Dec. 11, 2013 School Committee Meeting

Revised Agenda

Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Wednesday, December 11, 2013, 6:00 pm
Central Middle School Auditorium

I. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting Minutes for November 13, 2013.

II. Open Forum: An opportunity for community input regarding the Quincy Public Schools. After giving his or her name and address, each speaker may make a presentation of no more than four minutes to the School Committee. An individual may not exchange their time or yield to others.

III. Superintendent’s Report:

A. Inspiring Quincy

B. Dedication of the Central Middle School Gymnasium to Mario Casali

C. Partnership Recognition: Bluefin Robotics

D. Quincy Medical Center Poster Contest Winners

E. ‘Tis the Season…Symphony and Song

F. Student Recognitions: Athletics

G. Parent Academies, January 7

H. Christmas Poster Contest Winners

I. Project 351 Ambassadors

J. Chapter 74 Status for Quincy High School Criminal Justice program

K. Home-School Connections: Atherton Hough, Squantum, and Wollaston Elementary Schools Monthly Newsletters and the Montclair Elementary School Curriculum Newsletter

IV. Old Business:

A. Facilities Dedications:

1. Quincy High School Custodians’ Office: Thomas Orseno

2. Quincy High School Green Space: Bruce McDonald

V. New Business:

A. American Education Week Essay and Poster Contest Winners

B. Gift: Nautilus Equipment from the South Shore YMCA to North Quincy High School

C. Gift: 700 Dictionaries from the Quincy Lodge of Elks to all Quincy Public Schools Grade 3 students

D. Out of State Travel: Central Middle School Grade 7 to Camp Wing, Duxbury, MA June 10 through 13, 2014.

VI. Additional Business:

VII. Communications:

VIII. Reports of Subcommittees: None

A. Teaching and Learning Subcommittee: Mrs. Lebo to report on the November 14, 2013; November 19, 2013; November 20, 2013; and December 2, 2013 meetings.

B. Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee: Mrs. Hubley to report on the November 18, 2013 meeting.

C. Policy Subcommittee: Mr. Bregoli to report on the November 25, 2013 meeting.

IX. Executive Session: None

X. Adjournment:


Subcommittees of the School Committee

Budget & Finance
Isola/Bregoli/Hubley/Koch/Lebo/Mahoney/McCarthy

School Facilities & Security
McCarthy/Bregoli/Hubley

  1. Sterling Building Plans Referred to Subcommittee by the School Building Task Force in 1998.

  2. Coddington Hall Referred to Subcommittee at the May 18, 2011 School Committee Meeting. The City of Quincy has appropriated funds to refurbish Coddington Hall to serve as the Quincy Public Schools administrative offices. Wessling Architects has completed the design phase of the project and construction is underway as of June 2013.

  3. Houses on Saville Avenue Referred to Subcommittee at the May 18, 2011 School Committee Meeting. Currently home to the City’s Public Building department, the School Committee and Superintendent see no future educational uses for these properties.

  4. President’s City Inn Referred to Subcommittee at the October 10, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Safety concerns have been expressed about this property that abuts the new Central Middle School.

  5. School Lobby Security Controls Referred to Subcommittee at the January 23, 2013 School Committee Meeting. Review of existing visitor protocols, with special consideration of current high school policies and discussion of enhancements moving forward for all schools.

  6. Solar Array Installation on School Roofs Referred to Subcommittee at the June 12, 2013 School Committee Meeting for further review and discussion.

  7. Heating Audit Referred at the November 13, 2013 Subcommittee meeting. Heating issues at all schools to be reviewed and prioritized with Public Buildings/Maintenance departments.

Health, Transportation & Safety
Hubley/Lebo/McCarthy

  1. School Meal Charges Referred to Subcommittee at the March 21, 2012 School Committee Meeting. New state and federal regulations require formalization of the school meal charges policy.

  2. Science Lab Safety: Referred from the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee at the April 2, 2012 meeting. High School and High School Science labs have been reviewed and needed updates for compliance completed as of September 24, 2012 Special School Committee Meeting. Monitoring of supplies will be handled by High School Safety Team; need similar plan for Middle Schools.

