WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=O--WAvUnigY

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.080 --> 00:00:16.679
Good evening everyone and today is Tuesday, June 9th. I call the MPS school committee meeting to order. Like to remind everyone that we are being taped and streamed on WMCTV. Going to have you all rise for the pledge of allegiance

2
00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:38.000
of the United States and to the stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you everyone. Kick it off with presentation. So Malro

3
00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:53.600
High School Student Advisory Committee. Step on up. Please state your name. And here we are. >> Hi guys. Uh my name is Maggie Morsy. I'm the junior SEC representative. And today I'm going to present on our uh my team's

4
00:00:53.600 --> 00:01:09.680
experience at the VEX Worlds Robotics Championship. Uh this year our team had the opportunity to compete at VEX Robotics Worlds where teams from around the world come together to showcase months of hard work, problem solving, and teamwork. It was an incredible experience to meet students from different countries, see the variety of

5
00:01:09.680 --> 00:01:25.680
approaches teams took to the same challenge, and learn from each other. Uh throughout the competition, we worked really hard and were fortunate to have a really successful outcome. We ranked 20th out of the 86 teams in our division and advanced to our division's quarterfinals. This was the farthest we have ever made it in the M robotics

6
00:01:25.680 --> 00:01:40.640
program and it was such a proud achievement for us. During the elimination rounds, we partnered with the team from Mexico, which was one of the highlights of our trip. Getting to work with teams like our alliance partners from Mexico, but also teams from Vietnam, China, Australia, and then teams just from all across the country

7
00:01:40.640 --> 00:01:56.320
from California. We had one from Alabama and then we also had some closer ones like we had like a main team, too. Getting to meet and collaborate with people from all over the world was such an eye-opening and amazing experience for the me and the rest of my team. Beyond the results, this experience taught us a lot. Robotics requires a lot

8
00:01:56.320 --> 00:02:11.440
of collaboration, communication, resilience, and the ability to adapt to when things don't go as planned. At Worlds, there was plenty of those moments where we had to think on our feet and work through challenges. And those experiences helped us grow as both a students and a team. Out of the 17

9
00:02:11.440 --> 00:02:27.520
teams from Massachusetts, we were one of only three teams that made it to the quarterfinal rounds of our division. After being overloo overlooked in Massachusetts throughout our like throughout season uh as a public team school team that does not have the same time and resources as pirate school

10
00:02:27.520 --> 00:02:43.519
teams, it was amazing to still end up doing better than them and gain more respect from ML bro. I also want to take a moment to thank the school committee for supporting opportunities like this. Experiences such as the world championship gives students opportunity to build important skills to connect with peers from around the world. We are

11
00:02:43.519 --> 00:03:06.239
very grateful for the opportunity that help and the support that made this opportunity possible. Thank you for allowing me to share our experience this evening and I would love to take any questions. >> Thank you Maggie. Good. Thank you. Appreciate the update. >> Hello.

12
00:03:06.239 --> 00:03:22.879
Good evening, school committee. My name is Sophia and I'm the freshman SACE representative for the 25 to 26 school year. My topic today is the benefits of being in a music program here at the at Malber High School. Music in in the MPS system begins in fifth grade. There the

13
00:03:22.879 --> 00:03:37.760
students can choose to pursue an instrument, sing in a coral group, or choose not to participate at all. Additionally, being in a musical program provides great benefits such as leadership opportunities, self-development, developmental skills and and can also improve mental health within students. Leadership

14
00:03:37.760 --> 00:03:53.920
opportunities present themselves through basic rehearsals all the way to the music honor society triumph. Not only does it promote collaboration within the musical groups, it also builds confidence and teaches discipline. From my experience in the program, the conductor assigns roles, section leaders, concert master, and so on. The

15
00:03:53.920 --> 00:04:08.959
assigned rules give students leadership within their section. The students given these roles become role models and mentor and mentors of those around them. It can it provides students under the section leader a place to go for help and guidance. It also pushes each player to work harder and provides each member

16
00:04:08.959 --> 00:04:26.560
the ability to adapt to skills and for for skills needed for stronger confidence in leadership. Additionally, the honor society provides electable roles that aid with student leadership. These positions, such as president, vice president, secretary, historian, and treasurer, all require students to take

17
00:04:26.560 --> 00:04:42.639
on greater responsibility. Within these roles, these leaders learn to manage tasks, meetings, have stronger communication skills, and help oversee the program's activities and overall experience. This heads learning experience regarding leadership further develops their decision-making skills

18
00:04:42.639 --> 00:04:57.440
and helps foster stronger senses of accountability. Um, another factor that is beneficial to students in the music program are the concerts and the competitions. Some examples are Micah, the winter and spring concerts and some outside

19
00:04:57.440 --> 00:05:14.320
performances from the district. These are only some examples. When these events comes when these events come up, it pushes students to um participate harder. It builds confidence and not only does it benefit themselves but also um others in the sorry others in the

20
00:05:14.320 --> 00:05:30.560
program. Occasionally these performances let students perform in places away from the schools and um and in competitions. It gives them inspiration from hearing other ensembles perform for a more diverse learning experience. Afterwards bronze, silver and gold placements are

21
00:05:30.560 --> 00:05:46.960
um given. Each is a learning opportunity. The feedback given from these competitions tells tells the conductor and the players what went well and what needs improvements. This is crucial because it lets the students self-improve and enhance their musical skills. Not only that, but studies have

22
00:05:46.960 --> 00:06:03.199
shown that being in a music program have been proven to improve brain power. It's essentially improves long-term memory and lower stress levels. An article from BBC News explaining the results from studying Bob states, "People would per into different groups. One group learned piano and the other percussion and other

23
00:06:03.199 --> 00:06:19.120
listened to music. Over a four-month period, each group practiced for 30 minutes daily. In groups where people played an instrument, there were improvements in working memory. The segment read above highlighted how engaging in music consistently can improve long-term energy. It shows how doing music can help people adapt and

24
00:06:19.120 --> 00:06:36.160
improve um cognit function. This connection is further extended into a performance me into a performer's mental health. It assists with emotional regulation by providing an outlet, but it can also aid in lowering stress and anxiety levels. A study from Merit School of Music states that music has a

25
00:06:36.160 --> 00:06:51.520
calming effect on our brains, which in turn reduces cortisol, reduces cortisol, a stress related hormone that impacts a wide variety of responses such as inflammation, blood sugar, and your body stress response. Lower cortisol levels counteract the effects of chronic stress, promoting

26
00:06:51.520 --> 00:07:08.000
lower blood pressure, proper sleep regulation, and thus a healthier daily cycle. The segment the segment illustrates that the fact that music aids to soo the body by reducing cortisol levels that contribute to stress and anxiety. Additionally, it improves physical health and healthy

27
00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:24.319
methods for mental health improvement. Participating in a musical program offers numerous approaches to a student's development. It provides valuable leadership opportunities through electable roles. It lowers student stress levels by reducing cortisol to better improve their well-being and physical self and

28
00:07:24.319 --> 00:07:39.520
physical health of the user. Furthermore, more more the experience exper the experience experience from the performances serve as hands-on learning experiences and allows the player to develop and grow as a musician. It allows them to become more well-rounded just by participate just by

29
00:07:39.520 --> 00:08:01.520
participating in a musical program. That's all I have for you tonight and thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Any questions? Thank you Sophia. You're >> Thank you, Sophia. >> Good evening, school committee. My name

30
00:08:01.520 --> 00:08:17.199
is Jonango and I am the sophomore representative on the student advisory committee. Tonight, I'm going to be doing a reflection or more so of a wrap-up of my very first presentation of the year. So just to jog everyone's memory, I had presented on the separation of CP and honors classes for

31
00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:33.599
underassmen here at MHS. For those watching who may not know what our classes looked like previously, honors and CP were being taught the same content in the same classroom. The only difference for the honor students is that they may receive homework, a bonus question on a quiz, or maybe even

32
00:08:33.599 --> 00:08:50.000
slightly altered schoolwork. This was a problem because honors shouldn't just mean answering four questions on a worksheet while CP only had to answer two. This creates a false idea of what it means to be in a truly advanced class. And students are signing up for APs and not being able to keep up with

33
00:08:50.000 --> 00:09:06.160
the pace. The most evident difficulty in transitioning from a mixed honors class to a true honors class was the jump from 10th grade geometry to algebra 2. My peers struggled not being able to keep up with the speed or being used to the structure of what an honors class was

34
00:09:06.160 --> 00:09:22.640
supposed to look like. Honors is supposed to prepare you for AP, but I just wasn't doing that. But now, after taking in all this feedback from our student body, classes have been reshaped. Going handinhand with the accelerated program being implemented in the next year, CP and honors have been

35
00:09:22.640 --> 00:09:38.560
separated. Now, you're probably wondering what these are going to look like and how we're going to differentiate the two courses. The two courses will cover the same curriculum, but with distinct differences that weren't previously present. CP classes will cover what is needed to

36
00:09:38.560 --> 00:09:54.320
graduate. What's needed to get credit for the class. CP classes will provide that extra support for students, helping to improve knowledge and skills, and students who do well in their CP courses will be adequately prepared to move on to honors classes. and switching or moving up in the courses is still

37
00:09:54.320 --> 00:10:10.080
possible except now it would require a schedule change and potentially a change in a teacher as well. Honors classes sole purpose is to look at the future of students. Yes, the curriculum is being covered but at the same time students are being prepared to go beyond above

38
00:10:10.080 --> 00:10:27.360
the standard. Honors does not just mean a faster pace or stricter deadlines. The goal is not simply more work, but a more rigorous and engaging learning experience that better prepares students for future AP advanced and college coursework. This will also help to ease

39
00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:43.200
the transition into these classes. I also spoke to some of the teachers at MHS wanting to know what their thoughts on these changes were. Many of them see it as a very positive alternative to the current struggles they face, trying to find an awkward in between for their CP and honors classes while trying to

40
00:10:43.200 --> 00:11:00.079
accelerate some students while at the same time trying to provide extra support needed for others. Now teachers will be able to get over that gray space that made it so difficult to accommodate all students without letting anyone get left behind or anyone feel as though they aren't learning. In conclusion, the

41
00:11:00.079 --> 00:11:16.800
restructuring of our mixed classes is going to have a positive impact for our students, easing those transitions and making sure all students are prepared for that next step. As I begin to wrap things up, I just want to thank Mr. Henry and Mrs. Casey for all their help in making this change and help in the

42
00:11:16.800 --> 00:11:32.399
creation of this presentation. This presentation is proof that your voice really can make a change. Now, before I finish up, unfortunately, this will be my last time speaking to you all as the student advisory committee representative as I'm going to be stepping down to take on other

43
00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:49.200
leadership roles within our school. But that doesn't mean you won't see me again, continuing to advocate for change and serving as a student voice. Thank you so much for continuing to listen to me talk over the past two years about freshman orientation, botchi, and one of my more boring presentations, recycling.

44
00:11:49.200 --> 00:12:06.160
I'm so grateful for this experience and I'm sure you'll see me around. And if there aren't any questions, that's all I have for tonight. Thank you again and have a great rest of your evening. >> Thank you. >> Any questions for you? >> No, I I appreciate you coming back and giving it. Sometimes we hear about

45
00:12:06.160 --> 00:12:22.519
things, but we don't always hear what the end result was. So, it was great that you >> came back and filled us in on how things went. So, appreciate it. >> Thanks for all your hard work. >> Thank you. >> Of course. Don't be a stranger. Huh?

