the Broad Meadows Marsh. The entire sub-basement of the school was flooded, resulting in the loss of electrical service (due to damaged transformers) and the destruction of the school’s boiler. These emergency conditions caused the temporary closure of the Broad Meadows Middle School while the utility services were restored.
and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Quincy to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Mr. Andronico seconded the motion.
On the motion, Mr. Gutro asked for clarification on the submission of the Statement of Interest for Broad Meadows Middle School.
Mayor Koch noted that there were two letters included with the Statement of Interest resolution. The first from City Solicitor James Timmins to the MSBA requested consideration for emergency relief for the storm damage at Broad Meadows Middle School in January 2018. The second letter from the MSBA requested that the City of Quincy file a Statement of Interest to be considered for funding to partially reimburse the City for the expenses related to needed repairs.
Mr. Gutro asked for and received confirmation that this is the first time the city has requested emergency funding from the MSBA.
On a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
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New Business
Overnight Travel
(Out of State)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel (Out of State) of North Quincy High School AFJROTC to Washington, D.C. and Virginia on April 5-9, 2019. Mr. DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
There was no Additional Business.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
There were no Subcommittee meetings for review on the agenda.
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Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:45 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.