School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2014-04-02 Time: 7:00 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. ROLL CALL: SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 3. 2014 / 116 Spotlight on Excellence: Middle School Science and Engineering Fair 4. 2014 / 117 Spotlight on Excellence: Lowell High School M2D2 Presentation 5. 2014 / 120 Recognition of Local Authors MINUTES: 6. 2014 / 111 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, March 19, 2014 PERMISSION TO ENTER: 7. 2014 / 118 Permission to Enter: April 2, 2014 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: 8. 2014 / 134 Cheryl Quintal, to speak on motion # 2014/126. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 4) MOTIONS: 9. 2014 / 126 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to compile a report on the accommodations made available to parents and caregivers of Lowell Public School children who are hearing, visually and or physically impaired and recommended actions to improve parent involvement for these same families. SUBCOMMITTEES: 10. 2014 / 112 Lowell High School: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, March 24, 2014 [David Conway, Chair] 11. 2014 / 121 Curriculum: Report of the Meeting of Tuesday, April 1, 2014 [Connie Martin, Chair] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 12. 2014 / 115 School Committee Meeting Dates 2014-2015 13. 2014 / 119 Substitute Teacher Pool and Program Update 14. 2014 / 129 English Language Learners Program and Family and Community Events 15. 2014 / 130 Astronaut Commander Christopher J. Cassidy Visits Lowell 16. 2014 / 133 Early Release Conflict NEW BUSINESS: 17. 2014 / 128 Vote: Determination of MSBA Priority Application CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 4) 18. 2014 / 114 Thirty [30] Lowell High School students and four [4] LHS staff members [Philip Maia, Mary Ann Dyson, Tricia Gabor and Stephen Gervais] to travel to Spain during April 2015 vacation week [Monday, April 20 through Sunday, April 26, 2015]. Expenses will be incurred by students. Chaperones/staff will be covered by EF Tours. 19. 2014 / 123 Lowell High School Business Professional Advisor Jill McNamara, along with three [3] coried chaperones and eight [8] members of the Lowell High Chapter, to attend the National Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana from Tuesday, April 29 through Sunday, May 4, 2014. The cost for each student will not exceed $900 and will be paid by student fundraising and contribution from the 1826 School Store. The cost for the club advisor will not exceed $2200, which will be paid by private funding and contributions from the 1826 Store. A substitute teacher for 4 days @$400 will be paid by LHS Professional Development funds. LHS Student Activities fund will pay for $360 for transportation. Chaperones will cover their own expenses. 20. 2014 / 124 Lowell High School staff Jennifer Bauer and Kendra Bauer, along with two [2] chaperones and thirty [30] Adventure Club members, to participate in an overnight camping excursion at Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, Massachusetts on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, 2014. There is no cost to the School Department budget. No substitute teachers are needed. COMMUNICATIONS: 21. 2014 / 127 Free Citywide Family Resource Fair: Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - 6 to 8PM - Rogers School Gymnasium 22. 2014 / 131 Annual Refugee Conference: Friday, May 23, 2014 - 8:30AM to 3:00PM - MCC Cafeteria PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL: 23. 2014 / 113 The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby request to donate eleven [11] sick leave days to Lowell High School paraprofessional Tasha Sampson. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 4) 24. 2014 / 132 The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby request to donate twenty-one [21] sick leave days to Stoklosa School teacher Heiner Wais. ADJOURNMENT: 25. ADJOURNMENT: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Spotlight on Excellence: Middle School Science and Engineering Fair To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 116 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment 43 Highland Street Phone: (978) 674-4323 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Spotlight on Excellence TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: March 28, 2014 RE: Spotlight on Excellence Middle School Science and Engineering Fair ___________________________________________________________________ __________ The first Spotlight on Excellence on April 2, 2014 will be Mrs. Martha Cohn, Coordinator of Science and Social Studies PreK-12 presenting information on the Middle School Science and Engineering Fair and next steps. The first Middle School Science and Engineering Fair took place on March 5, 2014 at the Bartlett School. It was a stimulating and rewarding night for all with over 200 parents and students in attendance. There were a total of 71 projects for our first attempt, which was really exciting. The next step is for students’ whose projects were chosen to enter the Northeast Regional Science and Engineering Fair sponsored by UMass Lowell. The district will have 23 projects moving for forward. The following is information on the upcoming Northeast Regional Science and Engineering Fair. We do hope you will be able to attend and come support the Lowell Public School students. Region IV: Northeastern Massachusetts • Northeast Regional Middle School Science & Engineering Fair, Lowell High School, Saturday, April 12, 2014 • Chair: Dr. Carol Barry and Marjorie Dennis, UMass Lowell, Graduate School of Education, 61 Wilder St., Room 500 J, O’Leary Library, Lowell, MA 01854  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Spotlight on Excellence: Lowell High School M2D2 Presentation To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 117 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: LHS M2D2 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment 43 Highland Street Phone: (978) 674-4323 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Spotlight on Excellence TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: March 28, 2014 RE: Spotlight on Excellence LHS M2D2 Presentation ___________________________________________________________________ __________ The second Spotlight on Excellence on April 2, 2014 will be a presentation by the Lowell High M2D2 students. • Mr. Morneau will present the group as a whole to the school committee. • Each student will then briefly introduce themselves and describe their role in the project. 