reading memorial high school€¦ · leia richardson reading memorial high school 10 paul collins...

School Committee Meeting

June 22, 2020

7:00 P.M.

Open Session

Remote Meeting

Town of Reading

Meeting Posting with Agenda

This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed

at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.

Page | 1

2018-07-16 LAG

Board - Committee - Commission - Council:

School Committee

Date: 2020-06-22 Time: 7:00 PM

Building: Location:

Address: Agenda:

Purpose: Open Session

Meeting Called By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair

Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding

Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk’s hours of

operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an

adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be

discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda.

All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted.

Topics of Discussion:

THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD REMOTELY ON MICROSOFT TEAMS

7:00 p.m. Call to Order

7:05 – 7:20 p.m. C. Public Comment

For public comment please email

[email protected] Emails will be taken

up at the meeting if they are relevant

1. Correspondence submitted in advance of meeting

2. Correspondence submitted during the meeting

7:20 – 7:25 p.m. D. Consent Agenda (Vote)

- Accept a Donation from the Wood End PTO

- Accept a Donation from the RMHS PTO

- Approval of Minutes (June 11, 2020)

7:25 – 7:50 p.m. E. Reports

1. Students

2. Director of Student Services

3. Assistant Superintendent

4. Chief Financial Officer

5. Superintendent

6. Liaison/Sub-Committee

7:50 – 8:10 p.m.

8:10 – 8:40 p.m.

8:40 – 8:50 p.m.

F. New Business

1. Summer Food Distribution Update (Discussion)

2. Curriculum Update (Discussion)

3. Declare Surplus Property (Discussion & Vote)

mailto:[email protected]

Town of Reading

Meeting Posting with Agenda

This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed

at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.

Page | 2

8:50 – 9:00 p.m.

9:00 – 9:10 p.m.

9:10 – 9:20 p.m.

G. Old Business

1. Town Meeting Approved FY2021 Budget (Discussion &

Vote)

2. Town Meeting Approved FY2021 Capital Plan as Related

to Schools (Discussion & Vote)

3. FY20 Budget Update (Discussion & Vote)

H. Information/Correspondence

1. Email from Holly Gallant - Notice of Resignation

2. Email from Anna Wentlent - Arts, Health, and Wellness

3. Email from Heather Lombardo - Your remarks regarding

today's rally

4. Email from Rebecca Liberman - Comment for June 11

meeting.

I. Routine Matters

1. Bills & Payroll Warrants

2. Calendar

J. Future Business

9:25 p.m. K. Adjourn

**Times are approximate

Reading Public Schools

Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow

The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability.

John F. Doherty, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools

82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867

Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149

Christine M. Kelley Assistant Superintendent

Jennifer A. Stys, Ed.D. Director of Student Services

Gail Dowd, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

TO: Reading School Committee

FROM: John F. Doherty, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

DATE: June 18, 2020

TOPIC: Accept a Donation from the Wood End PTO

At our meeting on Monday night I will ask the School Committee to accept a donation in the amount of

$277.64 from the Wood End PTO. This donation will be used to support the purchase of agendas for the

4th and 5th grade students.

If you have any questions, please contact me.






Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149



Gail Dowd, CPA





DATE: June 18, 2020

TOPIC: Accept a Donation from the RMHS PTO

At our meeting on Monday night I will ask the School Committee to accept a donation in the amount of

$1,000 from the RMHS PTO. This donation will be used to support the purchase of books and materials

promoting and supporting diversity for the high school library.


Town of Reading

Meeting Minutes

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2016-09-22 LAG

Board - Committee - Commission - Council:

School Committee

Date: 2020-06-11 Time: 7:00 PM

Building: Location:

Address: Session: Open Session

Purpose: Open Session Version: Draft

Attendees: Members - Present:

Chuck Robinson, John Parks, Tom Wise, Erin Gaffen, Carla Nazzaro and

Shawn Brandt

Members - Not Present:

Others Present:

Superintendent John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Chris Kelley, CFO

Gail Dowd, Director of Student Services Jennifer Stys, Human Resources

Administrator Jenn Allard

Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair

Topics of Discussion:

I. Call to Order

Chair Robinson opened the meeting and announced the School Committee was meeting in a

virtual setting, fully remote via Microsoft Teams, practicing social distancing and in

accordance with the Governor’s suspension of certain open meeting laws. The meeting was

being recorded and broadcast live on RCTV. The Chair called attendance:

Mr. Parks – here Dr. Doherty – here

Mr. Wise – here Mrs. Dowd – here

Mrs. Nazzaro – here Mrs. Kelley - here

Mrs. Gaffen – here Dr. Stys – here

Mr. Brandt – here Mrs. Allard – here

Mr. Robinson – here

A. Staff Recognition

Mrs. Allard shared that because the meeting is remote, she will be presenting a video in

which the principals will acknowledge their staff being recognized tonight. She thanked

everyone that assisted her in creating this video.

First Name Last Name School/Department Milestone Year

HEATHER MCCLAIN BARROWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 10

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ANDREA CARUSO JOSHUA EATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 10

BETHANY NAZZARO JOSHUA EATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 10

LAURA FARRELL KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 10

AURIANA MUSSELMAN PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL 10

ANDREW SPINALI PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL 10

JUDITH THERRIAULT PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL 10

CHRISTOPHER TWOMEY PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL 10

GIULIO BINAGHI READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 10

ELIZABETH DALBY READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 10

KENT HATTON READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 10

LEIA RICHARDSON READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 10

PAUL COLLINS SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE/RMHS 10

MAUREEN FRANEY-PASSATEMPO SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE/KILLAM 10

LISA NORCROSS WOOD END ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 10

CAROL SANDBERG BARROWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20

LEANA VRENANGR BIRCH MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20

KATHLEEN INGEMI JOSHUA EATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20

KERRY MULLEN JOSHUA EATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20

KARESA ENCARNACAO KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20

MARY GOTSELL KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20

AMY HUSSEY KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20

HELEN PALMIERI KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20

MARY ELLEN KIRWAN READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 20

NANCY NAJMI READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 20

BRENDA HOBART SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE/COOLIDGE 20

SARAH BIELICKI WOOD END ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20

LISA FINIGAN WOOD END ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20

William Keenan Barrows Retirement

Paula Santarpio Central Office Retirement

Chris Steinhauser Coolidge Retirement

John Falkenstrom Eaton Retirement

Vonda Gauthier Parker Retirement

Giulio Binaghi RMHS Retirement

Janet Klein RMHS Retirement

Mary Ellen Kirwan RMHS Retirement

Jeffrey Ryan RMHS Retirement

Nancy Najmi RMHS Retirement

Illeana Napoli RMHS Retirement

Carmen O'Rourke RMHS Retirement

Lisa Suglia Wood End Retirement

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Vittoria Penna Barrows Elementary School PTS

Leslie Jennings Barrows Elementary School PTS

Caitilyn Coye Birch Meadow Elementary School PTS

Mollie Pelletier Coolidge Middle School PTS

Rachel Herman Coolidge Middle School PTS

Amy Gelineau Coolidge Middle School PTS

Selma Walsh Coolidge Middle School PTS

Phyllis Greene Joshua Eaton Elementary School PTS

Brittany Kurtz Joshua Eaton Elementary School PTS

Kameka Rees Killam Elementary School PTS

Elizabeth Kelly Killam Elementary School PTS

Rachel Weeks Parker Middle School PTS

Kathleen Shmulsky Parker Middle School PTS

Jamie Benger Reading Memorial High School PTS

Alexander Pancic Reading Memorial High School PTS

Sharyn Drew Reading Memorial High School PTS

Gregory Cate Reading Memorial High School PTS

Catherine Taglilatela Reading Memorial High School PTS

Ann Marie McGrath RISE Preschool PTS

Lori Abelson Wood End Elementary School PTS

Jessica Hester Wood End Elementary School PTS

B. Public Input

Mr. Robinson explained that public comment would be held at the end of the meeting

allowing the public time to email questions to [email protected]

C. Consent Agenda

Mr. Wise moved, seconded by Mr. Brandt, to approve the consent agenda as

amended. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr. Parks, Mr. Wise, Mrs. Nazzaro, Mrs.

