Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – September 27, 2017
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
September 27, 2017 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 p.m. The Superintendent
called the roll and present were School Committee Chairman Mayor Thomas Koch,
Mr. James DeAmicis, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo,
Mrs. Anne Mahoney, and Mr. Paul Bregoli, Vice Chair.
Vice Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Mrs. Rita Bailey,
Mr. Michael Draicchio, Dr. Beth Hallett, Mr. Kevin Mahoney, Deputy
Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mr. Jean-Jacques Niamkey, Mrs. Maura Papile,
Mrs. Erin Perkins, Mrs. Caitlin Plaskisovitis, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith
Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Edward Smith, Georgina Sullivan, Mr. Lawrence
Taglieri; Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; Citywide
Parents Council Co-Presidents Scott Alessandro and Courtney Perdios; and
North Quincy High School Student Representative Luke Molloy.
School Committee Clerk Laura Owens was absent and the minutes were
generated from the School Committee meeting video.
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There was a moment of silence in memory of former Principal Daniel Malvesta,
a Quincy Public Schools teacher and administrator for over forty years.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
9.13.2017
Mr. DeAmicis made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hubley to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for September 13, 2017. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
Mr. Scott Alessandro, Citywide Parent Council Co-President, expressed concerns
about growing enrollment in Quincy Public Schools, especially the potential
impact of new construction. Also would like to see options discussed including
returning Grade 5 at Point Webster and Sterling to their respective elementary
schools.
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Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report with a Quincy
School~Community Partnership update; upcoming events include the Welcome
Back Reception on Thursday, September 28 at the Common Market; SPLASH, a
learn to swim program for Grade 2 students in partnership with the South Shore
YMCA; and the Teacher Mini-Grants Reception on Thursday, November 2.
Executive Director Keith Segalla introduced Boston Scientific, who have supported
Quincy Public Schools through generous donations of office and classroom
furniture, technology, and cafeteria equipment. Boston Scientific has donated
Surface tablets for an elementary school STEM initiative over the last few years
and provided career shadowing and internship opportunities for high school
students. Diana Rose represented Boston Scientific, giving an overview of their
involvement in the greater Quincy Community.
Quincy High School Principal Larry Taglieri thanked Mayor Koch and the School
Committee for the funding to expand the Athletic Director positions to be full time;
the wellness component of these new positions will have an impact on all students
beyond those involved in Athletics. Mr. Taglieri then introduced Kevin Mahoney,
the new Quincy High School Athletic Director and North Quincy High School
Principal Robert Shaw introduced Jean-Jacques (J.J.) Niamkey as the new North
Quincy High School Athletic Director.
Senior Director of Curriculum Madeline Roy introduced the new Curriculum Team
Administrator for STEM, Edward Smith. Mr. Smith has been a teacher at Quincy
High School for seventeen years, the Quincy High School Science department chair
for the last seven years, and has been the Robotics program coordinator for both
middle and high school.
The City of Presidents 5K Run/Walk was held on Sunday, September 24, over 750
participants walked and ran the course, and enjoyed the cookout and family
events afterward on Adams Field. Many volunteers from both high schools,
including Community Service and Culinary students, assisted staff from the Parks,
Recreation, Mayor's Office, and Quincy Public Schools in organizing this event held
once again in memory of Emily Zarnoch.
City of Quincy ArtsFest was held on September 16-17, Quincy Public Schools had
seventeen award winners and one best of show from North Quincy High School
student Iris Xie among the student entries. Fifteen art teachers coordinated the
student entries, working with Dr. Hallett and the Quincy Arts Association.
Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile met with the BOKS
trainers and representatives from Reebok on September 19 to launch the Fall
BOKS program beginning Monday, October 2 and running 12 weeks through
December 22. The BOKS program is made possible by a generous donation from
Reebok in memory of Emily Zarnoch.
Dr. DeCristofaro noted that this school year, the 100th anniversary of two Quincy
Public Schools buildings will be celebrated: Point Webster Middle School on
Saturday, November 18 at 2:00 pm and Parker Elementary School on Saturday,
May 12, 2018.
Thanks to Director of Safety & Security Michael Draicchio for coordinating the Fall
Safety drills at all Quincy Public Schools locations. The building evacuation,
lockdown, and bus evacuation drills are a collaboration with the Quincy Police and
Fire Departments.
The Nobel Laureates Initiative will continue this school year with a visit from
Physics Nobel Laureate Dr. Jerome Friedman from MIT on October 26 at North
Quincy High School. On October 12, Quincy High School Class of 1952 Alum Dr.
Arthur Gossard (grandson of former Quincy Public Schools Superintendent Paul
Gossard), National Medal of Technology and Innovation recipient.
