School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2015-04-01 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. 2015 / 143 Public Hearing Inter-District School Choice Program 4. 2015 / 148 Spotlight on Excellence: Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition 2015 5. 2015 / 160 Special Meeting: Update on Progress of Negotiations UTL/LSSA/SEIU- litigation and Collective Bargaining immediately following the regularly scheduled School Committee Meeting MINUTES: 6. 2015 / 149 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, March 18, 2015 PERMISSION TO ENTER: 7. 2015 / 153 Permission to Enter: April 1, 2015 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 5) MEMORIALS: 8. 2015 / 139 Raul Massacessi, former Butler Middle School student. 9. 2015 / 140 Violet O'Keefe, mother of Butler School teacher Gerrilynn Manolopoulos and Laura Lee School tutor Terri Hoffman. 10. 2015 / 141 General John Blatsos, grandfather of Butler School teacher Matthew Blake. MOTIONS: 11. 2015 / 145 [by David J. Conway]: Because of the frequent inclement spring weather, ask the Superintendent to meet with the Athletic Director and Headmaster to develop a plan that will address the needs of the pre-season spring sports. It should include strategies for alternative practice locations that will ready our athletes for their season. 12. 2015 / 146 [by David J. Conway]: Ask the Superintendent to give an updated report on the status of the Van to be purchased for the Colleen Creegan Media Studio at L.H.S. 13. 2015 / 155 [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a plan to limit the amount of time spent on standardized test prep and a plan to reduce stress levels felt by children around the standardized test process. 14. 2015 / 156 [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop and issue an RFP to provide before and after school care at all of our elementary and middle schools. 15. 2015 / 161 [by James D. Leary]: Request the Superintendent provide a report to the School Committee that outlines the Teaching Strategies GOLD (TS GOLD) program. The report should include the requirements from the state and how the Lowell Public Schools are implementing the program within our system. 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 5) 16. 2015 / 162 [by James D. Leary]: Request the Superintendent provide a report to the school committee with an update on the expansion plans for the Rogers School as well any recommendations for consideration in re zoning the district in the future. 17. 2015 / 163 [by James D. Leary and Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Request the Superintendent contact Congresswomen Tsongas, Senator Markey and Senator Warren in order to discuss appropriate funding for the students entering the Lowell Public Schools Newcomers program. 18. 2015 / 164 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the superintendent provide a report on the "receiver" communities for Newcomers in Massachusetts, how they are chosen and the numbers received in recent years. 19. 2015 / 165 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the superintendent send letters of thanks on behalf of the school committee to all applicants for superintendent search committee. 20. 2015 / 166 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the School Committee declare May 26 to be the 2nd annual Lowell Public School Community Service Day. SUBCOMMITTEES: 21. 2015 / 154 Personnel: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, March 18, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chair] 22. 2015 / 157 Joint Finance and Student Support Services: Report of the Meeting of Monday, March 30, 2015 [James Leary, Chairperson and Kristin Ross- Sitcawich, Chairperson] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 23. 2015 / 147 Revised 2015-2016 School Calendar 24. 2015 / 150 Preschool Expansion Grant Update 25. 2015 / 151 School Security Options Report 26. 2015 / 158 Community Service Month Update Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 5) 27. 2015 / 159 Civics Day NEW BUSINESS: 28. 2015 / 152 Vote of Inter-District School Choice CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 29. 2015 / 142 The 8th Grade students of the Dr. Wang Middle School, along with staff, to participate in an overnight field trip to Pearl Hill State Park in Townsend, MA on Wednesday, June 10th and return on Friday, June 12th. The trip will be paid by students and staff. There are no costs to the School Department budget. No substitute teachers are needed. 30. 2015 / 144 Lowell High Business Professional Advisor Jill McNamara, along with one (1) coried chaperone and eleven (11) members of the Lowell Chapter, to attend the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California from Tuesday, May 5, 2015 through Sunday, May 10, 2015. The cost for each student will not exceed $950.00 and will be paid by the Perkins Grant, students, 1826 School Store and community donations. The cost of the club advisor will not exceed $2,337.00, which will be paid by the BPA club funds and the 1826 School Store. A substitute teacher for four (4) days @ $400.00 will be paid by LHS Professional Development funds. Chaperones will cover their own expenses. 31. 2015 / 167 Trip previously approved April 2, 2014: 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. NO CHANGES Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 5) 32. 2015 / 168 Trip previously approved October 22, 2014: 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. NO CHANGES ADJOURNMENT: 33. 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: 2015-04-01 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. 2015 / 143 Public Hearing Inter-District School Choice Program 4. 2015 / 148 Spotlight on Excellence: Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition 2015 5. 