Gaffen, Mr. Brandt and Mr. Robinson.

D. Reports

Director of Student Services

Dr. Stys provided an update on the plans for the Extended School Year (ESY) program.

She said that she has been working closely with the state. The plan is for high priority

students to come into small group or individual settings when the district is ready. We

are targeting students that have not been able to access services remotely. She hopes to

have additional guidance from the state for training of staff and PPE requirements by July

6th.


Mrs. Dowd reported on the following:

Town Meeting – we have been working closely with the Town as they prepare for the

upcoming Town Meeting. We have members of our Facilities Department, IT

Department and Central Office working through the logistics and participating in “mock”

mailto:[email protected]

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meetings. Town Meeting will be a virtual platform on Monday June 15th. There will be a

test Town Meeting on Saturday and those that are not participating will be able to attend

in the PAC at RMHS.

Use of School Fields - As the state moves into Phase 2 of re-opening, we are reviewing

all of the guidelines for the multiple Phases of Phase 2 to determine the safest way to re-

open Turf 1 and Turf II. We are working closely with Facilities and Recreation to review

the guidelines and will be presenting our plan to the Command Team as well as the Board

of Health. We will keep the committee and community informed and updated as

decisions related to the fields are made. As of today, both fields remain closed.

Personal Protective Equipment and Buying Process – we continue to follow and monitor

guidelines that are being issued by DESE. On June 5th, DESE issued Guidance on

Required Safety Supplies for Re-Opening Schools Upon receiving this guidance, I began

discussions with Mary Giuliana, Joe Huggins, Kevin Gerstner, Kevin Cabuzzi and Dr.

Doherty to review the list. We began to calculate the potential quantities needed based

upon the guidance as well as to determine preliminary cost estimate. A spreadsheet was

created for each category of PPE so that we had a clear picture of the orders that would

need to be placed.

DESE issued a memo on Health Supply/PPE Acquisition Support announcing a state

sponsored ordering process. The process will be handled through the MA Operational

Services Division (OSD). OSD will be working with statewide contract vendors to create

a supply reserve that participating school districts can access and place initial and

recurring PPE orders. Part of the process will involve DESE/School only web-based

punchout catalogs with defined product choices and pricing.

We will continue to keep the committee updated. As mentioned during our last meeting,

we are preparing to start purchasing PPE now to ensure we are ready for the opening of

school as well as for ESY.

Food Distribution Update - We are currently providing meals to 42 children in Reading –

the number has fluctuated since March with some new children being added and some

coming off the list. We have had families starting to ask if we will be continuing through

the summer.

On June 10th we received an announcement from the Department of Education that the

USDA released a nationwide waiver that will allow School Food Authorities to continue

to provide meals at no charge to all children and teens at non-area eligible schools and

community sites, where less than 50 percent of participants are eligible for free or

reduced price meals. This specifically extends the existing waiver of area eligibility

requirements through August 31, 2020 (which is a change from the originally proposed

date of September 30th). DESE has requested districts to submit and amend applications

that had an end date of June 30th by June 17th. Danielle Collins and I will be meeting to

review the new information to determine the appropriate next steps.

Assistant Superintendent

Mrs. Kelley congratulated all the staff that were recognized tonight.

Mrs. Kelley shared that we continue to work hard with remote learning. We are getting

better, staff growing with remote learning and asking questions. A remote learning

survey has gone out to staff, parents and students that will be closing tonight. Mrs.

Kelley indicated that the response has been good. She will provide a curriculum update

at our next meeting.

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Mrs. Kelley reported the diversity group that has been brainstorming ideas regarding the

direction to take and added that all of the schools are having conversations, and this is a

huge priority.

Superintendent

Dr. Doherty wanted to thank our principals and staff for their creativity in handling the

move-up, promotion and award ceremonies this year.

He went on to thank Jordan’s Furniture for allowing us to use their parking lot for the

parade and senior slideshow events. Graduation is set for the end of July as an outdoor

ceremony. The graduation plan will need to be approved by the Board of Health.

Dr. Doherty reviewed the strategy going forward. He said that he is receiving a great

deal of information from the state and DESE. He feels there is a strong possibility that

there will be a hybrid model following DPH guidelines. We have established planning

subcommittees (Continuity of Learning, Supporting All Learners, Social Emotional

Learning and Staff/Student Transition & Communication and Operations). These

subcommittees are made up of teachers, administrators and parents.

Liaisons

Mr. Parks reported that the Recreation Committee met and cancelled all summer

programs. The Ad-Hoc Committee will meet on June 17th.

E. New Business

Endorse Community Action for Social Justice Event

Jennifer Blackmon, Parker teacher, provided some background on the upcoming event.

There have been safety discussions during the planning, RCTV will be live streaming this

event as well. She went on to read an excerpt from a student letter describing her fears

and concerns as a student of color in the Reading Public Schools. She is asking that the

School Committee endorse this event.

Mr. Wise moved, seconded by Mr. Parks, to endorse the Community Action for

Social Justice Event on June 13th.

Committee members shared concerns about safety and liability. Members also wanted

assurance that proper protocols were followed for holding this event.

The rally should be viewed as a unifying community event. The committee is being

asked to endorse the event to show support for our students of color.

The roll call vote carried 5-1. Mr. Parks, Mr. Wise, Mrs. Gaffen, Mr. Brandt and

Mr. Robinson voting for. Mrs. Nazzaro voting against.

Endorse COVID-19 State funding Resolution

Mr. Wise read the resolution.

Mr. Wise moved, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro, to endorse the COVID-19 Funding

Resolution.

Mrs. Dowd said that she has been running preliminary estimates for PPE with the range

being $660 - $700K per year.

Page | 6

The resolution is symbolic in nature.

The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr. Parks, Mr. Wise, Mrs. Nazzaro, Mrs. Gaffen, Mr.

Brandt and Mr. Robinson.

F. Old Business

Capital Update

Mrs. Dowd provided an update on the progress of the modular classroom project. The

delivery has been delayed due to a manufacturing delay due to COVID-19 staffing

reductions. We hope to have them delivered to the site sometime in mid-August with a

proposed completion date in the September/October timeline. There have been

discussions with Mrs. Hendrix to discuss space alternatives within Birch Meadow to

accommodate the short-term needs.