Dr. DeCristofaro announced that preliminary enrollment is around 9,600 students,
an increase of 164 students from last school year. The largest growth is at the
high school level, where there is an additional 100 students, split between the two
schools. At this time, 90% of elementary classes are at 21 students or below; 89%
of middle school classes are at 24 students or below; and 85% of high school
classes are at 25 students or below. The official October 1 enrollment will be
shared at the October 11 School Committee meeting.
Thanks to Mayor Koch and the Quincy City Council for the recent $4 million
appropriation under the Capital Improvement Plan which will benefit Quincy
Public Schools in many ways. Dr. DeCristofaro is looking forward to collaborating
with the Public Buildings department on the projects planned for winter and
spring completion.
Harvest Festivals are planned at several schools in October: Wollaston School on
October 14; Snug Harbor Community School on October 21; and Beechwood Knoll
on October 28.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the Principals, Assistant Principals, and Teachers for
planning the Fall Open Houses held at all school locations, many success
Dr. DeCristofaro concluded the Superintendent's Report with the Inspire Quincy
video, featuring highlights from the Band Instrument Demonstrations for Grades 4
and 5 students, interviews with Fall Athletics Soccer captains and new Quincy
Public Schools Professional staff members.
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Old Business
There was no Old Business on the Agenda.
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New Business
Program Improvement
Plan Presentation:
Health Services
Heath Services Coordinator Rita Bailey presented the Health Services Program
Improvement Plan, beginning with a reflection on the goals from 2016-2017. Each
school continued their wellness initiatives based on the Alliance for a Healthier
Generation Healthy Schools program. The second goal was to improve
communication between the Health Office and the school community. School
nurses worked together to create a Health Services page on Aspen, accessible to
all students and parents through the Student Portal. Commonly used forms are
found here and information and updates on health topics posted as well. School
nurses are also integral to the Substance Use Education and Prevention efforts,
including the many presentations and activities throughout the school year.
Looking forward to 2017-2018, Health Services goals are to continue wellness
initiatives and collaboration with the site-based Wellness Teams and continue to
expand communication opportunities on health and wellness issues. In addition,
the Health, Nutrition, and Wellness Advisory Council will continue to meet
quarterly, and utilize community resources to support school Wellness Teams.
School nurse professional development will focus on increasing nursing skills and
knowledge and coordinating the Health & Wellness Symposium and the Matter of
Heart Initiative, in collaboration with Brewster Ambulance.
86,881 student encounters with School Nurses annually, with a 93% rate for
students returned to classes. 2,530 students with ongoing healthcare needs were
cared for, and 62 students with head injuries incurred in school-related and
outside school activities were monitored. Annual screenings are completed for
hearing and vision and through the Department of Public Health, oral health is
maintained through optional screening. School Nurse Georgina Sullivan reviewed
the Big Smiles Dental Program, piloted at Clifford Marshall Elementary School for
students without dental insurance. A portable dental unit was set up on the
auditorium stage for privacy and 75 students were seen over five days, including
filling cavities, sealants completed, and several extractions. This mobile model
also has the advantage of taking less time away from the school day, as students
were absent from class around 30 minutes. The Big Smiles program will return to
Clifford Marshall in March 2018.
Mrs. Bailey announced a new partnership with the South Shore Hospital and Dana
Farber/Brigham & Women's Cancer Center. The partnership will provide
opportunities for student support through onsite training opportunities and
Career & Technical Education Program Advisory membership
Mr. Bregoli asked about the mobile optometrist and eye glasses initiative
reviewed during last year's Program Improvement Presentation. Mrs. Bailey said
that unfortunately, that service is no longer available, but she is looking into other
options to provide this service to students.
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New Business
Program Impovement
Plan Presentation:
Student Support Services
Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile presented the Student
Support Services Program Improvement Plan. Student Support Services consists
of Guidance Counselors at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, School
Psychologists, Middle School Health Educators, High School Health
Interventionists, Physical Education teachers, Supervisors of Attendance, and
Homeless Coordinator. Mrs. Papile presented the program review in the
framework of Student Support initiatives and professional development, including
support for PBIS (Positive Behavioral Initiatives and Supports), a framework for
systems to assist schools to teach children appropriate behavior, identify needs
for additional support, develop strategies, and evaluate practice toward success.
For middle and high school, staff are working directly with students on developing
life skills, peer to peer education, and support for appropriate decision-making.
Quincy Police DARE Officer Don Sautter presented on the Grades 5 and 7
Substance Use Education and Prevention curriculum, family events to strengthen
community connections, and the DARE Summer program for Grade 5 students
citywide with high school peer leader support. Health Educator Caitlin
Plaskasovitis spoke about professional development on the Life Skills curriculum
being utilized at all middle schools; the development of the adolescent brain and
the impact of substance use; and substance use and addiction. A recent
professional development on the impact of the legalization of marijuana.
Another component of the PBIS framework is the Diversity & Respect initiative.
