Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts - October 10, 2012
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
October 10, 2012 at the Atherton Hough Elementary School. Present were
Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mayor Thomas Koch, Mrs. Anne Mahoney,
Mr. David McCarthy, and Ms. Barbara Isola, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair
Presiding
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There was a moment of silence in memory of Dr. Lawrence Creedon, former
Superintendent of the Quincy Public Schools.
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The Superintendent called the roll and Mrs. Lebo was absent. Also present were:
Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mr. Ahearn, Mrs.
Chapman, Mrs. Christianson, Mrs. Connolly, Mrs. Deagle, Mr. Draicchio, Ms.
Egan, Mrs. Franceschini, Ms. Ginty, Mr. Kelly, Mrs. Kisiselius, Mrs. Malvesti,
Mrs. McMillen, Mrs. Moreira, Mrs. Morrissey, Mr. Mullaney, Mr. Mulvey, Mrs.
Papile, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Ronayne, Mr. Santoro, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Shaw,
Mrs. Sullivan, Ms. Todd; Ms. Allison Cox, President, Quincy Education
Association; and Mrs. Tracey Christello, Citywide Parents’ Council
Representative.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
9/19/12
Mayor Koch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Regular
Session minutes for September 19, 2012. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Executive Session Minutes Approved
9/19/12
Mayor Koch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Executive
Session minutes for September 19, 2012. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Special Meeting Minutes Approved
9/24/12
Mr. Bregoli made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley, to approve the Special
Meeting minutes for September 24, 2012. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
Quincy College President Peter Tsaffaras thanked the School Committee and
Dr. DeCristofaro for their ongoing support of the college, including securing the
use of the Coddington Hall parking lot as part of the college’s transition to
President’s Place. Ms. Isola invited President Tsaffaras to appear at a future
School Committee meeting to discuss the many partnerships between the college
and the Quincy Public Schools.
Mrs. Julie Berberan, parent at the Atherton Hough Elementary School spoke of her
concerns about fourth grade MCAS scores and the elementary school curriculum
and pacing.
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Superintendent’s Report
The Superintendent then introduced Mrs. Robin Moreira, the newly appointed
Principal of the Atherton Hough Elementary School. Mrs. Moreira welcomed the
Mayor, School Committee, and guests to the school, introduced Assistant
Principal Katie Connolly, and spoke of the school’s place in the history of the
Hough’s Neck neighborhood. She spoke of some of the school’s curriculum and
instruction initiatives, the teacher collaboration on designing and differentiating
instruction and sharing best practices. Mrs. Moreira noted that the school has an
active and supportive Parent Teacher Organization and she feels privileged to be
the instructional leader of the school. She then introduced the music teacher, Mrs.
Barbara Christianson, who led the Fifth Grade Chorus in singing a patriotic song.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mrs. Moreira and her entire staff and spoke of the
school’s many educational accomplishments.
Montclair Elementary School Centennial Celebration
After a brief recess, Dr. DeCristofaro resumed his report, by introducing Montclair
Elementary School Principal Renee Malvesti who spoke about the upcoming school
Centennial and the recent activity at the Montclair Elementary School, including the
installation of new windows and the new playground. The windows have made a
tremendous difference in the school and the new playground is bringing parents and
children together from all over the community. At the upcoming Centennial event
on Saturday, October 20, there will be an open house where classrooms will
showcase memorabilia from across the decades. There will be a short program,
featuring the Fifth Grade Chorus and the Centennial Walkway will be dedicated.
Dr. DeCristofaro informed the School Committee that almost two hundred students
from Quincy High School and North Quincy High School were awarded John and
Abigail Adams scholarships; these scholarships offer free tuition to state schools.
He mentioned the upcoming Professional Mini-Grant Celebration on Tuesday,
October 16 at North Quincy High School’s Atrium of Honor, where $20,000 in
mini-grants will be awarded to sixty-six teachers; over one hundred grant
proposals were submitted. There will be a Career and Technical Education
Advisory Board meeting on October 25 at Quincy High School and the Special
Olympics will be held on Friday, October 26 at the Squantum Elementary School.
