School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2014-10-22 Time: 6:30 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 / 432 Spotlight on Excellence: Summer Mathematics Program 4. 2014 / 439 Executive Session: 1- Release of the Executive Session Minutes of the Superintendent’s Contract 2- Consideration of the latest proposal from the United Teachers of Lowell MINUTES: 5. 2014 / 433 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, October 1, 2014 PERMISSION TO ENTER: 6. 2014 / 434 Permission to Enter: October 22, 2014 MEMORIALS: 7. 2014 / 420 Steve Tsapatsaris, brother of retired Superintendent of Schools George Tsapatsaris. 8. 2014 / 421 Sean Horan, brother of Butler Middle School teacher, Eileen Horan. 9. 2014 / 422 Richard Minton, brother of Payroll Clerk, Cindy Higgins. 10. 2014 / 431 Donald Cote, brother-in- law of Executive Secretary for the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Office, Nancy Cote. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 3) MOTIONS: 11. 2014 / 425 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Rodney Elliott]: Request the City Council amend bylaws to make the Greater Lowell Technical High School succession process follow the Lowell C ity Council and Lowell School Committee succession process, as it relates to the replacement of members that have left their elected office prior to the end of their full term. 12. 2014 / 427 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Supt work with staff to create a "Parent University" for parents and caregivers of Lowell Public School children. 13. 2014 / 424 [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with Health Department officials and other health care providers in the city to review the procedures that are currently in place to reduce the risk of the spread of infectious diseases in our schools. In Addition, to ask the Superintendent to invite the Director of the Health Department to attend an upcoming School Committee meeting. The Health Director and Committee members would then be able to have an open discussion about how to maximize the safety within our schools in terms by reducing the spread of contagious illnesses. 14. 2014 / 440 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Supt provide to the committee an update on the continued effort to reorganize the Districts Special Education classrooms - to include timelines for roll out, parent engagement and approximate cost associated with the reorganization. SUBCOMMITTEES: 15. 2014 / 435 Student Support Services Subcommittee: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of the Meeting of Tuesday, September 16, 2014 [Kristin Ross-Sitcawich, Chairperson] 16. 2014 / 436 Facilities Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, September 30, 2014 [James Leary, Chairperson] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 17. 2014 / 437 Parent Training Series 18. 2014 / 438 Enterovirus (EV-68) Report CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 3) 19. 2014 / 428 The eighth grade students at the Sullivan Middle School along with their teachers and administrators, to travel to Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg. The trip is scheduled over April vacation, leaving on April 19, 2015 and returning on April 23, 2015. The trip is being planned through Education First Explore America. All chaperones will be teachers and administrators from the Sullivan Middle School. There will be no cost to the Lowell Public Schools. Students and parents will have the opportunity to fundraise to defray the cost. No substitute teachers are needed. 20. 2014 / 429 Rocio Camargo-Ruiz, Pawtucketville School Social Worker, to attend the Social Thinking Conference in Baltimore, Maryland on November 13 & 14, 2014. The content of information offered at this conference will help Mrs. Camargo-Ruiz to meet the Massachusetts Curriculum Standard II Teaching All Students. The cost of the two day conference is $342.00, covered by the School's budget. Mrs. Camargo-Ruiz will be covering all costs associated with travel and hotel stay. No substitute teacher needed. 21. 2014 / 430 Mary Kelly, Henry J. Robinson Middle School Instructional Specialist, to attend the Literacy for All Conference, sponsored by Lesley University. The conference will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Sunday, November 2, 2014 through Tuesday, November 4, 2014. The cost of the conference is $399 and will be paid from the Robinson Middle School local professional development budget, there are no additional expenses being requested and no substitute is necessary. ADJOURNMENT: 22. ADJOURNMENT: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2014-10-22 Time: 6:30 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 / 432 Spotlight on Excellence: Summer Mathematics Program 4. 2014 / 439 Executive Session: 1- Release of the Executive Session Minutes of the Superintendent’s Contract 2- Consideration of the latest proposal from the United Teachers of Lowell MINUTES: 5. 2014 / 433 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 4) PERMISSION TO ENTER: 6. 2014 / 434 Permission to Enter: October 22, 2014 MEMORIALS: 7. 