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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-22 School Committee MinutesOIq Town of Reading 03 �= Meeting Minutes '6JJ.IMORN' Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2017-05-22 Building: School - Memorial High Address: 82 Oakland Road Purpose: Open Session Attendees: Members - Present: Time: 7:00 PM :YR Cl.CifK 1011j!N29 Pp:g0 Location: Superintendent Conference Room Session: Open Session 1rLT.9CTimm*,F.l� Gary Nihan, Chuck Robinson, Linda Snow Dockser, Nick Boivin Members - Not Present: Committee Members Jeanne Borawski & Elaine Webb Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Director of Finance Gail Dowd, Assistant Superintendent Craig Martin, Student Representative Mario Cuttone, Barrows Principal Heather Leonard, Coolidge Principal Sarah Marchant, Parker Scinec teacher Kim Peterson, RMHS Science Department Head Mary Anne Lynn, Director of Food Service Kristin Morello, Chronicle Reporter At Sylvia Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: 1. Call to Order Vice Chair Robinson called the School Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. and reviewed the agenda. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Comment There was no public comment. B. Consent Agenda Mr. Robinson asked the Committee if there were any consent agenda items that they would like removed. There were no items removed. Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Dr. Nihan, to approve the consent agenda as amended. The motion carried 4-0. - Approval of RMHS Field Trip — 2019 London - Accept Donations to RMHS Drama (Lighting & Playwriting Instructor) - Accept a Donation to RMHS Football (Balance for Coaching Assistant) - Accept a Donation from the Reading Girls Soccer Parents Group - Approval of Minutes (May 8, 2017) C. New Business Science Presentation Assistant Superintendent Martin provided a brief overview of tonight's presentation. He pointed out that the state framework is now in place. Students need regular opportunities to experience dynamic, interdisciplinary nature of science and technology/engineering. Our curriculum and instruction should instill wonder in students about the world around them through engaging and exciting learning experiences and students should develop a passion about the natural and designed world and model the inquisitive, analytical, and skeptical nature of science. These goals can only be achieved through a rich and varied STE curriculum that includes thoughtful hands-on and minds -on activities, laboratories, investigations, and design challenges. Mr. Martin pointed out that the implementation will take time allowing time for teachers and administrators to become familiar with the new standards and for teachers to become adept at new approaches to instruction. This can be achieved with the ability to collaborate, network and the formation of partnerships to be able to share successful strategies. There are 8 practices embedded at all levels which include the following: ✓ Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) ✓ Developing and using models ✓ Planning and carrying out investigations ✓ Analyzing and interpreting data ✓ Using mathematics and computational thinking ✓ Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) ✓ Engaging in argument from evidence ✓ Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information There are also overlaps of math, science and ELA content areas by design, allowing students to strengthen skills in all areas by engaging in a higher order of thinking. Mr. Martin spoke about the new assessment which will occur over a three-year period. This year, grades 5, 8 and high school students will be accessed on the 2001/2006 standards, in the 2017-18 school year grade 5 & 8 students will be accessed on overlapping standards (2001/2006 and 2016). High school students will continue to be assessed on the 2001/2006 standards. In 2018-19 grade 5 & 8 will be assessed on the 2016 standards. The high school student's assessment tool has not been determined at this point. Elementary Barrows principal Mrs. Leonard started by saying that the elementary schools have been transitioning to the new standards and there has been positive feedback P., 12 on the Know Atom program. She continued with her presentation breaking it into three areas: relevance, rigor and coherence. She began with relevance saying it is important to build on the students' natural curiosity to know more about the world in which they live by asking questions about everyday phenomena, issues and how things work. We want the students to utilize real-world interdisciplinary questions when approaching a problem or experiment. In terms of rigor, students must develop proficiency through inquiry and investigation, collectiontanalysis of evidence, and application/communication of information. The students must develop an understanding of "why". This can be accomplished by collaboratively working together to solve problems. Lastly, it is important to integrate science learning with literacy and mathematics standards and to vertically align K — 12 to engage all students. Mrs. Leonard said that the vertical alignment is laid out very well in the framework. In 2015-16, grade 5 piloted the Know Atom program; and in April 2016, Massachusetts adopted the new Curriculum Framework for Science and Technology/Engineering. Know Atom has revised their program to align more closely with the new frameworks and we implemented Know Atom in grades 3, 4 & 5. The lessons also align to Math and ELA standards. This hands-on, inquiry - based approach reinforces critical thinking skills, including argument and analysis of evidence. The program is rooted in the scientific method and engineering design process. Moving forward, curriculum documents are being drafted to identify core lessons and focus on key hands-on experiences, lessons and priority standards. Lessons and readings will be piloted in the 2017-18 school year. Middle School Parker Middle School Science teacher Kim Peterson