Quincy Citywide Parent’s Council

Minutes from September 10, 2007

Broad Meadows Middle School

 Schools represented at this meeting: Atherton Hough, Atlantic, Broad Meadows, Bernazzani, Central, AP, Merrymount, Montclair, Point Webster, NQHS, QHS, QPAC, and Wollaston.  

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm, with Co-President Fiona Canavan presiding.  Fiona announced that her Co-President, Kathy Brink, was unable to attend tonight.  She introduced Karen Chretien, Secretary and Marybeth Dooling, Treasurer. She welcomed all those in attendance and asked that each person introduce her or himself. 

The minutes from the May 14, 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.

 The Treasurer’s Report was passed around.  Marybeth Dooling asked that Representatives request that each PTO pay their $25 dues.  Dues should be mailed to Marybeth at 122 Presidents Lane Quincy, MA  02169 or given to Marybeth at the next Citywide meeting.  Dues should be paid by the end of December 2007.

 A parent asked what schools were not represented at tonight’s meeting.  Fiona said she would follow-up with each PTO not represented.  She did send a notice about the meeting to all the PTO presidents.

 A report from the School Committee meeting was not presented since Kathy Brink, the Citywide liaison to the committee meetings was not present.

 Old Business:

  • Language Program Update--Fiona reported that 7th and 8th graders at Central now have foreign language every day.  Other parents present said that they thought that schedule might only be in place for ½ of the year.  Fiona will request more information.
  • Discrepancy in the high schools’ Renaissance Program—Fiona spoke with Colleen Roberts, Director of Curriculum, who said that the discrepancy between NQHS’ Renaissance Program and the counterpart program at QHS would be addressed.  The highest level of the program at NQHS is Honors, while at QHS it is Advanced.  Fiona also spoke with Dr. DeCristofaro and also indicated that the discrepancy will be addressed.  When Fiona has more information, she will forward it to the Citywide list via email.

 New Business:

  • Dr. Mariano’s resignation letter—Fiona passed around Dr. Mariano’s letter of resignation.  Dr. DeCristofaro has told her that they have not started to search for a replacement.  He said other staff is fulfilling Dr. Mariano’s responsibilities and they are satisfied with the way things are at the moment.  He told Fiona that when there is a process in place for a replacement, Citywide would have a role.  Several parents reported on the discussion held at the most recent School Committee meeting about the process and the need to clarify the School Committee’s role in the hiring process of an Assistant Superintendent.
  • School Committee Candidates’ Night—The group discussed planning a candidates' night for the upcoming election for school committee (November 6th).  Citywide has held such events in the past, which have been well received.  Thursday October 25th at 7:00 in the Broad Meadows cafeteria was tentatively selected as the date, time and location.  A subcommittee was formed to make the arrangements.  The members of the subcommittee are:  Bonnie Marcel, Barbara Isola, Sue Sheridan, and Roseanne Russell.  They will report back at the next Citywide meeting and ask Fiona to forward information to the Citywide list via email in the meantime.  Representatives were asked to request questions for the candidates from the members of their PTOs.  A parent was concerned about television coverage since Quincy Cable did not attend last year.  The subcommittee will alert Fiona if there seems to be a problem.
  • Upcoming Guest Speakers—As is customary, Dr. DeCristofaro has agreed to speak at the October 15th meeting.  A discussion followed about the best way to incorporate guest speakers’ presentations with adequate time for questions and answers.  Several parents also suggested that no speaker be scheduled at some meetings to allow for more discussion between parents in attendance.  It was agreed that Fiona would ask Dr. DeCristofaro to focus on new issues and upcoming issues and to leave plenty of time for questions.  Representatives should send Fiona questions for Dr. DeCristofaro so she can forward them on to him.  Speakers for future meetings will not yet be scheduled to allow for issues that arise throughout the year.
  • Instant Alert—Dr. DeCristofaro has told Fiona that a new communication tool will be implemented, starting with the elementary schools.  Instant Alert will allow parents to receive an email, a text message, or a phone message (or all three) from the school system.  The new system is part of the Honeywell initiative for updating the city’s buildings, which is now being implemented.  Dr. DeCristofaro expects the system to be implemented within the next month.  Using multiple methods to communicate with parents was an issue discussed at many past Citywide meetings so this update was welcomed.
  • Drug Forum-A group of parents that participate in Families Anonymous (for family members of those who abuse drugs) is organizing an informational session for parents about drug use and children.  Fiona will email the flyer and if she receives hard copies she will pass them along.  Citywide representatives should give the flyers to the PTOs for distribution to parents.  The information has been approved by Dr. DeCristofaro and Janet Powell, Director of Student Support Services.
  • Sister Cities International—Information was provided about this program.
  • Welcoming New Teachers—A parent suggested that Citywide write a letter to new teachers welcoming them to Quincy and letting them know how appreciated they are.  This idea was suggested and approved by Citywide several years ago.  A letter will be drafted and a list of new teachers will be requested.
  • Norfolk County Teachers Association Recognition—Fiona passed around the certificate presented to Citywide last June in recognition of “outstanding support and interest in public education”. Citywide was nominated by QEA.
  • Class Size—Some parents reported large class sizes at NQHS.  Dr. DeCristofaro will be asked to respond to these concerns.
  • Outplacement Special Education Staffperson—A parent asked if there was an update on replacing the staffperson for outplacement special education.  Fiona said she has not received an update.  She emails the entire Citywide list whenever she is notified about an upcoming interview.
  • Traffic at NQHS—Parents reported improvement in the traffic situation at NQHS so far this year.  The police officer in the road is very effective as is the new left turn arrow at the intersection.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.  Meeting was adjourned at 8:13pm.