Minutes
Quincy School Committee Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting
A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on November 29, 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. Kim Connolly, Ms. Susan Shea Connor, Ms. Kristin Dwyer, Ms. Julie Graham, Mr. James Hennessy, Ms. Janet Loftus, Ms. Margaret MacNeil, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Heather Patch, Ms. Kimberley Quinn, Mr. John Rogan, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Christopher Tierney, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Principal Janet Loftus and Assistant Principal Kristin Dwyer presented the Lincoln Hancock Community School Improvement Plan, a positive and inclusive atmosphere for students supported by the dedicated staff. Community building includes families and integrates the new Open Parachute program, extended day programs, data from last spring’s MCAS exceeded state levels and met or exceeded MAP goals for most grade levels and curriculum areas.
Mrs. Cahill thanked Ms. Loftus for moving to Lincoln Hancock in the middle of the school year.
Mrs. Cahill asked for a glossary of acronyms to be available for Quincy Public Schools parents. Ms. Loftus suggested looking at the QPAC website as a model.
Mrs. Lebo praised the collaboration with South~West Middle School and for setting goals for Grades K-2. The data showed strong growth for the students.
Mr. Gutro asked about Lexia. Ms. Loftus said Lexia is an online program that supports Literacy development, Lincoln Hancock has licenses for all students to use independently and allows teachers to monitor the student progress.
Mr. Gutro asked about parent involvement in the development of the School Improvement Plan. Ms. Loftus said the School Council has reviewed.
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to approve the Lincoln Hancock Community School Improvement Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Jim Hennessy presented the Wollaston Elementary School Improvement Plan, thanking Mayor Koch and School Committee, Superintendent Mulvey and the Leadership Team, the resources provided allow for optimal class sizes, teachers who create a positive learning environment for all. Wollaston is fortunate to have a supportive PTO and strong relationships with parents. In reflecting on last year’s goals, continuous growth was demonstrated for all grades in MAP and MCAS, and the staff is proud of the results of the VOCAL survey. The staff are implementing the CKLA curriculum for Reading, utilizing Scholastic News and Lexia Core 5, and use MAP data to differentiate instruction. In supporting the continued implementation of Illustrative Mathematics, the Math Interventionist has been a valuable addition and family engagement in Mathematics planned. Family connections are enhances using the SMORES newsletter format with translation capabilities, and many community events are planned.
Mr. Santoro noted that the PTO is very financially supportive and the school’s MCAS scores were impressive, especially for Grade 5 Science.
Mrs. Lebo said the MAP data was impressive, likes the Kindergarten being included in goals. Wollaston’s Chronic Absenteeism is 0, reflects the positive culture along with the VOCAL survey.
Mrs. Cahill asked about the oven in the basement hallway. Mr. Hennessy said that creating a kitchen area has been discussed but the work is not yet completed by Public Buildings.
Mr. Santoro made a motion to approve the Wollaston Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Cahill seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Acting Principal Susan Shea Connor and Assistant Principal John Rogan presented the Merrymount Elementary School Improvement Plan, Merrymount’s MCAS results and MAP data showed positive growth and the VOCAL data shows the sense of community among students. Merrymount’s very supportive PTO sponsors community events and the School Council is valuable partner in developing the SIP. Staff are focused on supporting the social-emotional needs of students, implementing the Open Parachute program, reinvigorating the PBIS initiative, and continuing with restorative circles. Extended day programs offer academic support, enrichment, and athletic options.
Mr. Santoro noted the positive data and the creative thinking about involving students in creating school rules.
Mrs. Lebo said the MAP scores were impressive along with 0 Chronic Absenteeism. The VOCAL data is impressive and next year’s goals include the youngest students.
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to approve the Merrymount Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Margaret MacNeil and Acting Assistant Principal Kathryn Welch presented the Parker Elementary School Improvement Plan, focused on continued improvement in teaching and learning and providing a safe and nurturing environment for students. Before and after school activities are underway, the DEI team is planning events including a One Book, One School event and hosting an Author Craft night, and the Thanksgiving PBIS focus was gratitude. Staff are busy implementing new curricula resources, providing safety net for students through ILT and Intervention options, including new Math Interventionists. VOCAL survey results were very positive, reflecting the efforts of the staff. 2022 MCAS was the first full administration since 2019 and there is evidence of learning loss, but there were many grades and subject areas where performance was above state levels. Similar gains were seen in MAP performance. Parker staff worked collaboratively to create the goals and action steps for the 2022-2023 SIP, ambitious goals based on MAP and MCAS data. Focus for Reading is on thinking and writing critically, social-emotional learning continues to utilize community circles and introduce Open Parachute, cultural events, PBIS and guidance lessons.
Mrs. Cahill noted the high level of English Learners and Former English Learners at Parker and asked about communication with families. Ms. MacNeil said the Language Line and the SMORES platform have both been instrumental in improving communication with families.
Mr. Santoro said that Parker is a welcoming community and successful in growing the student achievement.
Mrs. Lebo said the MAP growth is outstanding, especially in Math. The school has impressive extended day programs and community activities.
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to approve the Parker Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mr. Santoro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to adjourn at 7:00 pm, seconded by Mr. Santoro. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.