  3. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Referred to Subcommittee at the September 24, 2012 Special School Committee Meeting. Student Support Services working with Lincoln Hancock, Clifford Marshall, and Parker Elementary Schools on piloting this initiative.

School Policy
Bregoli/Isola/Mahoney

  1. Graduation Requirements Referred to Subcommittee at the September 7, 2011 School Committee Meeting and discussed at the October 11, 2011 School Policy Subcommittee. The discussion centered around adding a fourth year of Math as a graduation requirement; the issue is tabled until more is known about the impact of the new Common Core Standards on the Massachusetts frameworks.

  2. New Educator Evaluations Referred at the September 7, 2011 School Committee Meeting and shared with the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee. Further discussion will be held in joint Subcommittee Meetings and Executive Session as it pertains to collective bargaining.

  3. High School Community Service Referred to Subcommittee at the December 14, 2011 School Committee Meeting. A resolution was introduced proposing a Community Service requirement; pilot program for Grades 10 and 11 is underway for 2012-2013 school year. The pilot program was extended to the 2013-2014 school year for grades 11 and 12.

  4. Adding CPR as a Graduation Requirement Referred to Subcommittee at the March 21, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Review and discussion of existing policy requested.

  5. Advertising/Sponsorship Opportunities Referred at the June 13, 2012 School Committee Meeting. Review and discussion of amending the existing policy requested to explore the possibility of raising revenue by accepting advertising sponsorships.

  6. Extracurricular Eligibility Referred at the March 25, 2013 Ad Hoc Athletics Rules Subcommittee. Review and discussion of the existing policy and consideration of increasing the requirements.

  7. Residency Referred at the September 18, 2013 Special School Committee Meeting. Review of existing policy and expansion to include additional information on verification process.

  8. Dedication of the Quincy High School Custodian's Office Referred at the November 13, 2013 School Committee Meeting. The motion is to dedicate the office to Thomas (T.O.) Orseno, member of the Quincy High School Custodial staff for 20 years.

  9. Review of High School Academic and Extracurricular Programs Referred at the November 13, 2013 School Committee Meeting. A comparison of the offerings at both schools to be analyzed to ensure equitable and parallel opportunities for all students at both facilities.

  10. Dedication of the Quincy High School Green Space Referred at the November 13, 2013 School Committee Meeting. The motion is to dedicate the green space on the site of the former Quincy High School building to Mr. Bruce McDonald, former English teacher and department chair.

Special Education
Mahoney/Bregoli/McCarthy

  1. Student Information for Substitute Teachers Originally referred to Subcommittee at the January 17, 2007 School Committee Meeting. At the Special Education Subcommittee meeting on October 16, 2013, it was agreed that the new Aspen Student Information System Special Education module reports will be utilized to share information with substitute teachers about IEPs, 504 plans, and accommodations. Projected implementation is by February 2014.

  2. Special Education Program Assessment Referred to Subcommittee at the January 28, 2012 Special School Committee Meeting. This will be an ongoing discussion of the curriculum initiatives for Special Education.

Rules, Post Audit & Oversight
Lebo/Bregoli/Hubley

Teaching and Learning
Lebo/Hubley/Isola

  1. New Educator Evaluations Referred at the September 7, 2011 School Committee Meeting and shared with the School Policy Subcommittee. Two meetings have already been held to begin exploring the requirements of the new regulations (9/21/11 Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting and February 13, 2012 Teaching and Learning Subcommittee meeting) and further discussion will be held in joint Subcommittee meetings and Executive Session as it pertains to collective bargaining.

  2. Media Specialists in Elementary and Middle Schools Referred at the January 23, 2012 School Committee Meeting. The Citywide Parents’ Council presented a signed petition representing the request to restore these positions. Three Middle School Library Teacher positions were added in the FY2014 budget, as well as thirteen Library Support Teachers for the Elementary Schools.

Ad Hoc Committees:

Channel 22
Mahoney/McCarthy

Created at the October 27, 2007 School Committee meeting to encourage the greater use of Channel 22 across Quincy Public Schools.

Central Building Committee
Mahoney

Athletic Rules
McCarthy/Hubley/Lebo

Created at the October 24, 2012 School Committee meeting to continue discussion on Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association rules.

