School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2015-10-21 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 / 370 Spotlight on Excellence: Summer Mathematics Program MINUTES: 4. 2015 / 365 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, October 7, 2015 PERMISSION TO ENTER: 5. 2015 / 373 Permission to Enter: October 21, 2015 MOTIONS: 6. 2015 / 360 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Superintendent and Mayor contact the City Manager and report on the status of the lot behind the Lincoln School for use as a Mill City Grows School Garden. 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 4) 7. 2015 / 361 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Lowell School Committee go on record as opposed to the implementation of the PARCC test in Lowell at this time and request the Superintendent report this to the Department of Education. 8. 2015 / 369 [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Superintendent work with Headmaster to communicate scholarship opportunity for LHS students through the Veterans of Foreign War Scholarship program. 9. 2015 / 374 [by David Conway]: Request the Superintendent review the mandates that have been adopted by DESE and see if they are still required under the new federal guidelines. 10. 2015 / 380 [by Kimberly Scott]: Develop a plan to post our waitlist system online and provide a better understanding for our parents on where they stand on the waitlist the process involved. Request that the feasibility of making the process public by posting student id numbers of waitlist standing be explored. 11. 2015 / 381 [by Kimberly Scott]: Develop a plan to require a higher quality school lunch be provided in our bid process and include a report on the feasibility of bringing school lunch services back in house. SUBCOMMITTEES: 12. 2015 / 362 Finance Subcommittee: Report and Approval of the Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, October 7, 2015 [James Leary, Chairperson] 13. 2015 / 382 Curriculum: Report of the meeting of Tuesday, October 20, 2014 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 14. 2015 / 366 Quarterly Reports on Motions 15. 2015 / 378 Advocacy for Newcomer Program 16. 2015 / 367 Employment Terms and Conditions for Non-Union Employees 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 4) 17. 2015 / 377 Financial Report 18. 2015 / 379 Long Term Plan Update 19. 2015 / 371 Home Education NEW BUSINESS: 20. 2015 / 372 Vote to Approve ELL Positions 21. 2015 / 376 Budget Transfer CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 22. 2015 / 363 Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Paul Francoeur, LHS Outdoor Adventures Advisor, to travel to Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA. from Thursday, October 22nd through Sunday, October 25, 2015. There is no cost for this Leadership training. The cost of $200 for two substitute teachers will be paid by LHS Individual School budget. 23. 2015 / 364 Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Lowell High School Outdoor Adventures Advisor, Jennifer Bauer, along with coried chaperones, Donna Newcomb, Jennifer Bauer and 20 club members, to travel to Harold Parker State Forest in Andover, Ma. from Saturday, November 14th through Sunday, November 15, 2015. There is no cost to the School Department. Students will pay their own way for bus travel and meals. No substitute teacher is needed. 24. 2015 / 375 Marianne Fiocca-Stern, Bailey School teacher, respectfully request permission to attend the Supporting Nonfiction Reading workshop at the Teacher's College at Colombia University in New York on Friday, November 6, 2015. The trip and registration will be paid by Ms. Fiocca- Stern. The cost of $100.00 for a substitute teacher for one day will be paid by the school Professional Development account. 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 4) PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL: 25. 2015 / 368 The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate eleven [11] sick leave days to Dale Burns, Pawtucketville Memorial School teacher and nine [9] sick leave days to Tasha Kenney, Lowell High School teacher. ADJOURNMENT: 26. 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: 2015-10-21 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 / 370 Spotlight on Excellence: Summer Mathematics Program MINUTES: 4. 2015 / 365 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, October 7, 2015 PERMISSION TO ENTER: 5. 2015 / 373 Permission to Enter: October 21, 2015 Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 4) MOTIONS: 6. 2015 / 360 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Superintendent and Mayor contact the City Manager and report on the status of the lot behind the Lincoln School for use as a Mill City Grows School Garden. 7. 2015 / 361 [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Lowell School Committee go on record as opposed to the implementation of the PARCC test in Lowell at this time and request the Superintendent report this to the Department of Education. 8. 2015 / 369 [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Superintendent work with Headmaster to communicate scholarship opportunity for LHS students through the Veterans of Foreign War Scholarship program. 9. 2015 / 374 [by David Conway]: Request the Superintendent review the mandates that have been adopted by DESE and see if they are still required under the new federal guidelines. 10. 2015 / 380 [by Kimberly Scott]: Develop a plan to post our waitlist system online and provide a better understanding for our parents on where they stand on the waitlist the process involved. Request that the feasibility of making the process public by posting student id numbers of waitlist standing be explored. 