2015 / 160 Special Meeting: Update on Progress of Negotiations UTL/LSSA/SEIU- litigation and Collective Bargaining immediately follo wing the regularly scheduled School Committee Meeting MINUTES: 6. 2015 / 149 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 6) PERMISSION TO ENTER: 7. 2015 / 153 Permission to Enter: April 1, 2015 MEMORIALS: 8. 2015 / 139 Raul Massacessi, former Butler Middle School student. 9. 2015 / 140 Violet O'Keefe, mother of Butler School teacher Gerrilynn Manolopoulos and Laura Lee School tutor Terri Hoffman. 10. 2015 / 141 General John Blatsos, grandfather of Butler School teacher Matthew Blake. MOTIONS: 11. 2015 / 145 [by David J. Conway]: Because of the frequent inclement spring weather, ask the Superintendent to meet with the Athletic Director and Headmaster to develop a plan that will address the needs of the pre-season spring sports. It should include strategies for alternative practice locations that will ready our athletes for their season. 12. 2015 / 146 [by David J. Conway]: Ask the Superintendent to give an updated report on the status of the Van to be purchased for the Colleen Creegan Media Studio at L.H.S. 13. 2015 / 155 [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a plan to limit the amount of time spent on standardized test prep and a plan to reduce stress levels felt by children around the standardized test process. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 6) 14. 2015 / 156 [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop and issue an RFP to provide before and after school care at all of our elementary and middle schools. 15. 2015 / 161 [by James D. Leary]: Request the Superintendent provide a report to the School Committee that outlines the Teaching Strategies GOLD (TS GOLD) program. The report should include the requirements from the state and how the Lowell Public Schools are implementing the program within our system. 16. 2015 / 162 [by James D. Leary]: Request the Superintendent provide a report to the school committee with an update on the expansion plans for the Rogers School as well any recommendations for consideration in rezoning the district in the future. 17. 2015 / 163 [by James D. Leary and Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Request the Superintendent contact Congresswomen Tsongas, Senator Markey and Senator Warren in order to discuss appropriate funding for the students entering the Lowell Public Schools Newcomers program. 18. 2015 / 164 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the superintendent provide a report on the "receiver" communities for Newcomers in Massachusetts, how they are chosen and the numbers received in recent years. 19. 2015 / 165 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the superintendent send letters of thanks on behalf of the school committee to all applicants for superintendent search committee. 20. 2015 / 166 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the School Committee declare May 26 to be the 2nd annual Lowell Public School Community Service Day. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 6) SUBCOMMITTEES: 21. 2015 / 154 Personnel: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, March 18, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chair] 22. 2015 / 157 Joint Finance and Student Support Services: Report of the Meeting of Monday, March 30, 2015 [James Leary, Chairperson and Kristin Ross- Sitcawich, Chairperson] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 23. 2015 / 147 Revised 2015-2016 School Calendar 24. 2015 / 150 Preschool Expansion Grant Update 25. 2015 / 151 School Security Options Report 26. 2015 / 158 Community Service Month Update 27. 2015 / 159 Civics Day NEW BUSINESS: 28. 2015 / 152 Vote of Inter-District School Choice Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 5 of 6) CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 29. 2015 / 142 The 8th Grade students of the Dr. Wang Middle School, along with staff, to participate in an overnight field trip to Pearl Hill State Park in Townsend, MA on Wednesday, June 10th and return on Friday, June 12th. The trip will be paid by students and staff. There are no costs to the School Department budget. No substitute teachers are needed. 30. 2015 / 144 Lowell High Business Professional Advisor Jill McNamara, along with one (1) coried chaperone and eleven (11) members of the Lowell Chapter, to attend the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California from Tuesday, May 5, 2015 through Sunday, May 10, 2015. The cost for each student will not exceed $950.00 and will be paid by the Perkins Grant, students, 1826 School Store and community donations. The cost of the club advisor will not exceed $2,337.00, which will be paid by the BPA club funds and the 1826 School Store. A substitute teacher for four (4) days @ $400.00 will be paid by LHS Professional Development funds. Chaperones will cover their own expenses. 31. 2015 / 167 Trip previously approved April 2, 2014: 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. NO CHANGES 32. 2015 / 168 Trip previously approved October 22, 2014: 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. NO CHANGES Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 6 of 6) ADJOURNMENT: 33. 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 Public Hearing Inter-District School Choice Program To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 143 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Spotlight on Excellence: Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition 2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 148 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Phone: (978) 674-4323 155 Merrimack Street E-mail: cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Spotlight on Excellence TO: Jean Franco, Superintendent of Schools FROM: Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: March 26, 2015 RE: Spotlight on Excellence Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition 2015 The Spotlight on Excellence presentation on Wednesday, April 1st will feature the Daley School, champions of this year’s Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition. The following is an outline of the presentation: 1. Carolyn Rocheleau, Coordinator for the 2015 competition, will provide a brief overview of this year’s competition. 