Minutes

Quincy, Massachusetts - November 13, 2013
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee

Regular Meeting

A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 in the Central Middle School Auditorium. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mayor Thomas Koch, Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. David McCarthy, and Ms. Barbara Isola, Vice Chair.

Vice-Chair Presiding

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The Superintendent called the roll and all were present. Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mr. Nicholas Ahearn, Ms. Christine Barrett, Mr. Richard DeCristofaro, Jr., Mr. Peter Dionne, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mr. Michael Ellis, Mr. John Fagerlund, Mrs. Jennifer Fay-Beers, Dr. John Franceschini, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Mr. Daniel Gilbert, Ms. Beth Hallett, Mr. James Hennessy, Mr. Michael Joyce, Mr. Patrick Lane, Ms. Margaret MacNeil, Ms. Maureen MacNeil, Ms. Courtney Mitchell, Mrs. Robin Moreira, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Ann Pegg, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Edward Smith, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Judy Todd, Mrs. Ruth Witmer; Ms. Hayley Forbes, North Quincy High School Representative to the School Committee; Ms. Lindsay Schrier, Quincy High School Representative to the School Committee; Former School Committee Member Jo-Ann Bragg; Retired Assistant Superintendent Colleen Roberts; and Ms. Allison Cox, President, Quincy Education Association.

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There was a moment of silence in honor of service members overseas.

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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 11/13/2013

Mrs. Hubley made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bregoli to approve the Regular Meeting minutes for November 13, 2013. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Open Forum

Quincy High School English Department Chair Michael Ellis spoke in support of dedicating the green space next to Quincy High School in memory of former English department chair Bruce McDonald. Mr. McDonald was an inspiring teacher and mentor and left a powerful legacy of influence across all spheres of the city.

Ms. Isola asked the School Committee’s permission to briefly suspend Open Forum to allow the Central Middle School Chorus to perform.

When Open Forum resumed, Sean Mulready, a retired Quincy High School English teacher who worked with Bruce McDonald for his entire 35 year career spoke in support of the green space dedication. Mr. McDonald was more than an inspiring teacher and administer, he created a challenging curriculum, loved the students, and forged many lifelong connections. This dedication is for the community, reminds all of us of the importance an educator can make in many lives.

Bill Zamzow spoke against the proposed North Quincy High School grounds expansion citing a lack of educational enhancement and that the proposal does not fully address the facilities differences between the two high schools.

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Superintendent's Report

Central Middle School Principal Jennifer Fay-Beers welcomed School Committee to the new Central Middle School Auditorium. The transition to the new building was seamless, thanks to community support. This is the first event hosted in the school auditorium, Central is looking forward to hosting many upcoming events.

Dr. DeCristofaro introduced Mario "Mike" Casali former physical education teacher and coach; the Central Middle School gymnasium is being dedicated to honor his many contributions to the school and Quincy. Dr. DeCristofaro welcomed the members of the Casali family and introduced a video interview.

School Committee member Paul Bregoli addressed Mr. Casali and shared some highlights of his career. A Boston University graduate, Mr. Casali began his career at Central Junior High School in 1954 as a teacher and coach. One of many great teachers of the era, Mr. Casali was a leader who commanded respect, gave everyone the opportunity to play, and motivated students to perform.

Mr. Casali thanked Mayor Koch, Dr. DeCristofaro, School Committee members, and his colleagues and the parents and students at Central Junior High School. He thanked all of the people who came to support him and his wonderful family. Mr. Casali hoped that his coaching made students feel like all-stars.

Mayor Koch noted that there will be a reception planned for a future date where former students and colleagues will be invited to celebrate Mr. Casali.

School Committee took a brief recess at 6:45 pm to unveil Mr. Casali’s plaque installed outside the gymnasium.

The School Committee Meeting was called back to order at 7:00 pm.

Dr. DeCristofaro resumed the Superintendent's Report by introducing the Inspiring Quincy video featuring Vegetable Day at Snug Harbor, Celebrate the Arts at Squantum, Central Middle School Half-Court Shot Competition, Adaptive Physical Education at the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center, Junior Achievement at Lincoln Hancock, the Lego Robotics competition, and 'Tis the Season… Symphony and Song.