Mr. Huggins shared that DPW can begin the sitework and construction of items such as

the canopies to be installed over the entrances.

Mrs. Dowd reported that the building security study is ongoing. The contract has been

awarded to Lynnwell Associates with a target date of June 22nd to begin construction.

Second Reading of Social Media Policies

Mr. Wise moved, seconded by Mr. Brandt, to accept the second reading and

approval of Policy BHE – Use of Electronic Messaging by School Committee

Members & Policy BHEA – Use of Social Media by School Committee Members

Mr. Wise began the second reading of Policy BHE – Use of Electronic Messaging by

School Committee Members.

Mr. Parks moved to suspend the reading. Seconded by Mr. Brandt. The roll call

vote carried 6-0. Mr. Parks, Mr. Wise, Mrs. Gaffen, Mrs. Nazzaro, Mr. Brandt and

Mr. Robinson

Mr. Wise began the second reading of Policy BHEA – Use of Social Media by School

Committee Members.

Mr. Parks moved to suspend the reading. Seconded by Mr. Brandt. The roll call

vote carried 6-0. Mr. Parks, Mr. Wise, Mrs. Nazzaro, Mrs. Gaffen, Mr. Brandt and

Mr. Robinson.

The committee reviewed the proposed policies and the procedures.

The roll call vote carried 5-1. Mrs. Nazzaro, Mr. Wise, Mrs. Gaffen, Mr. Brandt

and Mr. Robinson voting for. Mr. Parks voting against.

G. Public Comment – emails received during meeting

Mr. Wise read an email from Rebecca Liberman:

“Dear SC members,

I never received a response to my comments and suggestions made before your prior

meeting (see below).

I had also asked about the possibility of summer school.

Page | 7

Lastly, I urge you to consider the following suggestions:

1. The agenda order must be followed unless there is a compelling reason to change it,

which should require a public vote

2. Time for public comment should be provided at both the beginning and at the end of

each meeting, and this needs to be a requirement at every meeting

3. The public should be able to comment on ANYTHING during any comment period,

whether or not it is on the agenda

4. All comments received prior to the meeting should be read aloud, including any

written responses--this and #3 are especially important as meetings are held remotely

during this pandemic

5. Comments must receive responses during the meeting, even if it's to say, "We will find

out and get back to you". This will allow those who comment to feel heard and will help

ensure that issues don't get neglected. And issues that require follow up should be

addressed at the next meeting.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Liberman

50 Pratt St.

-------- Forwarded Message --------

Subject: Some suggestions for kids out of school during COVID to get more

learning during current situation

Date: Thu, 14 May 2020 19:07:09 -0400

From: Rebecca Liberman <[email protected]>

To: DG School Committee <[email protected]>, Doherty, John

<[email protected]>, Kelley, Christine

<[email protected]>

Hi,

I've made a few suggestions here that might help improve remote learning this time that I

hope the administration will consider. I recommend not waiting for the new platform to

be available but instead to use old fashioned phone calls and email for some of this until

the planned replacement for Microsoft Teams is ready.

1.The next remote learning phase needs a timetable for implementation and so does the

rollout of the new platform, including training time for teachers, families, and students.

2. Provide a syllabus for each class and a detailed list of concepts/topics for every class

for all students (or parents or both for younger kids)

3. Set clear expectations for each grade level and provide a schedule of school activities

for the upcoming week.

4. Make sure there's consistency between classrooms, schools and grades

5. Record all teacher sessions, in case of technical issues/kids who cannot attend, etc.

6. Attendance should be taken, and there should be outreach to those who miss class--this

could be a flag for issues that may need to be addressed

7. Every student should receive phone calls from teachers to check in on a regular

schedule

8. Guidance counselors should reach out by phone to all high school students to check in

9. Specials should meet regularly: music, art, library, and especially PE

10. Make sure younger students have workbooks so they can do some work

independently. We liked the Summer Bridge series to keep our kids from losing ground

over the summer.

Page | 8

11. Encourage reading with a program like the Reading Library summer reading

program, with prizes

12. Provide opportunities to focus on writing”

1. Routine Matters

a. Bills and Payroll (A)

b. Calendar

Mr. Robinson reviewed the calendar changes. The meeting scheduled for

June 18th will now be held on June 22nd. We will have a meeting on June 25th

as well.

2. Information/Correspondence

None

3. Future Business

None

4. Adjournment

Adjourn

Mr. Brandt moved, seconded by Mr. Parks, to adjourn. The roll call vote carried 6-

0. Mr. Parks, Mr. Wise, Mrs. Nazzaro, Mrs. Gaffen, Mr. Brandt and Mr. Robinson.

The meeting adjourned at 10:33 p.m.

NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order

they occurred during the meeting.

Link to meeting video: http://www.rctv.org/2020/06/11/school-committee-meeting-6-11-

20/

http://www.rctv.org/2020/06/11/school-committee-meeting-6-11-20/

http://www.rctv.org/2020/06/11/school-committee-meeting-6-11-20/





FROM: Gail Dowd

CC: John Doherty

DATE: June 18, 2020

RE: Food Services Update

At our meeting on Monday, June 22, 2020 Danielle Collins will be joining us to provide the

Committee with a brief update on the Food Services Department in regards to the Seamless

Summer Meal Distribution.


82 Oakland Road

Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800

Fax: 781-942-9149



Gail S. Dowd, CPA


6/19/2020

1

Seamless Summer Meal Distribution

Danielle Collins, MBA, SNS

School Nutrition Director


Waivers issued from USDA and Massachusetts

• Meal Pattern

• Procurement

• Reimbursement

1

2

6/19/2020

2

Reading Operations

• One week of Breakfasts and Lunches provided FREE of charge

• Reimbursement for all meals for all participants under age 21

• No contact distribution at the Bridge of RMHS from 11 am – 12 noon every Tuesday

Benefits for Continuation through August 31

• Continued service for families who have been utilizing benefit

• Continuous meal access should fall opening be postponed

• Access to food resources for emergency feeding

• Fully funded at the free rate for all participants through reimbursement

• Participation in Farm to Families FRESH programming

3

4

6/19/2020

3

Disadvantage of Ending program June 30

• Discontinued access to meals provided to families

• Inability to start meal distribution in fall should opening be postponed

• Limited access to food resources

• Discontinued access to Farm to Families FRESH

Meals Served

Breakfast Lunch

March 445 445

April 1064 1064

May 1141 1141

June (to date) 819 819

TOTAL 3469 3469

Total meals served to date 6,938

5

6

Learning and Teaching Updates

June 2020

Reading Public SchoolsOffice of Learning & Teaching

Chris Kelley, Assistant SuperintendentHeather Leonard, STEM Coordinator

Allison Straker, Humanities Coordinator1

Learning and Teaching Updates

2

○ Professional Development and Training○ Committee and Curriculum Work○ Curriculum Resources and Tools○ Continuity of Learning Subcommittee

Professional Development and Training

3

Wednesday Workshop Series K-5Gr. 3-5 Science PDGr. K-2 Literacy PDGr. 6 ELA PDAdministrator Literacy PDReading Specialists' MeetingsReading Institute-Summer/FallReading Institute-Cultural

