The GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2 Blackburn Drive Tel: 978-281-9800
Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930 Fax: 978-281-9899 www.gloucesterschools.com
Our Mission is for all Students to be Successful, Engaged, Lifelong Learners
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 7:00 pm
District Office – Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
AGENDA
Meetings are recorded I. CALL TO ORDER/Statement of Mission
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
**III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON V. RECOGNITIONS
VI. GHS STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL VII. CONSENT AGENDA
*A. Approval of Minutes
1. Building & Finance Sub-Committee of February 15, 2017 2. School Committee and Executive Session of March 1, 2017 3. Program Sub-Committee of March 6, 2017
*B. Approval of Warrants – Cover Sheets C. Approval of Transfers
D. Referrals
*F. Acceptance of Donations
1. Donation from the University of Michigan to GHS in the amount of $500 2. Donation from Intel Corporation Charitable Match Trust to Veterans’
Memorial Elementary School in the amount of $130
3. Donation of 25 yoga mats and a DVD to West Parish Elementary School
School Committee Meeting Agenda – April 12, 2017 Page 2
*G. Acceptance of Scholarship
1. Stone Family Scholarship Award to Gloucester High School in the amount of
$1,000
VIII. DELIBERATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
*A. Kops N’ Kids Program
*B. Superintendent’s Report
IX. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS (Items listed under X. ACTION may be brought forward with reports)
A. Program Sub-Committee Meeting of April 6, 2017 — Kathy Clancy, Chairperson
Agenda: Policies (Wellness and Automatic External Defibrillator Guidelines); O’Maley Innovation Middle School
X. ACTION
*A. Grant Approval — Gloucester Education Foundation in the amount of $9,600 in support of the O’Maley BioLab Project
B. FY 2018 Budget Proposal
1. To approve the FY 2018 Budget Proposal in the amount of $41,288,895.00, as presented at the School Committee Public Hearing of April 5, 2017.
2. To approve the FY 2018 Budget Proposal for submission to the Mayor and the City Council.
*C. Approval of Policies
1. Approval of Revised Wellness Policy, File ADF
2. Approval of First Reading of Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Guidelines, File EBCF
School Committee Meeting Agenda – April 12, 2017 Page 3
XI. DISCUSSION/OTHER COMMUNICATION/OLD AND NEW BUSINESS A. Massachusetts School Building Authority Project Update
*B. Letter to the East Gloucester Elementary School, March 27, 2017
*C. GHS End of Year Calendar/Events XII. ADJOURNMENT
The listing of matters is those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Action items may include motions that come out of sub- committees.
*Enclosures
**Oral Communication: The public shall have the opportunity at every regular School Committee meeting to be heard under Oral Communications. Oral Communications shall allow any resident who has a request or complaint of any nature relative to the School Committee business to appear before the School Committee, state their problem without debate, and the matter may be referred to the proper sub- committee.
For items that are on the agenda, members of the public may address the Committee with the permission of the Chair. Persons speaking under Oral Communications shall be limited to three (3) minutes each and shall submit a copy of their prepared communication to the Recording Secretary. The School Committee Chair shall not allow complaints as to individual performance or character.
VII.A.1.
THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.
Building & Finance Subcommittee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 15, 2017 District Office – Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA
4:00 p.m.
Members Present Administration Present
Tony Gross, Chairman Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent
Kathy Clancy, Vice Chairperson Tom Lafleur, CPA, Director of Finance
Jonathan Pope, Member and Operations
Also Present
Martha Jo Fleming, Food Service Director
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Gross called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m.
II. REPORTS/DELIBERATIONS/DISCUSSIONS (At this time, the agenda was taken out of order.)
B. Food Services
1. Student Meal Balances – Mr. Lafleur reported that the outstanding debt as of February 7th is $16,669, down from $20,126 in January. Ms. Fleming stated that approximately 35 students per day at O’Maley and the high school are reminded about their balance due. Mr. Lafleur noted that the district’s USDA reimbursement is about 50% higher than last year. There was a discussion about ServSafe training and other professional development for food service workers.