The Wollaston Elementary School Newsletter was shared with School Committee
members as an example of home-school communication. Dr. DeCristofaro
concluded his remarks by noting that at the October 24, 2012 School Committee
meeting, Athletic Director Jim Rendle will present on the Massachusetts
Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and Assistant Superintendent Colleen
Roberts and Coordinator of Data, Assessment, and Analysis Mary Fredrickson will
present on the Spring 2012 MCAS Results.
Assistant Superintendent Colleen. Roberts reviewed the October 1 enrollment and
class size numbers. The current enrollment in the Quincy Public Schools is 9,422
students. At Grades K-4, the average class size is 20 students and at Grade 5, the
average is 22 students. Two Grade 4 classes at the Wollaston Elementary School
have 25 students each and are supported by a half-time Skills Support teacher.
Four Grade 5 classes at the Bernazzani and Wollaston Elementary Schools have 25
or 26 students. For Grades 6-8, there are 483 sections across the five middle
schools, 27% have 20 or fewer students, 68% have 21-25 students, and 5% have
26-28 students. This year’s Grade 6 students are from the first full-day
Kindergarten classes in 2006. For Grades 9-12, there are 971 sections between the
two high schools, 52% with 20 or fewer students, 32% with between 21-25
students, and 15.8% with between 26-30 students. North Quincy High School has
two sections with over 30 students; these classes are Grade 12 Honors electives.
Mrs. Roberts thanked the Mayor and School Committee for their support through
this year’s budget which allowed for hiring additional classroom teachers and the
positive class size statistics. Ms. Isola asked about language labs or classes that
require technology and ensuring that the number of students doesn’t exceed
equipment and Mrs. Roberts assured her that particular attention was paid to this in
terms of planning and analysis of class sizes.
Ms. Isola acknowledged Liz Hendry, QHS Culinary Arts student who participated
in a recent Quincy Community Action Program fundraising event as part of her
team, along with Mayor Koch. Ms. Hendry was professional and poised, and
several Quincy High School teachers and other culinary students were there as
supporters. Ms. Isola also mentioned the Teacher Mini-Grants deadline of
September 29 and suggested extending the deadline into October going forward.
Mrs. Mahoney requested that at the Budget and Finance Subcommittee meeting
on October 22, information about where there were budget shifts to accommodate
new hires be shared with the School Committee.
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Old Business
Community Service Pilot Update
Dr. DeCristofaro introduced North Quincy High School Acting Principal Rob Shaw
and Community Service Coordinator Kerry Ginty, Quincy High School Principal
Frank Santoro and Community Service Coordinator Meg McMillen to update the
School Committee on the progress of the Community Service Pilot. Mr. Santoro
opened the presentation by thanking Mrs. Bragg and Mr. Bregoli for recognizing
the need for Community Service as part of a well-rounded education. In addition
to the many meetings with the project’s stakeholders, Mrs. McMillen and Ms.
Ginty met with agencies inside and outside of Quincy to gather information about
Community Service opportunities, including the YMCA, Interfaith Social
Services, elementary and middle schools, Operation Day’s Work, SADD, ROTC,
PTO events, and local sports teams. Ms. Ginty noted in addition to gathering
information on Community Service opportunities, the team created a process for
students to propose their own projects for approval. To publicize the Community
Service Pilot to students, the guidance staff, homeroom teachers, class advisors,
and deans collaborated. A website page was created, using social media including
Facebook and the sophomore and junior classes were addressed at back-to-school
assemblies at both schools. All teachers, clubs and sports team advisors were
approached and parents were introduced to the program at back-to-school nights.
Thanks to Database Administrator Bob Cavallo, there is now a Community
Service page on the QPS website, with links to the supporting documents and the
Community Service calendar. Many students are already involved in Community
Service and completed their requirement over the summer; the Community Service
Advisors are continuing to market opportunities and track completion. The deans
at Quincy High School and the class advisors at North Quincy High School will be
following up with students who are not on track for completing their requirement.