11. 2015 / 381 [by Kimberly Scott]: Develop a plan to require a higher quality school lunch be provided in our bid process and include a report on the feasibility of bringing school lunch services back in house. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 3 of 4) SUBCOMMITTEES: 12. 2015 / 362 Finance Subcommittee: Report and Approval of the Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, October 7, 2015 [James Leary, Chairperson] 13. 2015 / 382 Curriculum: Report of the meeting of Tuesday, October 20, 2014 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 14. 2015 / 366 Quarterly Reports on Motions 15. 2015 / 378 Advocacy for Newcomer Program 16. 2015 / 367 Employment Terms and Conditions for Non-Union Employees 17. 2015 / 377 Financial Report 18. 2015 / 379 Long Term Plan Update 19. 2015 / 371 Home Education NEW BUSINESS: 20. 2015 / 372 Vote to Approve ELL Positions Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 4 of 4) 21. 2015 / 376 Budget Transfer CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS: 22. 2015 / 363 Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Paul Francoeur, LHS Outdoor Adventures Advisor, to travel to Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA. from Thursday, October 22nd through Sunday, October 25, 2015. There is no cost for this Leadership training. The cost of $200 for two substitute teachers will be paid by LHS Individual School budget. 23. 2015 / 364 Headmaster Brian Martin, requests permission for Lowell High School Outdoor Adventures Advisor, Jennifer Bauer, along with coried chaperones, Donna Newcomb, Jennifer Bauer and 20 club members, to travel to Harold Parker State Forest in Andover, Ma. from Saturday, November 14th through Sunday, November 15, 2015. There is no cost to the School Department. Students will pay their own way for bus travel and meals. No substitute teacher is needed. 24. 2015 / 375 Marianne Fiocca-Stern, Bailey School teacher, respectfully request permission to attend the Supporting Nonfiction Reading workshop a t the Teacher's College at Colombia University in New York on Friday, November 6, 2015. The trip and registration will be paid by Ms. Fiocca- Stern. The cost of $100.00 for a substitute teacher for one day will be paid by the school Professional Development account. PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL: 25. 2015 / 368 The Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate eleven [11] sick leave days to Dale Burns, Pawtucketville Memorial School teacher and nine [9] sick leave days to Tasha Kenney, Lowell High School teacher. ADJOURNMENT: 26. ADJOURNMENT: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Spotlight on Excellence: Summer Mathematics Program To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 370 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Summer Mathematics Program  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Offices 155 Merrimack Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 M. Claire Abrams Tel: (978) 674-4323 Assistant Superintendent Fax: ( 978) 275-6363 Curriculum, Instruction &Assessment email:cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us TO: Dr. Salah Khelfaoui, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: October 15, 2015 RE: Spotlight on Excellence Summer Mathematics Program The Spotlight on Excellence presentation on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 will feature the eighth year of the Grades K-8 Summer Mathematics Program. The Lowell Public School Department values the contributions of its partners in the education of our children. This summer many of our partners - parents, guardians and caretakers of students in Grades K-8 were invited to support young learners in extending and enriching their mathematics skills by encouraging their study of mathematics over the summer. Our students were challenged, not only to solve mathematical problems, but to also maintain copies of their activities and recording sheets in order to present them to their new teacher at the beginning of the school year. Furthermore, all participating students were entered into a drawing. Those selected from the drawing will represent their schools at the October 21, 2015 Lowell School Committee Meeting. In addition, each of these student representatives will receive a $25.00 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble Bookstore at the meeting. I would like to thank all parents, community partners, and staff who supported this effort. I would also like to thank the Lowell School Committee for its enthusiastic support of this initiative. Above all, I’d like to offer my congratulations to all students who took advantage of this opportunity to enrich their lives through mathematics. I’m certain that continuing their study of mathematics over the summer has deepened their understanding and enlightened their appreciation for mathematics. Spotlight on Excellence October 15, 2015 Page 1 The following list recognizes the school and invited students who were the lucky drawing winners: Bailey School: Ashley Gilkie, Aaban Faruqui, Analise Gonzalez Bartlett School: Ryleigh Gary, Kendra Smith, Samantha Weigold Butler School: Nnadubem Ganobi, Eduarda De Moura, Monique An Daley School: Anthony Villa, Sophia Khem, Hailey Janowski Greenhalge School: Rahel Testaberger, Ehkyaw Kyaw, Jenanlese Fortunato Lincoln School: Alexander Sophal, Kitryc Virak, Qingfeng Diep McAuliffe School: Leah Lamontage, Cody Dozois, Phokhao Javon McAvinnue