2014 / 420 Steve Tsapatsaris, brother of retired Superintendent of Schools George Tsapatsaris. 8. 2014 / 421 Sean Horan, brother of Butler Middle School teacher, Eileen Horan. 9. 2014 / 422 Richard Minton, brother of Payroll Clerk, Cindy Higgins. 10. 2014 / 431 Donald Cote, brother-in- law of Executive Secretary for the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Office, Nancy Cote. MOTIONS: 11. 2014 / 425 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Rodney Elliott]: Request the City Council amend bylaws to make the Greater Lowell Technical High School succession process follow the Lowell City Council and Lowell School Committee succession process, as it relates to the replacement of members that have left their elected office prior to the end of their full term. 12. 2014 / 427 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Supt work with staff to create a "Parent University" for parents and caregivers of Lowell Public School children. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 4) 13. 2014 / 424 [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with Health Department officials and other health care providers in the city to review the procedures that are currently in place to reduce the risk of the spread of infectious diseases in our schools. In Addition, to ask the Superintendent to invite the Director of the Health Department to attend an upcoming School Committee meeting. The Health Director and Committee members would then be able to have an open discussion about how to maximize the safety within our schools in terms by reducing the spread of contagious illnesses. 14. 2014 / 440 [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Supt provide to the committee an update on the continued effort to reorganize the Districts Special Education classrooms - to include timelines for roll out, parent engagement and approximate cost associated with the reorganization. SUBCOMMITTEES: 15. 2014 / 435 Student Support Services Subcommittee: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of the Meeting of Tuesday, September 16, 2014 [Kristin Ross-Sitcawich, Chairperson] 16. 2014 / 436 Facilities Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, September 30, 2014 [James Leary, Chairperson] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 17. 2014 / 437 Parent Training Series 18. 2014 / 438 Enterovirus (EV-68) Report Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 4) CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 19. 2014 / 428 The eighth grade students at the Sullivan Middle School along with their teachers and administrators, to travel to Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg. The trip is scheduled over April vacation, leaving on April 19, 2015 and returning on April 23, 2015. The trip is being pla nned through Education First Explore America. All chaperones will be teachers and administrators from the Sullivan Middle School. There will be no cost to the Lowell Public Schools. Students and parents will have the opportunity to fundraise to defray the cost. No substitute teachers are needed. 20. 2014 / 429 Rocio Camargo-Ruiz, Pawtucketville School Social Worker, to attend the Social Thinking Conference in Baltimore, Maryland on November 13 & 14, 2014. The content of information offered at this conference will help Mrs. Camargo-Ruiz to meet the Massachusetts Curriculum Standard II Teaching All Students. The cost of the two day conference is $342.00, covered by the School's budget. Mrs. Camargo-Ruiz will be covering all costs associated with travel and hotel stay. No substitute teacher needed. 21. 2014 / 430 Mary Kelly, Henry J. Robinson Middle School Instructional Specialist, to attend the Literacy for All Conference, sponsored by Lesley University. The conference will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Sunday, November 2, 2014 through Tuesday, November 4, 2014. The cost of the conference is $399 and will be paid from the Robinson Middle School local professional development budget, there are no additional expenses being requested and no substitute is necessary. ADJOURNMENT: 22. 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: Summer Mathematics Program To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 432 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Spotlight 10-22-14  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Offices Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 M. Claire Abrams Tel: (978) 674-4323 Assistant Superintendent email:cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Curriculum, Instruction &Assessment TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: October 10, 2014 RE: Spotlight on Excellence Summer Mathematics Program The Spotlight on Excellence presentation on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 will feature the seventh year of the Grades K-8 Summer Mathematics Program. The Lowell Public School Department values the contributions of its partners in the education of our children. This summer many of our partners - parents, guardians and caretakers of students in Grades K-8 were invited to support young learners in extending and enriching