Mr. Shaw reviewed the next steps, including tracking hours and prompting
students to complete their paperwork. The Community Service coordinators will
continue to vet other opportunities and new agencies; they are using Starbase to
track students’ hours so they will appear on student transcripts. Naviance will be
used to market Community Service opportunities; homeroom teachers are making
announcements, and in-house television advertising is being utilized. For students
who may need assistance, classroom teachers will be working with them on
reinforcing the theme of service as a component to 21st century learning.
Mr. McCarthy thanked everyone involved in launching the pilot and asked for an
estimate on how many students are already involved in Community Service Pilot.
Ms. Ginty said that 42% of students have already started with Community Service
and that 12% had completed their hours before school began. Mr. McCarthy
expressed concern about whether it will be complicated to get 100% completion;
before rolling out to all grades, need to be sure that students are getting out of it
what we are hoping they will. Mrs. McMillen said that at the next update, the
Community Service Coordinators will give percentages of student completion,
including documentation. Mrs. Mahoney complimented the use of social media to
promote Community Service and suggested posting photos and videos as a way of
recruiting students who may be reluctant to volunteer. Mr. Bregoli asked whether
stressing proper student attire and attitude was part of the discussion. Mr. Santoro
said that this will be reinforced at upcoming quarterly assemblies and Mr. Shaw
added that the homeroom teachers will also reinforce this. Ms. Ginty noted that
they have emphasized first impressions and that sometimes volunteer opportunities
lead to employment opportunities for the students. Mr. Bregoli complimented the
Community Service Coordinators’ perseverance and hard work.
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New Business
Wellness Presentation
The Superintendent introduced Director of Student Support Services Maura
Papile, Food Services Director Joanne Morrissey, and Coordinator of Health
Services Jane Kisielius to present on the Quincy Public Schools Approach to
Wellness and Partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Mrs. Papile
gave an overview of the new state and federal regulations for nutrition and wellness
and recognized the principals’ collaboration with Mrs. Kisielius and Mrs. Morrissey
and the outside resources they have brought to the table.
Mrs. Kisielius reviewed the impetus for schools to develop wellness policies,
beginning with federal laws enacted in 2004. Wellness teams were established at
each school, as well as a system-level team to provide assistance and support. In
2011, nutritional standards and school wellness advisory committee regulations
were revised at the state level. Mrs. Morrissey reviewed the nutritional regulation
changes relating to portion sizes, fruits and vegetables, alternate sources of protein,
whole grain products. For competitive foods, the legislature passed changes to the
regulations that provide allowances for foods served as part of booster sales or
other activities. This gives districts the opportunity to discuss and create their own
policy around this issue.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation is partnering with QPS in implementing
the new wellness standards. The Healthy Schools program promotes healthy
eating and activity to address the issue of childhood obesity. Professional
Development was provided on September 6 to the nursing, food service, physical
education, and health staff members. Mrs. Sullivan, the school nurse from the
Clifford Marshall Elementary School Wellness Team presented on the school’s
initiatives. The Clifford Marshall staff are supportive, energetic, enthusiastic and
were eager to form a team including adminstrators, the cafeteria manager, the
physical education teacher, ELL teachers, school psychologist, and classroom
teachers. The wellness team has multiple components, including increasing
students’ activity during the day in 2-3 minute bursts as an incentive and to help
boost energy. The Clifford Marshall team created a wellness plan and goals for the
School Improvement Plan, and provided information at Open House, including
exercise and nutritional information. The school’s Physical Education teacher
Mrs. Chapman initiated the FitKids program, a voluntary before-school activity.
The team collaborates on promoting healthy choices in meals and snacks,
including the cafeteria manager explaining to students the new nutritional
regulations and the need to try new foods. Staff members are monitoring
lunchtime and food waste, encouraging students to try rather than simply throw
away unfamiliar foods. Education on healthy lifestyle choices will be integrated
into the curriculum.
