Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at
4:45 pm in the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily
Lebo, and Ms. Barbara Isola, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Deputy
Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Elizabeth Hallett, Mr. James Hennessy, Mrs. Renee Malvesti, Mrs.
Robin Moreira, Dr. Maryanne Palmer, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Ann Pegg, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Mr. John
Rogan, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Steve Sylvia; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Principal Renee Malvesti presented the Montclair Elementary School Improvement Plan, noting that
the school has a very strong community and tradition of parent involvement. Montclair is a Level 1
school for the third year in a row, cumulative PPI has increased 25 points over 5 years. Reflecting on
last year’s goals, Grades 3 & 5 reached the ELA goal of increasing average percent correct by 1% with
a solid student growth percentile. The Anchor Reading Standard showed areas of weakness, so this
will be the focus for 2016-17. Montclair created K-2 and 3-5 vertical teams, and is implementing a
consistent writing program and close reading. For Math, the 1% increase in Average Percent Correct
goal was reached for Grade 3 and increasing student achievement was demonstrated with more
students scoring in Proficient and Advanced. For this year, Guided Math is being implemented and
teachers are using data to identify individual needs and meeting in vertical teams as well. Grade 5
Science is showing growth, 41 % of students scored in advanced or proficient. For familie
engagement, Montclair staff are planning a STEM event. ELL students outscored the state by 8% to
23% on various strands, ELL teachers are part of vertical teams for both ELA and Mathematics.
The Wellness Goal was reached through a range of events and initiatives involving the whole school
community. PBIS continues, creating Montclair pride and rewarding positive behaviors. For 2016-
2017, educator evaluation goals align with grade level goals, align with school-wide and district goals.
Montclair is an old building that sparkles and shines, Mrs. Malvesti is very proud of the school, its
dedicated teachers and supportive parents. Mrs. Lebo asked about participation rate for activities;
more students often want to participate than can be accommodated. Mrs. Lebo said the MCAS
results are fantastic.
Ms. Isola asked about the bathroom in the nurse’s office, very concerning that there is not a
functioning facility. Mrs. Malvesti and Dr. DeCristofaro explained that it needs to be gutted and new
plumbing installed, Public Buildings is planning to address.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Montclair Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs.
Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Maryanne Palmer presented the Parker Elementary School Improvement Plan, reviewed
the school's demographics: of around 300 students total, 84% are High Needs, 53% are English
Language Education students. Parker maintained Level 1 status this year as all subgroups met target
to narrow achievement gap. Parker is a continuous learning community with collaborative teacher
planning, analysis of data, common assessment, and analysis of student work, focused on increasing
student success. Lessons are developed with an inclusive lens, allowing for individualizing and
accommodations as necessary. Student success is accessed by standard.
For family engagement, Parker's staff work to overcome language barriers. 30 North Quincy High
School students volunteer at Parker to assist with homework; school events enjoy high rates of
attendance. Many former Parker students assist with events, even on a Friday night.
The Wellness Team plans ways to enhance the health and wellness of the students and staff. The
school's new playground opened in September and the PBIS program is strongly implemented,
provides a common language for staff. Parker recognized individual contributions and consistent
performers.
Mrs. Lebo thanked Dr. Palmer, noting that Parker student growth is very impressive given the number
of students coming from homes where English is not the first language.
Ms. Isola enjoys hearing about the continued collaboration with North Quincy High School students
and how it has grown over the years.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Parker Elementary School Improvement Plan. The motion
was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Steve Sylvia presented the Squantum Elementary School Improvement Plan, representing a
vibrant community, with strong parent support. Squantum’s CPI in Mathematics is 86%, ELA is 88%,
slightly lower than previous year. CPI for all students is past target, High Needs at 71, almost there.
Student Growth was 58% for ELA and 51% for Mathematics. PBIS has made a difference in school
culture, supported by school spirit and Terrific Kids. The outdoor classroom garden club provided
learning in seeds to table. Students planted vegetables, families watered over the summer, students
harvested, made pizza and pesto. Before and after school activities are numerous and well-attended.
In reflecting on last year’s goals, Squantum students demonstrated 5% improvement on Open
Response ELA questions. For Mathematics, action steps were focused on Number Sense and
Operations. Increases in performance on PARCC items were demonstrated. For the Wellness goal,
this was more than exceeded.
For this year, Squantum's ELA goal will focus on the Reading Anchor Standard and Mathematics will
focus on multi-step questions . MCAS 2.0 preparation is underway, Grade 4 is focused on preparing
students for online Assessments. Squantum has a very strong PTO and an active social media
presence. Mr. Sylvia is very proud of the school community and grateful to School Committee for
supporting the MSBA Statement of Interest for a new building.
Mrs. Hubley said Mr. Sylvia should be proud of the wonderful environment and parent involvement.
Events are very well-attended.
Ms. Isola said the garden looks fantastic; Mr. Sylvia said Holly Hill Farm staff visited to assist with
preparing the garden for winter and to plant garlic which will overwinter to grow in the spring.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Squantum Elementary School Improvement Plan. The
motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Wollaston Elementary School Principal Jim Hennessy presented the Wollaston Elementary School
Improvement Plan, proud to be principal of a school where parents are happy to send their students
and staff are glad to work there. Student demographics for Wollaston, 340 students : 57% low
income, 35% in ELE program, 65% are classified as High Needs. In reflecting on last year's goals, 71%
were proficient or higher on ELA, 72% in Mathematics, outstanding growth in both ELA and Math. In
PARCC items, students exceeded the state levels on all but one standard. Wollaston has a vibrant
PTO that provides $28,000 in support annually.
