School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2015-04-15 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 / 174 Spotlight on Excellence: YMCA Life Guards MINUTES: 4. 2015 / 172 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, April 1, 2015 MEMORIALS: 5. 2015 / 170 Lawrence R. "Larry" Martin, former Dean of Admissions at UMass Lowell, Lowell City Councilor and Chairman of the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission and father of Lowell School Committee member Connie Martin. MOTIONS: 6. 2015 / 169 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the superintendent report on the status of the school bus contract for Lowell Public Schools. 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) 7. 2015 / 182 [by Kimberly Scott and Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent to provide an update on recycling programs and food waste disposal initiatives district wide and an update on any grants that allow for school based recycling. SUBCOMMITTEES: 8. 2015 / 183 Lowell High School: Report of the Meeting of Monday, April 13, 2015 [David Conway, Chair] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 9. 2015 / 171 Spring Sports Practice Alternative Schedule 10. 2015 / 173 Student Learning During Snow Days and Vacations 11. 2015 / 175 Virtual School Curriculum 12. 2015 / 176 April Quarterly Report on Motions 13. 2015 / 180 Thank You Letters 14. 2015 / 184 Summer School Options 2015 CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 15. 2015 / 177 Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Outdoor Adventures Advisor, Kendra Bauer and Amanda Leahy, to attend the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Youth Opportunity Program Camping and Hiking workshop on Thursday, May 14, 2015- Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Mt. Cardigan, New Hampshire. There is no cost for attending this Leadership Training. The cost of $400.00 for substitute teachers will be covered by the LHS Professional Development funds. 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) 16. 2015 / 178 Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Lowell High School teacher, Paul Francoeur to attend the Appalachian Mountain Club's Opportunities Program Backpacking Workshop from Wednesday, June 3rd to Sunday, June 7, 2015 in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. There is no cost to the School Department budget. No substitute teacher is needed. 17. 2015 / 179 Request permission for Magaly Ronan, Mathematics Coordinator PK-4 to attend the NAEYC's 2015 National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development, in order to present a Professional Development Menu. The conference is to be held on June 7th-10th in New Orleans, Louisiana. All costs will be paid by the HOT grant. No substitute teacher is needed. ADJOURNMENT: 18. 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: 2015-04-15 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 / 174 Spotlight on Excellence: YMCA Life Guards MINUTES: 4. 2015 / 172 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, April 1, 2015 MEMORIALS: 5. 2015 / 170 Lawrence R. "Larry" Martin, former Dean of Admissions at UMass Lowell, Lowell City Councilor and Chairman of the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission and father of Lowell School Committee member Connie Martin. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 3) MOTIONS: 6. 2015 / 169 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the superintendent report on the status of the school bus contract for Lowell Public Schools. 7. 2015 / 182 [by Kimberly Scott and Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent to provide an update on recycling programs and food waste disposal initiatives district wide and an update on any grants that allow for school based recycling. SUBCOMMITTEES: 8. 2015 / 183 Lowell High School: Report of the Meeting of Monday, April 13, 2015 [David Conway, Chair] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 9. 2015 / 171 Spring Sports Practice Alternative Schedule 10. 2015 / 173 Student Learning During Snow Days and Vacations 11. 2015 / 175 Virtual School Curriculum 12. 2015 / 176 April Quarterly Report on Motions 13. 2015 / 180 Thank You Letters 14. 2015 / 184 Summer School Options 2015 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 3) CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 15. 2015 / 177 Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Outdoor Adventures Advisor, Kendra Bauer and Amanda Leahy, to attend the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Youth Opportunity Program Camping and Hiking workshop on Thursday, May 14, 2015- Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Mt. Cardigan, New Hampshire. There is no cost for attending this Leadership Training. The cost of $400.00 for substitute teachers will be covered by the LHS Professional Development funds. 16. 2015 / 178 Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Lowell High School teacher, Paul Francoeur to attend the Appalachian Mountain Club's Opportunities Program Backpacking Workshop from Wednesday, June 3rd to Sunday, June 7, 2015 in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. There is no cost to the School Department budget. No substitute teacher is needed. 17. 2015 / 179 Request permission for Magaly Ronan, Mathematics Coordinator PK-4 to attend the NAEYC's 2015 National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development, in order to present a Professional Development Menu. The conference is to be held on June 7th-10th in New Orleans, Louisiana. All costs will be paid by the HOT grant. No substitute teacher is needed. ADJOURNMENT: 18. 