ProficiencySheltered English Immersion

Mentee Book ClubsFacilitative Coaching with Gene

Thompson-Grove (RMHS leadership)Open Circle TrainingGrade 7 & 8 Math enVision

Curriculum trainingNCTM conference (REF grant)CACE conference (administrators)


4

Science, Grades 3-5

Museum of Science partnership

Phenomena- based instruction


5

Elementary Drop-in sessions


6

Humanities

Differentiated WednesdaysGrade-specific literacy work - full day collaboration


7

District Training

Committee and Curriculum Work

8

Elementary Report Card Elementary Math Curriculum

MappingMiddle School Math Curriculum

(gr. 7 & 8)Elementary Social Studies

CurriculumHigh School History I CurriculumProfessional Development

Committee

Diversity CommitteeR.I.S.E, Middle School, and

RMHS electives Curriculum Guides

Mentor/Induction Revision Committee

Youth Risk Survey TeamPortrait of the GraduateRemote Learning


9

K-5 Social Studies


10

Remote Learning


11

District Committees

Curriculum Resources and Tools

12

Social Studies Curriculum Tools

Middle School Math - enVision adoption

Algebra 1 - enVision adoptionInternal resources supporting

remote learning toolsEdulastic - online assessment

platform (gr.3-8)

Data Dashboard PlatformAdditional Remote Learning Tools

Curriculum Resources and Tools

13

Planning for 2020-21 and beyond

14

Re-entry committee Continuity of Learning team

15

We reviewed surveys that went to stakeholders

○ Received over 1100 surveys from parents○ Received over 1100 surveys from students ○ Received over 200 surveys from staff

Continuity of Learning Team: Survey Review

16

● What worked?● What could have worked better?● Special attention with reviews for

recommendations: ○ Engagement○ Technology Themes/Tools○ Professional Development & Training Needs

Continuity of Learning Team: Survey Review

Engagement Example Comments:

17

Our children especially enjoyed the small group meetings with teachers. They loved getting phone calls. The google slides everyday with activities from each subject area have been appropriate. They liked getting outside for some of the subject areas and they liked the ability to communicate with their classmates.

(I liked…) Being able to take lessons at my own pace.

Students tended to be more engaged in active assignments where they were able to put their hands on things and explore.

Personally reaching out helped in some instances. When reaching out,

most families shared they were feeling overwhelmed with life in

general not just specifically what was being assigned for work.

I find that the curriculum that has been provided has been more than adequate for our students. Although, it took awhile for the district to come up with a plan for the remote learning, I appreciate the sacrifice and the professionalism of all that were involved in doing it.

Over the last 5 school days, the remote learning provided to my child/children has been...

Far too challenging, my child could not complete what was

provided

Not enough, my child completed all of it and was seeking more

19

Engagement Feedback and Next Steps

● Need to define student responsibility for learning, rigor and hybrid classroom culture

● Teachers should create clear and concise expectations for student engagement

● District should offer Professional Development for Staff

●

Continuity of Learning Team: Engagement

Technology Example Comments:

20

Since my students were well-versed in using Google Classroom before the quarantine for writing and revising, it was a natural extension to use it for remote learning

Please recognize and account for the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all

approach for virtual learning, and have some variation across the different

approaches.

More structure, fixed times/calendar of learning. I feel like every day it's a struggle to check my email to find all the links and see if there is a meeting or not.

I also used screencastify. I have to record myself to introduce methods,

then meet directly with students where they can share their work with me.

I like the Microsoft teams calls because it’s easy to ask questions, and I can see my teachers and classmates.

Better organization of the online resources. Also for for teachers outside of the core subjects, they need to be looped into all the calls/conferences/etc for the other classes. We’ve run into some conflicts for scheduling.

21

Technology Themes and Tools Feedback and Next Steps● Need for common platform and tools● Training and support for use of tools (for staff and families)● Synchronous and Asynchronous (depending on level) was

fully supported but needs greater consistency● Received lots of specific feedback ● Curate a list of “core” tools available for all to use

●

Continuity of Learning Team: Technology

PD and Training Example Comments:

22

There is no training that could help the fact that we both work full time, in order to provide for our family, plus the fact that we are NOT teachers and we only have one computer for the household.

“Having extreme difficulty learning at home. Being taught new material. Not

being able to connect online for meetings. Meetings being scheduled early at the same time my husband is working from home having meetings and our wi fi not being able to handle

all the streaming.”

Defining- very clearly and directly- your expectations of parents and our role in virtual learning.

Any PD directly connected to the platforms we are going to be required to use would be the most helpful. I think a more in depth PD would be beneficial so we have an opportunity to ask any remaining questions we might have about things we were not able to troubleshoot successfully.

The best PD I received was either from colleagues who were well versed in the different platforms (Teams,Google Classroom) or in a small group from an IT person.

23

Professional Development Feedback and Next Steps

● Continue to survey staff and families as fall plans develop● Create bank of videos to support use of technology● Offer additional training on remote learning platforms ● Create system for housing professional development

forms and training modules for staff● Create documents for use of tools

Continuity of Learning Team: PD & Training

Planning for 2020-21 and beyond

24

● Diversity and Equity work with district and building leadership and professional development planning

● Continue work with professional development for curriculum upgrades

● Curriculum revising & planning work with each level (specific focus on targeted curriculum needs and critical courses based on 2019-20 spring units and standards)

● Complete curriculum guides at all levels● Differentiated learning Professional Development in

partnership with Student Services department● Prepare training for re-entry and Mentor/Induction

Learning & Teaching Team

25

Christine Kelley@CMKelleyTeach

Heather Leonard @STEMReading

Allison Straker@strakerREADS

https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/departments/learning-teaching/






Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149



Gail Dowd, CPA





DATE: June 18, 2020

TOPIC: Curriculum Update

At our meeting on Monday night Assistant Superintendent Chris Kelley will provide an update on

curriculum.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Kelley or me.





FROM: Gail Dowd

CC: John Doherty

DATE: June 18, 2020

RE: Surplus Property

We have completed an inventory of our school furniture, equipment and materials and to ensure compliance with

the surplus disposition requirements of Massachusetts procurement law, MGL Chapter 30B, we would ask that the

School Committee declare the items as outlined below as surplus property.

Location Quantity Description

District - technology Birch Meadow Phone System – CX300 phone system and

5 Mitel 4025 phones. We are re-using any parts that can

be salvaged. The phone system has been repaired multiple

times but was replaced as part of the FY20 Capital Plan

as it had exceeded its useful life and was no longer

repairable.

Barrows Elementary School See list Furniture – 7 broken desks and 7 trapezoid tables – all are

broken and pose a hazard to students and staff

Joshua Eaton Elementary School See list Staff mailboxes and 30 Student Chairs – all are broken

and pose a hazard to students and staff

Killam Elementary School See list Furniture – 1 cafeteria table, 1 rolling cart, 1 laminator, 2

trapezoid tables– all items are broken/damaged and have

not salvage value

Wood End Elementary School See list 30 old student desks; 30 small student chairs (too small

for students K-5 and are broken/damaged and could be a

hazard to students and staff); 1 standing desk the

following old/outdated library reference books (total =

204): 95 encyclopedias; 24 health & wellness textbooks;

26 student dictionaries; 6 almanacs; 5 world atlas; 6

dictionaries of religion; 7 grammar reference books; 35

outdated fiction books

Reading Memorial High School See list Art Furniture being declared due to movement of

classrooms within the high school – 19 tall art tables, 5

small art desks.

