Ipswich School Committee Newsletter

• Comments from the Chair

• Statement from The Ipswich Educators Association

• Elementary School Building Project Update

• Statement from the Superintendent

• Introduction to the Ipswich Athletic Association

• Fall 2022 Traverso-Weatherall Grant Approvals

• Educator Snapshot Presentations

• School Committee meeting highlights

• Upcoming District Events

I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying what is surely a very busy holiday season. Our schools are in the midst of their holiday concerts which, as usual, are impressive, and winter sports are in full swing which means our schools are bustling with activity.

A major focus of the School Committee in the early months of 2023 will be to keep moving forward with a plan to address the conditions in our elementary schools. Our goal is to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) by the April 30th deadline. This SOI outlines the needs of our schools and lets the MSBA know we are interested in being considered for acceptance into their grant program. This program provides school districts with considerable financial resources to fund a project. Discussions about the future of our elementary schools have been a hot topic during our recent school committee meetings. I am optimistic that our community can band together to get behind a building project with the same energy as we did during the last override campaign.

In the early months of 2022, the School Committee made it clear that our district needed additional financial support in order to continue offering the best possible education to our students. That support came in the form of an operational override. It was great to see a dedicated group of parents rally together and form a committee to educate the community about the financial needs of our schools. It was amazing to witness the overwhelming support by taxpayers at both Town Meeting and at the ballot box to pass the override. The School Committee outlined the need and showed the community that our district administrators did an admirable job of stretching the previous override beyond the original projection.

I am hopeful that our elementary school building project will follow the same path to consensus when Ipswich is admitted to the MSBA’s grant program. There is no debate that we need to move forward with a project that rectifies the deplorable conditions in our elementary schools. Last time we narrowly missed the ⅔ majority vote needed at Town Meeting to fund the project. This time around, we all need to get behind a plan that gives our students the best learning experience possible. Compromise is key to moving forward and the need is clearly urgent. Working together toward a project that gives us the greatest likelihood of success when the time comes to make the request for funding at a future Town Meeting is the only way to ensure we’re ready to go when the MSBA calls.

On behalf of the School Committee I want to wish each of you a very happy holiday season. Thank you for your support of our schools!

-Greg Stevens, School Committee Chair

The Ipswich Educators Association supports the Ipswich School Committee’s decision to address the expired life of its town’s elementary buildings. Because of their grave state of disrepair, we believe that it is neither realistic nor educationally responsible to continue to make the adjustments that we have made on behalf of our students for many years. It is the charge of the School Committee to determine the configuration and location of any new building(s). Therefore, our input and opinion, regarding the Ipswich Elementary Building Project(s), will solely center on our professional knowledge, expertise, and experience as educators.

We know that in order to provide a rigorous, relevant and engaging education for the students of Ipswich Public Schools, we need the following: a learning environment where health and safety is paramount, and a learning environment ready to support the innovation, community, and joy of learning we have come to expect of Ipswich Public Schools.

Health and Safety

We know that in order to learn, take academic risks, play, and grow, children must first be healthy and safe. Healthy learning spaces have clean air, regulated temperatures, and consistent maintenance to ensure the space does not negatively affect its occupants. Safe learning spaces have secure entrances to both indoor and outdoor learning spaces and well established evacuation procedures for all floors and spaces within the building(s). Proper learning spaces are appropriately outfitted for all elementary classes, specialists, supports, and therapies; are conducive to the learning that is expected to occur within; and, are respectful of student privacy. To ensure longevity, Ipswich’s future learning environment(s) must be designed with the most contemporary ideas and sustainable materials, so that Ipswich students continue to realize the potential environmental impact of their decisions. Therefore, the project(s) should be created in an environmentally conscious manner that both students and educators can be proud of.

Innovation

Students are inspired in spaces where they learn and create. When educators and students have access to physical spaces that allow for opportunities beyond the traditional four walls of a classroom, learning is less constrained, more student-driven, and more importantly, is inspired by creativity and curiosity. This project(s) must think beyond the current models of education. It must harness powerful and accessible technology that has the capacity to serve, grow, and change in an ever changing world. Additionally, we believe that elementary learning in Ipswich would be enhanced by including a versatile place for industrial arts, computer programming, and STEAM project-based activities that could support educator projects, guest presenters, or residencies. Space(s) which values innovation and enables teachers to engage in research-based teaching practices that encourage students to develop real-world problem solving and critical thinking skills essential for 21st century learners.