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: YMCA Life Guards To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 174 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Spotlight on Excellence: YMCA Life Guards  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: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: April 9, 2015 RE: Spotlight on Excellence – YMCA Life Guards Our Spotlight on Excellence this evening honors two young women from our community who recently saved the life of a young man at the YMCA Pool in Lowell. Both Janavi Patel, a 17- year-old Lowell High School senior, and Dominique (Nikki) Rivera, a graduate of both LHS and UMass Lowell, were the lifeguards at the Greater Lowell YMCA who used their knowledge, skills and training to act quickly to save the young man. Tonight, we honor both women involved in this courageous effort.  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, April 1, 2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 172 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Lawrence R. "Larry" Martin, former Dean of Admissions at UMass Lowell, Lowell City Councilor and Chairman of the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission and father of Lowell School Committee member Connie Martin. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 170 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 report on the status of the school bus contract for Lowell Public Schools. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 169 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 and Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent to provide an update on recycling programs and food waste disposal initiatives district wide and an update on any grants that allow for school based recycling. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 182 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Lowell High School: Report of the Meeting of Monday, April 13, 2015 [David Conway, Chair] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 183 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Spring Sports Practice Alternative Schedule To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 171 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Student Learning During Snow Days and Vacations To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 173 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 Student Learning During Snow Days and Vacations TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: April 10, 2015 The following is a report on the motion below: Student Learning During Snow Days and Vacations [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: “Request the Superintendent work with the curriculum and IT personnel to establish an online partnership utilizing the District's social media capacity for the purposes of creating continued learning opportunities for our students in the event of snow days and vacations”. In response to the motion, the following is taking place. The Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Office and the Technology Department have met to discuss options for students to complete activities on “snow days” which will allow for their learning to continue. Some ideas at this point are to revisit the “Hour of Code” program that was so successful this past winter. The two offices will continue to collaborate and more information will be forthcoming. We believe that “school approved” websites/activities/worksheets posted online for kids to use when they are out of school is a wonderful idea. This can be similar to summer reading and summer math activities. Beginning discussions focus on posting solid information about books students can read by grade level, some websites used for reinforcement of learned materials, websites that teach (i.e. Kahn Academy and CODE), and some copies of extra practice worksheets based on the month of school we are in. For instance, if we place a link on the curriculum site “Snow Day School Items” and under that we place the month, December. In December we could have a simple one pager that encouraged students to read a certain book and write a paragraph about the theme of the book. Also, there are some fun websites to use for, English, Math, Science, and Social Studies etc. We could also assign some practice worksheets connecting to what students are learning during the month in grade1, grade2, grade3, etc. Here each of the grade levels could link to a list of PDFS for that grade level for students to complete. Again, talks are in the beginning stages but by the beginning of school next year, we hope to have this in place. I would like to thank William Silver, Director of Technology and District Coordinators, Jeff Gwiazda, Magaly Ronan, Martha Cohn, Melissa Newell and Jennifer Zeuli for their 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 Virtual School Curriculum To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 175 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Virtual School Curriculum 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 Virtual School Curriculum TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: April 10, 2015 The following is a report on the motion below: Virtual School Curriculum [by Kimberly Scott]: “Request the Superintendent report on the feasibility and legality of the Lowell Public Schools implementing a blizzard bag or virtual school program during snow emergencies”. To answer this motion, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Department has issued the following statement in regards to “Blizzard Bag”. “In many cases, this work appears to be very similar to normal homework assignments; there is educational value, but it does not necessarily meet the standard for structured learning time. For this approach to count toward the student learning time requirements, school districts must ensure that such work is structured learning time, is substantial, and has appropriate oversight and teacher involvement. To the degree that learning outside of the school setting may rely upon parental involvement or access to technology, districts must also account for the widely varying circumstances in students' homes. Districts are encouraged to share their experiences as they experiment with different models so that all can learn about their effectiveness and develop examples of best practices”.