School: Azaliah Depeiza, Nixavier Macias, Enrique Raudales Moody School: Ameer Salman, Mustafa Salman, Sarah Thome Morey School: Bella Nou, Ruguiatu Diallo, Adrian Onyango Otieno Murkland School: Sophia Ly, Aliecia Vong, Mariana Quinones Pawtucketville School: Jake Descheneaux, Katelyn LeLacheu, Edward Yeboah Pyne/Arts School: Jerrel Morales, Isabella Brink, Pedro Quadros Reilly School: Jonathan Marks, Lismeidy Romero, Ronald Stein Robinson School: Xiani Perez, Irene Kirabo, Thomas Nguyen Shaughnessy School: Samuel Coit, Brianna Tyler, Katrina McCarthy STEM Academy: Glenda Luz Rodriguez, Paul Kamau, Shane Kirksey-Jackson Stoklosa School: Giana Santinello, Vottey Kong, Lily Chhun Sullivan School: Jarlen Arango, Shantall Beltran, Sana Shaik Wang School: Trevor Obdens, Amelia Halloran, Oluwanifemi Ogunseye Washington School: Angel Garcia, Tavon Lam, Devonathon Thanongsinh Spotlight on Excellence October 15, 2015 Page 2  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, October 7, 2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 365 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Permission to Enter: October 21, 2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 373 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: fantonelli@lowell.k12.ma.us PERMISSION TO ENTER To: Dr. Salah E. Khelfaoui, Superintendent of Schools From: Frank Antonelli, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Date: October 16, 2015 Subject: Permission to Enter – October 21, 2015 School Committee Meeting CAMBODIAN MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION $ 11,500 OF GREATER LOWELL 465 School Street Lowell, MA 01852 To provide the Lowell Adult Education Center with an on-site program for fifty (50) foreign- speaking adults. Funding provided by the Adult Basic Education Grant (ABE) LOWELL TRANSITIONAL LIVING CENTER, INC. $ 9,000 205 Middlesex Street Lowell, MA 01852 To provide recruitment, counseling and coordination for fifteen (15) homeless students to attend Adult Basic Education GED preparation classes. Funding provided by the Adult Basic Education Grant (ABE) MOUNT PROSPECT ACADEMY, INC. $ 64,000 350 Main Street Plymouth, NH 03264 To provide for the out-of-district tuition costs for one (1) student enrolled and receiving services as outlined in their special education IEP. Funding provided by the School Department Budget– Special Education Tuition Account THE DEVEREUX FOUNDATION $ 48,000 60 Miles Road Rutland To provide for the out-of-district tuition costs for one (1) student enrolled and receiving services as outlined in their special education IEP. Funding provided by the School Department Budget – Special Education Tuition Account 2  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 and Mayor contact the City Manager and report on the status of the lot behind the Lincoln School for use as a Mill City Grows School Garden. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 360 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 Lowell School Committee go on record as opposed to the implementation of the PARCC test in Lowell at this time and request the Superintendent report this to the Department of Education. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 361 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 Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Superintendent work with Headmaster to communicate scholarship opportunity for LHS students through the Veterans of Foreign War Scholarship program. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 369 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Democracy  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 [by David Conway]: Request the Superintendent review the mandates that have been adopted by DESE and see if they are still required under the new federal guidelines. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 374 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]: Develop a plan to post our waitlist system online and provide a better understanding for our parents on where they stand on the waitlist the process involved. Request that the feasibility of making the process public by posting student id numbers of waitlist standing be explored. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 380 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]: Develop a plan to require a higher quality school lunch be provided in our bid process and include a report on the feasibility of bringing school lunch services back in house. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 381 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Finance Subcommittee: Report and Approval of the Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, October 7, 2015 [James Leary, Chairperson] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 362 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Henry J. Mroz Administration Office Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Rodney M. Elliott Tel: (978) 937-7647 Mayor and Chairperson Tel: (978) 937-7614 Fax: (978) 446-7436 Connie A. Martin Finance Subcommittee Meeting Vice-Chairperson Wednesday October 7, 2015 David J. Conway Stephen J. Gendron City Hall – Council Chambers James D. Leary 6:06 p.m. Kristin Ross-Sitcawich Kimberly A. Scott Subcommittee Members Present: Chairperson James Leary, Connie Martin School Department Personnel Present: Frank Antonelli, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations, Dr. Phala Chea, Coordinator of English Language Learner Program Chairperson James Leary called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. The following agenda item was discussed: 1. Dr. Chea explained that there is a need for new personnel in the ELL program, (4 new teachers, 3 tutors, and a districtwide pre-school tester.), because of increased enrollments. Mr. Antonelli reviewed the financial information related to the requests and the source of funding. Mr. Antonelli also asked the sub-committee to take this matter under advisement until the next regularly scheduled School Committee meeting. The sub-committee asked Mr. Antonelli to check with officials at the state level to make sure that the revolving account could be used for this purpose. The subcommittee also wanted to know what services we would not be providing if the monies in the revolving account were used to pay for new ELL positions. Motion by Connie Martin, seconded by James Leary, to adjourn the meeting at 6:20 p.m., passed unanimously. Motion to adjourn at 6:23 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Frank Antonelli Interim Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations For Salah E. Khelfaoui Superintendent of Schools Secretary, Lowell School Committee  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Curriculum: Report of the meeting of Tuesday, October 20, 2014 [Connie Martin, Chairperson] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 382 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Quarterly Reports on Motions To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 366 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 21st, 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. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday October 21, 2015 Meeting Page 1  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 6. 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. 7. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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. 11. 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. 12. 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. 13. 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. 14. 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. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday October 21, 2015 Meeting Page 2  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 15. 08/19/15 Long Term Plan for Lowell Public Schools On-going [by Steve Gendron]: Request the Superintendent begin to work on a long term plan for Lowell Public Schools. 16. 09/02/15 Neighborhood Schools/School Zones [by Rodney Elliott]: Request Superintendent look into and provide analysis on the possibility of changing district into neighborhood schools/school zones. 17. 09/02/15 Unanswered Motions Chronologically [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent add all unanswered motions chronologically to the regular school committee agenda. 18. 10/07/15 Superintendent’s Evaluation Instrument [by Connie Martin]: Requesting that Personnel Subcommittee schedule a meeting for the Superintendent to present his proposed evaluation instrument for review and discussion, prior to submission for approval to the full Lowell School Committee at the October 21st meeting. 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 October 21, 2015 Meeting Page 3  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. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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. 11. 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. 12. 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. 13. 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. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday October 21, 2015 Meeting Page 4  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 14. 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. 15. 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. 16. 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. 17. 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. 18. 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. 19. 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. 20. 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. 21. 03/18/15 Conditions for Non-Union Employees Reported at the [by Rodney Elliott]: Request the Superintendent to provide information/report on 10/21/15 Meeting process to codify employment terms and conditions for all non-union employees in the On going School Department, similar to all non-union City employees. 22. 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. 23. 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. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday October 21, 2015 Meeting Page 5  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 24. 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. 25. 07/15/15 Budgetary Impact on the Earned Sick Leave [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request Superintendent and appropriate School Department personnel present a report to the School Committee as to the budgetary impact of the most recently enacted Earned Sick Leave Law, in particular as it relates to non-benefitted, part time personnel. 26. 07/15/15 Lincoln School Mill City Grows Community Garden Reported at the [by Steve Gendron]: Requests the Superintendent to determine the status of the lot 9/2/15 Meeting behind the Lincoln School playground and pursue options to use it as a Mill City Grows On going community garden. 27. 10/07/15 Financial Status [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Superintendent provide a report on the financial status of School Department Budget. 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. 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. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday October 21, 2015 Meeting Page 6  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 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 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. 8. 11/19/14 Middle School Lyceum Program [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent develop a middle school Lyceum program. 9. 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 10. 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. 11. 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 12. 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. 13. 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. 14. 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. 15. 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. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday October 21, 2015 Meeting Page 7  DATE MOTION STATUS OF MOTION 16. 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. 17. 09/02/15 Programs Changes After the 2015-2016 Budget Session [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent provide a report of all programming changes made after the 2015-2016 budget session. 18. 09/02/15 Health Curriculum [by Kimberly Scott]: Request the Superintendent prepare a plan to provide the same health curriculum in all of our middle schools. 19. 10/07/15 Distribution of Book Donated by Veterans Assisting Veterans [by Mayor Rodney Elliott]: Request School Committee accept thirty [30] copies of “Veterans Heroes in Our Neighborhood” book donated by Veterans Assisting Veterans and request Superintendent distribute one to each school. 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. 09/02/15 Neighborhood Schools/School Zones [by Rodney Elliott]: Request Superintendent look into and provide analysis on the possibility of changing district into neighborhood schools/school zones. 3. 09/02/15 MGL Chapter 71 Section 69 COMPLETED [by Kimberly Scott and David Conway]: Request the Superintendent report on our 10/07/15 compliance of MGL Chapter 71 Section 69 and address any non-compliance. 4. 09/16/15 SWEAR Program [by David Conway]: Request Superintendent to examine the feasibility of implementing the SWEAR program [Stand with Everyone Against Rape] at Lowell High School. 5. 10/07/15 Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent review and revise as needed, the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, per plan language, must be reviewed/revised biennially. 6. 10/07/15 Status of the District Wide Safety Assessment [by Kristin Ross-Sitcawich]: Request the Superintendent provide an update as to the status of the district wide safety assessment. Quarterly update on Status of Motions To be Presented at the Meeting of Wednesday October 21, 2015 Meeting Page 8  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Advocacy for Newcomer Program To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 378 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Central Administration Offices 155 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852 Tel: 978-674-4324 Salah E. Khelfaoui, Ph.D. Fax: 978-937-7609 Superintendent of Schools E-Mail: skhelfaoui@lowell.k12.ma.us October 16, 2015 Dear Congresswoman Tsongas, Senator Markey, and Senator Warren: The City of Lowell and Lowell Public Schools have a proud history of welcoming, embracing, and integrating immigrant populations who have resettled in our community. In following that history and tradition of welcoming and assisting families transition into a new culture and a new environment, Lowell strives to provide the best educational opportunities to all children regardless of their country of birth, national origin, or ethnic background so that they may find success and be valuable contributors in our city, state, and nation. As of October 14, 2015, the district has identified 3,536 (29%) as English Language Learners (ELLs). Approximately 50% of the ELLs are in middle and high school (grades 5-12), and 88% of the ELLs receive free or reduced lunch. The racial and ethnic makeup of the ELLs includes 5% African American/Black, 46% Asian, 37% Hispanic and, 11% White. The most common languages spoken by ELLs are: 37.1% Spanish, 35.8% Khmer, 6.9% Portuguese and 20.2% low incidence languages such as, Swahili, Gujarati, Arabic, Vietnamese, Nepali, Burmese, and various ethnic languages from Burma and African countries. Currently, the district has 52 ESL Teachers hired to provide direct ESL instruction. Out of the 52 ESL Teachers, 25 of them are teaching 1,038 newcomer students (many of whom are refugee students) that require at least 90 minutes to a full day of ESL instruction, depending on whether they have limited and/or interrupted formal education. According to the 2014-2015 Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s District Analysis and Review Tool (DART), out of the 2,276 English Language Learners who took MCAS, only 24% made proficient or higher on ELA MCAS and only 27% made proficient or higher on Math MCAS. The chart below demonstrates how the ELLs in the Lowell Public Schools met MCAS and ACCESS for content proficiencies, compared with statewide averages. 