their mathematics skills by encouraging their study of mathematics over the summer. Our students were challenged, not only to solve mathematical problems, but to also maintain copies of their activities and recording sheets in order to present them to their new teacher at the beginning of the school year. Furthermore, all participating students were entered into a drawing. Those selected from the drawing will represent their schools at the October 22, 2014 Lowell School Committee Meeting. In addition, each of these student representatives will receive a $25.00 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble Bookstore at the meeting. I would like to thank all parents, community partners, and staff who supported this effort. I would also like to thank the Lowell School Committee for its enthusiastic support of this initiative. Above all, I’d like to offer my congratulations to all students who took advantage of this opportunity to enrich their lives through mathematics. I’m certain that continuing their study of mathematics over the summer has deepened their understanding and enlightened their appreciation for mathematics. Spotlight on Excellence October 22, 2013 The following list recognizes the school and invited students who were the lucky drawing winners: Bailey School: Ashton Heroux, Kelly Penh, Sophia Silva Bartlett School: Tiaraliz Rodriguez, Nathalia Lima,, Ashley Dzineka Butler School: Ayana Nangle, Kairi Sihakamphong, Oghenetega Nsumei Daley School: Chandra Yim, Nawin Suon, Adam Betty Greenhalge School: Ramon Alcantaro, Ruthmary Roman, Lauren Rodman Lincoln School: Alexander Sophal, Zackhery Dallaire, Emma Frascarelli McAuliffe School: Hailena Lim-Nou , Kazuma Marquez and Nicholas Porter McAvinnue School: Nicole Ramirez , Ester Garcia, Nolan Barry Moody School: Bastiana Machado-Rodrigues, Kriti Pulami, Nathaniel Neto Morey School: Erin Shetler, Ivan Kim, Sariana So Murkland School: Regina Luu, Vairsna Proeung, Kuna Phonly Pawtucketville School: Avery Dube, Cassidy Bilawchuk, Daphne Pratt, Pyne/Arts School: Caleb Desroches, Mairead Hickok, Sodhikar Pich Reilly School: Abigail Yfantopulos, Alexander Wyman, Safa Shaikh Robinson School: Karlina Chhor, Mariama Jalloh, Anthony Canela Shaughnessy School: Sophia Owens, Davion Rivera, Deandre Rivera Stoklosa School: Youvanny Tim, Yasmine Hawkins, Kayvian Cordero Sullivan School: Elber Palma, Mario Silva, Katherine Aristizabal Wang School: Alyssa Perrin, Viona Kamoni, Arlene Tetteh-Larty Washington School: Johannis Colon, Lacey Pare, Nellie Chan Spotlight on Excellence October 22, 2013  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Executive Session: 1- Release of the Executive Session Minutes of the Superintendent’s Contract 2- Consideration of the latest proposal from the United Teachers of Lowell To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 439 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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, October 1, 2014 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 433 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Permission to Enter: October 22, 2014 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 434 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Office of Finance & Operations Phone: (978) 674-2019 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 937-7620 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: October 17, 2014 Subject: Permission to Enter – October 22, 2014 School Committee Meeting COUNTY CAB, INC. $ 13,200 18 OLDE Main Street Spencer, MA 01562 To provide roundtrip transportation for one (1) special education student from Stetson School in Barre, MA to the Devereux School in Spencer, MA. Funding provided by the School Department Budget – Special Education Transportation MAINE SPECIAL EDUCATION/MENTAL HEALTH COLLABORATIVE $ 51,765 41 Pine land Drive Suite 200 New Gloucester, ME 04260 To provide for the out-of-district tuition costs for one (1) student enrolled and receiving services as outlined in their special education IEP. Funding provided by the School Department Budget– Special Education Tuition Account LOWELL PARKS AND CONSERVATION TRUST INC $ 170,000 660 Suffolk Street #120 Lowell, MA 01854 To provide Environmental and Conservation Education Programs to students participating in the 21st Century and Gateway afterschool and summer programs. Funding provided by the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant & Gateway Grant NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (NCBH) $ 35,000 1701 K Street N.W. Washington, DC 20006 To provide training to administrators and staff participating in the Youth Mental Health First Aid Training of the Trainers Program with the skills to recognize developing mental health problems or someone in crisis. Funding provided by the Project Aware Grant UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTTS AT LOWELL $ 37,775 TSONGAS INDUSTRIAL HISTORY CENTER One University Avenue Lowell, MA 01854 To provide curriculum based programs to students in the third, fourth, fifth, eighth, and eleventh grades to enrich their content understanding and skill development on the American Industrial Revolution. Funding provided by the School Department Budget – Field Trip Admissions Fees 2  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Steve Tsapatsaris, brother of retired Superintendent of Schools George Tsapatsaris. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 420 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Sean Horan, brother of Butler Middle School teacher, Eileen Horan. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 421 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Richard Minton, brother of Payroll Clerk, Cindy Higgins. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 422 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Donald Cote, brother-in-law of Executive Secretary for the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Office, Nancy Cote. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 431 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 and Rodney Elliott]: Request the City Council amend bylaws to make the Greater Lowell Technical High School succession process follow the Lowell City Council and Lowell School Committee succession process, as it relates to the replacement of members that have left their elected office prior to the end of their full term. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 425 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 Supt work with staff to create a "Parent University" for parents and caregivers of Lowell Public School children. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 427 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 David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with Health Department officials and other health care providers in the city to review the procedures that are currently in place to reduce the risk of the spread of infectious diseases in our schools. In Addition, to ask the Superintendent to invite the Director of the Health Department to attend an upcoming School Committee meeting. The Health Director and Committee members would then be able to have an open discussion about how to maximize the safety within our schools in terms by reducing the spread of contagious illnesses. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 424 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 Supt provide to the committee an update on the continued effort to reorganize the Districts Special Education classrooms - to include timelines for roll out, parent engagement and approximate cost associated with the reorganization. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 440 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Student Support Services Phone: (978) 441-3718 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 970-5475 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: jdurkin@lowell.k12.ma.us Lowell School Committee Subcommittee Meeting Student Support Services E. N. Rogers School 43 Highland Street, Lowell, MA Room 116 July 16, 2014 6:30 p.m. Agenda The purpose of this meeting is to review the following: I. Options-Based Response Update II. District Attendance Intervention Plan III. Family Resource Center Report  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Student Support Services Phone: (978) 674-2034 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: jdurkin@lowell.k12.ma.us Options-Based Response Update To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: September 12, 2014 The following report is in response to a request by School Committee Member, David Conway, at an April 2014 Student Support Subcommittee Meeting for a progress update from the District’s Emergency Preparedness Team on the implementation of Options-Based Response in the Lowell Public Schools. What follows are targeted actions steps and evidence of progress on implementation of Options-Based Response in the Lowell Public Schools:   Developed a Critical Incidence Response Team and Crisis Response Protocol for the district. Provided training for the team designated to respond to critical incidents as well as reviewed  processes and procedures with district and school-based administrators. Revised templates for School Crisis Plans in collaboration with Lowell Police, Fire, EMS and  Health Department for implementation in 2014-2015. Trained three members of the District’s Emergency Preparedness Team as certified trainers for  Options-Based Response Procedures (A.L.I.C.E.). Trained two members of the District’s Emergency Preparedness Team as trainers for PREPARE (School Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training Curriculum).  Certified two new members of the District’s Emergency Preparedness Team in FEMA Incident Command Systems (three additional members previously certified including all school nurses and nurse managers).  Developed Emergency Response Plans including Rally and Reunification Points for all Lowell  Schools in collaboration with Lowell Fire, Police and EMS. Developed Options-Based Response Procedures for the Lowell Public Schools.  Presented an Options-Based Response overview to all Lowell administrators during the April  2014 All Administrator Meeting Developed an Options-Based Response Training DVD.  