2. Profit & Loss – Mr. Lafleur stated that there is nothing out of the ordinary on this report. He indicated that after adding back the receivables, we are running at just about break even through the year. Mr. Lafleur reported that the freezer at O’Maley needs to be replaced, which will require an expenditure of about $18,000 out of the revolving account. Ms. Fleming stated that a couple of other issues came up today, namely a steam table at O’Maley and the dishwasher at the high school. She reported that the machine was fixed today to get it running but it still needs more work, at a cost of $8,066. The cost to replace it is about $15,000, which will be added to the capital request.
3. FY18 Meal Cost – Ms. Fleming stated that the district’s meal prices have not changed in at least the last three years. She reported that the Department of Agriculture is forecasting a 1-2% overall increase in food costs this year, and the district’s estimated food cost for this year is approximately $511,000. Mr.
B&F Subcommittee Meeting Minutes – February 15, 2017 – Page 2
Pope noted that the labor cost is going up, as well. Ms. Fleming reviewed the free reimbursement rates and provided a meal price survey of other districts and their percentage of free and reduced students.
Ms. Fleming reported that 40.9% of students in the district receive free meals and are “identified students” with respect to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). If a school has 40% or more identified students, the district can apply for free lunch and free breakfast. However, multiplying the
percentage by 1.6 determines the percentage of meals for which the district would receive free reimbursement. She stated that if we were to do the entire district, we would end up with 65% of our meals being reimbursed at the free rate and 35% at the paid rate.
Ms. Fleming reported that we can group certain schools to try to increase the percentage of reimbursement at the free rate. For example, Veterans has 59%
of “identified students.” Therefore, 95% of all meals served there would be reimbursed at the free rate, which will result in increased revenue. If 65% of the identified students participate, we would receive 100% reimbursement at the free rate. Beeman has almost 52% and the preschool has almost 53% of
“identified students.” Both O’Maley and the high school are at 36%, and Plum Cove is at almost 33%. Ms. Fleming believes there are more students in the district that qualify under the program that have not been identified yet.
Ms. Fleming reviewed the timeline for the CEP application process. Dr.
Safier requested that this matter, as well as the increase in meal prices, be tabled so that he and Mr. Lafleur can look into it further and make a recommendation at the next meeting.
A. District Expenditures – Mr. Lafleur stated that the packet includes reports from both MUNIS and Infinite Visions and indicated that there is nothing out of the ordinary.
He noted that the budget is still being adjusted to fill in some of the negatives in the report.
C. DPW Open and Closed Tickets – Kathy Clancy stated that she is happy to see informative comments on the reports. She would like the term “guillotine window”
changed in Ticket #2118.
D. Budget Transfers – The committee discussed the transfers made between January 24, 2017 and February 3, 2017.
On a motion by Mr. Pope, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was unanimously
VOTED: 3 in favor, 0 opposed to recommend to the full School Committee that we approve the transfers from 01/24/17 to 02/03/17, as presented.
E. Revolving Funds – With respect to the negative balance in the School Choice fund, Mr. Lafleur stated that some salaries that are currently charged to that fund will need to be moved back to the general fund. There was a discussion about the Circuit Breaker fund.
F. FY18 Budget – Mr. Lafleur reviewed and the committee discussed the FY18 budget summary sheet, including possible reductions and additional needs. He stated that we will be getting some better guidance from GIC after the first of the month but it looks like a 6% increase across the board. However, John Dunn strongly suggested leaving the increase in the budget at 8% in light of the district’s specific enrollments. There was a discussion about what items should be included in the proposed budget to be presented at the public hearing.
G. Acceptance of Grants – Mr. Pope expressed concern with the grant approval process and requested that notification of grants be given to the School Committee a little more in advance. He suggested that the committee receive a summary sheet of grants that are being applied for in advance. There was a discussion about ways to provide advance notice to the committee and which types of grants it would apply to. Mr.
Lafleur noted that there is now a form that needs to be filled out for grants that the committee is being asked to accept. It was the consensus of the subcommittee that motions for reconsideration should not be a regular practice.