2014-2015 ACCESS for ELLs Race % of District % of State % of ELL Proficient 21 20 % of ELL Making Progress 54 62 2014-2015 MCAS ELL Students Race % of District % of State  ELA Proficient or Higher 26 24 Math Proficient or Higher 30 27 Science Proficient or Higher 6 10 2014-2015 ELA Only students tested in both Total Warning/Failing Needs Imp. MCAS and ACCESS Access Proficiency Levels # % # % # Total 2,276 26% 593 48 1,084 1 8 --- --- --- --- 2 98 87% 85 12% 12 3 563 60% 340 37% 208 4 911 16% 144 62% 563 5 469 4% 17 52% 246 6 227 0% 0 24% 54 Additionally, 2014-2015 MCAS data suggests that although Lowell’s students have been making significant gains, there is a demonstrated need to provide targeted and intensive student intervention and safety net programs. For the students who are ELLs, the 2014- 2015 data showed that 74% of all ELLs performed in the Needs Improvement/Warning category in English Language Arts. Within the ELLs population, there are a significant number of refugee students entering grades K- 12 with limited and/or interrupted formal education since 2011. The chart below shows refugee student enrollment within the last five years. Many of these students come to the U.S. with trauma and limited or interrupted educational experience. Most are non-English speakers; others are at the early stages of English language development. A large percentage of middle and high school aged students have received only one to two years of formal education in refugee camp schools or have had their formal education interrupted because of war or civil unrest. Furthermore, a majority of the older students lack age-appropriate literacy and numeracy skills even in their native language. Refugee Student Enrollment within the Last Five Years 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 163 204 239 165 78 (As of 10/15) A majority of the refugee students are ethnic minorities from Burma, Nepal, Iraq, and different African countries. These different ethnic groups will continue to resettle in Lowell with the assistance of the International Institute of New England. The International Institute of New England anticipates more arrivals of refugees from central and southern Africa (i.e. Democratic Republic of Congo and Eritrea) within this year. With the current high enrollment of refugee students and with the anticipated arrivals of more refugee students, Lowell Public Schools needs to expand the available services of the English Language Education Program and ensure that there are sufficient staff to meet the state mandated instructional time for ESL, Reading, and other content areas by licensed ESL teachers not only during the school year, but also during the summer time. In response to the substantial increase of refugee students, Lowell Public Schools has added ten newcomer classes. Naturally, the addition of classrooms requires hiring of teachers and support staff. In addition, man-hours and materials are expended in the preparation of the learning space. The increasing costs associated with growth of this special population place a significant strain on our financial resources. Monies from various entitlements and grants allocated to newcomer students are not sufficient to close the gap between the costs of meeting the academic needs of our newcomers and for providing access to all other services available to all children enrolled in the Lowell Public Schools. In recent years, Federal and State grants (Gateway City Grant, Refugee Student Impact Grant, and Title III Grant) have been reduced significantly or discontinued entirely which places an even greater financial burden on the district. To that end, Lowell Public Schools is seeking your continued support in identifying and securing funds in order to maintain our commitment to the education and well being of immigrant families. With your support in this endeavor, we believe that our schools will continue to deliver outstanding and equitable learning opportunities to the children of our new families. Thank you for your attention and support. Sincerely, Salah E. Khelfaoui, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Employment Terms and Conditions for Non-Union Employees To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 367 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Non-affiliated School Department Employees  Non-Affiliated School Department Employees To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Dr. Salah Khelfaoui, Superintendent of Schools Date: October 16, 2015 Re: Non-affiliated School Department Employees At a regularly scheduled meeting on March 18, 2015, Mayor Rodney Elliott requested that I provide a report on the process to codify employment terms for non-affiliated School Department Employees. In light of this requirement, I contacted City Solicitor Christine O’Connor to prepare a proposal with terms and conditions of employment for non-affiliated School Department Employees in line with non-union City employee’s employment agreement. Once the proposal is completed I will be submitting a report to the Committee for a review and consideration on the meeting following said completion. SEK/mp xc: Chris O’Connor, City Solicitor Non-affiliated School Department Employees Meeting of October 21, 2015 1-1  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Financial Report To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 377 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Long Term Plan Update To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 379 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Long Term Plan Update To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Dr. Salah Khelfaoui, Superintendent of Schools Date: October 16, 2015 Re: Long Term Plan Update The Strategic Plan Support team began our long term strategic planning by holding the first public forum on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at the John Burgoyne Theatre at Freshman Academy. To ensure significant public participation, we conducted outreach to the community through multiple media