Presented the Options-Based Response Training DVD to Lowell administrators during the May  2014 All Administrator Meeting. Presented the Options-Based Response DVD to all school-based staff in grades PreK-8 during the Early Release Day on May 14, 2014 (conducted by building administrators in consultation with  District Emergency Preparedness Team addressing questions during training). Presented the Options-Based Response Training DVD to all LHS staff during June Assessment  Early Release Day (conducted by building administrators). Developed an Options-Based Response Simulation Training.   Provided Options-Based Response Simulation Training for elementary and middle school staff during the June 2014 Early Release Day.  Provided Options-Based Response Simulation Training for LHS staff and remaining elementary  and middle schools during Staff Orientation at the start of the 2014-15 school year. Provided an Options-Based Response Simulation Training for Morey School staff and all new staff to the Lowell Public Schools during the September 2014 Early Release Day.  Drafted letters to be sent home to families and website updates about new safety procedures with an invitation to review the new procedures during three sessions designed for parents in  September and October 2014. Developed social stories about safety for elementary schools and special populations to be presented to students prior to simulation drills. Next Steps:  Finalize Reunification Protocols for the district and provide training and materials for  implementation to all school administrators and parents by October 2014. Finalize a plan to conduct school-based Options-Based Response Simulation Drills for all  students October through November 2014. Finalize a plan for conducting Options-Based Response Simulation Drills for cafeteria staff, night custodians and central office personnel by November 2014. Lowell Attendance Improvement Model Lowell AIM “Don’t miss the mark and let your education slip away, come to school everyday.”  The Lowell Attendance Improvement Model (AIM) The Lowell Public Schools, in conjunction with the Middlesex Juvenile Court and the Department of Children and Families has developed the Lowell Attendance Improvement Model (AIM) as an intervention for reducing chronic absence in school.  Goal of AIM The goal of AIM is to identify obstacles that lower a child’s school attendance and collectively develop an action plan to establish solutions that: • Increase student attendance • Improve academic success  Purpose of AIM • Students identified for involvement in AIM have demonstrated chronic attendance concerns despite documented school compliance with the Lowell Public School’s Attendance Intervention Plan. • The Lowell AIM Team provides families access to diverse community partners and advocates to collaboratively assist students and families with addressing complex issues impacting attendance. • Lowell AIM is intended to be a court diversion intervention program to decrease juvenile court referrals.  AIM Team Collaborative Members • Identified students/families • School personnel • Lowell Public School’s Supervisor of Attendance and/or Attendance Monitor • LPS District Student Support Representative • Middlesex Juvenile Court Probation Officer • Department of Children and Families Social Worker • Depending on the individual needs of the student/family as identified by the school, additional community partners may be invited.  Snapshot of 2013-2014 Attendance Team Meeting Results • SY 13/14 conducted attendance team meetings for identified students and families • Collected data to track the impact of team meetings on student attendance • If students attendance did not improve, the team followed-up to reevaluate the individual cases - diverting the number of students referred to the court system  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Facilities Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, September 30, 2014 [James Leary, Chairperson] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 436 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Facilities Subcommittee  LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Henry J. Mroz Administration Office Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Rodney M. Elliott Tel: (978) 937‐7647 Mayor and Chairperson Tel: (978) 937‐7614 Fax: (978) 446‐7436 Connie A. Martin Vice‐Chairperson Facilities Subcommittee Meeting Tuesday September 30, 2014 David J. Conway Stephen J. Gendron Rogers School – Room 116 James D. Leary 6:30 p.m. Kristin Ross‐Sitcawich Kimberly A. Scott Subcommittee Members Present: Chairperson James Leary, Kristin Ross- Sitcawich and Stephen Gendron School Department Personnel Present: Jean Franco, Superintendent of Schools and Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Schools The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. The following agenda items were discussed: 1. Comprehensive Facilities Assessment Follow-Up 2. 