1. Sim Dy 2. Daniel Ernst 3. Brandon Manseau 4. Rithy Muth 5. Kathy Tangarife • The students will briefly discuss their experience as a whole in the M2D2 partnership program while outlining the development of their ideas in the program with the different resources offered by UMass Lowell and Lowell High School, as well as the M2D2 Center. • The closing statement will be a statement on the students' view of the impact of their time with the M2D2 partnership on their lives and how it has shaped their plans for the future.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Recognition of Local Authors To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 120 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Local Authors  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, March 19, 2014 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 111 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 19, 2014 TIME 7:06 PM SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. - SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. - ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 7:06 p.m., all members were present, namely: Ms. Martin, Ms. Ross-Sitcawich, Ms. Scott, Mr. Conway, Mr. Gendron, Mayor/Chairman Elliott and Mr. Leary. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 3. 2014 / 95 - Spotlight on Excellence: Morey School Public Service Announcement Award for Walk for Hunger The “potlight o E elle e featu ed the Mo e “ hool’s Pu lic Service Announcement Award for Walk fo Hu ge . The Mo e “ hool’s P i ipal Ro i Des o d as ell as Assista t P i ipal A d e Desrosiers came to the podium and spoke briefly about the public service announcement and then the Committee viewed the award winning video. The report was accepted and placed on file. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Stephen Gendron Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 21) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x MINUTES: 4. 2014 / 85 - Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, March 5, 2014 VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 21) PERMISSION TO ENTER: 5. 2014 / 88 - Permission to Enter: March 19, 2014 VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x MEMORIALS: 6. 2014 / 91 - Paul Sheehy, former State Senator and City Manager. Husband of retired Middlesex Community Dean Molly Sheehy and father of Moody School teacher Anne Sheehy. Mayor Elliott recognized Mr. Conway who offered the following words about the late Paul Sheehy. Paul Sheehy, former Lowell City Manager, State Representative and State Senator passed away on March 10, 2014. Paul Sheehy began his career as a teacher at the Pawtucket Junior High in the Lowell Public Schools. Throughout the years that ensued, he advocated tirelessly for public education in Lowell and the su ou di g a eas. It’s fitti g to e e e Paul “heeh at a Lo ell “ hool Co ittee Meeti g. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 21) Mr. Conway read a few direct quotes, to be included as part of the record of this meeting, that he read i the Lo ell “u this past eek a d hea d i Cha ello Meeha ’s Eulog fo “e ato “heeh . Cha ello Meeha said Paul ose ui kl i the House, fo gi g elatio ships, earning a seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee and the Vice Chairmanship of the Education Committee. And it was in the House where Paul began his lifelong commitment to provide a high quality public education for anyone who was willing to work at it, regardless of race, gender or economic status. He wrote the legislation creating Middlesex Community College in Bedford. He wrote a law establishing the Greater Lowell Regional Technical High School. He wrote legislation and he was the chief architect of the merger of Lowell State and Lowell Tech. And, make no mistake about it; we would not have a world-class public research University in Lowell without Paul J. Sheehy. The doctoral program in education at UMass Lowell that has produced some of the finest educators in the state was advocated for and funded as a esult of Paul “heeh ’s effo ts. I 1 4, Paul as ele ted to the Massa husetts “tate “e ate he e he continued his advocacy for public education delivering funding for the construction of 14 new public schools in Lowell and proposing and securing funding for a permanent Middlesex Community College in do to Lo ell. Fo e “tate “e ato “te e Pa agiotakos ade the poi t that Paul “heeh a gua l did o e fo Lowell as a legislator than anyone who ever served. What would Lowell be like without the University and the Community College? Hundreds of people who never knew who Paul Sheehy was went to ollege, su eeded, a d ha e a ette life e ause of his o it e t to pu li edu atio . On March 10, 2014 we lost a strong advocate for education, but more importantly, we lost a good loyal f ie d. O ehalf of the Lo ell “ hool Co ittee, I’d like to tha k Paul “heeh . MOTIONS: 7. 2014 / 103 - [Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to devise comprehensive cost saving strategies and solutions to decrease the cost of transporting children in the District. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 21) VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 8. 2014 / 104 - [Kim Scott/Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent furnish the Committee with the anticipated FY15 Net School Spending requirement to include the City's required contribution and to bring forward an FY15 budget that does not fall below the Net School Spending Requirement. VOTING Motion by: Kimberly Scott Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 9. 2014 / 105 - [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a report outlining the feasibility of allowing seasonal sporting activities to be counted toward the Physical Education requirement for Lowell High School students. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 21) VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 10. 2014 / 106 - [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the School Committee report on the status of the Superintendent parent board and the status of site councils at all schools and the work facilitated to develop them. This motion was amended. The amended motion passed. 10.I. - Request the Superintendent report on the status of the parent boards and the status of site councils at all schools and the work facilitated to develop them. VOTING Motion by: Kimberly Scott Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 7 of 21) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 11. 2014 / 107 - [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent give an update on the homework policy of the district and the expectations to follow the policy or plans to modify it. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 12. 2014 / 108 - [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent provide alternatives to rental space for the central office including modular space at the Rogers School or a building purchase. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 8 of 21) VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 13. 2014 / 109 - [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent bring forward a cost estimate for consideration to the committee in the FY15 budget for updating text books, adding elementary science and social studies text books, science kits, art supplies, and musical instruments. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 9 of 21) 14. 2014 / 110 - [by Connie Martin]: Requesting that the Superintendent report on the current efforts to establish the first STEM focused school for the beginning of the FY 14-15 school year. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x SUBCOMMITTEES: 15. 2014 / 89 - Student Support Services: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, March 18, 2014 [Kristin Ross-Sitcawich] Ms. Ross-Sitcawich, Chair of Student Support Services Subcommittee spoke to the Committee about the Options-Based Response Procedures for Emergency Preparedness. A PowerPoint presentation was given to all Committee members as well as recommendations from the Committee. She also spoke about Out of District Placement. The report contained the number of students in out of district placement and an overview of potential options. This report also included recommendations from the subcommittee. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Stephen Gendron Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 10 of 21) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 16. 2014 / 86 - 2014-2015 School Year Calendar VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 17. 2014 / 87 - Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness Task Force Update Superintendent Franco discussed Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness Task Force Update that she received from Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. The report informed the Committee that Assistant Superintendent Durkin met with members of the existing Substance Use and Prevention Task Force as well as their Policy Subcommittee to discuss the aforementioned motion and develop plans for Lowell Public Schools. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 11 of 21) The Substance Use and Prevention Task Force currently has 122 members with 84 of those members representing school department staff, city officials, public safety officials, health officials and members of the public from the City of Lowell. The Policy Subcommittee is a subgroup of the larger committee with a focus on school-based efforts including curriculum. The discussion at these meetings centered around whether to establish a separate subcommittee or ensure that Lowell Public Schools is ep ese ted o the G eate Lo ell Health Allia e’s “u sta e A use a d P e e tio Task Fo e a d Subcommittees. Since the majority of the members on the existing task force are members of the City of Lowell, it was determined that to establish a separate committee would draw on the same officials who are active on the present task force and potentially duplicate efforts. Joining the currently established groups affords Lowell Public Schools the opportunity to avail themselves of a multitude of resources around the Greater Lowell area as well as collaborate to make a greater impact on our substance abuse and prevention efforts in our schools and city. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin Scott, Kimberly x 18. 2014 / 92 - Lowell High School Pool Update Superintendent Franco spoke to the Committee about the Lowell High School Pool Update that she received from Brian Martin, Headmaster of Lowell High School. The report shares the measures that have been taken to implement safety of the pool area as well as recent updates. The report was accepted as a report of progress. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 12 of 21) VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 19. 2014 / 93 - Partnership for Readiness or College and Careers[PARCC] Exemption Superintendent Franco informed the Committee that the City Solicitor reviewed the information and agreed with the legal opinion submitted by Rhoda Schneider (Chief DESE Legal Counsel) regarding the PARCC Exemption. The report was accepted as a report of progress. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Connie Martin Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 13 of 21) Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 20. 2014 / 94 - Home Education Superintendent Franco recommend that the following parent/guardian be allowed to home educate their child: Vincent Ruiz 417 Hildreth Street #29 VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 14 of 21) NEW BUSINESS: 21. 