Once so declared, the school department will take the required steps to dispose of these items, the majority of

which has been deemed to have no residual value. Items will be offered to other departments within the Town,

other school districts or to nonprofit schools or agencies. All items will ultimately be disposed of in accordance

with all laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


82 Oakland Road

Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800

Fax: 781-942-9149



Gail S. Dowd, CPA


The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age or

disability.




FROM: Gail Dowd

CC: John Doherty

DATE: June 16, 2020

RE: Revised FY21 Budget

At the June 22nd School Committee Meeting, we will ask the Committee to approve the final FY’21 budget of

$48,322,662 as appropriated by Town Meeting on Monday, June 15th, as well as approve the individual cost center

budgets. The Charts below outline, by Cost Center the budget that was approved in January 2020 of $48,419,662

and the final Town Meeting approved budget of $48,322,662.

The first table reflects the changes broken between wages and expenses by each cost center:

FY'21

School

Committee

Approved

Budget

FY'21 Rev

Wages

FY'21

Revised

Expenses

FY'21

Decreases

to School

Budget

Offset

Adjusted

FY'21

School Budget

Total Change by

Cost Center

% Change by

Cost Center

Administration 1,205,585$ -$ (3,400)$ -$ 1,202,185$ (3,400)$ -0.28%

Regular Day 27,764,234 (105,000) (171,590) 115,000 27,602,644 (161,590) -0.58%

Special Education 15,999,850 (10,000) (7,000) 30,000 16,012,850 13,000 0.08%

School Facilities 1,427,974 - 50,540 - 1,478,514 50,540 3.54%

District Wide Program 2,022,019 - (10,550) 15,000 2,026,469 4,450 0.22%

48,419,662$ (115,000)$ (142,000)$ 160,000$ 48,322,662$ (97,000)$ -0.20%


82 Oakland Road

Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800

Fax: 781-942-9149



Gail S. Dowd, CPA


The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age or

disability.

The second table reflects the changes in greater detail by each cost center:

FY'21

School

Committee

Approved

Budget

Salary/

Benefit

Adjustments

Staffing

Reductions

Curriculum

Reductions

Professional

Development

Reductions

Technology

Replenishment

Other

Expense

Reductions

COVID-19

Expenses

Changes to

Offsets

Adjusted

FY'21

School Budget

Total

Change by

Cost

Center

Administration 1,205,585$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ (3,400)$ -$ -$ 1,202,185$ (3,400)$

Regular Day 27,764,234 (50,000) (55,000) (62,985) (50,000) (25,000) (33,605) - 115,000 27,602,644 (161,590)

Special Education 15,999,850 - (10,000) - (7,000) - - - 30,000 16,012,850 13,000

School Facilities 1,427,974 - - - - - (9,460) 60,000 - 1,478,514 50,540

District Wide Program 2,022,019 - - - - - (10,550) - 15,000 2,026,469 4,450

48,419,662$ (50,000)$ (65,000)$ (62,985)$ (57,000)$ (25,000)$ (57,015)$ 60,000$ 160,000$ 48,322,662$ (97,000)$

Adjustments and Reconciling Items




MEMORANDUM


FROM: Gail Dowd

CC: John Doherty

DATE: June 16, 2020

RE: FY 21 Final Capital Budget Approval At the June 22nd School Committee Meeting we will ask the Committee to approve the final FY’21 Capital Plan

as it relates to the School Department. The total capital related to the schools, approved by Town Meeting on

June 15th, is $265,000.

FY’21 Capital Summary

Facilities - School Buildings $ 50,000

Public Schools - General 215,000

Total FY'21 Capital $ 265,000

FY’21 Capital Detail by Category

Facilities - School Buildings:

HVAC/Energy Management Systems $ 50,000

Public Schools - General:

Technology-telephone system replacement $ 65,000

Technology – wiring project scoping 50,000

Technology – large scale technology projects 100,000

Total Public Schools - General $215,000


82 Oakland Road

Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800

Fax: 781-942-9149


Sharon Stewart Interim Director of Student Services

Gail S. Dowd, CPA



FY’21 Capital Detail by School Building - Facilities:

HVAC/Energy Management Systems:

Coolidge Water Heater $ 25,000

Parker Water Heater 25,000

Total HVAC/Energy Management System $ 50,000

Total FY’21 Facilities – School Buildings $ 50,000

1 | P a g e



MEMORANDUM


FROM: Gail Dowd

CC: John Doherty

DATE: June 22, 2020

RE: FY’20 Budget Transfer and Offset Request

At the Reading School Committee meeting on Monday, June 22, 2020, we will request that the School Committee

vote to authorize the following cost center transfers, pending final review of all encumbrances and expenses, to

allow us to acquire additional PPE and technology as well as to finalize curriculum orders:

• Transfer up to $10,000 from Administration to School Facilities utilizing salary savings and expense savings to

be utilized to purchase additional PPE.

• Transfer up $500,000 out of Special Education to Regular Education ($370,000) and Facilities ($130,000).

The savings result from reviews of final transportation, legal, consultation and out-of-district tuition. The

funding will be utilized for curriculum, technology and PPE purchases. The transfer will still allow for the pre-

payment of out-of-district tuition. Savings are also being utilized to review the revolving accounts and to

adjust offsets as needed.

In addition, as funding allows, we would like to request additional reductions to offsets as follows:

• Extended Day – decrease up to an additional $10,000 due to late invoices being received as we continue to

ensure all items are received

• Full Day Kindergarten – decrease up to an additional $150,000

• RISE Pre-School – decrease up to an additional $30,000

We will be prepared to discuss this request in greater detail at Monday’s meeting and answer any questions you may

have. Please feel free to contact me if you have specific questions you would like addressed or if you need additional

information.


82 Oakland Road

Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800

Fax: 781-942-9149



Gail S. Dowd, CPA








DATE: June 18, 2020

TOPIC: Email Correspondence and Other Information

Please find attached for your information, copies of email correspondence and information

received by School Committee members and Central Office Administrators from

community members as well as other pertinent information. We have included our

responses, if applicable, as well.



82 Oakland Road

Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800

Fax: 781-942-9149



Gail S. Dowd, CPA


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Engelson, Linda

From: Doherty, JohnSent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 10:50 AMTo: Engelson, LindaSubject: FW: Notice of Resignation

For packet. John F. Doherty Superintendent Reading Public Schools 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 781-944-5800

From: Doherty, John Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 10:49 AM To: Gallant, Holly <[email protected]>; Kelley, Christine <[email protected]>; Allard, Jennifer <[email protected]> Cc: Leveque, Sarah <[email protected]>; Leavitt, Beth <[email protected]>; Bostwick, Kelley <[email protected]>; Wentlent, Anna <[email protected]>; Allard, Jennifer <[email protected]>; Brandt, Shawn <[email protected]>; Dowd, Gail <[email protected]>; Engelson, Linda <[email protected]>; Gaffen, Erin <[email protected]>; Kelley, Christine <[email protected]>; Morgan, Maria <[email protected]>; Nazzaro, Carla <[email protected]>; Parks, John <[email protected]>; Robinson, Charles <[email protected]>; Stys, Jennifer <[email protected]>; Wise, Thomas <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Notice of Resignation Good Morning, Holly, Thank you for the email. We appreciate the feedback and we always look to improve our programs. Good luck in your next endeavor. Thank you for your years of service in the Reading Public Schools. Take care. John F. Doherty Superintendent Reading Public Schools 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 781-944-5800