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 April Quarterly Report on Motions To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 176 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  QUARTERLY REPORT ON STATUS OF OUTSTANDING MOTIONS   On-going Spotlight on Excellence – 1st meeting of Athletic Reports: Fall/January,   each month Winter/March, Spring/July  Quarterly Report on Motions: October, Recognize Retirees: June   January, April and July School Maintenance Report: Every June Overtime & Extra Payments – reported Annual Report on Textbook Purchases: monthly August DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 1. 10/03/12 Goal Setting Workshop Referred to [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent schedule a goal setting workshop with Personnel the School Committee. The session should include setting shared goals for raising Subcommittee. student achievement as well as setting up a self-evaluation process. 2. 11/07/12 LHS Future Discussed at the [by James Leary]: Request the Superintendent to reopen the discussion with The 4/25/13 LHS Lowell Plan, Friends of Lowell High School, Lowell High School Administrative and Subcommittee - Facility staff, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Middlesex Community College, City Referred to Administration and other Community parties, as it relates to the future facility and Headmaster. budget needs of Lowell High School. The discussion would include, but not be limited Awaiting MSBA to, updating science laboratories, classroom technology and future student educational response to fund facility needs. LHS as priority project to include constituency groups in the process. 3. 12/05/12 Hiring Process Reported at the [by David Conway]: Ask the Superintendent to prepare a report that describes various 03/06/13 Meeting aspects of the hiring process for administrators, supervisors and citywide coordinators. and referred to The report should include the following: how is the membership of a Selection Personnel Committee determined and who selects the specific individuals to serve on the Subcommittee on committee; which specific jobs within the school system use a selection Committee as 05/02/13 part of the hiring process; who participates in the screening of applicants, in order to Reported at the determine which candidates will move forward to a committee interview and how is it School Committee determined whether candidates for a job are interviewed in public while others are not. Meeting on 05/15/13 Set up a special Ms. Martin amended Mr. Conway's motion. The amended motion reads: Ask the meeting to discuss Superintendent to prepare a report that describes various aspects of the hiring process Martin/Scott motion for administrators, supervisors and citywide coordinators. The report should include the to reduce following: how is the membership of a Selection Committee determined and who membership of the selects the specific individuals to serve on the committee; which specific jobs within the SAC from 8 to 6. To school system use a selection Committee as part of the hiring process; who participates be discussed at the in the screening of applicants, in order to determine which candidates will move 7/9/13 Personnel forward to a committee interview and how is it determined whether candidates for a job Subcommittee are interviewed in public while others are not. Also, what are we required to do per the Education Reform Act as well as any legal mandates to our hiring process. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday April 15, 2015 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 4. 01/02/13 LHS Facilities Plan Discussed at the [by James Leary]: Request the Superintendent provide a status update on the motion LHS Subcommittee passed by the School Committee regarding reopening the discussion with The Lowell Meeting of 4/25/13 Plan, Friends of Lowell High School, Lowell High School Administrative and Facility Referred to staff, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Middlesex Community College, City Headmaster. Administration and other Community parties, as it relates to the future facility and Awaiting MSBA budget needs of Lowell High School. The discussion would include, but not be limited response to fund to, updating science laboratories, classroom technology and future student educational LHS as priority facility needs. project to include constituency groups in the process. 5. 8/21/13 LHS Change of Start Time Referred to [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to work with the Headmaster to gather Headmaster. pertinent information that will help guide the School Department with the feasibility of having an earlier start time to the day at the high school beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. 6. 8/21/13 Hiring/Diversity Initial meeting with [by Kim Scott and David Conway]: Request the Superintendent develop and implement Community inclusive recruitment strategies and promote the hiring of staff members from diverse Members – work backgrounds. will continue. 7. 09/04/13 Parent Groups [by Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent report on the current membership status of the following groups and provide a plan to expand the membership of: The Citywide Parent Council; The Special Education Parent PAC; The Parent Advisory Groups and The Student Advisory Groups. 8. 