10 Year Capital Plan Follow-Up Mr. Lang discussed the final draft copies of the Comprehensive Facilities Assessment and 10 Year Capital Plan that were developed by OMR Architects during the 2013/14 school year. Mr. Lang informed the subcommittee members that he had spoken with a representative of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) pertaining to the applications that were filed last year for the Lowell High School (priority) project as well as several middle school projects. The MSBA representative indicated they were conducting the review of applications received and scheduling site visits to those schools they were not familiar with from previous submissions. The representative indicated that the MSBA did not plan on a site visit to Lowell High School due to the fact that they were familiar with the project and existing building conditions. Subcommittee members expressed concern for not hearing from the MSBA at this time and requested Superintendent Franco reach out directly to the members of the state delegation to urge them to contact the MSBA on behalf of the City of Lowell Public Schools in support of the applications submitted. Mr. Lang suggested that the school building projects be an agenda item at the scheduled meeting on October 15th between the Lowell School Committee and state delegation. Subcommittee members supported the suggestion however did not want to allow two weeks to pass before making contact with the state delegation. In addition to the upcoming meeting with the state delegation, it was also suggested that the Facilities Subcommittee of the Lowell School Committee schedule a meeting with the facilities subcommittee of the Lowell City Council to discuss the draft Comprehensive Facilities Assessment and 10 Year Capital Plan. The last joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee focused primarily on the MSBA applications and not the general findings and recommendations included within the final draft copies of the Comprehensive Facilities Assessment and 10 Year Capital Plan. Chairperson Leary requested Mr. Lang provide the city manager's office with copies of both plans to be shared with the members of the City Council in anticipation of a joint subcommittee meeting during the month of November. Mr. Leary indicated he would reach out to the chairperson of the City Council facilities subcommittee to discuss possible future meeting dates. 3. Building Naming – Frederick A. Abisi Adult Education Center Mr. Lang updated the subcommittee members pertaining to the building naming in honor of Frederick A. Abisi. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Saturday November 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. The dedication ceremony will take place at the Lowell Adult Education Center (Green School) at 408 Merrimack Street. 4. Status of FY14 Capital Projects 5. Heating Systems Follow-Up Mr. Lang reviewed a spreadsheet listing the approved capital projects as well as the current status of each project with the subcommittee members. Mr. Lang indicated the City would be working on the FY15 capital plan in the coming months and that he would report back recommendations to the subcommittee for consideration at future meetings. One area of concern with the approved capital plans are the projects pertaining to HVAC work at several schools throughout the district. Approximately $1.9 million has been approved and allocated to replace the EMS systems at several schools which will require a significant amount of project management and oversight. During the FY15 budget deliberations, the administration recommended increasing the part-time EMS system monitor to full-time for the duration of the projects to allow for the necessary oversight and project management. Mr. Lang indicated he had spoken with representatives of Watermark who have been contracted as the architect/engineer for these projects to inquire about the costs of contracting for an individual or individuals to oversee the required work. The cost to contract out the services would be significantly higher, more than double, the costs associated with increasing the part-time employee to full-time for the duration of these projects. Further, it was felt that an employee who will continue to work in a part-time capacity after the projects have been completed will have more ownership of the project than a contractor that will leave the school system after the projects are complete. Motion by Steve Gendron, seconded by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich, to recommend to the full school committee to increase the EMS System Monitor from part-time to full-time for the duration of the HVAC projects and transfer $ 38,545 from the School Committee Suspense Account to provide funding for the necessary salary differential (Approved 3-0). 