2. Liam Skinner, Principal of the Daley School, will introduce the Daley School coaches, Marsha Downey and Karen Miranda, who will in turn introduce their students. 3. Students will share their memories and highlights of this year’s competition. Spotlight on Excellence Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition 2015 March 26, 2015  Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition 2015 Spotlight on Excellence The Knowledge Bowl was established in 1988 for the purpose of engaging students from all eight middle schools in a challenging academic competition. The Daley School has the honor of being this year’s Knowledge Bowl Champion. The coaches for this year’s winning team are: Marsha Downey and Karen Miranda Members of the Championship Team are: Derek Allen Josiah Belfiore Sophia Cigliano Colin Kuczek Timothy McCabe Dylan McCue Andrew Pollard David Savoie Zoe Szczesiul Samantha Veiga This year’s second place winner was the Pyne Arts School and third place went to the Wang School. The Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl is a competition that continues to evolve and become more exciting each year. This year’s Current Events Round tested students’ knowledge of items in the news locally, statewide, nationally and internationally. The Lowell School Committee has continued its support by not only allocating $20,000 for the expenses of conducting the Knowledge Bowl but by also attending and/or participating in the event. This year 80 students were on the official team rosters. Teams worked with 2 coaches, and started preparing for this competition in October. Up until the competition began, teams reviewed practice questions in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, the Arts and Current Events. The Knowledge Bowl is truly a cooperative effort that involves numerous dedicated individuals. I want to express my thanks to all who helped to make this year’s competition a success. Congratulations to all participants for a job well done. Spotlight on Excellence Kathryn P. Stoklosa Knowledge Bowl Competition 2015 2 March 26, 2015  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Special Meeting: Update on Progress of Negotiations UTL/LSSA/SEIU-litigation and Collective Bargaining immediately following the regularly scheduled School Committee Meeting To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 160 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, March 18, 2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 149 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: April 1, 2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 153 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: March 27, 2015 Subject: Permission to Enter – April 1, 2015 School Committee Meeting ARAMARK EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, LLC $ 3,769,138 1101 Market Street PO Box 7548 Philadelphia, PA 19101 To amend the existing contract to provide for the continuation of the management services to the Lowell Public Schools for the operation of the district’s school food service program in the 2015/16 school year. Funding provided by the School Department - Food Service Revolving Fund  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Raul Massacessi, former Butler Middle School student. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 139 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Violet O'Keefe, mother of Butler School teacher Gerrilynn Manolopoulos and Laura Lee School tutor Terri Hoffman. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 140 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 General John Blatsos, grandfather of Butler School teacher Matthew Blake. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 141 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 J. Conway]: Because of the frequent inclement spring weather, ask the Superintendent to meet with the Athletic Director and Headmaster to develop a plan that will address the needs of the pre- season spring sports. It should include strategies for alternative practice locations that will ready our athletes for their season. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 145 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 J. Conway]: Ask the Superintendent to give an updated report on the status of the Van to be purchased for the Colleen Creegan Media Studio at L.H.S. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 146 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 Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a plan to limit the amount of time spent on standardized test prep and a plan to reduce stress levels felt by children around the standardized test process. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 155 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 Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop and issue an RFP to provide before and after school care at all of our elementary and middle schools. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 156 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 James D. Leary]: Request the Superintendent provide a report to the School Committee that outlines the Teaching Strategies GOLD (TS GOLD) program. The report should include the requirements from the state and how the Lowell Public Schools are implementing the program within our system. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 161 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 James D. Leary]: Request the Superintendent provide a report to the school committee with an update on the expansion plans for the Rogers School as well any recommendations for consideration in rezoning the district in the future. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 162 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 James D. Leary and Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Request the Superintendent contact Congresswomen Tsongas, Senator Markey and Senator Warren in order to discuss appropriate funding for the students entering the Lowell Public Schools Newcomers program. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 163 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 Steve Gendron]:Request the superintendent provide a report on the "receiver" communities for Newcomers in Massachusetts, how they are chosen and the numbers received in recent years. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 164 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 Steve Gendron]: Request the superintendent send letters of thanks on behalf of the school committee to all applicants for superintendent search committee. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 165 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 Steve Gendron]: Request the School Committee declare May 26 to be the 2nd annual Lowell Public School Community Service Day. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 166 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Personnel: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, March 18, 2015 [Connie Martin, Chair] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 154 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Personnel Subcommittee  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Joint Finance and Student Support Services: Report of the Meeting of Monday, March 30, 2015 [James Leary, Chairperson and Kristin Ross-Sitcawich, Chairperson] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 157 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Revised 2015-2016 School Calendar To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 147 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Office of the Superintendent of Schools ‐ LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS ‐ Lowell, Massachusetts 2015‐2016 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR Monday, August 31, 2015 Orientation Day – Staff Only Tuesday, September 1, 2015 First Day of School – Grades 1‐12 Friday, September 4, 2015 No School – Labor Day Recess Monday, September 7, 2015 * No School – Labor Day Tuesday, September 8, 2015 Schools Re‐Open along with Prekindergarten & Kindergarten Classes Beginning Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Wednesday ‐ ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK‐12 Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Wednesday ‐ ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK‐12 Monday, October 12, 2015 * No School – Columbus Day Tuesday, November 3, 2015 No School ‐Election Day Wednesday, November 11, 2015 * No School ‐ Veterans’ Day Observed Wednesday, November 25, 2015 Early Dismissal – Thanksgiving Recess Thursday, November 26, 2015 * No School ‐ Thanksgiving Day Friday, November 27, 2015 * No School – Thanksgiving Recess Monday, November 30, 2015 Schools Re‐Open Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Wednesday ‐½ Day Early Release for grades PreK‐12 Thursday, December 24, 2015 * Christmas Eve – No School ‐ Holiday Break Friday, December 25, 2015 * Christmas Day ‐[Holiday Break: Thursday, December 24th – Friday, January 1, 2016] Friday, January 1, 2016 * New Years Day Monday, January 4, 2016 Schools Re‐Open Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Wednesday ‐ ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK‐12 Monday, January 18, 2016 * No School – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Wednesday ‐ ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK‐12 Friday, February 12, 2016 Mid‐Winter Vacation Begins at the Close of School Monday, February 15, 2016 * President’s Day ‐[Mid‐Winter Vacation: Monday, February 15 – Friday, February 19, 2016] Monday, February 22, 2016 Monday ‐ Schools Re‐Open Wednesday, March 9, 2016 Wednesday ‐ ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK‐12 Friday, March 25, 2016 * No School ‐ Good Friday Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Wednesday ‐ ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK‐12 Friday, April 15, 2016 Spring Vacation Begins at the Close of School Monday, April 18, 2016 * Patriot’s Day ‐ [Spring Break: Monday, April 18th – Friday, April 22, 2016] Monday, April 25, 2016 Schools Re‐Open Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Wednesday ‐ ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK‐12 Monday, May 30, 2016 * No School – Memorial Day June 2016 (TBD) Wednesday ‐ ½ Day Early Release for grades PreK‐12 Will be on the last day of School Wednesday, June 15, 2016 180th School Day Wednesday, June 22, 2016 185th School Day [Includes five (5) Snow Days] Number of School Days Per Month Approved by the Lowell School Committee at their meeting of Wednesday, March 18, 2015 August 0 January 19 September 20 February 16 October 21 March 22 * Central Administration, Family Resource Center and Early November 17 April 16 Childhood Center ‐‐‐ CLOSED December 17 May 21 June 11 Total 180  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Preschool Expansion Grant Update To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 150 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 Preschool Expansion Grant Update To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: March 26, 2015 The following update is in response to a request by School Committee Member, Connie Martin, which was discussed during the Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting on March 10, 2015. The Lowell Public Schools has recently been awarded a federally funded Preschool Expansion Grant (PEG) that is being administered by the