III. ACTION – See Item II.D.
IV. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Mr. Pope, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was unanimously
VOTED: 3 in favor, 0 opposed to adjourn the Building & Finance Subcommittee Meeting of February 15, 2017 at 5:31 p.m.
All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.
Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary
VII.A.1.
THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.
School Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, March 1, 2017 District Office Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
7:00 p.m.
Members Present Administration Present
Jonathan Pope, Chairman Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent
Kathy Clancy, Vice Chairperson Tom Lafleur, CPA, Director of Finance
Joel Favazza, Secretary and Operations
Melissa Teixeira Tony Gross (7:41 p.m.) Michelle Sweet
Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken
Recorded by Cape Ann TV I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Pope called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and stated the
mission of the Gloucester Public Schools.
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None.
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON – None.
V. RECOGNITIONS – Dr. Safier recognized Athletic Director Julie Smith and GHS Principal James Cook for arranging for nationally recognized speaker Elliot Hopkins to talk about community building, sportsmanship and respect at GHS this week. Mr. Hopkins is director of the NFHS Student Leadership Summit and is a board member of the hazing prevention organization. He has also been conducting workshops with small groups at the high school and middle school. GHS Student Council member Jarrod Martin indicated that the feedback was very positive.
VI. GHS STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL – Jarrod Martin reported that Sierra Rudolph competed in the high jump at the state championship last weekend and will be going to the international championship. He and Roy Kirwa updated the committee on other events at Gloucester High School, including the intramural volleyball league, underclassmen course selection, the upcoming trip to Spain and Portugal, and the NHS induction ceremony. Jarrod also reported that the GHS cheerleaders just became grand champions and will be competing at the regional tournament in Wilmington on Sunday.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes
1. School Committee Minutes of January 25, 2017
2. Building & Finance Subcommittee Minutes of February 1, 2017 3. Program Subcommittee Minutes of February 2, 2017
B. Approval of Warrants – Cover Sheets
C. Approval of Transfers – January 24 to February 3, 2017 D. Referrals
Mr. Favazza removed Item A.1 from the Consent Agenda and requested that more detail be included in the minutes with respect to his comments on the life sciences grant.
On a motion by Ms. Teixeira, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to approve the Consent Agenda as noted above.
VIII. DELIBERATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A. FY18 Draft Budget Presentation – Chairman Pope stated that the Building &
Finance Subcommittee will be reviewing the draft budget at its meeting on March 15th and that the School Committee will then vote on March 22nd on the budget to be presented at the public hearing on April 5th. He stated that the committee will then take a final vote on the budget on April 12th, after taking into consideration the input received from the community at the public hearing.
Dr. Safier presented a slide show on the proposed FY18 operating budget, including the budget calendar, and stated that it is designed to provide unification and
coherence, meet individual student needs, strengthen higher order thinking, and support effective use of data, the increase in English language learners, the increased need for social and emotional support, and absorption of annual increases and grant reductions. Mayor Theken spoke about the potential increase in health insurance.
Dr. Safier reported that the proposed budget totals $41,288,895, an increase of
$1,119,742 (2.79%) over this year’s approved budget. He discussed the cost
increases to the budget, including an increase in health insurance costs (estimated at 8%) of $302,501, Track and Step increases of $451,893, and an increase in special education costs of $40,678. He also discussed cost offsets to the budget and anticipated grant reductions and reviewed substitute data.
Dr. Safier reviewed additions to the FY18 budget, including two ELL teachers, an at- risk program coordinator at the high school, an elementary science program, a 1:1 Chromebook refresh, and additional Chromebook carts. Requests not included in the draft budget include math interventionists at each of the elementary schools, a special
School Committee Meeting Minutes – March 1, 2017, Page 3
education teacher at Plum Cove, a second program leader at the high school, and technology upgrades at East Gloucester School.
(Mr. Gross joined the meeting at 7:41 p.m.)
Finally, Dr. Safier reviewed the FY18 budget by department, noting that the School Committee contingency account includes cost of living adjustments for staff. He stated that the supply line items at each of the elementary schools have been equilibrated. Dr. Safier also reviewed salaries funded by grants and revolving accounts (i.e. not included in the operating budget).
B. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Safier updated the committee on the following matters:
1. O’Maley Music Room – Dr. Safier reported that Kevin Buckley is
simultaneously working on the additional room at Plum Cove, hoping to get a better price on bids from combining the projects.
2. Elementary Principals Curriculum Meeting 3. March 7 Professional Development
4. REALIZE Training 5. Safety Care
6. CPR Press Release (Interview Invitations) 7. Transgender Guidance
8. Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to Meet
9. Governor’s Budget Would Boost General Aid by 3.9%, Chapter 70 by 2%
On a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously VOTED: 7 in favor, 0 opposed to accept the Superintendent’s Report.
IX. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Building & Finance Subcommittee Meeting of February 15, 2017 – Mr. Gross reported that the Building & Finance Subcommittee discussed the FY18 draft budget, student meal balances, and the need for some new kitchen equipment at its meeting of February 15, 2017. Kathy Clancy noted that there has been tremendous improvement in terms of DPW tickets being addressed, and Mr. Gross commended Curtis
Wightman for his work in that regard. Finally, Chairman Pope reported that the subcommittee discussed how to better deal with acceptance of grants.
X. ACTION
A. Acceptance of Grants
1. Gloucester Education Foundation Grants – Dr. Safier reported that the grant for O’Maley is to upgrade the software of thirty 3D printers and the purchase of equipment to be able to recycle used filaments. Teacher Amy Donnelly discussed the 3D printers and Dr. Safier stated that she has been exceptional in helping to raise funds for the entire science program at O’Maley.
Dr. Safier reported that the grant for the high school is to enable it to deepen its approach to inquiry by placing 3D printers in several classrooms there.
After discussion, on a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Teixeira, it was unanimously
VOTED: 7 in favor, 0 opposed to accept two grants from the Gloucester Education, one in the amount of $4,625.97 for the O’Maley 3D printer program and one in the amount of $20,997.98 to GHS for 3D printers.
2. Healthy Gloucester Collaborative Grant – After discussion, on a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: 7 in favor, 0 opposed to accept a grant from Healthy Gloucester in the amount of $10,500.00 for curriculum supplies and
professional development for health teachers at O’Maley and GHS.
B. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding – Kathy Clancy reported that there are no substantive changes to the MOU. She made a motion to approve the
Memorandum of Understanding, and Ms. Teixeira seconded the motion. Dr. Safier reviewed paragraph 4 of the MOU, and after a lengthy discussion of the process of accepting grants, it was the consensus of the committee to replace the words “School Committee” with the word “Superintendent.” The motion was withdrawn.
After discussion, on a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: 7 in favor, 0 opposed to amend paragraph 4 of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Gloucester Public Schools and the Gloucester Education Foundation by replacing the words “School Committee” with the word “Superintendent.”
School Committee Meeting Minutes – March 1, 2017, Page 5
On a motion by Mayor Theken, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was unanimously VOTED: 7 in favor, 0 opposed to approve the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Gloucester Public Schools and the Gloucester Education Foundation, as amended.
XI. DISCUSSION/OTHER COMMUNICATION/OLD AND NEW BUSINESS A. MSBA Project Updates
1. East Gloucester School – Dr. Safier reported that the SOI for East Gloucester School has been invited into the Eligibility Period by the MSBA. Chairman Pope reviewed the deliverables and deadlines with respect to the Eligibility Period, which begins on April 3, 2017. He reported that he presented this information to the City Council last night, as well as the site based council at East Gloucester. He and Ms. Teixeira will be meeting soon with the Veterans site based council. Mayor Theken requested that anyone interested in serving on the school building committee send a letter of interest and resumes to her office.
2. GHS Roof – Dr. Safier reported that the building committee voted to continue on with the schematic design with the funds that had already been allocated by the City Council. He stated that Mr. Dunn submitted a request for full funding of the project. He reiterated that 36% of the roof was apparently constructed in 2005 without MSBA reimbursement, and since that portion of the roof is less than 20 years old, it is not eligible for MSBA reimbursement. Dr. Safier indicated that there are negotiations taking place as to whether there is any flexibility with respect to that portion of the roof, which is over the vocational wing and the back of the cafeteria. In any event, with the city’s endorsement, the full project is going forward over the summer. Any activities that were scheduled to take place at the high school this summer will be moved to O’Maley.