6. Status of Work Orders In response to a motion by committee members Steve Gendron and Kim Scott, Mr. Lang provided several reports pertaining to the open work orders and completed work orders in the school system. Mr. Lang reported that the new web-based work order system is fully deployed and has been received positively by the staff members that interact with it daily. The system reporting functionality and ease of operation is significantly better than the predecessor. Mr. Lang also reported that he will be sharing the data collected in the work order system for the 2013/14 school year with the city employees responsible for the City Stat program so they may be able to analyze the data and provide a report in response to a motion by committee members Kim Scott and Kristin Ross-Sitcawich filed earlier last year. Motion by Steve Gendron, seconded by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich, to accept the reports as reports of progress (Approved 3-0). Motion to adjourn at 7:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jay Lang Deputy Superintendent of Finance & Operations For Jean M. Franco Superintendent of Schools Secretary, Lowell School Committee  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Parent Training Series To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 437 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Student Support Services Phone: (978) 674-2034 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: jdurkin@lowell.k12.ma.us Parenting Series To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: October 16, 2014 This report provides information about a series offered to parents and caregivers entitled, Positive Solutions for Families. This six-week series was initiated by Early Childhood Social Worker, Darcie Coleman, who has facilitated an ongoing group at Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI) in the evening for Lowell parents. The program provides an evidence-based curriculum free of charge (outline attached). Each session is 1.5 hours and is co-led by Lowell Public School Social Workers. The PowerPoint Presentations for the six modules can be found online at http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/. This was a grass root collaborative effort that has relied on in-kind donations of time and materials over the years. Partners involved in the collaboration include Lowell Public School Social Workers (group facilitators), Ann Sullivan Early Intervention (co-leaders of evening groups and provider of childcare for evening group), CTI Head Start (provider of in-kind space and food for evening class) and Lowell General Hospital (provider of graduation incentives for those who complete series). Over the past two years, approximately 100 family members have completed the parenting series. The feedback to date from parents has been phenomenal and as a result of the continued interest, a second group was created for parents who have successfully completed the series and wish to continue to meet together on a monthly basis to support one another in positive parenting. This fall, in addition to the weekly group in the evening at CTI, there are six schools offering the series to parents. Lowell Public School Social Workers have partnered together to provide a variety of times and locations in order to meet the various needs of parents and caregivers across the city.  Current Program Offerings Day Time Location Thursdays 6:00 p.m. CTI Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. Reilly School Tuesdays 9:15 a.m. Pyne/Arts School Wednesdays 8:45 a.m. Bailey School Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. McAuliffe School Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. Pawtucketville Memorial and Wang School One year ago, program facilitators began collecting both qualitative and quantitative data on the program. Reported results were overwhelmingly positive with continued requests for additional programming. Additionally, there is a waitlist of families who would like to participate in the series. Currently, over 40 families in Lowell are learning skills to support their parenting so that they can raise healthier children and be more positively involved in their lives and education. I would like to thank Early Childhood Social Worker, Darcie Coleman, for initiating this exceptional parenting series for parents in the Lowell Public Schools as well as School-Based Social Workers for facilitating the new series scheduled for this year.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Enterovirus (EV-68) Report To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 438 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Student Support Services Phone: (978) 674-2034 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 674-2141 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: jdurkin@lowell.k12.ma.us Enterovirus (EV-68) Report To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: October 16, 2014 The following report is in response to the motion by School Committee Member, Kristin Ross- Sitcawich which was approved at the October 1, 2014 School Committee Meeting: “Request the Superintendent work with the City of Lowell Health Department to distribute material to Lowell Public School families for the purposes of education and awareness around Enterovirus (EV-68).” The Office of Student Support Services works in collaboration with the City of Lowell Health Department on all areas pertinent to the health and wellness of Lowell Public School students. Monthly meetings take place to address said issues and partnerships have been established with the Lowell Public Schools Health and Wellness Policy Committee and Crisis Planning Team. The most recent collaboration pertains to the dissemination of information to all families of Lowell Public School students relative to the Enterovirus. The attached flyers have been posted in all schools and on all school websites as well as sent home to all families. There was also an article this past week in the Lowell Sun relative to the Health Department’s efforts to date. I would like to thank Nurse Coordinator for the City of Lowell Health Department, Lesa Breault-Gulbicki, and the school nurses for ensuring that this important information was shared with all families of Lowell Public School students.  