and Coolidge principal Sarah Marchant spoke about the middle school piece of the science curriculum implementation. Mrs. Marchant began by thanking Ms. Peterson for her work as a curriculum leader and shared that the Coolidge Science team finished 26" in the National Competition. Transitioning to the new standards will be a four-year process. In 2015, science teachers collaborated to unpack the standards and explore how changes will impact both curriculum and instruction in grades 6, 7 & 8. It was determined that instead of using a "pancake" approach it would be best if each standard is integrated through each grade level. Engineering has been integrated into the curriculum. Our teachers have researched and reviewed various resources that are aligned to the standards and that support instructional practice and during the 2015-16 school year the grade 6 teachers planned the roll-out of an integrated curriculum which would take place this year. The spiraled curriculum is now in place for grade 6. Students are using a new resource, McGraw Hill's Glencoe iScience as well as Gizmos software. Classroom laptops support technology standards and access to great online resources. Students can access online text at home or anywhere from a device. Mrs. Marchant commended the staff for the collaboration and support shown to Page 1 3 roll out this new curriculum. There is a strong focus on hands-on and inquiry - based teaching and learning. Mrs. Marchant pointed out that the new standards require equal opportunity to engineering standards. We have been evaluating what our classrooms need in order to provide engaging and effective engineering opportunities for all students. Resources me now being directed to incorporate engineering into all classrooms as an integral component of the curriculum. Enrichment and elective opportunities will continue to be available to 8m grade students who want to go above and beyond what is offered in their regular classes. Mrs. Marchant said that as the a graders enter 7' and 8a' grade, the rollout of new curriculum will continue over the next two years. Grade 7 & 8 are utilizing Accelerate Learning's StemScopes and Gizmos as digital online resources. In June our students will be completing the pilot Science MCAS 2.0. We are hoping this assessment will provide additional insight into what the new state assessments could look like, in addition to providing the state with this information about how students do on new types of questions (less mere recall of facts, and more process and inquiry based). Hieh School RMHS Science Department Head Mary Anne Lynn began by saying that the vertical approach is very important in preparing for high school courses. It is important to instill a STEM mindset at an early age. She agrees that a hands-on, inquiry -based approach is best. The high school science department has been looking at the instructional practices being used and would like their students to use higher order thinking skills. Ms. Lynn went on to say that the high school began aligning the new standards in 2015. Biology and Chemistry staff continue to perform curriculum reviews, evaluating and revising units to prepare for the transition to the new frameworks and the Biology teachers piloted new sequence, shared unit resources, and are now reviewing what has worked effectively. Ms. Lynn next reviewed the course offerings and the new and revamped electives being offered this year which include AP Physics 1, Interactive Device Design and Environmental issues. In 2017-18 Introduction to Physics will be added. Ms. Lynn finished by reinforcing the fact that we need to prepare our students with STEM skills that include critical thinking. Ms. Peterson shared that the middle school teachers have seen evidence of these skills being taught and reinforced in their students coming up from the elementary schools. Mrs. Leonard thanked Jo -Ellen McGimnity for her work as the science PLC leader at the elementary level and Tricia Stodden on her efforts making sure that appropriate reading materials were available. Mr. Robinson thanked the group for an excellent presentation and asked about the staff identifying appropriate texts for the grade K — 2 students. Mrs. Leonard indicated that the staff has begun working on this. He then asked about the pilot of the MCAS 2.0 testing. Mrs. Marchant said this will be a 45 -minute assessment. Page 14 Dr. Snow Dockser asked about the Know Atom pilot. Mrs. Leonard said that all grade 5 and a sampling of grades piloted this program in 2015-16. Currently all grade 3 — 5 students are using this program. We are currently designing a K — 2 curriculum using the frameworks as a guide to curriculum that will allow for vertical alignment. Dr. Snow Dockser then asked how the collapsing levels at the high school will play out. Ms. Lynn indicated that we are looking at slowing down the collapsing of levels after looking at the course selections and budget. We will start with grade 9 biology. The staff is working on what professional development and differentiation may be needed. Mr. Martin added that we are looking for connections to math and what will be best for the kids. Ms. Lynn added that more students are taking physics. Mr. Nihan asked how time is allotted to science grades K — 5. Mrs. Leonard shared that grades 3 — 5 have 60 minutes/day of science or social studies and grades K — 2 have 30 minutes/day. Mr. Martin added that the state recommends 35 minutes/day. Dr. Nihan asked if the standards have grade level outcomes. The answer was yes. Mr. Boivin wanted to understand the flow of the money. Dr. Doherty said everything has been funded with last year and this year's money which includes the grade 3 — 5 Know Atom curriculum, grade 6 materials and the grade 7 pilot. The $150,000 approved by Town Meeting will provide for durables, technology, training and some professional development. Food Service Update and Approval of Inter -Municipal Agreement Director of Food Services Kristin Morello updated the committee on the happenings in