Supported by Visions, Inc., the goal is to equip students and staff with the tools
needed to communicate and engage in a diverse world and create strategies for
inclusion that allows for the engagement of all students. Substance Use Education
& Prevention support provided through the CEASAR Program with Boston
Children’s Hospital, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the Mayor’s Office. This event was
focused on development of Science-based Substance Use Prevention curriculum
planning, using the background of public health and medicine to address the
factors of the opioid crisis.
High School Guidance Counselors and School Psychologists are focusing on
ensuring student success with earlier interventions and addressing barriers for
students with anxiety or other transitional issues. The Year Up program, a
collaboration with the Mayor’s Office and State Street, which assists in getting
students who have delayed entry to college into the workforce while still keeping
higher education as a goal. Physical Education teams are focused on the Wellness
initiatives and promoting the benefits of exercise and activity; there are
measurable connections to educational and emotional success.
In summary, the Student Support team has started off the school year with goalsetting, professional development for executive functioning, collaborated on
freshman student orientation, mentor program launch, and back to school nights
at each high school. Mrs. Papile thanked the Mayor’s Office, Thompson Family,
Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the Rural Masonic Lodge for funding support for all of
this programming and curriculum.
Mrs. Lebo thanked Mrs. Papile for the incredible presentation, so many great
initiatives across the city and collaboration with the Quincy Police and other
departments. Mrs. Lebo asked about the high school guidance counselors and
their goal of educating students about the
For credit recovery, Mrs. Lebo asked if professional staff are involved with
supervising students
Mrs. Lebo asked for a presentation at an upcoming meeting on the Supervisors of
Attendance on attendance statistics. In the District Profile, would like to include
AP and SAT scores and the Chapter 74 Core Indicators.
Mrs. Mahoney agreed about seeing the SAT and AP scores at a future meeting.
Mrs. Mahoney said the presentation encompassed a large amount of information
and asked whether the Dental program is supported through MassHealth. Mrs.
Bailey said it is a grant and a pilot program at Clifford Marshall this week. Mrs.
Mahoney said it is an incredible opportunity to support student health. Mrs.
Mahoney said that it is good to see all of the Substance Use Prevention &
Education initiatives, through the Mayor’s Office, Quincy Public Schools has made
so much progress in having open conversation with students, threaded through
everything we do. Mrs. Mahoney asked about parent participation, we need to
provide the tools for them to continue the conversations with their students.
Mrs. Hubley thanked the presenters and noted that there are 180 homeless
students and unaccompanied youth in the Quincy Public Schools. Mrs. Hubley
asked for a breakdown by elementary, middle, and high school levels. Mrs. Hubley
asked about the level relative to previous years, Mrs. Papile said it is about the
same at this time last year, but families will experience stress in this area over the
course of the year.
Mayor Koch thanked Mrs. Papile for her leadership, in his ten years as Mayor, has
seen the importance of education as a prevention tool.
Ms. Isola said that in reviewing the Program Improvement Plans, she was struck
by how many departments Health and Student Support Services interact with. So
much work goes into ensuring that students have multiple caring adults to
connect with in their lives. Ms. Isola said that she is always amazed by the number
of student interactions with nurses and the chronic conditions monitored by the
school nurses and the security that provides for families. Thanks to both Mrs.
Bailey and Mrs. Papile for their continued research to find programs that will
benefit
North Quincy High School Student Representative Luke Molloy thanked Mrs.
Bailey and Mrs. Papile for the programming available to Quincy Public Schools
students. Mr. Molloy participates in a DESE Student Council panel, students from
other school systems are impressed by the resources of Quincy Public Schools.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked both Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Papile, this is truly a citywide
collaboration. Thanks are also due to the School Committee for their support
through the budget in funding the additional school nurse position. All of the
work done here is instrumental in providing surround care for students.
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New Business
Out of State Travel
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of the North Quincy
& Quincy High School Robotics Team to the FRS Robotics Competition in
Manchester, New Hampshire on October 14, 2017. Ms. Isola seconded the motion
and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
Mrs. Mahoney asked about the impact of new construction on enrollment. Mrs.
Mahoney asked about the purchase of the St. Mary’s School land, which was
approved at City Council last week and suggested that there be further discussion
about Quincy Public Schools siting an elementary school there.
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Communications
Upcoming meetings were announced: October 11, 2017 at the Coddington
Building at 6:30 p.m. and October 25, 2017 at Point Webster Middle School at 6:30
p.m..
Subcommittee Meetings will be held on October 19, 2017 (Budget & Finance at
5:00 p.m.; Facilities & Security at 5:30 p.m.; and Policy at 6:00 pm).
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Reports of
Subcommittees
Mr. Bregoli noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes
are posted online at www.quincypublicschools.com. 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 8:20 p.m. The motion
was seconded by Mrs. Hubley and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.