01/02/13 Health Trust Funding Letter sent to City [by James Leary]: Request the Superintendent report on the anticipated health trust Manager on 1/11/13 fund balance as well as the portion and timing of funds to be directed back to the School – response pending Department. 9. 12/18/13 House Bills-Charter Schools [by Mayor Patrick Murphy]: Request the School Committee register its support for House Bills 345, 398, and 491 requiring certain measures in the approval and administration of charter schools within any given school district. 10. 02/19/14 Emergency Events [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with the City Solicitor and public safety officials to develop a plan that will insure a coordinated and timely communication to the appropriate officials and the community in the event of an emergency or public safety issue. 11. 4/16/14 Contingency Plan for MS [by Steve Gendron and James Leary]: Request the Superintendent prepare a contingency plan to accommodate the increase in middle-school population expected for the 2017- 2018 school year and report to the Facilities Subcommittee. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday April 15, 2015 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 12. 10/22/14 Greater of Lowell Technical High School bylaws Referred to City [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Rodney Elliott]: Request the City Council amend Manager 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. 13. 11/19/14 Shooter Protection System COMPLETED [by David J. Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with the Lowell Chief of 4/1/15 Police to discuss the merit and feasibility of installing the “Shooter Protection System” for improved safety in our schools. 14. 02/4/15 Collective Bargaining On going [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Request that the School Committee vote to delegate full authority to City Manager, Superintendent of Schools and Labor Attorney, to negotiate collective bargaining agreements School Department employee unions, for ratification by School Committee. 15. 02/4/15 Federal and State Resources [James D. Leary]: Request the superintendent provide the School Committee with an updated status and any feedback received, from Federal and State authority, as it relates to our discussion for an increase in funding in order to support our newcomer student programs. 16. 02/18/15 Amending School Calendar COMPLETED [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to establish 3/18/15 feasibility of utilizing April vacation to make up days missed from school due to weather emergencies, that otherwise would have extended the school year and establish protocols for future years, if feasibility is established. 17. 02/18/15 Delayed Openings [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a plan to implement a delayed start in lieu of a school cancellation when appropriate. 18. 02/18/15 LRTA Stops Referred to John [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent work with the City Manager to Descoteaux explore the possibility of the Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) providing additional stops at Lowell High School during set morning hours. 19. 02/18/15 Superintendent Interviews COMPLETED [by Steve Gendron]: The School Committee will keep all interviews for the position of 4/1/15 Superintendent open to the public and that the Blue Ribbon Panel be used in an advisory capacity. 20. 02/18/15 Calendar Update COMPLETED [by Kimberly Scott]: To cancel the Good Friday holiday observation day. 4/1/15 Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday April 15, 2015 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 21. 04/01/15 Advocacy For Newcomer Program [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. 22. 04/01/15 Refugee Receiving Districts [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. 23. 04/01/15 Letters Of Thanks COMPLETED by Steve Gendron]: Request the superintendent send letters of thanks on behalf of the 4/18/15 school committee to all applicants for superintendent search committee. 24. 04/01/15 Pre-Season Spring Sports COMPLETED [by David J. Conway]: Because of the frequent inclement spring weather, ask the 4/18/15 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. FINANCE AND OPERATIONS 1. 02/01/12 School Maintenance Discussed at the [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with city administration Facilities to incorporate all requests for school maintenance/repair requests into the Lowell Stat Subcommittee Mtg. department to provide tracking and metrics for resolution of maintenance issues of 1/15/13 and Joint throughout the school district. Facilities Subcommittee Mtg. of 2/6/13. 2. 07/18/12 Cash Handling Policy Reported at the [By Robert Gignac]: Request the Superintendent develops a report of all the cash 1/16/13 School handling policies and procedures currently in place district wide. Committee Meeting. Referred to the Policy Subcommittee. 3. 10/03/12 E-School System Discussed at the [by Kimberly Scott & Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Technology Request the Administration to look into the possibility of an E-School type system Subcommittee similar to the City of Lowell's E-Gov system for online requests and issues to establish meeting of 4/7/14. via data; trends, concerns and challenges our families experience. 4. 12/19/12 Safety Security LPS [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent seek proposals from an external professional firm to review and provide minimum as well as recommended industry standards with regard to school safety and security of public school facilities comparable to Lowell High School. Motion updated for cost of an expanded study to include all LPS. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday April 15, 2015 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 5. 