MA Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Lowell is one of five communities who received this funding and will receive $2,850,000 over four years to support the expansion of high quality preschool opportunities for children. A priority of the grant is to support school districts in coordinating and collaborating with community-based early education and care programs to enhance the quality of the learning opportunities provided and to promote improved outcomes for children. Lowell partners identified by EEC to work collaboratively with the public schools in designing and implementing this program are Community Teamwork, Inc. and Little Sprouts. The grant affords Lowell the opportunity to provide preschool programming for four-year-old children, including children with disabilities and children who are English language learners (dual language learners), in an effort to provide the children with a strong foundation for learning and ultimately improve their opportunities for educational success in the early grades. The grant funding will serve 156 four-year-olds annually starting in September 2015 in a full-day/full-year program. The target outreach will be for children who:   have had no prior preschool experiences; are living in a family whose income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level  (FPL); and face multiple risk factors such as homelessness, child abuse and neglect, and teen parent households. Additional features of this full-day/full-year program include meeting the 12 required High Quality Preschool Program Standards that are evidence-based and nationally recognized as important for ensuring program quality. These include:  1. Staff qualifications, including teachers with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a bachelor's degree in any field with a state approved alternate pathway, which may include coursework, clinical practice and evidence of content and pedagogy knowledge relative to early childhood, and teaching assistants with appropriate credentials; 2. High quality professional development for all staff; 3. A child-to-instructional staff ratio of no more than 10 to 1; 4. A class size of no more than 20 with at a minimum one highly qualified teacher (per 1 above); 5. A full-day program; (MA requirement - 8 hour/12 month program) 6. Inclusion of children with disabilities to insure access to and full participation in all opportunities; 7. Developmentally appropriate, culturally and linguistically responsive instruction and evidence-based curricula, and learning environments that are aligned with the state early learning and development standards, for at least the year prior to kindergarten entry; 8. Individualized accommodations and supports so that all children can access and participate fully in learning activities; 9. Instructional staff salaries that are comparable to the salaries of local K-12 instructional staff; 10. Program evaluation to insure continuous improvement; 11. On-site or accessible comprehensive services for children and community partnerships that promote families' access to services that support their children's learning and development; and 12. Evidence-based health and safety standards. The three partners have been communicating and collaborating in planning sessions since early February 2015 with the goal of designing a program model for Lowell. The agreed upon program model is the establishment of a campus model including all partners contributing to the education of students under one roof. The campus site will also serve as a learning hub for educators inclusive of the partners as well as early learning centers from the community to access for professional development around best practices in curriculum and instruction. The team has been working on the required Scope of Services and MOU’s as part of the initial planning structures that were submitted to EEC on March 25, 2015. The next step in the process is establishing teams to develop a detailed plan for this exciting partnership that will afford more students access to preschool programming. Committees have been identified relative to the scope of service requirements and reflect participation of all three stakeholders in this unique project. I would like to thank Early Childhood District Support Specialists Patricia Murphy-Painchaud and Terry O’Neill for their continued efforts to ensure that Lowell students receive high quality early childhood programs as well as for preparing this report.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 School Security Options Report To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 151 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 School Security Options Report To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: March 26, 2015 The following report is provided in response to the following motion by School Committee Member David Conway which was approved at the November 19, 2014 School Committee Meeting: “To ask the Superintendent to meet with the Lowell Chief of Police to discuss the merit and feasibility of installing the “Shooter Protection System” for improved safety in our schools.” Crisis Notification Options: Members of the District Crisis Prevention Team examined three separate crisis notification systems. The first system reviewed was the Guardian Active Shooter Detection System (Shooter Protection System). The system is triggered by the sounds of gunfire, sending an alert to police within seconds. Then, using smoke alarm-sized sensors installed throughout the school’s classrooms and hallways, it can transmit audio recordings in real time, so that emergency responders can track the shooter and monitor other developments before, during and after the person enters the building. The technology is based on systems successfully developed for the military to help soldiers locate enemy fire during battles and could cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the