MPC Meeting MInutes 3/15/2018

3/15/18 Mather Parent Council Meeting Notes
Topic: Student Testing, Mather Partnerships, Traffic Updates
Attendees: Ebony Arvin, Alicia Wedderburn, Lynne Chevoya, Laura Childs, Mr. Ennis, Mather 3rd Grade Teacher

*Mr. Ennis presented information on the Illuminate Testing platform:
-BPS began using it this year for Grades 3-5.
-In the past, different schools in Boston would use varied tests such as ANET to assess learning, and when students changed schools, these scores would not necessarily follow the student.
-Goal to centralize testing so the results are visible to teachers throughout the district.
-Tests are online, though students can use paper to do calculations/notes to help them answer questions
-There is a learning curve for students adapting to online testing formats
-Testing occurs 8 times a year at the end of each unit, for math and literacy
-Results assign a percentage score to indicate proficiency level to the grade/course appropriate state content standards
-Teachers use the results to help them determine which areas they need to focus on more to help their students keep up with the standards
-It is optional for teachers whether they send testing results home to parents to review, but you can talk with your child's teacher if you are interested in reviewing your child’s results

Here is a link to the programs web site for those who would like more info:
https://www.illuminateed.com
*Mr. Ennis also spoke about the “Clever” Digital Backpack which is a portal to a collection of teacher approved curated applications students and educators can use in the classroom or at home
-BPS students age K-5 have access
-BPS assigns each student an email address which is their username, and a password to access the website; your childs teacher has this login information and may have already forwarded it to you
-Examples of apps: Investigations Games for Math ties into classroom math teaching by grade level; Khan Academy links to videos teaching math (among many other things!). Tumble Book Library for literacy. Nitro Type to teach typing skills in a “game-like” way
-Can be a good way to allow positive educational computer time
◦ BPS Digital Backpack Login
◦ BPS Digital Backpack FAQs
About Clever Badges Article & Video

*Ebony updated from Site Council meeting regarding Mather partnerships for the upcoming year:
-With budget cuts we are losing resources in family engagement and reading recovery so goal is to increase support in those areas via partnerships
-Playworks coaching will be back! Facilitates positive play during and after school
-Decisions being made likely in the next week or so for one more partnership, options include City Year Academic Tutoring Program, Citysprouts School Garden Program, Boston Scores Soccer and Enrichment Program, Boston Children’s Hospital Neighborhood Partnerships, Generations Literacy Tutoring.
-Varying costs for each program

*Lynne updated from Wellness Committee:
-Ongoing discussions of traffic patterns and safety (initially reviewed at Nov MPC meeting).
-School based efforts underway to get funding and execution for signage/repainting to make drop off and parking/no parking areas more clear. Barriers are flimsy and often blow around- getting sand to anchor them.
-Need advocacy with Boston Police C-11 for approval on:
--Pedestrian instigated stop light at Adams/Winter intersection
--Additonal crossing guard

**Parents encouraged to take pictures/videos (though not while driving!) of witnessed unsafe parking/drop off situations, and email them to matherparentcouncil@gmail.com or text them to Sierra Rothberg at 617-967-8806. To be used when presenting our requests to C-11, and based on prior experiences, “evidence” can help with approval
-Parent handouts re. traffic updates and healthy food policy in development for spring