WHITTIER SCHOOL COUNCIL MINUTES
December 11, 2019
Present: Michael McLucas, Nancy Sutera, Kimberly Cerbone, Cara Fidalgo, Daniela Faia, Ben Francavilla, Kristen Harris, Tammy LaRosa, Joseph Lento, Elizabeth DiCarlo, and Pierrette Revangil
SCHOOL SAFETY – FIRE ALARM PULL STATION
Mr. McLucas reviewed safety protocols with the Council, as well as an incident regarding a fire alarm that was pulled in the gymnasium by a first grader on Friday, December 6, 2019.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Mr. McLucas informed the Council that the School Improvement Plan will be updated with Mid-Year Data from the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessments and i-Ready assessments for reading and math. The key aspects of the plan include Academic, Social and Civic components.
ROBOTICS CLUB
The Council was informed that the Whittier School Robotics Club participated in a Robotics Tournament on Saturday, December 7, 2019, in Shrewsbury, under the direction of Ms. Dawn Munro, Technology Teacher.
ATTENDANCE
The Council was notified that we are currently averaging a rate of 4% of students for daily absences. Ms. Disario, guidance counselor, has established a bulletin board and several incentives to bolster student attendance, which has led to an overall improvement.
DONATIONS
Mr. McLucas informed the Council that several recent donations were made to Whittier School families through Dr. Leahy of Everett Chiropractic, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Rotary Club. In addition, Cuckoo Signs of Everett donated 500 bumper stickers that read, “My Child was Student of the Month at the Sumner G. Whittier School, Everett, MA.”
Mr. McLucas informed the Council that several recent donations were made to Whittier School families through Dr. Leahy of Everett Chiropractic, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Rotary Club. In addition, Cuckoo Signs of Everett donated 500 bumper stickers that read, “My Child was Student of the Month at the Sumner G. Whittier School, Everett, MA.”
ENGLISH LEARNERS
The Council was informed that English Learners will be taking the WIDA Access Test in January and February, which will have an impact on MCAS points and their assigned levels for placement of instruction for the upcoming school year.
The Council was informed that English Learners will be taking the WIDA Access Test in January and February, which will have an impact on MCAS points and their assigned levels for placement of instruction for the upcoming school year.
CANDIDATE FOR SUPERINTENDENT
Mr. McLucas and Mrs. Sutera informed the Council that Mr. Thomas Flanagan, one of four final candidates for Superintendent, visited the Sumner G. Whittier School on December 10, 2019, with Mr. Frank Parker of the Everett School Committee, and answered a variety of questions from a panel of Sumner G. Whittier School educators.
Mr. McLucas and Mrs. Sutera informed the Council that Mr. Thomas Flanagan, one of four final candidates for Superintendent, visited the Sumner G. Whittier School on December 10, 2019, with Mr. Frank Parker of the Everett School Committee, and answered a variety of questions from a panel of Sumner G. Whittier School educators.
TITLE I
Mrs. Faia, Data Coach, informed the Council of the i-Ready assessments and the resources for teachers and students per reading and math scores. She highlighted the incentive for students who met or exceeded expectations on the MCAS test, including a presentation of certificates.
NEW BUSINESS
The Council discussed the WIDA Training Certificates of Staff, Winter Carnival, upcoming Retirement of Caroline Cataldo, Grade 5 Teacher, and Jeans Day to Support School-Based Needy Families.
The Council discussed the WIDA Training Certificates of Staff, Winter Carnival, upcoming Retirement of Caroline Cataldo, Grade 5 Teacher, and Jeans Day to Support School-Based Needy Families.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:44 a.m.