Quincy High School Science Department Chair Edward Smith, facilitator for HYPER Robotics (now in its 19th year in Quincy Public Schools), introduced Quincy Public School~Community Business Partner Bluefin Robotics, who were recognized for their ongoing support of the robotics teams at the middle and high school levels. Bluefin supports the teams by providing equipment, financial, and mentoring support.

Curriculum Coordinator Erin Perkins introduced the students who won the Christmas Festival Holiday Poster Contest; the contest drew over 300 entries from all elementary schools: 1st place: Shubham Kumar and Hafsa Nasir; 2nd place: Sneha Chakraborty and Rebecca Morris; 3rd place: Nivedita Ghosh Roy and Ellen Chen.

Senior Curriculum Coordinator Madeline Roy introduced the American Education Week poster and essay contest winners, who were accompanied by their teachers and principals:
Kindergarten-Grade 1: Wollaston, Ms. Therrien’s Grade 1 class; Snug Harbor, Ms. Smith & Ms. Carr’s Grade 1 classes; Snug Harbor, Ms. Sullivan, Ms. Hickey, and Ms. Kelly’s Kindergarten classes
Grades 2-3: Anthony Nguyen, Grade 3, Atherton Hough; Sarah Alberione, Grade 3 Wollaston; Julia O'Dwyer, Grade 3 Bernazzani
Grades 4-5: Mariejo Ajavon, Grade 5, Snug Harbor; Daniel Artinian, Grade 5, Atherton Hough; Nicole Buckley, Grade 5 Merrymount
Grades 6-8: Jonathan Santos, Grade 8 Atlantic; Jonathan Liang, Grade 8 Atlantic; Destiny Pham, Grade 6 Broad Meadows
Grades 9-10: Carmen Huang, Grade 10, Quincy High; Juliet Samson, Grade 10 Quincy High; Amanda Ngo, Grade 9, North Quincy.

School~Community Partnership Coordinator John Fagerlund introduced the Quincy Medical Poster Contest Winners: Jamie Zou from North Quincy High School and Stacey Gallagher from Quincy High School. Sandra McGonagle, Director of Marketing presented scholarships to the students.

Mrs. Perkins introduced the Project 351 Ambassadors for Quincy: Sydney Shuttleworth, Broad Meadows Middle School; Meleah Chase, Sterling Middle School; Myrna Mathieu, Point Webster Middle School. These eighth grade students who were chosen because they are students who participate in community service and display the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and generosity of spirit. They will represent Quincy in the upcoming state-wide day of community service.

Athletic Directors Patrick Lane (Quincy High School) and Michael Joyce (North Quincy High School) presented Fall Athletics recognitions:

Middle School Cross-Country City Champions: John Riley (Central) Boys Individual State Champion for Grade 7; Liana Cunningham (Broad Meadows)

Girls Volleyball: Quincy High School Captains Taylor Parry, Gabby Zorkers, Courtney Ryan, Rachel Papile and All-Scholastic Emma Kelly; North Quincy High School Captains Cindy Hazelton, Carolyn Schwartz, and Maya Umoren.

North Quincy High School Girls Soccer: Courtney Campo

Football: North Quincy High School Captains and All-Scholastic Don Sharp, Vinny Tran, Matt Donovan, Eddie Giunto, Antoine Allen; Quincy High School Captains and All-Scholastics Matthew Hines, Matthew Kozlowski, and Alex Alexandre.

North Quincy High School Boys Basketball Coach Kevin Barrett was named the 2012-13 Division 1 South Coach of the Year.

North Quincy High School Cross-Country: All-Star Michael Mullaney and the Patriot League Fisher Division winning Girls Cross-Country Team: Grace Anderson, Marguerite Belcher, Julia Brady, Julia Bryson, Emily Bryson, Samin Charepoo, Keira Clifford, Samantha Feeney, Amelia Ho, Sinead Kelly, Emily Zheng.

Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the students, families, and principals present for their outstanding efforts. Recent Quincy Public Schools events included the Parent Academy on December 3, a collaborative effort of the Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education, the Citywide Parent Council, the Curriculum Office, and Principals. This evening was focused on the Grades K-2 levels of the Journeys Reading program. Upcoming Parent Academy: January 7, Journeys Grades K-5; March 18, Assessments; January 28, Middle and High School Aspen Student Portal.

