Last Tuesday’s Committee
started with a brief presentation by Early Childhood Center (ECC) Director
Donna Rosso, joined by School Psychologist Jaime Hickey Wiklund and Social
Worker Jennifer Centore as they took on the maiden voyage of our new “MPS Highlights” segment, coming once
per month. They noted that there are now 320 students at the ECC and that
social/emotional/behavioral skills play a large part in student learning.
They’ve purchased an updated version of the Second Step curriculum that
includes positive behavior interventions, including self-control and
self-regulation. Teachers and paraprofessionals have participated in trainings
that prescribe the use of consistent language so that students hear and
understand expectations about success in every classroom (and can be used as
they progress to elementary school). The program is becoming embedded, rather
than stand-alone, instruction.
Announcements of the Superintendent included a report from the School Wellness
Advisory Council that noted health and wellness actions required of different
stakeholder groups. A schedule of events is being developed for Kindergarten registration for the
coming year in anticipation of including more outreach and understanding. The
district and Melrose Education Foundation are partnering to host Parent University on 11/14 at MVMMS.
It’s designed to help parents and community members learn more about the
schools. Technology purchased with
monies approved by the Board of Aldermen in early October is being received and
imaged in order to place it in schools as soon as possible. A three-year grant
received by the Melrose Police will provide for a School Resource Officer at MVMMS.
MCAS results were presented by rotating groups of Directors, Principals, and Asst.
Supt. of Teaching and Learning Dr. Margaret Adams. Great strides have been made
at MHS toward closing the achievement gap. In ELA, they are attributed to data
analysis, additional writing in class and at home, and having highly trained
teachers for special ed. students. In math, students realized the highest
percentage of students ever in the advanced category. They are still closing
the achievement gap in math. Science scores at MHS were similar to last year
with more students proficient vs. advanced. This content area remains a
significant challenge at the elementary level and even more so at the middle
school level.
A staffing presentation was developed that explored the elements
surrounding teacher retention. The reasons teachers stay in the district
include having a positive relationship with their supervisor, professional
development, opportunities to be leaders, and feeling that others trust their
skills. The Superintendent has developed recommendations that have budget and
administrative implications, and include things like finding more ways for
teachers to be involved with the community-at-large, developing more
relationships with higher ed. to place more student teachers in-district,
hiring more teachers with dual certification, creating programs for more
minority hiring, and providing even more leadership opportunities.
A number of policy agenda items were presented,
including intentions around review of finance policies, policies that need
editing based on change in law/regulation, and policies that address latex
allergies (a new concern in our district).
The detailed Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Annual
Report was provided for review.
The initial phase of
approving FY16 Superintendent goals
was held, as we approved the Standards and Indicators on which she will be
evaluated during the coming year.
As always, documents are
on the melroseschools web site under School Committee. Vimeo of the meeting is
on the mmtv3.org web site, under Government Meetings. Next Committee meeting is
Tuesday, October 27th at 7:00 in the Aldermanic Chamber.