size and structure of each school building. There was consensus from all members (school, police, fire, EMT) that this system would add little to improving safety in schools. The system only recognizes gun shots. It does not address or alert for guns, knives, other weapons or other types of threats and provides no other information to responding officers. Methuen High School installed this system for free as a pilot in 2014. The second system reviewed was a Direct to Responder System (D2R). The Wave Plus is the Direct-to- Responder (D2R) technology that in an emergency, immediately transmits over every live police radio that a Code Blue – Emergency Response event is occurring. Simultaneously, it activates the school’s PA system to broadcast a pre-recorded message informing everyone on property that a Code Blue – Emergency Lockdown is occurring. Finally, it also sends email and text messages to all essential personnel notifying them that an incident is occurring and where. This system operates with a panic button that can be installed in various locations within a school building. It works with a repeater and when a button is pressed one pre-recorded message with the details of the location of the emergency goes out over the police radio notifying all patrol cars and dispatch of a situation and another message goes out over the PA system within the school. The system can also send out email and text messages when the button is pressed. The cost would range between $15,000 - $20,000 per school depending on the size and structure of each building. This cost includes setting up the repeater, a police radio and panic buttons. Burlington public schools have installed this system. The third system reviewed is a threat alert system provided by COPsync911. The threat alert service improves communication among schools and law enforcement departments with software that enables school computers and mobile devices to connect to and alert dispatchers and police cruisers directly. This system provides a virtual emergency button that immediately alerts dispatch and police cruisers of an incident. The program provides first responders with the location and provides access to floor plans of the building. A chat page also opens up to allow real time information to flow between first responders and staff in the building. The cost of this system is approximately $2,400 for the high school and $1,200 for each additional school. This system was approved by the State of NH for use in their public school system. Prevention Options: Two social mining software tools were also reviewed, Geofeedia and Social Sentinel. These programs search for predetermined key words in public social media and provide law enforcement and school personnel with emergency alerts when these key words appear in a predetermined target area. Geofeedia is a location-based social media monitoring, analysis and engagement platform. Geofeedia's technologies allow you to search and monitor areas as large as a city or as small as a single building using predetermined safety fields. Geofeedia currently searches Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Picasa, Flickr and Viddy finding data that is publicly available and can be identified by exact location. Social media posters using GPS-enabled devices generate most of Geofeedia's content. Social Sentinel also monitors publicly available social media streams for threats of harm against students, staff or school sites in general. The service actively monitors various social media networks looking for posts that match keywords and phrases that would indicate a threat of interest to trained personnel. If a match is made, it sends an alert to one or more of a district’s approved officials who then reviews the alert in context to determine the type and severity of the issue and addresses it using existing policies and procedures including police notification if deemed necessary. These systems would require designated individuals assigned to mine the large volume of alerts generated in each school on a daily basis. The cost ranges from $14,500 - $16,000 per year. Recommendation: The Direct to Responder System and the threat alert service provided by COPsync911 both offer essential assistance in an emergency situation by providing instant notification of the threat and location to patrol cars and the police dispatch. The direct responder also provides internal notification over the school intercom which is an added feature that would enhance the district’s established Options-Based Response System. The threat alert system offers two-way communication between the police and the staff via a chat room function allowing for real time information to be shared. By installing one of these systems, the Lowell Public Schools would be in compliance with the new Reduction in Gun Violence Law signed by Governor Duval Patrick in the Fall of 2014. Said Law requires a number of actions by municipalities in the Commonwealth including implementation of a two-way communication capability with local Police. As indicated, there is a significant cost differential between these two systems. If cost is not factored in, the Direct to Responder System would be the team’s first choice as it not only alerts law enforcement, but offers the added essential feature of simultaneous staff and student safety alerts. I would like to thank School Resource Officer Supervisor Sergeant David Peaslee and LHS Discipline and Operations Specialist Roxane Howe for their continued efforts as members of the Crisis Team as well as for assisting with the preparation of this report.