2014 / 97 - Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Daley Middle School under the Core Program Superintendent Franco provided the Committee with the MSBA Vote memorandum that she received from Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations. Mayor Elliott then read the following to the Committee prior to the vote: Vote No. 1 Daley Middle School Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday March 19, 2014, prior to the closing date, the School Committee of the City of Lowell, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 17, 2014 for the Daley Middle School located at 150 Fleming Street which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future under Priority 2, Elimination of existing severe overcrowding, Priority 4, Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments, and Priority 7, Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 15 of 21) 22. 2014 / 98 - Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Robinson Middle School under the Core Program Superintendent Franco provided the Committee with the MSBA Vote memorandum that she received from Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations. Mayor Elliott then read the following to the Committee prior to the vote: Vote No. 2 Robinson Middle School Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday March 19, 2014, prior to the closing date, the School Committee of the City of Lowell, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 17, 2014 for the Robinson Middle School located at 110 June Street which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future under Priority 2, Elimination of existing severe overcrowding, Priority 4, Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments, and Priority 7, Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. VOTING Motion by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Second by: Kimberly Scott Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 16 of 21) 23. 2014 / 99 - Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Wang Middle School under the Core Program Superintendent Franco provided the Committee with the MSBA Vote memorandum that she received from Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations. Mayor Elliott then read the following to the Committee prior to the vote: Vote No. 3 Wang Middle School Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday March 19, 2014, prior to the closing date, the School Committee of the City of Lowell, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 17, 2014 for the Wang Middle School located at 365 West Meadow Road which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future under Priority 2, Elimination of existing severe overcrowding, Priority 4, Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments, and Priority 7, Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 17 of 21) 24. 2014 / 100 - Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for Lowell High School under the Core Program Superintendent Franco provided the Committee with the MSBA Vote memorandum that she received from Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations. Mayor Elliott then read the following to the Committee prior to the vote: Vote No. 4 Lowell High School Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday March 19, 2014, prior to the closing date, the School Committee of the City of Lowell, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 17, 2014 for the Lowell High School located at 50 Father Morissette Boulevard which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future under Priority 4, Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments, and Priority 7, Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. VOTING Motion by: David Conway Second by: Stephen Gendron Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 18 of 21) 25. - A motion was made to withdraw the following motion: Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for a New Pre-K – Grade 8 School under the Core Program VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x 25.1. 2014 / 101 - Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for a New Pre-K – Grade 8 School under the Core Program A motion was made to withdraw this motion. The motion passed. Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 19 of 21) 26. 2014 / 102 - Vote: Authorize Statement of Interest for the Rogers Middle School under the Core Program Superintendent Franco provided the Committee with the MSBA Vote memorandum that she received from Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations. Mayor Elliott then read the following to the Committee prior to the vote: Vote No. 6 Rogers Middle School Having convened in an open meeting on Wednesday March 19, 2014, prior to the closing date, the School Committee of the City of Lowell, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated March 17, 2014 for the Rogers Middle School located at 43 Highland Street which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future under Priority 2, Elimination of existing severe overcrowding, Priority 4, Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments, and Priority 7, Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. VOTING Motion by: Connie Martin Second by: James Leary Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 20 of 21) COMMUNICATIONS: 27. 2014 / 90 - Disclosure: James P. Hall, Collective Bargaining Counsel to Committee The communication was accepted and placed on file. VOTING Motion by: Stephen Gendron Second by: David Conway Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL: 28. 2014 / 96 - The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate twenty [20] sick leave days to Mark Peabody, Shaughnessy School custodian. VOTING Motion by: James Leary Second by: Connie Martin Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE Elliott, Rodney M. x Conway, David x Gendron, Stephen x Leary, James x Martin, Connie x Ross-Sitcawich, Kristin x Scott, Kimberly x Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 21 of 21) ADJOURNMENT: 29. - ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn at 8:56 p.m. by Mr. Gendron; seconded by Ms. Ross-Sitcawich 7 yeas Respectfully submitted, Jean M. Franco, Superintendent and Secretary to the Lowell School Committee JMF/mes Lowell Public Schools • Highland Street • Lowell, MA 8 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Permission to Enter: April 2, 2014 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 118 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Office of Finance & Operations Phone: (978) 674-2019 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 08152 E-mail: jlang@lowell.k12.ma.us PERMISSION TO ENTER To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations Date: March 28, 2014 Subject: Permission to Enter – April 2, 2014 School Committee Meeting ESSEX AGRICULTURAL & TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL $ 9,900 562 Maple Street Hathorne, MA 10937 To provide transportation services for four (4) students from Lowell to and from Essex Agricultural & Technical High School, Hathorne, MA Funding provided by the School Department Transportation Budget  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Cheryl Quintal, to speak on motion # 2014/126. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 134 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to compile a report on the accommodations made available to parents and caregivers of Lowell Public School children who are hearing, visually and or physically impaired and recommended actions to improve parent involvement for these same families. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 126 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Lowell High School: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, March 24, 2014 [David Conway, Chair] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 112 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 School Committee Meeting Dates 2014-2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 115 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Superintendent of Schools Phone: (978) 674 - 4324 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Street Fax: (978) 937 - 7609 Lowell, Massachusetts 08152 E-mail: jfranco@lowell.k12.ma.us School Committee Meeting Dates 2014‐2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools Date: April 2, 2014 Regular meetings of the Lowell School Committee are held on the first (1st) and third (3rd) Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852 at seven (7:00) PM. The schedule for the 2014‐2015 school year will be as follows: 2014 2015 July 16 January 7 August 21 January 21 September 3 February 4 September 17 February 18 * October 1 March 4** October 15** March 18 November 5 April 1 November 19 April 15 December 3 May 6** December 17** May 20 June 3 June 17 xc: City Clerk Central Office Administrators All Principals, Headmaster Student Representatives, LHS Lowell Sun WCAP Radio Station – (980 AM) Lowell Telecommunications United Teachers of Lowell Clerical Unit * Falls on a Holiday or during School Vacation ** Lowell High School Student Advisory Meetings – start at 6:15PM Approved at the ___________ School Committee Meeting  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Substitute Teacher Pool and Program Update To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 119 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Substitute 040214  Office of Personnel & Recruitment Update on Day-to-Day Substitute Practices The following report provides an update on modified practices of the Office of Personnel & Recruitment since the last report to the Lowell School Committee on November 27, 2013. Current status of Available Substitutes: The Personnel Office continues to offer monthly substitute workshops for new potential applicants. The trainings have been advertised more frequently which has resulted in moderately attended trainings: Date of Workshop # of new applicants December 2013 24 January 2014 28 February 2014 34 March, 2014 32 The attendees have increased; there were eighteen (18) attendees at the October 2013 workshop and twenty two (22) attendees at the November 2013 workshops. In addition, eight (8) previous substitutes who previously worked in the Lowell returned to substitute availability pool. The Personnel Office continues to personally contact active substitutes who have not been regularly working for the district. Our outreach and contact have revealed that the district has lost many available subs for short periods of time due to illnesses. This pattern is consistent with the average length of illness for teacher or paraprofessional, approximately three days. As always, the Principals and the Personnel Office are constant in communication relative to substitutes who is not meeting the expectations of the position. Recruitment Improvements: Since the last report, the Personnel Office has been advertising open positions and substitute workshops on School Spring, on-line application system. SchoolSpring.com is an on-line service for educators to seek for teaching jobs. This website has recruited applicants through the Merrimack Valley and beyond who otherwise may have not considered the Lowell Public Schools. The Office of Personnel & Recruitment website is constantly updated and reviewed to ensure that job seekers have the most current information about our open positions, including substitute teaching. We have updated our substitute application to make the information more concise and readily available for applicants to bring to the workshop. The Office of Personnel and Recruitment sponsored and attended the UMASS Lowell Job Fair on Wednesday, March 23, 2014 on the South Campus library. One of our job fair goals was to recruit day-to-day substitutes for this school year and next school year. In addition, we were recruiting for open teaching and paraprofessional positions, as well as tutoring positions. The Lowell Public Schools will be attending the Massachusetts Educational Recruiting Consortium! (MERC) at Northeastern University in Boston on April 23, 2014. This is a premier event in 2 Massachusetts for recruiting teachers. We will promote the number of the opportunities in Lowell including day-to-day and long term substitutes. Management Improvements: Interview process for substitutes has been improved by conducting expanded structured interviews. After interviews have conducted, the interviewing committee discusses strengths and weaknesses of each applicant and recommends the applicant for specific schools and levels. If feedback is positive on a specific substitute, then their account is modified to expand into other school levels. The Personnel Office audited the workshop presentation and the subject matter. We have made slight modifications but are contemplating a revamped workshop for next school