'Tis the Season, Symphony and Song was held on December 5 at Quincy High School, School~Community Business partners sponsored elementary students from all eleven schools. North Quincy High School recently hosted Exchange Students from Italy, thanks to the host students and families. North Quincy High School students are traveling to Italy in April.

Quincy High School’s Protective Services program recently was granted Chapter 74 status by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Holiday concerts for all schools began this week and continue through next week; an updated schedule was shared with School Committee. The North Quincy Photo Fundraiser to Benefit Children's Hospital will be held on Thursday, December 12.

The Superintendent concluded his report by noting that newsletters from Atherton Hough, Bernazzani, Montclair, Squantum, and Wollaston were shared with the School Committee.

Ms. Isola requested information on Docent Art programs at elementary schools

Mrs. Mahoney complimented the recent Parent Academy and asked about creating tutorials for posting on the Quincy Public Schools website to guide parents in using the technology connected to the elementary school curriculums.

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Old Business

Facilities Dedications

The motions to name the Custodians’ Office at Quincy High School for Thomas Orseno and the green space on the site of the former Quincy High School were advanced from the Policy Subcommittee, will sit on the table for this meeting, and will appear on the agenda for the January 8 meeting as items to be voted on.

Mrs. Lebo said there has been much support for honoring Bruce McDonald and suggested a teacher's garden or patio; she offered to work with the Mayor's Office on finalizing the landscaping plan and fundraising for plaque.

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New Business

Gift: Nautilus Equipment

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to accept the gift of Nautilus Equipment from the South Shore YMCA for North Quincy High School. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Gift: Dictionaries

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to accept the gift of 700 Dictionaries for all Grade 3 students from the Quincy Lodge of Elks. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Overnight Travel

Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Central Middle School, Grade 7 to Camp Wing, Duxbury, Massachusetts June 10 through June 13, 2014. Mayor Koch seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Reports of Subcommittees

Teaching and Learning Subcommitttee

Mrs. Lebo reviewed several recent Teaching and Learning Subcommittees, noting that the full meeting minutes are posted on the Quincy Public Schools website.

On November 14 and 19, 2013, the Elementary School Principals presented their School Improvement Plans and on November 20, 2013, the Middle School Principals presented theirs. All elementary and middle school curriculum goals are aligned with district goals; the specific needs of individual school populations will be addressed through customized action steps. The third goal for each school focused on Wellness and/or school culture.

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 14, 2013 Teaching and Learning Subcommittee and the Parker, Bernazzani, Atherton Hough, Clifford Marshall, Lincoln Hancock, and Beechwood Knoll Elementary School Improvement Plans. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 19, 2013 Teaching and Learning Subcommittee and the Snug Harbor, Montclair, Squantum, Wollaston, and Merrymount Elementary School Improvement Plans. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

School Committee requested a future presentation on how the Average Percent Correct Goal will be assessed. Mrs. Lebo noted that a summary chart of demographic information for all schools was requested after the November 14, 2013 meeting and this would be helpful to have in future years.

Mr. Breoli made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 20, 2013 Teaching and Learning Subcommittee and the Atlantic, Broad Meadows, Central, Point Webster, and Sterling Middle School Improvement Plans. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Mahoney thanked Mrs. Lebo for her leadership on the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee. Mrs. Mahoney asked that when classroom populations are reported, specific information on larger classes be provided. She also would like to have school levels identified on the demographics chart and this was provided.

Mrs. Lebo clarified that school levels are an accumulation of a multiple years of data. It is very difficult for a school to change levels and cautioned about evaluating schools based on this level. The state expects 20% of schools to be at Levels 1 and 3 and 60% of schools to be at Level 2.

Mrs. Lebo then summarized the December 2, 2013 Teaching and Learning Subcommittee meeting, where the Curriculum Team presented the PreKindergarten and Title I Program Improvement Plans and updated the three-year Curriculum Plan.

The 2013-2014 Goals for Title I are: (1) During the 2013-2014 school year, the Title I team will oversee the implementation of initiatives created and developed to promote the district-wide goal of increasing the average percent correct by 2% in both ELA and Math. (2) During its 2013-2014 meetings, the Title I team will continue identifying and organizing documents required, creating a documents binder for the 2014-2015 Coordinated Program Review. For Pre-Kindergarten, the goals for 2013-2014 are: (1) During the 2013-2014 school year, the Pre- Kindergarten Team will analyze and assess their use of whole group and small group instruction and their use of data to target and inform instruction, creating a benchmark assessment to monitor, support, and develop foundational skills. (2) The Pre-Kindergarten Team will continue to work together to increase and sustain family engagement by increasing opportunities for parents to participate in activities within the Pre-Kindergarten program. The team will work together to align their approach to parent information distribution and activities to be consistent across the district.

Updates were presented for the Quincy Public Schools Curriculum Plan, first presented in 2012. This year is focused on implementation: the Curriculum and Assessment Teams were merged to reflect the overlap of issues and concerns and a subgroup of SLT focused on curriculum issues was established. Other Key initiatives for the Curriculum & Assessment Team include full implementation of Core Curriculum Frameworks. Vertical Teams are continuing to build and revise pacing and alignment guides and are reviewing DESE model units as potential crosscurricular units. The Career & Technical Education program staff is transitioning to their new standards. DDM Teams are exploring the assessment options connected with new Reading and Math programs across all grade levels.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the December 2, 2013 Teaching and Learning Subcommittee Meeting Minutes, the Pre-Kindergarten and Title I Program Improvement Plans, and the updates to the Curriculum Plan. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Lebo said that the Common Core State Standards, the new Educator Evaluation, PARCC, and District-Determined Measures is an enormous intersection of initiatives. Quincy Public Schools has done a fabulous job of communicating and working with teachers to secure their cooperation and collaboration.

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Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee

Mrs. Hubley reviewed the November 18, 2013 Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee meeting, where the Food Services, Health Services, Student Support Services, and Transportation Program Improvement Plans were presented.

Director Joanne Morrissey presented the Food Services Program Improvement Plan. For 2013-2014 school year, Food Services goals are: (1) Complete the implementation of computerized point of sale system for all QPS schools by installing hardware/software at all elementary schools by June 30, 2014. In a related goal, (2) By December 30, 2013, select and implement a system whereby parents/guardians can access an online payment system for student meal charges using credit/debit cards or electronic check. System will allow parent/guardian to review student purchase history, check meal account balances, set low-balance reminders, and configure automatic or recurring payments for meal purchases. (3) Collaborate with school principals and cafeteria managers to conduct performance evaluations of all Food Service Employees Association members by June 30, 2014. Mrs. Lebo asked about the Food Service drivers; they are members of the Custodians Union and will be evaluated using a different tool. (4) As a member of the system-level wellness team, work with school Wellness teams to: (a) expand awareness of the QPS Wellness Policy and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation guidelines for competitive foods in schools, (b) promote compliance with current policy, (c) provide resources and assistance to school wellness teams to implement school wellness team goals.

Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile presented the Student Support Services Program Improvement Plan. Goals for 2013-2014: (1) The Student Support Services Team will continue to analyze high risk data that identifies students at risk system-wide by June 2014. (2) The Student Support Services team will provide guidance and support for the following initiatives: social skills training, PBIS, professional development to all Student Support staff regarding social/emotional barriers to learning by June 2014. This support will extend to assessing and analyzing the effectiveness through student data. Guidance teams at all levels and the Psychologists Team will participate in professional development that is focused on social skills training for students; implement educator evaluation system; and assist in the creation of District-Determined Measures.

Health Services Coordinator Jane Kisielius presented the Health Services Program Improvement Plan. The Health Service Teams goals for 2013-2014 are: (1) To identify and implement in collaboration with individual school Wellness Teams 1-2 new wellness initiatives based on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation framework and school inventory for the 2013-2014 school year. The other team goal is to implement the caseload educator evaluation for this school year; nursing staff have been actively involved in training and goal development. The Health, Nutrition, and Wellness Advisory Council will be focusing on parent engagement through expanding awareness of the QPS Wellness Policy and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation guidelines for competitive foods in and promote compliance with current policy in schools and to provide guidance and support to individual school Wellness Teams.