her department over the past year. Mrs. Morello pointed out that lunch sales have decreased over the past several years so the Food Service staff is trying new things to encourage students to buy lunch. At RMHS, the cafeteria, outside the bank, and the stairwell were decorated and re -merchandised, to function as a cohesive area both educating students and creating a more appealing space. She has worked with the managers to develop new recipes and menu items at all levels. There has been over $30,000 invested into equipment repair and replacement this year and a new staff evaluation tool has been developed and implemented. Mrs. Morello shared that Barrows manager Dianne Ferguson is the School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts and the School Nutrition Association Regional Manager of the Year. She is also in the running for the National Manager of the Year. In addition, Mrs. Ferguson was a Massachusetts School Lunch Hero Nominee and she will be attending the National Conference in Atlanta to accept her awards. Mrs. Morello next discussed the marketing initiatives that have taken place over the year. All schools participated in decorating and marketing days which included gingerbread cookie day, Super Bowl Day, St. Patrick's and Dr. Seuss Days, Red Sox Opening Day and Super Hero Lunch Day. She went on to thank staff member Karleen Sayman and Erica Cameglia for working on getting the Nutri Slice App up and running on the websites. This app provides nutritional, ingredient and carb counts on all menu items. Families are also able to access the Page 1 5 automated payment system through this app. The Food Service Department has been working collaboratively with the school nurses to determine the cub counts of the menu items, this is very helpful for students that monitor their diabetes on determining when to take their insulin. The high school has held several specialty days including decorating your own gingerbread cookie, guess the number of snowballs, guess the number of jelly beans and graduation celebration month culminating with the Food Service staff presenting all seniors with a graduation gift of a mini diploma and pen. The Food Service Department staff has participated in over 347 hours of professional development in activities ranging from attending state meetings, food shows and local trainings in choke saver, allergy awareness, epi -pen, mandated reporting, Sery Safe, civil rights, ethics and monthly SFS. Mrs. Morello reported on the community involvement of her department including participation in the annual Festival of Trees and Taste of Metro North. Mrs. Morello has also been a presenter at several local, state and national conferences and is a member of the SNA Financial Management taskforce. The department remains fiscally solvent with the required 3 months of operating expenses, continues to provide meals to free, reduced and full price students through the Federal School Nutrition program. She shared that lunch participation has remained constant even with the price increases. The committee asked clarifying questions. Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Dr. Nihan, to authorize the Superintendent to enter a new Three Year Inter -Municipal Agreement between the Reading Public Schools and Wakefield Public Schools. The motion carried 4-0. D. Reports Student Representative Student Representative Mario Cutone reported on the upcoming senior prom and several teams have qualified for post season tournaments. Liaison's Report Dr. Snow Dockser reported that the Human Relations Advisory Committee formed a committee to explore community education opportunities in light of the graffiti incident at the high school. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty updated the committee on the graffiti incident. Principal Bakr has closed the investigation. The high school administration is using this incident as a teachable moment. The History Department has worked on strategies to have discussions on tolerance in their classes. The student leaders of AWOD will be Page 1 6 conducting staff and student presentations developing a resolution on respect, acceptance and tolerance. Mr. Bakr has begun to meet with the students by class instilling in them that RMHS is a safe and inclusive environment by promoting tolerance, diversity and a student voice. The discussion focusing on equality and tolerance will continue next year using the flex block time, murals and the resolution being developed by AWOD. All student leaders will attend a session of the Mental Health First Aid training. Dr. Doherty finished up by saying he met with the police last week and they are pleased with how this incident has been handled using the Anti -Defamation League protocol. Dr. Doherty next reviewed the projected elementary and district enrollment for the fall. Class sizes are looking pretty good with a couple of exceptions at the elementary level. The Superintendent is also concerned about the incoming grade 6 class size at Coolidge. Dr. Snow Dockser asked if families had the option to attend their non -home middle school. Dr. Doherty said the 5a' grade families have the opportunity every year. Mr. Boivin asked about the full day kindergarten class sizes. Dr. Doherty said that all five schools will use the integrated model next year. Dr. Doherty reminded the committee that Friends and Family Day will be on Jane 171h and at the next meeting we will discuss the plans for the day. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Warrant S1746 5.11.17 $206,835.54 Warrant S1747 5.18.17 $71,832.80 b. Calendar IV. Information/Correspondence Mr. Robinson reminded the committee members that the deadline for submitting Dr. Doherty's evaluation to the chair and the superintendent is today. V. Future Business VI. Adioumment Adioum Page 1 7 Dr. Nihan moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to adiourn. The motion carried 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 9.33 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. `1 � `= Page 1 8