01/02/13 Heating Systems Discussed at the [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich & Kimberly Scott]: Facilities Request the Superintendent provide a report on the age and efficiency of the heating Subcommittee systems at all schools, current system issues, whether or not there is a way for school Meeting of 1/15/13 staff to override the systems when needed, and the plans and timeline which we will and Joint Facilities resolve any ongoing issues. Subcommittee Meeting of 2/6/13. Report provided at 10/16/13 School Committee Meeting. Referred to Facilities Subcommittee. 6. 06/19/13 Solid Waste/Recycling [by Kim Scott]: Request the administration work together with the city Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator to prepare a plan that includes expanding lunch room recycling and composting options for students and staff. 7. 07/10/13 Student Walkers [by Mayor Patrick Murphy]: Request Superintendent work with city administration to identify challenges to safely walk to school and report on a plan to increase the number of student walkers through the use of chaperoned walking buses. 8. 12/18/13 District-Wide Olympics [by Mayor Patrick Murphy]: Request the Superintendent explore the potential for a district-wide Olympics. 9. 02/19/14 LHS Maintenance Issues [by Steve Gendron]: Request that the Superintendent work with city officials to develop a short term plan for mitigating issues at high school relative to the leaking roof and faulty heating systems. 10. 3/19/14 Space Needs [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich and Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent provide alternatives to rental space for the central office including modular space at the Rogers School or a building purchase. 11. 03/19/14 Student Transportation in District [Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to devise comprehensive cost saving strategies and solutions to decrease the cost of transporting. 12. 05/07/14 Composting [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with staff to create a plan to reduce solid waste output and costs through the use of composting in all facilities in the District. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday April 15, 2015 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 13. 05/07/14 Administration Listing Report provided at [by David Conway and Mayor Rodney Elliott]: To ask the Superintendent to compile a the 10/1/14 SC list that includes: All Administrators, Central Administration staff, Principals and all meeting. Referred to other Unit B staff, funded by both grant and non-grant funding for the following years: Personnel 2002, 2008 and 2014. Subcommittee. 14. 06/18/14 Maintenance of Grounds [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Superintendent to develop a plan to keep the grounds of our schools well cared for and clean. 15. 01/21/15 Lowell High School project [by David J. Conway]: To ask the Superintendent and the Mayor to schedule a joint subcommittee meeting between the Lowell High School Subcommittee and the City Councils' Educational Partnerships. This joint subcommittee meeting would be prudent in light of the fact that the MSBA Board of Directors is contemplating the Lowell High School project at their March meeting. 16. 01/21/15 Lowell High School Project [by James Leary]: Request Mayor Elliot arrange a joint meeting between the City Council Facilities Subcommittee and the School Committee Facilities Subcommittees prior to the MSBA Board of Directors meeting in March to discuss of the Lowell High School Project. 17. 01/21/15 Safety Audit [by David J. Conway]: To request that the Superintendent determine a consulting company to do a full "Safety Audit" of all our schools. This company must be a specialist in school safety and is not to be a manufacturer or agent of any safety products or programs. 18. 02/18/15 Safety Signals [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent to work with proper city departments to facilitate a needs assessment of the adequacy of safety signals surrounding all Lowell Public Schools. 19. 02/4/15 LPS Parking Lots [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with the City of Lowell to establish the feasibility of utilizing Lowell Public School for additional off street parking for residents in our neighborhoods throughout the city in the event of severe snow emergencies where on street parking is banned. 20. 02/4/15 Lowell Public Schools Website [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with MIS personnel to integrate Lowell Public Schools website with the City of Lowell's website. 21. 02/4/15 Snow Removal [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with the City of Lowell to ensure that the process of snow removal in and around all schools, includes the removal of snow from all walkways and traffic lanes, including the enforcement of the sidewalk snow removal ordinance for sidewalks within the vicinity of schools. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday April 15, 2015 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 22. 02/18/15 Budget Schedule [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent furnish the committee with a budget schedule by March 1, 2015 for the FY16 school year. 23. 02/18/15 Classroom Space [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Request that the Superintendent provide an update and timetable for classroom space needs to handle students in grades 5-8 in future. 24. 03/04/15 Branding School Department vehicles [by David J. Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to look into the feasibility of branding our School Department vehicles. 25. 03/18/15 Conditions for Non-Union Employees [by Rodney Elliott]: Request the Superintendent to provide information/report on process to codify employment terms and conditions for all non-union employees in the School Department, similar to all non-union City employees. 26. 04/1/15 Colleen Creegan Media Studio at L.H.S. [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. 27. 04/1/15 Before And After School Care [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. 28. 04/1/15 Expansion Of The Rogers School [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. CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT 1. 03/20/13 Strategic Plan for LHS On-going [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent establish a short/long term strategic plan for Lowell High School in partnership with Lowell High School personnel, students, parents, Friends of Lowell High and community members with a focus on programs and services, enrollment changes and staffing needs, facility needs, technology and capital improvements. 2. 02/19/14 Community Service Day Reported at the [by Steve Gendron]: Request that the Superintendent implement a community service 4/2/14 Meeting element in the curriculum of the Lowell Public Schools beginning with an On going environmentally focused citywide Community Service Day for the Lowell Public Schools on or near Earth Day, April 22, 2014. 3. 05/16/14 Foreign Language Approved at the [by Kim Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a plan to reinstate middle school 5/16/14 Meeting foreign language instruction for the 2015/2016 school year. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday April 15, 2015 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 4. 09/03/14 Community Services Curriculum Plans are being [by Steve Gendron]: To request the Superintendent provide an update on weaving finalized and community service efforts into the curriculum across the district. Community Service Day will take place May 26, 2015 5. 10/01/14 Domestic Violence Awareness [by David Conway]: Request the Superintendent and her staff develop an ongoing, comprehensive program that will address the need to increase the awareness of domestic violence. 6. 10/01/14 Communication with Greater Lowell Technical High School [by James Leary]: Request the superintendent provide an update regarding the discussion with the Greater Lowell Technical High School and the number of Lowell Public School students on their wait list. In addition, provide recommendations to the Lowell School Committee regarding methods and financial costs that would provide vocational technical education to our students on the wait list. 7. 11/19/14 STEM LHS Referred to [by Rodney Elliott]: Request the Superintendent consider developing a curriculum at Curriculum LHS that focuses on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Subcommittee with the request to invite councilor Ed Kennedy 8. 11/19/14 Financial Literacy Program Completed March 18, [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Request Superintendent contact area banks to seek support 2015 School in expanding financial literacy program. Committee 9. 11/19/14 LHS Usage of Courtyards [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Lowell High School Headmaster to report on the possibility of students using courtyards during school day. 10. 11/19/14 Middle School Lyceum Program [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a middle school Lyceum program. 11. 11/19/14 Timeline on Spelling Instruction To be discussed at [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent provide a timeline on spelling School Committee instruction across the district. May 6, 2015 12. 11/19/14 Uniformity of Course Offerings and Curriculum To be discussed at [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent provide an update on the uniformity of School Committee course offerings and curriculum at of all the elementary and middle schools across the May 6, 2015 district. 13. 12/3/14 Mr. Paul Marion latest book “Mill Power” [by David J. Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to extend an invitation to Mr. Paul Marion of UML to speak at a School Committee meeting for the purpose of discussing his latest book “Mill Power: The Origin and Impact of Lowell National Historical Park.”. In addition, to further examine if this book could be integrated into our curriculum to help educate our students on the significance of the history of Lowell, Massachusetts Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday April 15, 2015 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 14. 01/21/15 Community Service Day [by Steve Gendron]: Request that the Superintendent begin preparations for the 2nd annual Citywide Community Service Day in April. 15. 02/18/15 Virtual School Curriculum [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent report on the feasibility and legality of the Lowell Public Schools implementing a blizzard bag or virtual school program during snow emergencies. 16. 02/18/15 Student Learning During Snow Days and Vacations [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent work with the curriculum and IT personnel to establish an online partnership utilizing the District's social media capacity for the purposes of creating continued learning opportunities for our students in the event of snow days and vacations. 17. 04/01/15 Standardized Test Prep [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. 18. 04/01/15 Teaching Strategies GOLD [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. 19. 04/01/15 Community Service Day COMPLETED [by Steve Gendron]: Request the School Committee declare May 26 to be the 2nd 4/1/15 annual Lowell Public School Community Service Day. STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 1. 10/03/12 Neighborhood Schools Report presented to [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich & Kimberly Scott]: the Mayor’s Task Request the Superintendent provide the School Committee with a plan that allows more Force at Curriculum students to attend schools within their neighborhood. Subcommittee on 2/21/13; follow-up at Curriculum Subcommittee on 3/14/13 2. 