year. Proposed changes to substitute changes include: In-take & Workshops Changes o On-line District Information: Prior to reporting to the workshop, applicants will be responsible for reviewing general district information and ask questions at the training. o Teaching Techniques: Revise the workshop to review current curriculum, to explore Lowell’s student population, and to outline teaching expectations o Classroom Management: Provide a model to improve a substitute’s classroom management techniques. o Writing Sample: Require applicants to complete a 100 word open response to a question or situation School based changes o Standardized Teacher “SUB” Plan: Implement a standardized substitute plan with accompanying cover form that would allow any substitute to become familiar with class practices and to implement a lesson effectively o Walk-through: Mandate administration to walk through classes where substitutes are teaching Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this matter. Thank you. 3  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 English Language Learners Program and Family and Community Events To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 129 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: ELL Program and Events  Upcoming Events Celebrating a city of refugees, a community of citizens Sunday, April 13 Opening Ceremony 3:00-5:00pm Early arrivals of Cambodian refugees – speakers Gov. Dukakis Western Avenue Studios Raksmey Kampuchea Traditional Music 122 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851 Exhibits open Sunday, April 27 History, culture, religion, traditions 3:00-5:00pm Angkor Dance Troupe Introduction to Cambodian artists Western Avenue Studios Lowell’s Educators’ Ceramic Work 122 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851 Exhibits open Sunday, May 18 Film Screening: Lost child: Salon’s Journey 3:00-5:00pm Author: Terry Farish – author of The Good Braider and creator of the multimedia project, Children at war- war Western Avenue Studios (Onyx Theater) in the South Sudan. 122 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851 Exhibits open Friday, May 23 Refugee Conference Day 9:00am-3:00pm Mental Health Congolese Middlesex Community College (Cafeteria) Angkor Dance Troupe 33 Kearney Square Strength-Based Programs Lowell, MA 01852 Sunday, May 25 Lowell’s newest members of the community (Memorial Day Weekend) Film Screening: Hard Truth, Levity and Hope Exhibits open Western Avenue Studios (Onyx Theater) 122 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851 Sunday, June 8 Film Screening: A River Changes Course 3:00-5:00pm Healing garden dedication Benediction from Buddhist monk(s) Western Avenue Studios (Onyx Theater) A taste of Cambodian Town 122 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851 Exhibits open Sunday June 22 Traditional medicine and healing – Metta Health Center 3:00-5:00pm and UMB Author: Seng Ty – The Years of Zero: Coming of Age Western Avenue Studios (Onyx Theater) Under the Khmer Rouge 122 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851 Exhibit open Hosted by UMass-Lowell, Lowell Public Schools, Cambodia Town, Tsongas Industrial History Center and the Center for Lowell History  INVITATION The Cambodia Project at UML presents two exhibits at Western Avenue Studios, which celebrate Lowell’s diversity and its history of welcoming immigrants and refugees from around the world. UMASS Lowell, the Lowell Public Schools, the Cambodia Town Association and the Tsongas Industrial History Center host these exhibits and monthly events. We will be honoring Governor and Mrs. Dukakis for their contributions to refugees and their causes. The exhibit is dedicated to the late Dorothea Tsapatsaris who inspired Lowell: a city of refugees, a community of citizens. These exhibits and monthly events are generously supported by an UMass Creative Economy grant. You are cordially invited to the opening reception of the exhibit: Lowell: a city of refugees, a community of citizens Date: Sunday, April 13, 2014 (Cambodia New Year) Time: 3-5 PM Opening remarks: Pat Fontaine, UML, Sengly Kong, Cambodia Town Association, Phala Chea, Lowell Public Schools, George Tsapatsaris, Former Superintendent of Lowell Public Schools, Jean Franco, Superintendent of Lowell Public Schools, and Rodney Elliott, Mayor of Lowell Music by: Song Heng – Traditional Khmer Music Group Location: Onyx Room, Western Avenue Studios, 122 Western Ave., Lowell, MA Please RSVP to Pat Fontaine by April 6th By phone: 978-934-4622 by e-mail: patricia_fontaine@uml.edu  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Astronaut Commander Christopher J. Cassidy Visits Lowell To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 130 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Commander Cassidy  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Early Release Conflict To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 133 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Phone: (978) 674-4323 43 Highland Street Fax: (978) 674-2146 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: April 2, 2014 RE: LHS Early Release Day Lowell High School Headmaster Brian J. Martin has brought the following information to my attention in regards to the Early Release Day scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Mr. Martin has informed me that the MCAS Mathematics assessment is scheduled for Grade 10 on both Tuesday, May 13th and Wednesday, May14th this year. Mr. Martin has stated: “The Grade 10 Math MCAS is scheduled for Tuesday (5/13) and Wednesday (5/14). There is a tight window for assessment, as the test requires two days of testing on those mandated days. All schools in Lowell have an Early Release Day scheduled for Wednesday (5/14) - students are dismissed from Lowell High School at 11:45am that day. MCAS testing begins at 8:00am. Many students may be done in time for the early release dismissal, but we are required to offer extended time/overtime for students who are productively working on the test and need more time”. Mr. Martin states further: “ For the ELA MCAS in March 2014, we tested just under 700 students and about 100 students required additional time daily (after 4 hours of testing). We