Director of Transportation Michael Draicchio presented the Transportation Program Improvement Plan. Transportation collaborates with Principals and Quincy Police Department on routes, bus stops, and safety issues. Transportation’s goals are continued from previous years and are focused on Professional Development and operational effectiveness for monitoring student transportation. Transportation works collaboratively with Principals and Health Services staff to share medical issues and concerns. Regular contact with the Registry of Motor Vehicles assists in keeping up to date with scheduled inspections and providing safe and well-maintained vehicles. Mr. Draicchio collaborates with the Quincy Police Department on traffic supervisor placement in appropriate locations. Safety measures are in place at the bus yard and we continue to work proactively to ensure continued safety for the staff and vehicles.

Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the November 18, 2013 Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcomittee Meeting minutes and the Food Services, Student Support Services, Health Services, and Transportation Program Improvement Plans. On the motion, Mr. McCarthy asked for the minutes to be amended to include information about the PIN numbers and efficiency. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Policy Subcommittee

Mr. Bregoli reviewed the November 25, 2013 Policy Subcommittee Meeting. Quincy High School Principal Larry Taglieri and Community Service Coordinators Meg McMillen and Kerry Ginty presented the current statistics for students in process and completing the Community Service requirement. Communication to students and families continues with class assemblies, Instant Alert messages, emails through Naviance; completion status is reported on interim and term reports. The High School Principals and Community Service Coordinators will present a full report at the School Committee Meeting on February 4, 2014.

The next item on the agenda was the Information Technology Program Improvement Plan. The mission is to provide effective and efficient communication to key stakeholders: parents, community members, and Quincy Public Schools staff. Communication resources include email, the QPS website, Channel 22, Social Media platforms (Facebook and Twitter), Instant Alert, Aspen, Inspiring Quincy, and School Tube. The IT Team has made progress on the fundamentals of Aspen training across all levels, including the student portal now available for middle and high school students and families. Mr. Segalla also presented a progress report on technology purchased by QPS; at School Committee's request, PTO purchases will be added. Mr. Segalla reported that there is a secured wireless network in every building school building, as well as guest networks.

Mr. McCarthy asked whether we need to plan for additional staffing in next year's budget to support the many technology assets purchased in recent years. Mr. Segalla acknowledged that managing the workload is a challenge this year and additional positions will be requested for the FY2015 budget. DESE recommends 200 computers per technician, QPS has 3,000 computers and 4 technicians. Mrs. Lebo mentioned that a complete equipment survey is needed to look at the equity issue across all schools.

The last item on the agenda was a review of requested Facilities Dedication currently in the Policy Subcommittee: naming the Quincy High School Custodians’ Office in honor of Thomas Orseno and naming the green space that will be created on the former Quincy High School site in honor of Bruce McDonald. The Policy Subcommittee agreed to move these items to the full School Committee for voting.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the minutes from the November 25, 2013 Policy Subcommittee Meeting and the Information Technology Program Improvement Plan. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

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Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Ms. Isola for her leadership as Vice-Chair over the last two years.

On behalf of the School Committee and Superintendent's Leadership Team, Dr. DeCristofaro presented Mrs. Lebo with a gift and flowers. Mrs. Lebo thanked everyone and spoke of how she enjoyed working with the Quincy Public Schools staff while serving on the School Committee.

Mr. Bregoli admired Mrs. Lebo's professionalism and organization, learned much from her. Mrs. Mahoney complimented the professional experience, guidance, and expertise Mrs. Lebo brought to the School Committee. Mr. McCarthy appreciates Mrs. Lebo's professionalism, she is a friend to the students of Quincy Public Schools. Mayor Koch expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Lebo. Her committment, talent, and drive raised the confidence of the whole group. On behalf of the city and administration, he appreciated her guidance and support. To Mrs. Hubley, Mrs. Lebo personifies the phrase "wealth of knowledge", and she will miss her.

Ms. Isola remembered Mrs. Lebo who she first met as a Quincy Public Schools administrator and got to know more during their first election campaign four years ago. Ms. Isola is proud to work with Mrs. Lebo and it was a privelege to serve as a School Committee member with her.

Adjournment

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. McCarthy and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.