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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-10 School Committee PacketOpen Session 8:15p.m. Reading Memorial High School Library Reading, MA Reading Public Schools School Committee Meeting Packet April 10, 2025 Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page | 1 2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2025-04-10 Time: 8:15 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library Address: 62 Oakland Road Agenda: Purpose: Open Session Meeting Called By: Thomas Wise, Chair Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk’s hours of operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda. All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted. Topics of Discussion: 8:15 p.m. A. Call to Order 8:15 p.m. B. Public Comment Consent Agenda 1. Minutes (03-27-2025) 2. RMHS Music Program Donation 3. Nature’s Classroom Field Trip Request Accounts Payable Warrant Reports 1. 03-27-2025 2. 04-03-2025 Payroll Warrant Reports 1. 01-17-2025 2. 01-31-2025 3. 02-14-2025 4. 02-28-2025 5. 03-14-2025 6. 03-28-2025 Reports 1. Student 2. Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching 3. Superintendent 4. Liaison/Sub-Committee 8:30 p.m. E. New Business 1. Annual School Resource Officer Update 2. Children’s Cabinet Update 3. Math Pathways FY25 Update 4. Approve Last Day of School for SY24-25 (A) Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page | 2 5. Approve the awarding of the David Savio Law Enforcement Scholarship (A) 6. Approve the awarding of the Arthur L. Spencer Memorial Scholarship (A) 10:00 p.m. Adjourn Join Zoom Meeting https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/82998434703 Meeting ID: 829 9843 4703 Find your local number: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/u/kctr78VLhq Consent Agenda Reading Public Schools School Committee Meeting Packet April 10, 2025 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Page | 1 2016-09-22 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2025-03-27 Time: 7:00 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library Address: 62 Oakland Road Session: Open Session Purpose: Open Session Version: Draft Attendees: Members - Present: Tom Wise, Shawn Brandt, Sarah McLaughlin, Carla Nazzaro, Erin Gaffen, and Charles Robinson Members - Not Present: Others Present: Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching and Superintendent Dr. Thomas Milaschewski Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Olivia Lejeune on behalf of the chairperson. Topics of Discussion: A. Call to Order – Mr. Wise called the meeting to order to review the agenda. B. Public Comment – Maria Morgan of 26 Lee Street highlighted the recent SEPAC meeting, thanking Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Dr. Jennifer Stys, Special Education Director Ms. Allison Wright, and Interim Director of Finance and Operations Mr. Phil Littlehale for their efforts in presenting the special education budget. Chris Haley of 71 Tennyson Road thanked Mr. Robinson for his 18 years of service to the community. Focus on Excellence 1. Celebrating Mr. Robinson Mr. Wise noted that tonight’s focus on excellence in service centered on Mr. Robinson, who is departing the committee after 18 years of service to the community as a School Committee member and nine years as a Finance Committee member. Mr. Robinson was celebrated by many community and School Committee members and was presented with a chair featuring the Reading emblem. The group took a photo and celebrated with cake. Consent Agenda 1. Minutes (03-13-2025) 2. Friends of Reading Baseball Donation 3. RMHS Unified Champion Schools Donation Page | 2 4. Coolidge Unified Champion Schools Donation 5. FY25 Financial Education Innovation Fund Award Accounts Payable Warrant Reports 1. 03-13-2025 2. 03-20-2025 Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Robinson. The vote passed 6-0. Reports 1. Students – Student representative provided updates on the following items: a. The Jazz Ensemble qualified for the state competition. b. Seven senior swimmers were recognized as Academic All-Americans. The boys' swim team holds an impressive average GPA of 4.15. c. The Art Department announced that Brayden Callen, a junior, won a Gold Key in the Regional Scholastic Art Competition. d. The RMHS Investment Club presented at Parker Middle School to generate student interest in the club. e. Upcoming events include: Junior Prom, early release day, ArtsFest, the start of senior internships on April 10, the freshman Progressive Dinner Fundraiser on April 11, the Winchester Hospital Career Panel, a job shadowing day for juniors, the Senior Awards, Senior Prom, graduation on May 30, Incoming Freshman Night, and the Underclassmen Awards on June 4. 2. Assistant Superintended for Learning and Teaching – Dr. Hardy shared an event that took place at Coolidge during National Civics Education Week, thanks to social studies teacher Carolyn Caffrey. Students had the opportunity to “Zoom with the Judge” to learn more about the judicial system — and the guest turned out to be Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Eighth graders listened intently and came away with two key messages: to be good citizens and to find their unique gifts to positively impact their communities. 