From: Gallant, Holly <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 7:24 PM To: Doherty, John <[email protected]>; Kelley, Christine <[email protected]>; Allard, Jennifer <[email protected]> Cc: Leveque, Sarah <[email protected]>; Leavitt, Beth <[email protected]>; Bostwick,

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Kelley <[email protected]>; Wentlent, Anna <[email protected]>; Allard, Jennifer <[email protected]>; Brandt, Shawn <[email protected]>; Doherty, John <[email protected]>; Dowd, Gail <[email protected]>; Engelson, Linda <[email protected]>; Gaffen, Erin <[email protected]>; Kelley, Christine <[email protected]>; Morgan, Maria <[email protected]>; Nazzaro, Carla <[email protected]>; Parks, John <[email protected]>; Robinson, Charles <[email protected]>; Stys, Jennifer <[email protected]>; Wise, Thomas <[email protected]> Subject: Notice of Resignation

Good Evening,

I hope this email finds you well in these uncertain times. Attached you will find my letter of resignation from Reading Public Schools as an elementary music teacher.

This has been an incredibly difficult decision for me to make. I have spent the last seven years growing as an educator, establishing myself in the wonderful community of Reading, and doing my best to create excellent musical experiences for the youngest members of our district. I have worked with exceptional educators at all levels and incredible students in every grade. I once believed that Reading would be the district where I would spend the rest of my career.

It makes me exceptionally sad to find myself in a position to need to seek other opportunities. While each year in Reading has had its own struggles, this year was incredibly difficult for the elementary music teachers. We were each tasked with working well beyond the normal scope of a regular full-time teacher, some of us having as many as 10 classes more per week than the other specialists. Because music instruction is a hands-on experience that incorporates several instruments and dancing, I often found I was not at my best when my eighth or ninth class of the day arrived. It broke my heart to be unable to provide some of my classes with the education they deserve, and I felt that it was inhibiting my growth as an educator.

The schedule this year also greatly affected my personal life. I found that by the weekends, I was so emotionally and physically drained that I didn’t take time to see friends and family. My mental and physical health were being affected and it strained me to know what I was able to give my students was not enough. The students of Reading deserve better. They deserve a teacher that has a schedule that allows them to be their best. Unfortunately, when I addressed these concerns, I was informed it is not possible to make changes to improve the structure of the music education teaching schedule. I knew that for my health I needed to find a position that allowed me to focus on my students and continue to grow.

I hope that moving forward Reading can create better conditions for their elementary specialists. This year I was working in four buildings with 37 classes. I am happy that RISE was able to get music back this year as it scaffolds their development. However, with the reinstatement of their program, along with the growing numbers in kindergarten, the part time music position that was cut in 2017 should have also been reinstated. This would have ensured that our students received the music education that they are entitled to.

I am extremely grateful for my time in Reading and all that I have learned. I look forward to working with Reading students and faculty while I continue my work with the Middle School Jazz Band and the Marching Band. Thank you for your guidance over the years. I wish you the best for the future.

Sincerely,

Holly Gallant

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Ms. Holly Gallant, M.M. Elementary Music Specialist Middle School Jazz Band Director J. Warren Killam Elementary School Alice M. Barrows Elementary School R.I.S.E. Preschool rmsjazz.weebly.com

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Engelson, Linda

From: Wentlent, AnnaSent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 1:03 PMTo: DG School CommitteeCc: Boynton, Kathleen; Theriault, Jessica; Murray, Craig; Marchant, Sarah; Shankland, Richele;

Fiorello, KatherineSubject: Arts, Health, and WellnessAttachments: Arts, Health, and Wellness.pdf

Dear Dr. Doherty, Ms. Kelley, and Members of the School Committee, As this tumultuous school year winds down and planning for the fall begins, we would like to take a moment to thank you for your support of the Arts, Health, and Wellness in the Reading Public Schools. We are incredibly grateful to be working in a district that recognizes the immense value of these subject areas. Though the future is unknown, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and begin the difficult tasks at hand to ensure the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of our students. Please find our advocacy letter attached. Sincerely, Katherine Fiorello Health and Wellness Department Head Anna Wentlent Fine and Performing Arts Department Head

June 10, 2020 Reading Public Schools 82 Oakland Rd. Reading, MA 01867 Dear Dr. Doherty, Ms. Kelley, and Members of the School Committee, With the uncertainty surrounding the 2020-2021 academic year, we would like to take the time to express our gratitude to be working in a school district that places such value on the arts, health, and wellness. These content areas are validated by the Massachusetts state curriculum frameworks as well as the federal Every Student Succeeds Act as necessary for a comprehensive and well-rounded education. In addition to being worthy in their own right, the subjects of music, art, drama, health, and wellness are essential to the overall social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of a child. Regardless of whether we will educate our students in person or remotely, these are the classes that are needed more than ever, and they are vital to our district’s social-emotional learning initiatives. The events of the last several months have asked much from students and their families, and we are facing a student population that is dealing with anxiety, stress, and trauma. We are hopeful that our district will continue putting its full support behind subject areas that reduce high risk behaviors, improve health outcomes, promote higher levels of concentration and focus, enhance one’s ability to work with others, deepen empathetic responses, offer social reassurance and support, and provide a release for human creativity, self-expression, and emotion. Now, more than ever, these attributes are critical to be a well-functioning person in our society. They are particularly valuable for students in our special education programs, who seek to enroll in arts and wellness classes at high rates. For example, in the 2019-2020 school year, nearly 50% of the students in Mixed Choir at the high school were on an IEP or 504. It should also be noted that these classes typically draw students away from computer screens and sedentary activities to engage them in exercising their bodies, spirits, and minds in partnership with others—a component of public education that the families of Reading have confirmed is what their children are currently missing the most. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and face the difficult tasks at hand, including making creative alterations to class sizes, locations, and curricula to reflect the needs of this difficult time. These adjustments are just another example of how we as teachers and administrators will teach the adults of the future to adapt and

solve challenges together. By working together with department heads, directors, building principals, and central office administration, we are confident that we can continue to find equitable solutions to keep all content areas intact in order to best serve the needs of our student body, local community, and society in general. Sincerely, Katherine Fiorello Health and Wellness Department Head Anna Wentlent Fine and Performing Arts Department Head Kate Boynton Reading Memorial High School Principal

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Engelson, Linda

From: Doherty, JohnSent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 10:46 AMTo: Lombardo, Heather; DG School CommitteeSubject: RE: Your remarks regarding today's rally

