Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting
A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 6:00 pm in the Coddington Building. Present were Mr. Anthony Andronico, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Julie Graham, Dr. Elizabeth Hallett, Mr. James Hennessy, Ms. Renee Malvesti, Ms. Robin Moreira, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Ann Pegg, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Kimberly Quinn, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Edward Smith, Ms. Bridget Vaughn, Ms. Ruth Witmer, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to refer all School Improvement Plan Facilities Areas of Need to the Facilities & Security Subcommittee. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lebo and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal James Hennessy presented the Wollaston Elementary School Improvement Plan, impressive student growth, focus on developing critical thinking skills, implementing Principal’s Path (growth mindset, vertical and grade level teams aligned goals with School Improvement Plan goals, Integrated Learning Teams and mini-ILTs to allow for flexible grouping), site-based Professional Development. New this year, Wollaston will offer a STEM-based after school program.
Mrs. Lebo asked for a definition of the Accountability Percentile: Ms. Roy said the school’s performance against other like schools (same demographics) throughout the state that administer the same assessments. Ms. Roy said these are not necessarily other Quincy Public Schools.
Mrs. Lebo said there was a significant decline for Grade 5 MCAS performance, but this is a different cohort of students. The MAP growth data is very positive.
Mrs. Lebo would like to see the language of the goals be more measurable across the board.
Mrs. Lebo asked about SeeSaw (Grades K-2) and Class Dojo (Grades 3-5), both are online tools for student portfolio creation and parent communication.
Mrs. Hubley complimented the Family Engagement page.
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, a reflection of the collaboration of the school’s staff, the focus being on success for every student. In reviewing MCAS data, every grade and every subject showed an increase in students earning Proficient or Advanced. Benchmark assessments assisted in identifying the students needing individual interventions. Professional development and working vertically and across grade level teams have assisted with aligning writing; for Math, students are working in small groups, utilizing digital resources, and for Science, implementing new curriculum materials. Students in Special Education program classes are given many opportunities for integration and the Special Education teachers participate in all Professional Development opportunities with regular education teachers.
Mrs. Lebo asked about Grade 5 students taking MCAS on paper, rather than computer-based. Some students in Language Development programs were allowed this accomodation, but there is a limit to the information reported.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the MAP Skills Assessment, Mrs. Moreira said this a progress-monitoring tool that Atherton Hough will be piloting for Grades 3-5.
Mrs. Lebo asked about Grade 5 MAP growth being a lower target, Mrs. Perkins reminded School Committee that there is a ceiling and a higher target is not achievable for this grade.
Mrs. Lebo asked about attendance, how can schools remedy this. Ms. Moreira said by working with the Supervisors of Attendance and checking in with families as much as possible. Sometimes families have extenuating circumstances, medical or other family issues.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Atherton Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Renee Malvesti presented the Montclair Elementary School Improvement Plan, noting that MCAS results showed strong growth and performance at or above the state level. MAP scores showed strong student growth as well. For students Meeting or Exceeding Expectations, all grades and all curriculum areas were above state levels. EL students continue to outpace their counterparts across the state at all grades and curriculum areas. Goals for next year are consistent with the district goals, staff is focused on new Science curriculum launch and looking forward to working with the Digital Literacy staff. Principal’s Path is new at Montclair this year, emphasis on Family Engagement (survey completed) and Beyond the Bell activities with 200 students involved in before and after school activities, including BOKS and Student Council.
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 Ruth Witmer presented the Lincoln Hancock School Improvement Plan, noting the PRIDE is the structure for staff and students to create pathways for success. Academically, staff meet the students where they are through whole group instruction, small group instruction, individual instruction, and independent exploration. For the MAP assessment, both grades exceeded the RIT score goal and for MCAS Achievement, Lincoln Hancock has exited the status of needing assistance.
In the third year of Principal’s Path, Family Engagement continues to be a priority and the Science vertical team is implementing the new standards and curriculum. While MCAS data shows growth for most grades and groups, there is still room for improvement, especially in the area of Mathematics. Small groupings that are fluid and informed by data will continue to be utilized. Grades 3 & 4 Mathematics teachers are now located next to each other to allow for closer collaboration.
Mr. Bregoli asked about student retention from Grades K through 4. Currently, the retention rate is 60%. Mrs. Lebo noted that there is a stability rate of 86% at Lincoln Hancock.
Mrs. Hubley complimented Lincoln Hancock’s family engagement, including the STEAM night.
Mrs. Lebo complimented the Grade 4 ELA scores, impressive achievement and noted that the school’s attendance rate has improved.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Lincoln Hancock Community School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Ann Pegg presented the Merrymount Elementary School Improvement Plan and shared with School Committee that she will be retiring at the end of this school year. Ms. Pegg outlined that this is the first year of Principal’s Path at Merrymount, thanking Ms. Moreira for her assistance. Student performance on formative assessments indicated a need for a renewed emphasis on phonics in conjunction with close reading instruction. A collaborative initiative is the outdoor classroom team with parents and teachers working together to seek Community Preservation funding. International Night is an annual event, 25+ families from different countries shared their cultural background with other Merrymount families and a STEM night is planned for later in the school year. A generous donation from parents will fund additional STEM activities.
Mr. Bregoli complimented the collaboration with other principals. Mrs. Lebo complimented the school attendance rate.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Merrymount Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 pm. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.