3. Superintendent – Dr. Milaschewski congratulated the boys’ swim team and coaches for their academic and athletic success. 4. Liaison/Sub-Committee a. Ms. McLaughlin – No report b. Mrs. Gaffen – No report c. Mr. Brandt – No report d. Mrs. Nazzaro – The Killam team had a meeting with the MSBA regarding the project's scope and budget and received great news: the reimbursement grant has been increased by $1.5 million. An updated one- pager has been published on the website. The total reimbursement grant is now $44,182,227, and the amount to be borrowed has decreased to $85,829,556. A joint presentation of both major town projects will take place on April 2 in the PAC, with a virtual session scheduled for April 16. e. Mr. Robinson – No report Page | 3 f. Mr. Wise – No report E. New Business 1. School Choice Discussion Dr. Milaschewski opened the School Choice discussion. Each year, the School Committee has the option to opt out of the program. As a district, we receive $5,000 per student, plus potential reimbursement of up to 100% of special education costs. Since starting the program in the 2022–2023 school year, we have seen steady enrollment growth: nine students enrolled in the first year, 16 additional students in 2023–2024, and another 26 in 2024–2025 — bringing the total to 51 students. The packet includes information about the revenue the district has received. The administration is advocating to continue the program, as it provides a valuable financial stream and offers an opportunity for staff members' children to attend our schools — a helpful staff retention strategy. The packet also outlines the number of available seats, based on enrollment, and details the application process. Applications opened on March 28. By law, we are required to hold two lotteries; the first will be held now, and the second is planned for June to stay ahead of schedule. The administration will move forward with opening applications. 2. Student Opportunity Act (SOA) Plan – 2025 Progress Report Dr. Milaschewski noted that information was shared with the committee late in a revised packet, which includes: • A draft of the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) – 2025 Progress Report • The three-year SOA plan that was submitted to DESE last year • Two DESE-provided examples of progress reports Dr. Hardy provided a high-level overview of the progress report, which serves as an opportunity to reflect on the commitments and goals set as part of the SOA plan. She expressed pride in the high-quality curriculum paired with professional development, noting that the district is beginning to see the fruits of its labor. The district worked with Harvard fellow Barbara Best to elevate student voice in implementing SEL and mental health initiatives. Focus groups provided valuable data on students’ sense of connectedness to school. To continue implementing the plan effectively, the district identified the need for another tool to support data-driven decisions. A data warehouse will be brought on board to centralize all data in one place. Upcoming community events that support the plan include the community screening of CodeSwitching (in support of Boston resident students) and youth town hall opportunities. Page | 4 3. FY26 Kindergarten Enrollment Update Dr. Milaschewski reminded the committee that we committed to returning in the spring to provide an update on kindergarten enrollment. She is pleased to share that we now have 290 enrolled kindergarten students, and the packet includes a breakdown by school. We added a 1.0 FTE teacher, and while we are currently under projections, we know that we typically see more move-ins during the spring and summer, so we have not yet reassigned that additional teacher. If there is an opportunity to reduce staffing, it would be at Barrows, where we are trying to maintain three kindergarten classrooms. D. Old Business 1. Policy Updates – Review, edit (if necessary), and Vote to Adopt Amended Policy: a. Policy FF – Naming of School Facilities Mr. Wise shared some background on this policy, which was formerly known as the "Naming of Facilities or Places within or on School Property." In June 2023, members met with the SACs to discuss the existing policy, which was limited at that time. From there, a review process began. The team had initial discussions and, this fall, resumed discussions, making significant progress over the past two months. The policy has been discussed and reviewed by the Policy Subcommittee across three meetings. The goal is to clarify and expand the process for naming, unnaming, and renaming, while also making the process clear and transparent. The Subcommittee debated whether to combine the "unnaming" and "renaming" processes into one step or keep them as two distinct steps, as they could involve different interest groups. The version in the packet has been approved by the Subcommittee. Two grammatical suggestions were made: the first sentence could be revised to shift the language from “including name removal and renaming” to something less clunky, and the third paragraph could remove the sentence: “A name associated with educational significance or inspiration should be recommended and chosen.” Discussions centered around removing this sentence, as taking it out broadens the language, though it could also be seen as redundant. There were also conversations regarding the use of the term “political pressure” in the policy. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve Policy FF – Naming of School Facilities as amended, seconded by Mr. Brandt. The vote passed 6-0. 2. Second Reading and Vote for Adoption of New Policy a. Policy GBGB – Staff Personal Security and Safety Mr. Wise noted that this was reviewed at the last meeting, and it was suggested that the need for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) be considered. It was also discussed that confidentiality is addressed in other policies, so there is no need for a specific confidentiality provision for the EAP, as it is already covered under existing policies. Page | 5 Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve Policy GBGB – Staff Personal Security and Safety as amended, seconded by Mr. Brandt. The vote passed 6-0. E. New Business 4. Policy Updates – Review, edit (if necessary), and Vote to Adopt on Amended Policies: a. Policy GBEBC – Gifts to and Solicitations by Staff Ms. Roach discussed updates made to the policy, which included revisions for readability, clarity, and consistency. The scope of acceptable gifts was expanded to address situational appropriateness, rules for aggregating gift values and class gifts were clarified, and it was specified that gift-related activities cannot take place during school hours. Additionally, the policy was aligned with the conflict of interest policy. The committee discussed gift amounts and the language surrounding gifts from individuals or business entities. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve Policy GBEBC – Gifts to and Solicitations by Staff as amended, seconded by Mr. Brandt. The vote passed 6-0. b. Policy GBI – Staff Participation in Political Activities Ms. Roach noted that the policy addresses situations where a staff member is running for political office, providing background on this issue. The policy clarifies several points: it prohibits campaigning during working hours, reinforces the restriction on public employees soliciting funds for political campaigns, and strengthens the language regarding student protections to ensure a clear separation of political activities. It was also noted that the title might be revised to include "personal political activities," as it pertains to ballot questions as well. The committee discussed language related to ballot initiatives. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve Policy GBI – Staff Participation in Political Activities as amended, seconded by Mr. Brandt. The vote passed 6-0. 5. First Reading of New Policy Mr. Wise noted that Policy GBGE – Domestic Violence Leave needs further refinement, which will be done before the next meeting. This is a brand new policy for the committee, based on the MASC policy. Ms. Roach reviewed the changes made to the policy, which include the addition of headings to improve clarity and consistency, restructuring for improved readability, and clarification of the paid status guidelines to distinguish between paid and unpaid provisions. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the first reading of Policy GBGE – Domestic Violence Leave, seconded by Mr. Brandt. The vote passed 6-0. 6. Notification of Upcoming Policy Votes Page | 6 Mr. Wise notified the committee of the following policies that will be brought forward for review and adoption: • GBJ – Personnel Records • GCA – Professional Staff Positions • GCBA – Professional Staff Salary Schedules • GCBB – Employment of Principals • GBEBD – Online Fundraising and Solicitations – Crowdfunding (will go through first and second reading as it is a new policy) • GCBC – Supplemental Compensation for Extra Assignments (will go through first and second reading as it is a new policy) Mr. Wise discussed meeting logistics, noting that prior to the April 10th meeting, there will be a community screening and discussion of CodeSwitching. This means that the review of policies will take place at the May 12th meeting. May and June present some scheduling challenges, and feedback will be gathered about the meetings. It is likely that the second May meeting will be proposed for either May 19th or 29th. While June 5th and 12th are scheduled, the June 12th meeting may pose a challenge due to year-end reviews and other items. Mr. Wise motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. The vote passed 6-0. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MZF76XMBMs Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 9:24 pm. TO: Reading School Committee FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent DATE: April 8, 2025 RE: Vote to Accept RMHS Music Program Donation Please vote to accept a donation of $50 from Paula Voneuw. This donation is in memory of former RMHS Band Director David Bunten in support of the RMHS music program. Please find attached the donation letter from Principal Callanan. Thank you. Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 Thomas Milaschewski Superintendent MEMO READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 62 Oakland Road, Reading, Massachusetts O 1867 Tel: 781-944-8200 Fax: 781-942-5435 Website: http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/memoriaV To: Reading School Committee From: Reading Memorial High School, Jessica B. Callanan (Principal) Date: April 2, 2025 Subject: Charitable Donation Jessica Callanan Principal Kadi Buckley Meredith Flanagan Jessica Theriault Thomas J. Zaya Assistant Principals Former RMHS English teacher, Paula Voneuw is donating to the RMHS music pr ogram in memory of David Bunten former Director of Bands at RMHS who recently passed away. Attached is a copy of her note and check. Please accept this donation as a tribute to David and to support the music program at Reading Memorial High School. Thank you. TO: Reading School Committee FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent DATE: April 8, 2025 RE: Vote to Approve Nature’s Classroom Field Trip Request Please vote to approve an out of state, overnight field trip request to Nature’s Classroom in Charlton, MA. The trip will take place October 8-10, 2025, for Coolidge 7th grade students. Please find attached the field trip approval form. Thank you. Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 New Business Reading Public Schools School Committee Meeting Packet April 10, 2025 To: Reading School Committee From: Officer Brian Lewis, School Resource Officer Officer Matt Vatcher, School Resource Officer Officer Mike Davis, School Resource Officer Date: April 8, 2025 Re: Annual School Resource Officer Update Dear School Committee, During Thursday’s School Committee meeting, we will be presenting an overview of our work in the schools this year, which includes some of the updates below. We look forward to the conversation. Certifications, Training, and Professional Development • Officer Vatcher and Officer Lewis received state recertification as SROs. • Officer Davis is currently in training and working alongside Officer Lewis to learn the role of the SRO. • Officer Davis completed the required MPTC SRO Training to become a certified SRO. • SROs attended training from the FBI Boston on best practices when responding to bomb threats and “swatting” calls at schools. • The SROs worked with the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support to assist with Youth Mental Health First Aid training for junior health classes. • We will be working with the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support to teach Choose to Refuse (opioid prevention) in RMHS health classes this spring. School Safety and Crisis Response • Assisted with ALICE drills at RMHS and middle schools. • Led professional development classes on ALICE for elementary school staff. • Worked with the schools to assess threatening behavior using the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) as needed. • Continued to work closely with the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support to provide resources to students and families in need. • SROs continue to be part of the District Crisis Team and the RMHS Core Crisis Team, addressing safety issues and concerns as they arise. • Worked with Dr. Stys and the District Crisis Team to roll out the recent overhaul of district-wide incident response plans. • Participated in a video highlighting district-wide safety measures and procedures. • Worked with the Reading Police Civil Rights Officer and the Director of the Office of Equity and Social Justice to address any hate-based incidents. School and Community Engagement Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 •Reading Police Comfort Dogs, Rusty and Cooper, continue to work alongside the SROs. •Officer Vatcher will present Internet and social media safety and responsibility to all 5th-grade students district-wide. •SROs will assist with an Internet Safety presentation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office this spring at both Coolidge and Parker middle schools. •SROs and the Reading Coalition will help present an Internet/Social Media Safety session for parents at Coolidge Middle School, sponsored by the Coolidge PTO. •SROs joined other members of the Reading Police to serve elementary school lunches. •Officer Vatcher presented to Barrows kindergarten classes for their Community Helpers Unit. •Reading Police provided rides to school for winners of various PTO raffles. •Officer Vatcher participated in evening reading events at both Barrows and Birch Meadow Elementary Schools. •The SROs are helping to organize the second Reading Police Youth Academy this summer for middle school-aged students. The Youth Academy will run from July 28th to August 1st. Respectfully, School Resource Officer Brian Lewis School Resource Officer Matt Vatcher School Resource Officer Mike Davis To: Reading School Committee From: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Date: April 10, 2025 Re: Children’s Cabinet Update During the April 10th School Committee meeting, we will provide an update on the Reading Children’s Cabinet. In the packet you will find a document outlining the mission of the Children’s Cabinet and priorities identified and updates on the progress in each area. Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 April 10 School Committee Update Reading Children’s Cabinet The Reading Children’s Cabinet was established in September 2023 and includes more than 25 cross-sector, multi-generational leaders to better serve children and youth. Mission of the Reading Children’s Cabinet The Reading Children’s Cabinet brings together key leaders and community members that serve children and youth. Our goals are to strengthen collaboration, align resources, and help to close programming gaps. The Reading Children’s Cabinet builds on the strong cross-sector leadership already in place in Reading with Reading Public Schools, Town leadership, the Reading Police Department, community leaders, business leaders, parents / guardians, and students all coming together to empower youth to thrive. Priorities The Reading Children’s Cabinet has identified two priorities: ● Accessing Resources – This includes teens and other youth accessing resources, both mental and physical health; LGBTQIA+ youth, multilingual learners and Black and Brown youth accessing resources; having a safe place outside of school; and a lack of coordination of resources; and ● Addressing Mean Behavior/ Relational Aggression and Improving Connectedness Below are updates on our progress in each area. Accessing Resources The Accessing Resources working group is developing systems to connect families to resources in a relational and systemic way. Our current priority is creating a Community Family Closet called "Reading Rethreads.” This will be a place where families can shop for clothing and shoes, free of charge once per month. The goods “sold” will be gently used or new donations. A location for Reading Rethreads is in the midst of being secured! In the meantime, individual family needs continue to be addressed on an ongoing basis as needs arise and they are communicated with the Cabinet. As always, we are working to build effective and sustainable systems while also trying to meet needs in the moment. Addressing Mean Behavior / Relational Aggression and Improving Connectedness As a follow up to parent listening sessions in April 2024 to address relational aggression and strategies to empower middle school youth to thrive, the Reading Children’s Cabinet has developed multi-pronged strategies to cultivate school and community connectedness. Strategies include the following: --Elevate youth voice and agency to build a community of belonging. The Reading Children’s Cabinet is partnering with Reading Public Schools, the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support, and the Reading Office of Equity and Social Justice on listening sessions with student affinity groups at Reading Memorial High School to discuss students’ sense of belonging and community as members of Reading Public Schools and in the greater Reading community. We held eight listening sessions with members of student affinity groups at Reading Memorial High School between November 2024 and March 2025 reaching 167 students, or 15% of the Reading Memorial High School student body. Students have shared powerful insight on where they feel connected at RPS and in Reading; what gets in the way of students feeling connected; and how RPS and Reading can cultivate a community of belonging. --Strengthen family and community engagement with concrete strategies to empower middle school students to thrive. The Reading Children’s Cabinet and Reading Public Schools are coordinating a year-long event series with Phyllis Fagell, author of Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond and How Parents Can Help on strategies and tactics to support our middle schoolers to thrive. ● Our first virtual event was held on November 14th “Helping Kids Make Smart, Ethical Decisions.” ● We’re thrilled that Phyllis Fagell will be coming to Reading in person to offer a session at the Reading Public Library on May 8, 2025 at 6pm: “Raising Middle Schoolers: the 10 key skills kids need to thrive.” Below is a flyer with the event series that has been distributed widely through the Reading Children’s Cabinet, Reading Public Schools, and the Reading Recreation Department. To: Reading School Committee From: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Date: April 10, 2025 Re: Math Pathways FY25 Update During the April 10th School Committee meeting, we will provide an FY25 Math Pathways Update. In the packet you will find a document outlining initiatives that have been implemented during the 2024-2025 school year. Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 RPS Math Pathways Update April 2025 Beginning in fall 2023 with the formation of the RPS Community Math Pathways Advisory Committee, a number of initiatives have been underway aimed at ensuring all students have access to rigorous math courses that progress in a sequence matched to individual student goals and aptitudes. During the 2024-25 school year, the following initiatives have been implemented to bolster, improve and sustain the RPS Math Pathway for students. Refining of RMHS Course to Improve Options and Rigor Work has been underway to improve course options in grade 12 for RMHS students who follow the “on grade level” math pathway. In the 2025-26 school year, Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications will replace Financial Algebra. This new course improves upon the content and skills taught in Financial Algebra, resulting in a more mathematically rigorous course. (See course description below.) We are in the process of securing the needed textbooks for this course. Currently two sections are slated to run in the 2025-26 school year. Additionally, we continue to explore math pathways options for advanced students in coming years. Middle school principals, the RMHS Math Department