09/04/13 Website Forms [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent create a library of standardized districtwide forms to be made available on the Lowell Public Schools website in order to provide our school families greater access to Lowell Public Schools. 3. 02/19/14 Emergency Events [by David Conway]: To ask the Superintendent to meet with the City Solicitor and public safety officials to develop a plan that will insure a coordinated and timely communication to the appropriate officials and the community in the event of an emergency or public safety issue. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday April 15, 2015 Meeting Page { PAGE }  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 4. 10/22/14 Parent University [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Supt work with staff to create a "Parent University" for parents and caregivers of Lowell Public School children. 5. 02/4/15 UTEC Adult Diploma Program [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent provide the committee with a full report regarding those students effected by the elimination of the Alternative Diploma Program at the United Teen Equality Center, including but not limited to, placement of students in other programs, strategies for keeping effected students engaged to complete their education. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday April 15, 2015 Meeting Page { PAGE }  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Thank You Letters To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 180 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Summer School Options 2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 184 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 Summer School Options 5 To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jeannine M. Durkin, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Date: April 17, 2015 The attached report is provided as a follow-up to the Joint Subcommittee Meeting of Finance and Student Support Services held on March 30, 2015. The report includes an overview of middle school proposals relative to Summer School Options for 2015. The total budget required for the attached proposals is $20,380.00 which covers the cost of staffing each program. I would like to thank our school principals and their teams for preparing the proposals to support students at risk of retention.  Middle School Failure Intervention Plans Summer School Options 2015 Bartlett Community Partnership School Failure Intervention Plan Project Description:  The Bartlett Community Partnership School will establish a June Learning Institute for those middle school students who are still failing classes at the end of the school year following multiple in-school interventions. Students will be required to attend a June Learning Institute at the Bartlett which will include two instructional blocks, a 15 minute lunch break, and a supported independent work block where students will utilize online learning tools for additional practice and extension.  The goal is to reduce the number of students in grades 5-8 who are in danger of being Student Participation: retained for failing academic classes. To do this, meetings will be conducted with these students and their parents at the end of the 3rd academic term to develop individual intervention plans for each student. These plans will spell out what each student must do to earn a passing grade in each class. Any student who does not meet the goals of this intervention plan and is, thus, still failing a class for the year, will be required to attend the June Learning Institute.  The June Learning Institute will run from June 24 through June 30, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to Timeline: 1:00 p.m.  The Bartlett Team will develop learning targets including work completion and attendance Assessment Tool/Measure of Success: for the June Learning Institute to assess success and assist us in determining which students, if any, are not ready for the next grade level.  Butler Middle School Failure Intervention Plan  The Butler School will provide Credit Recovery Small Group Tutorial Sessions in ELA and Project Description: Math at the close of the school year. Students who are failing one or both subjects will engage in a tutorial only for the subject failed.  Students in grades 5 through 8 who are failing ELA and/or Math. Student Participation:  The Credit Recovery Tutorial Sessions will run from June 24 through June 30, 2015 for four Timeline: hours each day.  Students will complete a pre-test/post-test to determine academic skills. Progress will be Assessment Tool/Measure of Success: assessed using attendance and work completion as requirements. Cardinal O’Connell School Failure Intervention Plan  Students will engage in project based content specific programs combined with service Project Description: learning opportunities. The curriculum will meet the common core standards and fill in gaps in learning.  The program will target students who failed one or more core academic classes. Student Participation:  The program will run from June 24 through June 30, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Timeline:  Students will be assessed according to rubrics that include attendance and work/project Assessment Tool/Measure of Success: completion as requirements.  Daley Middle School Failure Intervention Plan  The Daley Middle School Academic Enrichment Program will operate on site beginning at Project Description: the close of the school year. Students, who are failing Math and/or English Language Arts, will attend six, four-hour sessions, for a total of twenty-four hours of on-site academic enrichment. The program will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Students will be assigned work to complete at home on the off days of Tuesday and Thursday.  