Mrs. Robin Franceschini, Physical Education teacher at the Atherton Hough,
Beechwood Knoll, and Wollaston Elementary Schools presented on the concept of
adding movement wherever possible into the school day and working towards the
goal of children having one hour of activity per day. She then presented a short
video of students and teachers integrating activity into their school day. Mrs.
Kisielius concluded by thanking the students and staff at Atherton Hough and
Clifford Marshall for their participation and Brian Smith for his technical
assistance.
Mr. McCarthy and Mrs. Mahoney both complimented everyone on the work done
to integrate wellness into the schools. Mrs. Mahoney inquired about the changes at
the high school level and portion size. Mrs. Morrissey replied that the serving
sizes for grains and meats are smaller and the calorie count is lower. There are
more fruits and vegetables available, but the trick is to make them more attractive
to students. Previously, schools were allowed to sell additional items to
supplement lunches for students who wanted larger portions. With the new
competitive food regulations, there are limits on this. There is no limit to what
students can bring on their own for lunch. Mrs. Mahoney asked whether
information could be posted on the website; Mrs. Kisielius and Mrs. Morrissey
agreed there were links that could be shared. Mrs. Mahoney asked for clarification
about bake sales, Mrs. Morrissey agreed that they are permitted, but need to be
addressed during the development of the new Wellness policy. There are no limits
on bake sales to the public, such as election day bake sales. Mrs. Mahoney also
clarified that these guidelines are federal and state regulations, not the Quincy
School Committee’s policy.
Mr. Bregoli asked about implementation of these Wellness teams system-wide,
citing the correlation between physical activity and academic achievement. Mrs.
Kisielius replied that every school has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with
the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and will be creating and implementing a
wellness goal as part of their School Improvement Plan. Mr. Bregoli mentioned
health education at the high school level and would like to discuss this during the
next round of budget discussions. Ms. Isola asked Mrs. Morrissey about the issue
of chocolate milk being allowed with the federal meal pattern, but under the state
guidelines, those bringing their own lunch and purchasing milk would not be
allowed to purchase chocolate milk. Ms. Isola hopes that the wellness focus can
emphasize additional activity, such as the before school activity program the
Squantum Elementary School is piloting with Reebok. Common sense and
moderation need to be taught and part of the wellness policy.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mrs. Kisielius, Mrs. Morrissey and Mrs. Papile for their
leadership, Mrs. Sullivan and the Clifford Marshall Wellness team, and the
dedicated Physical Education teachers in QPS like Mrs. Chapman and Mrs.
Franceschini.
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Out-of-State Travel
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the overnight travel of North Quincy
High School Juniors and Seniors to University of New Hampshire, Durham,
New Hampshire on November 16, 2012. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion
and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
New Central Middle School/President’s City Inn
Mr. McCarthy asked to discuss the City Council’s recent approval of the
renovations to the President’s City Inn (next to the new Central Middle School site).
He is concerned about the record of police calls to the motel in 2012 that was
introduced at the City Council meeting; he feels the School Committee was
reassured that there were no issues at a previous meeting. Mayor Koch noted that
Presidents’ City Inn and St. Ann’s School co-existed for 60 years with no issues.
The owner of Presidents’ City Inn is pursuing affiliation with a major chain in an
effort to change the clientele, and improve hotel security and climate. Mayor Koch
assured Mr. McCarthy that there will be no tolerance going forward, and that the
Licensing Board will act should there be any interference with the school. Mr. Bregoli
also wants to be reassured that this issue will be addressed and approves of the mayor’s
statement that the Licensing Board will be monitoring the activity at the location.
He suggested adding this item to the School Facilities and Security Subcommittee.