Head and the K-8 STEM Curriculum Coordinator met several times this year to begin outlining options for students who advance beyond our current math pathways trajectory. As a result of this work, we will be able to support students who need an “off pathway” math course sequence in the 2025-26 school year. Updated Math Pathways for 2025-26 Middle School Math Acceleration An important part of the RPS Math Pathway is ensuring all middle school students receive the foundational math instruction required for success in high school mathematics and beyond. In spring 2023 and 2024, middle school leaders worked to refine the process for offering accelerated math pathways for students with the skills and disposition in math. This process remains in place for the 2024-25 school year. We believe the new approach, which features more opportunities for family and student involvement, better positions students for math success in middle school and beyond. Additional Supports for Students to Promote Access Supporting students with disabilities to meet with success in rigorous math courses is a priority at RMHS. For the 2025-26 school year, co-taught sections will be added for Statistics and Trigonometry and for Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications. Co-taught classes pair a general education math teacher with a special education teacher in the same classroom, working together to support all students, including those with disabilities. This inclusive model creates a learning environment where students with diverse needs receive the targeted support they need while participating in the general education curriculum alongside their peers Math Lab continues to be offered at RMHS with students accessing time in the math lab as they are able. A continued obstacle is that students without a study hall or open period don’t have access to Math Lab. The Math Department at RMHS continues to explore additional ways to provide needed support outside of the Math Lab, as well. At the middle school level, we piloted the use of summer math modules in 2024 to provide students with opportunities to review and practice math content and skills over the summer aimed at minimizing summer learning loss. Based on feedback from families and students, we have revised the summer modules to differentiate the modules for rising eighth-grade students. Beginning in 2025, students may choose to complete a summer module that reviews 7th-grade content in preparation for 8th-grade math, or they may opt for a more rigorous module that includes an opportunity to take a placement exam for Algebra I. We will continue to offer summer modules for rising seventh-grade students, and those modules have been updated and improved. Another middle school initiative in 2024 was a pilot of the METCO Summer Bridge Math Program using grant funding to support Boston resident students. In summer 2025, the updated summer modules will be used for that purpose. We are exploring ways to engage all students, and particularly students who would benefit from additional summer practice to solidify their skills. Using feedback from students who participated in the Summer Bridge program and supported by the teacher of that program, communication strategies will be employed to build engagement for Boston resident students and support for families in understanding the benefits of the modules. Additional math supports were also provided to students this school year in both middle schools. Supports were provided to students who needed extra practice and reteaching of concepts. As a Title I school, Parker receives funding which is used to hire a math tutor to provide intervention support. At Coolidge, an enrichment block was leveraged to provide additional support for students in grades 7 and 8. Improvements to Summer Honors Geometry Summer Honors Geometry will once again be offered at RMHS in 2025 and taught by an RMHS math teacher. Using data from the summer 2024 course and feedback from students, families and math teachers some important updates to the structure and content of the course have been made. In summer 2025, the course will include a greater emphasis on algebraic skills and concepts connected to the geometry content. This shift is better aligned with the yearlong Honors Geometry course and will better prepare students for the demands of Honors Algebra II. Additionally, the course will now include 3 weeks of independent study interspersed with in-person classes (see below). This adjustment will allow students to delve deeper into the content of the course and provide time for more content and skills to be taught and practiced. Professional Learning for Math Teachers Strong math learning for students begins at the elementary level by establishing mastery of the fundamental skills and content of math. In the 2024-25 school year, significant investment was made in extending implementation of Illustrative Math (IM) with teachers of grades kindergarten through 6. Professional development in the form of learning labs were held for all IM teachers. Newer teachers (Years 1 and 2) received extra training in the Key Elements of the Illustrative Math curriculum. Additionally, building leaders received professional development in leveraging observations and feedback to support teacher implementation of IM and student learning. Math teachers in grades 7 and 8 continued to leverage our two K-8 math coaches for job-embedded professional development. This included support reviewing student data and modeling of instruction. Additionally, professional development was provided on early release days in instructional practices that deepen student engagement in math while supporting retention and comprehension of materials. The math department at RMHS has been engaged in year long learning focused on guaranteed learning experiences (GLEs). Teachers teaching the same math classes work together to identify at least three GLEs with the goal of creating common learning experiences for students across classrooms and giving teachers opportunities to analyze student work on a common experience. GLEs can take a variety of formats such as: assessments, memorable lessons, anchor activities or a unit project. GLEs are then curated into a digital library for ongoing use. Math instruction is improved for students when vertical alignment is strong and when teachers meet to discuss student work and analyze next steps together. All of those outcomes are tied to this year’s professional development focus for the RMHS math department and sets the stage for ongoing curriculum work including memorializing curricular documents beginning next school year. Communication with Parents/Guardians Recognizing the importance of open communication with parents/guardians, we once again offered a Math Pathway Informational Night for families of middle school students. At this well-attended virtual event, parents/guardians received information about the On Grade Level Math Pathway along with options for accelerated Math Pathways. Time was spent walking families through different options for accelerating math courses should that be an option that meets their students’ career aspirations and aptitude. At the high school level, teachers and school counselors spend time with students during course selection examining options and working to understand student goals. Conversations are guided around students' post-secondary plans, ensuring that the math courses they select position them for success in any given major and/or program. The RMHS Math Department Head corresponds directly with families who want more detail about pathway options or who have questions about various math courses and options. Advanced Algebra with Financial Applicaons Course Descripon Advanced Algebra with Financial Applicaons is a mathemacal modeling course that is algebra-based, applicaons-oriented, and technology-dependent. The course addresses college preparatory mathemacs topics from Algebra 2, Stascs, Probability, Precalculus, and Calculus under eight financial umbrellas: Discreonary Expenses, Banking, Invesng, Credit, Employment and Income Taxes, Automobile Ownership, Independent Living, and Rerement Planning and Household Budgeng. The course allows students to experience the interrelatedness of mathemacal topics, find paerns, make conjectures, and extrapolate from known situaons to unknown situaons. The mathemacs topics contained in this course are introduced, developed, and applied in an as-needed format in the financial sengs covered. Students are encouraged to use a variety of problem-solving skills and strategies in real-world contexts, and to queson outcomes using mathemacal analysis and data to support their findings. The course offers students mulple opportunies to use, construct, queson, model, and interpret financial situaons through symbolic algebraic representaons, graphical representaons, geometric representaons, and verbal representaons. It provides students with a movang, young-adult-centered financial context for understanding and applying the mathemacs they are guaranteed to use in the future. TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Reading School Committee Thomas Milaschewski, Superintendent April 7, 2024 Approve Last Day of School for SY24-25 During the April 10th School Committee meeting, we will request that School Committee approves June 16, 2025 as the last day of school for SY24-25. This date was originally listed on the SY24-25 calendar, and there were no weather related cancellations. We believe it is appropriate to move forward with confirming June 16th as the last day of school. Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 To: Reading School Committee From: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Date: April 10, 2025 Re: Approve the awarding of the David Savio Law Enforcement Scholarship (A) During the April 10th School Committee meeting, we will be seeking a vote from the committee to approve the town to expend the funds ($2,051) from the David Savio Law Enforcement Scholarship. Funds will be provided to one senior in alignment with the scholarship criteria. Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 To: Reading School Committee From: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Date: April 10, 2025 Re: Approve the awarding of the Arthur L. Spencer Memorial Scholarship (A) During the April 10th School Committee meeting, we will be seeking a vote from the committee to approve the town to expend the funds ($400) from the Arthur L. Spencer Scholarship. Funds will be provided to one senior in alignment with the scholarship criteria. Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149