outlets. Staff members from the Superintendent’s Office and the Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment talked on WCAP 980 to further engage members of the public. Advertisements in the Lowell Sun and on LTC Channels 95 and 99, and significant outreach on our social media and web pages, ensured that all community members were aware of the process. A presentation was also given to the Lowell Plan to include the members of the Lowell Plan’s Public Matters: Empowering Lowell’s Leaders in our strategic plan process. Every student in the Lowell Public Schools received an invitation to take home to their families and approximately 500 invitations were sent. These invitations were sent to all of our identified community partners including but not limited to the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Middlesex Community College, the City of Lowell, Greater Lowell Community Health Center, all of the local banks and financial institutions, our retail community, members of law enforcement, the arts and non-profit communities and others. Approximately 300 people participated in this event through attendance and participation in our online and paper surveys. Our first planning session where we will begin to form strategic plan task forces will be held on the night of October 28 at the Lowell Public Schools Professional Learning Center at 144 Merrimack Street. A link to subscribe to our newsletter for further strategic plan information is available on the Superintendent’s webpage on the Lowell Public Schools website. This is accessible by visiting: http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/pages/lpsd/depts/Superintendent SEK/mp Long Term Plan Update Meeting of October 21, 2015 1-1  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Home Education To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 371 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Offices 155 Merrimack Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 M. Claire Abrams Tel: (978) 674-4323 Assistant Superintendent FAX: 978-275-6363 Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment email:cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us TO: Dr. Salah E. Khelfaoui, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: October 15, 2015 RE: Request for Home Education The following parent/guardian seeks permission to home educate their child: Ezra Moses & Noma Mhlauli-Moses 1217 Pawtucket Blvd, Unit 49 Under General Laws Chapter 76, Section 1, Home Education is constitutionally permissible. Therefore, I recommend approval of this request. If granted, the number of families approved by the Lowell School Committee to home school will total 35 and the total number of children will be 54. MCA/nc  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Vote to Approve ELL Positions To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 372 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Offices English Language Education Department 144 Merrimack St. Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 English Language Education Program Tel: (978) 674-2109 Dr. Phala Chea, Fax: (978) 674-2154 Coordinator of ELE Program pchea@lowell.k12.ma.us Jaana K. Thorarensen, jthorarensen@lowell.k12.ma.us ELL Specialist for Research and Testing cpowers@lowell.k12.ma.us Carrie Powers, ELL District Support Specialist To: Members of the School Committee Dr. Salah Khelfaoui, Superintendent of Schools, Frank Antonelli, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment From: Phala Chea, Coordinator of English Language Education Program Date: October 16, 2015 Re: English Language Education Program Proposal __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is requiring that school districts initially assess English language proficiency of students in grades PreK-12 to properly identify English Language Learners and their English Language Development needs. As of October 14, 2015, the district has identified 3,536 as English Language Learners and there are currently 52 ESL Teachers hired to provide direct ESL instruction. Out of the 52 ESL Teachers, 25 of them are teaching 1,038 newcomer students (many of whom are refugee students) that require at least 90 minutes to a full day of ESL instruction, depending on whether they have limited and/or interrupted formal education. On June 11, 2015, Jean Franco presented a report detailing the following recommendations for accomplishing the ELL Realignment Plan to the School Committee: 1. The District recommends at least one ESL teacher for every building to meet the needs of all English Language Learners, with the potential to expand ESL classroom support at each school according to population increase in the future. 2. Move Newcomer Programs from two strand schools to four strand schools to allow for more mainstream integration possibilities. 