46
00:12:30.160 --> 00:12:46.959
>> Hello. Um, I'm Ala Gracia and um, this is my last presentation actually since I'm the senior class rep and my partication is about our school culture. Um we have a music culture, we have a art culture, we have athletic culture and we have the general culture of our

47
00:12:46.959 --> 00:13:03.040
school which consists of traditions that are done for years. Um starting with our music culture. Um our music culture is very big in our school. As you guys all know our school is very big in music and band, orchestra and chorus. And I was really able to see how much impact the

48
00:13:03.040 --> 00:13:19.279
music department was was um impacted the students when I went to the banquet um to the music banquet um a few weeks ago and I was listening to the speeches of the students and how they were thanking the teachers and the music department in general for how much impact how much you

49
00:13:19.279 --> 00:13:36.399
have impacted their lives and how without the music department they would have not been who they are today. And that was that was a really like it was really beautiful to see how much music has impacted their life and how much our musical the music culture at our school is very important. We also have the art

50
00:13:36.399 --> 00:13:53.519
culture which um we have the fashion design class where the students we have a fashion show. The students are wearing the clothes and being able to see your clothes going down the runway and just seeing the kids wearing it with proud is very beautiful to see. We have the engineering department. And there's the robotics club which they win at their um

51
00:13:53.519 --> 00:14:09.360
competition which is amazing. Um they have the art show which portrays the pottery the different drawings of our of the students which make them proud and the parents proud and it's really beautiful to see. We also have the general culture of our school which is where we hold most of our memories from

52
00:14:09.360 --> 00:14:25.920
high school. Um, we have spirit week, which is a week that everybody always looks forward to. Me specifically, dressing up and having this week is just the week to look forward to because we starting school over again, but we're not starting fully on academics. We're having some fun in the beginning as

53
00:14:25.920 --> 00:14:41.360
well. Um, everybody's dressing up and it really puts all of us together because it's a thing where it's like the whole class has to participate for us to win. So it really put the whole class together like dressing up in the same color, the pep rally, band involved, the athletics involved, everybody's

54
00:14:41.360 --> 00:14:56.399
involved. And that's what I like about our school culture is with all those different traditions and different activities, there's never it never excludes somebody out because even though we I each have our own little groups, friend group friend groups, those activities helps us all being

55
00:14:56.399 --> 00:15:12.800
involved within our small group but also participating in the activity. Just as a week, everybody can participate with their own group. They're having making memories and having so much fun. We also have the football games and dressing up in theme like everybody has to wear white, everybody has to wear orange and

56
00:15:12.800 --> 00:15:28.160
just screaming for our teammates. And even though we don't understand football, I don't understand football, but I still go I still go as much as I can just to be there and just participate and just feel the vibe and just being there with my class. And that's where I I hold the memories of my

57
00:15:28.160 --> 00:15:45.519
high school years. Um there's also homecoming. Um we find the having those activities, those cultures, those traditions, we also change them sometimes. Um as the years are changing, homecoming was last year, the last few years it's been in the football in our gym, but this year it was um at the

58
00:15:45.519 --> 00:16:02.160
elementary school at Good Now. So things are changing. It was great at GoodNow, the garden, the view, everything. It was new and everybody kind of loved it. Um we also have Fall Fest. Before it was spooky um festival, I think. And it was mostly associated with Halloween and the kids coming and having candy and having

59
00:16:02.160 --> 00:16:18.240
this haunted hallway, but we changed it so more people could feel involved, people that maybe don't want it to be associated with Halloween. So we change it um until Fall Fest so that it can be more inclusive so everybody can come so all the little kids can come and participate. That's another way that we

60
00:16:18.240 --> 00:16:33.680
shown that we can change the traditions, we can change the different cultures and activities that we're making and make them better as the years are changing as well. Um, we also have step up day which was amazing but I feel like it can be it can be um can be different because it

61
00:16:33.680 --> 00:16:48.079
wasn't as fun as we were hoping for it to be but I believe each class every year is going to change it and add something to it and spice it up and make it even more fun. We had um our senior spirit week um the different um clothes the different themes that we have every

62
00:16:48.079 --> 00:17:04.160
single day and the end of this that's senior spirit week was decision day. It was really nice to see everybody the next step after high school, whether it was college or a trade school or whatever it was. It was really nice to just see everybody just having a plan and basically announcing it to

63
00:17:04.160 --> 00:17:19.679
everybody. Um it was really nice. We have this thing the um senior sunrise. We had senior sunset where we're leaving now. And as an immigrant, I came here 6 years ago. Um this high schools from different countries are definitely different and high school in in from

64
00:17:19.679 --> 00:17:36.400
where I come from is different from high school here. But I was really proud to be able to be in a high school, an American high school, having the traditional American high school experience and participate in all those activities and all those traditions that I usually heard from from TVs, but I was actually able to participate in them.

65
00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:53.200
And I really thought about our school culture when we interviewed the two candidates for our principal, Miss Casey and Mr. Henry. And Miss Casey said something within those lines of those cultures that we have apart from the academic culture of our school is what will attract others to come to MHS. It

66
00:17:53.200 --> 00:18:09.280
shows our attitude and spirit and make us look more interesting and different than other schools. And I do think that it's important to keep those cultures and those traditions. Even though we're changing them, it's still good to keep them up because those are the things that we hold on as memories when we leave. I know me personally, I will hold

67
00:18:09.280 --> 00:18:24.160
on to all those activities and all those memories I made with my friends in those all those activities and that's what I'm going to keep on as memories of my high school. And that is something I can also brag about. It's like, oh my gosh, my school have this, but yours doesn't. And

68
00:18:24.160 --> 00:18:40.000
even though ours our school might not be the biggest, it might not be the the big the best school, but I know I can brag about that and say this is what we have that your school doesn't have. And I really love it. And I had a great experience at my high school. So, it's really sad for me to leave, but I can't

69
00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:56.240
wait for the next chapter of my life. So, thank you for welcoming me every time um for my presentations. Thank you. If you guys have any questions, you guys welcome. >> Yes. >> I just actually wanted to say to all of you, thank you so much for the time and effort that you guys have all put in. Um

70
00:18:56.240 --> 00:19:12.240
it's been an absolute pleasure to get to kind of know you guys a little bit here and then see you out and about. And um to those of you graduating and having graduated, congratulations and and don't be strangers. We look forward to seeing

71
00:19:12.240 --> 00:19:26.960
you all. and and those of you that aren't necessarily staying as um student reps here, um please though still use your voices and and you know us. So, please reach out still to let us know things that we should be aware of

72
00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:45.600
because the we're only as good as the information provided and your voices really do count. We're all here because of students. So, thank you for all you do. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. I am not a student. Um, good evening. My

73
00:19:45.600 --> 00:20:01.760
name is Marilyn Klein and I serve as the adviser to MHS student council and by extension the student advisory committee. Um, and I'm going to echo um, Miss Hennessy's comments. I just wanted to take a moment to recognize the efforts of this group throughout the year. Um, each presentation is a product

74
00:20:01.760 --> 00:20:18.480
of their own independent planning, research, interviews, emails, data collection, and ultimately writing. I am only a sounding board, a resource to brainstorm with, but ultimately these presentations belong to the students and they do it on top of their schoolwork. So I thank each one of them for their

75
00:20:18.480 --> 00:20:34.640
hard work this year. I would be remiss if I did not extend a special message to of appreciation for student representative at Modor. He has been a part of the student advisory committee for four years. He started out small but has grown quite comfortable in his role and has left his mark.

76
00:20:34.640 --> 00:20:51.919
Maybe literally, but Um he is the first student representative on school committee to serve two years in the time that I have been advising. Um throughout his time he has earned the respect of every adult he interacts with in his in this role and his opinions are taken to heart. When it comes time to speak on behalf of the

77
00:20:51.919 --> 00:21:07.919
student body he is poised, composed and succinct. Most recently he acted as a guide for the other SAC students building their confidence or making suggestions about presenting but never once telling them what to say or what to talk about. a tool. We appreciate all you've done over the past four years.

78
00:21:07.919 --> 00:21:24.559
Next year, we'll see some new faces. Felicia Lwanga, Nate Saj, Jennifer Loha, Kaguana, and Lucy Lawrence. And finally, the elected board selected Maggie Morrisy to be student representative for the 2026 2027 school year. I look forward to supporting them next year.

79
00:21:24.559 --> 00:22:19.360
Thank you. Excellent. Whatever works for you. Sure. >> I'm gonna I'm gonna cover you. short girl. >> What? So we like we like each other.

80
00:22:32.480 --> 00:22:54.640
Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And Miss Klein, thank you for all your work with the students. >> Yes, Miss Klein go unnoticed. So, thank you. Thank you. >> Can All right. >> Can we ask what they're doing? The ones that are graduating.

81
00:22:54.640 --> 00:23:09.679
>> Okay. >> I know what they're doing. >> All righty. Let's move on to the superintendent report. >> Great. Thank you. Uh good evening, Mr. Mayor, members of a school committee. Uh good to see everyone tonight and to our

82
00:23:09.679 --> 00:23:24.400
friends in the audience. Um lots of celebratory things this evening and lots of opportunities to highlight the incredible work that have that has happened and is happening still currently across uh Malber public schools. Uh the first um I have the

83
00:23:24.400 --> 00:23:39.919
distinct pleasure of uh sharing um this year's Masonic uh teacher of the year actually um went to uh not you Mr. Thomas but your other half. I keep looking at you across the way

84
00:23:39.919 --> 00:23:57.280
to uh Nicole Thomas who is a grade 8 ELA teacher at Wickcom Middle School. Um and it was really awesome being there to surprise her. I know many of you were there. Um and really just celebrate and congratulate her incredible efforts uh and all that she puts into our students

85
00:23:57.280 --> 00:24:12.799
and our school system each and every day. Uh tomorrow, uh we are excited to be recognizing uh Miss Thomas and the other nominees at the Masonic um lodge, if I'm saying that right. Good. >> Um where there will be a dinner and a

86
00:24:12.799 --> 00:24:29.200
recognition ceremony. So um congratulations um to your other half and to you as well and your whole family. Uh it was great um great being in her classroom that morning and I love seeing the surprise on >> her face. It was awesome. And fun fact, it's actually Marielle and Klein's

87
00:24:29.200 --> 00:24:45.120
sister. >> There it is. All right. This is the family matter. >> It's a family affair. >> That's fantastic. I will say the kids students came like flying in from every >> from the other classrooms, the hallways,

88
00:24:45.120 --> 00:25:00.320
the It was pretty cool to >> They They love her and that's what it's about. So, um I'm very excited about that uh to share that this evening. Um along celebratory lines, we're going to hear a few important presentations

89
00:25:00.320 --> 00:25:16.960
tonight. Uh I'm not sure they will be able to follow in the shoes of our advisory committee, but uh we have this evening with us um Mr. Pete Jones who is our athletic director and he is going to do a year in review of our athletics program here in Malber. Uh lots to

90
00:25:16.960 --> 00:25:38.840
celebrate for our scholar athletes and the incredible work um that they have done this year. So thanks Mr. Jones for being here. >> Thank you very much. Thank you for having me. Just hope I can figure this part out. All right.

91
00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:57.200
Beautiful. All right. Uh thank you again for having me. And uh in the future if I could go before the students that would be uh much better. You guys did an awesome job. Congratulations. You guys were awesome. Uh so Dr. Defalco just asked me to be here tonight to to give a little bit of a year and review um on our

92
00:25:57.200 --> 00:26:11.919
Malbor High School athletic department. So, I'll begin with our with our fall sports offerings. Um we had varsity and JV football. We had varsity JV and middle school cheerleading. We had varsity and middle school cross country for boys and girls. Uh same for boys and

93
00:26:11.919 --> 00:26:28.640
girls soccer. We had uh varsity JV and middle school. We had varsity golf. Uh varsity and JV baseball. Uh excuse me, volleyball. Uh varsity and JV field hockey. and our outstanding unified basketball offering. Um I'll go through a couple of the highlights from the fall. We had a couple outstanding

94
00:26:28.640 --> 00:26:44.559
seasons from the fall sports teams. Um our football team really set the tone with an outstanding season. Um we actually got off to a six and one start. We played on Halloween night against Shepherd Hill for the league championship. Um unfortunately lost that game, but we did qualify for the MIA playoffs round of 16 where we lost to

95
00:26:44.559 --> 00:27:01.600
North Reading. Um but it was a great start to the school year for our athletic department. Uh they were an outstanding team and we actually had uh not only do we have seven league allstars and three Central Mass all-stars, but uh senior Frank Johnston was the defensive MVP for both our league and um Central Mass Division 4.

96
00:27:01.600 --> 00:27:16.960
Um so a great a great season for our football team. Field hockey team was one of the most outstanding teams around. Um great season. We had the league MVP. Uh junior Casey Horn is a division one commit. She she'll be attending Providence College. She'll be returning to Malbor High School next year for her

97
00:27:16.960 --> 00:27:33.679
senior season. Um, we had a great season. We were poised for a deep run. We just ran into a buzzsaw. Oxbridge is, and it's not, I'm not being hyperbolic saying it, they are legitimately one of the best teams in the country. And we ran into them in the second round. So, as >> five states, this was their fifth state

98
00:27:33.679 --> 00:27:49.760
championship in the year, like in five years. Just they're good. >> Yep. So, we we were deserving of a deeper run, but ran into uh the Spartans of Oxbridge, unfortunately, sooner than we we had hoped. Um, but but a great season and the boys soccer team was was excellent as well. I think their their

99
00:27:49.760 --> 00:28:05.600
season was a lot better than their record would indicate. Uh, but we did have two all-state players, seniors, Luis Campos and Xiao Victor Dilva. Um, we had five league and three Central Mass All-Stars and and they also advanced to the uh the division uh round of 32 in the MI playoffs. Um some

100
00:28:05.600 --> 00:28:20.960
individual success for our golf team. Jake Matro is an outstanding sophomore student athlete for us. Great leader, three sport athlete, golfer, hockey player, baseball player. He was actually our individual league champion um for the Midwatch B uh um league championship. So it was a tremendous individual achievement for Jake and a

101
00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:36.000
great achievement for our for our golf team. Um cheerleaders were outstanding. Um I they were the division 2 central runners up. I I went to the state championship at Worcester State. Uh I don't know how they finished eighth. They were outstanding. They absolutely nailed their routine. They were

102
00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:51.520
deserving of a much better uh final rating, I think, than eighth in the state. Um, but they were a really outstanding cheerleading squad. Um, we had not had winter cheerleading for a number of years. We brought that back this winter. Um, not a competitive cheerleading team, but more of a sideline spirit team, and it made a

103
00:28:51.520 --> 00:29:08.720
difference for our basketball team in the winter to have them in the gym. The atmosphere that they provided, the spirit that they brought, I thought it was a great addition to our our basketball offering. So, we look forward to having them back next winter and I think eventually they'll start to compete in the winter um as they once did. But outstanding cheerleaders. Um

104
00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:24.320
couple more highlights for the fall. Uh our volleyball program of which Jade is a member. Um a little bit of a program reset this year. Our boys coach Chris Low who's had a enjoyed a ton of success with our boys program. He took over the girls program just for one year just to help us out just to to get us to a point

105
00:29:24.320 --> 00:29:40.720
where we could bring in a coach to rebuild. Um that process is nearing an end. I'm super excited about the coach that I think we have. I think you're going to hear from our girls program uh very very shortly. We're bringing in a coach who has proven success building programs and we're super lucky to get

106
00:29:40.720 --> 00:29:56.399
the the coach that we got. So, um it's not official yet. There's some some stuff we got to go through, but we're in the process of hiring an excellent girls volleyball coach. Um participation numbers in girls soccer went up. Uh we were unable to have a standalone JV team the year prior. We did have a standalone JV team this year, which was great. They

107
00:29:56.399 --> 00:30:11.039
narrowly missed the postseason. Um, we did have two Central Mass all-stars and junior Emma Reynolds and senior KJ Denine. Um, in cross country, we have five of our top six runners returning next year for boys cross country. We're a top 25 team in the state. Um, so boys cross country is definitely a team to to

108
00:30:11.039 --> 00:30:28.159
look out for next year as well. So, quickly, uh, fall at a glance, uh, 28 league allstars, two league MVPs, as I said, Casey Horn for field hockey and Xiao Victor Dilva for boys soccer and coach Jerry Padilla was the league coach of the year for girls soccer as well. So, >> um, that's the fall. Moving on to the

109
00:30:28.159 --> 00:30:43.120
winter. U, winter's a little unique. We have some cooperative programs offered in the winter. So, gymnastics, we're the host. We co-op with Hudson, AMSA, Nishoba. They were an outstanding team, one of the best teams in the state. They were so fun to watch. Um, boys ice hockey, we co-op with AMSA. They had an

110
00:30:43.120 --> 00:30:59.039
outstanding season. We have two student athletes competing on the Algangquin girls ice hockey co-op. They were one of the best teams in the state. They were h legitimately ranked the top team in the state for most of the season. Um they did get knocked out of the playoffs a little bit earlier than we thought, but they were bar none one of the best teams

111
00:30:59.039 --> 00:31:14.960
in the state. Um we saw great uh participation numbers up in boys and girls indoor track. Um we offered boys and girls JV basketball. Wrestling team had an outstanding season and as I mentioned, we brought back cheerleading uh this winter. Um so as I said, outstanding seasons for our boys hockey

112
00:31:14.960 --> 00:31:30.559
and our gymnastics teams. They were both league champions. Um the hockey team hosted the round of 16. We lost to Essex Tech, but the the the the the barn was packed at Naven Rink. It was a great atmosphere, a great game. It was a snowstorm outside. Um but it was it was a great night. They had a great season.

113
00:31:30.559 --> 00:31:45.760
Um and they they had a league MVP. Thomas Mski was the league MVP from our hockey team. Um gymnastics, unbelievable season. It seemed like every week their their best score, our our our best program score in the history of the program. They just kept bettering it each week. They got better and better

114
00:31:45.760 --> 00:32:01.120
and better. Um they finished second at the sectional, fourth at the state championship. We had a great following. Uh both both of those meets were at Al Gangquin, so locally held. We had a lot of people there supporting those girls and they were really really incredible. By far the the best season in program history. Their scores just kept getting

115
00:32:01.120 --> 00:32:17.519
better and better. Um and they finished fourth in the state uh for and it was their first time qualifying for the for the state championship. Um wrestling, we had an outstanding wrestling season. You'll see the the young man on the left is our one of our senior captains, Jackson Cat. Um his name is now hung in the banner. He is sixth all time at Malbor High School

116
00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:33.519
with 117 career wins. Um Jack's a great uh student leader for us and and we'll miss him a lot. Um we had 10 wrestlers from our team qualify for the division uh division 3 north sectional. We had three third place finishes and two fourth place finishes. The young man in

117
00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:49.840
the center is uh junior Sam Wilcox. He finished first at the sectional at 157 pounds. So he moved on to the division 3 state championship and as you can see in that graphic he was crowned a state champion um at his weight class which was which was awesome for our program. Um then he moved on to all states and he

118
00:32:49.840 --> 00:33:06.640
advanced all the way to the final match of the all state championship at 157 pounds and he lost to a young man from Shasheen Tech who is the first fivetime state champion in Massachusetts history. So um Sam lost to arguably the best wrestler in the history of our state. So, um, and Sam's a junior, so he'll be

119
00:33:06.640 --> 00:33:22.799
back back next year. And you'll see the graphic in the top right. Um, the kids, the the program fundraised in November. Um, they they hosted a youth wrestling tournament and they used the proceeds from that to purchase a mat light. And as you can see, um, it was really cool. Uh, Mrs. Klein was there. I think I

120
00:33:22.799 --> 00:33:37.840
think she took this picture. Yeah, it's your picture. Um, the mat light hangs right above the mat. We shut the lights off in the gym and it was such a cool experience. That was our senior night against Algangquin. The gym is just pitch black except the light above the mat. Uh, Mayor Dumis helped get green

121
00:33:37.840 --> 00:33:52.640
light that project and get that mat light hung. So, thank you very much for your support. It was truly a memorable night for the the wrestling program. >> They moved mountains to get that done. So, >> they did. They worked awful. >> I was there that night and it actually it set a tone. So, >> absolutely. Yes. Thank you. So, we look forward to using that mat uh for our

122
00:33:52.640 --> 00:34:09.599
dual our dual meets next year. >> Um, couple quick highlights from the winter. Our uh our boys basketball team won the Ashlin Clocker Invitational tournament in December. Um our girls basketball program had such a great season. They just missed the playoffs by one game. They they had a a key injury at the beginning of the season, a key

123
00:34:09.599 --> 00:34:25.919
injury at the end of the season, and they just missed by by one game. Um and as I mentioned, the co-ops are we had four swimmers for the Nshoba regional swim and dive team, and we had two girls on the ice hockey team at Alangquin Regional, which again was one of the best teams um in the state. um indoor track and field. Um a couple league

124
00:34:25.919 --> 00:34:41.440
allstars. Again, big participation boost on the indoor track teams, which was great. And we had our 4x400 team on the boy side um recognized as uh an all-star in the league as well. So, winter's definitely our our smallest offering in terms of student athlete participation,

125
00:34:41.440 --> 00:34:56.560
but as you can see, we still had great representation on the Midwatch all-star teams. Uh we had a league MVP in Thomas Masowski from the the hockey team, and we had a coach of the year and Samantha Kelly from the gymnastics team. So, it was uh it was a lot of fun this winter. Um and then we moved on to our most

126
00:34:56.560 --> 00:35:12.880
recent uh season, the spring. Um we offered varsity baseball, varsity and JV softball, varsity girls lacrosse, our boys, we had eight boys competing for the Hudson boys lacrosse team. That's a cooperative program um that we compete on. Uh boys and girls outdoor track, boys and girls tennis, and our

127
00:35:12.880 --> 00:35:29.040
outstanding boys volleyball team. they had another banner year um in our unified track and our outstanding unified track and field team um participated in the spring as well. Uh a couple more league championships. Pictured there on the left is our boys volleyball team. As I mentioned, I think as I wrote this presentation, it was we

128
00:35:29.040 --> 00:35:45.920
were still we were still up and running. Um we advanced to the Elite 8 of the MIA Division 2 tournament for the second year in a row. Uh we lost to Westfield last Thursday. They are a state power. Um they've won five state championships in recent years. Um they had beaten us 3-0 just a few weeks prior and we went

129
00:35:45.920 --> 00:36:01.200
down out there and pushed them to the brink. We won the first set, battled back to win the fourth set and they overcame us in the fifth set. Um but but coach Low is uh very plugged into the volleyball community in the state and he received a lot of calls from coaches around the state complimenting Malber

130
00:36:01.200 --> 00:36:17.680
High School on uh on taking one of the best teams in the state to to the brink. Um so an outstanding season for for our boys. We had the league MVP and senior Nick Andred. um a fun season that I think uh we're all really sad that it ended, but but uh and and they are a wonderful representation of Malra High

131
00:36:17.680 --> 00:36:34.320
School. Fine young men. Uh Dr. Defalco, Mayor Dumis came to a few games uh last month and they really appreciated that support, but they are an outstanding representation of our school and our our community. Um as I mentioned, we had eight uh boys playing lacrosse over at Hudson. Um Max

132
00:36:34.320 --> 00:36:50.720
Godet pictured there, number two, was a league all-star from Malbor High School and they won their first league championship in program history. They were 7-1 in the league. Uh 16-2 overall. They qualified for the MIA playoffs. Um and it was it was the best year in program history. Uh the first time that Hudson had won the league championship.

133
00:36:50.720 --> 00:37:06.240
Uh boys and girls track and field. Uh a lot of individual success. We had three state qualifiers on the girls side, one state qualifier on the boys side. Um a ton of top 10 finishers at the league championships. Uh each had two league all-stars. Excuse me. Girls had three league allstars. Um and we did have two

134
00:37:06.240 --> 00:37:21.760
league champions. Uh Sammy Mahoney is a sophomore. Uh she won the league championship in the discus and Yianiraa Yuribe Rosa is a junior. She won the league championship in the javelin. Um and then the spring at a glance again, you know, in the mid20s with league allstars. Uh we had the league

135
00:37:21.760 --> 00:37:37.680
MVP in Nick Andred. Uh for boys volleyball, we had the boys volleyball coach of the year in Chris Low. Um and that was our spring at a glance. Um our unified program, it remains an incredible source of pride for our school. We're a unified champion school

136
00:37:37.680 --> 00:37:53.119
as designated by Massachusetts Special Olympics. Um, coach Chenisa Samson does a fantastic job with both unified basketball and unified track and field. Um, we had over 25 participants consistently through the year. That's the participants and the partners. Um, and she's done a great job increasing

137
00:37:53.119 --> 00:38:09.040
the amount of of partners that are that are helping in those programs. So, um, we're really fortunate to have Coach Samson at the head of our unified program. She she does an outstanding job. I went really long. and I apologize, but uh there was a lot of good things this this year. Uh I'm a Malra High graduate.

138
00:38:09.040 --> 00:38:24.000
I'm I'm very proud to be back at Malbor High School. Um so it's a nice opportunity to brag about the stuff that went on this year. So thank you all so much for uh for listening to me for a few minutes. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> And it's an incredible program. So thank you for sharing. >> Thank you very much.

139
00:38:24.000 --> 00:38:41.040
>> Um I just wanted to say thank you so much. You did not skip a beat on hopping into this role and not that I would have expected that, but your enthusiasm is really infectious. You can tell how much you love the program. You want to build

140
00:38:41.040 --> 00:38:56.960
the program. you're excited about the participation and the coaches and and I love it as being someone that um all three of my kids were involved in the athletics here and we were listening to students talk about those activities

141
00:38:56.960 --> 00:39:13.200
also you were you know giving that nod. It really helps to round out the experience and um even though our participation numbers may be down in some areas your enthusiasm is going to help to grow it. I I mean it's just I I

142
00:39:13.200 --> 00:39:32.640
am sure um so I appreciate that. >> Thank you for all you've done um this first year and I cannot wait to see all that you're going to do coming down the road. >> Awesome. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Very exciting time. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks uh thanks Pete. Um and running

143
00:39:32.640 --> 00:39:49.839
parallel to that uh we also asked uh for um Mr. Verdone to join us to talk a little bit about the incredible work our music department has done this year. Um we know that both uh Pete and Jimmy represent a significant number of um of

144
00:39:49.839 --> 00:40:05.760
adults, coaches and educators and musicians and athletes that really make all of this come to life. So we're appreciative of both of their um their presentations tonight. Uh but know that there are many people behind it. And so with that, Mr. Verdon, we'll turn this

145
00:40:05.760 --> 00:40:29.760
over to you. >> Thank you very much. I am going to go ahead and hope for the best here as well. Right. Cool. So, as many of you know, I'm very shy when it comes to public speaking. So, please bear with me as I

146
00:40:29.760 --> 00:40:45.520
slog through this presentation. Um, thank you to Dr. Dr. Falco for inviting me to be here tonight to really um be a champion for our kids and the the great things they've accomplished this year. Um we're going to go from kind of where the culmination happens

147
00:40:45.520 --> 00:41:01.359
down to the primary level. So talking a little bit about the high school this year. Uh the overall enrollment of our our performing ensembles made up 15% of our student body. We have six uh inschool class ensembles. the string ensemble, the concert band, jazz

148
00:41:01.359 --> 00:41:17.680
ensemble, wind ensemble, chorus and ac capella. The uh jazz ensemble, wind ensemble and ac capella choir are auditioned groups. Um whereas the string ensemble, the concert band and the chorus are really for anyone who wishes to pursue that. We have uh one co-curricular in the marching band and

149
00:41:17.680 --> 00:41:33.599
we have three after school in jazz lab, chamber ensemble, which is the strings and voices required. So looking at our numbers for based on request, we're looking to see a 29% increase in students moving forward. I I feel this

150
00:41:33.599 --> 00:41:49.200
is uh based off of the students really being the main ambassadors of our program. um and the work that we put in at the beginning of the year of this choose MHS choose MHS initiative where we have seen while it's still a smaller

151
00:41:49.200 --> 00:42:05.839
freshman class coming in we have seen that the number the percentage of students coming in is greater than it was last year. So meaning students are choosing to stay in district rather than going to pursue educational opportunities elsewhere. Uh we had five

152
00:42:05.839 --> 00:42:22.880
students who were selected to our uh central district ensembles. Two of those students went on and were selected for the allstate uh ensembles in chorus. That was Dylan Dupont and Sky Monahan. Um one of the things and you heard Sophia mention this earlier um is we

153
00:42:22.880 --> 00:42:38.960
really pride ourselves in student leadership. Two of our main goals this year as a district was uh meaningful discourse and meaningful feedback. And while we as teachers are providing that experience to kids, we also take it to the next level and we're teaching

154
00:42:38.960 --> 00:42:55.359
students how to have convers meaningful conversations with each other outside of the classroom in as it pertains to what we're doing inside the classroom. So I'll give you an example. Um I'm the director of the jazz ensemble. One of the um my expectations of my students is

155
00:42:55.359 --> 00:43:11.040
that they are not just worrying about what they're doing during the class period. They're taking it to the next level. I know um Catherine has had a daughter in the program and when she was section leader she would host sectionals outside of school time um where they can

156
00:43:11.040 --> 00:43:28.079
work on their craft craft. They can also build meaningful relationships with each other. Um we had a senior um Tyler Minnell who just graduated uh the other day. He was our Louisie Armstrong Jazz Award winner for this year. And he had

157
00:43:28.079 --> 00:43:44.480
three trumpet players who graduated over the past few years come back to be with him because he was a freshman when they were all upper classmen. And those relationships stayed, you know, stayed true. And we're just seeing that music is really bringing a lot of these

158
00:43:44.480 --> 00:44:01.680
students together. So we teach the students how to give feedback as we give feedback to them as well. Um, we will have our student leaders, our presidents or our, uh, concert master run rehearsals if we are out of the building or if we're at meetings. So, um, when we

159
00:44:01.680 --> 00:44:15.839
have like a teacher come in, if Mr. Thomas came in and subbed my band, it is the easiest gig in the building cuz he sits there as the responsible adult in the room and the kids just run the show. Um, so we train those students

160
00:44:15.839 --> 00:44:33.200
throughout their uh, four years to to be that. Um, there's a lot of times where I talk about how when you become an upper classman, you see you remember what it was like when you were a freshman and what you what what it was like to be part of that program and you remember

161
00:44:33.200 --> 00:44:49.680
the people who made it special for for for you. And when they get to be seniors themselves, they you know the freshman then they don't see the people that they saw, they see the people that they are because they've made such an important difference in their lives. And as You

162
00:44:49.680 --> 00:45:06.720
know, we my my friend over at Foxboro High School, Aaron Bush, always says we teach the kids to graduate. So, as much as we would love to have these kids continue once they've learned how to actually do this thing, um we we move on and we we start again. We're already in the middle of recruiting. Um so, those

163
00:45:06.720 --> 00:45:23.040
are some important things that we uh do with our performing ensemble high school. We were really busy this year. Um, not only did we do our standard winter and spring concert, we were in festivals all year. Um, we did events

164
00:45:23.040 --> 00:45:40.640
for the city. Um, we were a part of, um, festivals outside of the district. The jazz ensemble was adjudicated five times this year um, at different festivals. Our voices required uh program that Caleb runs is an outstanding um

165
00:45:40.640 --> 00:45:56.560
community be community of young people and they go to the Any Voices Festival and the ICSA um festival and for those who may not know about Caleb, he is one of the most sought out a capella educators in the country. He we are

166
00:45:56.560 --> 00:46:12.960
unbelievably lucky to have him um at the high school teaching our kids because he's just he's highly sought out. He he's really a gift to our program. Um and then we just you know finished up with our our graduation and again it

167
00:46:12.960 --> 00:46:28.480
goes to the fact that again the students are the ones who are leading the charge and they understand the magnitude of what they're doing. You know it's it's not as if if my drummer wasn't you know doing what they needed to do. I couldn't just go into the audience and grab another drummer to do that. they just

168
00:46:28.480 --> 00:46:44.000
understand what their responsibility is and they understand that it's really important for them to do these things um as as they move forward. If the students are not involved in our performance ensembles, we like to get them involved in our general music classes. At the high school, we have

169
00:46:44.000 --> 00:47:00.400
learn to jam, piano workshop, guitar workshop, band fundamentals, music prod one and two, and unified music. learn to jam, uh, band fundamentals and unified music are class offerings that have been, uh, instituted over the past probably five or six years. Um, and

170
00:47:00.400 --> 00:47:17.040
we've seen great success with them. One of the great successes we've had with band fundamentals, which is essentially beginner band at the high school level. When you have students who weren't necessarily given an access in the middle school level, if they were moving here from another country or they're coming from another district, but they're interested in being part of the

171
00:47:17.040 --> 00:47:32.400
band, they can learn how to play an instrument during the school day. We had initially added this right after CO to help um our numbers get back to what they were, but then it became a happy accident because we actually started creating access for students who

172
00:47:32.400 --> 00:47:48.800
normally wouldn't have that access. And um I've run this program and but without a doubt the greatest teacher who's run this is Mr. Rosenthal because he had the greatest success this year. 78% of the students who took it both first semester and second semester are joining the band

173
00:47:48.800 --> 00:48:04.160
next year. So that is great. We actually had a few students on Sunday graduate and they were part of the band for four years and they started in band fundamentals and then some of them ended up being our section leaders and our first chairs and sitting in some of the

174
00:48:04.160 --> 00:48:19.200
most important roles in our ensembles. Um we also have um we we pride ourselves in teaching all students um creating curriculum that is accessible to everyone. U I'm going to show you a little video here of our friend Matas.

175
00:48:19.200 --> 00:48:34.720
Mr. Rosenthal teaches uh the piano workshop class. He does a great job with that. He's truly a gifted teacher. Um and he looked at uh Matas and said, "Okay, well, you want to play piano, but you can't read the music right now cuz you're blind, but we're going to make it

176
00:48:34.720 --> 00:48:52.280
work." And so he worked with the OT uh department, and all of Matas's music is in Braille. They found ways to kind of figure out how to um equate numbers to the letters. And here's a little proof in the pudding. Our guy Matus.

177
00:49:10.880 --> 00:49:27.599
So, what you can't really see here is this is the Braille that he was learning. Um, and he's done a great job. he wants to be part of the band next year. So, we are working on that piece of how we're going to make that work. Um, but we are very excited that he wants to continue on in music. And his

178
00:49:27.599 --> 00:49:44.800
brother is also coming up and is a violin player. So, he'll be with you guys next year in strings. Um, music production. Mr. Weldon again does a great job with this program. This is one of the best uh music production programs in the state. the students are using industry level software um that they

179
00:49:44.800 --> 00:50:00.319
will be using if they pursue this as a career. Um we had a student Isaac Lattis who's done all of the um pro all of the uh music prods here and did an independent study this year. He ended up um working and producing his own album. And so I wanted to play you a little bit

180
00:50:00.319 --> 00:50:32.559
of that. So he works with the programs and he records the vocal. Uh I can't I can't think of many high schools in the state that have have at least one um sound booth to um record and we are fortunate enough to have two. So, a little bit of

181
00:50:32.559 --> 00:50:51.480
that and then um our workshop classes where students are primarily working on a solo level. Uh Garrett Ramsey who has been part of our voices required program is going to be part of our jazz ensemble next year. A little bit of guitar for you. Oops.

182
00:50:56.640 --> 00:51:13.520
So regardless of where you join the guitar class, if you are a beginner or if you've had experience that you start at where you need to start in the curriculum. So Garrett has had some experience um mostly by ear and by tab. So where Caleb

183
00:51:13.520 --> 00:51:28.240
works with him is through okay now you have these skills. Let's get you reading the music and working from there. Cool. That's about the high school Wickham. This is truly exceptional here.

