Quincy Citywide Parent’s Council

Minutes from December 10, 2007

Broad Meadows Middle School

Schools represented at this meeting: Atherton Hough, Beechwood Knoll, Broad Meadows, Central-AP, Montclair, NQHS, QHS, and Wollaston.

The meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm, with Co-President Fiona Canavan presiding.

The minutes from the November 19, 2007 meeting were passed around.  Fiona asked for any changes and since there were none, a motion was made to accept the minutes.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

Treasurer, Marybeth Dooling was not able to attend so Fiona presented the Treasurer’s Report.  A list of schools which have not yet paid dues was included.  If representatives see that their school is listed but believe that their school has paid, they should notify Marybeth.  A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

There were no reports on School Committee meetings as no Citywide representatives were able to attend. 

Old Business:

Gifted and Talented Program—After last month’s meeting Fiona sent Dr. DeCristofaro an email asking for an update on the Gifted and Talented Task Force.  She read his reply to those in attendance.  “At this time, I am working with the School Committee to discern the key questions that they would care to have defined by a task team.  As the SC defines the key questions to be explored—a team with specific goals will begin its workplan.  I certainly will keep you (Citywide) aware of any initial steps.”

Citywide Representation at School Committee meetings—Roseanne Russell will attend the December 12^th meeting and will recognize the contributions of Linda Stice, Mayor Phelan, and Jim Timmins.  Fiona noted that representatives have signed up to cover many of the other meetings for the rest of the year. 

New Business:

H&R Block Tax information—Fiona was contacted by someone from H&R Block who wanted to provide information to parents about the tax benefits available to families paying for college.  After a bit of discussion, it was decided that this information should go to the high schools instead of Citywide. 

5^th Grade Lab—Fiona reported back information from Colleen Roberts about the number of students from each elementary who attend the 5^th Grade Lab Program.  The information reported was as follows:

Lincoln-Hancock-7 students

Merrymount-7 students

Beechwood Knoll-9 students

Montclair-2 students

Point Webster-2 students

Parker-2 students

Wollaston-6 students

Squantum-7 students

Bernazzani-9 students

Atherton Hough-2 students

Snug Harbor-2 students

Upcoming Speakers—Rich O’Brien, the new Assistant Superintendent, will be asked to speak at the February meeting.  Ken McPhee will be asked to speak at the January meeting.  A parent reported that someone had suggested to her that someone be asked to speak about MCAS testing, but those in attendance did not think that was necessary.

 Fiona reported that she has been told that the Science Dept head at NQHS will retire.  A new head will be hired in January.  A long-term substitute for the freshman science class discussed at last month’s meeting has been assigned. 

Judy Hickey, 1^st grade teacher at Montclair, will be featured as Teacher of the Week in the Patriot Ledger.  She was nominated by a Citywide representative who is a parent at Montclair. 

The NQHS String group will perform with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra tomorrow night (12/11). 

Next meeting will be January 14^th 7:00 at Broad Meadows Middle School.

 A motion was made to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.  Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.