The program will target students in grades 5-8 who are failing Math and/or ELA classes. Student Participation:  The program will run June 29, July 1, July 3, July 6, July 8, and July 10, 2015. Timeline:  Requirements for passing the Academic Enrichment Program include attendance and Assessment Tool/Measure of Success: completion of ELA and math assignments. Pyne/Arts School Failure Intervention Plan  The Pyne/Arts School will offer a School Year Recovery program at the close of the school Project Description: year at the Pyne/Arts for students who have failed one or more courses.  Students in grades 5-8 who have failed one or more courses for the school year will be Student Participation: required to participate.  The program will run from June 24 through June 30 for a total of 5 additional days of Timeline: instruction. The school day will be four hours per day from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Students who attend the program will need to successfully fulfill the requirements in order Assessment Tool/Measure of Success: to earn a passing grade for the year in each subject they failed through work completion and attendance requirements.  Robinson Middle School Failure Intervention Plan  The Robinson School plans to remediate potential summer school students through the Project Description: initiation of a Saturday school specifically for students who are in danger of failing/retention due to attendance.  The program is designed for students in grades 5-8 who are in danger of being retained Student Participation: based on grade averages.  The program will begin in April and run through June 2015. Timeline:  Students will be monitored for their attendance, effort and completed work. Assessment Tool/Measure of Success: Stoklosa Middle School Failure Intervention Plan  The Stoklosa Middle School will provide an After School Tutorial Program on site to support Project Description: students in danger of failing.  The program will target students in grades 5-8 who are in danger of being retained based Student Participation: on mid-year grade averages and/or attendance.  The program will begin Monday, April 6 and run through June 12, 2015. Timeline:  Students will be monitored for their attendance and completed work will be graded and Assessment Tool/Measure of Success: entered into grade books by academic teachers.  Sullivan Middle School Failure Intervention Plan  The Sullivan Middle School Academic Tutoring Program will operate on site for students Project Description: who are failing two or more classes. Students will participate twice per week following the regular school day.  Students in grades 5 through 8 who are failing two or more classes will be targeted for this Student Participation: program.  The tutoring sessions will begin the week of April 27, 2015 and run through June 2015. Timeline:  Assessments will be utilized to determine students’ needs and monitor progress. Rubrics Assessment Tool/Measure of Success: will be employed including attendance and work completion requirements. Wang Middle School Failure Intervention Plan  Any student who is in danger of retention or exceeds the maximum allowable amount of Project Description: absences will sign a contract with their parents in order to attend the Academic Buyback Program agreeing to send their child to a pre-arranged number of Saturday sessions.  Students in grades 5-8 are targeted based on failing grades and/or attendance. Students Student Participation: and parents must to agree to the terms of the contract in order to participate.  The program will be offered from mid-April through June 2015. Timeline:  Rubrics will be completed for each child, which scores the child’s attendance, preparedness Assessment Tool/Measure of Success: for the day, work completion and effort. The rubric will be shared with each child’s content teachers and completed/improved work will count toward their grades.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Outdoor Adventures Advisor, Kendra Bauer and Amanda Leahy, to attend the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Youth Opportunity Program Camping and Hiking workshop on Thursday, May 14, 2015- Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Mt. Cardigan, New Hampshire. There is no cost for attending this Leadership Training. The cost of $400.00 for substitute teachers will be covered by the LHS Professional Development funds. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 177 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: LHS WKS for Kendra Bauer and Amanda Leahy,  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Lowell High School teacher, Paul Francoeur to attend the Appalachian Mountain Club's Opportunities Program Backpacking Workshop from Wednesday, June 3rd to Sunday, June 7, 2015 in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. There is no cost to the School Department budget. No substitute teacher is needed. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 178 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: LHS WKS for Paul Francoeur  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Request permission for Magaly Ronan, Mathematics Coordinator PK-4 to attend the NAEYC's 2015 National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development, in order to present a Professional Development Menu. The conference is to be held on June 7th-10th in New Orleans, Louisiana. All costs will be paid by the HOT grant. No substitute teacher is needed. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 179 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Conference for Magaly Ronan