plan to test the same number of students for the Math MCAS - most will be the same 10th graders who sat for the ELA MCAS in March and so we can assume that at least about 100 students will need additional time. If testing begins at 8:00am, many students will be done by 11:45am, but around 100 students will need to stay past the early release time to finish the test. Our fear is that once dismissal time comes, all students will stop working on the test, whether or not they have completed the work. Additionally, dismissing the school while students are testing will create a huge disruption to the test-takers”. Unfortunately, this was an oversight in planning the calendar for this year. These testing dates are critical for our grade 10 students and to dismiss early on the 14th of May could potentially be detrimental for student success. Mr. Martin is proposing the following: • To move the May Early Release Day at LHS from Wednesday (5/14) to Thursday (5/15). • Even though there is a conflict with the timing of the Early Release Day, it is very important that LHS retains the 3+ hours of release time for our current school-wide projects which are: 1) Planning DDMs for all courses, 2) NEASC committee work; and 3) Departmental updates. The only time that we have as a school to work on these projects with the entire staff is during the monthly Early Release meetings. • The 1-day shift would allow us to give the MCAS on the required days and focus on the DDM, NEASC and departmental work with teachers on Thursday (5/15). As a result of this updated information, and Lowell High Schools’ request to move the Early Release Day to Thursday, May15, 2014 so that testing will not be impacted, I am suggesting that in order to maintain consistency across the District for busing, childcare, and professional development, that the entire district change the Early Release Day to Thursday, May 15, 2014. The Early Release Days are extremely important to work being done at Lowell High School and at all schools across the District. Many schools have planned continued work on the Educator Evaluation System, District Determined Measures [DDMs], MCAS and PARCC planning. Since this is a change to the 2013-2014 School Year Calendar, the District will ensure that all parents and guardians are contacted about this change from the district to the school level. The new calendar and change will be posted on our LPS Website and noted on all calendars districtwide.  Office of the Superintendent of Schools - LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS - Lowell, Massachusetts 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR - - D R A F T Monday, August 26, 2013 Orientation Day – Staff Only Tuesday, August 27, 2013 First Day of School – Grades 1-12 Friday, August 30, 2013 No School – Labor Day Recess Monday, September 2, 2013 * No School – Labor Day Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Prekindergarten & Kindergarten Classes Begin Wednesday, September 11, 2013 Wednesday - ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK-12 Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Wednesday - ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK-12 Monday, October 14, 2013 * No School – Columbus Day Tuesday, November 5, 2013 No School -Election Day Monday, November 11, 2013 * No School - Veterans’ Day Observed Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Early Dismissal – Thanksgiving Recess Thursday, November 28, 2013 * No School - Thanksgiving Day Friday, November 29, 2013 * No School – Thanksgiving Recess Monday, December 2, 2013 Schools Re-Open Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Wednesday -½ Day Early Release for grades PreK-12 Friday, December 20, 2013 Holiday Recess Begins at Close of Day Tuesday, December 24, 2013 * Christmas Eve Wednesday, December 25, 2013 * Christmas Day -[Holiday Break: Monday, December 23rd – Wednesday, January 1st, 2014] Wednesday, January 1, 2014 * New Years Day Thursday, January 2, 2014 Schools Re-Open Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Wednesday - ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK-12 Monday, January 20, 2014 * No School – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Wednesday, February 12, 2014 Wednesday - ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK-12 Friday, February 14, 2014 Mid-Winter Vacation Begins at the Close of School Monday, February 17. 2014 * President’s Day -[Mid-Winter Vacation: Monday, February 17 – Friday, February 21, 2014] Monday, February 24, 2014 Monday - Schools Re-Open Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Wednesday - ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK-12 Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Wednesday - ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK-12 Thursday, April 17, 2014 Spring Vacation Begins at the Close of School Friday, April 18, 2014 * No School - Good Friday Monday, April 21, 2014 * Patriot’s Day - [Spring Break: Monday, April 21 – Friday, April 25, 2014] Monday, April 28, 2014 Schools Re-Open Wednesday, May 14, 2014 Wednesday - ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK-12 **Thursday, May 15, 2014 Thursday – ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK-12 Monday, May 26, 2014 * No School – Memorial Day Wednesday June 11, 2014 Wednesday - ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK-12 Thursday, June 12, 2014 180th School Day Thursday, June 19, 2014 185th School Day [Includes five(5) Snow Days] Approved by the Lowell School Committee at their meeting of Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Number of School Days August 3 January 21 Additional Early Release Days approved by the Lowell School September 20 February 15 Committee at their meeting of Wednesday, July 10, 2013 October 22 March 21 November 17 April 16 **Early Release Date Change: Approved at the 4/2/14 Meeting December 15 May 21 June 14 Total 185 * Central Administration, Family Resource Center and Early Childhood Center --- CLOSED  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Vote: Determination of MSBA Priority Application To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 128 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Thirty [30] Lowell High School students and four [4] LHS staff members [Philip Maia, Mary Ann Dyson, Tricia Gabor and Stephen Gervais] to travel to Spain during April 2015 vacation week [Monday, April 20 through Sunday, April 26, 2015]. Expenses will be incurred by students. Chaperones/staff will be covered by EF Tours. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 114 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: LHS Spain 2015  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Lowell High School Business Professional Advisor Jill McNamara, along with three [3] coried chaperones and eight [8] members of the Lowell High Chapter, to attend the National Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana from Tuesday, April 29 through Sunday, May 4, 2014. The cost for each student will not exceed $900 and will be paid by student fundraising and contribution from the 1826 School Store. The cost for the club advisor will not exceed $2200, which will be paid by private funding and contributions from the 1826 Store. A substitute teacher for 4 days @$400 will be paid by LHS Professional Development funds. LHS Student Activities fund will pay for $360 for transportation. Chaperones will cover their own expenses. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 123 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: BPA Trip May 2014  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Lowell High School staff Jennifer Bauer and Kendra Bauer, along with two [2] chaperones and thirty [30] Adventure Club members, to participate in an overnight camping excursion at Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, Massachusetts on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, 2014. There is no cost to the School Department budget. No substitute teachers are needed. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 124 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Adventure Club April 2014  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Free Citywide Family Resource Fair: Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - 6 to 8PM - Rogers School Gymnasium To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 127 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Citywide Fair  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Student Support Services Phone: (978) 674-2034 43 Highland Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: jdurkin@lowell.k12.ma.us Family Resource Fair To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: March 28, 2014 The 3rd Annual Family Resource Fair will be taking place on April 9, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Edith Nourse Rogers School Administration Building. The attached flyer provides an overview of the fair which has 50 programs scheduled to share opportunities for children during the spring and summer. Special thanks to the Lowell Public School Parent Liaisons for sponsoring this free event which is open to all families in the district.  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Central Administration Offices Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, MA 01852 978-674-2107 FREE CITYWIDE FAMILY RESOURCE FAIR Hosted by the LPS Parent Liaisons Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Location: Rogers School Gymnasium 43 Highland Street CHALLENGE YOUR CHILD AND TEEN THIS SPRING/SUMMER! Learn about… Recreational Programs Reading Programs Health and Educational Resources for Parents and Children Brain Building Activities Summer Camps Experience… Dance Martial Arts Demonstrations Games/Arts and Crafts Win… Gift Certificate Raffles/Free Door Prizes Enjoy… Free Food and More  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Annual Refugee Conference: Friday, May 23, 2014 - 8:30AM to 3:00PM - MCC Cafeteria To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 131 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Refugee Conference LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Phone: (978) 674-4323 43 Highland Street E-mail: cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Annual Refugee Conference TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: March 28, 2014 RE: Annual Refugee Conference ________________________________________________________________________ The 11th Annual Refugee Conference will be taking place on May 23, 2014 from 8:30 AM until 3:00 PM at Middlesex Community College in the first floor cafeteria. The invitation for all is attached. We do hope you will be able to participate. This is an exciting and always memorable day as we gather and celebrate our refuges. It’s a day for all to see how our population of students and families is changing and it provides insight to all educators and community members for how best to welcome, care, educate and meet the needs of refugee families.  11th Annual Refugee Conference Beyond a warm coat: meeting the social, emotional, and educational needs of refugee families Friday, May 23, 2014 Special presentations on mental Middlesex Community College health, Congolese refugees, (1st floor Cafeteria) students with limited and/or 33 Kearney Square interrupted formal education, Lowell, MA 01852 community solutions, and performance by Angkor Dance Time: 8:30am-3:00pm Troupe Keynote Speaker: TBA Panel Discussion: Community Agencies Registration: April 1, 2014-May 19, 2014 http://lpsd---refugee-day-conference.ticketleap.com/ There is no registration fee. Refreshments and lunch provided. Parking available at Lower Locks Garage on 90 Warren St., Lowell, MA 01852. Please bring your parking ticket for validation. Presented by: Lowell Public Schools, Middlesex Community College, Lowell YWCA, Department of Children and Families, and International Institute of Lowell  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby request to donate eleven [11] sick leave days to Lowell High School paraprofessional Tasha Sampson. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 113 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: UTL Sampson Donation  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby request to donate forty [40] sick leave days to Stoklosa School teacher Heiner Wais. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 132 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: