There we go. Okay. Um, it is now six o'clock, so I'm going to go ahead and call this meeting of the Kingston School Committee to order with a roll call. Um, Peter Fitzgerald. >> Oh, have to do that. >> Sheila Von >> here. >> Hello. >> Jesse Keith >> here.
>> And I am here. This meeting is being recorded. Anyone intending to make an audio or video recording of the meeting should notify the chair at this time. Okay, seeing none, we are going to start with finishing up our reorganization that we briefly begin at our last
meeting. Do we have any and if anyone has any questions as we go down the list, feel free to stop and ask. Do we have any nominations for a vice chairperson? >> Oh, absolutely. >> Hello. I would like to nominate Jesse Keith, please, for vice chair. Is there
a second? >> A second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> Great. Good job, Jesse. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations, >> Jesse. Okay. And secretary. Do we have a nomination for secretary? >> I will nominate Sheila for secretary.
>> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> Sure. >> I don't think we need to vote for the rest of them, but I didn't know about those. So, better safe than sorry. Okay. Union 31. Um I will remain on union 31 as chair and then there are two other
voting seats for Kingston representation on union 31. So is there interest questions who would like to >> I mean I can go on it I can go on it with pack and that >> you want to stay on union 31. >> It's up to you guys. Whatever you feel like you need me to do.
>> That's fine >> because you actually have to do silver too. So I'm not sure if you'll be on that as well. >> And Jesse will jump in for the third seat. And then we also need an alternate. >> I'll be an alternate. >> Okay, great. >> Jen is getting out of it tonight. >> I know. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Do you want to just text her and say we
nominated her for everything? >> Um, admin review. We have Jesse. Jesse, would you like to continue with that? >> Uh, I will continue with that. >> Awesome. Thank you. And then we need an alternate. Sheila, we had you last year. Do you want to stay in that role? >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Whatever you need,
>> Sheila. I can't spell. Okay. Bylaw. Um, Peter, are you interested? And we can put Jen in there. >> Uh, I nominate Jen. >> Okay. It does not meet very often, so it will not overwhelming. >> I second that for Jen. >> Yeah. Okay. Negotiations. Jesse and I
are in the process of negotiating contracts with both the KTA and KESPA. So, I think in the interest of continuing that, the two of us seeing in that role makes the most sense for the committee. >> Okay. Uh, Pilgrim Area Collaborative.
Yes, I would like to stay on it. >> You need to continue. Thank you. >> I am very stay on it. >> Okay. >> I also love that. >> Oh, I apologize. Can we jump back to negotiations and just nominate an alternate in case Jesse or I are not
able to attend? So, those meetings can still move forward. I know >> I can be the I can be the alternate. >> Are you able to attend with the time? I just want to check because they're typically 3:30. >> Are they online or in person? >> In person. >> Yeah. That was a tough time. >> What about you?
>> Anyone else could do it, >> Peter? How does that >> How often? >> Probably never, but >> probably never. Sounds good. I'll do it. That's all. >> All right, perfect. >> Um, skip to policy subcommittee. Um, >> I'll do it.
>> Okay. And then an alternate for that. How about we put Jen? >> Yeah, >> because she was that last year. So, we'll keep her in that role. Um, safety subcommittee, which is health and safety. So, we need two people for that. Last year, we had Sheila and Jen. So,
>> sounds like other than alternate, too. >> That does not need an alternate. So, how about Yeah, Peter and Jen. Is that >> because I think that's a good one. It's manageable for newer members. >> Uh, sick leave bank. Also another easy
one. Last year we had Sheila and Jesse Any volunteers? >> I mean, I can still do it. It's up to you guys. >> Okay, Sheila, >> it's an easy one. It's a >> You're quick. >> Yeah. >> Okay. We need a second person. >> I'll do it. >> Okay. Thank you very much,
>> Peter. >> And then emergency representative. Um, I think makes sense to keep as the chair. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Probably the vice chair as alternative. >> I think that's a great suggestion. So, we will put that as Jesse. And then technology. Peter, you said you wanted
to >> pick that up. >> Awesome. And then there actually is a second spot that we >> didn't fill last year. I don't that committee never met, but >> All right. >> Out of curiosity, you know, do we know why they didn't meet? >> There was there was no there was no need. There was no request.
>> Okay. >> Um, would either of you be interested in joining on health and safety? >> Oh, yeah. I can do that, >> Jill. Okay. I mean, whatever. Do we have Jen on anything that's not as an alternate? Right.
>> She's Well, she's on policy and safety. >> Bylaw >> and bylaw >> and safety. >> Okay. Okay. >> Yep. And she's the alternate on policy. >> Oh, there she is. We'll fill her in. Hi, Jen. >> Oh, you're now chair.
>> Okay. And then our our final spot, single signature warrants. Um, I would like to do that as a chair if that's there objections. Okay. >> If you need an alternate because we just did an alternate for um we just did an alternate for selectman in case you're away >> but I don't know up to you guys. Are you
doing them online or >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> So I don't Yeah, that should be >> But if you do them online, you can probably just do it yourself. If you want to I'll do it too because I have a signature that I keep on PDF. >> Um we can leave it for now and then if something comes up we can jump back to it just because >> Perfect.
>> I don't foresee any issues with that. Okay, >> Jen, would you like to know where we have plugged you in? >> All the spots. No, I'm just kidding. Okay, if the and if you have any objections to these, please let us know and we can certainly come back to them.
Uh, we were hoping that you would be the bylaw representative, which is not something that meets very often. >> So, it's a very low commitment if that would be all right with you. And then >> Oh, this is good. We were hoping you would
be the alternate for the policy subcommittee. >> Sure. >> Okay. And be a member of the health and safety subcommittee. >> That's me. >> Okay. And that is where we landed.
>> Oh, good. >> Okay. >> Is there anything that you would want it to be on? Oh, good. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Was there anything that you would want it to be on? >> No. >> Okay. Okay. So, everybody is happy with
the subcommittees that they have landed on. Excellent. Thank you very much. Okay. Uh, next up, do we have any visitors this evening? >> Seeing that. Okay. Um, would someone like to make a motion to adjourn to executive session? We will we will
return to open session. So that needs to get a little um agenda. >> The language is on the agenda. >> I'd like to adjourn to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel. Kes assistant
principal KIS assistant administrative assistant and three to discuss strategy with dispatch marketing because the chair so declares KTA espa and seven to comply with or act under the authority of any general law to approve executive minutes. April 6th, 2026. April 16th,
2020. April 16th, April 28th. April 26. Not return to open session. >> Not return. It says not return, but I'm going to say return. >> We are returning. >> I think that was just a small typo. Okay. Is there a second?
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Okay. If you guys wouldn't mind stepping out or we are all of you pertaining to the conversation. I think >> you Yeah. and continuing to implement our safety
drills throughout the year. Uh family community engagement will continue. We continue to evolve and elaborate on our opportunities we provide whether it's curriculum night, multicultural night, math and literacy night, art show. Um we continue to have
tons of events for families to come and engage with. Um something new I want to uh start next year is career day. I want students to be able to identify with various careers early on at a young age and um see what there is to offer for
them in the world. We have a lot of uh very unique um very important careers in the community that I kind of want to take advantage of to educate the students on. Um and then continuing we did our first seal night which was a huge success. Um but we want to continue
to evolve that and uh continue to implement that and and grow that as at being a huge priority for us as a school. Um, our outdoor classroom is is continues to be a big part of community engagement. Um, we've had some parent volunteers really step up and help us
establish the space and create projects with students. Um, I would like to open it up to the community in the summer for them to come and pick vegetables and fruits since there's no students there. Um, so ultimately I would like to kind of create like a little farmers market in the summer that families can come and
use it as like a community space as well. And lastly, our third goal would be equity. Equity, access, and inclusion. Previously, this was just equity and inclusion, but access to me is very important. Um, we continue to look at
not just access to high quality instructional materials, but really accessing the space where students are learning. Um, the school, the classroom, um, entry points into the day, into the curriculum. Um so we want to continue to provide opportunities and strong entry
points not just into the building but into the opportunities we provide. Um we started this this year within the last couple events a sensory friendly window for all evening community events um for neurody divergent students and their
families to attend where it's slow stimulation more conducive um and we actually had our first participants during the art show. So that was great to see. >> Oh that's great. So we look to continue to elaborate that um as well as continue with our MTSS process, our professional development
um and supporting teachers in Paris and more training to continue to drive tier one instruction and student achievement. >> What is >> multi-tered system support? So that's like our initial phase. If we get um students students can be referred there
for academic, social, behavioral concerns, we meet as a collaborative team. It's a kind of a diverse group of teachers and staff. Um, and we outline the interventions, the data, the student profile, and we come up with interventions to try for six to eight weeks to see if we can fill those gaps
and um, remediate any of the any of the concerns. At times, too, we'll get requests for testing. We like to go to MTSS as well just to make sure we have the full picture of what the parent um or caregiver is concerned about. But yeah, it's like our initial phase in addressing um concerns.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Can I just um with the with the garden I mean you could ask the agricultural um commission here in Kingston or the garden club to kind of help out with that during the summer too if we >> that's good >> had that because they they're around
like year long and maybe cuz >> Yeah. It' be nice for someone to assist with the watering and just Yeah. Yeah. I do like to weed, so I'll be doing the weeding. But >> that's awesome. >> Yeah. >> Can you come to my house? I got plenty of it. >> Share that. >> Yeah, >> that's awesome. Great job.
>> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right, Dr. Whipple. >> The art show was awesome. By the way, the art show was >> Thank you, Peter. All right. So, for KES, we sent out the survey in um I don't know if it was January or February to kind of see what
areas we needed to improve on or continue to work on. Um some of those things that popped up was communication, discipline in regards to inschool, lunch, recess, and buses, safety, and overall facilities. So, um similar goals to KES are safe, safety, and operations,
community outreach, and equity and inclusion. Um, so a lot of similar things, but continuing to work on using that Raptor system. I think last school committee meeting or one before that, we talked about making sure whether we know the person at the door or not that we're asking them who they who they are and why they're there and making sure um
that happens before anyone walks in the building. Um, also working with uh KPD doing Alice trainings which we have have had to reschedule. So that one's coming up uh Wednesday. Um, improving arrival and dismissal. This isn't this is not
necessarily for the parents end of it, but it's for the internal part of it in the school and what that looks like and feels like. So, it's making sure it's a little bit more organized u because sometimes the volume can be really loud and I worry about safety if there's an emergency. Um but continuing the use of,
you know, pickup patrol. Um and then cameras. We've noticed a lot of uh holes with cameras, not be able to see the complete hallway or needing additional cameras. So that we've been working on with it. Uh the second goal is community outreach. So communication came up. So we've uh been communicating
in a monthly newsletter where you can see that teachers contribute um to the newsletter which is awesome. Teachers are expected to communicate at least once a month so that they stay connected with families and families know what is going on in the classroom. um looking to do some more nights like we've have done at KES, but love to do
math and literacy nights. We're looking at what that will look like for KISS next year. Um having more families come in um and be part of the process at school. For equity inclusion, a big big push we're having right now is we um fix the schedule so that we have uh accurate
time on learning, wind blocks, and the ability to co-e. So each grade level will have co-teers for um reading but also special education. Uh that's kind of a really big process that's going to be a little challenging at first, but it will kind of shake out as as the years
go on based on IEPs. Um and that will help us improve tier one instruction so that there's equity inclusion for all students in all classrooms and continue with professional development. Next year, we're really looking at um providing uh staff with really good through staff meetings,
title uh tier one instruction, data analysis, progress monitoring, um and kind of anything that kind of pops up along the way. But co-eing will be a huge part of next year. Um and like Mr. G said, MTS meetings, we're going to continue to work on those and make sure they're super efficient um and that have
data at those as well. And our PBS system is another one that we're revamping um to make it a little more succinct but also have the expectations really high so that kids rise to that because they totally can. So um so that's our school ser our school
improvement plan if you have any questions. That sounds really good. Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. And now we have our end of year data presentations. >> Joe, can you control that slide?
>> It's actually Okay, there you go. >> So, you want me to go? You want to go or what? I'd be happy to um remind uh the school committee that in the spring we talked about our strategic initiatives and we had a joint school committee meeting where we talked about the steps
that we've taken to meet um each of these goals. And tonight, as we promised in our our joint meeting, we're going to provide you with the end ofear data that we did not have in April. Next slide. >> All right. So, we are going to Thank you
for having me tonight. Uh, this is the first time I've actually had a chance to give you a full year picture, which is a great thing. I know we met about two months ago to talk about midyear data. We were in between winter and spring, but we just concluded our spring
benchmarks on Friday. So, this is pretty much fresh results. You're going to see fall, winter, spring, and then I broke it up into a three-year data trend just you can see where we we've gone the last three years. So, you're going to look at first, we're going to look at two data
points in ELA. The first one is early literacy with Dibbles. So, when we assess our students in Dibbles, we assess grades K through three. We are assessing for phonmic awareness, phonics, fluency, and decoding. really the early stages of reading fluency
really. What we want our students all of our students really by grade three when it's state testing to be un to be able to read fluently so they're not struggling for that comprehension piece. So if you look at Kingston I have pretty much I'm going to be um sharing the same results with Halifax and Denn and I did
this mid year. If you look at Kingston in their foundational assessment, they started the year at 66, jumped to 71, and they ended the year at 79. I have to say it it's a nice improvement. You look at all the towns, it was a nice improvement. I think K1 and two were in
the 80. They were in the 80s. There is a point where third grade was a little low, and there's a reason for that. They are getting trained right now over the summer on what's called classroom OG which is a foundational piece of how to teach phonics even up in third grade for those students who are struggling. So
there is a goal and action plan. I've been working with Dr. Whipple, Dr. Clifford on that. So I really think next year if we can get those students in grade three that are just missing out on that fluency, I think we can be well into the 80s next year. But I think this is really good progress for our
students. Just to clarify, we are at for third grade it was 72%. Where >> kindergarten first and second is 83%. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> So, uh Dr. Whipple and I made that plan to train some of our third grade teachers for to provide those interventions
>> and you can have some credit for the K to2. >> Thanks. >> Good. It's in my evaluation. >> Next slide. Oh, I I just want to point out that in on this measure, these all three districts exceeded the goal and so
next year we'll be we'll be looking for them to set an even higher goal for this particular measure. >> That's right. >> That's great. >> Keep going up. >> Our goal is actually his goal is actually >> 80%. We set at 80. >> Listen, we have 1% to go.
>> Well, they were No, they were at 8. >> No, we're 83. We overachie. >> It's on me. Uh this slide right here is once again the foundational piece where we were in the end of 24, end of 25 and the end of 26. So we are making progress. I think
it's effective teaching. I think it's consistent teaching and like I said if we can add that third grade uh professional development um of training and that foundational piece because sometimes our teachers in third grade you get right on to comprehension, you get right on to writing, vocabulary, all
of that. But there are students that are still struggling and they need that extra dose of the foundational piece to in order to be fluent in order to do all those other higher level reading skills. So I think we have a plan and like I said I'm hoping this end of 27 will be
in the 80s. I think we can do that. >> It will. >> It will. >> Yes. >> So next slide. Now we're moving on to more of a comprehension vocabulary piece. So, our students in grades one through six, they take a STAR assessment which assesses their reading
comprehension, their vocabulary, and some of their grammar. So, if you look over the last um this year, excuse me, 54 we started, middle 57, we did reach 60. So, in the end, we we went up six points, which is good. Next slide. >> I do want to shout out first grade uh
ended at 82%. Yes. >> And then this three-year trend uh 24 53 25 55 and we ended 26 at 60. So we uh we are heading in the right direction to
say the least >> low for reading. >> Is it low? >> Yeah. >> I would say looking at last year's MCCAST for reading score for Kingston, Kingston was 46 last year. So we're hoping that we are somewhere near that
with our MCAST school. >> I think also we haven't had a reading consistent reading program across grade level. So >> we'll do that this year and that will be a complete game changer. >> Is that true? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And I'll talk about that Dr. Quiff at the time. Dr. Quiff is next about our
new curriculum like quality instructional material. I mean do we want to be at 70%. Yes, we do want to be at 70%. So, but you also see the comparison where we are compared to the other >> districts. So, um we are heading in the
right direction. If you can see, uh this year we have this is math. This year we have a new uh we've implemented a new math program called HMH into math. I have to say Kingston teachers um with Mr. Galooi and Dr. Whipple holding our
teachers accountable have really stuck to a consistent plan to give our students that access and equity throughout kindergarten all the way up through sixth grade. So I I really feel we're in a good place where we're using a high quality instructional material and I feel that we're in a good place. I
also want to mention thank you because it makes my job easier for promoting Mr. Galooi to his position and obviously promoting Dr. Whipple. I really think it was important for this these two schools to have these two people who have a great relationship and really blend the
high expectations to the campus. I understand it's a campus, but it still is two different schools. And I really think moving forward, the three of us working together are going to do some amazing things. So, it's really that holding our teachers accountable. And I think Jake has done a great job with
that. Obviously, Carrie over at KES, she's going to continue that at KISS. And when we're working together, I think the most important thing for us is fidelity with our high quality instructional materials so we can give our students that access and equity to
be successful. And then a three-year math trend. We're heading in the right direction. Like I said, we're not where we want to be totally, but I think, like I said, we're heading in the right direction, which is a good thing. And that's it.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you guys. >> Everything moving in the right direction. The ones have gone above and beyond that really. >> I do. >> I will say I really appreciate the comment about kind of having that cohesive experience as well through the K through six because that is something
we've kind of had some bumps with in the past. but seeing that really be more of a smooth transition and h I mean yes it's two buildings but it's also you know Kingston Elementary so I think that's going to be really helpful for family like families and students you know moving forward
>> I do want to point out too we we started co-eing like five years ago at KES and for the first time since starting co-eing we had our first co-taught first grade classroom end the year with no students needing intensive support >> that's awesome in red that's awesome
>> nobody in red Dibbles. Yeah. So they all most were in green or blue and I think there were three in yellow. >> But yeah, so that's credit to co- teaching but also the teachers capacity and relationships as well. So >> right. >> Yeah. >> Well, we look forward to hearing more good things you >> Yes. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you guys. Thanks for your support. >> All right. Let's see. Uh I don't believe that we have any unfinished business regionalization study update. They are still gathering data from various people within the district. We have not met as
a full group in quite a while. So there are no other updates at this time. Uh let's see. We just heard our updates from both buildings. And then um Stephanie, are there any financial updates that you'd like to share or
>> All right, that's great. Dr. Clifford. All right. I want to also thank um Brian and Carrie and Jake for that presentation. Um I do have uh one important thing to review. Um the curriculum council, the K through5 curriculum council did select a program
and they selected McGraill Wonders. So we'll be using Wonders as our ELA program K through 5 along with OG plus which is OG classroom is what uh Brian was speaking about. So uh those two programs will be the programs we'll be utilizing. They are uh partially funded
by Prism as I've talked about a lot this year. Um so that's what's happening K through five. Um we will be ordering materials and doing all of those things as the Prism funds need to be spent by June 30th. We already have um we're working on getting professional
development even going in the next few weeks for teachers. And we're also working on what we call an activity timeline which will be for next year. all the professional development, when it is, who's doing it, where it's held, and all of that. And I will share that with you. Like I did for HMH. It's a
similar template that we're using. So, all of that is happening now, and I'm really excited about that. Um, I think the teachers are excited about this, and it really was a choice um by the curriculum council, by the teachers. So, that's really important. and I think
we'll we'll start running um in September, but we'll be doing a lot of work in June and July to get ready for this implementation. And also as a piece to that, the middle school also ad is going with a program called EL education. They're both all
high quality instructional materials. And the preschool also selected a curriculum called um open up, which is um also part of the prism uh grant. So, lots of things going on, lots of things happening and um I'll share more with
you about the activity timeline and the professional development, but it's really been a collective effort and I just want to huge shout out to everybody who was part of this really year-long endeavor to examine curriculum and select one that we felt was really in
the best interest of our students. And um I want to thank the teachers. >> Yep. That is great. And I know this has come up in the past, but you know, the PRISM grant has proved to be so so, you know, beneficial. So, thank you very much for your work in securing that for
our district. That's really awesome. All right. Uh, Dr. approve. >> So, I um just wanted to mention that both Quinton and Halifax have uh approved the Silver Lake budget and this weekend we have our town meeting and so we'll be awaiting the vote from the town
with regards to Silver Lake but also our Kingston town meeting. Thank you to Clinton and Halifax for supporting the Silver Lake budgets as well as their school budgets. And um I just wanted to give you that update. That's the only update we have. >> All right. I think between everybody
we've covered quite a bit. >> Yes, we have. >> All right. Excellent. And then uh we'll go through our subcommittees. Admin review. We u met with Dr. Pru today and gave her her annual review. Pilgrim Area Collaborative Sheila. >> Yep. So we met on the 7th this week as
well. Um their graduation is actually Friday. Um and I'm going to be attending. Um so I'll be going to their graduation. Um we did the budget. was approved for 11 million 52,000 which is still 2% decrease from
um so um they got playground funds and then we did a bunch of policy updates which is super fun and um we did the student handbook evaluation of treasure and we have our last meeting this week so fun
times and I will send it over to my girl so she can have it in the meeting minutes. >> Mike, it was a great time. You can see it in the meeting minutes. >> No. Okay. So, anyway, yes. So, we did the treasures report and we actually did
the um we did the FY27 budget. We passed it and I will send it over so that we can have it for the meeting minutes because they have asked to show proof that we go to the meetings in the meeting minutes for any type of auditing that we're doing now. >> Okay. Thank you and have fun at the
graduation. Um, Union 31, I don't believe there are any updates from our last meeting, but while we're on the topic, I would just like to say next year for the Union 31 meetings. All school committee members are able to attend, not just the representatives. And I would highly, highly recommend
that all of Kingston attend if able to. It's not a requirement, but it is to everybody's benefit. There's a lot of really helpful information uh that we receive especially in November when there are um some data presentations from the director of special education
technology and um facilities. So, >> thank you. >> Please, we can we'll revisit that in the fall, but I'm just going to put that on everybody's radar right now. Uh negotiations, we are still in the process of negotiations with KTA and KESPA. Budget advisory. I believe we
have been advised of all things budget related right now. >> It's approved. >> Um yes, town meeting 9:00 a.m. KISS facility oversight. Uh we do not have any facility updates. Policy >> no updates for policy at this time.
>> Okay. And technology, no technology updates. Uh other matters unforeseen at the time of posting. I don't believe that anything has come up that we were not expecting. And otherwise just dates to remember. Uh June 4th early release K
to 6 12:30 dismissal. There was no school on Friday, June 19th for the Junth holiday. Please keep in mind that that is a long weekend at the end there. And the last day of school is Tuesday, June 23rd. And our final closeout meeting will be remote on July 1st.
Otherwise, uh would anybody like to make a motion to adjurnn? >> I will make a motion to adjurnn. There a second. >> Second. >> Okay. Roll call. Jennifer Crouchin. >> Yes. >> Sheila Von. Yes. >> Jesse Keith. Yes. And I am a yes. Thank you very much. Everybody,
>> please come to town meeting on Saturday 9:00 a.m. The quicker the better. The quicker you the quicker you get there to 100, the quicker we can leave.