Good Morning, Heather, Thank you for the email. I apologize for the delayed response. Please understand that my delay is not out of disrespect, as you know, the end of the school year is crazy. I appreciate your feedback on my letter and I am glad that it has generated discussion. However, I do want to point out a few areas where we may disagree on your comments. The letters that I wrote on June 2nd and 11th were difficult to write for two totally different reasons. The first letter was extremely difficult because of George Floyd’s death and how it should never have happened. It was a tragedy. The second letter was very difficult to write for many reasons. I could have stayed silent, but I felt that the letter was important to write so that we as a community could focus on what we need to do to change the culture of our community and our schools. Yes, I did focus on the work that the schools have done with the Reading Police Department, I have that historical perspective and I have seen the work that they do first hand with all students, including students of color. However, I also focused on what we need to do as schools, that the police need to be a partner in that work, and that all of us, including me as the leader of the organization, need to take a good hard look at ourselves and what we can do differently. The information that I shared in the letter about what the protest was about was based on conversations that I had with the organizers of the rally. The focus was on racial justice and equity with all institutions, including education. As I mentioned above, we have a lot to do and I look forward to that work in the upcoming year. I also want to clarify that teachers in our school district earn professional teaching status based on their performance as an educator in the Reading Public Schools, not their political position or attendance at a rally. Diverse opinions make us stronger as a school district and welcome those opinions as long as we are all working together in the best interest of children. We can always improve, and I appreciate you taking the time to give me feedback that I will use moving forward. Thanks and have a great weekend. John F. Doherty Superintendent Reading Public Schools 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 781-944-5800

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From: Lombardo, Heather <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2020 2:03 PM To: Doherty, John <[email protected]>; DG School Committee <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Your remarks regarding today's rally Dear Dr. Doherty, Thank you for taking the time to read my response. I am aware that you are in a very difficult and precarious position regarding this issue. I just wanted to say that, while I have no issue with your supporting the Reading PD and praising our SRO’s, who I agree, have done a lot of good for our schools, I did take issue with your statement of what today’s protests SHOULD be about. It is one thing to state that they should be peaceful and safe. It is another to suggest WHAT people should be protesting. As you know, you have a platform as superintendent, as a white person in a position of power. When you speak for the district, you are not only speaking for yourself, but for all of us as stakeholders in the Reading Public Schools. By stating unequivocally that today’s protests should not be about the police, that stifles the voices of students and especially your employees, particularly those who do not have professional status, who may be concerned that their jobs are at stake if they are to protest in a particular way. In my opinion, the police department is part of an unjust system, no matter how well intentioned our police chief and officers are. The Reading Public Schools are also part of that unjust system, despite our efforts to change and improve. No person or institution is immune from criticism in this situation. It is not only my right, but in my opinion, my duty to protest the police in conjunction with other institutions, including the ones I am a member of. Further, I wish you had acknowledged that your experience with the police is your own- as a white man in a position of power. When you wrote your letter, you did not acknowledge that others may have had different experiences with the Reading police. Again, I understand that you are under a great deal of pressure from all sides in this matter, but by telling us what we should and should not protest today, you used your powerful voice, which represents the Reading Public Schools, to alienate and seemingly attempt to suppress parts of your community. Thank you again for your time and thoughtful consideration of my opinion. Heather Lombardo

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Engelson, Linda

From: Kelley, ChristineSent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 4:30 PMTo: Engelson, LindaSubject: FW: Comment for June 11 meeting.

Pls put in SC packet

From: Kelley, Christine Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 4:29 PM To: 'Rebecca Liberman' <[email protected]> Cc: Doherty, John <[email protected]>; Robinson, Charles <[email protected]>; Engelson, Linda <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Comment for June 11 meeting.

Hello Mrs. Liberman,

Thank you for reaching out with some questions and suggestions for remote learning. I would like to address some of the concerns/suggestions that you raised in your email.

You mentioned having a timetable for implementation and training. As you are aware, when we left school on March 13, 2020, we originally thought and hoped that our period of closure would be brief. As the data and the virus numbers increased, we learned incrementally that our school (in the brick and mortar setting) was delayed for return at first and then, ultimately, canceled for the remainder of the year. Each time a delay was announced, we made plans with changes to our remote learning plans. I have mentioned regularly that what we had to offer was “emergency education” as most of us found remote teaching and learning a very new experience. We are currently waiting for the plans for the fall to be announced at the state level (as of June 18, 2020). Additionally, we have been working with a task force of sorts organized by Dr. Doherty. Our team is researching and making recommendations on continuity of learning, needs of students, social emotional supports and facilities and communications. I feel confident that Reading will do our best to provide a timeline and support for our staff, families and students as plans are decided.

You asked that RPS produce a syllabus for each class. During my tenure in Reading over the last two years, I have worked with my learning and teaching department as well as subject and grade level staff to develop curriculum guides for each grade level and subject. The completed and published guides can be found at: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/departments/learning-teaching/ . They are found under the “Curriculum” heading about halfway down the page.

We have completed guides for most of the elementary subjects and grades and core classes at the high school. We are currently working on the remaining subjects and grades that will be published later this calendar year. We are using the published documents and the drafts of the documents not yet published to plan our curriculum for next year. We have been working with staff as they review what essential skills were taught this year prior to March 13th, what was previewed during our period of closure and what skills may need to be taught/retaught next school year.

You suggested that we should provide schedules for the upcoming week and greater consistency in remote environments. We received some of the same suggestions in the surveys that we received from the many (over 1100) parents and students that were submitted. Many grades worked together at various subjects to provide such structures. We have been working on greater consistency in the last two years with our work on

2

curriculum guides and the purchase of new curriculum tools. We continue to work towards a model of consistency while still maintaining the autonomy that our talented teachers have always delivered.

Your next comments/suggestions were about recording and attendance. We will need to be careful about recording sessions due to privacy concerns and regulations. As we have grown in our knowledge about remote learning, we are seeking to review what we teach/present synchronously (live) as well as what is delivered asynchronously (recorded or project based). We will continue to plan for providing robust sessions in all formats. As our state finalizes plans for the fall, we are planning to have traditional grading in our 2020-2021 school year. A component of that will definitely look at attendance and support for students who are not regularly able to participate in remote learning. Our staff at all levels continued to take notice and reach out to students who were not participating or turning work in on a regular basis. Schools continued to follow up with students by phone, email and at times personal visits to see how we could offer support. Much of this was coordinated by Guidance at the high school (and middle school) as well as through coordination by support staff, subject and grade teachers and school leadership. I am very proud of the support that our team delivered.

As we develop planning for next year, we will look for and will plan for students to continue with class/programming including specialists. This summer, we are keeping our Google Classroom sites open through July so that students can circle back to look at or access work that they may not have reviewed or completed. Additionally, we provided a list of online and interactive resources at the beginning of our closure that principals have directed students and families to access in the summer should they wish. It can be found at: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/remote-learning/ under “optional learning resources.”

As always, we will continue to promote the Reading Public Library’s summer reading program and have sent out specific recommended reading lists at the middle school and high school levels. The middle school lists can be found here: https://sites.google.com/reading.k12.ma.us/coolidgesummerreading/home RMHS lists can be found here: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/memorial/files/8715/9043/0901/RMHS_Summer_Reading_2020.pdf

Our teams in English at all levels continue to promote and deliver strong reading and writing skills.

I hope that my email clarified and explained some of the recommendations and questions that you sent along. I am always willing to meet either remotely or in person if you have questions. I hope this email finds you well.

Best,

Chris Kelley, Assistant Superintendent of Schools

From: Rebecca Liberman <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2020 7:28 PM To: DG School Committee <[email protected]> Subject: Comment for June 11 meeting.

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Reading Public Schools. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender email address and know the content is safe.