184
00:51:28.240 --> 00:51:46.000
Um we have our band course and orchestra in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. Um the sixth grade 50 57% of fifth grader sixth graders are in one of those groups. 52 se 52% of the seventh graders are part of one of those groups and 52%

185
00:51:46.000 --> 00:52:02.160
of the eighth graders are part of that group. So more more than half of Wickham is doing a performance group and they're doing it by choice rather than what it was a few years ago where everyone was kind of mandated into doing that. The um Wickham school also has after school

186
00:52:02.160 --> 00:52:17.920
programs for jazz band from out of nowhere which is their contemporary ac capella group and the chamber uh group. Seven students were selected to the central mass junior district which is the highest number we've had in quite some time. Um, six of those students

187
00:52:17.920 --> 00:52:34.480
were middle school students. Um, freshmen are also allowed to audition. We had one freshman make the jazz ensemble as well. And Wickham actually hosted the junior district concert. Basically from up to Oakmont all the way down to Shephard Hill uh, and Bellingham. Uh, students came here to

188
00:52:34.480 --> 00:52:51.200
Wickcom and got to experience our auditorium and we had some of the finest educators in the state working with those students here in Malbor. um the ensemble directors um Miss McDonald, Miss Wilmington, and Miss Pentingel do an outstanding job with these young people. Um and we're very

189
00:52:51.200 --> 00:53:07.200
lucky that um due to some of our planning with Dr. Defalco, we're adding a staff member at the middle school to help the general music side, allowing more time on learning for the ensemble. So, ideally, it's looking like it's going to be that band chorus and

190
00:53:07.200 --> 00:53:23.440
orchestra will meet three times a week next year. Um and we will be combining our seventh and eighth graders to have one ensemble experience together which is definitely going to help um our numbers coming to the high school but also create a sense of student

191
00:53:23.440 --> 00:53:39.359
leadership within those ensembles as well. They have general music classes at the high school as well for students who do not want to be part of um performing ensemble. All students in general music get to experience music ensemble learning briefly through steel plant

192
00:53:39.359 --> 00:53:56.079
pans, uh, West African jump drumming circles and ukulele. You can see that up here. So, we're giving performance opportunities on a smaller scale similar to how we do at Learn to Jam at the high school. Um, and then the middle school staff has been busy over the past few

193
00:53:56.079 --> 00:54:12.559
years really developing a comprehensive uh curriculum that will follow the students who who wish to stay in general music their three years um going from sixth to 8th grade. So I have a couple videos in sixth grade. This is actually what they're working on right now. It is

194
00:54:12.559 --> 00:54:30.000
um the Broadway uh unit where they learn about Broadway musicals. And in this video, you're going to see a bunch of sixth graders uh doing actual Broadway choreography that obviously they're killing here. And you'd probably see this on the Tony's uh like it was a few

195
00:54:30.000 --> 00:54:53.839
few days ago. So, check this out. The biggest thing is the kids are out of their chairs. They're not just learning or listening. They're moving. It's helping our students who uh are more kinesthetic learners. Um in the seventh grade they do a mood in music uh unit

196
00:54:53.839 --> 00:55:10.880
and they use the program band lab which is kind of like the programs we use at the high school but the light version of those that are web- based and they um create compositions and this is kind of an image of one of their capstone projects. And then in eighth grade they

197
00:55:10.880 --> 00:55:28.280
do wrap my story. So, um they will pick a story and then they will take um the lyrics and then they'll figure out how rhythmically they can make it work in the music. So, here's a little bit of that. This has been big in the state over the past few years.

198
00:55:40.640 --> 00:55:56.720
And then what they do is they will also put like instrumental tracks in to kind of help fill in some of the gaps, some higher level thinking that's happening um and thinking of the lyrics more in a rhythmic sense.

199
00:55:56.720 --> 00:56:12.559
in our elementary schools, our general music classes. Um we've had our second annual u music appreciation night at the Jar School. Um the JAR concert is coming up this week. Hopefully you will be in attendance. Um the good good now school

200
00:56:12.559 --> 00:56:28.720
with uh Mrs. McGrath who is our lead teacher for elementary music. Um they had the Memorial Day assembly uh a few weeks ago. Um on June 12th, the Kane School is having their interactive night of the arts. So that's going to be a

201
00:56:28.720 --> 00:56:43.599
really cool opportunity for our students. Um the staff has been working uh diligently together during PLC time um to kind of come up with a curriculum that again follows the students through um kindergarten through their time in

202
00:56:43.599 --> 00:57:00.319
fifth grade. Um where the the focus is think in music. How can we think about, you know, our academic side in music? How can we think about the um rhythmic and and the melodic nature of music and things like that? This is actually going

203
00:57:00.319 --> 00:57:16.640
to be uh worked on more this summer. Um I was part of the uh curriculum review committee with Dr. Scaza and Mr. Henry and we are going to be doing more work um uh K through 12 over the summer to really align start the aligning process

204
00:57:16.640 --> 00:57:33.920
of our um curriculum. So like I said before the high school and middle school had many um many festivals that we went to this year. um jazz ensemble was uh fortunate to really show growth through our festivals by get

205
00:57:33.920 --> 00:57:50.240
earning a bronze medal at the Norwood Festival, a silver medal with a state invitation at the state f uh at the district festival for Maj and then uh gold medal at MAJ states which allowed us to perform at um the hatch cell in Boston and shout out to Mayor Dumis for

206
00:57:50.240 --> 00:58:06.799
being there. Uh really meant a lot to our kids. Uh, and I got to really brag about that to other teachers who barely have other, you know, parents come to their performances and here we are the mayor coming. So, that was pretty dope on my end. So, thank you for that. I >> I will say the former mayor was also there was >> Yes. Yes. I guess the former Yeah, I'm

207
00:58:06.799 --> 00:58:22.799
just collecting mayors at this point. So, um I've got I got a whole list of them from the inauguration. I'll I'll go back in time, too. Um, obviously our we have a lot of silver medalist wind ensemble. It was our um top score in um probably about 10 years. We were two

208
00:58:22.799 --> 00:58:38.079
points away from a gold medal. Concert band was the top score in about 10 years as well. Um the middle school went to Micah for the first time since CO. Um and kudos to those three ensembles. Um and a special shout out to Mrs. McDonald

209
00:58:38.079 --> 00:58:53.839
and the eighth grade chorus who earned a silver medal. So what's great about these festivals is students are receiving valuable feedback from some of the leading names in the industry. So, we're very fortunate for that experience, those experiences for the kids.

210
00:58:53.839 --> 00:59:09.280
>> Some staff updates. Uh, Mr. Jonathan Rosenthal just is finishing his 32nd year in the district. He's only ever taught in Malboro and he's done it all, man. He's like he's been with the little kids, he's been with the big kids. He hired me. Uh, like he used to be our

211
00:59:09.280 --> 00:59:26.240
boss and like so he's he's truly done it all. And another gift to our department. Uh, Courtney Wilmington actually on the other side finished her first year in Malbor. was lucky enough to serve as her mentor this year and the students are very fortunate to have her. She's very kind and cares deeply about them. Um I

212
00:59:26.240 --> 00:59:42.480
was fortunate enough to present at the Massachusetts Music Educators uh association all state conference this year. I did a presentation on working with your working with EL students in your music classes and ensembles. Julie McGrath over at Good Now received her mers in music education from Gordon

213
00:59:42.480 --> 00:59:58.559
College. But the coolest one up there is we um I think we're actually, you know, one and a half staff members now because we just got a new staff member in Nathan Levit, Ben Levit. Um one of our elementary music teachers and his wife were uh fortunate enough to bring baby

214
00:59:58.559 --> 01:00:14.960
Nathan into the world. So he's been on paternity leave and uh I mean look at how happy he looks. Uh he's going to be even happier when he has to do PLC's meetings with us next year. Um, here's some opportunities for us for growth moving forward. We need continual

215
01:00:14.960 --> 01:00:31.359
work on retention from middle school to high school. I think we have put the pieces in place to make that happen and hopefully we can start collecting data on that to show that the decisions that we are making right now are the right ones. Um, we were fortunate enough to meet with Dr. Defalco back in January as

216
01:00:31.359 --> 01:00:47.280
a full music staff and kind of create a four-year plan um as to how to really with the end being how do we get instrumental music back into our elementary schools. Um how do and next year we're bringing back chorus into the elementary school. Um so we're definitely moving in the right direction

217
01:00:47.280 --> 01:01:02.960
there. We need to continue to develop the music culture uh at the middle school with the new staff members and the new schedule. So the students and some of the students here who were part of those ensembles and middle schools, they had a different schedule every year. So now if we can find a concrete schedule that works, the students can

218
01:01:02.960 --> 01:01:19.760
really start building that culture of uh and be proud of what they're accomplishing. Um this summer we're going to continue to work to align our curriculum and we will continue to work to embed the district initiatives uh within our music lessons. We are very fortunate here in Malbor to

219
01:01:19.760 --> 01:01:37.359
have uh 10 very dedicated educators who care deeply about the success of our district and our students. Um, so it would be I would be remiss if I didn't shout them out. Um, it's kind of a dream team for us. Um, so with that, I will take your questions or I can keep

220
01:01:37.359 --> 01:01:53.280
talking and yammering on about anything you want, but I think Molly wants a happy meal at this point. Catherine. >> Okay. My quick is just like I was saying to Pete, your enthusiasm is absolutely infectious and

221
01:01:53.280 --> 01:02:09.440
since the day you got here, you are all in and I love it and thank you because um Marorrow has been known for music and continues to be an absolute beacon as far as our music and um you and yes, all

222
01:02:09.440 --> 01:02:25.920
of these folks make it happen. But um thank you for all of it. A tremendously wonderful program. Um Voices Required. I would be remiss if I didn't say they've also been involved in external programs.

223
01:02:25.920 --> 01:02:43.760
Um I myself have been a recipient of seeing that because they came over to um our church kind of hosts a coffee house if you will. And so, um, 5:00 Shadow, which Caleb, our own Caleb is a part of,

224
01:02:43.760 --> 01:03:01.119
a professional ac capella group, um, came to sing and Voices Required, has been over, uh, at Common Street Concerts a couple times. And it's great because it gives them all different exposure. Um, so I love that. And then my other

225
01:03:01.119 --> 01:03:18.160
little question for you that maybe you could maul over is any potential just like you extended um cheerleaders for the winter. Any potential of maybe a little small pep band that might be able to help at you know a winter or a spring

226
01:03:18.160 --> 01:03:33.760
thing? I love the idea. Sorry throwing it out at you. >> Thank you for that. Uh, so, uh, it's interesting you say that. We were, um, I've worked with Rods in my time here and then, um, Pete and I have become, uh, decent friends over our time here.

227
01:03:33.760 --> 01:03:49.760
And, um, we played at the field hockey senior night. I saw, >> which I think we may be the first ever band uh, pep band in the country that has ever played at a field hockey game. Um, so that's cool. Um, we definitely

228
01:03:49.760 --> 01:04:04.880
tried, um, I've been trying for a few years now to play one boys game and one girls game for basketball. Um, schedules have not permitted that. Um, when we get into January and February, that becomes some of our busy time. Um, plus the

229
01:04:04.880 --> 01:04:22.000
kids, as you know, are doing 150,000 different things. U, but it's definitely, we've been talking about that. I know Pete wants me to perform at different things such as like swim meets and and baseball games, but again, it just it doesn't if we are able to do it and we able to make it work within the

230
01:04:22.000 --> 01:04:39.039
rules of the sport, um we can do that as well because I don't necessarily think um you know, the gymnastics team wants me playing, you know, shipping out to Boston is there's not going to be a floor routine. >> And and thank you for humoring me by by considering that. I just think about um

231
01:04:39.039 --> 01:04:54.160
we were really impressed when we went up to UMass LOL to to ice hockey games where my my middle child went, right? And seeing how great their pep band was. And so I thought about as you talk about

232
01:04:54.160 --> 01:05:10.799
many of our lums, they don't always, you know, have those opportunities of maybe getting involved in like the marching band at college, but maybe the pep band might be something. And again, it's trying to expand um their interests and and futures. So, absolutely. >> Sorry. Had

233
01:05:10.799 --> 01:05:27.119
>> No, it's good. It's good. >> So, thank you. >> You any other questions? >> Hello. >> Not questions because I know what you guys go through all the time. I I am so impressed. I I'm so proud of this music program. Matter of fact, I'm so proud. I'm jealous because when I went to high

234
01:05:27.119 --> 01:05:42.480
school, we didn't do half of this stuff. >> And I'm jealous of you as a teacher because you're such great students. I'm jealous of the students because they get to get benefits of you and the rest of the music staff who I really really have a great deal of respect for. The last couple of times I spoke was about middle

235
01:05:42.480 --> 01:05:57.920
school concerts and I praise the kids and I praise the audience completely left out the most important people in the room with the teachers and I can't thank them enough for doing what they do. I've done that job. I know what it's like. They have to work three times as hard because they got three times as many things they have to do. They have

236
01:05:57.920 --> 01:06:14.079
concerts. They have performances. They have rehearsals. And it just amazes me sometimes. My favorite picture of all the things you had up on that board was your second slide with the football player playing the tuba. >> That's my guy Jonas. >> That is amazing that that that happens in schools a lot of school system.

237
01:06:14.079 --> 01:06:30.559
That's not a that's not we say a comp complimentary or a very they don't get along a lot of times between athletics and this and I've been impressed for years with the fact I remember I went down I was going to something else at the high school and I got out of my car and was walking to the high school and the football team came back and I saw

238
01:06:30.559 --> 01:06:46.720
several kids running right away to get instruments because you guys were doing a concert. They were just in time to get in for it. I mean that just impresses me and what you've done with that young man on the piano. Same thing. >> That was all Mr. Rosenthal. I mean, it's just accessibility is one thing, but you know, being able to put that much into

239
01:06:46.720 --> 01:07:02.640
it and get so much out of it for the kids is incredible. The one thing, the last thing I'll say because I've talked way longer than I should. >> Um, thank thank you, Mr. Fon, for teaching me how to do that, by the way. But anyway, um, what's impressed me more about anything between the concerts I went to, the music association's

240
01:07:02.640 --> 01:07:18.720
banquet, and watching the awards given out by you guys today and the seniors is the genuine genuine affection and respect you guys have for each other. Just sorry about tearing up, but it's just so

241
01:07:18.720 --> 01:07:34.720
hard to see that these days. And I'm just I'm just impressed every time I walk into a room with a kid with an instrument or a cap of the voice starts doing something in Malro. You got to stop and do it. You got to watch, you got to listen, and you got to appreciate. So, thank you so much for everything you do. >> Thank you. >> Yeah.

242
01:07:34.720 --> 01:07:49.599
>> Anything else? >> I think if I I think one of my highlights was to see every single band member and chorus all on one stage at one time. >> Oh. And did lay miz I believe. >> That was a massive undertaking, by the way. But I can't tell you. I had I

243
01:07:49.599 --> 01:08:05.680
personally took a picture and like it was extremely phenomenal where you all came together and did that and I want to make sure that's highlighted because it I'm getting goosebumps when I'm thinking about it because it was to see everyone on that stage all working together and coming together for something so beautiful. It was really impressive. So kudos to you.

244
01:08:05.680 --> 01:08:21.040
>> Thank you. I again for the record it should be stated that um we are very fortunate here in Malbor to have such support of our administration, school committee members and the city. We consistently have school committee members at performances. The mayor comes to everything. We have uh city officials

245
01:08:21.040 --> 01:08:37.359
coming to everything. Uh it's great to see that in the audience and it's honestly it's great for our parents to see how much you all care about their kids. Um because it makes our job a lot easier when we have that support. >> It's an incredible talent and an

246
01:08:37.359 --> 01:08:53.040
inexpensive night on the town, I like to say. So, or else would I rather be on a Friday night. >> Unless you have to buy a lot of uh chocolate from the music association and then that could run you off. >> I did popcorn and it cost me lit. I still have bags in my in my cupboard. But kudos to you and and the entire

247
01:08:53.040 --> 01:09:09.279
team. So, >> anything else? >> Anything else? If not, we move on. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, Molly has been so good. >> Nice job, Molly. >> Nice job, Molly. So again, just uh before moving to the next item, a big thank you to our music

248
01:09:09.279 --> 01:09:25.920
and athletics department. Um I know sometimes we like to pretend that kids come to school for math and science class. Maybe some do, which we'll know, you know, >> um math again. We're backing on math and graduation. >> But this is so important. I mean, this

249
01:09:25.920 --> 01:09:42.319
is so important. It's not just, you know, that it kind of provides a well-rounded experience, but opportunities really help our young people grow into the individuals they become. Um I know I lost my uh high school cross country and track coach uh

250
01:09:42.319 --> 01:09:58.239
and I've been out of high school a very long time and I still I went to his services last fall. I mean you these individuals just they leave a mark. They help you become who you are as a human being and uh cannot thank you and the teams that you represent enough. So thank you so much.

251
01:09:58.239 --> 01:10:15.760
>> Thank you. Um, still riding the high from Sunday. Uh, just a couple of quick highlights on graduation. Um, it was, uh, my first Malber High School graduation and it was quite remarkable. Um,

252
01:10:15.760 --> 01:10:34.159
I am just constantly stunned by the sense of joy and camaraderie and community and pride that exists um, in our school system and in our city, frankly. and uh so grateful to be part of that. The uh speeches were amazing. A

253
01:10:34.159 --> 01:10:49.520
tool I've listened to yours multiple times and I giggle every time because of your like, "Hello, it's me again." You know, my name's a tool in case you forgot from 10 minutes ago, right? It was really great. >> They just were all so powerful and it it

254
01:10:49.520 --> 01:11:04.640
just really speaks to who we are as a community. Um we graduated about 250 students between our um Malbor High School and then our evening programs. Um and we have some some scholars who are still working at it and we'll have uh we

255
01:11:04.640 --> 01:11:22.960
think about u maybe 12 or so uh August graduates. Uh so we got a few friends that are still plugging away that we're still um cheering on and helping and very proud of. Um, but uh really can't wait to see what happens next uh for so many of our of our graduates and um

256
01:11:22.960 --> 01:11:40.960
definitely need to give Mrs. Casey a tremendous shout out. Uh truly she started the role Monday uh of last week and in her first week was able to move through so many different important um events and uh milestones to celebrate um

257
01:11:40.960 --> 01:11:58.239
the class of 26. and is recent of this morning with the awards. Um >> she puts that, you know, big box out and steps up onto it so she can reach the mic. Um and just, you know, delivers, you know, in a just such a powerful way. So, uh big shout out to Mrs. Casey and

258
01:11:58.239 --> 01:12:13.600
to the entire MHS team. Uh there is so much time, effort, and energy that goes into making sure that we recognize and honor our graduates um the way that we should and the way that we do. So, uh, very proud moment for me on Sunday and

259
01:12:13.600 --> 01:12:31.360
feel very grateful to be part of that. Um, moving on to our student attendance and enrollment update. In your packet this evening, uh, you have our updated numbers. Uh, very pleased that we are still on target, uh, at almost every school to exceed the, uh, chronically

260
01:12:31.360 --> 01:12:48.719
absent numbers that, um, in terms of reductions of that the Department of Education set for us um, our attendance. We are still working very hard right up until the 22nd which is our last day of school and it's a early release day and it's a Monday so that might not be the

261
01:12:48.719 --> 01:13:04.719
best attendance day but if you're watching please be at school uh because every moment counts. Um and speaking of every moment counting, uh my last item on the agenda for this evening is to talk about our summer learning opportunities. So, I'm going to ask

262
01:13:04.719 --> 01:13:21.120
members of our office of teaching and learning to join us at the podium and uh talk the school committee in the community through what we know is going to be a blockbuster summer learning experience for all students. >> Thank you. Good evening. I'm Heather Russo. I'm the K to2 math supervisor and

263
01:13:21.120 --> 01:13:37.920
this is Jennifer Ryan, the K to2 literacy supervisor. And we are very excited that all students in Malbor public schools will have the opportunity to engage in summer learning this year. Even our newest and youngest learners, those students entering kindergarten, will be receiving a welcome to kindergarten bag when they attend

264
01:13:37.920 --> 01:13:54.960
screening this spring. Um, that includes a bunch of activities and books for them to complete and read over the summer. As Dr. Defalco mentioned, the primary purpose of summer reading and summer math work is to prevent the summer slide, the decline in skills over the break. Summer reading maintains academic

265
01:13:54.960 --> 01:14:10.239
momentum and encourages independent reading, while summer math ensures foundational skills remain sharp and refreshes prerequisite skills. Both content areas are going to prepare students for their upcoming coursework. The summer reading portion will be incorporated into early ELA assignments

266
01:14:10.239 --> 01:14:26.080
in September, and math skills will show up in units throughout the year. If students don't finish their summer work over break, they will have an opportunity to complete it after arriving back to school in September. And additionally, any students attending summer school through the district will be assisted in completing their

267
01:14:26.080 --> 01:14:44.640
assignments while they attend summer school at all levels. Other opportunities to support students who need extra help, such as afterchool tutoring when we return in September, will be announced at a later date. All materials for this work can be accessed on our new new um portion of

268
01:14:44.640 --> 01:15:00.719
our summer work website. So that's what we have projected here, our regular MPS website. You can see here we have a new button for summer learning. And so our summer learning homepage looks like this. Um and >> thank you Chris Henry for making this

269
01:15:00.719 --> 01:15:17.840
for us. >> This was a massive collaboration effort um at all levels. So we do have a site here and I'll walk you through a few of our pieces. Um all the links are posted here by separate grade for the grade level that students are entering for both ELA and math. Um, so for example,

270
01:15:17.840 --> 01:15:35.280
at the elementary level, you can see we have our kindergarten screening bag. The kindergarten bag is actual physical materials. So there isn't really, you know, much here. Um, but they're getting books, as Heather mentioned, um, in other activities, but for example, in third grade, ELA,

271
01:15:35.280 --> 01:15:50.239
um, the elementary all look very similar. Um, they have a homepage. Uh, we have literacy tips for parents and things that parents can do at home. also practical questions they can use to support student comprehension. And that

272
01:15:50.239 --> 01:16:07.120
page is translated um in the packet for families. And then at every level, we have book um suggestions. At the elementary level, we partnered with the public library as well as use the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge just to give different categories and genres of books to read

273
01:16:07.120 --> 01:16:24.120
as well as places to read. So, it's kind of a a mix there. And then students can earn their badges and color them in as they read and they can log which books they read over the summer on the math side for example

274
01:16:25.120 --> 01:16:40.960
looks very similar. they have their uh 0 to 120 chart and then again tips for parents at home how to support that summer learning and that page again is translated um and for tips for parents and then also what are we calling this the

275
01:16:40.960 --> 01:16:58.080
>> this connect for activity board with the five challenges for them to complete over the summer. Um, so they have all different ideas um and ways that they can incorporate math into their activities that they're going throughout the summer. And so again, those pages are translated. And then in addition, there are actual skill pages that will

276
01:16:58.080 --> 01:17:15.520
lead into the um program that we're using, the into math program. Um, and so that exists at all levels um both again at the middle school level as well. We do have callouts for our accelerated pathway. Those students will be accessing the grade level work for the grade above where they are now. and then

277
01:17:15.520 --> 01:17:32.560
also at the high school as well broken into the grade that they're entering or the course that they're taking. Um so for all um of the PDFs are here online. They are also being printed as packets physically to go out to students early next week. Um the Malver public library

278
01:17:32.560 --> 01:17:48.320
is doing virtual visits at our elementary schools this week to tour the library and show and explain what's going on there. and the librarian, the teen librarian is coming to Wickcom next week or this week and next week um to talk to the kids about summer reading and accessing the library as well. The only exception to the printed packets is

279
01:17:48.320 --> 01:18:04.640
the high school math and high school advanced placement courses. All of that summer work is housed in Google Classrooms um so that students will be able to access that and comment and be able to um link and get support through their teachers over the summer. >> Thank you.

280
01:18:04.640 --> 01:18:22.719
Um, so your goosebumps and your tears, I'm about ready to like jump out of my skin. Literally amazing. Absolutely phenomenal. Amazing. I know you are representative of of a

281
01:18:22.719 --> 01:18:39.600
bunch of folks and and you too, Mr. Henry. I cannot even tell you. I don't have kids in the system anymore. And I am just like so thrilled about this. Um, as a parent, I can remember getting the

282
01:18:39.600 --> 01:18:54.719
eye of my children when I would hand them uh workbooks for the summer to try and stop the slide, you know, um, from myself. Absolutely amazing. I don't know other

283
01:18:54.719 --> 01:19:11.840
school districts that are this thorough. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for getting this done. And I'm also going to look right across at you because this was one of our first conversations that we had was about

284
01:19:11.840 --> 01:19:30.679
summerslide and you said to me, "Not going to happen." Thank you. I I know that parents all over the community are grateful um for this. So phenomenal. Thank you.

285
01:19:31.120 --> 01:19:46.960
>> I think she said >> she says it all, but I I like I I was blown away really at at the comprehensive nature of what you put together and it's not what I was I like I didn't know what to expect and I was clicking on these and I was just like

286
01:19:46.960 --> 01:20:03.760
blown away. So I really great work. I really appreciate it. >> I think the badges are going to make it. The badges are great. As um parent of a rising second grader, the

287
01:20:03.760 --> 01:20:20.400
badges will be what gets this done in our house. So, thank you. >> Anything else? >> Thank you. >> Yeah, we're good with your report, right? I think it's the longest report we've ever had. >> I'm sorry. >> Sorry, not sorry.

288
01:20:20.400 --> 01:20:36.640
>> Don't be sorry, not sorry. >> So, let's uh What? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know your evaluations do how fitting, right? Yeah, I know. Um, moving on. Shall we to assistant superintendent teaching and learning stuff?

289
01:20:36.640 --> 01:20:52.719
>> Extremely tough acts to follow this evening, but I'm going to try my best with a presentation around the end of the year data. And I don't feel as bad for myself as I do for Mr. Sadiki, who has to follow this presentation.

290
01:20:52.719 --> 01:21:08.719
Um, so as I get connected here, um, I just want to say a couple things. I want to thank the members of the Office of Teaching and Learning who are in attendance tonight because not only did they present, they're also here to support, uh, my presentation on the end of the year data, which I'm very pleased

291
01:21:08.719 --> 01:21:25.520
and honored to to uh, share with school committee members tonight and the public as well. I also want to mention that Mr. Verdone. He's not here any longer, but he failed to mention that I played guitar at the Tri. Um, gave it my best effort. I hadn't played

292
01:21:25.520 --> 01:21:48.239
in a year. Um, and received an honorary induction. I was very privileged. Mr. Cruso was there. He can attest. So, um, this evening I will be sharing student performance data in two areas, achievement and growth. Um, similar to how I did with the beginning of the year

293
01:21:48.239 --> 01:22:04.960
and the middle of the year data, uh, I'll be referencing the Northeast Evaluation Association, otherwise known as NWA assessment. And I will talking I will be talking about measures of academic progress with achievement and growth in both ELA and math,

294
01:22:04.960 --> 01:22:20.960
specifically growth targets as that is the goal that we have set as a district that I will bring your attention to in a moment. During the presentation, I will be referencing um these percentiles by grade as well as the percentage of students who met growth target by grade and I will highlight end ofear successes

295
01:22:20.960 --> 01:22:37.840
in areas focused of focus based on the most recent spring assessment period. I will conclude with current steps that Marbor Public Schools leaders will be taking as well as preliminary plans that the leadership team has identified uh to push instructional practices and student outcomes forward prior to the launch of

296
01:22:37.840 --> 01:22:53.840
the 2627 school year this coming fall. And then I just have have a caveat here. Um at the time that I created this presentation, we will we're still in the process of testing students. Uh grades eight and 10 were not yet finished testing. So you'll see incomplete data

297
01:22:53.840 --> 01:23:10.480
for those grade levels and there may be a couple of percentage points that will need need to be adjusted as we finalize the data. Uh and Dr. Defalco and I will present that information in an updated form to school committee. So as we move through um my presentation here, I also

298
01:23:10.480 --> 01:23:25.360
want to note that I received uh a commendation on the format of this presentation. It was Miss Ryan, I believe, and a couple others. So I um I refused the urge to beautify the slide

299
01:23:25.360 --> 01:23:40.880
and just kept it in a standard format here. So hopefully um it is easy to read. Again, the district goal is that at least 60% of students in each grade level K through 10 will meet or exceed their projected growth target as me measured by the NWA assessment. We're

300
01:23:40.880 --> 01:23:56.560
all familiar with that goal. Um and as you can see by this visual, hopefully it is clear to you. um in the audience and at home. We have with the data that was available at the time that this presentation was created, eight out of

301
01:23:56.560 --> 01:24:13.840
nine grades met or exceeded the 60% growth target with grades one and two making the most overall growth. And it you can see that grade six I will update that percentage as it could have moved one way or the other. Um, and then as noted in the bar graph, you do not have

302
01:24:13.840 --> 01:24:29.440
a percentage for grade eight or grade 10, but every other grade level that was tested is either right at that 60% as you can see with grades three uh and four or above the 60% or higher um with

303
01:24:29.440 --> 01:24:46.800
the highest growth noted here in reading in grade one at nearly um 75%. Then you move on to math where you also have very remarkable outcomes with nine out of 10 10 grades who met or exceeded

304
01:24:46.800 --> 01:25:05.360
the 60% growth target in math. Um a lot of our principles who I've spoken with are really attributing some of this growth and achievement to the new math program at the uh elementary level in particular, but it should be noted that we introduced new curriculum to Whitcom recently as well. Um so if you look at

305
01:25:05.360 --> 01:25:22.400
um those data points, you have tremendous growth in a number of areas. Uh in particular, grades three, four, and five, right at that heart of the primary grades where you you typically see a slip in achievement and growth. Um we are getting kids at those very

306
01:25:22.400 --> 01:25:39.520
pivotal grade levels to to turn the corner and in this case this school year show some tremendous growth. uh grade 10 noted was not finished testing when this data was run. So that 40% mark of uh growth in math is going

307
01:25:39.520 --> 01:25:56.080
to change there. There were a number of students who hadn't finalized their test. Moving on to the achievement comparison. So I have three graphs or sorry three visuals there from fall, winter, and spring. And you can kind of see how the

308
01:25:56.080 --> 01:26:10.880
percentiles uh moved. And I'm pleased to report that they moved in an upward direction with um most grades here. You have six out of

309
01:26:10.880 --> 01:26:27.199
nine grade levels that made an overall achievement growth um from fall to winter and then winter to spring. So, if you can just scale and I put those lines to just kind of help you with the incomplete testing. I had to kind of uh

310
01:26:27.199 --> 01:26:43.520
omit some of the grade levels, but you can see how they um track um side to side with K moving from winter to spring 43rd to 47th percentile. Grade 1 jumping from 43rd to 48th and again this is in

311
01:26:43.520 --> 01:26:59.040
reading. Grade two jumping from 41st to 54th. uh grade three increasing from 46 percentile to the 48th. Uh we had a slight dip of one percentile point in grade four. Um a slight increase from in

312
01:26:59.040 --> 01:27:16.400
grade five of 40 uh sorry 54 percentile for fourth percentile to 57th percentile. Uh grade six a slight one percentile decrease of 44th to 43rd. Another slight decrease in grade seven

313
01:27:16.400 --> 01:27:34.239
of 51st to 48th and then uh a tremendous uh growth in grade nine of the 55th percentile in reading from winter to in the spring a 70th percentile ranking which is very high. Uh and again I will get you the grade 10 data for both

314
01:27:34.239 --> 01:27:50.159
reading and math when it becomes available. So we have a lot of great success here to celebrate. Moving on to the winter achievement percentiles. You can see that we kind of stayed even Steven here winter to spring with kindergarten but at a relatively

315
01:27:50.159 --> 01:28:05.920
high uh achievement percentile the 60th percentile. We increased in grade one from 50 uh sorry 40 the 46th percentile to the 53rd. We increased in grade two from the 52nd percentile to the 63rd.

316
01:28:05.920 --> 01:28:22.639
And grade three we had another increase of 50 the 51st percentile to the 59th. We had we continued to increase in those pivotal grades that I was talking about with grades um three, four and five in achievement percentile 47th in grade

317
01:28:22.639 --> 01:28:40.320
four winter and then 56 percentile in spring. That's a nice uh achievement percentile growth and as well as in grade five. And grade five has been a grade that we've really been targeting over the last handful of years because that's the grade I I hate to say but

318
01:28:40.320 --> 01:28:56.719
it's kind of like a make or break. like you really want to push them in the right direction before they head to the middle school. And for our grade five students across the board to be performing in the 65th percentile uh based on their spring assessment data, that is that's a good mark right there. Um

319
01:28:56.719 --> 01:29:14.320
continuing on into grade six with a slight increase, 41st percentile to the 43rd, grade seven with a slight increase of from the 41st percentile to the 46th. And then you have to just omit grade eight. We didn't have the spring data yet. Uh grade nine uh slight decrease of

320
01:29:14.320 --> 01:29:30.800
from the 51st percentile to the 48th and no data was available for grade 10 at the time. So to wrap everything up here and then turn it over to Mr. Sadiki, uh we have some highlights. Uh 74% of students met

321
01:29:30.800 --> 01:29:47.280
their growth target in grade 1 reading. That's something very important to note because you hear about how important it is to get kids at a reading readiness state in that grade level. And with 74%

322
01:29:47.280 --> 01:30:03.120
of students making growth in that grade level, it's a good indicator that we are headed in the right direction. Grade nine is currently performing in the 70th achievement percentile in reading and 75% of students in grades three, four, and five. again those very pivotal years right in the middle of their um their

323
01:30:03.120 --> 01:30:18.239
academic journey uh met the growth target in math. So kudos to those students and those teachers in grades three and four three four and five steps taken in and next steps each principal will be presenting school-based endofear data to the leadership team. What's

324
01:30:18.239 --> 01:30:34.960
today? Tuesday on Thursday. So we have um those presentations where the principles will get a chance to showcase some of their data by school um and really talk about uh the gains and successes uh by each school. We're looking forward to th those presentations and that will allow for

325
01:30:34.960 --> 01:30:50.480
some additional brainstorming and calibration around like what next and where to focus. Uh and then each principal will be meeting with grade level teams to review the grade level data with those individuals. It's a really nice moment for the teachers to hear about the fruits of their labor to

326
01:30:50.480 --> 01:31:06.320
celebrate their successes and then get ready to share those successes with their students and the students families. The Office of Teaching and Learning and the Office of Student Services is reviewing data by subgroups. We're starting those exercises very soon to look at specific subgroups such as English learners and special education

327
01:31:06.320 --> 01:31:22.800
students to determine any initial program uh considerations for next school year. And then finally, my closing remarks and questions. Um, save a little time for questions. After the middleofyear period, we were confident and I remember sitting in this seat and saying we're

328
01:31:22.800 --> 01:31:38.080
headed in the right direction to meet our district goal. And I am very pleased to announce that with the data that I had available to me at the time of the this uh the creation of this presentation, we are very close with 17 out of 19 grade levels meeting or exceeding this target. So,

329
01:31:38.080 --> 01:31:53.760
congratulations to the Marvel public schools and our students. We'll begin identifying preliminary correlations between NWA performance ranges and projected MCCAST performance because ideally this data translates into um good student achievement and performance

330
01:31:53.760 --> 01:32:09.920
um that we are hoping for on the MCCAST uh standardized assessment. And then finally, we have put a lot of time and effort into strengthening our tier one core programs. Uh the people in the audience here from the OTL in conjunction with the principles and

331
01:32:09.920 --> 01:32:26.719
other members of the leadership team and their school staffs have really dedicated a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into making sure these programs were implemented with integrity. And tonight we get to see some of those results. So I'm very pleased um with performance and we will continue to work

332
01:32:26.719 --> 01:32:45.360
at making sure these core programs are accessible to all learners. With all that being said, I'll open it up to questions. um redirect those to a tool and then we can close. >> Amazing. I mean, tonight we're going to

333
01:32:45.360 --> 01:33:00.480
keep wearing out that word only because I mean, this is great. Teachers, thank you. This is fantastic. Um, and I know it hasn't come easy because there were a lot of different changes thrown at

334
01:33:00.480 --> 01:33:17.760
everyone and you guys all rose to the challenge which I'm not surprised about. But bless you. I mean, um, every single child, that's our job, right? To meet every single child and

335
01:33:17.760 --> 01:33:34.000
you're showing it right here. Um, so thank you literally. Um, I hope our community can really see this and hear this. This district is really showing we are here for every single child to help to

336
01:33:34.000 --> 01:33:50.719
get them to where they can be and help that potential. Amazing work. Thank you. >> Anyone else? No. Okay, moving on. All righty. So, school business manager, Mr. Muhammad.

337
01:33:50.719 --> 01:34:05.360
>> Right. Wow. What a positive night. I'll try not to drain all the positive energy out of this room. Um I have two items on my on my list today. Uh first one is uh transportation and

338
01:34:05.360 --> 01:34:22.159
the other one is um rel related to food services. So um I promise I'll end this on a positive note. So um uh so first of all um to give you an update on a current current transportation situation uh

339
01:34:22.159 --> 01:34:38.639
unfortunately there is no resolution yet and a while the negotiations between NRT and Teamsters Union um remain ongoing um transportation services continues to operate with uh substitute drivers and

340
01:34:38.639 --> 01:34:55.760
monitors. Um also I wanted to share that yesterday a consent order injunction was issued um um following uh prior inappropriate behavior related to a strike activity. So both teamsters and

341
01:34:55.760 --> 01:35:11.360
teamers and NRT have agreed to a court order uh which establishes clear expectations for conduct and um picketing activity. So while we're not involved directly in the negotiations,

342
01:35:11.360 --> 01:35:26.960
um we continue to encourage progress towards a fair resolution. Um district recognizes the impact the situation has had on students, families, and and appreciates the continued um patience,

343
01:35:26.960 --> 01:35:43.120
flexibility, and support of the Marro community. Um and and as always, we will continue to keep the school community and Mar community informed as additional information and updates become available. Um so second part of my transportation

344
01:35:43.120 --> 01:36:00.000
update is is related to our summer and fall planning that we have been doing. So, uh, to begin summer programming, we are on track to have majority of our students identified this week and we will turn that data over to NRT to start

345
01:36:00.000 --> 01:36:17.440
the the routing process. Um, and uh, we expect to have finalized summer bus routes by approximately um, June 27 22nd, which is our last day. So right around that um time which gives them about 2 weeks to establish the routes to

346
01:36:17.440 --> 01:36:35.199
support our summer programs and also I've been um given updates on our fall planning um in the past in the past meetings and um in the past I've talked about um the locking zones being eliminated

347
01:36:35.199 --> 01:36:52.159
you know how the registration process and tonight I wanted to highlight um some um some uh we we're looking at some uh the routes and I wanted to share some timelines for the routes that that we

348
01:36:52.159 --> 01:37:10.000
are looking to um initiate. So initially we will submit the static data at the end of the school year around June 23rd and then shortly after that we will schedule um weekly meetings to check in with NRT

349
01:37:10.000 --> 01:37:27.280
to monitor progress and from there um after our summer program ends we will start working with the live data around August 4th and that week we'll uh review or we'll evaluate valuate the routes and

350
01:37:27.280 --> 01:37:45.520
uh we expect NRT to have a finalized routes and and be posted uh by August 10th. So those are our timelines for the route um creation and posting and throughout this process we'll continue to share updates uh as enrollment data

351
01:37:45.520 --> 01:38:02.719
evolves and provide timely communication to families. Our goal remains to ensure accurate planning, clear communication, and smooth start to the school year with this proactive planning. So, um and

352
01:38:02.719 --> 01:38:18.880
and the second item on my list that I'm really excited to share about, you know, um to bring back that energy into the room is um you know, our summer food program. Uh we marro so we are expanding

353
01:38:18.880 --> 01:38:36.880
this program uh this year uh to provide great access uh to free um summer meals for uh children's ages 0 to 18. So this is a federally funded program that supports children families in um in

354
01:38:36.880 --> 01:38:55.199
incomequalified areas by helping address food insecurity during the summer months. So this year, Malro is adding three new public park locations in addition to uh Malro Public Schools, public library. There are no residency

355
01:38:55.199 --> 01:39:10.960
requirement. Any child aged 0 to 18 may receive a meal at an open public site. Meals will continue to be individually packaged and must be consumed on site to um in accordance with program

356
01:39:10.960 --> 01:39:27.920
requirement. And also our the the major supporter of this program is Project Bread and they have a website where families can go and and and um look at locations and and find um the service times across Massachusetts and Malboro

357
01:39:27.920 --> 01:39:45.679
is one of them too. Um meal service will be offered at both closed enrolled school sites which which serves only students enrolled in the in the programs and open community sites serving all children's ages 0 to 18 and uh for

358
01:39:45.679 --> 01:40:01.920
closed enroll school sites um locations are good now elementary uh Malbor High School Whitcom Middle School Kain Elementary and Aspet Valley for open public site um sites locations are Malboro Public

359
01:40:01.920 --> 01:40:20.159
Library, Ward Hill Park, Stevens Park, and Gillan Park. Um and I have the the um the timings and the dates which which will be listed on the Project Bread website for the families to um look at. And the expansion of location of of

360
01:40:20.159 --> 01:40:36.639
these locations particularly into community parks is intended to improve accessibility and ensure that children have access to nutritious meals throughout summer. And also um the SF SP summer application that we submitted

361
01:40:36.639 --> 01:40:52.719
into the portal has been approved by DESC. Um so so I'm very excited to share that news with everyone. >> That's great. Yeah, >> thanks to the recreation department for for opening the parks because there was a lot of collaboration with that as

362
01:40:52.719 --> 01:41:07.280
well. So, >> thank you. >> And kudos to all the all the people that put this together this year. So, >> that's great. >> Yeah. >> Good. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay, we're moving on to the acceptance

363
01:41:07.280 --> 01:41:23.119
of minutes. Minutes of May 12th, 2026 school committee meeting. A motion to accept the minutes of the May 12th, 2026 school committee meeting. >> Motion on the table and seconded questions, comments, concerns regarding the minutes from May 12th, 2026. Seeing

364
01:41:23.119 --> 01:41:39.440
none, all in favor? Motion carries. Thank you. Favorite part. Public comment. Are there any public comment? Public comment going once. Seeing none. Any public comment going twice? Seeing none, last and final chance for

365
01:41:39.440 --> 01:41:57.320
any public comment. Seeing that, we'll close the public comment section. Moving on to acceptance of donations and gifts, we have a anonymous donation to cane for $300 for ice cream for cane grade one.

366
01:41:58.159 --> 01:42:13.440
>> Motion to approve. >> Thank you. Motion >> to accept. >> Seconded. Questions, comments, concerns regard any ice cream for the kiddos? Seeing none, all in favor? Motion carries. And we actually have a best buddies leadership conference that we

367
01:42:13.440 --> 01:42:30.639
need to vote on. So I don't anyone has any questions, comments regarding best buddies in the conference. It's all in your packet. Not we need a motion to approve and can go to the conference. >> Um I I does anybody know anything about it?

368
01:42:30.639 --> 01:42:47.679
>> Oh okay. >> Thank you. >> Hello. Good evening. My name is Marissa Ivonian. I'm one of the educational team leaders uh in the special education department at Malboro High School. Um yes, I do know about it. Um we um have

369
01:42:47.679 --> 01:43:03.280
had best buddies in the district um or at the high school for several years now. We've never had the opportunity to send a student to the leadership um conference, which is a national leadership conference. Um up until this year, there was a student that wanted to

370
01:43:03.280 --> 01:43:18.320
go. She was willing to pay for it at her own expense. Um, her name is Amy Wiscowska. And, um, I just wanted to say I did I have a little thank you. Um, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to school committee for its continued

371
01:43:18.320 --> 01:43:35.119
support of our Best Buddies program and its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for our students. This year, thanks to the generosity of Jod O'Brien and special education grant funding, Amy will have the opportunity to represent the national represent our

372
01:43:35.119 --> 01:43:51.679
district at the National Best Buddies Leadership Conference at Indiana University. Uh, attending this conference will provide Amy with invaluable leadership training, opportunities to collaborate with her peers from across the country, and a chance to bring back new ideas and best

373
01:43:51.679 --> 01:44:08.320
practices that will strengthen inclusion, friendship initiatives in our schools. Uh, thank you for investing pro in our programs and experiences that empower our students to become compassionate leaders and advocates for inclusion. Um it is a three and a half

374
01:44:08.320 --> 01:44:27.840
day um workshop in Indiana uh July 17th through the 20th. >> Terrific. And I I did notice that she got a number of awards this morning. So she's busy beaver. Um is she going by herself or like her parents are there?

375
01:44:27.840 --> 01:44:43.199
>> Yeah, she is. And that was a question that was brought up before we even um pursued this. similar to if anybody's been involved in um boy state or girl state. >> Yes. >> Um typically advisors don't go. It is a

376
01:44:43.199 --> 01:45:00.080
leadership opportunity for young people. >> Um >> when you do boys or girl state, it's actually in your own state. This happens to be in Indiana. >> Okay. >> Um yeah. >> Any further questions? >> Terrific. >> No. Move to approve.

377
01:45:00.080 --> 01:45:16.320
>> Move is on move to approve is on the table and seconded. Any other further questions, comments, concerns? Seeing none, all in favor? >> Motion carries. >> Thank you all very much. Thank you. Thank you for coming. >> Reports of school committee subcommittee.

378
01:45:16.320 --> 01:45:32.000
>> Oh, yes. Catherine, >> um we're going to have a policy meeting coming up. Um I haven't put out the um meeting information yet because we were trying to narrow down on dates and it looks like it's going to land on the

379
01:45:32.000 --> 01:45:46.239
17th um which unfortunately I think Mr. Gary was not able to meet but out of everyone I think we were kind of needing to land on that date. So I'll be posting that shortly.

380
01:45:46.239 --> 01:46:05.520
>> Thank you. Move on to members forum. Yes. >> Is this your last meeting or we you're going to come to the last one? Oh, awesome. Okay, we'll fetch you then. Uh, just a reminder, June 12th is Friday.

381
01:46:05.520 --> 01:46:21.520
I'll be looking for something from all of you in my inbox regarding the superintendent's evaluation. Thank you. >> Yes. Um wanted to say thank you so much

382
01:46:21.520 --> 01:46:37.760
um Jody and everyone that pulled together for the Special Olympics. Um absolutely phenomenal day. Um loved being able to be a part of what I could and um the smiles on the faces of not

383
01:46:37.760 --> 01:46:55.600
only the kids but the staff and the parents. Um really great. And I hope you walked around smiling from ear to ear too because um really really was absolutely fantastic. >> It was uh thank you and a special shout out to Nick Rolando and Michaela Mahoney

384
01:46:55.600 --> 01:47:12.000
who uh really took the the lead on on organizing all of the liaison from the schools. It was a great day and uh it's you know becoming that annual event that we wanted to get back to um postco uh pre-COVID. >> Yeah.

385
01:47:12.000 --> 01:47:28.400
phenomenal. And um the other thing was um this morning the underassman awards um was really really fun. Um I wish I had been able to take videos of two two

386
01:47:28.400 --> 01:47:44.480
of our uh unified students because if you had been there to see it and obviously a number of you all are uh you know you know what you saw. I mean, it just filled your heart with absolute

387
01:47:44.480 --> 01:48:02.480
pure joy. Um, thrilled for themselves on winning awards, if you will, but also hearing everyone cheering for each other. Um it just that's about the kindness and and I said to um Liz

388
01:48:02.480 --> 01:48:21.040
Horatio when we were de Horatio when we were talking right before um she had to quickly get up on stage that we didn't realize about or whatever. I loved like the core value awards. Um those were really meaningful. um you know,

389
01:48:21.040 --> 01:48:37.679
you guys put a lot of heart and effort into everything and um the kids being able to emulate um the kindness and the respect and the thing it's it really means a lot. So, um just was really great to be there. Thanks.

390
01:48:37.679 --> 01:48:54.800
>> Anyone else from members forum >> other than congratulations class of 2026? Yeah, >> said that there's nothing else. >> Move to adjourn. >> Move to adjourns on the table and seconded. All in favor of

391
01:48:54.800 --> 01:49:01.400
we are journed at 9:19. Thank you everyone. Have a great night.