B. Meeting Scheduled for March 8th – Chairman Pope stated that this meeting may need to be cancelled. Ms. Teixeira indicated that the approval of contracts can wait until the March 22nd meeting.
C. Promotional Videos – Chairman Pope reported that he will be meeting with Maggie Rosa and Tina Raimo of the Gloucester Education Foundation on Friday to discuss making promotional videos of the schools.
D. School Committee Operating Protocols and Rules of Procedure – Chairman Pope stated that these documents are supposed to be reviewed by the committee once a year. It was the consensus of the committee to schedule a workshop to review the documents.
XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION – On a motion by Ms. Teixeira, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: By Roll Call Vote Mayor Theken – yes Kathy Clancy – yes Mr. Favazza – yes Mr. Gross – yes Chairman Pope – yes Ms. Sweet – yes Ms. Teixeira – yes
To enter into Executive Session at 9:05 p.m. for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations with the GTA and to enter back into regular session only for the purpose of adjournment.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: 7 in favor, 0 opposed to adjourn the School Committee Meeting of March 1, 2017 at 9:33 p.m.
All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.
Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary
VII.A.3.
THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.
Program Subcommittee Meeting Minutes
Monday, March 6, 2017 District Office Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
5:00 p.m.
Members Present Administration Present
Kathy Clancy, Chairperson Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent Michelle Sweet, Vice Chairperson Debra Lucey, O’Maley Principal Joel Favazza, Member
_________________________________________________________________________________
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairperson Clancy called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and stated the mission of the Gloucester Public Schools.
II. REPORTS/DELIBERATIONS/DISCUSSION A. Policies
1. Wellness Policy, File ADF – Dr. Safier recommended that the Wellness Policy that was recently drafted and approved by the Wellness Committee should instead be considered the “wellness plan,” since it is very specific and subject to change. He presented and the committee reviewed a simplified Wellness Policy that speaks to the criteria in the plan. Chairperson Clancy pointed out that the policy references three component areas of the plan but the plan does not include “health” as a component area. Dr. Safier indicated that he would review the policy again and make the appropriate revisions.
Chairperson Clancy stated that she believes reasonable judgment should be used when it comes to activities in the schools and what constitutes “healthy snacks.” There was a discussion about recess at the middle school and the practice of withholding recess as punishment. Ms. Lucey indicated that lunch detention is rare at O’Maley.
The approval of this policy was tabled until the next meeting.
2. Administering Medicine to Students, File JLCD – Dr. Safier reviewed the changes made to the policy consistent with the new laws involving substance abuse education and the mandated application of Narcan in schools. There was a discussion about training non-medical staff in the administration of Narcan.
On a motion by Ms. Sweet, seconded by Mr. Favazza, it was unanimously
VOTED: 3 in favor, 0 opposed to approve the revised policy entitled
“Administering Medicine to Students,” File JLCD.
3. Head Lice Policy, File JLCC-1 – Dr. Safier reported that the draft policy is exactly the same as the protocols that have been given to the school nurses.
He stated that Naomi Stonberg indicated that very few school districts have head lice policies. As such, he stated that he is not inclined to go forward with this policy unless the committee wishes to do so. It was the consensus of the subcommittee not to go forward with the head lice policy.
B. O’Maley Innovation Middle School Innovation Plan – Ms. Lucey reported that the O’Maley staff wants to continue as an innovation school. They have divided up into committees to work on each of the categories in the renewal plan. She noted that they plan to keep the vision and mission statement the same and that the background information will also stay the same. They will be updating the measurable annual goals and the requirement is an achievement goal specifically addressing ELL, special education and low income students. They will also be updating their professional development to keep some of it in-house and looking at a standards-based report card.
Ms. Lucey reported that tardies have significantly decreased this year (about 2%) but that they are still struggling with absenteeism. The current procedure is to send letters to parents after the fifth and tenth absences. After that, they go forward with a CRA action (child requiring assistance) in court. Ms. Lucey noted that they have come up with a new program that will be included in the plan. A committee consisting of an administrator, a guidance counselor, the attendance office, and the School Resource Officer Mike Scola will meet with the student and his/her parent(s) to come up with a plan, which will add another layer before getting the courts involved.
Ms. Lucey indicated that technology continues to remain a focus and that as of next year, every core teacher in sixth and seventh grade will have Chromebook carts. She stated that the community service goal for this year is 4,200 hours and that
community service will continue next year. There was a discussion about MCAS scores.
Ms. Lucey reported that the staff is meeting on March 14th and she will be meeting with each of the subcommittees in the next month. She expects the draft plan to be finished by the beginning of April. Dr. Safier indicated that the next Program Subcommittee meeting will take place on April 6th and it would be helpful to have the draft plan for review at that meeting. Ms. Lucey stated that there may be more work needed on the plan after that date. Chairperson Clancy stated that she believes there is some grant money available.
III. ACTION – See Item II.A.2.
Program Subcommittee Minutes of March 6, 2017 – Page 3
IV. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Ms. Sweet, seconded by Mr. Favazza, it was unanimously
VOTED: 3 in favor, 0 opposed to adjourn the Program Subcommittee Meeting of March 6, 2017 at 6:07 p.m.
All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.
Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary
1
VIII.B.
The Gloucester Public Schools
Our mission is for all students to be successful, lifelong learners
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
April 12, 2016
1. Board of Education Adopts Revised English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics Standards
On March 28, 2017, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted unanimously to adopt revised learning standards in math and in English language arts and literacy. The revised standards are unique to Massachusetts.
The full version of the frameworks will be available later this spring, and ESE will help districts implement the new standards starting with the 2017-18 school year. The next- generation MCAS will be aligned to the standards starting in spring 2018. Additionally, ESE recently issued a competitive grant program to help districts support educators in reviewing and using the revised standards.
2. MCAS Administration
MCAS testing in English Language Arts (ELA) has begun across the district, effective April 3. As you know, Grade 4 is taking the online computer test as are Grades 6, 7, and 8. During the week of March 27-31, the IT Department tested the district’s infrastructural capacity to administer the tests properly. Teachers were trained in the administration of the MCAS, outright, and there was specific training in the online administration as well.
ELA testing runs through April 27. The window for Math testing begins on Monday, May 1 and runs through May 19. Testing has been staggered to ensure that grades where testing is online is supported by IT staff, on site.
3. The Department of Education Submits Its Plan to Meet the Requirements of ESSA On Monday, April 3, the ESE submitted the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) application to the U.S. Department of Education. The ESE’s mission in responding to the ESSA is, "To strengthen the Commonwealth's public education system so that every student is prepared to succeed in postsecondary education, compete in the global economy, and understand the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, and in so doing, to close all proficiency gaps." The five major strategies through which this mission is to be accomplished are as follows:
• Strengthen curriculum, instruction, and assessment;
• Improve educator effectiveness;
• Support social-emotional learning, health, and safety;
• Turn around the lowest performing districts and schools; and,
2 Strengthen Standards, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks are designed to increase academic aspirations and raise expectations for learning. By setting and measuring high expectations, deepening professional learning for educators, and supporting child-first instruction, ESE aims to support Massachusetts educators in implementing instruction that is aligned to the Massachusetts standards. The new MCAS Next Generation assessment is aligned to those standards and is designed to provide feedback on student progress in attaining the standards
Promote Educator Development
ESE’s goal is to support a cycle of continuous improvement and identify opportunities to develop and retain highly effective educators. The Commonwealth’s approach to educator development involves setting high standards for educators, evaluating educators based on those standards, and providing targeted professional development. ESE is also deeply engaged in strengthening the educator workforce by implementing more rigorous educator preparation program review standards, implementing performance assessments at the pre-service stage for administrators and teachers, and facilitating continuous improvement with educator preparation programs and the districts they serve.
Support Social-Emotional Learning, Health, and Safety
Through research and a variety of initiatives, ESE recognizes that preparing all students for success includes attending to their social-emotional and health development. Key levers in this work include safe and supportive school climate and culture, and effective family engagement. ESE is building out supports and policies in partnership with practitioners in the field and other state agencies to advance this work in the Commonwealth, both in and out of school. School accountability will include some measure of school culture and climate alongside information about general curriculum, advanced placement opportunities, access to the arts, and physical education. The metrics will focus on student performance and school quality.
Turn Around the Lowest Performing Districts and Schools
ESE recognizes that the state’s lowest performing schools require additional resources and evidence-based interventions to support improvement. ESE’s mission is to turn around underperforming schools and districts by supporting sustained improvement by establishing a community of practice through leadership, shared responsibility, and professional collaboration; employing intentional practices for improving instruction;
providing student-specific supports and instruction to all students; and providing appropriate social, emotional, and behavioral supports in order to create a safe, orderly, and respectful learning environment for students and teachers, then schools will achieve meaningful improvements in student learning, so that students are prepared for success after high school
3 Use Technology and Data to Support Teaching and Learning
ESE aims to promote effective data use in classrooms by equipping educators with useful reports and providing support on their use. Our initiatives seek to improve data infrastructure and promote a culture of effective data and technology use in districts and schools. ESE’s core belief include the following:
• technology represents a powerful tool for facilitating student engagement and higher-level learning at scale;
• technological savvy has become increasingly essential for students as they enter college and the workforce; and
• empowering educators and leadership teams with data and instructional tools will enhance targeted decision-making and improve student outcomes.
X.C.1.
File: ADF WELLNESS POLICY
The Gloucester Public School District is committed to developing a comprehensive plan for the health and well-being of its students and establishing and supporting the means to achieve it. To that end, the Superintendent shall establish a School Wellness Advisory Committee (hereafter referred to as the Wellness Committee) for the District. This committee’s members shall include school health, nutrition, physical activity, and counseling staff as well as individuals representing appropriate community youth agencies, parents, and the School Committee. One member of the Wellness Committee shall serve as the liaison between the Wellness Committee and the Superintendent and shall ensure that the committee meets regularly and is actively functioning.
The Wellness Committee shall have as its overall charge, the development of a long-term and permanent program that promotes nutritional, physical and social and mental health in the Gloucester Public Schools. More specifically, the District’s Wellness Plan will include, but not be limited to topics such as policy implementation, the monitoring of policy implementation, accountability, and community engagement, nutrition, physical education, community partnerships, family engagement, staff wellness, and professional learning.
The Wellness Committee shall keep minutes and produce reports, one of which will present specific accomplishments to the Superintendent and the School Committee on an annual basis. The Wellness Committee shall establish subcommittees to develop appropriate goals and procedures in each of the component areas of this policy. These annual goals shall be established to contribute to and gradually implement a long-term, comprehensive Wellness Program for the Gloucester Public Schools. Each year’s goals shall be subject to approval by the Gloucester School Committee.
An end-of-year report shall include progress toward these goals and the long-term program and objectives. Annual goals and the evolving Wellness Program, consisting of specific activities and regulations for the district, will be included in the student and staff handbooks.
References: M.G.L. c. 111, §233, 105 CMR 215.00
X.C.2.
File: EBCF
AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) GUIDELINES
It is the policy of the Gloucester Public Schools—subject to available funding (S. 2449)—to provide ready and appropriate access to at least one Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) in each school. It is well established that the application of an AED during the first critical minutes of a cardiac arrest will maximize a victim’s chance of survival. As such, an AED will be used during the first critical minutes of an emergency prior to the emergency medical providers’
arrival. The AEDs shall be available to trained responders for use before emergency medical providers arrive at the school.
The Gloucester Public Schools will provide ongoing (responder refresher) training to selected individuals in each building. These individuals will have access to the AEDs. During school hours, the principal of each building shall be responsible for the oversight and use of the AED.
Automatic External Defibrillators located in GPSD buildings will also be accessible for emergency use for groups using the school facilities after regular school hours. The Gloucester Public Schools, however, cannot be responsible for the use or application of an AED by any outside individual or group after school hours.
Senate, No. 2449