How can I help protect myself and my family?  Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers. Hand washing is preferable to hand sanitizers, which are not as effective at killing this type of germ.  Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.  Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.  Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick. For people with asthma  Continue to take asthma medications as prescribed.  Have an asthma control plan in place with your health care provider in cases of infection or if asthma worsens.  Contact your health care provider immediately if symptoms worsen despite treatment.  If you or your child are ill, please contact your doctor. For questions related to EV-D68, please contact: Boston Public Health Commission Infectious Disease Bureau (617) 534-5611 For questions related to asthma, please contact: Boston Public Health Commission Asthma Prevention & Control Program (617) 534-5966 BPHC Fact Sheet: EV-D68 & Asthma (English) September 2014  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 The eighth grade students at the Sullivan Middle School along with their teachers and administrators, to travel to Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg. The trip is scheduled over April vacation, leaving on April 19, 2015 and returning on April 23, 2015. The trip is being planned through Education First Explore America. All chaperones will be teachers and administrators from the Sullivan Middle School. There will be no cost to the Lowell Public Schools. Students and parents will have the opportunity to fundraise to defray the cost. No substitute teachers are needed. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 428 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Sullivan Field Trip  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Rocio Camargo-Ruiz, Pawtucketville School Social Worker, to attend the Social Thinking Conference in Baltimore, Maryland on November 13 & 14, 2014. The content of information offered at this conference will help Mrs. Camargo-Ruiz to meet the Massachusetts Curriculum Standard II Teaching All Students. The cost of the two day conference is $342.00, covered by the School's budget. Mrs. Camargo-Ruiz will be covering all costs associated with travel and hotel stay. No substitute teacher needed. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 429 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Mary Kelly, Henry J. Robinson Middle School Instructional Specialist, to attend the Literacy for All Conference, sponsored by Lesley University. The conference will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Sunday, November 2, 2014 through Tuesday, November 4, 2014. The cost of the conference is $399 and will be paid from the Robinson Middle School local professional development budget, there are no additional expenses being requested and no substitute is necessary. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 430 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Robinson Conference  Henry J. Robinson Middle School 110 June Street Lowell, MA 01850 Telephone: 978-937-8974 Fax: 978-937-8988 Thaddeus P. King Sara Hoomis Principal Assistant Principal October 7, 2014 Jean Franco 155 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01850 Ms. Franco: I am requesting permission for Mary Kelly, Robinson Middle School Instructional Specialist, to attend the Literacy for All Conference, sponsored by Lesley University. The conference will take place at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Sunday, November 2 thru Tuesday November 4. The cost of the conference is $399 and will be paid from the Robinson Middle School local professional development budget, there are no additional expenses being requested and no substitute is necessary. The conference offers professional development provided by the country’s leading literacy professionals. Mary would attend workshops on Literacy Coaching, Reading and Writing Workshop, Deepening Comprehension for Struggling Readers, Implementing RTI for Coaches, Argument Writing based on Common Core using digital tools, and Assessing Writers using mini-lessons and conferencing. I feel that having Mary attend this conference will provide her with important knowledge and skills to better support her work with our teachers. It is my hope that this will also provide her with a wealth of resources and information to assist us in our work this year. Sincerely, Thad King Relevance – Rigor – Relationships