Moving forward, the School Improvement Plan is a model of how to continue growth. Wollaston is
on the right track, system-wide professional development will support the use of Edwin Analytics for
data analysis and MAP implementation for Grade 2. Emphasis this year will be on special education
and regular education classroom teacher collaboration, elements of reading vocabulary, and using
extended day opportunities to target academic needs. For Mathematics, guided Math and
Digiblocks, place value manipulatives, model curriculum units, graphic organizers, and emphasis on
mathematics fact fluency are all action steps.
Mrs. Lebo said Wollaston's data indicates that this should have been designated a Level 1 school,
complimented the school culture.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Wollaston Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs.
Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Robin Moreira presented the Atherton Hough Elementary School Improvement Plan, hopes
the plan demonstrates the commitment and collaboration of the school’s staff working together with
each other and families to provide students exactly what they need academically and emotionally.
Five substantially separate special education classes at Atherton Hough bring so much to the school,
special education staff works closely with the regular education staff. Substantially separate classroom students are mainstreamed at every opportunity; Grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 are co-teaching
Science and Social Studies.
Mrs. Moreira shared the Assessment folders prepared for each grade level, reviewing Literacy
supports in data meetings which take place twice a week in grade level teams or vertical teams. This
collective approach to move students towards proficiency and maintain proficiency as well.
Great gains have been made in ELA, Average Percent Correct showed growth for Grades 3 and 5 and
maintained for Grade 4. Students in the modified Common Core showed growth in all tested grades.
Another highlight is the median student growth percentile, Grade 4 was 71% and Grade 5 was 78%.
In all grades, the level of students reaching proficient or advanced increased at all grade levels.
Action steps have been analyzed and some will be retained, others refined, and close reading
implemented.
For Mathematics, gains were seen for Grades 3 and 4, but a decrease in Grade 5. Students in the
modified Common Core program showed growth in Grades 4 and 5. Student Growth percentile
decreased slightly, 52% for Grade 4, 54% for Grade 5. Math Vertical Teams and Assessment Team will
work on flexible grouping, additional support for Grades 3-5 Mathematics by a classroom teacher.
School culture goal has been supported by PBIS, “Ready to Learn,” being respectful and safe, in all
areas of the school, classroom, corridor, and cafeteria. Wellness goal is supported through BOKS,
community service opportunities, Try an New Food day, and staff fitness opportunities. School nurse
is collaborating on health education topics for each grade level.
Mrs. Lebo said the data trends are fabulous, especially for high needs students, inclusion practices are
a key to this. Mrs. Moreira noted that Atherton Hough moved to Level 2 based on 2016 MCAS
results.
Mr. Bregoli asked about Grade 4, is there a concentration of High Needs students. Mrs. Moreira said
traditionally this is a difficult testing level, but there have also been some class shifts and new
strategies to address this.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Atherton Hough Elementary School Improvment Plan.
Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Ann Pegg and Assistant Principal John Rogan presented the Merrymount Elementary School
Improvement Plan. Mrs. Pegg noted that Merrymount's recognition as a Blue Ribbon School,
nationally and by School Committee, has had a big effect on the staff.
Merrymount's demographic highlights: 41% of students are First Language Not English, 49% of
students are High Needs. Staff works tirelessly to create initiatives to narrow the proficiency gaps,
teachers collaborating, volunteer study groups targeting areas of need. Staff-led change acknowledging the cumulative effect of student learning at all grades. Teachers share their own
knowledge to other staff members, system-wide Professional Development. Action steps include
Writing Across the Curriculum, Close Reading, Math Open Response; collaboration on instructional
practices relative to Guided Math is a new group for this year. Instructional rounds are peer
observations of teaching lessons, this is new this year.
For students with disabilities, individualized instruction is integrated through inclusion where the
Resource Room teacher will co-teach. Other students need a wrap-around approach with pull out
support; small group and individual instruction as needed. In Grade 5, 14 students are on IEPs, full
inclusion for ELA, for Mathematics, wraparound approach plus individual support. Approach is
flexible, changing as needed.
Merrymount’s community-building event, International Night, will be held on Thursday, 22 countries
are being highlighted by Merrymount families.
Mrs. Lebo said the Student Growth percentile is very high; performance on Science is notable, high
level of Proficient or Advanced. Enjoyed visiting the classrooms during last year’s visit from the
Commissioner. Teachers requesting Instructional Rounds shows a level of trust, not always the norm
in schools.
Mrs. Hubley has enjoyed the International Night, parents really embrace the event, last year a new
family was a prominent part. Mrs. Hubley asked about the electrical needs, Mrs. Pegg said there are
electrical upgrades needed.
Mr. Bregoli complimented Merrymount’s team approach, results are due to the staff culture. Mr.
Bregolii said through the Parks board, there will be some upgrades
Ms. Isola complimented the plan and the flexible approach, taking a risk and refining the approach if
it does not work out.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to approve the Merrymount Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs.
Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:00 pm. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and
on a voice vote, the ayes have it.