3. Pilot ESL Convergent Model at the Shaughnessy. One dually licensed (content & ESL) teacher assigned at each grade level to provide ESL support in ELA. After finalizing the budget at the end of 2015-2016 academic year, the district was able to transfer and convert two positions. One ESL position from the Wang School was transferred to the Bartlett Community Partnership School and one position from the Daley School was converted from a retiring fluency teacher to a new ESL teaching position at the Morey Elementary School. With these two movements, two ESL teachers were assigned to two of the following seven schools recommended for meeting the goal of the second phase of the realignment plan: School ESL Teacher Number of ELLs at Number of ELLs at English Language English Language Proficiency Levels 1.0- Proficiency Levels 3.0- 2.9 Requiring a Minimum 4.9 Requiring a of 90 minutes to a Full Minimum of 45 Day of Direct ESL minutes of Direct ESL Instruction by a Licensed Instruction Per Day by ESL Teacher a Licensed ESL Teacher Bartlett 1 ESL Teacher in place 31 111 Community Partnership Morey Elementary 1 ESL Teacher in place 43 90 Bailey Elementary No ESL Teacher 29 77 Stoklosa Middle 3 ESL Teachers in place (2 29 153 of the 3 teachers are teaching a self-contained newcomer classroom) Lincoln 1 ESL Teacher in place 49 117 Elementary Moody No ESL Teacher 31 75 Elementary Washington No ESL Teacher 13 59 Elementary In our continuing efforts to meet additional goals of having at least one ESL teacher for every school building, the district is proposing to hire four ESL teachers for the remaining five schools and additional ESL tutors to provide supplemental support to alternative schools and schools with high enrollment of English Language Learners. This 2015-2016 school year, the district has identified one retiring ESL teaching position at the Murkland Elementary School that can be converted to ESL Tutoring positions at the end of October 2015 for the remainder of the 2015-2016 school year. The district is proposing the sharing of one ESL teaching position between the two smaller schools, Moody and Washington, and the sharing of one ESL Tutor position at two alternative schools. In addition to the above request, the district is proposing the hiring of one additional part-time Language Tester to meet the new Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s guidelines, which require districts with preschool programs to test preschool students with another language other than English spoken at home. This means that approximately more than 300 preschool students will need to be tested to determine their language needs. The total amount of the proposed expenditure, which is recommended, will be $232,658 in average annual salary and benefits and will be prorated at $182,823 for salary and benefits. Systemically, the district is trying to increase the ESL licensed staff capacity by collaborating and partnering with Fitchburg State University on the TESEL grant (Transforming Education and Schools for English Learners), a National Professional Development grant to benefit administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals and tutors in Lowell, Fitchburg, and Leominster who are interested in pursuing an ESL license or in seeking professional development in ESL. Within the last three years of the TESEL grant partnership, 20 staff members obtained their ESL license and more than 50 staff members are in the process of completing the program within the final two years of the grant.  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Budget Transfer To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 376 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: Budget Transfer  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Office 155 Merrimack Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Tel: (978) 674-4325 Frank Antonelli Tel: (978) 674-2019 Interim Assistant Superintendent Fax: (978) 937-7620 Finance & Operations E-Mail: fantonelli@lowell.k12.ma.us To: Dr. Salah E. Khelfaoui, Superintendent of Schools From: Frank Antonelli, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Date: October 16, 2015 Subject: Motion to Transfer Motion to Transfer: Appropriations transfer of $35,000 from Capital Projects account 99347206 -5840600 to: $25,000 Greenhalge account 91510112-544400 $10,000 Rogers Stem Academy account 98710612-544400 Purpose of Transfer: To provide these two partnering schools with money generated through the before and after school programs conducted by community based organizations.  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 Paul Francoeur, LHS Outdoor Adventures Advisor, to travel to Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA. from Thursday, October 22nd through Sunday, October 25, 2015. There is no cost for this Leadership training. The cost of $200 for two substitute teachers will be paid by LHS Individual School budget. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 363 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  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 Outdoor Adventures Advisor, Jennifer Bauer, along with coried chaperones, Donna Newcomb, Jennifer Bauer and 20 club members, to travel to Harold Parker State Forest in Andover, Ma. from Saturday, November 14th through Sunday, November 15, 2015. There is no cost to the School Department. Students will pay their own way for bus travel and meals. No substitute teacher is needed. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 364 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Marianne Fiocca-Stern, Bailey School teacher, respectfully request permission to attend the Supporting Nonfiction Reading workshop at the Teacher's College at Colombia University in New York on Friday, November 6, 2015. The trip and registration will be paid by Ms. Fiocca-Stern. The cost of $100.00 for a substitute teacher for one day will be paid by the school Professional Development account. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 375 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 Members of the United Teachers of Lowell hereby donate eleven [11] sick leave days to Dale Burns, Pawtucketville Memorial School teacher and nine [9] sick leave days to Tasha Kenney, Lowell High School teacher. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 368 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: