SC Meeting Minutes October 19, 2015Page 1.

MINUTES
MEETING OF THE BRAINTREE SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Monday, October 19, 20157:00 P.M.East Middle School

305 River Street

School Committee Present:Cyril Chafe/Thomas Devin/Lisa Fiske Heger/George Kokoros/Kate Naughton/David Ringius/Mayor Joseph Sullivan

Administration:Superintendent of Schools – Dr. Frank Hackett

Assistant Superintendent of Schools – Ms. Jennifer Fay-Beers

Business Manager – Mr. Ed Cronin

Student Representatives:Edmond Bousaleh, Brian McDermott, Erin McGinn, Sarah Murphy

Recorder:Diane Intravaia

  1. CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Ringius called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

  1. ROUTINE MATTERS
  1. Approval of Minutes

Mr. Ringius noted an amendment to be made under Recommended Action/New Business/Use of Narcan by School Nurses on the September 21, 2015 School Committee Minutes. On page 6, the reference to “The Essential School House Grant Funds” should be corrected to read “The Essential School Health Grant Funds.”

VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Mr. Devinand seconded by Mr. Kokoros to approve the minutes for the Open Session ofSeptember 21, 2015.

ROLL CALL:

AYES – 6

Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius

Absent – 1

Mayor Sullivan

  1. Communications
  2. MASC Bulletin, By Laws & Fall Conference Information
  3. Department of Municipal Licenses & Inspections Public Hearing on Tobacco Use & Possession on School Property
  4. School Bulletins & SEPAC Meeting Minutes from September 11, 2015
  5. South Shore Educational Collaborative, October 2015 Update
  1. PRESENTATIONS
  1. East Middle School:2015-2016 School Improvement Plan, Principal John Sheehan

Mr. Sheehan, provided a presentation highlighting East Middle School’s Support of System Wide Objectives: 1) Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 2) Parent/Community Involvement, 3) Professional Development.

East is committed to pursuing excellence in curriculum, instruction and assessment through; the implementation of the Common Core Curriculum and the Next Generation Science Standards, as well as preparing all students for success on PARCC (pending State adoption) and MCAS. Courses will be offered to struggling learnerstoincrease strength in English and Math Connections courses. A mastery of objectives, differentiation, along with ongoing assessment will be utilized throughout.

Parent/Community Involvement will continue with ongoing communication vehicles such as Aspen email, phone calls, monthly newsletters, etc. In addition to PTO events and clubs, athletics, etc.

East will develop and implement an ongoing professional development program that supports instruction, assessment and teacher evaluation.

East Improvement Goals and Objectives for 2015-2016 are:

•As measured by MCAS (science/alternative assessment) and PARCC (ELA/Math), East will reduce the proficiency gap among “high needs” students by meeting state proficiency targets.

•East will sustain and improve upon family engagement, providing opportunities for families to become actively engaged in the educational process of their child/children.

•Improving student learning will be achieved in all content areas through, in part, the integration of technology in the classroom.

•East will collaborate with stakeholders to develop building improvements and educational plans to meet the needs of all learners and to enhance student achievement.

Mr. Sheehan conveyed East’s commitment to promote high expectations for all students. The vision statement is clear, “East Middle School is a community committed to academic excellence and the principles of mutual respect, integrity and pride”.

Mr. Sheehan went on to explain the importance of a“growth mindset” at East. First a student must have CONFIDENCE and belief they can do or learn to do something. Secondly, the importance of EFFORT is communicated daily. With CONFIDENCE and EFFORT all students can ACHIEVE at high levels.

Mr. Devin stated he was happy to hear Mr. Sheehan mention his faculty does not teach to test (PARCC/MCAS). In addition, he was pleased to hear that Mr. Sheehan continues to work on increasing family engagement and volunteering at East.

Ms. McGinn commented on how much she likes the program Mr. Sheehan has in which 8th graders come and support incoming 5th graders. She feels it allows the 5th graders to be more comfortable in their new middle school.

Ms. Fiske Heger congratulated Mr. Sheehan on the success of the Build-Up Program. Mr. Sheehan stated the program has grown each year, 40 students the first year, 80 the second, and over 100 students participated this past year. Mr. Sheehan indicated South Middle School is now running a parallel program. He stated the program is very successful in that students who have participated in the 3 day extended orientation begin their school year knowing where they are going, how to open their locker and are familiar with their schedule, etc. As a bonus, participating students also become resources for other new students at the beginning of the school year.

Mr. Ringius echoed the compliments of many School Committee members in thanking Mr. Sheehan for his presentation and the hard work of the entire staff at East.

  1. Achievement Report: 2014-2015 Advanced Placement, SAT Results

Dr. Hackett recognized many of the BPS Directors and BHS administration in attendance at tonight’s School Committee meeting. He was clear to state the Braintree High School (BHS) staff should be commended for the level of achievementsrealized with the Advanced Placement (AP) participation levels and overall results on AP, American College Test (ACT) and Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). The results are impressive.

Ms. Fay-Beers reported the results on the SAT/ACT/AP. On the SAT, Ms. Fay-Beers shared that the overall national averages went down from 2014 to 2015, however Braintree averages either remained the same or improved. Braintree is above the state and the national scores in every category.

  • In the Critical Reading section, Braintree scored an average of 521, which is 5 points higher than the state’s average score of 516.
  • In Mathematics, Braintree scored an average of 546, which is 17 points higher than the state’s average score of 529.
  • Braintree scored an average of 517 in Writing, which is 10 points higher than the state’s average score of 507.

The Braintree Public Schools (BPS) has begun preparing for the new SAT test that will begin in March of 2016. The new SATs propose to be:focused, clear and useful; cross disciplinary; a better measure of college and career readiness; involve less testing time; an optional essay; no penalty for guessing, and a change in score scale: 400-1600.

A smaller subset of students take the ACT each year; however, the number of students who took the test more than doubled from 2013 (60 students)to 2015 (132 students). Scores of the individual tests are averaged to arrive at a composite score. The composite scores still went up in Braintree even though we had far more students take the test. Ms. Fay-Beers credits the Directors and the House Master’s for providing the scheduling to allow that many students takeAP courses.

Ms. Fay-Beers reported that 287 students enrolled in 635 exams, and 85% of the students scored a 3,4, or 5. There are a number of AP courses; English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, European History, Human Geography, Psychology, Us Government and Politics, Us History, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics I, Physics B/2, French, Spanish, Computer Science A, and Statistics available at BHS.

There are a number of next steps BPS will take in preparation for this year’s SAT exams. BPS will continue to analyze data, intersect curriculum-based assessments, and utilize Braintree Community Continuing Education Courses as well as SAT lab courses/Khan Academy. With regards to AP exams, BPS will assess data of new exams, continue to increase access to AP courses and support more students for success, in particular those students taking multiple AP exams.

Ms. Fiske Heger inquired as to whether the junior class would be affected by the new SAT exams (coming out in March 2016) and/or would the students have the option to take the old versus new exam. Mr. Anthony Garofalo, Director of Guidance at BHS stated the junior class is affected by the new SAT exams and yes they do have the option of taking either the new or the old SAT exam. Colleges will accept either exam results. It is recommended by BHS to focus on the new SAT exam as well as the ACT exams. Students have the ability to take the old SAT exams between now and March of 2016. Ms. Fiske Heger clarified the AP exams are graded on a scale of 1-5. If a student earns a 3 or better on an AP exam, many colleges will give students credits for that course, allowing students to save financially on not having to take the course in college and/or providing open time for other courses to be selected. Ms. Fiske Heger is very pleased to see so many students take the AP courses.

Mr. Ringiusquestion the differences between the old and new SAT exams. Mr. Garofalo stated the new SAT exam is geared towards the type of questions students will see on the PARCC exam in addition to what students are learning day to day in the classroom. The reference to less testing time for the new SAT exam is in relation to the optional essay. If a student chooses not to do the optional essay the testing time will be cut approximately 40 minutes off the exam time. However, if a student chooses to do the optional essay the testing time is about the same time as the old SAT exam.

Mr. Ringius also inquired as to what preparation BHS is doing to prepare for some of the newer AP exams (Physics, Computer Science and Statistics) that were taken last year for the first time. Ms. Fay-Beers stated teachers have been sent to Professional Development courses to assist them in working with the students on these specific new AP courses/exams. In addition, the Directors have been working closely with the teachers of these courses on how to better provide support to students when the pace of the course gets disrupted due to incremental weather and other multiple AP exams, as was the case last year.

Mr. Ringius confirmed the Braintree School Department pays for the expense of the AP exams.

Mayor Sullivan arrives at the meeting (7:40 p.m.)

Sarah Murphy stated from her experience last year it was challenging with 9 snow days. AP students were forced to do quite a bit of work in a short timeframe. AP exam dates did not change due to incremental weather in the 2014-2015 school year.

  1. Braintree Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)

Mr. Ringius welcomed Ms. Kristen Zechello and Ms. Leah Nabstedt from Braintree Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Each year SEPAC visits and provides a brief presentation to the School Committee explaining what SEPAC is all about and the wonderful program they have planned for the coming year.

Ms. Zechello stated SEPAC is a parent run organization that serves as a resource to parents and guardians of children who have special needs and learning differences. The organization works in partnership with the Braintree Public School Administration on matters relating to the education and safety of students. SEPAC works to encourage understanding, respect, acceptance and inclusion of all students. In addition, it also provides opportunities for parents and guardians to share experiences, exchange information, and learn more about challenges facing students.

SEPAC’smission is to promote inclusion, parent support, training and workshops, community education and outreach, and a partnership with the school committee and administration.

There are three areas of focus with the 2015-2016 goals; one is to assist the district in working towards educating all students in the “Least Restrictive Environment” by expanding Special Education programming to continue to decrease the number of students requiring out of district placements. The second is to initiate ways to promote a more inclusive environment overall in our district schools to ensure access to all students in Braintree in the “life of the school” and community. Lastly, to continue to assist the district and collaborate with the Town Commission on Disabilities to ensure Braintree Schools are ADA and AAB compliant. In addition, SEPAC had a variety of sub-committees focusing on three areas; MCAS, Inclusion, and Diversity.

SEPAC will continue their focus as a parent Advisory Council by collaborating with BPS administration on an ongoing basis within the following subcommittees; Transition, Anti-Bullying, MCAS, Community Inclusion, Diversity, SEPAC Website/Facebook Page/Email List, and Community Outreach.

Also, there are many wonderful events planned for this upcoming year. Please be sure to visit their website at or LIKE them on Facebook for more information regarding the events. SEPAC awards scholarships to two students each year.

The SEPAC board would like to thank Mayor Sullivan, the School Committee, School Administration, teachers and staff for the tremendous support they provide and continue to provide in assisting SEPAC in accomplishing their goals. Especially School Committee Member Ms. Fiske Heger who attends the SEPAC meetings on a regular basis and serves as a liaison for SEPAC to the School Committee.

Mr. Devin confirmed parents who are going through the IEP process for the first time have the opportunity to receive the information packet on SEPAC.

Ms. Fiske Heger feels quite fortunate to be the liaison between SEPAC and the School Committee. Ms. Fiske Heger thanked Ms. Zechello and the entire SEPAC Parent Board for all of their work and for advocating for our students and their families.

Mayor Sullivan also acknowledged the SEPAC board’s time and efforts spent volunteering. He commended Ms. Zechello on her work and recognizes how much SEPAC has grown under her leadership. Mayor Sullivan recognizes it is difficult at times due to the lack of sensitivity among some and at times there is pressure that pits different categories of children against one another. BPS continues to do everything they can to ensure that each child has the ability to learn even though they all learn differently. Braintree will continue to promote every child’s opportunity.

Mr. Ringius thanked SEPAC for all they do. He feels the work SEPAC does is tireless and their continuous advocacy, support and education throughout Braintree is second to none.

  1. ADMISTRATIVE REPORTS
  1. Superintendent
  1. October 1, 2015 Enrollment Report and Secondary Class Sizes

There have been a few minor revisions on the Enrollment Report from when it was initially distributed. Some of the classroom sizes were incorrectly reported. The spreadsheet dated October 19th is the official October 1st enrollment numbers reported to the state. Enrollment in BPS this year has increased by 43 students since last year. Dr. Hackett stated secondary class sizes look good overall with a few that are a bit higher, mainly due to scheduling specialized sections.

  1. Technology: Infrastructure/Wireless Project & Department Update

Dr. Hackett wants to be sure the Braintree community fully understands the Technology Project is a complete and comprehensive overhaul of the technology infrastructure within BPS. At this point, BPS has a stable network, cabling has been completed at BHS, East/South Middle, Highlands and Hollis. Dr. Hackett stated he is cautiously optimistic but believes BPSis a few weeks away from transitioning over to the new network and should be 100% complete with the Infrastructure/Wireless Project by the end of November.

  1. Consideration of Trip Approvals
  1. BHS Varsity Cheerleaders Out-of-State Trip, National Championships, January 23-24, 2016, Dallas TX (pending qualification)

Ms. Annie Barretto and Ms. Nicole Sullivan from theBHS Varsity Cheerleaders are seeking approval to attend the NCA Senior and Junior High School National Championship. The Championship will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, TX. Cheerleaders will need to be excused from school on Friday, January 22 and Monday, January 25 to attend. There will be approximately 20 cheerleaders and 2 BHS coaches attending. The cost is approximately $850 per cheerleader/coach. This cost includes airfare, accommodations, transfers to/from airport, admittance to all Championship events and approximate cost for food.

VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Mayor Sullivan and seconded by Mr. Kokoros to approve an Out-of-State trip for the BHS Varsity Cheerleaders to attend the NCA Senior and Junior High School National Championship in Dallas, TX on January 23-24.

ROLL CALL:AYES –7

Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/ Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan

  1. Middle School Quebec Trip, May 26-29, 2016

Ms. Kathleen Butler and Ms. Gail Ward, Director of Foreign Languages are seeking approval for an Out-of-State trip to Quebec City for French students in Middle School. The dates are May 19-22, 2016 (Thursday and Friday are release days from school). The cost is approximately $630-$660, based on 30-44 paying participants. The cost includes; 4-day educational and cultural excursion, 3 nights hotel, 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners, entry fees and performances, and transportation via luxury bus. There will one adult per six students.