Community

Elementary schools have been long regarded as the heart of a community. Ipswich Elementary Schools are no exception. Within school(s), a strong sense of community and collaboration is built through smaller cohorts with small class sizes and clusters of teaching teams. Community is grown through shared experiences like special programs and presentations in spaces that afford communal gathering and which further enhances learning opportunities. Community is sustained and valued because it shows an inherent respect and care for one another. Additionally, we know that community is enhanced by access to a community closet, laundry services, and basic hygiene needs. Our elementary community needs space that would allow for the enrichment, support, and partnership with outside organizations that service student need (i.e. Open Door, Girls Inc, Change is Simple, Ipswich Museum, Audubon, Trustees).

Joy of Learning

As educators we strive to develop a joy and love of learning in our students. We know excitement for learning is found in larger, student-driven projects of interest which can be stored for continued work. Additionally, love of learning can be found when we encourage the diverse learning styles and needs of students with space available to meet those needs; whether it be a quiet meditative space, music lab, or maker space. Elementary learning space(s) must include adaptable spaces which meet developmentally appropriate needs for all students pre-kindergarten through grade five. These learning spaces, both indoor and outdoor, must be accessible for all students to get the play they need and deserve.

We, members of the Ipswich Educators Association, are a dedicated, passionate, and talented group of people who love the students and families we serve. Composed of educators, registered behavior technicians, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, board certified behavior analysts, guidance counselors, nurses, and paraprofessionals, our expertise is diverse and our knowledge is vast. It is with admiration and care for Ipswich that we say with conviction: our elementary schools have reached the end of their life expectancy, and something must be done.

Second Round Listening Sessions Report

In September and October, the Logue Group facilitated the second round of community listening sessions regarding the future of our elementary schools. This round focused more specifically on compromises and trade-offs to various aspects of potential projects. The themes identified as important to a project and our community were: equity, design, cost and financial impact, access, quality of education, understanding of the MSBA and process, and access to supporting information.

Additionally, four rounds of virtual sessions were held with district teachers and staff in late October, and a survey was sent to all staff. An identified value was that the final project should provide appropriate learning spaces.

In response to continued concerns about various types of equity, two School Committee members met with the elementary principals and several teachers from both schools to discuss issues that are of concern in the District. The discussions highlighted the increased needs of our students and families and the desire to prioritize these needs, whether that be through access to transportation to and from schools and after hours for events, or basic services like laundry and school essentials such as food and clothing. Currently, teachers are going above and beyond to meet these needs, as are local community groups such as Ipswich Caring, Green Teams, McAdams Wishing Well fund, FRIES, and more (thank you!). Discussions around equity will continue, including how it relates to the School Building Project.

Please find the results of the listening sessions here: https://www.ipsk12.net/cms/lib/MA02212674/Centricity/Domain/423/2022-11_Ipswich_Public_Schools_Round_2-Summary_Report.pdf

The Logue Group recommended the School Committee make project related information easy to access, and that they should continue to engage stakeholders.

Please visit the Elementary Building Project Working Group tab on the district website for more information (Home → School Committee → Elementary Building Project Working Group): https://www.ipsk12.net/domain/426

Please send comments, questions or feedback to: schoolcommittee@ipswichma.gov

School Committee Workshop on the Future of Our Elementary Buildings

School Committee members engaged in a three hour workshop on November 7th to discuss next steps towards submitting a SOI to the MSBA in the Spring of 2023. During the meeting we identified the following topics as areas of unanimous agreement:

1. Need and urgency (SOI this spring)

2. A project that we’re confident can pass

3. Educational equity

4. Consideration of costs

5. Importance of “green” building

6. School building(s) become a “hub”/providing community service

7. Small feel/community

8. Property does not involve Article 97

9. Eliminate “gray zone”

For full meeting minutes, see: https://www.ipsk12.net/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=1875&dataid=4688&FileName=12.Consent%20Item_%2011.07.22%20SC%20Workshop%20Minutes.pdf

The School Committee is planning to hold a follow-up workshop in early January.

"No Place for Hate", a program created by the Anti-Defamation League, is being introduced in the Ipswich Public Schools this year. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) group, composed of students and staff from each of the schools elected at the end of the last school year to research and become involved in this program.

According to the ADL, "No Place for Hate is a collaborative initiative that provides PreK–12 schools with an organizing framework for students, administrators, teachers and family members to develop long-term solutions for creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable climate. No Place for Hate schools receive their designation in the following ways:

• Building inclusive and safe communities in which respect and equity are the goals and where all students can thrive.

• Empowering students, faculty, administration and family members to take a stand against bias and bullying by incorporating new and existing programs under one powerful message.

• Sending a clear, unified message that all students have a place where they belong and should be treated equitably."

Each of our schools has enrolled in the program and is in the process of forming their school-level committees. In the coming weeks, the committees will make presentations to the students and encourage them to then sign a pledge indicating that they will work toward making their school No Place for Hate.

The pledge at the Elementary level is :

• I promise to do my best to treat everyone fairly.
• I promise to do my best to be kind to everyone—even if they are not like me.
• If I see someone being hurt or bullied, I will tell a teacher.
• I will help others to feel safe and happy at school.
• I will be part of making my school No Place for Hate.

The pledge for Middle/High School students is:

• I will seek to gain understanding of those who are different from me.
• I will speak out against prejudice and discrimination.
• I will reach out to support those who are targets of hate.
• I will promote respect for people and help foster a prejudice-free school.
• I believe that one person can make a difference—no person can be an “innocent” bystander when it comes to opposing hate.
• I recognize that respecting individual dignity and promoting intergroup harmony are the responsibilities of all students.

The No Place for Hate committees in each school will then work to assess the school climate in the building and organize up to three activities to help identify biases and bullying in themselves and in the school, and promote a sense of belonging by the end of the school year.

Working together, the students, staff and administration hope to make the Ipswich Public Schools a more welcoming, safe environment in which to learn where there is No Place for Hate. In addition to this initiative, the Ipswich Public Schools are actively engaged in book talks, professional development, curriculum reviews, and Restorative Justice circles as part of our ongoing work in the area of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Earlier this fall members of the newly formed Ipswich Athletic Association (IAA) introduced the organization to the School Committee. The IAA was created following a series of meetings with parent representatives from the Ipswich high school sports programs, the Ipswich youth sports directors, and community members to discuss Ipswich athletics at both the youth and high school level.

The IAA recognizes athletics as an integral part of the social-emotional wellness, character development, and educational growth of elementary, middle, and high-school students. The mission of the IAA is to support and advocate for equal opportunities for all Ipswich athletics programs and to foster a community built on respect, competitiveness and sportsmanship, in collaboration with municipal and school district leaders.

The introduction of the IAA spurred great conversation around athletics in the district and we are excited to welcome them and their support for all of our student athletes.

The Traverso-Weatherall Grant Cycle is always a chance to showcase the talent of our educators and administrators as they work tirelessly to enrich the experience of our community of learners and families and the 2022 Fall Grant Applications did not disappoint! Ultimately, 16 grants were awarded totaling approximately $99,000. The recipients of these grants are listed below:

• Kindergarten Aquatic Safety - Ms. Woodworth (D) and Ms. Morris (W)

• Expressing Identity Through the Lens - Ms. Rouse (IHS)

• Multilingual Professional Space - Ms. Archambault (IHS)

• Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics - Ms. Lopez-Ryan (D)

• Green Team Dreams - Ms. Repplier (D)

• Front and Center, Doyon Community Mosaic Mural - Ms. Bendezu (D)

• Enhancing Our Sensory Toolbox to Promote Self-Regulation - Ms. Brand (D)

• Grade 8 Book Clubs Part 2 - Ms. Smith (IMS)

• Support for Multilingual Learners and Families - Ms. Bevilacqua (IMS)

• Core to Core Transitions: Student to Student Mentoring Program - Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Ames (IHS)

• Student Racing Challenge Finals Trip - Mr. Gallant (IHS)

• Restorative Justice Tier 1 Training - Ms. Wagner (CO) Mr. Mitchell (IHS) Ms. McMahon (IMS) Ms. Cholera (IHS) Mr. Fitzgerald (IMS)

• Town Farm Salt Marsh Ecology Study - Ms. Latimer (IHS)

• Post-Graduate Community and Instruction/Travel Training - Ms. Finnigan, Ms. Bediz, Ms. Benson, Ms. Lovasco (IHS)

• Grade 4 Classroom Library - Ms. Mannett (D)

As always, the Ipswich School Committee is deeply appreciative to the prudent management of the Trust by the New Feoffees, and has developed this mission statement in the district’s Feoffees Policy:

“To expand educational opportunities consistent with the Ipswich Public Schools Mission which aspires to empower ALL students to be global citizens who are effective communicators, analytic problem solvers and savvy consumers of information. Funding is intended to support programs and practices that enhance pedagogical innovation and enrich intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and cultural experiences for all learners in the Ipswich Public Schools.”

Funding for enrichment and enhancement programs and practices is not meant to replace ongoing public financial support of education. Instead, the intent is to improve the quality and value of educational experiences and increase the scope of learning opportunities by the initiation and customization of creative educational practices.

To honor the original intent of the Trust, funds are not to be used for foundational budget needs such as:

• Core academic programs

• Routine operational expenses such as utilities, building or grounds maintenance

• Regular and special education transportation

• Supplies and materials supporting the core curriculum

• Or other associated costs that are fundamental for educating students

The School Committee is committed to honoring the legacy of William Paine’s generosity and to focus funding on those programs and practices that will have a lasting and profound influence on the educational experience of Ipswich Public Schools students.

For more information, please see the Feoffees Policy and visit the Feoffees Committee Page on Ipswich’s town website.

The School Committee continues to hear from our educators during the Snapshot Presentations at the start of each meeting. This is a new addition to the standing School Committee Agenda for the year and has quickly become the highlight of each meeting.

When Ipswich High School educator Carla Panciera read a 2007 article on a poetry stand in The American Scholar Magazine, she was intrigued by the idea of students writing free poetry for anyone interested and was inspired to create Ipswich’s own The Poetry Stand. The concept was simple, students would appear at various venues and invite the public to request a poem on any topic for any occasion. Once the request was made a student would get to work creating an original work, ultimately delivering it to the customer free of charge. But one question lingered - would Ipswich students rise to the challenge? In 2011 Ms. Panciera got her answer when Ipswich students set up the first Poetry Stand at the Newburyport Literary Festival and never looked back. Since then, 166 Ipswich students (and 2 of their mothers) have written over 900 poems for strangers at local venues such as the Ipswich Library, IMADA Art Auction, IHS Homecoming Dance, Doyon Elementary School, and the STEAM Showcase. Keep an eye out for these talented poets if you are looking for a creative gift for the holidays! Requests can also be made via email at cpanciera@ipsk12.net.

Ipswich MIddle School educator Beth Hagar-Haltmeier gave the School Committee A Peek Into Music Class. From rapping 6th graders to budding guitarists in the 7th grade and composers in the 8th grade Ms. Hagar-Haltmeier shared the joy that these young musicians experience in her classroom. Ms. Hagar-Haltmeier also showcased how the use of the various Feoffees Grants has enriched the academic experience for these learners as we watched videos of her students learning to play and record music on an array of instruments.

During her presentation on Recognizing Patterns in the Periodic Table, Ipswich High School educator Anna Kjellson introduced the School Committee to a new way of inspiring students to learn the periodic table. Gone was the oversized chart of our own school experience, and in its place were individual flashcards that students use to create groupings based on patterns they uncover as they learn about each element. Ultimately, Ms. Kjellson’s students are able to build the periodic table from the ground up with excitement and a depth of understanding that is rarely achieved through traditional memorization.

November

• Educator presentation: a Peek into Music Class
• IEA Statement on the Elementary Building Project
• Clarification on NESDEC enrollment numbers
• Discussion of Public Safety Property Re-Use Group SOI
• Workshop on Elementary Building Project Framing questions

December

• Educator presentation: Recognizing Patterns in the Periodic Table
• Discussion/follow-up on phone call with the MSBA
• Review of Listening Sessions report/data
• Elementary Equity/Accessibility - recap of discussion with principals/staff

• December 16, 2022 - No School for Preschool Students

• December 26, 2022 - January 2, 2023 - - Winter Holiday Break NO SCHOOL

• January 3, 2023 - All Classes Resume

• January 5, 2023 - School Committee Meeting

• January 16, 2023 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL

• January 21, 2023 - School Committee Meeting