Dear SC members,

I never received a response to my comments and suggestions made before your prior meeting (see below).

I had also asked about the possibility of summer school.

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Lastly, I urge you to consider the following suggestions:

1. The agenda order must be followed unless there is a compelling reason to change it, which should require a public vote 2. Time for public comment should be provided at both the beginning and at the end of each meeting, and this needs to be a requirement at every meeting 3. The public should be able to comment on ANYTHING during any comment period, whether or not it is on the agenda 4. All comments received prior to the meeting should be read aloud, including any written responses--this and #3 are especially important as meetings are held remotely during this pandemic 5. Comments must receive responses during the meeting, even if it's to say, "We will find out and get back to you". This will allow those who comment to feel heard and will help ensure that issues don't get neglected. And issues that require follow up should be addressed at the next meeting.

Thank you. Sincerely, Rebecca Liberman 50 Pratt St. -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Some suggestions for kids out of school during COVID to get more learning during current situation

Date: Thu, 14 May 2020 19:07:09 -0400 From: Rebecca Liberman <[email protected]>

To: DG School Committee <[email protected]>, Doherty , John <[email protected]>, Kelley, Christine <[email protected]>

Hi,

I've made a few suggestions here that might help improve remote learning this time that I hope the administration will consider. I recommend not waiting for the new platform to be available but instead to use old fashioned phone calls and email for some of this until the planned replacement for Microsoft Teams is ready.

1.The next remote learning phase needs a timetable for implementation and so does the rollout of the new platform, including training time for teachers, families, and students.

2. Provide a syllabus for each class and a detailed list of concepts/topics for every class for all students (or parents or both for younger kids)

3. Set clear expectations for each grade level, and provide a schedule of school activities for the upcoming week.

4. Make sure there's consistency between classrooms, schools and grades

5. Record all teacher sessions, in case of technical issues/kids who cannot attend, etc.

6. Attendance should be taken, and there should be outreach to those who miss class--this could be a flag for issues that may need to be addressed

7. Every student should receive phone calls from teachers to check in on a regular schedule

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8. Guidance counselors should reach out by phone to all high school students to check in

9. Specials should meet regularly: music, art, library, and especially PE

10. Make sure younger students have workbooks so they can do some work independently. We liked the Summer Bridge series to keep our kids from losing ground over the summer.

11. Encourage reading with a program like the Reading Library summer reading program, with prizes

12. Provide opportunities to focus on writing

School Committee Calendar Topics Please note that this calendar may change depending on the status of the current health crisis and/or availability of presenters and topic

material in consultation with the Chair

An Asterik* indicates office half hour for this session at 6:30 p.m. All meetings will be in the RMHS Schettini Library unless noted.

Date Topic Group

July 11th

6:00 p.m. Approval of RMHS Handbook

MASC Training School Committee Protocol

Reorganization

Administration MASC

Administration School Committee

August 1st

6:00 p.m. Meeting cancelled

Superintendent Evaluation Executive Session

1st Reading of Policies CBI – Evaluation of the Superintendent

School Committee School Committee School Committee

August 29* 6:00 p.m.

New Teacher Introductions Adopt School Committee Operating Protocols

Summer Update Capital Plan Update

New Teachers

School Committee Administration

Finance

September 11

Financial Forum Finance Committee

September 12* School Facilities Assessment Report 2019 YRBS Survey Results

Finance

Administration

September 25 RCASA Annual Meeting Jordan’s Furniture

RCASA

September 26

Middle School 2019 YRBS Presentation Superintendent’s Evaluation

Appointment of Superintendent to Collaborative Boards

RCASA

School Committee

School Committee

October 16 Financial Forum Reading Public Library – 7:30 p.m.

Finance Committee

October 17* MCAS Presentation Middle School Math/Social Studies Update

Administration Administration

October 23 5:30 p.m.

School Committee Vacancy School Committee & Select Board

October 28

District and Superintendent’s Goals Dyslexia Screening Presentation

1st Reading of Policy BHE-SM Social Media Policy


School Committee

November 6th

7:00 p.m. Town Hall Conference

Room

Elementary Space Administration

November 7* Elementary Space Update 2nd Reading of Policy BHE-SM Social Media Policy


December 3,4,10 & 11 Finance Committee/Select Board FY20 Budget

December 12 6:00 p.m.

RMHS Guidance Presentation and Update School Calendar

1st Reading Social Media Policy School Improvement Plan review

RMHS


Administration

December 19* Quarterly Personnel Report Quarterly Financial Report

FY21 Prebudget Presentation 2nd Reading of Policy BHE-SM Social Media Policy

Superintendent’s Evaluation Process

Human Resources Finance Finance

School Committee Administration

January 2

Superintendent Contract – OML Violation School Committee

January 6*

Public Hearing FY21 Budget FY21 Budget Discussion

FY21 Capital Plan

Administration

January 16

FY21 Budget Discussion – Regular Day & Special Education

Administration

January 23

FY21 Budget Discussion Public Hearing on FY21 Budget

Questions


Administration

January 27 FY21 Budget Discussion Final Vote


February 6* Kindergarten Update Portrait of Graduate Update School Committee Brochure


School Committee

February 26 (RMHS Schettini Library)

Finance Committee FY21 Budget Presentation

March 3 Town & Presidential Primary Election

March 11 Finance Committee Town Hall – 7:30 p.m.

FY21 Budget Meeting Vote TM Articles

April 9 Remote

Vice Chair Reorganization COVID-19 School Closure Update

School Committee District Administration

April 16 Remote

Changes to NEC Articles of Agreement School Calendar Change

Kindergarten and RISE Tuition Relief Permission to Negotiate Rate Changes in Tuition and

Transportation Superintendent Evaluation Cycle

Superintendent Superintendent

District Administration District Administration District Administration

School Committee

April 23 Remote

Superintendent Evaluation Process School Choice

SOA Plan Presentation and Discussion

Superintendent Superintendent Superintendent

April 30 Remote

Presentation of Evidence for Evaluation SC Presentation by Colby Brunt

Modular Project Update Transportation Contract Update

Superintendent School Committee

Finance and Operations Finance and Operations

May 12 Remote

Finance Committee Meeting Finance Committee

May 14 Remote

Intermunicipal Agreement with Wakefield (Food) Capital Update

Social Media Policy and Guidelines Executive Session with Michael Joyce

Finance and Operations Finance

School Committee District Administration

May 28 Remote

SEPAC Presentation Quarterly Personnel Update Quarterly Financial Update

Transportation Contract Scheduling of Retreat for District Improvement Plan

Social Media Policy and Guidelines

SEPAC Human Resources

Finance Finance

School Committee School Committee

TBD (RMHS Field House)

Graduation School Committee

June 11* Teacher Recognition

Endorse Community Action for Social Justice Endorse COVID-19 Resolution

Capital Update Second Reading Social Media Policy

Teachers School Committee School Committee


June 15/18

Town Meeting

June 22 Declare Surplus Equipment FY 20 and 21 Budget

Curriculum Summer Food Distribution Update

Finance Administration Administration Administration

June 25

Superintendent’s Evaluation Superintendent Search Process Initial Discussion

FY20 Budget (if Needed)


Administration

July 2 Reorganization Discuss Elementary Space Plan


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