Quincy Citywide Parent’s Council

Minutes from January 9^th, 2006.

Broad Meadows Middle School.

Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm, with Barbara Isola presiding.

The minutes from December 12^th were accepted.

Barbara congratulated Elaine Dwyer on the Vice Chairmanship of the Quincy School Committee.

Marsha Garber asked about the last School Committee Meeting. Barbara reported that Sue Sheridan and Roseann Russell attended on behalf of Citywide and gave a parting gift of Godiva chocolates to the outgoing School Committee members.

They did not address the Homework Policy issue, as it was not the right time to do so. Barbara will speak about the issue at Open Forum at the next School Committee meeting (Jan 11^th). There is no set policy. Parents do not want the children to have homework during vacations or projects due on the day they return from vacation and would like the School Committee to specifically address the issue. Roseann pointed out that many families go away during vacation breaks.

Barbara found out during Freshman Orientation at NQHS that there is a very strict policy about absences. If a child in High School is called in sick, and returns to school the next day with a note from their parents it is still counted as an unexcused absence. Students are allowed 7 unexcused absences per semester. After 7 unexcused absences, the teachers can fail them in every subject. Without a note, it is considered cutting school. Many parents were already aware of the policy. Barbara finds it offensive that a parent’s letter is not accepted as proof a child was sick, but a doctor’s letter is ok. Sandy Arabian said that it is at the teacher’s discretion whether to fail the student. Paula Smith said that she got a computer generated letter saying that her child could be failed due to absences. She had to firmly advocate for her son to get his absences excused. Elaine explained that when a student has a doctor’s note, the teacher must provide make-up work. Without a note, the teacher does not have to. Elaine said that they have just looked at the Absence Policy and it is not going to change, unless it gets stricter. Elaine felt confident that with an otherwise good student the school would be willing to work with them. Barbara recently had to call in sick due to a death in the family, but the teachers thought the kids were on vacation and were tough on them upon their return. A note should be sent to the Dean to convey that kind of information to the teachers. Elaine said that the Attendance Office is overwhelmed.

Roseann Russell gave the School Committee Report. The last meeting was basically a farewell event for the outgoing School Committee members. Stephanie Busher read her winning Lions Club Speech “What Family Means To Me”. Mr. Donnelly from NQHS introduced the Academic Decathlon team. They placed 7^th at a recent State competition. There was a presentation by representatives from Broad Meadows, Atherton Hough and Parker school about their School Surveys that are being done as part of their School Improvement Plans.

Joanne Bragg spoke about the Education Fund (there is a little box you can check off on your real estate tax bill to donate money). There is approx $5000 in the fund now, with some money expected from the most recent tax bills. The Mayor would like to appoint a Citywide PTO representative to the board. Roseann agreed to do it. Quincy Public Schools are not insured, as the cost would be exorbitant.

Roseann reported that Donna Parry, the representative from Lincoln Hancock wanted to let us know that Bill Arenti (a Quincy Firefighter) has written a children’s book. He went to Lincoln Hancock and read the book to each class. (K through 3). She thinks he does this at no cost, so if any other Elementary School PTO is interested in having him come and read the book, they can get the information from Lincoln Hancock.

Sue Sheridan passed around the School Committee schedule and the dates that representatives have volunteered to attend the meetings on behalf of Citywide. There are still some open dates.

It was agreed to invite Ken McPhee to our next meeting to discuss safety and security. NQHS is having a particularly bad problem with traffic at the school in the mornings. The traffic lights and crossings are dangerous. Barbara suggested that the construction work at the NQ MBTA station could be part of the problem. Elaine suggested that we invite Ann Mahoney also as she is on the Safety Sub-Committee.

Marsha expressed concern that Health Classes are no longer being offered at the High Schools. QHS is doing it through the Gym classes. One week is Gym, the next week is Health.  Sandy Arabian will bring it up at Open Forum at the next School Committee meeting. There is no State Framework for Health.

Roseann asked if anyone ever followed up on Summer School restrictions. A parent had complained that her child could not go to Summer School, even if she paid, because he was not failing. Other parents knew people who got their non-failing kids in. Elaine thought it might have been a space issue.

Elaine said that only about 45 teachers are retiring this year. Teachers over 20 years on the job can qualify for the Lexington Plan. They have to give the School Committee three year’s notice if they plan to retire under this plan. Less than 20 years can resign with one day’s notice. Elaine expressed concern that the new teachers coming in have no bonds with Quincy and could leave if offered more money. Marsha reminded that a Daycare for teacher’s children would be a great incentive.

Roseann raised concerns about Recess. Elaine said that it is up to Principals to manage their buildings. Roseann feels that children need a break and she intends to bring it up at Open Forum at School Committee in the future. Elaine said that there is not enough time for the teachers to teach the curriculum as it is. By 2009, even 1^st graders will be taking the MCAS. Sandy wondered why School Committees across the State have not unified and spoken out against MCAS. Elaine said that every Middle and High School has free after school enrichment programs.

Sue asked if it is true that Biology for freshmen is only offered to Central lab students. Elaine said that she doesn’t believe that is true. She said that she thinks Guidance Councilors direct which subjects the students should take in High School. She thinks it is space limits that determine if students get in to Biology.

The Middle School to High School transition needs work. Roseann said that they should explain to parents what classes their children might need based on their career path. Elaine said that is something that they are working on this year.

Barbara commented that many sports tryouts are in the summer so many freshmen miss out.

Deirdre Durkin suggested that we invite Judy Taud (Director of Special Education) to an upcoming meeting. Elaine said the Jim Timmons should also come to that meeting as he is on that Sub-Committee.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:50pm.

The next meeting is February 13^th at 7:00pm.