Mr. McCarthy also noted that his memory from previous discussions is that there
would be a wall around the parking lot with a fence on top of it. The existing wall
only lines 25% of the perimeter between the school site and the parking lot. He
suggested discussing what might be done to screen parking lot from the school site
at an upcoming Central Building Committee meeting. Mrs. Mahoney agreed that
the School Committee must monitor the hotel as the school’s neighbor. Ms. Isola
queried that the perimeter screening is the hotel’s responsibility as part of their
renovation. Mr. McCarthy suggested that the School Committee invite the hotel
owner and lawyer Mr. Fleming to come to a subcommittee meeting.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to move the issue of the perimeter border between
the Central Middle School building site and the Presidents’ City Inn into the
Facilities and Security Subcommittee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bregoli
and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Dr. DeCristofaro said that meeting minutes from earlier School Committee
meetings where the Central Middle School site and President’s City Inn were
discussed would be shared with the School Committee. Ms. Isola asked about
seeing the actual police report that had been provided to the City Council and that
will be provided as well.
Mayor Koch noted that there will be a topping-off ceremony for the new Central
Middle School and suggested that students at Central Middle School sign some of
the beams that will be used in the building. He is also planning to speak to Central
Middle School Principal Jennifer Fay-Beers about creating a time capsule.
MBTA Bus Stop on Sea Street
Mrs. Mahoney asked about the issue of moving a Sea Street bus stop.
Dr. DeCristofaro said that Mr. Draicchio followed up with the MBTA about
this and they are reluctant to move the bus stop from its present location. There
is a crossing guard there, so student safety is observed at all times. Mr. McCarthy
asked if there have been any issues there involving QPS students. Mr. Draicchio
said that according to Mr. Taglieri, the MBTA police, and the Quincy Police
Department, there have never been any issues; this is a private business owner
complaint to the MBTA.
Parent Concern
Mrs. Mahoney mentioned that a Quincy High School parent had emailed a concern
to all School Committee members. The parent had requested the item be read at
Open Forum by a School Committee member on her behalf. Mrs. Mahoney made
a motion to move the item into the Rules, Oversight, and Post Audit
Subcommittee. Mr. McCarthy asked to wait until after the MIAA presentation at
the next School Committee meeting on October 24, 2012. Mrs. Mahoney asked
to read the email into the record. Mayor Koch objected. Dr. DeCristofaro would
like the opportunity to meet with the parent; Quincy High School Principal Frank
Santoro and Athletic Director Jim Rendle have also attempted to meet with the
parent. Mayor Koch noted that his objection means the item has been tabled and
not subject to any further discussion at this time.
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Communications
Mrs. Mahoney announced that a Special Education Subcommittee meeting will be
held on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 7:00 pm at Quincy High School. She also
announced that the Wollaston Elementary School will be holding its annual Harvest
Festival on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
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Reports of Subcommittees
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to remove the following items from the Facilities and
Security Subcommittee: (5) Coddington Hall Parking Lot Rental to Quincy College;
(6) Acceptance of Provisions of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 71,
Section 37M; and (7) Motion for the Public Buildings and Parks Departments to
Attend School Committee Meetings; and to change the wording of (2) Coddington
Hall $1.5 Million Appropriation to read (2) Coddington Hall Renovation. Mr. Bregoli
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Executive Session
On a motion by Mayor Koch, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, the School Committee
went into Executive Session at 9:45 p.m. for Collective Bargaining. On a roll call
vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mrs. Lebo was absent. The School Committee will return
to Open Session.
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The School Committee returned to Open Session at 10:05 pm.
Approval of the MOAs between the School Committee and the
Teamsters Local
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between
the Quincy School Committee and the Bus Drivers Association. Mayor Koch
seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mrs. Lebo was
absent.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between 122
the Quincy School Committee and the Bus Monitors Association. Mayor Koch
seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0. Mrs. Lebo was
absent.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between
the Quincy School Committee and the School Security Force Association.
Mayor Koch seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it 6-0.
Mrs. Lebo was absent.
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn at 10:00 pm. Mr. McCarthy seconded the
motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.