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Community Service Month Update To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 158 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Phone: (978) 674-4323 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 674-2146 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Community Service Month Update TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: March 26, 2015 The following is an update on the activities planned for Community Service Month this May. After many discussions, it was suggested that Community Service Day turn into a month long range of activities across the schools. Many of our schools already have planned activities through the spring, such as beautification of school grounds as well as many other opportunities that include donations to hospitals and working and donating time at food shelters. During the month of May we have asked schools to send us any activities that fall in this month as part of their Community Service effort. A full day of activities is planned for May 26, 2015. At this point, the following activities are planned:  Elementary School children will once again decorate grocery bags with a community service theme. The students will return the bags to the markets for display and also to be used by consumers. This year we also plan to display some of the decorated bags in the Family Resource Central on Merrimack Street and award a prize to the most creative bag.  Middle Schools are currently in the process of building more gardens for the community in their area. This year we will visit the Bartlett Community Partnership School as they begin the process of building a new garden.  Lowell High School is involved in continuous Community Service Learning through the 21st Century after school programming. Plans are still shaping up, however; students from the Freshman Academy will take part in the Community Service Day activity. A meeting is planned next week to firm up this portion of the day.  We hope to have a small mini parade to celebrate Community Service Month, as we show our pride and commitment to the community we all serve. This is an update of plans thus far; more details will follow and will be shared with the School Committee. I would like to thank Martha Cohn for her assistance with this report.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Civics Day To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 159 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Civics Day  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Phone: (978) 674-4323 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 674-2146 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Civics Day TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: March 26, 2015 The following is a report on the events that will be taking place on Civics Day this year. On June 2, 2015, the district as well as schools is coordinating on planning the second annual Civics Day for all grade 3 students. Last year this event was a success and we would like to once again bring the students to downtown Lowell for an interactive day of learning and exploring our city. The purpose of the day is for students to understand the services provided to maintain the function of the city and the government that runs it. This educational experience is based on the state standards for history and social studies for Grade 3. I would like to thank Martha Cohn for her assistance with this report as well as her planning efforts to ensure this is an exciting educational experience for our grade three students. The Massachusetts State Standards for Social Studies  Give examples of why it is necessary for communities to have governments Civics and Government:  Give examples of the different ways people in a community can influence their  Define what a tax is and the purposes for taxes local community  Define specialization in jobs and give examples of specialized businesses in the Concepts and Skills: community  Lowell National Historical Park  Interactive Civics Day visits will include:  Tsongas Center at UMASS Lowell  City Hall  National Streetcar Museum  Pollard Memorial Library  Lowell Masonic Lot  The Brush Art Gallery & Studios  Display of Fire, Police, and  US Post Office  Lowell Telecommunications Corp  JFK Plaza  Ambulance Mill City Grows  School Committee Spinners  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Vote of Inter-District School Choice To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 152 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 The 8th Grade students of the Dr. Wang Middle School, along with staff, to participate in an overnight field trip to Pearl Hill State Park in Townsend, MA on Wednesday, June 10th and return on Friday, June 12th. The trip will be paid by students and staff. There are no costs to the School Department budget. No substitute teachers are needed. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 142 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 Business Professional Advisor Jill McNamara, along with one (1) coried chaperone and eleven (11) members of the Lowell Chapter, to attend the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California from Tuesday, May 5, 2015 through Sunday, May 10, 2015. The cost for each student will not exceed $950.00 and will be paid by the Perkins Grant, students, 1826 School Store and community donations. The cost of the club advisor will not exceed $2,337.00, which will be paid by the BPA club funds and the 1826 School Store. A substitute teacher for four (4) days @ $400.00 will be paid by LHS Professional Development funds. Chaperones will cover their own expenses. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 144 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Trip previously approved April 2, 2014: 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. NO CHANGES To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 167 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Trip previously approved October 22, 2014: 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. NO CHANGES To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 168 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: